UMASS/AMHERST 1 ilflll'f II lillllllilP II lllli I III !< ' ,1 ir 312066 0333 3104 7 '•V' ■ ■ '• ■ ■ ^' . . ■". MI'x.-!,, •,.^■,;.-■ftA^rJ. ■:'••• , „ 0 1 <. ^Ji|wi3'::; \rr.\- ,u„vJ!5H?'iy;;;aC.',':- •' si if^-^: RJif^lS*!^:,: *-!,s;;:^ I"- This book may be kept out TWO WEEKS only, and is subject to a fine of TWO CENTS a day thereafter. It will be due on the day indicated below. sooo THE JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUEE, COTTAGE GAEDENEPk COUNTRY aENTT.EMA^lSr. A JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE, RURAL AND DOAIESTIG ECONOMY, BOTANY AND NATURAL HISTORY. CONDUCTED BY GEORGE W. JOHNSON, E.R.H.S., and ROBERT HOGG, LL.D. THE FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDENS, by Mr. J. Ilobson, G;irdener to Viscount Holmeadale, M.P.. Linton Park ; and Mr. T. Weaver, Gardener to tlie Warden of AVinchL'ster College. THE FLOWER GARDEN, by Mr. D. Beaton, late Gardener to Sii W. Middlelon, Bart., Sbrubland Park. STOVE. GREENHOUSE, AND WINDOW GARDEN, by Mr. R. Fish, Gardener to Colonel Sowerby, Futteridge Bury, near Luton. FLORISTS' FLOWERS AND FLORICULTURE, by the Rev. H. H. Dombrain. ALLOTMENT AND GARDENING CALENDAR, by Mr. William Keane. POULTRY-KEEPING, by Mr. J. Baily, Rav. W. W. Wing- field, E. Hewitt, E!^q., and other well-known contributors. BEE-KEEPING, by H. Taylor, Esq. ; T. W. Woodbury, Esq., "A Devonshire Bee-keeper;" "B&W. ;" and Mr. S. Bcvan Fox. HOUSEHOLD ARTS, by the .\uthoress of " My Flowers," and others. VOIjXJjME III., NE^V SERIES. VOL. XXVIII., OLD SERIES. LONDON: PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, (J62y ELEET STREET. 1 8 G 2. LONDON : prikted at the jouenal of horticulture office, 17, Johnson's court, fleet street, e.g. TO OUR READERS. We know of one who would not have on the parlour chimney-shelf a dial with a second's hand, because it made him see and feel how life lessens, as it were, drop by drop. What he would have said, or how he would have felt, if he had to write these Prefaces surpasses our power of surmise, for they at once tell of six months gone — and how quickly gone ! Grateful are we to record that truth, for miserable is he over whom time passes on lieavil)'. But no such weight has been upon us: no day has been long enough or slow enough — each day's evening seemed to arrive before its morning had passed into noontide. This was not because there were no sorrows around us : for we have had by our desk refugees from the once United States, telling of homes crushed, and of brother in arms against brother in fratricidal and suicidal war : we have had a blast from that war among our own homes, and our pages have told of one small passage in the wide and deep amount of privation and sorrow which it whelmed over our cotton districts. Death has not been less frequent than usual in his visits among those whose aid we had ; nor have we found jealousies less jaundiced, nor envyings less detractive. But we have had compensations for all these ills. We were able to give occupation to the unemployed and to point out to others those who deserved assistance. When a chasm occurred among our friends others stepped forward to render the vacancy less observable ; and as for the jealous and the envious, we had no leisure for being inconvenienced by them. Thus have we passed on through 1862; and over its close we will inscribe the hope that from its days our readers, as well as ourselves, have passed on into 18G3 wiser, happier, wealthier — wealthier not merely in this world's gear. May its harvest of wisdom, happiness, and wealth be even more abundant than that yielded by its predecessor ; and we will include in that prayerful hope our brethren across the Atlantic. Many of our readers are there, and they may accept from us as truth that great is the delusion which suggests that " Britishers wish nothing but evil to America." If that fiendish desire actuated our countrymen, they would not so earnestly hope that the internecine war waging there may speedily cease. Heartily do we join in that hope — nay, more, it is the most prominent in a cluster of good hopes^ including one for the well-being and well-doing of each and all of our contributors, and another for the vigour and endurance of those so abundantly recording themselves as our " Constant Headers.'' May they all be evergreens, and then our concluding wish will be gratified, for we shall all have A HAPPY NEW YEAR ! INDEX. Abie? microsperma, S4 Acacia, Diummondii pruiiuiy, 90; armata in summer, 230 Acanthonema stvigosum, 553 Acclimatisation Society, 93 Acer, palmstuii atro - purpureum, 540; of the Komans. 593 Achimene?, 727 ; at rest, 618 ; Mauve Queen, 078 Aconitum of the Romans, 702 Acrotreina Walkeri, 790 Adelaide Botanical Garden, 349 *' African (Soutli) Economic Flora," 678 Agave glaucescens, 495 A^ricuiiural Society's (Royal) Shoiiv, implements at, 254 Agrostemuia coionaria, 398 Ailanthus silkworm, 118, 346, 531, 688 Ajuga reptans purpuvascens as an edging, 476 Alexander, Janaes, 1ij4 Almeidea rubra, 555 Alocasia metallici and macrorhiza variegata, 85 Aloe, about to bloom. 221 ; family and their culture, 574 Alphabetical arrangement of poultry exhibitors, 772 Amaranthus, melancholicus ruber, 369,430; tricolor, new, 449 Amaryllis— belladonna culture, 55; Unique, 143 ; belladonna soil, 166 ; culture, 479; bUn.', 480; aulica, 705; formoBissima culture, 7tJ9 Amaryllises in pots, 618 American plant, leaves diseased, 224 Ammoniacal liquor destructive of caterpillars, 192 Ammoniacal gas in a hothouse, 490 Amphitheatre of verdure, 455 Anemone, apennina culture, 34 ; narcifsiflora, 393 Anemones after flowering, 146 Angers, its tree and fruit trade, 745; market - gardening produce of, 73S Angra?cumfragrans as a medicine, 10 Angaria Warczewiczii, 52 Anisanthus splendens, 488 Annuals, for edging Geranium-beds, 35 ; select list of, 644 Anomochloa marantoidea, 378 Anlholyza CPtlnopica, 488 Anthurium Scherzerlanum, 196, 337 Antirrhinums, wintering seedling, 479 Ant-bills, to get rid of, 146 Ants, in Melon-bed, 241 ; in grass, 262 ; in Cucumber -frame, 343 Aphelesia culture, 765 Aphides and their de^^truction, 176 Apiarian, events of 18G1, 17 ; notes, 18,423; Miscellany. 708, 775 Apiary— "B.% W.'s" inl862, 129j of "Upwards & Onwards," 731 Apple— trees, heading dou*n, 55 ; trees cankering, 127 ; Irish Peach, 378 ; trees unfruitful, 594 ; tree.^, vitality in, 714; renovating, 741 Apples— sweating before storing, 83; storing, 302; selection of, 705: keeping, 719; Hibston and Cox's Orange Pippins, 761 Apricot t-hedding its I'lossom, 127 Apricots— under glass, 223, 240* scale on. 705; in pots in orchard- house, 78-5 Aquarium— p:irlour, 235; Warring- ton's, 262 ; water for, 685 Aquarium?, in gardene.-'oue scenery. 103, 122, 141 " Aquilegia glandulosa, 398 Arabis alpina, propagating, 229 Araucftria, Cookii, 237 ; not thriving, 704 Arbor Vitce, cutting American, 495 ; hedge, 617, 618. 671 Arbutus procera. 84 Arehertield Early Muscat Grape, 451,457 Architectural features in gardening, 494 I Arctotis, new, for edgings, 368 ; i reptans, 407 1 Argemone grondiflora, 398 I Aristolocliia Gibertii, 677 I Arnott's stove, brick, 726 I Arrowroot culture, 94 I Artichoke, is it hardy! 663 I Artichokes, are they hardy? 716, ' 725; culture and hardiness of, I 744; protecting, 762, 763 I Arundo donax culture, 103 i Ascidia intestinalis, communis, I iirachnoidea, tubulosa, and pru- num, 452 I Ascidians, compound, 436; social, ! 437 Asparagus — earliness of, US; beds, mismanaged, 127 ; culture, 127. 637; ailing, 16G; beds, 281, 321; tops, 398; salt for beds, 402; moving, 479 ; bcis, wireworms in, 499 ; forcing, 578, 724 ; beds, ma- nuring, 618; bed, removing old 770 Asphalt, flooring, 540 ; walks, mak- ing, 783 Aspidiotus ostrea?formis, 562 Aspidium Ficun, 437 Athanas nitescens, 399 Atriplex hortensis, 382 Aubrietia purpurea, propagating, 229 Aucubajaponica,male and female, 3 Auricula, Show, National, 10 ; ex- hibitors, North and South, U6 Auriculas, in 18G2, 83 ; George Lightbody and Southern Star. 294 Australia — South, at the Exhibition, 295 ; Western, at the Exhibition, 319 Aviary, birds for, 624 Aylesbury ducks, characteristics, 226 Azalea — its characteristics and cul- ture; 415 ; varieties, 416 ; 'ndica, cuttings, 108; Due d'Aremberg, 196 ; Mars, 294; Brilliant, 495; leaves, insects on, 541 Azaleas- classified list of, 42; list of, 154; in summer, 230 ; to harden-off, 382 ; propagating In- dian, 685; manure for, 686; in a vinery, 726 ; and hquid manure, 769 Axius stirynchus, 375 Babiana uubro-ctanea, 488 Balance the soo*! and the evil, 318 Balconies, management of plants in, 389 Balsams, sowing, 36 Bantam cock, points, 584; hybrid with Pheasant, 584 ; class at the Crystal Palace, 750 Bantams losing head-feathers, 76; Duckwinged, 150 ; Black cock's ear-lobes, 150, points in Game, 168 ; colour of ear-lobes, 266 ; Pied, 599. 665, 606; classes at the Crystal Palace, 600 ; (Game) clashes, 619 ; food for, 624 ; Black, at Darlington, 770, 797; plea for, 772 Basket plants. 302; pendulous, for greenhouse, 705 Baskets for fowls, 286 Bath and West of England Poultry Show, 72, 184 Beauty and utility combined, 220 Bedding-out, 55, 182, 202; at the Crystal Palace, 308 ; at CUveden, 336 ; at South Kensington, 387 ; plants, propagating, 457 ; sy&tem defended, 777 Bedding plants— In pots, 146; and the Derby Day, 189 ; supporting, 223; propagation of. 417; prepa- rations for propagating, 438 ; wintering, 597 Beds, circular, of three kinds of plants, 127 Beech hedge, making, &c., 070 Bee-keepers' perplexities, 284 Bee-keeping — in Cheshire, 110 ; Woodbury on, 129 ; in ';ornwaD, 167 ; in Staffordshire, 163 ; com- mencing, 325; hints to practical, 385, 405 Bee— flowers, late, 304 ; cells in Jamaica not enlarged, 323 ; season, Middlesex, 340 ; Gloucestershire, 3iti ; Larkspur, two-coloured, 495 ; parthenogenesis in, 564 ; season, in North Lancashire, 74 ; in Devon, 92 ; season, Berwickshire and Lane isbire moors, 622 ; East Lothian, 023; Bee year, 1862, 709 ; Dzierzon on parthenogenesis, 731; apparatus (Swiss) in the Inter- national Exhibition, 753 Bees— in winter, 17; uniting, 20, 37, 364,443; removing, 3S; as che- mists, 58, 112, 149; over-feeding, 58, 112, 149; and swallowL^, 93; early swarm, 93 ; travelling by railway, 13;j ; death of a queen, 110; c«)s3 between Englisn and Ligurian, 112; zinc about, 112; attaching combs to bars, 149 ; winter management, 149 ; feeding, 149, 340; queens, destroying, artificial swarming, arliticial comb, and milk as food, 150 ; deserting their hives, 187, 226, 245, 442 ; do they vary? 207^ 225, 242, 284, 463, 642 ; queen destroyed by workers, 207 ; swarming, in a storm, 225 ; season in North Lancashire, 243; tithed, 226 ; present season ; death of a queen ; hybrids ; as chemists, 265, 305 ; Who ascertained fir^t the sex of queen ] 2CG ; do they make honey ? 284 ; settled facts about, 286 ; Ligurian queens, 304 ; in Jamaica, 305; Ligurians not iras- cible in America, 305 ; fumigation, deserting hives, 305 ; losing a queen. 345 ; misfortunes of season, 345 ; Ligurian, 385 ; queen from , worker-egg, 404 ; fumigating, 405 ; ' introduction of a Ligurian queen, 423; arliticial combs for, 423; practical observations on, 423 ; queen mutilated by workers, 424 ; transferring and uniting, 442 ; hiving in a frame-hive, 442 ; trans- I ferring, eggs not hatching, 463 ; ' abandoning hive, 432 ; foresight l of, 483; in Staffordshire, 484; va- I rying in their proceedings, 501 ; in smoky places, ejecting eggs, i chloroform for stupifying, 502 ; ' and bee-hives at the International Exhibition, 583; queens becoming drone-tayers ; queens assailed by own workers, 544 ; queen's fertile age, 601 ; do workers become fer- ; tile? 604; using embossed wax, j 034; queen's age of fertility, 623 ; ' longevity of working, 643; fert workers, 643 ; hvbrid Ligurians " B. & W.'s" apiary in 1862, 065 : deserting their hives, 088 ; fertile I workers, queen drone breeding, 774; bottle-feeder for, 776; in I buildings, 798 Beet, Red, as a border plant, 592 Begonia prismatocarpa, 52 ; fuclisi- oides culture, 748 Begonias, propagating, 55 , Bejariu coarctata, 277 Belladonna Lily culture, 779, 795 Berberis japonica, intermedia, and Bealii, HO; aurahuacensis, 253; I AValUchiana, 693 Berberidopsis corallina, G77 Bessera elegars, 488 Beverley Poultry Show, 203 Bird question, 29S Birds, and the crops, 124 : utility of small, 151, 175, 219,2S3 ; protection of in Switzerland, 190 ; why they should be protected, 200 ; dc'slruc- lion of small, a plea for, 256, 258 ; R(;are the, 315, 318 ; uses and de- structiveness, 536 ; migration, 538; mischievous, 570; small, &c., 660; use of, 636; balance of, 681 ; cause pleaded, 792 Bird's Nursery, 625 Birmingham Rose Show, 63,180,272 Eirminsham Poultry Show, 019, 638, 706, 727, 729 ; pens at, 520 ; Exhibition week, 040; Judges at, 664, 638 Bishop's weed, 146 Blackberry, Lawton, to train, 412 ; wine, 504 Boiler, adapting a stove to, 55 ; for vinery, 617; atback ofparlourfirt, heating by, 705 ; Clarke's, 767 Boileis leaking, 35 Bois de rat, 61 Bolbophyllum rhizophorto, 5fl ; cu- prcum, 196 ; paviuientatum, 378 Bone-crushing, 15 Bones and potash, 55 ; dissolving, 281 Borders, good form of, 764 Borecole, report on varieties, 293, 314 Borouia sernalata culture, 04 Botanists, meeting of workingmen, 271,318 Eotrythium lancifolium, 553 Botryllus, 437 Bottle-feeder for bees, S7, 58 Bougainvillcea glabra culture, 218 Bouquets, 493 Bowling-gieen, size of, 541 Bos-edging, management of, destroyed by salt, 183, 233 Box Lodge, making, &e., 671 Brahma Pootras, 776 ; merits, hens as layers, 404 Bridgesia spicata, 712 Brisbane Botanic Garden, 5S9 Broccoli, Carter's Champion, 142; manured with sewage, 15S ; mov- ing Uirgp, 638 Broccolis, report on, 333. 374 Brodi;ea grandiflora, 489 Brugmansia leaves yellow, 363 Bryanthus crectus. 277 Bucket, Holmes' self-tilting, 786 Bulb-bed to flower throughout the year. 498 Bulb (Cape) culture, 778 Bulbs, Cape, 308 ; for out-door planting, 48ft ; management of spring-flowering, 508 ; in pots. 509 ; care in testing. 527 ; out-door, 561; in beds, 579; rare, 63S; vegetating strongly, 7i7 88 ; 33 ; VI INDEX. Bullfinch paralysed, 544 BuUfinclies' efrps disappearing, 345; 385; Bliick, 776 Bupleurum fruticosum. 712 Burmah, notes from, 197 Butter, large yield from one cow, 38 Butterflies, killing- for specimens, 2S6 Buxus obcordata, 4 Cabbage— SOWING and planting, 3ol ; caterpillars, 581 j Jersey Sticks, 490 Cabbages, report on, 492 Caladiums in winter, 541 Calampclis scaber culture, 34 Calavansa Bean, 90, 123 Calceolaria— leaves spotted, 54 ; his- tory, ifec, 12U ; as a bedoer, 120, 136; cuttinija, 561,025; planting, G84 Caiceolarias— wintering. 480; shrub- by, 609; cuttings, G17; for ex- hibition, 638 Californian orchards, 613 Callianapsii, UnderRtound, 375 CalUstemon brachTandrum, 535 Calne Poultry Show, 610 Calocaris Macandrcit. 375 Calochortus palUdus, 515 Calves— fatting, 38 ; rearing on milk and linseed meal, 188 Camellia— and its culture, 59, 169, 261, 445 ; watering, 59 ; seeds, sowing, 16'i; list of varieties, i70; propagation, 267 ; Contessa La- vinia Maggi, 294; seedlings cul- ture, 322 ; flower-buds breaking, 562, 618; buds falling, 747 Camellias— in summer, 230 ; cross- breeding, 332; recently grafted, 598 Campanula Vidalii, 615 Canaries— diseases of, 19; celling, 38; mortality among, 38, 283; in a room, 58 ; model prize list, 73 ; (lying, 584 Canary—and British Finches, 73 ; cockeatingeggs, 150; hens nitling ■without laying, 185; aick, 688 Cantua buxifolia, 657 Cape Gooseberry culture, 281 Cares Frasp'i, 36 Carnation— characteristics and cul- ture, 47 ; varieties, 48; tree, cul- ture, 7d6; list of, 7a7 Carnations— tree, culture, 71 ; strik- ing, 382 ; sowing, 439 Carrot— grub, 281 ; crop failing, 537 Carrots on clay soil, 302 Carter & Co.'s Nursery, 156 Caterpillars— on fruii trees, 139; venomous, 246 Cat, destructive. 305 Cats V. birds, 219 Cauliflowers — under glass, 107 ; protecting, 500 Caution, 299 Ceanothus genus, species described, 21 Celery— turnip. rooted, 34 ; culture, 239, 2S0, 517, 725, 789; grubs on, 241; roots, 261; leaves brown, 479; fly, 587; culture in Lanca- shire, 592 ; white-leaved. 598 ; growing aud failure, 655 ; fly, pre- venting its attacks, 700; failure this year, 744; how to grow good, 762 ; failures, &c., 783 Cells, formation of royal, 482 Cement walks, making, 784 Centaurea— candidissinia, 518, 691, 795; propagating, 229; cuttings, 519 ; argentea as an edging, 742 Cephalotaxus Fortuni, 51 Cephalotus follicularis culture, 562 Cerasus — japonica fiore pleno cul- ture, 71; ilicifolia, 712 Cerastium— tomentosum, propagat- ing, 16; frosted, 71 ; IJieber.-^tcinii, 127, 367, 425; for flower gardens, 45,84 Cerastiums, tomentosum and Bieber- Etcinii, 189; treatment of, 402 Ceropegia Gardneri, 52 CharcDiil— as manure, 370 ; making, "Chemistry of Soils, Handy Book of," 142 Cherry— bloppoms falling, 70; Trip- pleton, 90 ; Nouvelle Koyale, 143; trees, winter-pruning young, Cherries— on walls, 240 ; falling, 281 Cheshire Poultry Show, 542 Chickens— large brood of, ILS; noise in throats, 306 Chinese Primrose, Double-flowered, 196 Chinese Primroses, Delicata and Rubra grandiflora, 378 Chippenham Poultiy Show, 730 Chiswick, Royal Horticultural So- ciety's garden at, 372 Chiton cinereus, &c., 558 Chlidanthus fragrans, 489 Chloride of liine as an insect-killer, 177,250 Christmas, poultry market, 770 ; time, 794 Chrysanthemum— culture for show, 82"; notes on, 647, 650; at Mr. Salter's, 652 Chrysanthemums, 625, 779; twelve superior, 16; list of, 780; ma- nagtmeut of seedlings, 727 Cinchona, trees introduced into India, 606 ; plants, introduction of into India, 659 Cineraria maritima— cuttings, 14, 34, 540; seed sowing, 70; propagat- ing, 498, 748 Cineraria flowers not opening, 685 Cinerarias— \iref*erviitive from green fly, 96 ; compost for, 224; James Andrews, The Artist, and The Winner, 378 Circumstantial information, 451 Cissus di&color, growing specimen of, 11 Clarkia, AVhite-raargined, 678 Clavelina lepadiformis, 437 Clay soil, to improve, 581 Clayey loam, lightening, 7f9 Clematis— viticella venosa, cutting down, 34; lanuginosa, hardy, 770 Clerodcndron — ThomsonEE,143, 173 ; culture, 514 Clcthra arborea, 402 Clianthns Darapieri potting, 499 Climbers— for conservatory, 127, 480; in verandah, pruning, 254; for a greenhouse, 421 ; for an arbour, 580 Clipped trees, effect of in decorative gardening, 453 Clomenocoma montaua, 52 Clonmell House, 81 Clover, four-bladed, 164 Clusia flrongniartiana, 294 Coal tar lor vermin, 791 Coba;a scandens seedlings, 223 Coburgia incarnuta, 488 Cobwebs, 457 Cocbin-China cock, cold in, 6ii8 Cochin-China fowls— falcon-hocked, 246 ; vulture hocks in, 486 Cochin-China pullets— not laying, 20; combs, 326 Cochin-Chinas— points in, 366 ; Cin- namon, 624 Cockscomb culture, .^6 Cockscombs, sowing, 86 Cocoa-nut tibre reJuse, 381, 426, 480; for seedlings. 15; as a ma- nure for flowers, 16; mixing soil with, 55. 140; for drainage, 218; lor peat, 231 ; for cuttings 241 ; as a general manure, 272; for Cy- clamens, 281 ; and clay soil, 769 CadogyLC Parishii, 293 Cois Idchryma, 362 Coleus Verschaffeltii, 190 ; as a bed- der, 134, 158; for bedding, 309; culture, 727 ; hardy, 795 CoUiugham Poultry Sliow, 621 Colour, theory of, 134, 196, 300 ColtPfoot, Sweet-scented, culture, 785 Columbia, British, botanical ex- pedition to, 4ol Comb foundations for hives, 524 Combs— crooked, 366; artificial, 604 Conclusions, too hasty, 298 Concrete walks, making, 784 Coniferre— propagation of. 410, 463 ; notes on some hardy, 742 Conifers, propagating by cuttings, 780 Conservatory— climbers, 202 ; plants fur back wall, 598; heating a small, 738 Cooking old fowls, 282 Coop f(tr chickens, 604 Coriaria sarmcntosa, 712 Cork refuse, 52 Cornwall— weather and crops, 118; market-gardening in west, 577, : 595, 612, 636, 059 Coronillas in summer, 230 Corydalis nobilis, 398 "Cottage Improvement Societies," 279 Cottingham Poultry Show, 441 Cotton— seed refuse, 30; spinners, Lancashire, 333: plants, soil lor, 706 Cow— management, 11 ; keeping, 504; dried before calving, 710 Cows, 732 ; in Guernsev, manage- ment ol, 644 Crabs — Coiiimon Shore, Velvet Swimming, Arched Fronted, Cleanser, and Marbled, 234, 235 ; Dwarf Swimming, Henslow's, Common Pea, Angular, Pennant's, and Circular, 294; seashore, 334, 359 Crariip-in goslings, 363 ; in fowls, 666 Cranston's patent horticultural buildings, 6, 101 Crassula coccinca, propagating, 303 Craven Poultry Show, 462 CrencUa marraorata. 516 Creve Co?ur fowh. 206 Cricket-ground, grasses for, 479 Crickets, destroying, 706 Crinum capense culture, 769 Crocus- Imperati, 5 ; the genus, 114, 135; bulbs, treatment of, 402 ; speciosus, 526 ; bulbs, saving from mice, 770 Crocuses, saving from mice, 581 Crossing flowers, 348 Crow— and farmer, a fable, 3C6 ; familv, the. 404 Crystarpalacc, 330,416, 532; Flower Show, 135, 157, 446 ; Flower and Fruit Show, 171 ; Rose Show, 271, 388 ; Poultry Show, 282, 303, 421, 439, 619, 73), 748; specimens at, 481 ; duration of, 796 Cuckoo, 616, 552 Cucumber — Rfynolds' Perpetual Bearer, 696 ; leaves blotched, 705; 457 ; pa, 770, 795 Cucumbers — keeping fresh for a few davs,71 ; gumming, 127, 146, 201, 457; pickling, 504 Cultivators, generally useful, 11 Cuphea— cinnabarina, 377; verti- cillata, 656 Currants— removing, 402 ; drying, 424 ; Red, failing, 748 Curtis, J., death of, 552 Cuttings, 55 ; of Geraniums, &c , 498 Cyanophyllum magnificum culture, 705, 726 Cyeas revoluta, remarkable speci- mens of, 297 Cyclamen — seeding, 90 ; vernum and crosses, 348; seeds, sowing, 479: seedlings, 527. 748 Cyclamens, l31 : leaves of, 15; Ita- lian name for, 15 ; europa;uni, 15 ; new, 15 ; notes on vernum and curopteum, 39 ; vernum and euro- pEeum, 61; culture of, 70; and SfCdlinga, 71 ; vernum, 142 ; notes on, 113; raising seedlings, 113; are they hardy ! 668 ; modes of crossing, 669 ; from cuttings, 735 Cynthia rustica and grossularia, 452 CyprcNses, theatre of, 454 Cypripedium— insigne and calceolus culture, 26: Stonei, 790 Cyrtanthus culture, 778 Dahlia xunEiis. pKKsrEoiNc, 136 Dahlias, twenty for show, 15 ; Pom- pone, Star and Little Dorri:, 143; lists of. 449 ; Pompone— Little Whilemine, Darling, and Philip, 791 Daisies on lawn, 202, 541 Damp, excluding from brickwork, 776 Damson wine, 203 Dandelion, preserving for use, 146 ; culture. 788 Daphne leaves decaying, 261 Dailington Poultry Show, 761 Datura, arborea culture, 312, 382 ; Wrightii culture, 334 D-lphinium formosum, to make a bed ol, 581 Dendrobium Lowii, 52 ; Salaccense, 173 ; nobilc culture, 795 Deodar. 727 Desfontainia spinosa, soil for, 16 ; pruning, 108 Despair, never, 343 Deutzia gracilis culture, 334 Dewsbury Poultry Show, 462 Dianihus libanotis, 398 Diarrhoea in fowis, 688 Dibber-plantmg, 182 Dicksnnia antarctica culture, 166 Dictyanthus campanuhuus, 414 Dielytra spectabilis, forcing, 727 Digging, cost of, 637 Ditiiorpliotheca Barberire, 495 Dinner-t ible decoritions, 347, 535, 605 : plants, 485, 645, 693, 714 ; plants not suitable, 646 ; Rivina Icevis, and Callicarpa purpurea as, 674 Dioscorea batatas, 581 Disa grandiflora, 62, ICS ; superba, 330 Ditch, right of, 421 Dog, a noble Australian, 2SG ; muzzles, 326 '* Dogs, house and sporting," 92 Dorking lowls, 286 ; cock's comb, 564 ; cock'e comb drooping, 644 ; fowls, w^eightof, 088 ; and Cochin- China fowls, cross between. 644 Dorkings plumage of Grey, 306 ; at Birmingham Poultry Show, 729; Silver-Grey, 776 ; cuiJ-combed, 798 Dove's dung, 202 Dove with darkened plumage, 326 Downton Castle, 177 Dracasna phrynioides, 790 Drainer, Law's Patent Bijou, 4S9 Drake, hatched under a hen, 94 Drawing-room table decorations, March's, 153 Driffield Poultry Show, 3G4 Drone development, 58 Drones, saving, 324 Drosera rotundifolia for a rockery, 458 Drumlanrig Park and gardens, 571 Dublin Stjciety's Poultry Show, 108 Dublin Exhibition Palace and Winter Garden, 162 Duck, cross with Pintail, 94 ; hatch- ing in China, 774 Ducks, African, 38: Carolina, 286 ; feeding for exhibition, 444, 484 ; illness of Eastlnilian, 584; Ayles- bury,weight of, 688 ; rearing wild, 753; wild, bred with tame, 773, 798 ; dying, 776 ; Rouen drake sickly, 776; Penguin, 797 Durkheim, the Grape cure, 590 Dutch garden and greenhouse, 275 Dysentery in bees, 37 Dzierzon on bees. 17 ; at home, 443 reconverted, 754 East Sutton, Kent, 699 li^ccremocarpus scaber, 302 Echinostachys Pinelliana, 196 Edging plants, 480; new, 367, 711 Edging to u mixed border, 638 Edinburgh Horticultural Society's Show, 5 Edwards, J., death of, 198 Egg-plant fruits, cooking, 584 Eggs— destroying vitality in,76, 150 ; distinguishing sex m, 205 ; pre- venting soft, 246 ; retaining power to be hatched, 2G6; weight of» 266 ; to preserve in lime, 422 ; to preserve fresh for six months, 422 ; vitality of, 482; preservation ol, 499, 52*0, 541 ; hens dropping, 544 ; with thin shells, 710 Egypt, bulbs for, 479 Elaeocarpus cyaneus culture, 638 Elder,tree, superstitions relative, 139 Elderberry Catsup, 188 EUzabethan house, plants against an, 770 Emarginula rosea, 559 Endive culture, 191 England a century ago, 341 Entomological Society's Meeting, 13, 124, 163, 258,360, 378, 3y3, 577, 675, 791 Epacrises, Fireball, Butterfly, and Exquisite, 143 Epidendrum— replicatum, 435 ; pris- matocarpum, 495 ; funiferum, 535 Epigyniura ieucobotrys, 241 Epiniedium macranihum, 398 Epimediums, culture of, 344 Epi^om Races a century since, 306 Ercilla spicata, 712 Erica Cavendishi pruning, 322 Fricas, insects on, 641 Eriostemons, culture of, 742 INDEX. Til Erythvina hvbriJ, 553 Escalloniii niLicranthii, piiinlng, 72G Espalier trees, prunini:, 541 Essex Poultry Show, 205 Eucharis amazonica, 3j ; culture, 00 Eugenia Ugni and the gourmets. 005 Euonymuses, new, 4 Eury.i latifolia, 4 Evertiveen hedge, making, 671 Evergreen trees for screen, G38 Evergreens, in smoky place, lo ; propagating. 55 ; umler tree?, 55 Evcrl-isting Floweis, 765 Exhibition cards, inscriptions on, 654 Exhibiting, allowing gardeners, 3l9 Exhibition-' -influouce of horticul- tural, 396; cousequenccs ol alter- ing their cl:iys, 4S1 ; Uoldiiig them simultaneously, GOO Exhibitors. I'rauiulent, 6\l Extracts from a tf-o-much-neglectcd book, 40O, 41S, 437 Eyes and no Eyes, 227 Faam, 16 I'air^hiid sermon, 219 Fairchild, T., 513 Farfugium grande from cuttings, 735 Fattening voung fowls, 281, 363, 382, 4u3, 458 Fattening poultry, 753 Feathers falling from fowls, 2S6 ; bent sickJe, 776 Fernery out of doors, ^62 ; making, 519 ; making out-ilo'T, 612 ; wood in constructing, 71G; heating a small. 795 Fern Owl, 517 Ferns, s^tove, 35; mildew on, 45; new, 51 ; sowing, lOS, 1G6; in- sects on, 479 ; fur y. Fern-case, 540 ; diseased, 598 ; greenhouse, 673, 678, 705 ; for a glass case, 748 Fern stem>, imaginary forms in, 137, 216; glass, damp inside, 183; house, painting, 183 Ficus Cooperi, 174 Fig culture, 240, 457 ; leaves spotted, 241 ; trees in pots, 727 Figs dropping, 90; standard in Gucnisev and Sussex, 490 ; under el ass, 684 Filbert, pruning, 540 ; culture, 550 *' Filicum Svnopsis Afiicoo Aus- tralis," 678' Fire management in winter, 769 Fitz-Roya patagonica, 237 Flax refuse, 52 Fit^che fowl, 244. 264 Flies, plague of, 524 Flora ,of the Koman Classics, 593 ; 702 *' Flora Capensis Medicjc Prodro- mus," 678 Flower-bed with coloured illustra- tion, 227 ; at East Sutton Place, 392 Flower-border, chain, 699 *' Flower and Fruit Decoration," 757 Flower garden, arrangement of, 84, 412 ; pl^n, good mode of showing, Flowev-gordening, a pleafor modern, 777; without flowers, 792 Flowers, by post, sending, 9; pack- ing cut for travelling, 24, 45; cut, conveying to shows, 117 ; of the season, new, 505 ; preserving in sand, 7u3 Flowering plants at acceptable times, 232 Flower shows for the town poor, 759 ; for the working classes, 410 Flue, divided, not drawing, 70; heatings vinery, 706 Flues emitting smoke, 55 ; pipes for, 4S0; cleaning. 718 Fly-catchers, 708 Food required by poultry, 624 Footp.ith-making, 783 Forcing-house, constructing, 562 Fork, Guernsey, 301 Forrestia pubescens, 712 Fountains, French, at Royal Horti- cultural Society's Garden, 5G5, 585 Fowl culture, importance of, 91 Fowls, fattening and cooking, 2S1. 2S2; blindness in, 386; to make prolific, 404 ; selection of pencilled Hamburghs, 424 Frog?, tree, 118; Green, minage- meiitof, 531, 700 Frome Poultry Show, 620 Frost, early, 589 " Fruit Garden, the Miniature," 701 Fruit-judging, 714 " Fruit Manual," 231 fruit-room, construction and ma- nagement, 287 Fruit-storing, 519 Fruit trees, unproductive, 531 ; trees against a banU, 541; near a ma- nufacturing town, 550; in pots, treatment, 579; for bouth-wcst wall, C18; dwarf, stopping, 638; cutting i\o\\i\ newly-pbinieJ, 663 Fruitorers' Company, 158 Fuchsia aa a bedding plant, 104 ; leaves diseased, 127; bed. ?oil tor 146: leaves curling. 146: spectu- bilis culture, 223 ; Meteor, 294 ; cuttings, 311; seedlingp, 458; venusta, 474; berries as fruit, 519; training pyramidal, 519 Fuchsias shedding flower-buds; in- sects on, 362 : white, for bedding, 425; to propagate, 425 ; bedding, 477 : as out-door standards, 545 ; wintered in beds. 617 Fuel, economy of, 194,234 Fumigating. 410 Fumigator, Stephens', 398 Funguses, British. 476 Furnace, for greenhouses, 6W : small, for garden structures, 673 GAI.ATHEAS, 375 Game — cock, drooping, 20 ; having diarrhcea, 38 ; cocks must be dubbed for exhibiting, 226; cock, Duckwing. points in, 524 ; cock's earlobcj^, 64i; cocks backward in moulting, 688; Black-breasted, i-e- quisite characteristics, 772 ; Ducli- wing cock's plumage, 776 Gapes in poultry, 363 Garden-se;it at the Villa Strada, 454 Gardens— act for protecting, 354; on house-tops, 558 ; City, 661 Gardeners* hours and holidays. 209 Gardeners' Roval Benevolent Insti- tution, 233, 278 " Gardener's Annual for 1S63.'* 739 "Gardening, Science and Practice of," 739 Gas— heating by, 15, 65. 70 ; in hot- water pipes. 86. 178 : heated Melon-pit, 121 ; fatal to Apple trees, 166; heating by, 241, 479; water, destructive to insects, 398 ; stove, 726 Gate-piers, plant to cover, 581 Gaultheria bracteatu, 786 Gazania splcndens— in a bed, 15 ; cuttings, 691 Gebia slellata, 375 Gcoi-e. destroyers of Buttercups, Geissorhiza Rocheana and vaginata, 488 Geometric winter beds, materials for. 140 Geranium — Miller's Horseshoe- leaved, 46 ; Mangles' Variegated, 183; Waltham Pet, 183; Mrs. Pollock, 196; and Pelargonium, distinction between, 240; bloom failing quicklv, 343; Golden Chain, 408; Steila, GU8 ; Golden Chain cuttings, 617 ; cuttings, 638 ; Little Dot. (.85, 691 Geraniums— for bedding, what are needed, 65; leaves diseased, 71; turning out Scarlet, 89; leaves turning red, 90 ; white bedding, 108 ; in pots for bedding, 32S ; variei-'atcd crosses, 349; Nosegay, 368 ; hybridising, 408 ; wintering, 479, (;84, 717 ; cuttings of Unique, 480 ; cutting back. 480 ; use of old Scarlet, 498 ; bedding, 507 ; va- riegated, turning green, 54 1 ; notes on a few bedders, 549; cuttings, 560 ; Stella and other new, 565 ; Fanoy, out of door*;, 580 ; leaves of Tom Thumb mined, 581 ; spot in, 661 ; for edgings, 766 German bef s ferocious, 168 Gesnora longifolia forcing, 232 Ginger, pn serving, 20. 38 Gishurst Compound — for dogs, 385; caution ab«ut, 736 Gladioli— for pots, 55 ; In beds during winter, 795 Gladiolui?— bulbs not disturbed, 475 : cuspidatu^ 489 : Mr. J. W. Lane, 678; pronouncing, 685; its tuture, 736 : list of, 737 Gladioluses, lists of, 448 Glasgow Poultry Show. 639 Glass — atructurcs, 35 : causing scorching, 166 Glendinning, Mr. R. death of, 659 Gloucester Flower Show, 352 Gloxinia seedlings, culture, 223 Gloxinias— for early forcing, 146: with summer bloom-buds, 362 : Lmrctta, lieauty, Anonyma, and Fairy, 495 : propagating and managing, 529 : autumn-bloom- ing, 6ia Glue for ready use, 624 Gnaphalium mavgaritaccum as a white-leaved plant, 1 89 ; hmatum, 190, 3GS, 420, 534, 5G5 ; culture, 766 Gold Fish, 499 : turning black, 424 Goose culture in America, 129 Gooseberry caterpillars, preventhig, 35 : destroying, 194 Gourds— lists of. 570 : eatable, 638 Grammitis caudifoimis, 378 " Grape Vine, Practical Treatise on the Cultivation," 332 " Grspe Vine, Thomson on," 611 Grape-Archerfleld Muscat, 470, 328, 568, 386; Golden Hamburgh, 519 : Lady Downe's, 678: jufiging, 748 Grapes— late and early, 33, 35, 56; preserving unshrivelled, 91 : keep- ing, 118; ihinning, 166; preserv- ing, 241, 560; Muscat, spotted, 262 ; shanking'. 328, 598 ; keeping, after ripe, 332 ; colouring, treat- ment, 362 : for a cool vinery, 374 : cracking and shanking,45S ; worst ofbadlT grown, 473; roughness on, 499: Muscat, 552, 581 ; judg- ing, 586, 627, 623 ; as a medicine, 590 ; Tynningham Muscat, 593 ; treatment, hanging on Vines, 609, 616; swelling and keeping badly, 629 ; early and late, at Dalkeith, 651 ; Muscats for greenhouse, 663 ; points of merit in, 674, 714 ; new, on New Year's day, 695 ; through- out the year, 783 Grass in paved yard, 541 Gravel in poultry pens, 322, 346 Green centre in Hoses, SG Green fly, lOS : destroying, 56 Greenhouse — as an oichitrd-house, 15; arrangement, 63; heating a small, 70: plants, hard wooded, treatment in summer, 229 ; heat- ing from kitchen fire, 362 ; putting plants into new, 562: construction, 726 ; arrangement. 795 Greenhouses, water store in, 693 Grubs — garden infested by, 30; in Cabbage-beds, 71: destroying, 281 Guans, 94 Guernsey, its climate and out-door plants, 472 Guernsey Lily, 4S9 ; history and culture, 510 Guinea pig, gestation of, 406 Gum trees, 194 Gutta percha for hoofs, 798 Gymnogramma peruviana argyro- "phylla, propagating, 705 HailMANTHCS CINNABAniNUS, 143 Hail, protecting glass fiom, 166 Halifax Poultry Show, 460 Ilalimodendroii argenteuiit, 712 Hamburgh cock, points in Golden- spangled, 36; points in, 58: hen paralysed, 94 : Golden-spangled at Leeds, 366, 384 Hamburghs, points in Golden-pen- cilled cock, 776 Hamburgh, Golden, Grapes shrivel- ling, 357 Hampton Court Gardens, 506 Ham Wood, 251, 274 Hants (North) Poultry Show, 224 : East, Poultry Show, 521 Hardheads, destroying, 223 Hares, cover for, 618 Hatching early chickens, 56 Heath cuttings, striking. 183 Heating, span-roofed house, 618; easily managed, 654 ; from a hot- water cifitern, 686 Hedge— of Quick and Holly, 71 ; establishing an evergreen, 571: evergreen, 638 Hedges, useful and ornamental, 670; high for shelter, 672 Uclichrysums, 571 Heliconia metallica, 143 Helipterum Sandlordii, 790 Hcmstead Park, 626 Henderson »& Go's, Pine Apple Place Nursery, 8 Hen with male plumage, 36 : house floor, 168 Hen-aud-Chicken Daisies, propa- gating, 685 Hens' 8pur«. 776 Hens, cruelty to sitting, 167 : dying of apoplexy, 366: fecundity of, 385 : breathmg noisily, 464 • Hepaticas, propagating, 55 Herbaceous plants, select, 397 Hesperis grandiflora, 398 Higginsia refulgens, 677 Hippeastrum reticulalum, 520 Hippeastrums, descriptive list of, 79 : culture and descriptive list of, 93 Hippolyte varians, 399 Hive, Woodbury's, 73; ventilation, 93 ; waterproofing, 93 : examin- ing, 366 Hives, flat-topped, 37 : ventilating, 56; insulating, 57: waterproof- ing, 58 : of straw, putting a super on. 112 : kinds of, 130 : Payne's, 149 : size of, 167 : moths in, 384 : at International Exhibition, 601, 687, 775, 797: Boothman's, 604: sticks in, 62S ; cross sticks in, 643 Hiving into combed hives, 130 Hollies, time for pruning, 5S1 : re- moving, 704 Holly, the, 755: injured by frost, 398 : hedge, making, &c., 671 Hollyhock, management, a02; pro- pagation, 499 : culture and list of, 667 Homeria spicata, 483 Honey, changing sugar to, 37 ; frcni sugar, 93 : chemi>try of. 111: Australian wild, 246 : "this season for, 38G : and wax at the Inter- natmnalExhibitlon, 464, 503, 523 : season, Devon, 522 : harvest on the moors, 584: harvest, on Dur- ham moors, 613; in Germ iny, 666 ; on the Yorkshire moors, 687 Honeysuckle, variegated Japanese, 791 Hornbeam hedge, making, &c.. 670 Horticultural Society's, lloyal, 25, 307, 327: planting-out at, 387: Shows, 10, 41, 51, 211, 247, 268, 467, 537 : Committee Meetings, 27, 80, 115, 330, 394, 430, 431, 510, 649, 617: American Plant Show, 170, 197; new plants at, 173: Chis- wick Garden, 372: sub^scription to purchase fountains, 410 : Garden, 427 : arcades in, 428: International Exhibition, 546, 569, 5S8 : Chry- santhemum Show, 647 ; complaint against, 696 Horticulture and humanity, 792 Hotbeds of vegetable refuse, 165 ; Hothouses, the picturesque in, 3iG Hot-water pipes, gas in, 117; for room-heating, 770 Houdan fowl described, 186, 203 Hull I\.ultry Show, 183 Huniea elegans, culture, 95 ; leaves become yellow, 127 Hurstbourne Park orchard-hous c produce, 513 Hyacinth Due de Malakoff, 143; cul- ture, 525; list of, 526; training. Hyacinths, descriptive list of, 8 ; in pots, 89 Hydrangeas, treatment of, 4-'l Hypocerta gracilis, 277 Ilex— FoRTUNi, 4; cuunuta, 179: rotunda, 712 ImantophjUum v. Imatophyllum, 176 Irapatiena Jerdonix forcing, 232 Implements, horticultural, 154 Indian Corn, 589 Insects in greenhouse, 223 International Exhibition, 95, 175, 195, 221, 238, 295, 319, 358,452: some of its contents, 158 ; New South Wales at, 338 : Tasmania at, 378: a visit to, 426 Ipomxa alatipes, 378 Ireland, a few days in, 30, 46, 81, 119,133, 274, 251 Till INDEX. Iron casement, &c., 262 Iscarura Pyranii, 293 Ivy— pvopaKatinff Viiries'atcd, 458 : as a screen, 671 : Gevmau, 795 Ixia conica and patens, 488 Ixora—laxi flora, 6t>: ?.ilicifolia, flOfi Ixoras Griftithii and Ja\aHica» and the culture of the genus, 575 Japan Lilies in tots, 511 Japanese plants, new, 3 Jcrsej", fruit trees for, 637 Jerusalem Artichokes, 578 Judges, their duty as to disqualify- ing, 599 Kale, REPoaT o» vauieties, 293, 314 Keifrhley Poultry Show, 500. 5i2 Kew Gardens— report on, '62 : bed- ding at, 48G Kitchen-garden, vegetables for soutli of Scotland, IG: stocli, moving in October, 343: cleaning a fallow. S62; fallowing, 72i : seeds tor, 795 Kitcher. vegetables, seasons for sup- ply of, 77,97 Kooyali, 61 Labels, marking, 12 Laburnum trees splitting, 148 LtPlia SchtUeriaua, 174 Lam h ton Castle, its garden and scenery. 654 Lancashire botanists, distress among, 585, 607, fi2tf, 650, 674, 702, 723, 745, 767, 791 Lapageria rosea— pruning, lOS: cul- ture. G85, 70.5 Larch after Scotch Fir, 79 1 Lastrea v. Lasticea, 173, 193 Lathyrus magellanicus. 398 Laurel-hedge, 618 ; ornamenting a bank beueath, 7 ; malting, &c., 671 Laurel leaves for destroying insect?, 202 Laurels dying, 35 Laurustinus standards, HG Lauvu3timi?es, in tubs, 618, hed^e, making, 671 Lawn— seeds for improving, 15 : mowers, 157, 158 : on light soil, grass seeds for, 362; neglucted, 480 Leaves— of stove plants injured, 322 ; colour of autumn, 418: their uses, 553 Leeds Poultry Show, 322, 345, 751 Leeds and West Riding Show, 622, 640, 6S6 Leg-weakness in poultry, 501 Lemon trees, summer-pruning, 281 Leonticc altaica, 398 Lcptodactylon cuttings. 458 Leptostelma maxima, 397 Lettuce culture, 279, 456: sowing, 402 Lettuces in winter, 487 Leveque's Roses at Paris, 373 Lice on poultry, 563 Light in plants, 335 Ligurian boes, 187, 481 : sting of, 3G : irascible. 1G7 : inofl'ensive, 16$ : compared with common, -225 : in 1S62, B. W.'s, 324: in ^jcotland, 3G1 : for Australia; 523 : in Lancasbire, 543 Ligurian queeu bee's fecundity, 207 LigQrianis.ing an apiaiy, 58 Lilies, whitc^382 Lilium — loiigifolium failing, 89: auratum, 311, 495, 553 : giganteum culture, 322 : lancifolium in pots, 480 Liliums in pots, 618 Lily of the Valley—variegated, 51 ; after transplanting, 612; as a Christmas flower, 612 ; culture, 618; fovcing, 658, 675, 680; in pots, 664 Lily, new Japanese, 495; of Japan, Gold-bunded, 678 Liinatodes rosea, 143 Lime water, 35 ; for flowers, 519 Lindley, Dr., testimonial to, 693 Linnet's claws, cutting, 36G Liquid manure, 202; of sheep's dung, 108; for variegated plantf*, 127; injury from undiluted, 178; why to DC clear, 224 ; how to use, 450 Liquid manure?, 35, 685 Lisianthus Russellianus culture, 474 Lobelia— sjjecio^a and gracilis, sow- ing and managing, 27 : speciosa, saving sped of, 403 : erinus cut- tings, 493 : ppeciosa, its defects, 528 ; double, 705 Lobelias, new, 439 ; wintering, 479 ; speciosa, wintering, 479 Lonicera aureo-teliculat.i, 495 IjUculia gratissima forcing, 232 Lusus naturrc, 56 Lychnis fulgens, 397 Lycopodium clavatum, 519 Lythrum as a bee plant, 246 Manchester and LivicnpooL Pool- TUY Snow, 482 Manchester Poultry Show, 520, 564, 582 Manchester Poultry and Dog Show, 599 Jlagiiolia acuminata, 200 Mangold \Vurtzel leaves, 519 Mansonita, 84 Manure, weight of, 124; street, 413 JI inures, liquid and soliii, 721 Marchantia conica, destroying. 198 Margottin's Roses at Paris. ^50 Marigold, seedling pot, 629 Marnock, Mr., testimonial to, 371 Martvnia fragrans, intoxicating cfftct of, 434 ^laurandya in window, GIS Mauritius, Botanical Society at, £59 Meaty hug on Vines, 034 Medals. 4b0 Melianthus m.ijor, 393 Melon-pit, gas-htated, 65 ; culture, 2GI, 763 ; falling, 261 ; stems splitting, 852 Melons, 403.; in an orchard-house, 178; with imperfect fruit, 303; 8U(;cession of, 321: not setting, Si3: cracking, 458; crocking at the stalk, 480 : judging, 628 Mclton-Mowbray Poultry Show, 522, 543 Mesembryanthemums as bcdders, 67 Sletriisideros tomento-um, 721 Mexico, fruits cbanjjtd by ciimate of, 135 Mice, excluding from bulbs. 581 Middleton Poultry Show, GOD Mildew, 69; an Vines, 89 : on Grapes, 303. 560 Milk-p,>n5, 732 MiDa bifiora, 4SS Mint, variegated, 55, 189; prop;igat- ing, 581 Mistlttoe, 787: uses of, 4; on the Maple and Acacia, 240 Mole trap, 257 Molewarp, 211 Molgul I tubulo&a, 452 :\loUusca, 416 Munarda amplexicaulis, 787 Monmouth Poultry Show. 583 Monocbrctum tenellura, 553 Montro'-e. near Dublin, 1S3 Morello Cherries a dessert fiuit, 473 Morley Poultry Show, 521 Morphology, 458 Moss on glass, 382 Moths, mode ot killing for speci- mens, 28d MoultiLg and laying, hastening, 500 Mou-sonia elegans, 377 Mowing machmes, 302; Green's, 398, 420 Mud, from pond, its use, 231 : from pond or cesspool, 262 Blulberry tree fruitless. 534 Munidn, Long-armed, 375 Musa vi'.tita, discovery of, 193 Musbroom culture, 361 : beds, mak- ing and managinif, 497 : spawn raising, 518 : beds, 539 : house management, 57S: bied manage- ment, 597 ; spawn, 616 : lorcmg, 746 Mushrooms, 418 : under a green- house staiie, 183 : decaying young, 7:^0 : in Unssia, 785 Mu.-;t-l3, 515 Muiisia dtcuvrens, 196 Myosotidium nobile culture, 190 Myosotis azmica, 183 Myitle, to kill scale on, 403 _ Mysis Chamgeleon, 399 f Mytilus cdulis and modiolus, 516 Nageia ovata, 50 Narcissus auranlia florc pleno, 25 Nardoo, 105 Nasturtium, sowing common, 16 Wdzareth. plant from, 573, 690 Nectarine— buds fiiUing, 55 : blos- soms unfi-rtilp, 223 : culture, 250, 676 : trees failing, 251 : training and nailing, 310: pruning, 540 Nf ctarines— select, 370 : shrivelling, 580 : potted in vinery, 632 Nemnphila Elegant, 196 Neottia spiralis. 533 Nepenthes, culture of the genus, 695 Nepfrta cfeiia as an edging. 711 Nephalaphyllum pulchrum, 373 Nerine— Fothergilii, 2tris- INDEX. teron, TflS ; the Kational Culum- Imritin, T31 ; esfiis, chanfrin?:, 91 rifTC'ns, liicfMintj INnvit-rs, 3S ; nUicn ffiUbers in, 58 ; c;inkcr in, 91 ; raieiiiET by hmui. 1S5 ; at the Buth ami West of En^'lHnd Show, 242 ; inflametl lunfls in. 32:5 ; blue Owl, 482; Mr. Biilt's I'owters, 657 : SpHtith, 710; consuniplion 111, 7&4 ric-koepinfr. 20ft ; injured hy salt. 753; notii jiued by ealt, 774; salt doesnntinjiirp, 797 Pine-Apple hoil, 35; cnlfure, 100; STovp:t2atir>n, 1''2 ; pluntinij in bed, 143 ; nM stools, winter culture, 144 ; culture, injects, and di!=cises, 10 i; Ilurat House or Fairrie'a Queen, 785 Pini' Apples bl«.'k in centre, 363 ; exhibiting. 400 ; not swelling. 658 ; white seaU* on, 72G Pinioning yonnf? Wild Ducks, 366 Pink, manv-floweied, 19G Pinks, prnpapatint,', 220; Attraction and Hcvice, 5.i3 Pinus DuutrUisii spar, 194 Pipes, leakinp-, i-toppi ng-. 562; hot ■water. an?le for, 580 ; hot- water, qunntitv needed, 706 Pitcher-plants and thtirpropagation, CO.i Pit, warniinjr. 541; constructing, 580; heaiintr, 58i ; for various uses, 631 ; heiUintr, 6S5 Pits— turf, 35: cheap and useful in sr»il, 54; cold, neat, and cheap, 4S0 ; construclinp small. 717, 740; fur prnpaffalinGT anrl forcing, 726 Plant and propngniing case bijou, 123; cises, in-door, 124; case, pliints f.n-, 617 Plantain in turf, to banish. 493 Plantation for shelter, 638 Pleione lag^enaria, 217 Pleromn elecan-^ culture, 653 Plum, Transparent Gapre, 52 ; leax-es diseased, 4f>8 ; MitchplsonV. 553 ; tre?8, training and pruning, 743 Plunis in pots, 420 Pluncing- material, 70 Pocklinffton I'oultrt- show, 459 Poinsettia pulcherrima forcing, 232 Polands, spangled, 38 Pond-mud fi»r Conifers, &c., 770 Pontefract Pouliry Show, 500 Pony-keepinff. 112 Portsea C:m:iry Show, 753 Posts, preparing the underground part, 155 Potato culture in Lancashire, 592 ; in Cornwall, 596 ; its leading va- rieties, 670 ; the Barbadoes 759 Potato?^, keeping. 71 ; earthing-iip, 241, 261 ; storine-. 302 ; early and late planting, 698 ; comparative merits of, 733; testing, 761 ; forc- ing in pots, 769 ; and their quali- ties, 7 S3 Potentilla atrosanguinea, 397 Potentilla ocbreata, 555 Pots, garden, how measured, 337 Potting, soil for, 362 Poultry, keeping profitahly, 188, 776 ; and iis produce, 242 ; from Ireland. 12S ; prices 1000 ye^rs ago, 143; fooi, 303; farm, 403; illnesses, 481 ; fur small 8pacl^ 512 ; origin of varieties, 543 ; cooking. 562 ; mixing varieties at a f-how, 563, 5'>2 ; shows near London. 563; killing and prepar- ing, 582 ; treatment of killed, 598; mixing varieties in a class, 60O, 639 ; keeping l;irgely, 601 ; exhibitions clashing,G39 ; in frosty ■weather. GS6 ; profttniile to the farmer, 665 ; results of overfeed- ing, 707 ; with diseased livers, Aa, 710 ; in the past year, 796 Prairie bens, 9i Present Poultry Show. 282, 303 Preserving plants iu winter, 429 Prices in 1772, 341 Primula, sinensis sowing, 70 ; fari- nosa sowing, 477 Prince's Feather, 518 ; culture, 89 Privet hedge ra ikir^g, &c., 671 Propagating-house healing a small, 748 PrDpagatiiig structure in a green- house, G5S Propagation of flowers in summer, 223 Pruning trees for picturesque effect, 554 Pteris argyrrca, 90 Pullets, pfecm!ious, 188 I'umpkins, 400 Puiterid»rebnry Girdcns, 491, 512 Putty softening. 362 PyroU media, 479 QUAII.S. CaI.IFOKVTAK. 150; HATCH- i%G. 128 ; food for t;ulitornian,544 Queen indanirer, 74 (jueen bee — delay in hatching. 3C5 ; mutilated by workers, 365; dP- gtrucuon of young. 866 ; super- annuated, 483*; nun working bee be transformed to ! 484 ; los, 362; to kill. 421 Retinospora obtusa and pisifera. 50 Rheumatism in gardeners, 633, 685 Rhinoceros thooting, 197 Rhodanthe maculata and atrosan- guinea, 553 Rhododendron— Nutfalii, 82; arbo- reum unr. limbatum, 143 ; fulgens, 1%; mount, 218; Dalhou'^itB hy- hridum, 293; Prince-sAlice, 678 Rhododendrons-g'-afting, 146; for conservatory, 146 ; hardy, in pots, 231 ; select hardy, 664 ; planting, 748; pruning, 796 Rhopalas, to propagate, 439 Ribbon-border, 71 ; distance be- tween, plants for, 90 Ribbon-borders, 35, 55 Ri.ige-and-furrow planting, IG Ritchiea polypetala. fi77 Rogier.i ama>na, 656 Roofing, waterpoof, 275 Koofs, measuring angles of, 781 Roman Candle plant, 717 Room plants 280 Rookery, establishing a, 770 Koot— pruning, 15; beat, in forcing, 142; blaster, 157; pruning young trees, 553 *' Rosarium, The Amateurs'," 86 '-• Rose Annual ior 1801-62," 25 Rose Show, forthcoming, 9; Bir- mingham, 30, 156 K,o?e~stocks. wild, treatment, 15; Manetti, 23; cuttings, striking, 228 421 ; mildew, bine vitriol for, 329'; John nopper, 262, 378; de Meaux, culture for market, 573; catalogues, 633 ; grafting by the fireside. 672 ; culture, suburban, 697, 719, 760; list o' Roses for, 719; pruning, 727; beds at Kew, Roses— forcing. 26 ; Manetti and stock, culture, 62 ; history of, 87 ; not blooming, 91 ; in pots, 108, 303, 701 ; lists of. 154 ; manuring, 136 ; at Royal Iloriicuitural So- ciety, 243; new, 219; mildewed, 262 ; It B'rminyham and Cry-Uil Pdlace, 271, 272; not thiiving, 281 ; classed according to coh)ur, 289 ; retarding, 30^ ; at Paris, 350, 373; at Heed Hall. 354; hints oa budding. 376 ; of 1862, 435 ; in au- tumn. 567 ; for the ^eaeoast, 5^8 ; the tir^t two year><, 587 ; troe, 598 ; yellow Banffshire, 598 ; pruning until two years old, OUO ; for sbindards, Gl'7 ; Manetti, 6tH ; cut- ting-back. 638 ; of 1862-3. 692 ; pruninu', 705 ; a hedge of, 781 ; stock for, and cuttings, 795 Rouen ducks, points in, 484 Roup, fowls attacked by, G21 Roupy cock, 2IJ8 Uubus hiflorus, 712 Rudbeckia pinnata, 397 SaCCOLABTUM MtNIATUM, 294 S^iddle, Guerneey, 412 Salads, French. 533 Silt injurious to pigs, 697 Salvia gesnerioflora, 634 Sandwich, origin of term, 413 Sap, wliy is its greitest force ver- tically"? GD4 Sarracenia purpurea a new remedy for small pox, 76 Sarmicnta repens, 173, 378 Sawfly, ravages of Currant, 358 Saxe-Gothrea conspicua, 237 Scabiosa eaucasica, 397 Scarecrows and crafty birds, 68 Sciadopitys verticillata, 50 Scilla bei-thelotii, 52 Screens, of evergreens, 638 ; of trees, G36 Scrophularia nodosa varieg.ata, 71, 189, 395 ; aquatica varieg^ta, 407 Sea-kale — culture, 54 ; forcini:, 160, 578. 689, 724 ; use of flower-heads, 12G; Kprouts a^j a culinary veget- able, 158; sets, 260 Seashore, what to look for on, 234, 294, 334, 359. 375, 399, 416, 436. 452, 515, 535, 558; pebbles lor walks, 362 Season— in Cornwall and Herts, 118 ; the present, of blossoms, 139 ; in Che'hire, 331 ; at A&hton-under Lyne, 33-3 Seaweed manuring in Guernsey, 449 ; uses of, 450, 532 Seeds, preserving from birds, 104 Selt-coloured beds, 50G Septoclinum maculosum, 437 Serissa fcctida varietjata, 174 Sewage— u=e of, 127; well, 314 Shade on roller, 108 Sheen, Chinese, 93 Sheffield Poultry Show, 334,333 Shelters, wall-tixers for, 44 Silene-compacta, 398; Schafta, 534 Silk fowls, 688 Sipbocampylos Orhisnyanus, 474 *• Silva Capensis," h7S Skimraia japonica unfruitful, 195 Slaters, 89 Slugs— and earwigs, 71; and their remedv, 27S Snake Millipedes, 223 Spangles on Oak leaves, 332 Spaniels, breaking, 92 Spanish -fowls' feathers diseased, 76; cock's comb, supporting, 22G; fowi's eye, tumour on, 246 ; comb black, 246 ; pullet's comb, 23ti ; hens dying suddenly, 34G ; hens as layers, 464 Sparkenhoe Poultry Show, 459 Sparrow— its merits and demerits, 681 ; murder, 753 Sparrows are our friends, 298 Spencer, Mr. .1., 45 spergula— pilifera, 137, 24! ; sagi- noides, a plea for, 220 Sphcerogyne latifolia, 174 Spmach -sowing, *Scc., 301; dying- ofl^, 789 Spiranthes autumnahs, 533 ; mode of fertilising, 1G3 Sprekelia formosis^ima, 4SS Spring crops, manurintr, 561 Squilla Desmarestii, 399 Siachys lanata culture. 480 Stamford Floral Fete, 312 Standard--, raising evergreen and deciduous, 132 Standit^h's Nurseries, 3, 50 Starch, chemistry of, 143 Starlings, 708 Slaiice Holfordi culture, 593 Stenogasfer multiflova, 174 Stephmotis lloribunda not bloom- ing. 303, 747 Stocl«, Intermediate, forcing, 232 Stoki! Newington Chryaanihemum Show, 650 Stokesia cyanea, G35 Stove-for greenhouse, 35; for small greenhouse, 479 Strathtieldsaye, 55G Strawberry— spring culture, 107; plants, eaving from grubs, 198 ; culture, 202 ; culture in pots, 343 ; produce m, 313 ; forcing, 362, 725; planting, 704; in pots, 706 Strawberries— insects on. 14; plant- ed out after forcing, 192 ; protect- ing fruit, 222 ; affer forcing, 239 ; in pots, 302 ; eroRS-brwids of. 672 ; cross-breeding, 721, 779; should the frui'. he held upright ? 763 Streptanthera elegans, 488 StreptocarpusRhexii culture. 748 StylidJum mucrouifoliura and saxi- freguides, 29G Succulents, culture and lists of, 465 Sulphur — in hot-water troughs, 146 ; burning as a fumigation,. 617, 618; fumigation. 726 Sunbeams, digging in. 1G5 Super-posing hives, 37 Supers, size of for hives, 20 Swainsonia, mauve-coloured, 294 Swallows, 708 Swarm, restlessness of artificial, 303 Swarming— artificial, 187, 774 ; ex- cessive, 235 Swarms—artificial, 130, 263 ; not working, 265; wniliag, 323 ; making artiflcial, 324 Sweet-briar hedge, 55 Kydserft", R., 75 ; on bees, 325 Kymplocos japonic;^, 179 TABERNiEMONTANA LOSGIFLOP-A, 67 Tacsonia manicata fiowers falling* 770 Tagetes tenuifolia, 71 ran. heating a pit by, 90 Tank, plants for, 4'Jl ; heating a pmall greenhouse, 489 ; heating, 5SU Tasmanian products, 358 ; timber, 379 Tate, Mr., again, 657 Taunton Poultry Show, 91, 146 Temperature of air, mean, 251 Temple Hill, 30, 46 Tenant removing trees, &c., 663 Tents at the Royal Huriiculiural Society, 155 Terraces, rustic, 160, 161; architec- tural, 198 ; styles at different periods, 356 Terrier, the Skye, 92 Ttiibaudia micrantha, 217 Thome Poultry Sliow, 263 Thrips, destroying, 560 Throat disease in poultry and Pheasants, 322 Thujopsis Ijcte-virens, 174 Thunbergia coccinea culture, 727 Thyrstcanthus rutilans for dinner tables, 693 Timber, causes of its decay, 339 Tithing or tolling bees, 226 Toads e. woodlice, 227 Tobacco fumigator, Stephens', 316 Tobacco-root, 64 Todea hymenoides, 281 Tomato culture, 239 ; management, 3J1 Tomtits destroy gall insects, 350 Transplanting, 540 "Travels in Peru and India," 659 Tredegar Poultry Show, 771 Trees, plantation of, 382 Trellis, plants for covering, 16; for house climbers, '/95 Triclionema bulbocodium, "31 Tritileja uniflora, 89 Trituma uvaria sowing, 01 ; culture, 108, 657 ; plants, 519 Tritonia nurea culture, ^31 Tropa?nlum Smitbii, 721 ; penta^ phyllum culture, 726 Tropieolums. propagating for bed- ding, lOS ; in window, 618 Tuberose culture, 1R3 Tulipa sylves-tris, 7 Tuip, iti characteristics, 140 ; cul- ture and arrangement, 190 ; ii«t of, 191 INDEX. Tulips after flowering, 146 ; for bed- ding, 648 Turf-edgings, 145 ; what to do with old, 241 ; for sloping hank, 480 Turkey cultuie in America, 109 Turkeys, raising, 323 ; weight of, 688 Turnip sowing, 239 Valtkili fowls, 522 Vallota purpurea— in the open air, 34; foil. 1G6; forcing, 232; di- viding, 617 Vancouver's Island — botanical ex- pedition to, 451; fruit trees in, 737 Vanda, culture of the genus, G13 Variations effected by cultivation, 696 Variegation, progressive, 5 ; retain- ing, 4G ; in plants, 196 ; causing, 251 Vegetable, name of, required, 90 Veitch, arrival of Mr. J. Gould, 78 Veitch's Roval Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, 13S, 32' Ventilation ot hives, 37 Ventilators, new arrangement of, 10 Verbena— culiings, 224, 540; Lord Leigh, 343 Verbenas, 71 ; wintered in a bed, 15; new, 43 ; list of, 449 ; thrips, on, 480; new, 505 ; propagating, &c., 561 Verdier's Roses at Paris, 373 Veronicas, culture of, 726 Vertigo in fo\vlp, 20 Viburnum eu&pensum, 712 Victoria, products of, 452 Vieuf^peusia villosa, 488 Villa Panfili Doria, 199 Vincii minor, double, 7 Vine— injured by fire, 43 ; eaten b\ mice, 45 ; the Tcddo, 51 ; leave'f^ curling, 55; leaves diseased, 70; from Elysian Fields, 272; leaves spotted, S3, 343 ; planting inside, 45S ; gteni>:, air-roots on, 568 ; rc- pottinp, 580 • borders, keeping warm, 61G ; shoot, cutting a long, 685 ; borders, dressing, 705 ; border?, slating, 741 ; roots, brmginirtothfi surface,719 ; stems, scrubbing, 727 ; border, 770 Vinery— borders, 127; cle;ining, &e., 597; plants for a cold, 663; Kev. Mr. Bushby's, 673 ; early, not produc:ive, "05; manngement, 7CS Vines— in pots, watering and etop- ping.4; forcing, 5, 429; in hot damp air. 15; watering during stoning, 35; classing in vineries, 64 ; crop permissible, 65 ; and Peaches in same house, 66 ; sj'ringing, 67 ; injured by fire, 90 ; I'caring and not bearing in the same vinery, 106 ; breaking at t"p only, 108 ; vigorous, 127 ; I'lanting late in vinery, 146; graft- ing, 155 ; air-rootB on stems, 156 ; in a corridor entrance, 2C0; and Vine-borders, 216; air-roots on, 220; in corridor. 220; luxuriant but unfruitful, 241 ; leaves spot- ted, 241 ; summer pruning, i'54 ; leaves rcujih beneath, 262 ; iu pots, 292, 402; aiiangenient in linuj^e, 293 ; in South Australia, 2!'5; leaves broWK, 302; swcet- picnted, 302; very vigorous, 302; (J (1 unfruitful, 303; on trellises, 312 ; bearing at lop only, 343 ; reglected, tjcatment, 363; plant- ing, 480: in a greenhouse, 540; treatment of old, t9H; over- cropped, 598 ; resting while main- taining stove heat, 612 ; removing young, 638; for forty-feet house, 617 ; grafting, 651 ; close prnn- ine, 659 ; in pota, bottom heat lor. 672; in a phmt-stove. 673; in pots in pinery, 693 ; unproductive, 096; on back wall of viTtery. 705; newly planted, 705; for vinery, 705 ; management and budding, 720 ; in pots, 727, 746; over-luxu- riant, 789 Viola— pyrolscfolia, 595, 664 ; penn- sylvanicaand pyro'.aelolia, 704 Violets, Russian and other, 35 Vraicing in Guernsey, 449 ■\Vait2ia tenklla, 553 Wakefield Poultry Show, 461, 563 "Walks, management of, 747 ; their kinds and construction, 763 "Wall trees, protecting, 581 Walls, constructing and healing, 256; pointing old stone, 580; plants for north and south. 712 "NX^altonian Case, described, 1 ; tem- perature, 90 Warrington and Wardian Case, 594 Wasps, queen, 2C'8 ; desiioying, 478 Water Cresses, cultivating, 70 Watering, notes about, 233 ; plants in a sunk frame, 672 ; in winter, 768 Watsonia fulgida culture, 334; IVIe- riana. 4S8 Wax-moihs, 265 Weather, the, 31, 52 ; vicissitudes, 69 ; near London, 6o8 " ^Vc■;•ther Book. I'he," 789 Weids destroying, 560 Week, work for, 13, 33, 53, 69, 88, 106, 125, 144, 164. 181. 2(i0, 222, 239, 260, 279, 301, 320. 360, 380, 401, 418, 438, 450. 478, 496, 5l7, 538, 560, 578, 596, 616. G37, 661, 683, 703, 7i?3, 746, 767, 794 ; doings of last, 14. 33, 53. 69. 88, Uu. l-:6, 145, 165, 182, 201, 222, 239. 2(iO, 279, 301, 320, 342, 301, 3bO, 401, 419, 438, 456, 478, 497, 517, 539, 560, 578, .',97, GIC, G37, 662, C83, 704, 724. 746. 768 Weigela rosea, propagating, 202 Wellingtonia seeds, 519 M'ellinglonias dnng young. 3(2 West Hiding S'aluraliels' Society, 496 Wilrt flowers, some of our rare, 331 Weymouth Pine, 726 Wheeler, Mr., testimonial to, 700 Wild fowl, confined, 36, 72 " Wild Flowers, Rambles in Search of," 722 Williams's Nursery, 99 Window-gardening, 389; in Ireland, 434; town, 471 Wine-making. 443 Wines of South Australia, 295 Winter, Cherry sowing. 71 ; greens, 1-6 ; Violet Grass, 697 ; covering, 759 Wintering plants in a frame, 331 ; greenhouse for, 673 Wire-fence strainer, 157 Wire fencing, 71 Wistaria sinensis floweiless, 534 Wood, formation of, 343 ; pigeons destroy Pilewort. 227 Woodbridge Poultiy Show, 262 Wuudlice, 795 ; in Cucumber-beds, &c., 240 ; on peach walls. 480 Woodstock Poultry Show, 52i Wood's ^ursery, Maresfield, 567 W ool refuse, 59 \Vorki:ig man, what he can do, 791 ^\■ormp, expelling, 35; in pot soil, 55; destroying by Gishurst Com- pound, 68; iime water, 70; in lawn, 541 M ortley and Armley Poultry Show, 564 Xanthoxtlon alatvm, 712 Y AMP AH, 84 Yates' Nursery, 218 Yew-hedge, renovating, 90 ; mak- ing, 671 York Poultry Show, 730 Yucca recur va, knobs on, 198 Zinc labkls, ink for, 26, 76; oxi- dising, 241 Xinc boxes for verandah plants, 519 Zoological garden, Hood's verses on, 241 COLOURED PLANS. Flowee Gaeden at Linton Paek PAGF, 227 Flo^itek Gakden at Cliveden rAOE .. 33G WOODCUTS. TAGE Abies microsperma 8i Aphelexis spectubilis grandiflora 765 Alnieide:i rubra 555 Aloe picta 574 Aquarium, Warrington 236 Araucaria Cookii 237 Azalea Model 415 Bee Bottle-feeder 37 Eejaria coarctata 27; Berberis aurahuaceusis 25G „ Wallichiana 693 Bijou Plant Ca>e 123 Border Formation TrU Brranthu:; erectus 277 Bucket, Self-tilting 7S6 Callianassa subternmea 375 Callistemon brachyandrum 535 Calochortus pallidus 515 Campanula Vidalii 615 Cantua busifolia 657 Carnation and Picotee Models 48 Cissus discolor 11 Clerodendron fallax. 514 Clipped Tree?, decorative 454 Comb Foundation!', Nachtmann's 798 Combe, atlacbing 149 ,, artificial 754 Conservatories 316,317 Cranston's Gla»s Houses 6 Creve Ca-ur Fowl 206 Cuphea cinnabar ina 377 ,, verticillata C56 Cycas revoluta 297 Cyclamen leaves 40 Drawing-room Flower-baskets 153 Dictyantbus campanulatus 414 Dutch Garden and Greenhouse 276 East Sutton Place Flower-bed 393 Epg, sex in 205 Epidendrum replicatum 43^ ,, funiferura 535 Eriostenion intermedium 742 Fish. Pond 122 PAGE Fitz-Roya patagonica 237 Fleche Fo-wl 244, 264 Flower- border, Chain 699 Fork for digging 391 Fuchsia venusta 474 Furnace for Greenhouse 630 Gapes, "Worm causing 363 GauUheria bracteata 736 Geometrical Flower Garden 85, 276 Ham Wood Flower-beds 252 Ilem^tead Park Flower Garden 627 Hives— Woodbury 73, 584 „ Upwards and Onwnrdb* 602 , Pettit's 687 „ Nielson's 683 „ JIachine for Making 797 „ Oettl's 79S HoudanFowl 186 Hypocyrta gi-acilis 277 Ilex cornuta 179 Jsora laxiflora 66 ,, Griffithi and javanica 575 ,, salicifolia 698 Junipevus escelsa 743 Lisianthus Russellianus 475 Metrosideros tomentosum 721 Mule Trap 257 Monarda amplexicaulis 787 Moussonia elegans 377 Nlven's Glass Houses 102 Nutley Terrace 119 Xuttaliia ceraeiformis 515 Ophelia corymbosa 337 Orchard-house Roof 610 Oxalis elegans 198 Peach Training 676 Pear, Conseiller de la Cour 635 Pentaraphid cubensis 337 l^entstcmon cordifoliiis 250 Plant Case, Warrington 534 Pleione lagenaria 217 Plerom.i elegans ,.^ 653 Potentilla ochrcaia 555 PAGE Pruninj? Forest Trees ;. 554 Quercus sclerophylla 179 Raspberry Training 392 Rockery Tank 141 Kngiera aracena G5G Roof^, Anglesof 781 Roie-Budding 376 „ Trellis 7S2 Saddle of Rushes 412 Salvia gesncrieflora 634 Saxe-Gothsea conspicua 237 Shelter Wall-fixer 44 Silene Schafta 534 SiphocampylosOrbignyanus 474 Staircase and Pelargoniums 29 Stylidium saxifragoidesandmucronifaliuni 296 Sundial 495 Syuiplocos japonica 179 Tabernseniontana longiftora 67 Tank for Water Plants 103 Terraces and Pelargoniums 49 ,, Rustic IGO „ Villa Panfili Doria 199 „ in the 15th century 356 „ at Heidelberg 357 „ Casino Sachetti 404 Tether for Cows 644 Thibaudia macrantha 217 Trdpseolum Smithii 721 Tulip Model 140 Vallikili Fowl 522 Vanda sua via 614 Vases for Flowers 396, 397 Ventilators 10 Vine Border 216 „ Trellis 313 „ Budding 720 Vines resting 612 Viola pyrolajfolia 595 Wall, Flue-heated 257 Waltonian Case 2 Water Reservoir in Greenhouse 693 Yate's Nursery 219 April 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICUI/nJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. X Day of M'nth Day of Week. APRIL 1—7, 16G2. Weather near London in 1861. Sun Kises. Sun Sets. Moon Rises 1 Moor's and Sets Age. Clock before Sun. Day of Year. Barometer. Thermom. Wind. Rain in Inches. 1 2 3 4 5 (i 7 Tn W Th F S SUH M Acacia conferta. Acacia Dillwynirrfolia. Acacia juniperina. Anthocercis viscosa. Aotus incana. 5 SnuDAT IN Lent. Prince Leopold boen, 1853. 29.712-29.641 29.661-29.652 29.709-29.602 29.767-20.709 29.919-29.773 30.122-30.083 30.216-30.174 deg. deg. 50-37 :>3-35 55-35 67-30 53-24 51-37 63-25 N.E. S.W. w. w. N. E. r.. ■36 •37 .04 m. h. 3Saf5 36 5 33 5 31 5 29 .5 27 5 24 5 m. h. 30 nf 6 32 6 34 0 35 6 37 6 39 fi 40 6 m. >.. 25 a 9 2 30 10 3 31 11 4 mom. 5 25 0 6 10 1 7 48 1 '.) m. 8. 3 68 3 40 3 22 3 4 2 47 2 29 2 12 11 92 P3 94 95 96 97 METEOKOI.OOT OF THE WEEK.— At Chiflwict, from observations during: the last thirty-flve years, the average highest and lowest temperaturcB of these (lavs are 66.4= and 36.0° respectively. The greatest heat, 79'', ocouvred on the 7th in 1859 ; and the lowest cold. If.', on the 1st in 1838. Dviring'the period 138 days were fine, and on 107 rain fell. THE WALTONIAN CASE. 'HEN Paganini got his fiddle smashed in a storm, a friend sympathised with liis case, and the Signer instantly made known that he did not care a fig for the case, if the fiddle in it had. not been broken. Here, on the other hand, after many storms and tempests, together with temp- tations to get bread and cheese, fame and fortune, out of the Case, the Case itself is now more safe and sound tlian it ever has been ; and I am enabled, from a more thorough conviction of the fact, to repeat that " I never saw a better contrivance for amateurs to strike cuttings and raise seedlings with than this, and that there is not a better mode in existence, as far as I am aware of," and not likely to be, for just yet awhile. But the fiddle !" The fiddle in that Case is the grand secret, and we shall never get over that fiddle, depend upon it, as long as the inventor of it and the manu- facturer of the invention choose to whistle the tune as they have hitherto done, or play it out for the use of all parties, and for the benefit of the manufacturer thereof, who had risked a large sum on it in the first instance. Mr. Bennett, the clock manufacturer of London, sends me regiilarly drawings of all his best new "cases" for his clocks and watches ; for which, of course, I am very much obliged to him, as I can now tell to a minute if any watch I see is, or is not, in the fashion. But I cannot make a watch from all the drawings, nor can T get a single individual who can make a watch for me from the drawings cheaper than Mr. Bennett himself, so I go to him because I cannot help myself to a cheaper article. And the Waltonian Case is exactly and entirely such another case in point. No man can hit the thing from all the underhand and overhand drawings of it that have yet appeared, and yet there are four people in the secret, and I am one of them, and the most conscientieus advice I can give, is to warn my readers against the expense, pain, and danger of attempting to fiddle out this fancy by the best player in their town or parish. A friend of The Cottage Gardener spent £15 hard cash, amongst the best artists in New York, with the best drawings from London before them, and ihey were all just as wise as when they first attempted it. Lots of dowers in white- smith's ways in this country have just as signally failed as the New Yorkers, and if you knew what I do, you would not wonder at it. In all sincerity, therefore, my advice is as I have just given it. There is no one now in Surbiton, or within my reach, who has any interest in the run of the Waltonian. But about three years since, when Mr. West, the manufac- turer of it, was about leaving Surbiton, I made it a point with him, that if ever he made any alteration or improve- ment in it, that he should acquaint me of it before any one else, on account of my being the godfather of it, and was bound to see it kept from such people as I did not No. 53. — Vol.. III., New Sebies. altogether approve of. He said he wouhl, but I have not had a scrape of his bow since, and, therefore, con- clude the Case is just as it was when he left us. That enables me now to bring down the history of the progress of the invention to the end of March, I,S(i2, and you may dismiss every other move and turn referring to this Case from your niiud, and accept the present contribution as the very best on the subject, till you meet with a better one, to paraphrase a Eoman motto at the end of one of my school books. It is entered on the record that the boundary line between The Cottage Gardener's straightforward course in this invention, and the course that was not so, in the condvict of a few, ran in a south-east direction to the Gulf of Pudibundus, "Vol. XV., page 38G, where t Case and the fiddle, the tune and the way to play it, are set forth in brief. From that day to this the invention had been steadily extending on all sides, and the know- ledge of working it seems to have spread at the same rate, so that all that our own correspondent sees fit to com- municate anent it, is simply that oil or gas, lamp or flexible tube from a gas-pipe, will do the heating equally well, if you know how to do it, and he argues that the know-how-to-do a thing can no more be taught in black and white, than how to make a boot or a stirrup, and that all that must be learnt by practice, and by pluck to stick to it till the boot is actually in the stirruji, and the man or woman is ripe for rough or smooth ground, or for Eotten Eow in Hyde Park. About ten years since Mr. Walton began the Case simply by putting hot water in a close tin case, and the tin case inside a wooden box with a glass cover — exactly like that for which Miss Maling has taken out a patent ; but finding the plan too troublesome, and not of sufficient power to raise seedlings and cuttings, which he chiefly wanted, he set about contriving artifioial«icans of getting more heat and less bother, and in his first communication in these pages, Vol. XV., page 130, he says " the boiler (tin case) is surrounded by a false cover of tin, which I found necessary to create a draught for the lamp. The false cover has a chimney which runs through the frame and out at the back, to carry ofl^the smoke, if any, but there ought to be very little. The lights are divided into three, and are merely fixed in zinc frames, not wood, and let into the top, to lift on or off", or tilt. This is better and cheaper than glass in a wood-frame, as the water (why I cannot tell) does not drop inside, but rests on the outside [of the zinc frame] and may be tilted off". The lamp was made by Smithurst, of Bond Street, but it is quite plain [brass] and circular, holding more than half a pint of colza oil. It must be well trimmed, so as not io smoke, and then will burn eight hours — that is, without any more trimming, but now it is only trimmed twice in the four and twenty hours, and the expense in oil is a fraction over '2d. for the day and night." Mr. Walton continues, "a tin lamp will do just ag well. The smoke does not get at the plants, but would collect at the bottom of the Case and fall on the lamp. The lamp is 3 inches high and 4 inches across No. 705.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Seeibs. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ April 1, 1862. If the lamp should go out, and the water lecome quite cold, draiv qff^ some, and add hot water, otherwise the lamp will not hum." The italics are mine to caution people how to talvo out patents for what has been done before them, as Mr. Walton, who is a first-rate lawyer himself, and is well acquainted with all our Judges, and tlieir wajs, told me last week that any patent for keeping hot water in a closed case under plants in pots, as he had them, and for renewing the heat to make tlie lamp go, or to keep the water to a certain heat was not worth one night's purchase. I was sorry to hear that on account of Miss Maling's patent, for I was very much taken with her writings ; but my duty will not allow me to plant a Manetti stock, or to sorrow for those who bud them, but to caution my readers when I can only see breakers ahead. The only impioTement in the working of the Waltonian since I last wrote about it is at this very point, and it is due to the practical liead of Mr. Walton's gardener, who is one of the best plant-growers I know about Surbiton, and perhaps the most suc- cessful manager of tlie Waltonian Case in the three kingdoms. The meaning of t!ie lamp refusing to burn, if all the water in the Case was quite cold, is well known to gardeners who have the old flue system in use. Cold air is diflleult to dislodge out of a flue, or at all events some flues, and the little draught tliat is necessary for the lamp is not sullloient to dislodge the cold air round the tin case ; therefore, the tin case had to be filled each time with as much hot water as heated the said cold air, and then it escaped and the lamp went as it should. Now, the improvement alluded to consists of this, the " chimney which runs through the frame and out at ths back " as above is a tin tube, and is moveable ; then, when the lamp limps at cold air before it, take the "chimney" off and hold the bottom of it over the lamp a little while, and the tube is soon so hot that no air can settle in it. Put it quickly on the end of the flue or coil ; and, of course, the cold air around the tin case must go on to fill the hot "chimney," and so the draught is made perfect witliout the bother of lilUng-in the case with hot water as in the patented process. Mr. Walton's gardener is now so tho- roughly couvinced of the handiness of this contrivance for raising seedlings and root- ing cuttings, that he would not think of making up a dung-bed for the purpose ; and, after providing stuff suflieient for one of the largest gardens in Surbiton, I found the Case half full of seed-pots from Barr and Sugden to prove them for their custo- mers, all coming up nicely, and they seldom lose a cutting or a seedling out of a thousand. The same Case is in use from the beginning, the same lamp con- stantly under it, and all the difference I could see was owing to this extraordinarily sunless weather, through which they kept the inside of the Waltonian much drier than would be necessary if the sun had not hid his face from us here (about London) for the last six or seven weeks. I never saw more healthy young stock than these, and the greenhouse is quite a blaze with Azaleas, Coronillas, Cytisus, Cinerarias, Hyacinths, Tulips, Cyclamens, and other spring flowers. Their Golden Chains are certainly the best I ever saw, and the next best I recollect to have seen were in the garden of Sir Joseph Paxton. The Tropa;olum elegans, a good test plant, good as a feather in the air to see how the wind goes, they kept over the winter in the cutting-pots, and only potted them ofi" in February, without losing one of them, which is more than most can say. The cutting-pots of elegans stood over the winter on a front small shelf in the greenhouse, very near the glass, and all but quite dry the whole time ; the young stock are now on an end- of-the-house shelf, high up, and facing the south-west, looking as London-like as if they were in one of the splendid domes of the Exhibition building. There must be two very different kinds of the German Ivy plant, for Mr. Walton's gardener flowered the one which the Misses Walton brought homo from the Rhine, and it was in a head of small clear yellow flowers just like a head of Primula farinosa as he described it to me ; while the one which bloomed in 1859 at the Pine Apple Place Nursery was a light lilac Ipomfea. Mr. Taylor wrote to me from Shrubland Park to say it was not an Ipomsea, and Dr. Lindley said the same thing more than once, and it is only fair that I should give both facts, though one of them be against myself, even leather is not better than the plain truth. But I must return to the Waltonian. I do not take it that X Door for lamp. A Boiler. B Steam-chimney opening into middle of box througli zinc tray, c c c Zinc tray. D D D Outer -lover to boiler, through which tfie heat is conveyed from the lamp round the boiler, and tlie smolie out through e. F Lamp for heating boiler. i: Tap to draw off the wafer, and if the mouth of the tap be turned upwards, and a long-tubed fiuuiel used, the boiler might be filled by it. a few inches more or less in the length, or breadth, or height of the Case would signify much in practice ; but as this notice of it is to take in the cream of what has already appeared about it, I may as well give the exact dimensions, which are as follows : — The box for the tin case is 31 inches long, 17 inches wide, 13. inches deep in frout, and 18 inches deep at the back — all inside measure. Such a box will hold three rows of No. 48-pots, and six pots in a row. 'Wlien making a smaller or a larger box one ought to fix on how many of these two sizes of pots the box would hold conveniently without loss of space. An amateur should never use a pot larger than a 48-size for striking cuttings in, and that size is large enough for all liis seeds. But more often a No. 60-pot is even better for seeds and cuttings than a bigger one. As long as the sun would keep up the heat inside the Case above 70° there would be no need of the lamp burning, April 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. 3 and if the water got cold in the meantime, if the moveable " chimney " is heated over the lamp, the air or draught is ns safe as if the lamp had been burning the whole day. A Gas jet under the funnel-head. ] B Coil of zinc tube, 1 iuch in diameter, c Lid covered with sand. 1 D Pots of cuttings or seeds. E Vapour-tube. F Smuke or smell-tube. In very dry sunny weather the sand under the pots — say half an inch thick of sand — should be damped after breakfast, and let get dry before niglit, and in dull weatlier tlie sand to be constantly dry, and the temperature not higher than from 75" to S0° ; but in the sun it may rise to 90°, or above it with air on. In a dull season it would be better to lift out the pots to water theui instead of risking too much moisture inside from the drops or the spilling, which is not easily avoided. Like all things else in this world, one expense brings on another, and tlie Waltonian must have its own share. Tou must have a rough packing-case, with large loose squares of glass to cover it, or a polished one of exquisite make and finish, if you work drawing-room fashion. This second case you must call by its proper name, else be out of fashion entirely — tlie cold case, which is here equivalent to the cold pit in the framing-ground. In this cold case, all seed- pots and cutting-pots are to be removed for a few days to get more air to harden them a little before they are parted for single pots, or for four or six or so in a pot. This, no one can over- rate the advantage of — it is the marrow and the backbone of the wliole concern. The cold box need not be deeper than just to hold the sizes of pots which are used in the hot case, and so as to have the heads of the cuttings not touching the glass covers ; but it may be as deep as thought for all that if you put shelves in it to raise the seed-pots and some kinds of cuttings up near the glass. In that case when you potted the things off, the bottom of the deep box wonld be just the very place for tliem for two or tlirce days till tlie little things pricked up their e.nrs again, and were lit to be set on shelves in the greenhouse, or wherever one had the means of keejjing them till the frost was over. If I had been working a AValtonian in the drawing-room, or even up in the nursery, as " Flora " is just doing now, I should have my hot case and my cold case made as smart as the rest of the furniture, and I would keep them going there at full speed the whole year roimd. I knew all along that could be done ; but then I have kept that to myself, thinking it was better first to learn to creep before attempting to walk; but seeing, or, rather, hearing the age of going on all-fours was over, and that several attempts at going right ahead across the whole breadth of the carpet without a hitch or a hop have been accomplished, I would have an attempt at it too. Then the Waltonian Case shall be my stove for Ferns and foreigners of that ilk, and the cold case would be my conserva- tory, and the conservatory would be a little higher in the room than the stove case ; and I would have another moveable tube to let pass some few degrees of extra heat from the roof of my stove into the bottom of the conservatory in very hard weather. And if anything was ever better done in this world, than all that •would be, exactly as I put it, why I would try and see it, and find out the difference, although I cannot see at the moment how anything could exceed my own notion. Indeed, to tell the truth, a very rough-ready notion of the kind has been in use under my roof for some years past, and I have found it a source of never-failing interest, and of some good luck to the bargain ; and I can see no more reason why a Waltonian should not be made an evergreen in the drawing-room than Tam o'Shanter should be "fou" on market-days from November to October. But there is another Waltonian-garden contrivance for the sheltering of fruit-tree blossoms, and for other moves in that direction, which I am perfectly siu-e will come into as luiiversal acceptance as a new evergreen yellow Moss Rose would be sure to do, if it were as certain as that I have no more room to say it to-day. D. Beaton. ME. .J. STANDISH'S, BAGSHOT AND ASCOT NUKSEEIES. TnEEE is an empire on the far confines of the eastern hemi- sphere, of which, in our school days, little but the name was known. The passing navigator, traversing those distant seas, might view from afar its snowcapped mountains clad with a luxuriant vegetation full of strange forms ; but woa to him if ho ventured on its shores — he never returned to tell the tale, and the world went on no wiser than before— a good, ensy-going world, that thought the perfection of travelling was comprised in the "Flying Comet" at ten miles an hour. It was a country that had never been penetrated by the traveller, the soldier, or the priest; a country from whose in- hospitable shores even ambassadors were driven away, or sacri- ficed to the genius of exclusiveness which repelled all jnterconria with European nations. Our phlegmatic but thoroughly com- mercial neighbours the Dutch, Iiad, it is true, by dint of much perseverance and many humiliations, obtained a footing — a few square feet of ground, with liberty to freight two ships a-year with the products of the country. But they were treated like prisoners, and never allowed lo pass beyond their allotted bounds, so that their residence added little to our knowledge of the country. This empire, it will already have been conjectured, is Japan. A new order of things has now been inaugurated, not without severe struggles, and the ports have been at length opened to commerce. Seizing the opportunity, Mr. Fortune, whoso inde- fatigable exertions in China .are everywhere known, hastened to explore this virgin and fertile field ; and penetrating in search of objects of horticultural interest where European foot had never trod before, he has gathered a rich harvest whicli he has committed to the able hands of Mr. Standish, of Bagshot. To some gleanings from this we now seek to call attention. There is a plant — familiar even to those least versed in plant learning, which is to bo seen in the smoky squares in London, or breathing the clear air of the country ; dingy it may be in the first case, and showing a fresh morning face in the other ; which is to be found in every garden, and which succeeds well in all, alike resisting cold and heat, wet and dryness. This is the Aucuba joponica, or rather a variegated variety of that plant, for that which has been so long known under this name is merely one of many such varieties only now brought to light. The true Aucuba japonica is not variegated, but has beautiful shining green leaves which, when young, are of the brightest colour ; and when the female plants are impregnated, it will possess an additional charm in being covered with its large red berries. It may safely be predicted of this new introduction, that in a few years it will be planted in every shrubbery, where it will bo quite as valuable as the common Laurel, and, like it, will form admirable hedges. For planting near London and other large towns it will prove invaluable, for the leaves wiU not look dirty so soon as those of the blotched-leaved sort. Such a shrub as this is alone an ample recompense for Mr. Fortune's journey, being, as it undoubtedly is, one of the greatest acquisitions among hardy shrubs that has been made in our time. The male Aucuba, which is also in Mr. Standish's possession is, as far ns its general appearance is concerned, but little, if at all diflercnt from the female. Its great value lies in its producing long catkins of flowers, somewhat hke those of Garrya elliptica, by means of which the female plants may be fertilised and enabled to produce their beautiful berries. It is very scarce even in Japan, where it is only propagated for this purpose ; but in a few years, when it shall have become sufficiently dis- seminated, there is no reason why every female plant in tlie country should not be covered with fruit. But'besides these two important acquisitions, Mr. Standish has several remarkable varieties of the same plant ; one of which, called the true Aucuba japonica variegatn, has dark green foliage, with curiously branched yellow marks, painted, as it were, in the centre of eaoh leaf. Another, the toothed-leaved Aucuba, lias a larger leaf, with a golden blotch painted in the 4, JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ April 1, 18G2. centre of each leaf, and oi;ciipyiiig about one-half of the entii'e surface. Tliere is also a sort with a long, narrow leaf, with some varie- gution upon it ; and a variety with large leaves, edged with v/liite, whicli is stated by Mr. Fortune, wlio brought it liome himsell, to be a magni6cent plant ; but of course it is not as yet in a condition to allow of an opinion being formed as to wlittt its ultimate appearance will be ; that it has a white edge however, is certain. The variegated Holly has been justly considered one of the best of our hardy variegated shrubs, but it is very difficult to grow in many soils ; for such, therefore, a plant that would grow freely anywhere and still preserve the general aspect of the ITolly would prove extremely useful. This want, it is expected, will be supplied by the new Osmanthuses from Japan, which have all the appearance of a Holly, and are said to grow as freely as the Privet. There are, in the first place, the green-leaved species, Osman- thus iliciiulius, which a casual observer might easily mistake for a Hoily, and its duart variety. Then there is the Osmanthus ilicifolius variegatus, like a variegated Holly, but having leaves of a brighter green with white variegations. This kind attains the height of 20 feet or 30 feet, and is altogether very effective. Osmanthus ilicifolius variegatus nanus is a dwarf variety, with foliage like that of the preceding, and closely resembling a uiinia- turc Holly. It is likely to prove a most useful substitute for the Holly, and to make capital edgings. The gold-variegated Osmanthus is another beautiful dwarf plant, the foliage being very dark green with golden yellow variegations. Osmanthus diversifoliusis a plant more curious than beautiful, tlie leaves being of all shapes with whitish variegations. It is very dwarf. A dwarf and very shrubby Ligustrum or Privet, with oval leaves as thick as those of a Holly, and of a shining green, is a really important addition to our stock of dwarf shrubs, and in the hands of the skilful gardener it is likely to prove of great value in flower-garden decoration. There was likewise a variegated Privet, probably a variety of the preceding, having the foliage beautifully variegated with bright golden yellow, some of the leaves being entu-ely of that colour. The whole appearance of the plant is very hand- some. Buxus obcordata, and its variety Buxus obcordafa variegata, are two handsome species of Box with very short obcordate leaves, those of tlie latter being variegated with yellow. Both are likely to be very useful for edgings, &c. A species of lUicium with oblong greyish-green leaves had these variegated with rose colour when young ; but those of greater age were painted with white. This will, probably, reach the height of 4 feet or o feet, and will form a pretty object in spring. Of Skimmias there were three new sorts — a new species, un- named, with larger and thicker leaves than the old kind. The fruit is also larger, depressed, globular, and of the same orna- mental character as that of the one previously introduced. There were, besides, a new kind remarkable for its free habit of growth and which quickly forms a large bush, and a variegated form of this with dark green and white leaves. Of Euonymus there are several kinds. One with larger and thicker leaves than japonica, of a bright glossy green with golden variegations, is said to be a very free grower. Another has pale green leaves much covered with white at the edges, and viewed from a distance it appears quite white. Lastly, we have a climb- ing species with ovate leaves variegated with yellow, and being of rapid growth it will, should it prove perfectly hardy, supply a great desideratum in the shape of a variegated climber for out-door decoration. Another handsome novelty is a Ccrasus-looking evergreen, with long lanceolate leaves, calhng to mind those of a Bird- Cherry; but green strongly edged with white, some of them being quite white. This will evidently become a tall tree, when it would form a beautiful object on a lawn. Eurya latifolia variegata is another valuable shrub coming from Yeddo, and which will, in all probability, prove quite hardy. The foliage is broad and Camellia-like, beautifully margined and blotched with white, stained here and there with reddish-orange, and has a patch of green as if painted in the centre of each leaf. The young leaves, however, are entirely rose-coloured. Mr. Standish thinks the plant will grow as large as a Portugal Laurel ; if so, it will have a splendid appearance when its young leaves are peeping forth from among the older white foliage. There is also a pretty shi-ub, which may for the present be distinguished as the small-leaved variegated Eurya, with long, narrow, deep green leaves, more or less broadly edged with white, some of them being altogether white. We also noticed an Eurya-hke shrub with curiously shaped leaves, no two of which were exactly alike. Many of them had the appearance of an oblong-oval, with a piece bitten oufof the side. The older ones were much variegated with white, and the young ones being pink, it will be readily conceived that the whole aspect of the plant was very interesting. Ilex Fortuni, a new evergreen, is another invaluable addition to our collection of hardy shrubs ; it is thickly set with smaD, glossy, dark green leaves, which shine like varnish, is of rapiti growth, and stands clipping into any desired shape. It is, there- lore, admu'ably adapted for hedges ; those which are formed of it in Japan are, we are told, so close that one may walk on the top — and, of course, the sharp spines on the leaves render such a fence totally impenetrable to the boldest would-be intruder. Now that geometrical gardens are coming so much into fashion the want of a good hedge plant, more lively in appearance than the Yew and more rapid in growth than the Box, is much felt, and this want the new species is expected to supply. A new Pittosporum-like plant, with glossy oval leaves, was likewise pointed out to us ; its foliage was handsome and of great substance, but of its ultimate appearance and the character of the flowers, no opinion can as yet be formed. The same may be said of a new Berberis with dark green leaves, smaller than those of the Chinese kind ; it is a free grower, and will probably reach the height of G feet or 8 feet. In the above rapid sketch we have far from exhausted the rare and valuable plants which are contained in Mr. Standish's ex- tensive grounds. There remain the magnificent Umbrella Pine, the lletinosporas, and other Coniferae, with many more of other families, to the notice of which we purpose devoting a second article. (To be continued.) USES OF THE MISTLETOE. I HAVE been where it is gi'own to a great extent, and bundles have been cut out of the Apple trees and thrown away because it was killing tlie trees. Now, I know that it sells generally very well about Christmas, for that season's decoration, but some may not know that the leaves are used to make tea of for people that are troubled with fits. — W. H. [Gerarde says, that if the juice of the berries and leaves be applied outwardly, it mollifies old idcers, and mixed with orpiment " taketh away foul, ill-favoured nails," and that ** a few of the berries bruised and strained iuto oil, and drunken, hath presently and forthwith rid a grisvous and sore stitch." Dr. Hogg in his "Vegetable Kingdom," observes — "The fresh bark and leaves liave a peculiar disagreeable odour, and a nau- seous, sweetiali, slightly bitter taste. The leaves and wood were at one time highly esteemed as a remedy in epilepsy, palsy, and oth'-r nervous diseases. Birdlime is prepared from the berries and bark boiled iu water and then beaten in a mortar."] WATERING AND STOPPING VINES IN POTS. I AM growing some Black Hambm'gh Vines in pots ; they are just in the berries, and looking well, as far as I can judge. Will you give me some information as to their treatment — whether they will require any water, what quantity, and what sort it should be ? I have stopped each shoot close to the bunch, is that right ? — A SuBsCRiBEK foe Makt Yeabs. [You ought to have left one if not two joints beyond each bunch ; but as you have stopped each shoot down to the bunch, you had better encourage the laterals from that bud to grow a little to keep up brisk root-action. The plants will need water- ing, especially before the bunches are well swelled and getting ripe, when less will be required. No one can tell you what quantity to give or how often — that must depend entirely on circumstances. In cloudy damp weather once in seven or ten days might do. In bright weather in April and May the Vines might need watering once a-day, and sometimes oftener. Weak April 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. manure water will be best, and the sovfs are all good if used discreetly — perhaps tlie superpliosphatc of lime is the safest and best. Of course, if your pots are plunged, less water will be wanted than if standing on a stage or shelf.] FOECING VINES IN POTS. T HAVE two dozen Vines in pots from eyes last year. I cut thorn back in the autumn, and started tliem in January in a teniperntui-e of GO', raised to 70° at the end of January, and kept to that lieat, with a rise of 5° to 10° with sun heat, and G5° at night. I started them earlier than I wished, because I hare to grow Cucumbers in tlio same liouse. The \'ine3 are fi feet long, and I wish to fruit them next year. I find they do not grow much, and lately they are turning brown. Will you please inform me liow to act with tliem ? Ilave I given them too much heat?— T. II. J. [You should have started the Vines more gradually, beginning with from 45° to 50° ; but we do not tliink there is any harm done. It is too soon to stop growth. If 6 feet is long enough nip t)ie point out of tlie shoots, and when it pushes let it grow several joints, and nip again ; and so on. Do the same with the laterals at eacli joint. If there are none or few now, the stopping of tlie shoot will cause them to come. Give plenty of air and mninire water in such Iieat, and by the end of July you may begin to tln'n out and cut back laterals ; then in the beginning of August get your plants for a month against a south wall or fence, and after that rest them where you like beliind a wall until you want to force. The wood, we presume, will be ripe enough. If getting brown now, we tliink you must have neglected watering, S:o. The tuber pressed quite flat we deem to be Tropseolum tuber- osum. If you want to bloom it, give it plenty of top room, and keep the roots in a pot.] CEOCUS IMPEEATI OE IMPEEATONIUS. Will you inform me where I may procure roots of Crocus Impcrator ? The Crocus referred to is a bright purple inside, lighter outside, and shaded into yellow. I found it growing in old mossy walls and rocky banks, in full flower early in January, 1859, in the Valley of Ravillo, AmalG, and in one or two other places in the South of Italy ; but few of the bulbs I brought home lived, and they have not increased, though two of them flowered in a cold frame this winter the last week in December. Both the beauty of the llowers and the season of floweriug render them most desirable plants, and I am anxious to obtain enough to be of some tise, but cannot find a niu-seryman who sells them. — Jaj.'E. [What you mean is Crocus Imjjerati, or Im)jeratoniu3 (Im- perato's Ciocus), which, also, you may find under one cf its other names C. incurvus, and C. rccurvus. We do not know where it is to be obtained, but some of our readers may be able to tell you. There is a drawing of it in the " Botanical llegister," 1993, with this note :— "For tlie specimens of this charming plant I am indebted to the Hon. W. F. Strangways, who has furnished me with the following note upon it : — " Crocus Imperati, so named by Professor Tenore, after an old Italian Botanist, Imperato, is, perhaps, the most beautiful of the genus. It varies greatly in tlie size of the flower, wliicli is sometimes very large, and rises from a double spatlie ; the bulb, which is covered with irregularly interwoven fibres, is compara- tively small. " Although it belongs properly to the set of vernal Crocuses, it seems to connect them witli the autumnal, beginning to flower in the middle of winter. It is fortunate that, flowering at such a season, it requires less sun to expand its blossoms than any otlier species. " It increases readily by seed, which ripens in Hay. The diffuse character of its leaves, which are of a dark green, and appear long before the flower, is one of its distinguishing marks : seen before the buds appear, they might be taken rather for the leaves of some autumnal species that had done flowering, than for those of a spring Crocus coming on. "The variety albiflorus is the most beautiful of the white Crocuses — it is rather more decidedly vernal than this, which is the common form of tlie species. "There has been much controversy between Italian botanists on the identity, as a species, of this and Crocus euaveoleus of Bertoloni, of which a short notice is given below. "The habitats of these Crocuses arc — C. Imperati, of this figure, in ]U'oliision all about CustcUamare, La Cava, and Salerno, and other parts to the eouth of Naples, in every hedge bank to the height of 200O feet or more above the sea. It is wonderful that so Hue a plant has not attracted more notice in such a frequented country. " C. Imp. albiflorus is rare, and found much higher uj.) the mountains. " C. suaveolens, 13e)l. Fl. I/al. is found in the pass called Le Gole d'ltri, near tlie town of that name ; and also in the Vallo d'Inferno, about two miles from Rome, behind St. Peter's. " C. suaveolens, liert. Fl. Hal. has the petals lanceolate, pointed; the spathe one-leaved ; the stigma filifin'm, pale orange or yellow. It is sweet-scented ; the leaves arc short, appearing with or little before the flower. The petals are seldom iim-ly veined as in Imperati ; it blossoms regularly later in the spring, February and March."] PEOGEESSIVE VAEIEGATION. I inOFGHT the enclosed leaf and a few words about it might interest you. It is a leaf of a cross between blower of the l->ay and Tom Thumb. I have had it three years, keepirig it with an expectation that it would turn to somctliing ; but it remains as fixed as any other variety. I crossed it last year, and it yielded just what 1 liked to have it — wliite or yellow variegation, or plain green, thereby producing a string of facts, to my ndnd conclusive, that variegation is perfected by degrees. But liow the first degree of it originates, or what is tiie cause of it, at present reniams the mystery. Perhaps you will say. Circumstances altercates, and the same results could not be produced in a diHcrcnt place. Well, having received much pleasure and profit from the labours of your pfn, I thought if I could yield you a mite in return I should have very great pleasure in doiug so. — William Smith, Yor/c. [ I he exan pies of variegated leaves alluded to by Mr. Smith are really very interesting, and I am much indebted to him lor sending them. Ihere was a collection cf the veiy same kinds of variegation, but of many more kinds, exhibited by Mr. iennox at a May Show at Cbiswiek just before the Russian war. None of the plants were in bloom ; but I think Mr. Lennox had a prize for lh''m. Mr. Smith's argument on progressive variations through successive generations, or, as lie says, "perfected by degrees,'' is well borne out by the samples lie scut. But then tile very contrary is just as common — that is to say, the most perfect variegation we know in Geraniums has been obtained at, once without going through progressive stages, — D. Beaton.] EDINBUEGH HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S HYACINTH AND SPRING FLOWER SHOW. The Edinburgh Horticultm'al Society have conducted thtir spring shows with much spirit, and they certainly have had their reward. Not only have the exhibitors increased in point of excellence year by year, but the public have eo:!ie forwar.l, in spite of the inclemency of the weather, in increasing numbers, until the magnificent Hall, apparently commodious enough in years bygone, is filled to overflowing, and not a few compelled to forego the pleasure of iuspiecting, in a manner satisfactory ts themselves, the several meritorious subjects placed upon tho tables. Owing to the peculiar airangeuicnt in tlie placing of the tables, there was such a rush and a crush in the labynnthian passages, which, to the lookei's-on in the gallery, was suggeitivo of a wading through the Hampton Court maze ; still, what with looking at any flowers they could see, and at one anotlur, and anon listening to the stirring strains of music so masterly dis- coursed all seemed well gratified. The Hyacinths were, unquestionably, finer than they have ever been exhibited in Edinburgh. Thrice has the champion of the southern growers (Mr. Cut bush) laudably crossed the Tweed and pitted himself against northern growers, and twice has only come off second best in the attempt. It certainly would have required an e.'itraordiuary effort to have eclipsed the superb collection o.'' Carttairs & .Sons, and James Dickson & Sous, on JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 1, 1862. this occasion. Tlie plants, as individuals, were beautifully grown, having fine dark green foliage, stilf and sturdy grand pyramidal heads, and the pips horizontal and well defined. Their dress and finish, in fact, were almost all that could be desired, and re- flect much credit u|jon the respective eshibitors wlio were placed first and second in the order they are named. The premier lot contained Von Schiller (the colours will be found in any nur- seryman's catalogue), Mr. Maeaulay (one of the most striking varieties in the hall), Count Cavonr (wiih a head of bloom 8J inches deep, of perfect symmetry). General Uavelock, Ca- vaignao. Grandeur ;\ Merveille, and double Lord Wellington. These were extra in whatever way the censors examined them. The others were Grand Lilas, Miss Nightingale, Alba Maxima, Clotilde, Seraphine, Charles Dickens, Maria, Prince Albert, Lina (a really chaste variety, but rather dehcate in corpulence). Alba 6uperbis=ima, and Mrs. Beecher Stowe. The second lot only difTered from the above, in having Mont Blane, Mimosa, rEtincillante, and Queen Victoria. Gardeners were also unusully well represented, Messrs. Walker sud Henderson, as usual, carrying olT the best prizes. The former gentleman liad very handsome spikes of Cavaignac, Poni- atowski, Madame Hodson, General Havelock, Grandeur a Mer- veille, and Von Schiller. The latter was singled out as the best Hyacinth in the room, either double or single, and Carstairs and Son carried off the premium for the best double Lord Welling- ton. Amateurs were also in strong force with pot Hyacmths ; the Secretary, Mr. Young, carrying off premiums for the best six. However, an amateur from Trinity, whose name we regret we did not learn, had six most wonderful examples growing in glasses, eclipsing by odds anything that was exhibited or ever has been exhibited in this way. They were, we learned, his first attempt, and this only shows the glorious uncertainty of backing the winner for another year. Their names were Alba superb- issima, Miss Nightingale, Baron Von Tuyll, Grand Lilas, Grandeur :\ Merveille, and Von Schiller. Passing from Hyacinths to Camellias, Mr. Stark showed a very creditable twelve — Caudidissima, Era Arnold di Bresica (red with white stripes), Ochroleuea, Henderaonii, Valteverado, Alba Plena, Archduchesse Marie, De la Eeine (fine smooth white, of good substance, and fine-formed petal, with faint carmine stripe), Saccoi Nova, Picturata (good bold crimson), Guiardino Fran- chetti, and Emilia Gampioni. The best blooms in the other lots differing from the above were Barnetii (large sliowy crimson). Duchess of Buccleucli, Erostii, and Jubilee. Rhododendrons were largely exhibited, but not caDing for any special remarks. The best were Prince Camile do Rohan, Bouquet de Fiore, Grand Arab, Altaclerense superba, Albcrtus superbus, and the finely perfumed Edgworthi. Azuleas were not exhibited in large numbers, but were veiy pood. Mr. Henderson showed a fine pair very nicely bloomed — Criterion and Iveryana. Heaths were extra fine, especially the premium pair Sindryana and Cavendishii,both full of bloom, and measuring 4 feet by 3 feet. The best Cinerarias were Dr. Livingstone, Brilliant, Midship- man, and the old Sir Charles Napier. Bouquets were briskly competed for, and upon the whole did not exhibit any marked degree of taste, with the exception of one that was disqualified, from Mr. T. H. Douglas, owing to non- conformity with some of the regulations. It was really a chaste, handsomely-got-up bouquet, each flower standing out individually in harmonious contrast with the other, and yet not too loose. Its chief features were Camellias half expanded. Azalea amo^na, the pretty Melanthera Heath, and a few fronds of Asplenium trichomanes interspersed. In hardy spring bulbs there were one or two interesting col- lections, comprising Scilla bifolia (blue and white), pra?cox, and the lovely sibirica, Muscari botryoides. Iris reticulata, Narcissus minor, Erythronium dens-canis, &c. Vegetables were very well represented, more especially in the collections of Messrs. Thomson, Dalkeith and Woodburn. The former gentleman had fine samples of French Beans, Asparagus, Mushrooms, Spinach, Onions, Leeks, &c. The several nursery firms had contributions, which added much to the general appearance of the Show ; but there was a particular selection of choice things sent from Dalkeith which deserves to be particularised as showing what is doing and what can be done among the rarer samjiles of Flora in the " heart of Mid Lothian." Banged on one of the centre tables were two or three specimen Acacias, two or three extra specimens of the horned Orange, one of the plants having twelve fruit upon it, and one of the samples measuring 12^ inches m circumference. Also the Bird's-nest Fern, Pilea mosehata, Coleus Verschaflfelti. and Alo- casia metallica, with nine leaves of nearly uniform size, one of them measuring 17 inches by 11 inches — a very grand example of this striking novelty. Among Orchids were Phaius grandiflorus, Zygopetalum criiiitum, and cut spikes of Vanda suavis (Rollis- son's var.), Xrichopilia suavis with five blooms, and one bloom of the interesting and lovely L^ropedium Lindeni with its long appendages. The Exhibition caused quite a sensation amongst the good folks of Edinburgh, and was the means of completely barring the trafllo in this direction. An extra award and the highest commendation of the Judges were unanimously voted to Sir. Methven for a species of Rho- dodendron from Bhotan named longifolia. This variety has a fine rounded petal in the way of Dalhousianum, French white, with a rich chocolate blotch at the base of each petal internally ; tube 2\ inches long ; foliage glaucous, silvery underneath, and fainter downy above. An extra award was also voted to Mr. Rose, of Floors Castle, for a nice example of retarded Lady Downe's Seedling Grape, which had been cut and preserved in the fruit-room for the last six weeks. Mr. Thomson, Dalkeith, was successful with a nice bunch of Lady Downe's, also retarded, and the footstalk so green that it might have been considered an example of his early-forced varie- ties which he told me were all cut. He also was successful with a Pine and a dish of Strawberries. Mr. Thomson, Woodburn, showed a mixed dish of Apples in good condition, containing, among others, Northern Greening and Yorkshire Greening. NEW BOOK. CHANSTON's'taTENT buildings foe nOETICXTLTrRE. Tins neatly got-up eighteenpeuny monograph, consisting of some forty pages of letterpress, and eight plates, some of them sliowing the outlines of several houses, ia sent out by Mr. Cranston, the eminent architect, of No. 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham, and should be studied by every gentleman intend- ing to build glass houses, and by all gardeners, and especially those who may have to manage such houses. Besides the beauty of the designs, formed in the most simple manner of wood and glass, the lovers of the novel may well be satisfied, as the mode of construction, so far as we are aware, is entirely new. The chief characteristic novelties are two — First, the forming of the roof, be it high or low, lean-to or span, the space enclosed wide or narrow, by means of horizontal longi- tudinal radial ribs, in other words, rafters placed lengthwise of the building, standing on edge, and som'e 3^ feet or more from each other, and connected by the more vertical rafters, or what gardeners would call sash-bars, the lower end fixed to the outer edge of the radial rib, and the higher end to the inner edge of the rib above it, as at A, so that the glass between each pair of radial ribs is formed into a plane of a different angle from the rest, instead of any one or two uniform slopes, and thus nearly all the advantages of a curvilinear roof are obtained, without the necessity of using bent or curved glass. (See accompanying lithograph.) The second great characteristic novelty is, that these radial ibs are pierced with holes from 2 inches to 3 inches long, aud April 1, 1862. ] JOUENAL OF HORXICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. half as much in width, for their -whole length, the holes heiiig somewhat vertical in the depth of the rib, but becoming some- what horizontal when it is fixed in its position — a matter of con- siderable importance. By these ribs, therofore, alike the support- ing and ventilating medium of the building, a regular and uniform amount of air is admitted to all parts, and the quantity can be easily regulated by caps and slides inside ; though, as all lines, pulleys, rods, cranks, &<;., are dispensed %vitb, we presume some other simple mode is adopted for opening and shutting the multitudinous holes. ^\'ilh a little contempt for cheap orchard-houses, &o., very excusable in an architect, Mr. Cranston, without giving us any estimate to enable us to form comparisons, deserves credit not only for producing a substantial elegant building, instead of one of a meagre makeshift appearance, but also for the great economy of its construction, ai-ising from its being put together with screws, and, therefore, easily reared and easily taken down, and fi-ora the entire absence of framed joiner's work — such as sashes, cither sliding or fixed, with all morticing and tenoning, and et'ber expensive workmanship, &c. The glazing for common purp.oses, where great heat is not required, is eil'ected without putty and without laps, each plane being glazed with squares of that length across, the top end going into a groove in the rib, and the sides into grooves in the rafter sash-bars, and the pane is prevented sliding downwards by a wooden nut fixed with a screw on the end of each of these rafters, which when turned longitudinally keeps each square in its place, and when turned the other way allows the squares to drop out. But for dust filling the grooves, and the screws rusting, there would, therefore, be little difficulty in moving a house, and the tenant question is met by putting nothing when desirable in the ground but stout posts, on which the base planks for the house are fastened by spikes or screws. Except for exotic tropical-houses, Mr. Cranston looks on stone or brick ends and sides for glass houses with abhorrence, and tells us in a burst of enthusiasm, that "A house almost entirely of glass, rising in a curvilinear shape out of a green lawn, with no hori- zontal patch of brickwork, no heavy timber, no flaps or shutters gaping outwards to form holes for rain and wind, is a building, the beauty of wliich must be seen to be understood, for mine at least is not the pencil adequately to pourtray it." Though not thoroughly agreeing in the implied censure, we can help sharing the enthusiasm of the author, merely on the principle that fitness for the object aimed at is ever in itself an element of the beautiful, though we are well aware that such light-looking structures would be considered by many much on a level with a huge hand-light that had little claims to artistic merit. Leaving, however, these and other matters glanced at, we think the twofold purpose of radial ribs is the great feature of this new system. For giving, to a great extent, the advantages of curvilinear roofs with straight glass, we question if for small houses it would be found superior in that respect to the mode adopted by Mr. Niven (see page 215), though for large wide houses we rather think it would ; but we possess no means of deciding. Without, therefore, troubling ourselves as to priority of invention, the great characteristic of this new system is ventilation by every radial rib used in the building. With every allowance for its merit and ingenuity, we think the on- slaughts on present systems might as well have been spared. We have extracts from Dr. Lindley, "The Book of the Garden," and Mr. Walker, showing that though provision is made for great' blasts of wind, and plenty of rain and snow, that yet under present systems there can be no thorough regularly diffused change of air on a scientific and natural principle. Anything of this nature just leads people to ask, Where is the house or the room so nicely ventilated for human habitation, with the walls pierced all round with parallel rows of holes ; and how has it come to pass that by such barbaric modes the British gardeners have produced fruit and flowers finer and richer than when gathered in their own natural homes ? It is one thing to have openings suiTicient to counteract strong sun- shine, and another thing the opening of them to their fuU extent in a storm. There are plenty of simpler modes, alike to keep out a gale of wind, and give air in wet weather without admit- ting the rain. Changing and freshening the atmosphere of a bouse is not quite the same thing as admitting air somewhat regularly from almost every part of its roof. We need not dwell on the fact that heated air will ascend, and that openings at the apex, and small ones too, alone will change the atmo- sphere, and set the whole of it in motion. Look at the simplicity of the modes adopted by such men as Jlr. Rivei-s and Mr Niven. Is it likely they would use them if they did not answer? "Good wine needs no bush" — a good system will always get feet to stand upon. Witli much to admire in this new system, I confess that I should be afraid that in many circumstances, if all the rib ventilators were ojien, the higher ones would be safe enough ; but the streams of air passing through the lower ones, would carry destructive, cold, freezing air along with them. Paradoxical though it seem, the larger the house, the greater the amount of atmosphere enclosed, the less care necessary to attend to the minutiie of ventilation. In span or circular houses like the one represented, the air-power may be bulUcient. In a lean-to of moderate size, we fear there would not be near enough, and the danger would be apt to occur that hajipened with curvilinear houses when first built. Take one side of the pretty Uthograph, and suppose an opaque wall runs up the middle ; and then for a sheet of glass of some U feet exposed to a bright sun, there would be only from G inches toJT inches of space for ventilation in all the holes combined. The plan with all holes open seems well fitted for large houses, as orchards, summer pavilions, and crystal palaces. It may be owing to ignorance or preconceived notions ; but were I using such houses for early forcing, I would be inclined to go on in the old jog-trot way untU learned better ; and that would be leaving a few holes in the upmost rib open all night, opening more in the morning, getting to the second rib as the suu gained power, and so on to the bottom, if we reached there at all, which would only bo in very fine days. Mind, I by no means presume that I should be doing the best ; Mr. Cranston may easily show it would be all wrong, and thus throw fresh lustre on a system which has so much to recommend it. I fear that these trifling objections are mere matters of fancy, or that Mr. Cranston will make them so by suitable adaptations ; and there is much in the mode worthy of aU approval. Little or no rain can be driven in, the air is so far sifted through the holes in the course of admission, it will rise somewhat against the inside of the glass before falling among the plants ; and, before entering the house at all, it will be somewhat heated by roIUng against the plane of glass immediately below the ventilators, and then, a grand idea to many — the air, when desirable, may be admitted pretty equally all over the house. We trust that the genius, thought, and consideration employed iu effecting a novel combination of the elegant and substantial, suitable alike for tenant and landlord, will meet with its due and legitimate en- couragement.— R. F. WILD FLOWEES OF GREAT BRITAIN. BEIifG a subscriber to your " Wild Flowers of Great Britain," I could wish to make a note or two upon the same. I much approve of it, and think the plants are beautifully represented as to correctness ; and would now add my notes. Tulipa si/lvestris. — I think the plate would have been more interesting if you had shown the long stout fibre from its root, at the extremity of which the young bulb appears. It was from the knowledge of this that I 'found it near Gloucester, having never seen it in blossom. Tinea minor. — I have a double var., colour blue, quite as free- flowering as the single var. A great pet with me. Ononis arcensis. — The beautiful white var. you do not men- tion. In my botanical rambles round Gloucester (since a boy), I have only found one specimen which still continues in the same place (seed from which I enclose you). Query, was not the same plant advertised in The Jouenal of Il0ETicxn;TUiiE as a new edging plant for gardens ? I have also found near Gloucester variety alba of Lathyrus nissolia, a beautifiU native plant ; but only in one spot. — G. S. WlKTLE, Gloucester. ORNAMENTING A BANK BENEATH A LAUREL-HEDGE. I HAVE a bank of Laurels iilanted to hide a very ugly wall on one side of the garden. I have had occasion to lower the lawn, leaving the Laurels 18 inches above : consequently, there is a bank of earth which, not having any support, is constantly- crumbling down. I am going to put in a row of small barrels 8 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 1, 1862. that have had oysters in them, painting them hark colour ; and I want a Fuchsia anrl chmber in alternate barrels. I shall have Lobelia gracilis to hang orer the outer side. The inner sides of the barrels will, of course, lean against the bank, and I want some rieh-coloured Fuchsias that will show against the Laurels. Will you advise me as to the best Fuchsias for the purpose ? I think I shall liave from twelve to sixteen barrels ; therefore, say six or eight Fuchsias. I should have Maurandyas, Tropico- lums, &C.1 trained to match the Fuchsias in height, or they might be allowed to run over the Laurels. What made me think of the plan was, that all things planted in front of the Laurels were starved from the roots taking the nourishment. — Ivate. [An original and effective idea. No wonder at the rapid rise of our flower gardens when all the ladies in the land bear us onward on the tide. This is the very best place in the world to prove how efl^ective the beet white Fuchsias are when they can be riglitly used in tlie i-ight place, the very front of deep green ever- greens, and rising from a lower level. Never was anything bettor contrived. But all the white Fuchsias ought to be us high at the top, above the bottom of the evergreens, and their roots are lower than the top of the slope— that is, they should be a yard high at the time of planting out. But that cannot be this season, as " E:.4te " is now only looking out for sorts, and red ones will not do there on account of the Tropa^olums being a muddle colour of red and orange. There is no addition since we gave the last account of white and red Fuchsias, save Minnie Banks, the very thing for such a bank as this. No more than two kinds of white Fuchsias ought to be u-sed in this design for fear that a contrast in the growth of sorts should spoil the harmony of the real contrast between orange, red, and the green background.] NEW PANCE.4.TIUM", Is Mr. Beaton not mistaken about this new Pancratium from MunnLn? I believe it is understood tliat Tancratiuiiis are natives of the old world only, and the Hymenoealli are all (torn the KTs'orn hrmisiilierc, but I am not so sure of Choretis of which he speaks. — Clekious. [Not so far wrong, perhaps, as it might seem on the face of it. I recollect when Mr. Cuinming introduced his Manilla plants, some three or four and twenty years back, that one or two or more of his kinds of bulbs were detected at first sight as natives of the hottest part on the face of the globe, according to Hum- bold— that is to say, natives of the Spanish Main on either side of Cumana, opposite Trinidad, whence they must have been taken to Manilla by some ship captain. The fact of a bulb being now found wild in a country, is not always a surety that it is a native of tliat country. The leaf of Mr. Veitch's plant is much more like that of a Hymenocallis than of a Pancratium. The cup is that of a true Pancratium, with the pair of teeth between the stamens, if we take maritimum to be the type of the genus ; but the union of the stamens to the whole length of the cup to the limbs, and their conniving posture put it out of court against Pancratium, and the reflexed form of the segments of the perianth falling low behind the edge of the cup is a new feature in that class of bulbs. The seeds of Pancratium have a hard, brittle, shelly black coat. Those of Hymenoealli are like Crinum seeds, solt and fleshy as a Bean. Choretis, natives of Mexico and Texas, is the link between the west world and Pancratium (Hymenoealli), and the Peruvian Daffodils nsmenel — D. Beaton.] ^ '' MESSES. A. HENDEESON & CO.'S, PINE APPLE PLACE. OtTE readers will probably recollect that Messrs. Henderson hold every spring a show of unforced Hyacinths at tlieir nursery at Pine Apple Place, and from the high reputation which these gentlemen enjoy in the floricultural world, it will readily be concluded than any display which they invite their friends to inspect, must be far above mediocrity ; nor will the visitor be disappointed in the splendid exbihition which they have this season prepared. Few who have not been accustomed to such sights could fail at being struck by tlie brilliant mass of colour and tasteful arrangement which are seen on entering tlie Lapageria-house where the exhibition is held ; passhig in doing so through an alcove hung with baskets of Ferns and other drooping plants. Along the centre of the middle platform runs a row of Orange frees loaded with fruit, and two fine specimens of Dacrydium cupressinum forming a background to a multitude of Hyacinths varying in hue from the purest white to the brightest rose and deepest blue. But not in these colour alone does Flora array herself, for like her animate sisters she must follow the fashion, and is now decked out in magenta. The side shelves are filled with Hyacinths arranged in ribbons beautifully relieved by a fine collection of Tulips and Narcissus, the pots being everywhere mossed over, so that nothing but the bloom and foliage appear. Conspicuous among all the rest were the magnificent vases of Hyacinths which gained the priz? at the Royal Horticultural Society's Exhibition on the 19tli. One of them'filled with Grand Vainqueur, was a mass of snow-white bloom ; the others con- tained Emicus, L'Anii du Cceur, and Grafid Vainqueur, both separately and in combination. Having thus endeavoured to give an idea of the general ajpect of (he show, which comprises an immense collection of the best varieties, it may not be without its interest to those who are unable to visit it personally, to point out a few of the most remarkable. These were : — ' Double lied. — Duke of AVellington, very fine, maintaining here, as elsewhere, its position as a first-rate sort; Grootvorst, delicate blush, densely set with bells ; Princess Royal, largo bells of a deep p;nk, with a dark eye ; Susannah Mnria, and Waterloo or Bouquet Tcndre, pink, changing to deep red. Boulle White. — Francina, pretty blush, small bells ; La Vestale, lily white ; Prince of Waterloo, magnificent bells and spike, pure white ; and Triomph Blandinn, blush, with pink eye, very fine. Double Blue. — Bloksberg, fine marbled blue, splendid spike and bells ; Laurens Koster, Mignon de Dryfhout, and Pasquin, pale blue, very good ; Sir John Franklin, splendid marbled blue bells ; Van Spejlt, which is always one of the finest ; and Othello, with large almost black bells. Single Sed. — Charlotte Marianne, fine striped red ; DIehitz Sabnlskansy, very brilliant; Duke of Wellington, large bells, rose striped with carmine, a fine sort ; Fireball, compact bright crimson; Florence Nightingale, striped pink, large and very showy ; Herstelde Vrcede, bright pink, closely set with bells, L'Ami du Cceur, a showy variety ; Lady Morgan, deep blusli ; Mrs. Beecher Stowe, a magnificent sort with the bells very closely arranged ; Robert Steiger, crimson, excellent spike and bells ; Sultan's Favourite, a splendid kind ; also Heine des Jacinthes and Queen Victoria, two new and handsome yarieties. Single White. — Alba Maxima, with immense pure white bells, not unlike Mount Blanc in character, new and very fine ; Blanchard, fine spike ; Cloche Mognifique, waxy white, splendid bells ; Grand Vainqueur, Madame Van der Hoop, and Mont Blane, three of the finest of their class ; Premier Noble, w hite ; Seraphine, blush ; and Tubiflora, all three very showy varieties ^ and Victoria Regma, a superb waxy white. Single Magenta. — Haydn, mauve, tinged with magenta, had magnificent spikes; Honneur d'Overeen, also quite new, a very fine purph'sh-mauve or magenta; Fnique is also a good distinct sort, of the same colour. Single Bine. — Baron Von TuyD, Bleu Mourant, Charles- Dickens, and Orondates, were all first-rate ; Emicus, Nimrod, and L'Ami du Cosur, compact and very good. Grand Vidette, with its large porcelain bells, very showy ; Richard Canir de- Leon, splendid violet behs ; and Robinson, of a pcculinr nemo- phila blue are likewise very showy. In addition to these we noticed an entirely new varitty called Priestley, with magnifici nt azure bells, white on the outside, and a very large spike ; also. La Nuit, a new and decidedly fine sort, which, perhaps, more properly belongs to the so-called black class, as it is of a deep shaded violet. Single Blaclc— Among sorts not noticed elsewhere, were Lamplighter, royal purple with while eye; La Plus Noire, Mimosa, and Uncle Tom, all of them very good ; also, Tombeau de Napoleon, with splendid spikes and deep indigo bells ; and Siam, a new variety which we have not met with elsewhere, in colour royal purple approaching to black. Single Yellow.— yHinig van Holland, reddish-yellow; and Overwiniraar, lemon, are excellent ; Heroine, is a nice pale yellow ; Anna Carolina, lemon ; and La California, nankeen^ are also \ery good. The Lapageria rosea which covers a large portion of the roof April 1, 1862. ] JOUENAL OF nORTIOCLTCTBE AND COXTAaE aAKDENEB. of the house, and is now developing iU magnificent bell-ehaped flowers, is believed to be one of the largest in tlio country. In addition to this, there were hanging-baskets made of a kind of pottery, in what is termed the Indian pattern, and which being chaste in colour have an elegant appearance in conserva- tories and rooms. Some models of fonts taken from the designs of these in ancient cathedrals and cliurclies, executed in a kind of soft-stone- ware, and filled with Hyacinths, were likewise ex- hibited. These, wo were told, are intended for dinner-table decoration, and being comparatively inexpensive, it is expected tlnit tliey will supply a desideratum to those wlio are unable to atford tlie more costly ornaments and the gorgeous foliage-plants which arc only within the power of the ricli. But without seeing th'-m lu their proper position it is impossible to say what their ell'eet would be. Altliough no part of our intcntioii to give any detailed report of the remaining portions of tlie nursery, we could not refrain from visiting the other liouses and making a few not^s. In tlie Caniellia-house was a fine collection of all the leading sorts, sueh as DucUessodc Normandie, Donckelaari, Mathottiana, with iiumcnse deep scarlet blooms; Candidissima, very fine ; a fine plant of Storyii, 6 feet to 7 feet high, and covered with flowers ; Chandleri elegaus, I'l'ince Albert, Saecoiana, &c., in pots ; and planted out were Eximia, Jubilee, Augustina Superba, Albertus, and De U Reine, with superb waxy-wlute flowers, all of tlieni particularly Cue both in the size and colour of the bloom. In the fernery, suspended from the roof, were fine baskets of Gonioplilebium subauriculatum, and Davallia buUata which has Tcry handsome foliage ; also Anapeltis vaccmiifolia, an exceed- ingly fine Fern, with long downy tails which, when full grown, are stated to reach 10 feet in lungth ; Brainea insignia, the young fronds coppery, the older of a lively green, spreading about 4 feet across, and gracefully curving outwards ; a very large plant of Drynaria morbiUosa, with still', slightly curving fronds, extending about 7 feet, and closely dotted on the under side with seed. Among other Lyoopods, of which there is a large stock, were dcntatum, very large ; rubricaule, of a deep green, tipped with very bi-ight green ; Selaginella Lyalli, of an olive green ; S. densa, forming a soft, mossy carpet of dark green, tipped with yellowish- green, and therefore appearing as if variegated ; S. caudata, lively green, and very pretty, were also remarkable. In a tank, with the bottom of the pot touching the water, the -e is a plant of Saphina alternifolia, between 5 feet and 6 feet hi^'h, witli long, strap-shaped leaves, forming an umbrella-shaped liead. Imatophyllum miniatum, with its large, orange red Lily- like flowers, was likewise a conspicuous object. In the stoves there were fine specimens of Cyanophyllum ciagniflcum, one of which was 5 feet high, with leaves upwards of 2 feet in length ; Crotou angustifolium, a eliarming plant for the dinner V^bls ; Ardisia crenulata, covered with its scarlet berrios, a very handsome plant for the same purpose ; Pandanus juviinieus variegatus, very fine ; Pavetta borbonica, about 5 feet liigh, with its darkly mottled green leaves and bright red mid- ribs ; Ananassa sativa aurea variegata, another splendid plant for the dinner table ; Sonerila margaritacea, with its pearl- apangted leaves ; Dracaena Rumphi, with magnificent deep olive green leaves, having a fine white line roinid the edges ; D. ferrea ; a large quantity of D. terminalis, which is in great demand for table decoration ; and numbers of the new Cissus porphyro- ptiyllus, with its richly blotched emerald green leaves. Begonias, of course, are in abundance, many of thj varieties being much sought after for table plants. We also noticed a collection of AnoectojhUus, which were quite a study in themselves ; Ancecto- chilus striatus, with a white stripe down the centre of each leaf, being very striking. Trained along the roof of one of the stoves were AUamanda Aubletii, which is well worthy of the attention of any one in want of plants for this purpose, and that fine climber Ipomtea Hoi'sfalliffi, with its twisting corkscrew-like stem. Occupying a similjv pisition, and covering one side of the roof, w-as a very large edible Passion-Flower (Passiflora cdulis), which bore last year, for the first time, between three and four hundred of its purplish fruit, as largo as a hen's egg, and having a fine aroma of Peaches and Gooseberries combined. A fine specimen of Bougainvillaja spectabilis trained against the back wall must not be forgotten. In two years it has covered a space of 12 feet by 8 feet — a luxuriance of growth which is no doubt attributable to ihe roots being in contact with the hot-water pipes with which tlie soil is heated. If it llowcr, as it is expected to do, this season, it will be an object of rare attraction to the gardening, if not to the fashionable, world ; at any rate, Messrs. Ilenderson appear to have gone the right way to work in order to insure this desir- able result. In the houses devoted to the growth of New Holland plants, of which this nursery contains some of the largest specimens in Europe, were a fine Araucaria excelsa ; Borouia piiniata, 3 feet across and 4 feet high; Eriostemon buxifolium 6 feet high and i feet through ; Eriostemon scabruDi, very large j Eriostemon pulchellum, beautifully in flower, one of the pret- tiest of this genus ; Acacia IJruminondi, 8 feet high and 5 feet acioss ; and a very fine plant of the scented Khododendron Edgworthii. A whole house is filled with Boronia serrulata — a beautiful flowering plant which few persons know how to cultivate with success. The greenhouse was gay with flowering shrubs, and some fine Azaleas, literally a mass of bloom, gave it even a bril- liant aspect. Hyacinths, Tulips, and Crocuses were there, too, in abundance ; and there was also a fine new- Epacris, called Viscountess Hill, with long spikes of rosy salmon flowers. As the Crocus seems to be a flower that seems every day growing in favour, we may mention that La Neige and Queen Victoria are fine whites ; La Majestcuse, Sir "Walter Scott, and Van Speyk excellent striped Viirieties ; and David Rizzio, Lord Wellington, Othello, and Sir John Franklin beautiful purples. Outside, the gardens were dotted over with fine old Box, Laurustiuus, Myrtles, &c. ; and the Tulip-beds were gaily edged with David Rizzio and large Yellow Crocuses. GAEDENING SHREDS AND PATCHES. There are so many things which strike one, and of which one hears in the floricultural world that are hardly in them- selves sufficient to form subject-matter for a paper, that I must crave permission from time to time to jot them down as they occur to me in the lump, as " Shreds and Patches," which may be useful to some of your readers. For instance, there is one of some considerable importance — The Best Wax of Sending Blooms through the Post.— As the season has already commenced when the raisers of seed- lings are desirous of having one's opinion of what they raise, and as proof has already been afforded me of how little the in- structions given in your columns have been atl ended to, permit me to bring before my correspondents in this matter a very simple and effective plan — one that owes its origin to iny friend Mr. Miller, of TTpway, near Dorchester, and which, if adopted, would save a great deal of disappointment. It is merely to pro- cure a common tin canister or box about 4 inches or 5 inches in depth : indeed, the size may be regulated according to the description of the flower sent. In the centre of the lid a socket is to be soldered on about lA inch deep and about 1 inch broad. When you wish to send a bloom, get a Potato, and cut a piece that will fit tightly into this socket, and ilicn place a piece of indiarubber band round it. Insert the stalk of the bloom into the Potato. Close your box, cover it with paper, and direct it, and it will travel quite safely. The advantages of this are ob- vious— the flower has no chance of rubbing ; there is no mess round it ; and sufficient moisture is contained in the Potato to keep it fresh during its journey. It was thus that Foxhunter Verbena was sent to Mr. Andrews, and in sufficiently good con- dition for him to make his drawing from it. How very opposite to this the state of a box I received only this week. It contained a pip of an Auricula and a bell of a Hyaciutli. The box was carefully enclosed in a piece of oiled silk ; but when I opened it a mess presented itself not very agreeable to the sight or smell. It looked as if they had been packed in seaweed, and one por- tion of the substance looked very like a squashed Sea Anemone. It was, of course, impossible to tell what either was ; but one is tempted to ask, " Why send a Hyacinth for name ? the bulb has flowered, and there is an end of it." Xevy different, of course, where the flower can be kept, as in the Auricula. Will those who intend sending flowers kindly bear this in mind ? Then there is another matter about which I have heard a little lately— FoETHCOMlNG RosE SHOW. — I was in a good quarter to hear of this, for I spent a day lately at Caunton Manor; and although the month of March, with a cold wet north-easter (and about whose character, I had rather take Mr. Punch's word than Mr 10 JOITRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ April 1, 1862. Kingsley's), on a heavy clay soil, was not the very best time to see a place from whence so much has emanated to give an im- pulse to Rose-growing, yet the "genius loci" is the same, and the bitter cold without only draws us the more closely to the fireside, where, imagination being strong, we aheady saw box after box of radiant blooms, and sniffed in odours such as flow from "Araby the blest," and a pleasant chat it was. We all (that is, all interested in the Rose), know how the success of the T^'ational Rose Show was marred by the want of courtesy and ungentlemanly bearing of its founder ! And, therefore, one could only expect similar treatment. Well, a truce to banter, and we are not going, Yankee like, to detail all we saw and heard ; sulEce it to say that none need wish him a better wish in his Rose- growing than that he may have as fair a bloom out of doors as he has within. Well, we chatted, and praised, and abused, as the fit came on us, and as we thought folks deserved. The subject was the Birmingham Rose Show; for as the day at Kensington has been fixed to suit the southern growers, the northern and midland ones are shut out. Our friend had intended to found a Midland Rose Show, and, indeed, had taken steps to that end, when an announcement was made that the Bu-minghom folks were bestirring themsehes. The same feeling which led Mr. Hole to merge the National in the RoyalHorticultural Society,led him at once to withdraw his own scheme and to throw himself heartily into the one which, though not originating from him, was calculated to work out the object he had in view. They seem to be going at it with real vigour, offer £80 and upwards in prizes, and encourage amateurs as well as growers for sale. Mr. Hole, however, still clings to the hope of a northern show ; and if he succeed in originating one as he intends at Leeds, or in some such locality, then all England will be well represented, and the queen of flowers have ample justice done to her. There is a hitch about the time of the Bii-mingham one, which we hope may be got over. As arranged, it would only come a day before the Crystal Palace Rose Show. This would be a great mistake ; but the Town Hall is required, and unless they can move those who -nant it, I fear it must be held so ; and as it is intended mainly for the northeners and midlanders, this will not be of so much consequence. There is one good piece of news in connection wilh The Royal Uoeticultueal Society, which will gratify both exhibitors and those who desire to see — that the great shows are to be held under canvass at the lower part of the grounds, and not in the conservatory. Any one who recollects the iieat there hist year, and the miserable condition of the cut flowers after a few hours' exposure to it, will rejoice at the change. I think " HoETUiANtiS " was a little too hard, and your reply correct ; but that a watchful eye is needed there can be but little doubt. One subject of grumbling has been done away with — a little more agitation may do away with others. The remark wliich I saw in the report of one of the daily papers is quite true, that notwithstanding its apparent (and, indeed, real) prosperous condition, the Society must depend for its success on Iseing up to the requhements of the times. I am glad, too, that Mr. Hole's conduct with regard to the Rose Show is, in future, to be acknowledged ; it ought never to have been left for any one to complain that an act of such disinterested regard for the success of the Rose should have been passed over. There can be but one wish — that every society that endeavours to advance horticulture in its many branches should meet with public sym- pathy and support. And now a word for that which, though last, is certainly not least. The National Aubicula S^o^v. — That which my blundering advocacy could not effect, the indefatigable perseverance of Mr. Douglas, of York, has accomplished ; and we arc promised a treat on the 30tli April, of the first National Auricula Show ever held. The exceedingly judicious plan has been adopted of sending round to growers of the flower a paper to be filled up, with the place and time of exhibition marked according to the opinion of each person. The majority of votes has been given to Loudon as the place, and the 30th April as the time (I fear the southern growers wUl find their bloom over, unless this very dull weather continue) ; and no more fitting home for it can be imagined than the Royal Botanic Society. It will fall on one of their spring show days — no expense will be incurred for room, &o., and the flowers will be seen by a large company. Great credit is due to Mr. Douglas for the zeal with which he has carried out an object so full of interest to all florists. — D., Deal. NEW AEEAJSTGEMENT OF VENTILATOES. I AM nothing of a gardener, but a bit of a mechanic, and amused myself last year in putting up a small greenhouse for my wife, who is fond of liorticulture. I took up by accident your Number for January 2l8t, 1862, and felt interested in a letter signed B. Stevenson, and your remarks upon it, but I differ from you as to the long board at top for ventilation. The great objection to it is, that it is so liable to warp, and then it cannot shut close ui winter. The plan I pursued I prefer, and if you think it worth recommending, here it is, it is cheap and simple. It may not be original, but it is so as far as I am con- cerned, for I have not myself seen it elsewhere. The sash-bars are fixed, and lie on the plate, the house being a lean-to. The four top panes in the centre are set in tin frames (any tinman knows how to make these, they are very common), and these are put on to the sash-bars just as if they were glass, only that in addition to the putty they are fixed with sprigs. They are opened by a string running through staples to a pulley on the front sash, and this string is attached to a light iron rod in the form of a crank at the top, from which straight rods, equal in length to the chord of the angle which the top of the house forms with the back, are attached to a small staple of wire soldered on to the under side of the tin frame. It will be evident that the window cannot open wider than the length of the rod, but this is quite enough. There are tin frames of the same sort next the wall in each of the upright ends of the house,Hhe only difference being that the hinges are at the side April 1, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HOliTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. 11 iistead of tlio end. These, with shutters in t\w front wall like (n orchard-house, give sufliciect venlilation. The drawings will Kale all clearer than any further explanation I can give. — O. CISSUS DISCOLOE. No collection of beaut if ul-foliaged plants should be without a specimen similar to the figure of this truly beautiful plant. The lenves individually, when well grown, are fully (i inc-hea long and 2i inches broad, of a lengthened, pointed, heart shape. The colours are rich beyond description, quite equal to the lovely leaves of the Anoectochils ; but I need not dwell upon the beauty of the foliage of this plant. It is now so plentiful in collections tliat almost every one of our renders miist have seen them. My present object is to describe how to produce or grow a plant so as to be of the size and form of the specimen figured.* Soil. — This species being a rapid grower it requires a rich, light soil. I use the following compost — turfy loam, sandy fibrous peat, and half-decayed hotbed manure in equal parts. To keep it open I mix with the compost a few pieces of charcoal and a liberal addition of silver sand. Tliis compost should be tlicroughly mixed, but not sifted, and it should be placed in a warm shed to take out the cold. Many stove plants sustain a gn-at check by being potted in cold, wet soih It should be warm and moderately dry. Futthig. — Procure or raise a young plant, and when it has grown so large as to require a shift, repot in spring into a pot two sizes larger. Tie the shoot to a neat stick, give a moderate * We publiBhed this figure last yeir, but repeat i for the infonnation; of more than one querist. — Eus. watering, and replace it in the stove in a temperature of 05" by night, and 75° by day. If you have the convenience of a bark- bed or any other method of giving bottom heat, place the pot containing the plant in it. In such a situation it will grow rapidly, and will soon require a longer stick. As soon as the pot is fidl of roots give the plant another shift, and still keep the shoot upriglit. In the August following repeat the repotting, and by that time the plant will bo long and strong enough to commence the training it into form. I'rocure four or five strong sticks between 3 feet and 4 feet long, let them be painted green, and when dry thrust them at equal distances just so far within the pot as to stand upright. Then have a green circular ring of stout wire, place it near the top of the sticks, and tie each stick to it at equal distances all round. Wlien that is done commence tyiug file stem of the plant to thexioarest stick, very nearly close to the rim of the pot; tie it then to the next stick in a rather ascending line, and gradually go on round the sticks as far as the plant will reach, being careful not to injure a single leaf or the stem. The plant when brought into this form will probably send out other branches. Let these bo tied in also between the circles of the main stem. By following on this training as the plant advances in growth the sticks will soon be quite hid, and the plant will form a beautiful pillar of richly-hued foliage, equal in shape to the figure. By good management and frequent repottinga such a specimen may be grown in two years, so quick a growing plant it is. Indeed, the quicker it is grown the finer will be the leaves, and the richer the colours. Watering. — When the plant is growing rapidly it will requir? a liberal supply of water, which shoidd always be in a tepid state— that is, heated to about 80° in summer. In winter it need not be supplied so warm, nor so freely. The plant should scarcely ever be syringed, for that has a tendency to tarnish the bright metallic lustre which is so richly developed on the surface. If the leaves become dusty, it must be, of course, washed oti', but let the syringing be done just before air is given in the morning, in order that the moisture may dry up quickly. Shade. — If this fine plant is fully exposed to a summer day'* sun the rich hues on the leaves will be deteriorated : hence to keep it in perfect beauty let it be shaded from ten to three o'clock in tlie day. It ia necessary, however, that every side of the plant should have an equal share of light, or the colours will not be so rich on the side that is short of light : therefore, if the plant ia grown in a lean-to house it wiU be necessary to turn it rotmd frequently. In a span-roofed house this is not needed. Propagation. — This species is easily propagated by short side shoots inserted in sand and placed under a hand-glass on ft heated surface, or plunged in bottom heat. When the plant becomes old, naked at the bottom, or the leaves become old and faded, it should be thrown away ; but a year previous to that let one or two young ones be started into growth, and trained to grow on to fill the place of the old faded one. Summer temperature 70° to 80°, ■«^;"»»" '^'^*'^ i^t^" *" R?'° — T. Appleby. Winter ditto, 60° to 65°, GENERALLY USEFUL CULTIVATOES. cow JIANAGEMENT. IContimied from page 3b7, I'ol. II.) Where two cows or more are kept wo must suppose one to have already calved ; but where one only is kept Jlarch or April will be time enough, as the cow would have tlie advantage of the summer's grass during her best milking period : therefore the present remarks will be applicable to such a case. And the cow having been dry seven or eight wccka — and we may reckon forty weeks from the time she was served — after this it will not be safe or wise for an inexperienced person to depend. Still, a person acquainted with those matters can tell to within twelve hours when a cow would calve; but the safest way is to put the cow at night in a roomy place and not tie her up, give lier some hay, and a good bed of litter. I may just remark here that in tliia, as in many other matters, it would be well to have the opinion of some neighbour. I have met with plenty of people that have felt pleased to give their experience, olten at no little inconvenience ; and if the young beginner wdl pay attention to the remarks made he may pick out a good many grains of wheat from amongst the chaff that will fall in his w.ay, but should they appear rather scanty he must begin to sift. JOURNAL OF HOBTICtJLTUKE ASU COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ April 1, 1862. This leads a sensible man to think that you ai'e in earnest, and are desu-ous of being tauglit. Now, suppose a eow has gone several days beyond the fortieth week, and you are daily or hourly expecting to see signs of approaching calvini;, and are beginning to get nervous about it, you run across to Farmer Goodman's and ask his cowman to look in as he goes liome in the evening, and just tell you whetlier he thinks your cow will calve before the morning ; and when lie has seen her and tells you she will not, " nor to-morrow night neither," then is the time and place to put ip your '■why?" If you think it a fact worth knowing and wish to be in possession of it, you have only to make a judicious use of the patent powers of persuasion, and you can glean a good many facts at a very trifling cost. But in the absence of any better judgment than your own it would be well to look at her tno or three times during the day, and, if she has had one or two calves before, see her the last thing at night and again the first thing in the morning — that is, should all be going on well and no appearance of uneasiness exist. My own practice is with the first and second calves to see them once or twice during the night ; but it is very rare that I see them more than one night. As a general rule, do not go near enough to distiu'b her until there are unmistakeable symptoms of calving, and then do not interfere to render assistance unless you are fully acquainted with the assistance required ; but if you think any help neces- sary, it would be better to run to Farmer Goodman's for it and tjke lesson No. 2. But supposing there be no need of help or advice, and that so far ail has gone on well, there is still danger, and attention is required. It is necessary the cow should lick the calf, as it is beneficial to the health of both ; but sometimes young cows refuse to do so, but a little salt and oatmeal sprinkled over the calf will have the desired effect. Then get a bowl, and after rubbing the udder with the hand take a little of the milk from each quarter and give it to the calf, putting your finger in its mouth, then guiding it to the bowl : in this way the calf will gaiu strength and soon be able to stand. Then let it take from the cow as much as it will, but see that each of the teats is sucked equally ; then milk the cow thoroughly and give her the milk to di'ink — I fancy it assists the cow to cleanse, for this generally takes place in an hour or so afterwards ; afterwards give her half a bucket of warm water. Now this is farmers' treat- ment in nine cases out of ten ; but your treatment must vary according to circumstances and the kind and character of the cow. Cows kept by gentlemen are generally of the Alderney breed, or a cross between the Alderney and the Shoit-horn, good milkers, and better kept than farmers' cows. Now, in such cases it is advisable, as soon as the calf has sucked the cow, to give two quarts of gruel made with a quart of ale, a pound of treacle, and a little ground ginger ; and, as soon as she has cleansed, a good warm bran mash. Cows often get costive during calving time, and if she is a good milker and in good condition it often produces milk fever : the above treatment is to prevent this. If the calving has been some hours previous about half a pound of Epsom salts with the same quantity of treacle may be used. Two eases of mUk fever have come under my notice this year, both of them Alderneys of the improved breed (which carries more flesh tlian the old breed). Both died within thirty hours after calving, and both were the pro- perty of gentlemen and young beginners. On inquiry I found neitlier of them had had either gruel or mash, and in each case the calf was taken from the cow immediately, and not permitted to suck till the usual time came for milking. Now this, to say the least of it, was bad management. I like to leave the cow loose and the calf with her, the mother is then more contented, and the calf will be frequently sucking, and thus keep down the milk. I know in Jersey it is a regular practice to take the calves away as soon as they are born, and are not allowed to suck the cow at all ; but I have had the management of cows that have come direct from tlie island, and as a general rule there are some defects in tlie udder, which are increased by the better keep which they invariably get here, and they consequently give more milk than they do in their native island, They are, how- ever, liable to disease, and require dilTcrent treatment. I make it a practice not to give a cow free access to the water for a week after calving. If the weather is fine and dry let her be turned out for an hour or two the third or fourth day, but by no means let her get wet, and after a week she may have cold ■water with the option of going in or out when the weather is dry ; but if the calf is kept in any portion of the house, there is little danger of her being out too much. It is too late to say anything about the putting dung on the grass land, and other work of the kind that sliould be done in the winter ; but all land for mowing need be brushed and rolled, the stones and sticks all picked off, and nothing more turned in to nip the young grass, but reserve the whole of the growth for hay. — The Doctoe's Boy. A PLANT WOETH MASKING SHOULD BE MARKED WELL. The importance of an eU'ectual and simple mode of writing all kinds of plant-labels, must be acknowledged by every lover of gardening, and I tiust my Solid Marking Ink Gardener's Pencil has contributed somewhat towards this desirable end. With all due deference, I beg to ofler two or three suggestions for consideration. First. Where wood tallies are used, the necessity of selecting wood m05t suitable for the purpose. Generally any hit of stick is taken which first comes to hand. Now, my experience leads me to believe that woods containing turpentine arc tlie only ones really suitable for this purpose, and that known as yellow deal being ])retty well cliarged with resinous matter, and at the same time being a good colom" for showing up the marks, will be found to answer well. It also has the advantage of standing the weather without decaying. The white woods generally chosen on account of the facUity with which they mark soon become discoloured and lot in the gi'ound. Second. Where paint is used to cover the part written on, when a common lead pencil is used, care should bo taken to well cover such surface with good white lead paint. The wood tallies usually sold being merely partially covered with a little chalk or china clay. Third. I would draw particular attention to the necessity of well coveiing the strokes. I believe the want of care in this particular to be one of the most common causes of the marks becoming illegible. I know it is so with my own Gardener's Pencil. Long exposure will chaiige the colour of any wood, and if the marks are merely scribbled on, the colour of the wood (especially in the smoky atmosphere of a town) and the writing become nearly alike— the mark is not gone, but the tally has assiuned a colour so closely resembling the writing, that it cannot be distinguished. I have tallies the marks on which were well covered in April, 1859, and they are perfectly legible now. I know many gardeners will exclaim, " I have not time to take all this trouble." In reply I must refer them to the heading of this communication ; and I am sure if they will cnly take the pains to wfU cover the strokes, so as to give my pencil a fair chance to cover and penetrate the pores of the tally, il wiU amply repay them for the trouble, and they will not be dis- appointed witli its durability on any material. Fourth. Where zinc tallies are used, I would say to all who can get it. Purchase some old zinc spouting or lining from water- tanks, of suitable thickness, and get it cut up into the shaped tallies required. This old zinc being o-^idised on the surface, from exposure to tlie atmosphere, marks tli? best and blackest of any. When new zinc tallies are used, and time will not admit of allowing them to become oxidised from mere exposure, to free the suifacefi'om grease, with which newly -rolled zinc is always more or less impregnated, the best way is to throw them into an earthenware basin containing a mixture of about one part aqua- fortis, two parts spirits of salts, and fourteen parts of witer, stir them well round Ibr a minute or two v/ith a piece of stick, so as to expose all the surfaces equally to the action of the dilute acid, pour off the liquid iuto another basin, well wash the tallies in water, and dry them in the air, and they are ready for use. Spirits of salts will do very well without the aquafortis. In this way any number of tallies m.ay be done at one operation, and the trouble is much less, and the tally made more eflieieut tli in by the old plan of rubbing each one with sand paper. The acid mixture may be kept in the basin, or put into a bottle for I'uture use, and a little fresh acid may be added to it from time to time to keep up the original strength. Fifth. I would suggest galvanised iron as a good material for tallies for open borders ; but the iron must be galvaniocd or coated with the zinc after bemg cut into the shape and size required, so as to cover the edges as well as the surface, other- wise they rust at the edges, and the iron gradually oxidises throughout from the action of the atmosphere. The surface of lAprill, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTITRE AND COTIAOE GARDENEB. 13 galynnised iron is quite bright and free from grease, niid requires no preparation but dampin;; witli tlie wet linger to mark a beautiful blaek witli my gardener's pencil. The greatest objeetion to it is, the surface being rough and crystalline, small neat writing eannot be executed on it. I am now about to try some csperimcnts with a view to render the surface smoother, and, perhaps, some of your scientilio readers may be able to suggest some method of coaling tlie iron with the zinc, so as to prevent the crystallme rouglmess it now presents. If this can be done I am satisfied that galvanised iron would be the most convenient, as well as the mo?t durable material for garden tallies, and I see no reason why it should not also have the advantage of che.apnes8. — Arthur DuNX, 1, DaUion Terrace East, Lonilon. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The March Meeting of the Entomological Soi'iety was pre- sided over by Mr. Smith, the newly-elected President, who announce 1 timt the Anniversary Address of tl:o late President had been printed for circulation, as well as that delivered by Mr. Stainton at the last Meetirig, whicli, it is much to be hoped, will have the eli'ect, in conjunction with the steps since taken by the Coimcil, of allajing the unpleasant feelings raised at the Anniversary Meeting. lie also announced that the Council had taken into consideration the result of the experiments, which had for some time past been tried, of distributing tlie " Trans- actioL's" gratuitously to the members, and had come to the conclusion lliat it was no longer advisable to continue this plan ; but that members resident within fifteen miles of London should bs allowed the "Transactions" at one-half of the publication price, whilst those resident beyond tliat distance should bo entitled to their copies gratuitously as heretofore ; likewise that the fortlicoming Part of the " Transactions " would form the commencement of a new series. Sir. Js'ewman exhibited a series of specimens belonging to the genus Cabcra, a group of Moths, which had been reared by Mr. Ilucliett, wilh tlie view of proving that the transver.-e bars upon the wings are not sufficient to indicate distinct species. He considered, therefore, that the genus only comprised two species, each of which had varieties with two burs. The President exhibited an extensive series of remarkable illustrations of insect architecture, consisting of the nests and combs of various kinds of insects, chiefly belonging to tlie order llyuienoptera, and including both British and exotic species. The elegmee of many of these nests was greatly to be admired, and several of them showed modifications of instinct and habits heretofoi'e unknown in the different families to which the insects belonged. Mr. Plant exhibited some eggs of a species of Butterfly col- lected at Uraguay in South America. These eggs were of an elongated flattened form, and were attached to each other side by side ; one at the base being fastened to a twig, and the others suspended laterally from it to the distance of an inch. Dr. Wallace explained a very satisfactory method which he had invented of fixing small lepidopterous insects in cabinets. The i^ins, instead of being fixed separately in the cork of the drawer, are placed in small slabs of flattened wax, each of a size sufficient to contain all the specimens of a species, which is then transfixed with a large pin, and thus the whole is easily moved at once. W. W. Saunders, Esq., Treasurer to the Royal Horticultural Society, exhibited the stem of a Passiflora, which had been disfigured by the attacks of the Mealy Bug, which had formed warts on the stem, above which all the upper part of tlie plant died off. Also the larvae, pupae, and perfect insects of Endo- mjchus coccineus, a pretty Beetle which feeds in the prepara- tory state upon a flocculeiit kind of byssus growing under the bark of Elm trees. Also some very curious species of Phasmido? from the remote island of Aneiteum. Mr. Stainton exhibited a new British Noctua, belonging to the gouus Toxocampa — T. eraccoe, of which several specimens had been taken on the north coast of Devonshire by the Rev. E. Horton. Mr. Kirby exhibited some of the proof sheets of Dr. Hagen's great work on entomological bibliography. Dr. Knaggs exhibited a case of insects from Australia. Dr. Power sent for exhibition a new British genus and species of Beetles — Endophltcus spinulosus, captured in the New Forest by C. Turner. This is a very interesting genus allied to Bitoma, and is a fine addition to our fauna. Mr. Wailes communicated a nolo on the capture of Bem- bidium nigrieorne near Newcastle. Jlr. F. Walker read a deierijition of a new genus of North American Moths taken at Uahfax. Mr. Kirby read a notice of the difierent species of Butterflies hitherto captured in tlie county of Sussex. Captain Cox stated that he had captured three specimens of Pontia Daplaidice ; and he likewise made some remarks upon some letters wliich have lately appeared in the Times on the means of preventing the destruction of Elm trees by Scolytus destructor by disbarking the trees, as practised in France by jr. Eugene Robert ; claiming the discovery for himself, be- having, previous to M. Robert's experiments, gained the medal of the Royal Botanic Society for his successful experiments on the young Elms in the Regent's Park. WOEZ FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. A s every important operation out of doors had been inter- rupted tlie greater part ot the week by the incessant rains which have saturated the ground, reference liad better be made to our last week's calendar, as the works there recommended have doubtless been delayed. Beans, Broad, earth-up growing crops, and continue sowing for succession. Jlroecoli, sow for ii main crop. Cabbage, sow for a main autumn crop, fork-up the earth between those planted in the autumn as soon as the ground is in a fit state. CauUJlomers, stir the soil round those under hand-glasses, and earth them up. Sow for autumn crop if not already done. Capsicums, pot-off as soon as they are fit. Celery, that sown early in boxes will soon want prickirg-out on 3 inches or 1 inches deep of very rotten and mellow dung on a hard bottom. If the plants are pricked out on this, about 3 inches apart, they will produce many fibres, and can be moved with a trowel with balls ; it is an old but a very good plan. Potatoes, the main crop may now be got in. Spinach, sow small crops of the round in drills, hut a little at a time, as it soon runs to seed. Tomatoes, these should now be pottod-oti*. Sow seeds of herbs and other vegetables that may have been omitted during former weeks. Remove all litter and weeds. Earth-up early crops, strewing a little lime or soot about them to prevent the attacks of slugs. Protect recently-sown seeds from the attacks of birds. FlOVrtCR OABDEN. The stock of Neapolitan Violets for forcing to be propagated by cuttings or layers. Plant out the young stock of Pansies into the flower-beds or borders. The late heavy rains have been in- jurious to the roots of Tulips unless the beds were situated on a porous subsoil or were well drained. As soon as the beds are sufficiently dry the surface soil should be carefully and slightly stirred-up, and every cankered part of the foliage cut away with a sharp knife. When the seed of Polyanthuses was sown early and placed in heat to vegetate, the pans or boxes should be removed to a cooler situation to inure them gradually to the open air. To obtain fine trusses on the old plants, it is advis- able to thin-out the pips according to the strength of the plant. Cuttings of Pansies to be now put in round the sides of small pots plunged in sand on a north border, and covered with a hand-glass. When the unfavourable stnte of the weather puts a stop to out-door operations, stakes for Dahlias could begot ready for use when required, and rods for tying-up plants in summer. Labels could also be prepared before the more busy season ar- rives. Climbers and plants against walls to be nailed when the weather is favourable, STOVE. Pav due attention to the watering, shifting, and stopping of plants in general. Make cuttings as soon as they can be ob- tained of Clerodcndrons,Geissomeria8,Erantliemums, Plumbagos, .lusticias. Begonias, &c., in order to keep up a stock of young plants. Supply growing Orchids with plenty of atmospheric moisture and a liberal circulation of air in the forenoon, shutting up early in the afternoon. Be moderate in the application of fire heat, that a natural and pure atmosphere may be insured during the night. Dendrobiums making growth in pots to be liberally supplied with water, and those on blocks to be fre- quently syringed. Shake out and repot in succession those plants" that have been previously recommended to be headed 14 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 1, 1862. back, and encourage a free growtli ; then a seasonal rest will secure a good bloom in due season, either by withholding water m moderation or by placing it for a time in a cooler atmosphere. Pliaiiia albus, P. grandifolius, Calauthe veratrifolia, Zygopctalum Maekayn, Neottia picta, N. elata ; and some varieties of Stan- hopea that are now making their growth would be benefited by occasional applications of clear liquid manure- The shading to be m readiness in case of a sudden change. GBEENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOEY. Climbing plants beginning to grow should be frequently examined t^ regulate the shoots. Kennedyas, if crowded, to have their shoots thinned. Ipomteas being subject to red spider, sliould be well syringed to prevent the increase of tliat pe^t Put in eultmgs of Heaths as soon as the young shoots are of sufScwnt length for that purpose. Cuttings of the free-bloom- ing Hybrid Roses struck last autumn and kept throu»h the wiuter in store-pots, if potted now and treated with proper attention during the summer, will make pretty specimens for the autumn and spring, to be kept close after potting. All blossom- buds to be picked-off during the season if the plants should be wanted for winter or early-spring bloom. Cuttings of youn^ wood struck now, will also by attention make {lowering plants lor autumn or early in the spring. The shrubs from the iorc.ng-pit when done blooming in the conservatory, the best to be selected for blooming again next season, giving them some temporary shelter to mature tlieir foliage gradually. Any that are cramped for room to be shifted into pots a size larger, and iibout t;he end of this month or the beginning of next to bo plunged m an open situation to ripen their wood early. Plants trom having been previously forced will bloom earlier than the new stock, of which a portion each year should be potted to replace such plants as become useless for further work. FORCING-PIT. This will now be found a useful structure for encouraging the growth of the young stock of various stove plants, such as ioiusettias, Ixoras, Ardisias, Euphorbias, Clerodendrons, Ges- neras Gloxmias, Gardenias, Echites, &e., the whole of whicli delight in a humid atmosphere with gentle bottom heat and sjringings. . PITS AND FEAMES. Ihis being the season for the importation of Tuberoses, they should be procured at once and potted in a mixture of sandV loam mixed with a very small portion of very rotten sheep or cow dung, to be then placed in a hotbed or forcing-pit j they require httle or no water until they begin to grow. When ad- vanced in growth to be removed to tlie conservatory to bloom. Look over the plants in the pits and frames, and attend care- tully to the watering of any plants that are dry. Continue pot ing-off al cuttings. Bouvardias to be shaken out and re- K fr-" ° ^'"'^y ^°'^' """^ Pl'"^^^ •" a growing heat of '"^''""'^- W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. „^ . KITCHEN GABDEN. Wet, wet, rain, sleet, and snow, ushering a warm mufrry Monday morning with the barometer low, and showers 6t!ll hovenng have rendered the days, from tlie 20th to the 25th, almost useless for doing anything on the open ground, thou<.h P. T.f F°'''^^'' °°'°"' ""'^ Broccoli seed must be got hi! i «'■" ""der protection, a the ground IS too wet to plant them out, but exposed them them to blossom ear her. Watered Potatoes in beds, and attended to seeds of many things lately sown. Sowed more Dwarf Kidney fuTJlf """^ '"""*^"" P'-^'^'^t'o" by-and-by, and planted more an pots lor succession. FEUIT GABDEN. _ Much as the preceding weeks. Cleaned SlrawJjerrles eomin» into bloom from al appearance of fly. Smoked with Neal's Pastils, then with tobacco, avoiding excess and warm smoke to *void injuring the plants, and sickened but did not destroy the Hy Had the pots down from the shelves, ran our fingers and thumbs tlu-ough among the buds, and did for aU that we saw ; laid the pots on their broad sides, and syringed them well with sulphur water containing a little soap, and then with clear water heated before setting them on the shelves, and none since have made their appearance. With all that can be said and truly in favour ot trishurst Compound used in moderation, there "is nothing "^f f'li I ^^'""^ g''®"^® ^■'"''■'^ '' "'"" '"' '^^'^^' °"^ tlie remedy 01 kiJl them, and syringe afterwards in time. On examining with a microscope tlie mat on wliich the plants were thus turned and syringed, we could see moving dots that the naked eye could not discern. That lot of Strawberries, probably, will not want any more insect hunting until the fruit is gathered. There should be great care m smoking plants wlien the growth is tender and young— the smoke should neither be too strong nor at all hot, or the plants may be mucli injured as well as the insects. In lar^e places this fumigating affair is an expensive one— as well keep smoking-rooms at once; and if taken in time, the fingers and the syringe, with a weak solution of Gishurst, sulphur water, or laurel water tea will often be more successful than repeated care- lul smokings. Placed succession plants on a mUd hotbed, not plunfin'f them, just to give them a start. Watered carefully the planls i°i fruit, and have long found that in dull weather, especially at this season, to have the Strawberries witli good flavour they should, if possible, be gathered in the sun, and when the plants are rather dry. Many a dish has been spoiled as to flavour by gathering an hour or so after a heavy watering. Will finish attending to fruit trees outiide^as soon as pos- sible. Some Pears against walls, that looked fine in autumn, are showing few flower-buds, though I expected it would have been otherwise. What with birds and frosts and other annoy- ances, the time is not far distant when we shall have miniature orchards of all our hardy trees ; so grouped and roofed with rafters, as to permit of nets going over them at one time, and canvass at another, whilst top and roots will be equally under command and easy of access. Peach trees in glass-covered house are breaking strongly ; and also a few Apricots, being quite as late as those out of doors, until we began to shut up the house lately. FLOWEE DEPABTMENT. Weather permitting, regulated and lessened herbaceous plants out of doors. Planted out Calceolarias from the cutting-bed, giving them about 4 inches each, or at least 3 inches, and° pro- tecting them. Took off cuttings of a few sorts that are scarce, and gave them a little sweet bottom heat, as they will now strike in heat as fast in days as they required weeks in the cool autumn ; though autumn, all things considered, is by far the best, as plants that never have had heat want but little harden- ing-oif. Propagated Lobelias, Salvias, and Cinerarias, as they could be got and room could be obtained for them. Pulled up some Cineraria maritima that had been laid-in by the heels under protection to see how they were for cuttings. Found only a few scores fit for use, the others not being long enough yet, as we wish tlie short shoots that spring thickly from stem and roots near the collar to be about 2i- inches to 3' inches long before taking off, and not only do these strike surely and quickly now in a little heat, but for edgings are far superior to older plants, or to those raised from seed. We reared some four or fire hundred plants last season from a sixpenny packet, but it was only at the end of the autumn that the leaves got their right silvery colour. These cuttings will have it at the first, and will give no trouble in showing their flower-stalks, as older plants are sure to do. Must wait until pots are emptied to pot a thicket of Gazania splendens, which in general kept open with us afternoon and evening pretty freely last year. Nothing can be more beautiful than such a bed edged, ringed, or crossed with Nemophila insignis, but, unfortunately, no coaxing or repeated sowing can make the latter lasting. Lobelia speciosa is just the thing for colour, but then tlie contrast between the flowers is that between a giant and a Uliput. As soon as the ground is a little drier will plant out Scarlet Geraniums into preparatory-beds, so as to give them more room, just placing a little sandy leaf mould, rough, round the roots so as to adhere to them when lifted. Propagated Dahlias and Heliotropes as they could be obtained, and kept an eye on the seeds sown the other week. Potted Geraniums, Fuchsias, and prepared for look- ing over greenhouse plants, &c. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *#* We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All April 1, 18fi2. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 15 communications should therefore bo addressed solehf to Th: Editors of the "Journal of BorticttUxire, lJv.," 16:i, i'leet Street, London, F..C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and tlioso on Poultry and Bee subjoet?, if they oxpeet to gel tlioai answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communieations. Also never to send more than two cr three questions at once. ^ye eaunot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. CoRREsroNUENx's ADOPTED Names.— *' FKua of the Orange Trees" writes to inform us tlifit she 13 not "Flora of the Pansies," and that she thinks thiit '"last wt-ek it rained Floras." It is true there were a good niiiny wlio adapted th** goddess for their patroness, but they «ere mere uuits in com- parison witli the hundreds wlio iipjil}- to our oniclos as " Subscribers." We advise our correspondents to adojit iheir own initials, adding tho name of tlieir place of residence—thus, *' I*. L . Dcrbi/." Injurious mistakes might aiise from one " Stehscriher" accepting as an answer to hijquery, a reply intended for another *' S'lbscriOcr," Leaves of Cyclamens (Inquirer).— The Icat of Cyclamen eui'opacum, "from the north of the Alps," is quite true, and the leaf "from the south of the Alps" plant may certainly be true, but it looks very far from it. But we have lost confidence altogetlier in the leaves of any one Cyclamen under cultivation, as marks of identity. Tlie leaves and tlie flowers at the bottom of the box are very different indeed from the tiue veruum, and from Mr. Gordon's description of it. Yours is couin with a dash of persicum, and there are scores just like it at the Wellington Uoad Nureery, from Mr. Atkin- son's strain. We bad a long talk with Mr. Gordon himself the other day about Cyclamens and Crocuses, in the office of this Journal, and bo thinks the spur on the top of the bulbs is common to several sorts uniler certain conditions in a wild state, and that the spur would, or, might disappear in cultivation —that i^, seedlings from a spur-plant to give bulbs without spurs. Ouv own vernum il it ripens the seed will soon prove the point. Insects (Rev. E. C).— Yourminute insects belong to the order Thysanura or spring-tailed insects. They are the L. fimetaria, and are often fjund in such masses as you describe. As they differ greatly in size it is juat possible for them to be young newly-hatched brood. They feed on decaying vege- table n.attei", and are not injurious. — W. Vines in a Hot Dash- ATMosniKRE {A Sithscribcr, Sisto7l).—^YG have seen Vines have their blossoms injured like yours by ahot steaming, such as causing a supply-cistern to Loil furiously for want of water. Also, from too close and moist an atmosphere in dull weather as we have had lutely ; and now, after your second explanation of circumstances, we have no doubt the young fruit i\ere parboiled by strong steam at night when the house was shut up. The evaporation or steam must be lessened, or air left on the top ail night — say an inch all the way. Bone-crushing (Borax). — We know of no machine for doing this that is not laige and expensive. If we wished to use Ibe bones of an establish- Qient for manure, we should iidopt the American mode of putting the bones in alternate layers witli caustic potash. This after a "whde renders them ci-umbly and in a fit state for manuring. An old cask with one head out ■Would do thus to prepare the bones in. Heating by Gas (G. A, B., Bus/on?).— Ihere is no difficulty whatever in heating a small greenhouse by gas. We employed it for years in one without injuring a plant. If you will buy our No. 424, you will there find a ■drawing and description of a very cheap and effective apparatus. It was ccmstructed and used by Vincent Lichfield, Esq., surgeon, Twickenham, and we have no doubt he would courteously afford any further information. If you enclose four postage stamps with directions where it is to be sent, you -can have the Number above named free by post. -Cissus DISCOLOR (G. G.).— You will see notes upon its culture in another page of our Journal to-duy. KooT-PRUNiN-G (T. Troyrf).— The cuttings of the rools in November would :iot influence tiie Pear trees against the wall for this season. Wait patiently for another year. If weak during the summer, you might assist them witli liquid manure or new compost. If too strong you may have to prune more at the bottom. We would not think of watering' either Cherries or Apricots urple ; Lord Palmcrston, scarlet; Marquis of Dowmont, rose, f-haded with white; Mrs. W. Pigott, white; Perfection, orange ; Midnight, dark mar:on ; Pioneer, bright crimson ; Rosebud, rose; Triomphe de IVcq, tlark crimson; Umpire, white, edged; Lady Pophani, white, tipped ; Sir J. Douglas, yellow, edged with red; Jenny Austin, light, edged with lilac ; Lady Franklin, rosy buff ; Colonel Wyndham, deep rose; I'israeli, orange; Bravo, rosy crimson. White CEnothera Fon Bedding (A Subscriber). — There is no such rrfrtH5).— The Royal Horticultural Society's new garden at South Kensington is just in the same fix — nothing seems to do well in it but Rhododendrons, Box, and Grass, but all tliesc are now doing mo?t luxuriantly there. If you could get Rhododendrons, tree Box, and Aucubas, some Holly, Holly-leaved Barberry, Privet, and Yew bushes, they stand the smoke better than most evergreens ; and in your deep boggy earth, if you were to mulch them with some light rotten mixture from the framing-ground, it is all and the besc you can do. All the old stunted evergreens you have ought to be cut back considerably about the middle of April, and be transplanted into the new border. The short grass from tlie lawn would be a better mulching than none. Grass Seeds for Improving a Lawn {Idem).— The creeping very small Clover-like plant called Cow-grass, Trifolium medium, is one of the very best seeds to sow en a bad lawn to improve the texture and give a fine bottom. The white Clover, Trifolium repcus, is the next beat ; and the Hard Fescue-grass, Festuca duriuscula, is the best real Grass for such a lawn as yours. The patchy suiface sliould be first well scratched with a strong iron rake, the sowing to be done with a liberal hand, then a thorough good rolling, and no time should now be lost in sowing. If you step the ground, and tell the sceosman the lenuth and breadth thereof, he will be able to tell you the exact quantities. But the Cow-grass or very small yellow Trefoil, will not assist you much the first season, although in the long run we have nothing at all like it for improving the bottom. Using a Greenhouse as an Oechard-hi'dse (li. M. C.).— Although the floor of your greenhouse is tiled, you might grow in it fruit trees in pots. We should cover the portion on which the pnts would he placed with cocoa- nut-fibre refuse for the sake of retaining nmisture. If you used stages we sliould h ive the shelves of boards with a raised ledge all round, and the traya thus formed should be filled with the same refuse. For growing Straw- berries, Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricols, you will require no fcbade, but abnnrJant ventilation. To drive worms from your Carrot soil, sow salt, about 4 lbs. over every thirty square yards. Green Gage Sitker (An Ajuafeur, fiearfi^i/).— There is little doubt that such a sucker is merely a Plum sucker from the stock on which tlic Green Gage was budded. There is no objection to your grafting or budding it tioni the parent tree; and insert a bud or scion on every branch. American Plants (E. 5.).— Mr. Standish, Royal Nursery, Bagshot, could help you in the way you require. New CrcLAMiiN {One of Flora's Devotees, Bath).— Xomv seedling Cycla- men is worth ten guineas, perhaps ten times as much to some bneders. It is the first grand step we have seen towards the a'tainment of a long lost race of double ones. Prav be careful of it, .ind withhold nought from it that is good in goodness, and pleasant to the touch. Keep all foreign pollen from it by all means known in Bath, and never cease sowing seeds from it until you drive the stamens into ten more as effective "petals" as the ten white ones vou now have -with their cheerful deep lilac bottoms. Gardeners do not "decay" in Bath at all events. 16 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 1, 1862, Geometrical Gardes (Devon!a).— 'lt would take our whole space for coiTespondence to answer properly one-lialf of what you want. In the first place, in the list yoii sent there is liardly a plant of the colour you give, and there is a complete muOdle of ls, whicli is owing to the presence of Coumarine, anc' resembles that of the Tonka Bean, and of Vem.il Grass. In the Isle ot Bnnrbnn an infusion of Faam leaves is in great repute as a cure for pulmonary consumption ami as u stomachic. In France it has been successfully employed under the name of Islu of Bourbon Tea as an expecto- rant, anti-spasmodic, and stomachic" Vegetables for the Autuhin in the South of Scotland [P.). — As you say you only want vegetables from the 1st September np to Ciiristmas, and complain of their being too early last year, it was some excuse of the cultivator attributing their forwardness to an unusually fine autumn — at least it was so in the south of England, and some little allowance must at all times be made for such thint;s. But if your gardener he not well versed in fiuch niaftera the following details may be useful, assuming, as stated above, that vegetables - for the au'umn months only are wanted. Peas. — Sow Champion of Krgliind and Ne Plus Ultra from 10th May up to 20th June. If pea-stakes be not to be had sow Bedman's Imperial instead. Dwarf Kidney Beans.— Sow the Victoria or Liver-coloiired on 20th Jlay, and again 10th of June, Scarlet Runner Beans.— Sow Is-t June. They will continue hearing until frost destroys them. Broad Beans.— Sow green or white Windsor 10th May and l-t June. Borecole or Kale.— For autumn these may be dis- pensed with, as their uses are more for spring. Bmssels Sprouts.- Sow as earlj' in spring as you can, you cannof have tlicm too early. Broccoli.— Sow white and pink Cape on 50th May and 1st June, and Walcheren on 1st May; H\ii late sorts are not advisable. Beet.— Sow the best red Beet on 1st May. Cabbage.— Sow on lOtli May, but generally an early plantation furnishes abundance of sprouts; if t!ie latter exists this sowing mav be dispensed with. Cauliflower.- Sow 1st May, 10th, 2l5t, anrl 1st and 10th of June. The last sowing, however, may be dispensed with if the situation be a cold late one. Cf lery. — So\\' as early in spring as you can, and treat as described in other articles in The Jodhnal of Horticultvbk. Cucumber.— Only the frame kinds will do in the locality you mention ; and seed sown middle of June or later will be early enough. Endive. — Sow green and white Curled 10th June. Lettuce.— Sow Brown and AVhite Cos nn l.^th and 25th May, and on 5ih and 12th June, and one or two kinds of Cabbage Leftuce at the same time. Leek.— Sow early in spring, and cultivate as directed. Onion.— Sow as early in spring as ground will allow. Parsley.— Sow in April, and also in June. Potatoes.— Pl.''nt a few of the most useful land in the neighbourhood. Parsnip. — Sow as early in spring as you can get the ground in order. Salsafy and Scorzonera.- Sow middle or end of April. Sea-kale.~Ass\iming there is an established plantation you might have some by Christmas, but not -well before that time. Spinach.— Sow middle of June and beginning of July. Turnips.— Sow 1st. 15th, and 30th June. The Kaily Stone is a^ good a variety as any. Herbs tor general use, as Basil, Sweet Jlarjoram, Thym.e, &e., may be sown early in the ppring iu a pan or bux anil planted out. Hoots of Shallots, Garlic, and underground Onions may alsu be planted in very early spring if wanted. Mushrooms may also be had at the time you mention by prcp.aring beds as directed in previous Numbers of The Journal of Hor- ticulture. Sowing the Common Nasturtium: {C. H.).~lt always answers bc^t, in all places, where Tropecolums do out of doors in summer, to liave the seeds of annual ones sown in the very beds they are to occupy, only it is not the soonest way to have them in blossom. Single Blue anp Single Lilac Violf,ts {Idem). — "We can make out only that your Violets are very sweet, very large, and very handsome ; the blue one has had at least twenty names. Oblige us by sending a root of No. 2 to 5Ir. Beaton. That lilac ought to have a good name, and a good character, wc think, and it is just in his way. Covering a Teeliis, &c. (./. C i7., ^xcfcr).— To have 60 feet or 90 feet of a four-feet-high of trellis work " look gay this summer," you must confine yourself entirely to annuals and half hardy trainers (not creepers) out of pots— say four good :\laurandyas a yard high at planting time, at four equal distances; four Etcremocarpus, the same hut larger plants; four Lopho- spermums in four sorts, same size, and then fill in the panels between this with the fancy and running race ot Troprpolums. But what a sacrifice in such a place, instead of a whole fence of the veiy finest Tea P.oses o?i their oicm roots. Your plant is probably Iris variegata, from Hungary and Dalmatia, but the specimen was bad. Do not apply " soapsuds and liquid manure " to any one of the Conilers, and much more especially not to Wellingtonias and Arnui-arias. Conifers like rotten dung and plenty of it, if it is carefully mixed with the soil. Twelve SuPERion Large Chrtsantheml-ms (T. C, jffjiddersjield).— 1, Jiirdin des Plantes ; 2, Novelty ; 3, Golden Hermione ; 4, Lady Harding ; 5, Little Harry ; 6, Mrs. Sv. Holborn, the Annie Salter that was; 7, Rifleman ; 8, 'Iriomphe du Nord; 9, Wonderful; 10, Alma; 11, Boadicea; 12, Prince Consort. As you did not ask tor colours, couEuJt our report of the shows last autumn. Uusrrs, &c. { Vir id is). —llvimus is decayed vegetable matter. Water is composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and caloric, or heat, the latter, we conclude Mr. Beaton means to be ** half a thing." The decomposition of water takes place chiefly in the leaves. No seed has ever been detected in Mushrooms. Zinc L.vrels (1!.).— No labels last out of doors so long as similar labels in-doors. How long they last depends upon seasons, extent of exposure, and care in preparing tliem. Double Naecissus (P. jl/'oH7//Jc»»;/).—Many thanks: the specimen is very curious indeed, and the history of it more so. It is not of the same species or section as the Polyanthus group ; but is a true species tliat has been in cultivation over three hundred years, and named Narcissus biflorus, Bot^ Ung. 197. Cocoa-nut Fibre Refuse as a Manure [T. I,t«co^»).— There is nothing we know -which is a better dressing for all flower-beds, and all kinds of bed- t:ing plants, th;in this cocoa-nut fibre refuse. \\e have used i^ for the last seven years as such. Ihe way w-e apply it now is to ninlch with it, heavily as eoon as eveiy bed is planted, which, of itself, doubles the value of the appearance at once, and no plant requires to be watered under it, after the first wateiing, he the heat what it never has been with us. After the plants arc housed in October, we fork this mulching into the beds and put on afresh layer after the next planting. It is just as good for every plant that grows as it is for Ferns; but it will not keep off the Potato disease, although it is by far tiiebest dressing for the Potato we ever tried.— D. B. Cerastu'w tomentosum (Marguerite). — The plant you saw at Lord Staniord's, Knville Hall, i.s the very plant you inquire about— namely, the Cera^tium tomentosum, and vast quantities of it they grow in that splendid flower garden. You might get a whole basketful of cuttings of it from his lordship, and eveiy one of them would grow now if you were to put them in at once where you want it ; and in future, nvhen you want a thin nice-looking edging of it, it would need to be lifted out of the ground with a fort any tiinfc in April, be divided at the roots into little bits and replanted just as the cuttings were, or say about 3 inches apart along the line. On the other hand, if you required a hold, thick, massive edging of it, there would be no need to lift it oftener than once in four years. It is a charming flower of itself that way, and lasts so for six weeks. That is the way our clergyman has it; and all he finds necessary to do to it is to tell the gardener to run down his spade on each side of it any time in the spring, and then to fork out of the ground all the side roots and shoots, so as to make the edges of the row even on both sides, and we should think that would exactly suit you in some parts of the garden. Then, when a thick row of it had to be taken up for refrtshing it, all the difterence would be to plant larger pieces, or even lay it down in double rows 3 inches apart. UiDGR and Furrow Planting {Helen). — It is as the ridge of a bou!>e. A row of the highest plants iu the very centre of a place, and the rows on each side lowering down successively like the front and back of a roof. Yours may do as well by having the highest row on one side nest the low wall, without having pair rows. Names OF Plants {Frame St. /2f«H(m).— The smaller one is a form ofPoly- stichum anguiarc, not mature. The larger is P. aculeatnm r. lobatum. {J. 6'., ^fff///'v).— 1, Ncphrolepis tuberosa; 2, Polystichum angulare, t'. pro- llferum. {T. B.). — 1, Not recognised. What i.s the habit of the plant? What kind of flower? 2, Adiantum reniforme ; 3, Tecoma jasminoides; 4, Habrothamnus fasciculatus. (Jrt«^).— We happen to know it to be Ane- mone pavonina, but the specimens are incomplete. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE- POULTRY, 3(C., SHOWS. May 14th and 15tlL Taunton and Somerset. Sec., Charles Ballanee, Esq., Taunton. May 27th, 28th and 29th. Bath and West of England (City of Wells). Steivard, S. Pitman, Esq., Manor House, Tuunton. Entries close May 1. May 2Sth and 29th. Hun, and East Riding of YunKsniRK. Sec, Mr. J. Hocton. Entries close May Htb. Junk lib and 5th. Beverli^y and East Hiding. Sec.^ Mr. Harry Adams. July 9th, Kith, and Utb. Leeds and West Hiding. iSecs.f E. Holds- worth and J . Wade. KEEPING PHIJaSANTS IN A CONFINED SPACE. It is a great point in their favour that Pheasants are not prone to disease, because there is no pleasure in confining birds it" they suffer therefrom. The greatest part of tlie pleasure of keeping birds is to be able to show tliem to Iriends, and to be recognised by them. There are two objects in keeping such things : the first is the pleasure, the second is the prolit. We have little difficulty in describing the first ; we may have some in proving the second, at least, as far as London is concerned. Our publica- tion tries hard to inoculate the gi*eat city with rural pursuit& and luxuries- — window-gardening, roof-conservatories, and now pheasantries and aviaries. The day will be too short. AA'hat with Ferns, Flowers, and Pheasants (three F's), the morning will not be long enough. It may be, however, the yard is not exactly suited tor the erection of a pheasantry, or its other purposes and occupants render it unfit for a lady's morning visit. We must seek another place. Dry birds, or euch as do not require open pans or other vessels to drink from, may bo kept anywiiere. The flooring, or rather the bottom ot their cage or house, being covered with loose gravel, it is merely ]iecessar_j' to draw a broon> or rake very lightly over the surface now r.nd then, to insure scrupulous cleanhness ; and the use of a fountain will prevent a April 1, 18G2. ] JOUKNAL OXi' HORriCUI/TUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 17 drop of water from being spilled. Any litttle roof or the end of a balcony would answer tlie purpose for Pheasants or for other birds. A pleasing collection of song or feather birds njny bo kept almost anywhere ; and tliey offer advantages, inasmuch as height is with tliem an available space tliat lessens the necessity of a large squnra at tlie base. Much may be learned on this subject hy looking at tUo collections of small birds in the Crystal Palace. Provided with food, water, and moderalo shelter, there is little fear of mortality, and less of that which lu.iy be rather called want of condition than illness, and which consists in squatting about with loose feathers, and looking twice as large as they are in reality. Arrangements for nesting, sueh as were first made at the cele- brated aviary al Kuow.sley, may be used anywhere. The stem of a tree put up in the cage, with the bark on, holes made in it fitting for nests, with perches projccling from each, often cause birds to breed when they would not but for these temptations. There is, then, no dilliculty in dealing with the possibility of these things in any part of London. Vi'e need hardly say there is no profit in the small birds even if they reared their young. There would be in the Pheasants if they reared tlieirs, but that is impossible. The source of profit or the means of self support witli them is in their eg^s, and these arc always saleable during the season at from lOrf. to 1-s. each. A h^-n Plieasaut will lay from twenty to thirty eggs, and is not hindered by confinement. If they live long they will ]iay even their first cost, and it nviy be a profit ; but they will always keep themselves. It is certain that breeding-birds are more interesting than others, and there is, therefore, one we would especially mention — a very handsome and remarkable bird, hardy, easily kept, very free layer, and by no means diflicult to rear— we mean the Californian Quail. There is hardly a house in London where these may not bo easily kept ; and we are sure there is not one where they would not become favoui-ites. In leaving London for a time, while wo look at Pheasants in the country, we will only add two remarks — first, to insure cleanliness, do not let birds have water in open vessels ; nest, let the bottoms of the cages be covered with loose small gravel. It need not be alv.ays bright, level, and red on the surface. Dry hard dirt is no dirt ; let, therefore, the bottom be kept dry, and there will be nothing to oti'end the most fas- tidious, even in close quarters. A plieasantry in the country is a very different matter, and we know few tilings more attractive, or more amusing, than tame Pheasants in a pleasure garden. It is no longer necessary here to look for a spot or for room — in tlie way of place it is an ■emVari'as de richesses, and, therefore, we will choose such a one as we like. We dislike the easterly wind so much ourselves, that we never think anybody, or thing, can like it ; we, tlierefore, will choose a southern or western aspect. There shall be a close shrubbery at the back. The house, a watchbox or very little larger, is in the centre ; while the galvanised wire netting that ■forms the pen is stretched close up to the boughs, small branches work through, and the foliage gets thick till no wire is visible. The top is completely overhung, and the front being entirely covered with flowering creepers the Pheasants live in a little paradise. • * These things are to be accomplished at so small a cost ; and tliey are in reality, and to all jiersons, so humanising and so in- teresting, we have thought it worth while to show plainly they are within reach of most people. There are other birds of which we will ti-eat hereafter. SiLVEB Pheasa?its.— The first egg of our Silver Pheasants was laid Saturday, the 22nd nit. ; the second by another hen on the following Tuesday. V>'e have five hens, but have had but three eggs smce March 27th. DZIEBZON'S EEVIEW OF THE APIAEIAN EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1861. I HATE much pleasure in laying before the readers of The JouENAL OP HoETictTLTLTKE a rcvicw of the apiarian events of the past year, translated from a recent Number of the German "Bee Journal," and written by Uerr Dzierzon, probably the most distinguished of modern apiarians. Bearing in mind that the winters of Germany are far more severe and protracted than those of this country, "A Rexfkew- SHIEE Bee-keepeb " wUl probably not be displeased at finding his views on the subje.t of premature breeding in cold climates so decisively confirmed by the highest living authority, whilst the statement that a queen bee cannot pass beyond the limits of the "brood-bed," except at the risk of her life, will, doubtless, surprise many. However extraordinary it may appear, my own observations tend to establish its probability, and the knowledge of the fact may save future cxperiincnfalists from a similar loss to that sustained by my friend, Mr. S. B. Fox, who in Ko. XV. of " Apiarian Notes," relates how a fine Ligurian queen mvs- teriouely disappeared after some of his manipulations. At any rate no harm can result from a little extra care being taken in returning queens to those parts of their hives which happen to be the seat of breeding at the lime they arc examined. Do extremes meet ? and is the ignorant cottager wdio, whilst boasting the number of times his bees have swarmed, consigns three-fourths of his apiary to the murderous brimstone-pit, wiser in his generation than the scientific bee-keeper who with cunningly devised and expensive apparatus exults in the fact tliat he never purposely kills a bee? Such are the questions which arise in one's mind whilst perusing the axiom laid down by so great an authority, that from " divided hives " is got, on the whole, more thsn " double profit." If this be indeed the case, we may bid farewell alike to the palatial edifices of Nutt, and the ingenious storifiers of Taylor. Stewarton " bar-and- slides," and the more modern " frames," will be equally at a discount, except in the hands of experimentalists, and we may look forward to dome-shaped straw hives and their congenial hackles resuming undisputed sway. Natural swarming may, perhaps, be assisted by artificial means, and " driving " take the place of suffocation ; but if the above axiom be correct, it would appear that beyond this there is little scope for the profitable application of science to bee-keeping. The concluding observations on the impregnation of autumn- bred queens are, however, of unquestionable value, and are in perfect accordance with tlie experience of — A Detonshiee Bee- KEEPEB. PEAOTICAL COKCLUSIONS DEDUCED EBOM THE EYENTS OF THE YEAR 1861. Annual reports have but little interest for the reader if they contain only a statement of the bare results — whether there have been many or few swarms, much or little honey, &c. These reports would bo much more instructive if the results which they describe were traced back to their causes, so that from them rules for future practice might bo laid down. The year 1861 was on account of its unusual temperature particularly instruc- tive, and affords many hints for our future guidance which ought not to be neglected. The spring, as has been already reported, was here — and it appears also in most parts of Germany and beyond its bounda- i-ies — extremely destructive. And what was the reason of this destruction ? Was it the great and continuous cold, or, to speak more correctly, the want of warmth alone ? By no means. We have had winters when severe cold lasted a great deal longer, and yet the bees got much better through them into the spring than' last year. The mischief lay in tlie repeated and great vicissitudes of temperature. Premature breeding was induced without any important results, owing to the severe cold which set in compelling the bees to contract their cluster and expose the brood to the cold. Hence follows this practical rule :— " Keep the hives during winter and spring as long as possible in an equable tem- perature and in perfect quiet, thereby keeping them from breeding." This end is most perfectly obtained by placing them in some such locality as a cellar. The stocks which I had put in were brought out as populous and almost as heavy as when they were deposited — not one of them had sustained the least injury by the severe cold of January. But to my grief I was misled by the mild weather that set in to put them out too early. Had I, as soon as they had cleansed themselves, put them in again, I bad done weU." But the bee-frimd rejoices at the hum- ming and lively flights of his bees, believing when he sees them take wing that the spring is arrived, not considering that weeks or months of cold may follow, as was indeed the case. The bee- keeper, therefore, if his aim be profit rather than pleasure, should in tlie spring look on the dark side— always be prepared for a cold and destructive season, and keep his bees in perfect winter quiet as long as ]iossible. This for the hives he had put in can be obtained by opening the lorah at the coldest hour of the day— that is, early in the'mornmg, and by lowering the temperaturg 18 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ ApiU 1, 1862. by means of ice or snow wlieu the weather becomes uneeasou- ably warm. Should then a cold time ensue, as is often the case, that " the lame post comes after," ** the bees would be safe, whilst tliose which have been prematurely set in motion, and in wliich breeding has coaimenced, are frequently destroyed. The loss of tlie queen is often the result of repeated interrup- tions in breeding, as was experienced here and in other places during the last spring, llerr Kaden, whose experience tallies with my own, thinks the queens have frequently been stung to deatli by the bees ; and tliis may be possible, because the bees getting, after a long period of cold and quiet, into full life again ' find the brood-combs t empty, and the queen, therefore, as it were beyond them where she is always in danger of life. Tlie frequent interruption of breeding, and the want of opportunity to relieve themselves of tlieir eggs wliicli have begvni to increase in their ovaries, seem also the probable cause of the death of many weak queens. And lastly, many an old queen, having laid what eggs slie was able, now reaches the natural end of her existence which would have happened at a later period, perhaps not until swarming time, if the early warmtli had not occasioned premature breeding. But, it may be asked. If no more cold shouhl ensue, if the tempei'ature should continue warm and the spring come un- usually early, would not then the bees which have been treated aa aforesaid, remain behind those which had begun betimes to breed ? This is, however, not to be feared, as the experience of last year proves. It has been reported that when at last more favourable weather came, the bees recovered with extraordinary rapidity, and still distinguished themselves in working. The full pasture cannot appear suddenly as if by magic, but must be preceded by a warm period of several weeks, during which time the bees are able to gather strength so that they may avail them- selves of the first load. In the report which has been before referred to, I instanced what one stock did, as it increased to six good hives. Those which remained undivided had, of course, a larger stock of honey in the autumn, but the clear profit of eacli stood in no proportion. From the divided hives was got, on the whole, more than double profit, although the harvest time was very short owing to the season benig so far advanced before warm weather set in : hence follows the rule that if the year bids fair to be a good one, and the bees have already gathered something in store, you must increase the number of stocks if you will not have a falling-olT in the profits. In excellent years, as the last was in the latter part, the profit from undivided hives, even if the bees never want room, will not amount to so much as from those which have swarmed citiier natru'ally or artificially. Tlie fan' weather, which is so exceedingly favourable to bees, lasted in the past summer until the middle of September, when it sufl'ered an interruption, as from that time it rained daily for sixteen days. This was the time when I had taken a journey to Gratz, from thence further to Trieste, Venice, Verona, &c. It was raining when I left on the 12tli of September, and the weather was dull when I came back on the 28th. During this time, as I learnt on my retm'n, the bees had been able to work only about twice. On the honey-harvest the weather had no longer any influence, as the posture was, of course, closed long ago ; hut to me it was unpleasant, because I had a nuuiber of young Italian queens which, at the time of my departure, were unimpregnated and whicli, of course, still remained so when I returned. As there was yet a tolerable number of drones, impregnation was still possible but became, at this advanced season, every day more improbable. On the 29th of September it cleared up, and the following days were also pleasant. Some of the young queens were seen flying off in the morning, but, for the most part, did not remain long in the air. If their excursions had been success- ful was very doubtful, and I was afraid of being left in this un- certainty, when the 9th of October — an unusually fine day for the season (20° Eeaumer in the shadcj) — relieved me from it. At noon of this day I saw a queen, four weeks old, return with the sign of fecundation ; and, when I examined the other hives, two hours later, I saw eight other queens in possession of this sign. On the preceding days the bees had played exceedingly — the number of drones had increased, whilst the number of workers decreased every day, ar.d yet copulation liad not taken place : hence it follows that a good warmth of the air, about 20" Eeaumer, is necessary if the excursion of a young queen is to * Gel-man proverb. + Literally '-brood-bed" or "brood-camp." J 20° Reaumer are equal to 77° Falirenheit, be successful. The day may be light and pleasant, but if the air be cool copulation will not take place. From the before- mentioned circumstances, one may also learn how to ascertain whether late-bred queens are impregnated. Daily observations would be tiresome, and take up much time. All that is necessary is to open the hives and examine the queens about three o'clock on those warm days, during which only copulation can take place. If you cannot determine the point with any certainty, then you must feed the bees every day. Should the queen be impregnated her abdomen will soon begin to enlarge, and she will, even in October, lay at least some eggs. If on the contrary she turn out to be unimpregnated, she should not be kept till winter. — Dzierzon. APIASIAJT NOTES.— No. XVII. MY APIABY IN 1861. iCo'Dchided from page iisl , T'oL II.) No. 13. — Early in the spring this stock (a common straw hive), was in good condition. On the 23rd of May, and also on the 28th, it was deprived of a considerable jjroportion of its bees for the purpose of strengthening, or rather peopling hives, from which all the bees had been driven to make artificial swarms. Nevertheless, on the 19th of June I obtained a splendid swarm from it by driving, transposing the old stock with No. 12. An artificial queen which had just commenced laying eggs wa» taken from No. 10 (the nucleus before described), and confined in a small queen-box inserted among the combs for twenty-four hours. When liberated she was received by the bees, and is still at the iiead of tlie colony. The hive is not again alluded to in my journal — no honey was taken from it; but in October, when all the stocks were cither inspected or weighed, it was very heavy and full of bees. No. 14 commenced its career on the 2Sth of May, as an arti- ficial swarm expelled from No. 12 (described at page 487), hived in a Langstroth frame-box. The following day two combs bad already been commenced, each of which contained a quantity of eggs. A brood-eomb from No. 11 was given to strengthen the hive. On the 11th of July Mr. Woodbury was able to supply me with a pure Lignrian queen, for which I had been long anxiously waiting. The common queen was first captured, in truth a fine one, and vastly superior in size and appearance to the one to be substituted for her. This last was confined in a small wooden box, with some of her own bees, separated only by perforated zinc for nearly thirty hours, over the central hole in the cover of the stock. On the communication being opened, every Lignrian bee was quickly destroyed ; and no doubt the queen shared the same fate, as on inspection a day or two after no queen was to be found, but many royal cells were in progress. On informing Mr. Woodbury of the failure, he very kindly offered me another fertile queen, also small and rather dark, one of a batch of young artificial queens which, about that time of the summer, all partook of the same character. On this occasioa she was confined with a few subjects in a small zinc box, secured among the combs, and Jiberated about eighteen hours after. As in the former case, the worker Ligurians were immediately hustled out of the hive, and I greatly feared for the fate of the queen ; but the next day I was gratified by finding her quite at home in her new domicile. By the 23rd, or four days after, she had laid a considerable number of eggs. As related in the case of No. 8, her offspring proved to be true ; and the artificial queen raised from her brood was very superior in appearance to herself. From the failure reported above, together with several others which occurred about this time and prior to it, Mr. Woodbury wisely resolved to send out no more queens, unless in connection with stocks, at the head of which they should be fairly established. No. 15. — This is an observatory-hive — a unicomb, in the shape of a Gothic window, made more for appearance sake than with any idea of superiority for working and observatory pur- poses. Its interior dimensions are 3 feet 3 inches in height, by about 17 inches in width to the spring of the arched portion ; the space between the glass sides varies fi-om I| inch at bottonij to 2 inches at the upper part. It was stocked on the 19th of June by a swarm driven from No. 13, as described at the begin- ning of this paper. The bees were first hived in a long, shallow box, furnished with bars, which fitted into the unicomb. Iloncy at this time was most abundant, so that this box was filled with. combs, a great proportion of it sealed honey, in ten days. AprU 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 19 On the 2iid of July, combs and bee3were easily transferred lo the unicomb. Coneidering the lengtli of the bars, and that no guide- combs were used, the combs were worked beautifully straight ; and this I thiuk may be attributed in a great measure to the use of the principle of the Woodbury-bar. On July the 5tli this hive ■was exhibited at our horticultural show, the bees being confined creating a considerable degree of interest. The great object of attraction was, of course, the queen, which was easily seen all the time. The bees bore the confinement and prolonged exposure pretty quietly. For several years in succession have I exhibited observatory-hives with the bees confined in tliis way, occasion- ally witli much injury to them. Once, in tlio ease of a large globe-hire, the combs collapsed as if placed over a fire ; and although the hive was removed the instant it was discovered that the temperature had risen to excess, the combs, with brood, bees, and honey were totally lost. To return to No. 15. At the end of autumn the combs and bees were transferred to the stock-box, where they still remain in good working order, ready to be reshifted at any time. No. 16 is a flat-topped straw hive, from which a fine swarm was driven on the 23rd of Hay. Mr. Woodbury having presented mc with some sealed royal cells, that same evening 1 fixed them as well as possible among the combs. Some bees were obtained by putting the hive on the stand of No. 13, re- moved to anotlicr part of tlie garden. In due time a queen was hatched out, and though most probably fertilised by a common drone, she is a magnificent breeder, and her offspring are the purest possible looking Ligurians. Tliis spring, long before the other hives in the same garden showed much activity, these bees carried considerable quantities of pollen. No. 17. — A Langstroth frame-hive, stocked witli a natural swarm from No. 1, found by accident at nine o'clock in the evening of June the 20th, clustered round the stem of a standard rose tree. Tlie swarm was not a large one, and the bees made poor progress in their over-sized habitation ; but on July 1st a very fine cast issued from No. 1 which, in the evening, was safely united to the first. A good stock was the result. No. 18 was a swarm from tlie adjuster No. 7, on the 2nd of July, hived in a large Stewarton-box. Owing to the unsettled weather which soon after set in, these bees did not succeed in their endeavours to establish a colony ; but starvation and the wasps ended their inglorious career. The hive, being kept at a distance of nearly three miles from my house, could not receive the attention requisite to have saved it from destruction. No. 19. — A second swarm from No. 7, which was found after the lapse of a week to have made no comb whatever ; conse- quently, the bees were united to another colony. This concludes the category of my hives in 1861. It will have been apparent to those who have perused these articles, that I was more desirous of transferring my stocks into Lang- stroth-boxes, or of peopling the same with artificial swarms, than of reaping a good honey harvest. Had the entire resources of my apiary been devoted to the object of obtaining honey, I believe the amount would have been very far beyond anything ever before experienced by me. I never remember honey to have been anything like so abundant as daring the months of April, May, and June of last year ; but in addition to the swarms obtained and stocks established, I was rewarded with about 175 lbs. of honeycomb, most of it of superior quality. This day I have melted and refined about 6 lbs. of prime wax, from the refuse of combs from last year's manipulations. This, as the price of wax is at present, is rather a valuable addition to the proceeds cf an apiary. One peculiarity in my experience with regard to supers last summer I must notice. I never remember any season where the queens ascended so much, or laid such a quantity of eggs in the supers, the chief proportion of which was drone. I turned up one of the largest of these — a box afterwards weighing 50 lbs., and excised many pounds' weight of drone brood. The space was filled up with new combs and sealed honey. The hive contained at that time many thousands of adult drones, and tliere must have been almost as great a number in embryo. For a thriving stock, it was the most overpowered with drones of any in all my experience. I believe the cause of so much breeding in the supers, may be attributed to the early abundance of honey having deprived" the queens of much of the proper breeding portion of the hives. In some of tlie frame-hives where combs of brood and honey were removed for the strengthening of other stocks, on empty comba being substituted they were immediately filled with brood, and no breeding in the supers took place. Also in two flat- topped straw hives, where shallow ekes were added early in the summer, with the object of enlarging the breeding part of tlie hives, the supers of 23 lbs. and 32 lbs. respectively, were totally free from any trace of brood. By the adoption of the moveable frame-hives, I intend in future to remove the breeding-combs which may become too mucli the depositories of honey, to the sides or to other boxes, substituting empty combs. No one who has not tried this plan can imagine how it excites the bees to work, eitiier how much combs they may be compelled to build, or liow populous tlie hive will become, from the rapidity witli which the queen avails herself of the new and empty space at her command. — S. Bevan Fox, Exeter, THE CANARY AND THE BRITISH FINCHES. (^Continued from paye 506, I'ol. II.) AGE— DISEASES— PARASITES. The Age to which Canaries live differs much, as birds that are used for breeding do not often live above six or eight years, while those that are kept single for singing only, if judiciously fed, have been known to survive for twenty years. As I have been a fancier and breeder for many years, it will be expected that I should say something of the Diseases to which Canaries and other Finches are liable ; but, in this respect, I fear I shall disappoint that expectation. It is not that my stock have enjoyed total immunity from the ailments incident to the feathered tribe, for, like most fanciers, I have had at times diseases among my pets, the cause and cure of which I have not always been successful in accounting for or relieving, yet, on the whole, my stock has generally been healthy, which I attribute to careful tending and judicious feeding, and I am of the opinion that more may be done as a preventive of disease than as a cure. My advice, therefore, is care, cleanliness, and wholesome food as nearly as possible adapted to the nature of the bird, and to rather underfeed than overdo it, or fatten a bird that is caged- up, and is, consequently, deprived of its natural exercise. Ke- pletion or overfatness I regard as the origin of many diseases, while the indulgence in many pungent or exciting seeds, as rape and hemp, is liable to disarrange the delicate organisation of the prisoner. It is true that some birds may overcome the effects or get inured to the food and live to a long age ; but how many die in the process ! In the same way many men, thougli habitual drunkard-^, live to a good old age ; yet, seeing how many die from that cause, no one, I should think, would argue that hard drinking was conducive to health ; and yet we find bird- fanciers advocating the pungent rape and exciting hemp seed for the feeding of birds, because a few have lived long on those seeds, while numbers annually die of inflammation of the bowels, surfeit, or apoplexy, most certainly induced by the use of such food. Injiammaiion of the Bowels may proceed from a cold, and is very common among young birds at the first moult, when they are only partially covered with feathers, and nature is under an extra tax to provide fresh ones ; but I attribute it much more frequently to the use of rapeseed, and since I discarded the use of that seed I have scarcely been troubled with the disease. In this complaint the bird becomes thiu and emaciated, the abdomen is swollen, and the intestines appear red, the bird sits with its head behind its wing, the feathers ruflled-up as if cold, and soon dies a mere skeleton. As I have before said, it has rarely ap- peared among my birds since I discontinued the use of rape seed, the pungency of which I consider too hot for the delicate digestive organs of young birds. My advice is at once to dis- continue the feeding on rape, give bread and milk, and put a drop of sweet nitre in their water. If far gone I fear there is little hope of llie bird's recovery : therefore, again I urge that pi'evcntion is better than cure. Susi; Asthma, and Consumption are diseases of the respiratory organs, and generally proceed from colds caught by hanging in a draught, sudden changes of temperature, or a damp aviary. I have found great advantage by putting some tar in the water from which they drink, which has quite cured some cases if taken early, and before the lungs became seriously affected. Bread and milk, and plenty of chickweed and groundsel, are also beneficial. One gentleman strongly recommends the use of rice-water as a cure for asthma in Canaries. Decline is a gradual loss of health and wasting-away of the bird — the constitution being undermined by some cause. The 20 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 1, 1862. feeding on hempsceci, or other stimulating and fattening food, causes the bird to become unduly fat ; haTing arrived at ripe- ness, as the poulterer would say, they rapidly decline and lose flesh and die. Some tonic would, perhaps, be useful with less stimulating food, but I cannot advise what ; as a preventive I would say, Do not fatten them ready for the cook. There are other caiises that may destroy t!ie liealth of the birds and induce decline, among whicli I class the continual worry and sucking they undergo from the mites or red bugs that often infest the cages, and until they are extirpated but little improvement can be expected in the health of the little patient. Obstruction of the Oil-gland is another of the ailments of cage birds. Above the tail is a double gland from which oil is secreted, and with which the bird dresses its feathers. Tliis sometimes becomes obstructed, and the oil thickens in the gland, the whole becoming inllamed, and the bird seems to sufier much pain, is dull, inactive, ruffles its feathers, and pants. To relieve it, take the bird in hand and lift uji the rump feathers; having found the swollen gland, gently press out the thickened matter with some smooth blunt instrument, and anoint the part with fresh butter or oil. Some advise the use of powdered sugar applied to the place to draw it gently. The bird is generally much relieved at once, but it may require to be pressed out a second time ; the bath and exercise are good for the patient. Dislocation of a Joint may be reduced by gently Etretching the limb and pushing the joint in place, and, if done before inflam- mation has set in, the cure is complete. Fractures of wings or legs aie best left to nature. If the bird is put in a cage l)y itself, liberally fed, and kept quiet, the broken bone soon joins. If the shank of the leg, or more pro- perly speaking the foot is broken, it will be advisahle to put it in place and bind it up, using small pieces of quill from Pigeons or fowls as splints, as from the absence of flesh on that part to form a natural ligature by awelling round the broken ends they do not so readily unite. Sore Feet arise from dirt, or from fine hairs of wool, silk, or cotton getting round them and cutting to the bone (such materials are very objectionable for nest-building on that account, and should never be used). As a cure remove the offending sub- stance, wash the feet, and anoint with butter, lard, oil, or some heal- ing salve ; see that the perches do not cross, so that when the bird sits on an upper one, the dung does not lodge on the lower ; keep the cage clean, and allow the bird the occasional use of the bath in fine weather, which is very healthful to all bii'ds. Tumours may be opened and the matter pressed out, putting a little salve on the place. Apoplexy. — Wlien birds are in high condition, they some- times are affected by a sudden fit of apoplexy. Any excitement or friglit may bring it on ; a tendency of blood to the head, or rupture of a bloodvessel on the brain may cause sudden death. Partial Paralysis or Fits. — When death does not immediately ensue, relief may be given by bleeding in cutting off the tip of the beak, or cutting the toe-nails till sufficient blood is drawn. A pur- gative should be administered, as sop of unboiled milk and bread with moist sugar, and treacle in their water ; all stimulating food should be avoided, and the bird kept cool and quiet. The pull- ing out of the tail will be found beneficial towards recovery, as the reproduction of the feathers draws a supply of blood to the opposite extremity of the bird's body. Eotten-feathered, or unnatural moulting, is often produced by the birds being too fat, or fed on too stimulating food and kept too warm : a cool- ing and lowering diet, a little flowers of sulphur in their food, and the frequent use of the bath with plenty of green food may be found useful, Fgg-loiind. — In cold or backward springs, hen Canaries sometimes experience a difficulty in laying ; this is more parti- cularly the case with maiden hens. A drop of castor oil put down the throat, and introduced into the vent by means of a feather, have been found to assist the sufferer. As a preventive, moist sugar should be given in the soft food, and plenty of green meat when the birds are expected to lay ; a lump of old mortar with a little salt in it, or a piece of cuttle-fish bone, are good for the birds to peck, and assist in the formation of the egg-shells. It is, however, hardly necessary to state that breeding from bii'da too nearly related produces weakly offspring, which are more delicate and less able constitutionally to resist or overcome the attack of the various diseases to which caged birds are liable. Of Paeasites, I am only aware of two that attack Canaries. A louse sometimes annoys them ; but this I should regard as an indication of dirt and neglect, and may easily be got rid of by dusting powdered sulphur or brimstone among their feathers, and more attention to cleanliness. The red mites or cage bugs are a species of Acarus, similar to what infest pigeon-houses and hen-roosts. They live in the cracks and joining of the cages, and at night sally forth to suck and annoy the birds ; they multiply in great numbers about the cage and in the nests, tormenting the poor birds, causing the df ath of the young, and frequently of the old birds likewise. Some fanciers have recommended the use of the Persian insect-destroying powder ; but I have not tried it, finding that by thoroughly cleaning the cages, saturating the cracks with linseed oil, and then filling them with flowers of sulphur, and dusting sulphur among their feathers, also by cleaning the nest and sprinkling powdered sulphur in, that I can get rid of these pests. Wherever any floury or mouldy appearance is noticeable about the joins or crevices of the cage, these torments to the birds may be suspected, and no time should be lost in giving them notice to quit. — B. P. Bbent. OUE LETTER BOX. CocniN-CHlNA Pullets not Latiko E,\klt (D. Binm/).—\fe can only siifTKCsr anrt name some of tlie causes that would prevent your pullets from laying. \Vc say " prevent,'' because in the ovdinary course of things, laying birds must do so at the proper time. Some, like Pheasants, lay only in their season, the difference between young and old being but a few days. In fowls, a pullet lays at a ceitain age, a hen at a cevt,Tin season : therefore, unless something prevented, your pullets must have laid. Correct rcRisters have proved to us Cochins hatched in Slay 'generally lay in November, always in December. Many of ours have laid at seventeen weeks. It is the first and the inevitable law of Nature, and after these first eggs are laid, then the pullet settles into the hen, and the regular course of laying, sitting, and moulting goes on. Are yon sure the puUets were hatched in March, and that they have never laid, because according to our theory they should have laid in August and September, and would have laid again in February or the present month. There is no such thing as a Cochin pullet being twelve months old before she begins to lay. Over-feeding and fat may prevent; close confinement and poverty from bad feeding may prevent, but a fowl of that breed must lay or die before twelve months. One might be an exception, but as yours were all alike you must find the cause. Game Cock DitooriNG (/(/f»i).— When a Gamecock gets into the state you describe, the best, almost the only remedy, is to give him raw yolks of new-laid eggs. They will often drink them out of the half-shell, three or four at a meal. We cannot account for the Geese; we have two, one old and one young, they have laid an unusual number. Have you rats ? Do the birds cat their eggs ? We believe eggs are laid. Spanish Fowls (B. S. i?.}.— The very limited space is against them, and renders less food necessary. Do not give them peas. We cannot afford space to state their gencial management, "i'ou can have it in our *' Poultry Book for the Many," free by post for seven penny postage stamps, "Vertigo in Fowls {G. II.). — Fowls troubled with giddiness, partial blindness, want of power in the legs, and fin.ally death, intimate that they are apoplectic, and that this arises, probably, from their being overfed. " Bread and bailey " in excess are far too fattening for breeding f'Dwls. A little bread nii-\ed"with boiled potatoes, barleymeal and boiled potatoes, and a very little whole barley would be better given at different times. Give such fowls as are suffering as you describe a dessertspoonful of castor oil, and no other food than a little bread mixed with boiled potatoes. GOAis (M.P.).— We wish you would oblige us with full details, stating how you feed and manage them ; how long is gestation ; time for weaning kids; and even the details which to you may seem the most trivial. No work gives such information. We believe .Mr. Kidd still resides at Hammersmith. Uniting Bees. — In reply to the inquiry made by my friend Mr. S. Bevan Fos, in the last Number of The Jouenae of IIonTiccLTeRE, I may state that my experience leads me to indorse his conclusion, that confining a queen during the operation of uniting bees is of very doubtful advantage. His concluding request has been anticipated in an article by me on the same subject, which appeared a few weeks ago. — A Devonshiee BEE.KEEPtR. Size of SiPERS, &c. iS. A.. Braintvee). — Your boxes are not too large for supers on strong stocks in a gcod season, hut would be more generally useful if two or three of them were reduced to 7^ inches in depth. The use of adapters obviates any inconvenience from difference in size. Kead the reply to "J. F." in another column. Preserving Ginger.— We shall be obliged by an answer to the following from some experienced reader : — '* I have succeeded in growing a good crop of green ginger roots ; but now, having ' caught my hare,' I am quite at a loss liow to cook it, and should feel greatly obliged if some one of your cor- respondents could give me plain directions bow to proceed in preserving it. Tlie roots are at present in the dry earth in a state of rest, as they have re- mained since the commencement of winter, it is now ftUl time to st-irt them again; but other business has prevented at present. From a book on "Tropical Fruits," I learn Ihus much— that the time to preserve it is when the roots are just started into growth, and the young shoots are 2 inches or 3 inches high. Of all else I am ignorant, and shall be most thankful for information. — A Subscriber." LONDON MARKETS.— Mabch 31. POULTRY. "We have some difficulty in making quotations, the qualities of the birds being so variable. - • ■ ' Each-s. d. s. a. Each — s. d. 8. d Large Fowls 4 0 to 4 6 Smaller do 3 6 „ 4 0 Chickens 3 0 „ 3 C Guinea Fowls 2 6 „ 3 0 Goslings 7 0 „ 7 6 Ducklings 3 Pigeons 0 Rabbits 1 ■Wild do 0 Hares 0 0 to 3 8 „ 0 3 „ 1 8 „ 0 0 „ 0 April 8, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICtJLTXJKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 21 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Dav Day of of M'nth Week. 8 Tn 9 W 10 Ta U F 12 S 13 Son H H APRIL 8—14, 1802. Arum crinituni. Athanasia tomentosu. Boronia lutifolia. Chorozenm Henchmnnii. Chorozema maciophylUi. Palm Sunday. Princkss Bkatrick born, 1857. Weather near London in 1861. Barometer. Thermom. Wind, f^^^^f^ 30.40S-30.333 30.400-30.475 30.500— 30..'i91 30.415-30.330 30.31(1—311.235 30.257—30.193 30.207-30.184 deir. ieg. 49-24 50-23 ,55-22 65—29 63-40 54-41 51-40 E. E. N.E. N.E. N.E. N.E. Sun lliiscs. m. h. 22 af 5 20 r, Snn Sets. m. h. 42 af 6 Moon Clock Rises Moon's after and Seta Age. Sun. m. li. m. B. 19 2 9 1 55 40 2 10 1 38 7 a 11 1 21 20 3 12 1 5 46 3 13 0 49 7 4 M 0 3:! rises O 0 17 Day of Year. 98 99 100 101 102 103 lot Metkoroiogt of tbe Week.— At Chiswick, from obserrations during the last thirty-five years, the average highest and lowest temperatures nf these days are 65. (r laid .i.'i.c respectively. The greatest heat, 73", occurred on the 14tli in 1852 ; and the lowest cold, 20 , on the 10th in ISIiU. During the period 124 days were fine, and on 121 rain fell. THE GENUS CEANOTHUS.* HE diiFcrent species and varie- ties of Ceanotlius are all very ornamental free-growing shrubs, of moderate size, and mostly evergreen. Some arc tolerably hardy, others quite so, and nearly all ai'e suited for planting in small gardens, especially the Califor- nian kinds, if trained against a which situation many of them will produce a profusion of brilliant blue flowers during the whole summer and autumnal months, retaining their foliage all the winter. They require but little care or pruning, and only a slight protection in very severe weather, and are never infested with insects like the Rose and other climb- ing plants in such situations. SECTioif.— BLUE-FLOWERED KINDS. No. I.^Ceanothus papillosus. Torrej/. (The Pimpled-leaved Ceanothus.) This is a beautiful evergreen shrub growing from 6 feet to 10 feet high, with long slender shoots covered all over with coarse hairs, resinous tubercles, and narrow oblong or tongue-shaped leaves, rounded at the points, deep green above, and furnished with numerous lateral veins, on the under side covered with a dowuy substance. Flowers bright blue, and produced abundantly in rather small round terminal thyrsoid or globular heads, on long slender footstalks. This kind is found plentiful on the outskirts of woods in Upper California, flowering more or less from May to September. No. 2. — Ceanothus dentatus. Nzdtall. SXNONTMES. -C. floribundus. Hooker. gustifolius. Uovt. C. dentatus an- (The Toothed-leaved Ceanothus.) A handsome slender evergreen shrub growing about 4 feet high, thickly furnished with long slender shoots, and small more or less wedge-shaped leaves toothed at the ends, and full of glandular hairs, deep green above, and more or less downy below. Flowers deep blue, in small terminal globular heads, on short footstalks, and in great abundance. This kind is found on the margins of woods in Upper California, flowering during the summer and autumn ; but very much altered in stature and general appearance by soil and situation. • The name " Ceanothu-s" was originally pivcn bv Theophrastus, and is derived from " Keo," to prick or cleave, on account of the first species to ■which the nanic was applied being spiny or prickly shrubs ; but all of ■which are now transferred by modern botanists to other genera, so th.it the plants to which the name is applied have nothing to do with th» species first so nainc'l evcept in belonging to the same naf.i:;i! order. No. 51.— Voi. in., New Sekifs. No. 3. — Ceanothus Veitchiakus. Iluuler. (Vcitch's Ceanothus.) A fine species closely allied to C. dentatus, papillosus, and some others of the blue-flowered Californian kinds ; but easily distinguished from them all by its perfectly- glabrous branchlets, glossy or almost varnished leaves, calyx, and footstalks, and its bright mazarine blue flowers, which are produced in close heads. A fine evergreen shrub, found abundantly in Upper California, flowering during the summer aud autumn months. No. 4. — Ceanothus kigidus. NuliaU. (The Stiff-branched Ceanothus.) A dense-spreading evergreen shrub, with a much- divided head and rigid branchlets, growing from 2 feet to 3 feet high, and thickly covered with small wedge- shaped leaves ; of a deep glossy green above, very pale and netted below, and spiny-toothed at the ends. Flowers in small close clusters or umbels, thickly placed along the branches on the ends of very short spurs, and of a deep purple or violet colour. It is foimd in open places in the woods near Monterey in Upper California, and on the Sacramento Mountains forming scrubby thickets, flowering in May and June. No. 5. — Ceanothus fp-osteatus. Bentham. (The Prostrate Ceanothus.) A prostrate and very branching evergreen shrub, with rigid smooth shoots trailing along the ground, and thickly clothed with foliage which is from six to nine lines long, wedge-shaped, tridented (three-toothed) at the ends, thick, leathery, obscurely nerved, glabrous, aud opposite. Flowers somewhat umbellate, or in short, thvrsoid heads, and of a deep blue. It is found on the Sacramento Mountains in Upper Cali- fornia, a prostrate creeping shrub covering large patches of ground. No. 0. — Ceanothus thtesiflorus. Esrhsclioltz. Synon^jme. — C. divaricatus. Lindley. (The Thyrse-flowered Ceanothus.) A large evergreen bush, or small tree, full of slender twigs, aud growing from 10 feet to 20 feet high. Leaves oval, rather small, glossy, dark green, smooth on both sides, and crenated on the edges. Flowers in close globular or thyrsoid heads, on long footstalks, or axillary along the last year's wood, and of a deep blue colour. It is found plentiful in many parts of Upper California, particularly about Monterey and San Francisco, growing in woods sometimes 2o feet high, and flowering all the summer and autumn. No. 7. — Ceanothus Lodbii. Hooker. Synonyme. — C. Hartwegii. Ifurt. (Lobb's Ceanothus.) A large evergreen bush thickly furnislied with bright green shoots, more or less angular and rather rigid. Leaves rounded, rather large, toothed on the margins. No. T06.— Vol.. XXVIII., Old Seiiiks. 22 JOURNAL OF HORTICUIiTUEE AND COTTAGE aARDENEE. [ April 8, 1862, tright plossy greon on llie upper surface, and thickly placed all round the shoots. Flowers bright blue, in close round or thyr- sold heads, on long footstalks, and mostly terminal. It is found mostly intermixed with Ceanothus rigidus in open woods near Monterey and otiier parts of Upper California. No. 8. — Ceanothus aziteefs. Desfonfaine. Stnohyues. — C. bicolor. TVildenoto. C. eceruleus. Loddiges. (The Blue Ceanothus.) A handsome slu'ub, growing 5 feet or 6 feet high, with long slender branchlets. Leaves ovate-oblong, smooth above, downy beneath, and acutely serrated on the margins. Flowers in large elongated thyrsoid heads, on long footstalks, and axillary on the young shoots ; of a brilliant celestial blue, and produced from May to October. It is found in the colder parts of Mexico, where its bark is used as a febrifuge. There is the following variety — viz., Ceanothus azureus albus. Masters. Stnontmes. — C. azureus intermedius. Loudon. C. azureus flora albo. Mart. A seedling variety with whitish flowers, raised by Mr. Masters, of the Canterbury Nursery. No. 9.— Ceanotufs pallidus. Lindley. Synontmes.— C. ovatus cyanus. Bmmann. C. tardiflorus. Morneman. C. Baumannianus. Spach. C. Deliliauus. French Gardens. C. Dillinius. Ilinz. (The Pallid-flowered Ceanothus.) A lino evergreen ehrub, somewhat resembling Ceanothus azureus, but with the leaves much smaller and more ovate. Flowers in close globular thyrsoid heads on long branching foot- stalks, axillary, placed along the shoots, of a very pale blue, and in great abundance. It is supposed to be a native of the southern states of North America, and flowers freely during the autumnal months. No. 10.— Ceanothus TEKKUcosua. Nutlall. (The Warted Ceanothus.) A large evergreen shrub growing from 8 feet to 10 feet high, witli long, stia; rod-like, downy brandies, covered in winter with numerous laige oblong, or roundish brown buds. Leaves opposite, roundish-oblong, either slightly notched or entire at the ends, the larger ones being nearly 1 inch long, flat, deep green and shining above, but with grey hairy pits distributed over all the under surface, and with a pair of stipules at the base 'of each leaf, which gradually lose their thin extremities and change into soft fleshy conical prickles. Flowers very pale blue, and produced in great abundance in dense corymbs at the ends of very short stiff lateral branchlets. It is found forming thickets on the Santa Cruz mountains, in California, floweiing in June. Section.— WHITE-FLOWERED KINDS. No. 11. — Ceanothus americanus. Linnieus. (The New Jersey Tea Tree.) A half-shrubby deciduous bush growing from 2 feet to 4 feet high, with ovate-acuminate leaves, serrated on the margins ; pubescent beneath, and from 2 inches to 3 inches long. Flowers .small, in dense thyrsoid heads on long footstalks, axillary on the branches and of a whitish colour. It is found plentifully in the dry woods of-North America, from Canada to Florida, flowering abundantly in June and July. The Canadians use the plant for dyeing wool and nankin of a ciimamon colour, and the dried leaves were formerly used as a substitute for Chinese Tea by the inhabitants, and the plant is still known by the names of '• New Jersey Tea " and " Bed Root" in the States. It is a very variable kind and has the following varieties, some of which are considered as distinct species by closet botanists. C americanus intermedius. Torrey. Stnonymes. — C. americanus pallidus. Gordon. C. intermedius. Fursh. This variety has ovate-oblong deciduous leaves, pubescent beneath, and wlii'e Uowerj, in loose round heads, on long foot- stalks, and is readily distinguished from the species by its very much smaller foliage, which is not more than quarter the size of those of tlie species. It is found plentifully in dry woods in the state of Tennessee, flowering in Jung and July. C americanus perennis. Fursh. Stnonymes. — C. ovatus. Desfontaine. C. ovalis. London. C. herbaceus. Torrey. A half-shrubby plant growing 2 feet high, but frequently with tlie shoots killed down to the ground in winter, and then little more than lierbaceous. Leaves ovate or oval, smooth on both sides, serrated on the edges, and as large as those of the species. Flowers white, in close heads, and on rather short footstalks. It is found plentifully in Carolina and the southern States, flowering in July. C amerlcanv.s sanguineus. Loudon. Synontmes. — C. americanus Pitcheri. Torrey. C. sangiuneus. Pursh. C. oreganus. Torrey. C. americanus oreganus. Loudon. A very variable variety, growing from 2 feet to 4 feet high, with the shoots of some plants deep blood red, while others are hardly stained. Leaves oblong, serrated on the margins, and more or less pubescent beneath. Flowers white, in close round heads, on rather short footstalks. A variable shrub foirnd along the banks of the Missouri River, near the Ptoeky Moxratains, and in the Oregon country, blooming in May and June. No. 12. — Ceanothus collinus. Douglas. Synonymes. — C. Douglasii. Don. C. oreganus. Of some. (The Hill Ceanothus.) A decumbent evergreen shrub, never growing more than 1 foot high in its native state, with smooth roundish shoots. Leaves ovate, or egg-shaped, somewhat clammy and glandularly serrated on the edges, with the upper surface shining, and the under one covered with flattened or adpressed hairs and three- ribbed. Flowers white, and produced in numerous panicles ia June and July. It is foimd on the hill sides along the Columbia River, and on the north-west coast of North America. No. 13. — Ceanothus velutinus. Douglas. Synonyme. — C. Icevigatus. Eooket^. (The Velvety-leaved Ceanothus.) A large sub-evergreen shrub growing from G feet to 8 feet high, with the branches somewhat pendulous. Leaves orbicular or elUptioally ovate, obtuse at the points and somewhat heart- shaped at the base, glabrous and shining as if varnished on the upper surface, velvety or canescent and strongly three-ribbed below. Flowers in panicles, on long footstalks and axillary. It is found on t!ie north-west coast of North America on sub-' alpine hills. No. II. — Ceanothus microphyllus. Michaux. Synonymes. — C. hypericoides. L' Serif er. C. serpyllifolius. IWttall. (The Small-leaved Ceanothus.) A small, somewhat decumbent shrub, with straight shoots, seldom growing more than 2 feet high ; with very small, oblong, obtuse-pointed, entire, smooth leaves, seldom more than three or four lines long. Flowers white, in loose terminal heads. It is found in sandy woods fi-om Carolina to Florida, flowering in May and June. No. 15. — CeanSthus inte&ebeimus. Hooker. Synonyme. — C. ealifornicus. Ilort. (Ihe Entire-leaved Ceanothus.) A large erect bush, growing 10 feet high, with long, slender, smooth shoots. Leaves ovate, bright green, quite entire on tlie margins and smooth. Flowers white, in large, loose, plume-like heads, on rather long footstalks, and in great abundance. It is found in woods and along the banks of streams, parti- cularly in the Sacramento Valley in upper Cahfornia, flowering in June and July. No. 16. — Ceanothus incanus. Lolb. (The Hoary-leaved Ceanothus.) A very distinct kind, with small, evergreen. Holly-like leaves, in opposite pairs, from six to eight lines long, and from four to five lines broad, more or less oval in outline, glossy green above, feather-nerved, downy, and snow-white below, with a few short, stout, spiny serratures round the margins, the larger ones point- ing upwards. Flowers supposed to be white. A kind found in northern California by Mr. AVm. Lobb, and introduced by Messrs. Low of the Clapton Nurseiy. It proves quite hardy. AprU 8, 18G2. ] JOTTBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 23 No. l7.^C'KAXoinus cuKEATirs. Nullall. (The Wedge-leaved Connotluis.) An evergi-een shrub, growing from 6 feet to 8 feet high, with somewhat tliorny grf jish s'loots very closely interwoven. Leaves half an inch long, -wedge-shaped or somewhat oval, and not nn- frequently with two serratnres near their extremities, and fur- nished witli numerous elevated, simple, and oblique veins on the under side. Flowers white, in small axillary umbels. It is found on the .Sacramento Mountains in California, and on the dry gravelly if lands and bars of the rivers in tlie Oregon country, flowering in May. — Georqi: Gordon. MANETTI KOSE STOCKS-PACEING- CUT FLOWERS FOR TEATELLING. . A BnoOM-H.\NDLE article is just as useful at times as a change of subject, if only to sweep out the office, and turn over a new leaf. Well, when you go to bed of a Monday night this Journal goes to press, and by four iu the morning it is on the road, and you ought to have it as early as you can get the Times and the morning penny papers from London of a Tuesday. If I had been as fur from London as you are, I should have it at the same time ; but in this part of the S.W. delivery we have nothing yet faster than a go-cart, and the day is well nigh over before I can see what they ssy about tlie "work of the week," 80 your crops may be so much the more early than mine, if you have a mind to have it so, and not forget this the first few- strokes of my broomstick article. Brooming it, without raising a dust, however, would be out of the question, and I have and must use the broom though it raises a cloud. First, however, I will rest on the broom-handle and talk a while, first thanking the Eev. W. F. Eadcljffe, of Kushlon, for his most excellent article on the Mane'.ti, ailu, auove all, for not having " kicked over a bee-hive " in writing it. That was a practical illustration of what I have always been so earnestly inculcating on young gardeners. Write -with all the foice of the old " grey goose quill," if you can, but never raise a dust in doing it, and you will gain your point iu the long run, as I have dcuo Or. the point of having all Roses on their own roots as the best way, and Mauetti is but one way of doing it — not the easiest way for those who can groiv them from cuttings, but a safe way for those who cannot ; that is, if tlie Manetti is, or lias been done as it should, if not it is ten times worse than losing your Rose cuttings, for nothing on earth, or under it, -will save one single Rose on a Manetti stock, if the stock has not been done right in the first instance. Mr. W. F. Eadclyffe very justly remarks of it that " it is remarkable what a mess propagators and culti- vators have made of it between tliem." Most remarkable I should say to my cost, for I lost three sets of sixty kinds of the best Roses, three times running in the Experimental Garden througli th.tt very mess — a mess that three very popular nur- serymen fell into in budding the Roses I bought of theai on Manetti stocks, from which no eye was ever taken. All the mess that cultivators had their share in was the mess of losing their plants consequent on the mess of the propagators. I got into tliat mess deeply, and my conscience tells nie to warn my readers, lest they, too, get into the same mess ; and unless they are first-rate hands at Rose-culture, I have now the authority of one such, to tell them that they shall get into the same mess as I did. That one is candid enough to admit that he never met with one who approved of it but nurserymen and himself. My experience ie diflereut. Two of the iirst Rose-nurserymen in England told me Manetti was bosh, and nothing more, and that people would find it out sooner or later. I can testify myself that the best Eose-growers in the kingdom failed with Manetti in pots most completely, and most decidedly. I registered the battle of the Roses since they were grown in pots ; and no Rose, or a collection of Roses on that stock have yet taken a first prize, nor yet a second, that is the test. Talk will not do, and Sir. Rivers had to give up Rose-showing altogether for no otlicr reason more certain than that Roses on Manetti could never get over Eoses on their own roots. But Manetti is one very good way of gettuig a collection of Roses on their own roots, and The Coitage Gaedeheb looked upon it from the first in that light. Now, with such authority as Mr. Radclyffe before me, I shall earnestly advise in future to work on Manetti, if you can make the cuttings of Manetti for stocks yourself ; but if you cannot, you will as surely get into the "mess" as I did, from nursery at all sucu iioses oecome actual ui-bib iu mo yuiucu^ ui >/.>j. H'y growers ; and to suppose or support the idea of a benefit cruiug to a Rose, or to any kind of plant; '^'^^^^ ^„g g^^ f^Qj^ stocks, for not one of the stocks in ten thousand, at eonre nurseries, is ever made as it should. The best Rose-grower in Surbiton is Mr. Walton, of the Waltonian Case, and no matter what I say, ho will not have a Rose en its own roots. So there is the otlier side of the question for you. He buys every new Rose as it comes out, if he is sure it is good, and he says ho should soon have no room for Roses at air, if he had them on their own roots, for then they would gro-.v twice the size, and never die ! There is one thing I should like to know to guide me in the matter for a portion of readers. How is tlie budding of Manetti done in the nursery so low as it is necessary ? Do the men go on all fours ? and has the blood ever been known to flow so muck (0 the head the while as to endanger madncs", or any cracking about the brain ? And how would you set a lady to do it ? They are the best budders when they try. Every word that has been saiS in praise of Manetti applies with equal force to all kinds of Roses on their own roots ; and it is now made as clear as the evidence of our senses that the Manetti slock is of no other use than as a safe and certain means of getting Roses on their own roots, even if you have the best soil, the very best experience and brains, together with the best climate in England ; aiso that the muck-pie must not crust long ^ together if you are getting a collection of Eoses on their own * roots by the help of Manetti stocks. There is no other conclusion that I can come to, as a practical gardener, after reading Mr. Eadolylle's aiticle. No Rose will grow on the Manetti for any length of time, if the whole stock and the union is not buried in tlie ground according to the evidence of its greatest advocates. No nurserymen in a hundred ever thinks of preparing Manetti stocks so as to relieve them of making suckers from above the collar. The consequence is that all such Eoses become actual pests iu the gardens of ordi- narj accii having two sets of root-; unuer it, as Roses on the Manetti will soon havfij ',9 an entire fallacy in scientific culture. I should EOfc desite a more weak point in the argument of a physiologist against me than tliat ; 1 should soon be able to shut his book for him, yet it is a prevailing idea notwithstanding. A runner from a Strawberry plant is fed by it till a new plant is rooted at the end ; the new plant roots, and is then fed by its own roots exactly as is the case with a Rose rooting over the stock. The question then is. How much or what the value of the quantity of the nourishment the young Strawberry plant derives from the old one through the runner ? Some say one thing, some another, the truth being that no one knows. But if you have two such runners and two new plants of equal size and strength at the ends, you will be able to judge pretty near the mark if you cut one of the runners and leave the other as it is. I know what would be the result to the turn of a shade, but shall not prejudge the question ; try it and see. That is the lowest de- gree oil the scale for calculating the force or the value of the nutriment derived by a plant on its own roots from the parent plant witli which it is still attached. The next degree upwards is also a familiar one to gcrdeners. A etoiit common Laurel in a dry shrubbery puts out a weak shoot from near the bottom not bigger than a parasol-handle, and not able to support itself, and it rests on tlie loose ground at last and roots there, just as did the Strawberry. In six or seven years the young Laurel is as big as the c»ld one ; but how big is tlie parasol-handle-like shoot, which still exists as a con- necting link between the two, as the Manetti is between its own roots and the roots on the Rose above it? Why, the little Laurel shoot is not one whit bigger than it was seven years back, although there is a strong Laurel at each end of it ; and how is that ? Or do jou or I mean to say that if the old Laurel had been cut down in the first instance all the strength from tlie roots of it would have gone through the body of the little shoot into the new Laurel at tlie other end of it ? Tiiere is just where 1 should like to have a smart physiologist in close argument, and if I could not shut his book or his mouth it wouhl not be for want of more degrees on that scale to measure his skill against my practice : therefore, to question Hie benefit a Rose would derive from its own roots and the roots of a " Rhinoceros" Rose- stock at the same time, would not be going beyond the bounds of fair argument. But it IS not fuir argument, but a very unfair inference, to pit the practice of the best growers on the best soils, and in the best situation and climates, and muck to boot, against the 24 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTIAGS GARDENER. [ Api-i: 8, 1862. attempta of sucli people as know j.ext to nothing of Roses, soils, stocks, and management, and wliose back yards and front gardens are barren as the desert, or if just as good as goodness itself, but no good done to it for goodness knows how long. The latter class come to me for advice, and I give it consci- entiously when I say, Avoid Manetti stocks, and never use them farther than as a convenient mode of putting your Boses on their own legs. All this is merely to show up the folly of taking things for granted out of the column for private correspondence. You might just as well go about and tell it in Bath or Barnstaple that the British Parliament was just what it is, because you liad seen something in the private letter of an old Scotch woman who took snulf and who had a son in New Zealand. Mr. Rivers and your humble servant decreed, by common consent, that Signer Manetti should be allowed a holiday for a good while; and when we met the other day at the March Show of the Royal Horticultural Society, after pawing as we always do for " Auld Lang Syne," we both of us regretted the indiscretion of that " NimsERTMAN " who made all tliis piece of work ; and all that we could do in the matter was to wish with Burns that some power would give us both the gift to defend us from our friends, , for if either of us ever had an enemy he or we well knew how to forgive him. Packing Cut Flowers. — The next corner which needs the broom is filled with cut flowers. Some one sent a box full of cutiiowers, and no one ever saw such a mess of packing flowers before. The fact is, or rather was, the flowers crushed each other, and some of them turned some otliers hfads and tails. They were all in a mess like IManetti and the propagators. When I was on that staff we used to have flowers on the rail every week the whole winter long, made nosegays, button-holes, and all manner of bundles, some on wire, some on " Spanish Grass," and some on their own stalks, when they have had thrm in lengths suiiicit"t *.'} enable us to bundle them : and without being in proper bundles no one u.C'JJ^'*- tljen, of sending them at all, much less to London. Perhaps you may not remember the last wedding whicli ".r.as at Buckingham Palace, but I do, and I have reason for doing it. I had a medal, and a good medal it was too, for eight wedding nosegays which I sent to that wedding, fresh and fast as a lover's knot. I forget how long they were on the rail, but they were in the packing from four o'clock of the previous afternoon to after breakfast the next day in London, or say about eighteen hours, and if they had been going all the wliile, and as much more time to the bargain, 1 cannot see how thoy could take hurt. I recollect at another time, when Her Majesty was far down in the country for nearly a week, at the baptism of an infant lady, who is now well nigh the age of thinking of something that way herself, and there one of the ladies of the grand party came down to breakfast every morning, and to dinner in the evenings, with a fresh nosegay each time, and no one in the establishment knew how that lady came by her nosegays, nor am I going to let the cat out of the bag, but so it was, as certain as I tell of it. At another time I recollect starting from a Chiswick Show, with Mr. Fleming, of Trentham, to Staflbrd House, in London, to see how he packed all the flowers he sent to an evening party there of two thousand people. But all these things are now old-fashioned, and the packing of cut flowers may be very superior now to what it was then, yet such as it was ; it would help a fellow now from making an April fool of himself by putting them heads and tails, and by allowing them to do that on the way to the office. j\[r. Robson would be a likely man to know how ladies like their cut flowers to be sent in these latter days, if he had a mind to tell us, for had it not been for that box of spoilt flowers in our ofHce, the very last thing T should think of would be to push old notions under new nostrils that way. I had twenty-two boxes of different sizes for that purpose, and that number would last out a whole month, taking all chances of *' returns ; " but of all the chances in this world, that of getting a flower-box returned, if you sent a present in it, is the last chance on which I should be inclined to venture a slake. Of course, no one would be so rude, in times like these, as to keep back a flower packing-box, so you may send them to all your friends, if only to try if the experiment of packing will answer. The first way is a good way for sh.ort distances, as from Liverpool to London, the second is a better, and would do between London and Vienna, or thereabouts. The first is a square basket, quite flat at the bottom, and from 10 inches to 16 inches deep, the length and breadth to be according to the quantities to be packed. The second is of threc-quarters-of-an- inch deal box, same depth and width, well painted inside and out, and with iron binding at the four corners, and the lid hinged on, and a lock and two keys for boxes or baskets. All cut flowers to be in handfuls, or bundles, not big ones, but put up as close as for a hand nosegay, to put the stems in a ball of well-squeezed moss after wetting it, to tie a dried blade of Rhubarb leaf round the moss ; but a fold of oiled paper would be best, and the same with care might last as long as needful. Round each ball envelope a piece of newspaper just as tea is put uj) by grocers, then you will see only the top side of each bundle of flowers, as when a truss of Narcissus bursts the spatha. Your paper represents the spathe of most flowers at that period, the peak of the spathe or envelope rises above the flowers behind, but not in front next to you. You put three or four or five of these balls in a row close to one end of the basket, with the paper-liood or spathe rising behind to save the flowers from the ■ end of the basket. Then, with a packing- needle, you draw a stout thread through the side of the basket, then across the top of the ball and out on the other side of the basket ; pull it tight as a drum, and make a knot on it outside to keep it on the pull. The balls are now " clipped," as in a vice, and nothing can move them from their position till that string is cut. Do so with each row till the box is full, or half-full, or three-quarters full, or with only one row all round the sides and the ends. You will need some broken newspaper to tighten in between the balls occasionally, and that will be all the j^iacking-stuil' you need. But recollect to send so many bundles of leaves with each basket ; Lily leaves, or those of Irises, or of Grasses, and plants like Pampas Grass arc the best to put into the glasses with cut flowers ; for nothing can be more hungry-like than to see lots of naked flowers in a drawing-room without some s'.ioh leaves. Then lock the basket, and you may throw it over the moBu;>ient without hurting a petal, and throw it back without the smallest injury. Nothing can hurt the flowers now but the damp from their own perspiration ; and their hoods, or spathes, or involu- crums, if they be of any paper on which smart politics are printed, will keep the damp from spreading ; but tlie basket itself being a self-ventilating contrivance, will keep down or let off the perspiration for a day or two. The flower-box is more for carrying ready-made nosegays; and every nosegay that was in Covent Garden this spring might be sent to Galway, in the west of Ireland, and be as fresh as if only to li^aton Place on your way down to Fulham, and perhaps a deal more safely ; but bunches of cut flowers would travel just as well ; for what else is a nosegay after all ? Well, the box is on the same principle as the boxes in which they take Dahlias and other cut flowers to the show, but the application of the principle is quite aifierent. There is a half-inch deal made like a lid to fit just inside the flower-box; and, if you let it slip down into the box, it woidd fit in the four corners and on both sides, and you must turn the box upside down before you could get the flower-stand out again, for that is the name of it. Now, fasten four legs to the flower-stand, one at each corner, and let them be 6 inches long; and or. the upper side, in the very centre, nail a bridge across the flower-stand. Now, take it by the bridge and put into the box again, and see if the lid of the box just presses on the top of the bridge, and if it does, can you not see almost thi'ough the lid that the flower-stand is fixed firm as London, first on its own lawful legs in the corners, and, secondly, by the pressure of the Ud on the bridge — which, in fact, is tha handle, only one does not like to squeeze a hand as ho would a wooden bridge ? Then there are four, cr six, or eight, or more holes made in the flower-stand, each hole 2 inches or so across, and each hole will hold a bunch of flowers, with the stalks, in that diameter ; and to fill the board or stand you put it on its side and put the bunch of flowers through the hole from above ; you then gather the flower-stalks and pack a little damp moss round thcni, then with a little wooden wedge and a bit of cotton wadding wedge the flower-stalks in the hole, so that no jerk can shake them, and that bunch is finished; all the rest the same way. The Iris and grass-like leaves being laid flat in the bottom of the box in a fold of paper, put some dry moss over them, and put in the flower-staud, and you will find that the damp balls below the board will nestle in the dry moss, and the dry moss will si;ck any damp that way, and aU above is as April 8, 18(52. ] JOURNAL OF nOilTICtJLTURE AND COTXAQE OAKDENER. dry as a bone, (juito open between the dill'erent bunches of flowers. Now lock the box, and all within it is as safe as the Bank of England. X). Beaton. THE EOYAL HOETICULTUKAL SOCIETY. The April Number of the " Proceedings" of this now pros- perous Society is just delivered to its Fellows, end contains one or two announcements which require from us some comment. The waterworks being now completed, the Society are desirous of stocking the basins with fish, and for this purpose they ask for donations of gold fish and the common carp. Of the latter, " none but large specimens are desired." We are very pleased to see that Sir Wentworth Dilke renews his prizes for dinner-table decorations the same as last year ; and that Lady Dorothy Neyill, in the same liberal spirit, ofiers two prizes " o!' six guineas and four guineas, for the best arrange- ment of ilowers for drawing-room decoration, to be competed for at the Great Show on the 21st of May." For that Show we regret to see the announcement, that " im- mense tents are in preparation." We slionld have thought that the results of the shows under canvass at Chiswick would have been an uiuH'aceable warning not to risk at Kensington a re- petition of those signal defeats by wind and rain. We most em- phatically wtu'u the Council not to risk such disasters. That period of May is especially liable to heavy continuous rains, and, moreover, there is no need for risking sucli a frustration of the hopes, and such a destruction of the pleasure, both of exhibitors and visitors. The great and telling advantage of the shows at the Crystal Palace is, that the purchaser of a ticiet knows that be the weather whatever the most ill-tempered of the winds and seasons may devise, the Exhibition will be as enjoyable as if there were only zephyrs and sunbeams outside. So might it be at Kensington Gore, for there is ample space under the arcades. The Council admit the desirability of such weatherproof buildings for the purpose by announcing, as they have, that the Azalea Show on the 9th inst., " will be held partly in the council-room, and partly in the adjoining colonnade." We have heard it objected, that the arcades are not quite light enough. We difier from that opinion, but, at all events, they are quite as well lighted as the council-room ; but if not, the roof of a part of the arcade might be covered with glass, towards the payment for which the money proposed ta be ex- pended on " immense tents " might be diverted. For the summer shows the arcades would have the additional merit of oeing cool. Tents in blazing weather oppress the visitors and injure the flowers. MR. W. PAUL'S "EOSE ANNUAL FOE 1861-2." A MAN who works for the public should receive the ac- knowledgments of the public. I, for one, thank him for his " ilose Annual." It is valuable, and, as far as I have proven the new Hoses of 1861 out of doors, in a more limited way, and under more trying circumstances, his description of most of those that 1 have proven is exact and truthful. The work commences with four beautiful plates, of which one Rose, Beauty of Waltham, belongs to 1863. They are : — 1, Beauty of Waltham, a well-shaped, thick-petalled Rose, of good outline and with good foliage. 2, Marquise de Foucault, a lovely delicate-coloured Tea Rose, apparently the masterpiece of the four. 3, Souvenir de Comte Cavour (Margottm), a rich deep shaded crimson, lovely and effective. It is sure to please. A tirst-rate judge told me that it was the best new Rose that he saw in France last summer. It looks in the plate like a superior Jacqueminot in the colours of Victor TrouiUard, and better sliaped. 4, Catherine Gruillot, perfect in shape, in the way of Louise Odier. It seems to defy criticism. I have three nice plants of it not yet bloomed. I see no fault in the two first and last, and only one in the thu'd Rose— viz., the calices of the smaller expanded specimen are " reflexed." The large specimen does not show this. It is inferior to the other three in outline, and yet ninety-nine out of one hundred persons would prefer it. With regard to the Marquise de Foucault, Mr. W. Paul observes — " Probably the plant is best suited for a pot Rose, or for placing against a wall or piUar in a conservatory, but it is also worthy of general cultivation." In pages 121 and 122 there are descriptions of twenty-five favourites of 18G1. Eleven of them I do not possess. Two kinds, Catherine Guillot and Jean Bart (a nice shrubby plant with good foliage), are but just arrived. Of the remaining twelve, 1 will endorse Abd-el-Kader, Amiral Gravina, M. Mclaine, Princesse Mathilde (four rich dark Roses, apparently with good consti- tutions and habits), General Washington, La Boule d'Or (for glass), Parrnentier (small but very hardy and perfect), Madame Furtado, and Triomphe d'Aniieus. The others require a word of comment. Reinc des Violettes, a seedling from Pius IX., is a good grower and free bloomer, but it is inferior to its parent, being too small, unfixed, and clouded in colour, and quickly deciduous ; Prairie de Terre Noil' is all that Mr. W. Paul says of it, but out of doors it did not bloom so freely last cold summer as could be wished. It is hardy, of a fine purple crimson colour, but its peduncles are too long to show the foliage in a four-inch show-cup. It would be geod as a corymb Rose shown on a long stem, so as to display the foliage. Due de Cazes was very fine at the National ; and if its habit is good, and its constitution equal to our climate, I think it will be worthy of a place. A Briar budded with it broke early this spring, and has stood severe weather. Two Furtados budded on Briars made wood after budding and are alive. Abd-el-Kader and M. Melaine are good dark Roses, and will staad some time. The first is much better than has been allowed. I have a high opinion of the dark Roses, Princesse Mathilde and Amiral Gravina. The plants of them (twelve), look well. The Princesse was beautiful at the National ; and buds of the Amiral (not fully open), on the plants sent just before winter set in, were fine in form and colour. I fancy the Princesse will be Al of the dark Roses of 1861. Your readers, however, will be pleased with and cannot hurt them- selves with M. Melaine and Abd-el-Kader. They are rich dark colours, of good growth, and hardy constitutions, which very dark Roses are generally deficient in. I pass over many interesting particulars and come to some instructive matter. Pages 131 and 132 give an account of the number of times summer and autumnal Roses were produced last July at the Crystal Palace and Kensington, at the grand Rose Shows ; and I am glad to see that those Roses (with rare exceptions), which I have recommended so often in one periodical or another, are the Eoses that appeared the greatest number of times. As a general rule (not " rule absolute"), you may assume, that the Eoses which appear oftenest in the pans at the National, are the best for the public to purchase. Gloire de Dijon ap- peared eighteen times ; General Jacqueminot sixteen times ; Victor Verdier fifteen times. Of this last Eose I have many plants which have wmtered well in a severe place. Their wood is of a firm character. The blooms are a thick-petnlled and smoother- edged Jules Margottin. I had a beautiful shelly specimen of it at Langport, among my twenty-four winners. Nevertheless, though superior to Jules Margottin in these two points, Jules ilargottin is still one of the most accomplished Eoses in the . world. I should think jou might predicate more good and less evU of Gloire de Dijon, Baroune Prevost, Gcant des Batailles, and Jules Margottin than of any other four. 1 have, I think, 225 plants of the four, and I never find them fail in any season, any soil, or position, or on any stock. Angleterre, Cambaceres, M. Eegnier, Mr. Griffiths, and La Ville de St. Denis are also very accomplished Eoses. The three last are Al. As to bud and sepal, Jules Margottin has no equal. The sepal is beauti- fully " etched." Page 134 brings me to the description of eighty of the forth- coming brood, with this noteworthy and proper prefix, " the descriptions are not ours, but the raiser's." The descriptions would make your mouth water. I like to sea the new term " Vermilion." Amongst these ciglity there is only one pure white H.P., and that one is not full-sized. This I regret ; but I am glad to see that there are some full-sized purple and crimson purple Eoses of vigorous growth. These are wanted. Bight or wrong, I have ordered twenty plants of the full-sized ones, leaving it to the nurseryman to substitute one Eose for another in the same hne of colour; as, though hecannct on such short acquaintance be quite sure of them, jet he is nicre able to judge of them than the purchaser is by the raiser's descriptions. Be it remembered, that a Eose that is very suitable to France may be very unsuitable to England. These are the Roses which I have ordered (subject to correc- tion)—viz., 1 Adolphe Noblet, 3 Alexandre Dumas, 3 Comtesse de Seguieur, 2 Souvenir de Comte Cavour (Margottin), 1 Luc de Eohan, 1 Gloire de Chatillon (a seedling from M. Massou), 2C JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUKB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 8, 1862, 1 L'EblouiBsante, 1 Madame Boutin, 1 Madam C. Wood, 1 Maurice Beniardin, 1 Notre Dame de Fourvieres, 1 Pourpre d'Orleans, 1 Robert Fortuue, 1 Beauty of Waltham, 1 Triomphe de Caen, perhaps I oupht to add Madame Julie Daran, as a northern amateur says he lias been strongly advised to buy it. These are all H.P., and marked large, full, and vigoroue, and the colours are tempting. Shall I get one good Rose worthy of being called "variety?" Will it be growable, hardy, free- blooming, and fit for exhibition ? One only such plant will be worth the money that I am to pay for twenty plants ! For the colours and descriptions I must refer your readers to the "Annual," in which they will perceive at least one good feature — viz., that seventy-eight out of eighty are marked as vigorous, very vigorous, or more vigorous than its parent (Jac- queminot). Two are not described as to growth. Let me advise your readers, who wish to buy new Roses, to trust greatly to a respectable nurseryman to send what is best, describing what it is they want, and he will do better for them than they will do for themselves ; but if they are determined to buy at all hazards by the raiser's description, and find disappoint- ment, they must not turn round upon the English nurseryman, already " wounded himself," and call him hard names. I have not forgotten what a horse-dealer said to me years ago. A gentleman came into the yard while I was there, and had "a chop." After the deal, and the departure of the gentleman and new purchase, he said to me, " I dare say the ' gent ' thinks he has ' done me ;' but you see, sir, he learnt nothing from my man ; but I happen to know the faults of his horse and mine too ! " He added, with a pleasing smile, " I hope the horse will ' please ' the 'gent.'" May Mr. W. Paul be spared many rears to reap the fruits of his new nurseries, and to benefit, by his exhibited Hoses and accm-ate " Rose Annual," the purchasers and cultivators of the " Queen of Flowers." Professor Blackie shall address him on our behalf — " O thou first-rate Hertford man, StUl be first in labour's van, 'Tis the mission of tbe Highest given visible to thee, With the piciiaxe and the spade, To ply thine earth-subduing trade ; And thou shalt be a prince at home, and a king beyond the sea ! '' — W. F. Radcltpfe, RifsUon. CULTUEE OF CYPKIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS. INSIGNE AND I have a Cypripedium insigne which has just flowered and the bloom dropped, but the stem is still left. Ought this to be cut oft'? It has also two leaves springing from the base of the plant about 2 inches high, which I suppose will grow this year to flower next year. Should I therefore grow it on vigorously, or let it go to rest ? I have also a Cypripedium calceolus, which I am trying to grow this year. It has four reddish stems springing up about an inch high, with the leaves just visible. Ought it to have much water just now ? and had it better be kept in a green- lioase or in the open air ? One more question. Is there moi'e than one variety of the Orchis maculata ? I have one with globose leaves spotted with violet ; and another, which I suppose is maculata, with lance- olate leaves double the length of the other plant, and of a violet hue all over, except the edges and the base of the leaves where the light does not get much, and there it is spotted like the other.— Aethue Cole. [Cypripedium insigne is a terrestrial evergreen herbaceous perennial Orchid from Nepaul : it therefore requires stove heat all the year, but less in wintBr tlian when growing fast in summer. The old flower-stem is of no use, and should be cut ofi" as soon as the flower fades. The two leaves springing at the base are forming a side off'set, which in time will increase the size of your plant, or, when it has made roots, may be taken off to make you another plant. Grow the plant on vigorously this summer, and in winter give it a partial rest by a lower atmosphere and less water. Cypripedium calceolus is, as no doubt you know, a British plant, though now it is becoming rare. The best place for it is a cold pit or frame. It is found in thickets, growing in loa m and leaf mould ; such a soil it ought to be potted in. Till it acquires strength and size you had better keep it in a pot, and then you may, if you choose, plant it out in a thrubbery border in similar soil. Properly managed it may bo grown success- fully ; but hundreds of plants ruthlessly dragged out of their native wilds have perished for want of due care in attending to the conditions of growing them in a similar soil and situation to that in which they grow wild. We hope you will be more successful with your plant. As yours is now growing, it will be as well to keep it in your greenhouse, waternig moderately till the leaves are more grown, and after that more freely. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial, and therefore loses its leaves in the autumn. When the leaves begin to turn yellow give less water, and place the plant in a shady place in the open air till the autumn ; then put into a cold frame or pit, sheltered from frost through the winter. Towards spring repot it into a larger pot, still keeping it sheltered, and when the hard frosts are gone plant it out of doors m the position above described. Your Orchis maculata is the true species. What the coloured- leaved variety is cannot be told by your description ; probably it is Orchis mascula. When the leaves are fully grown send us one, and also a flower : we may then be able to inform you what species it is.] INX FOR ZINC LABELS. I HAVE just been at a druggist's here (Eilmarnoek) with the recipe for ink for zinc labels given by you, but he informs me he has made up the same recipe several times, and the parties never renew it finding it not indestructible ; but he wrote on a piece of zinc with a solution of the biehlorate of platinum, which he says is a perfectly indestructible ink for zinc labels ; in fact, while the zinc decays the wiiting does not, but will stand out in relief The price is the only objection. I got one drachm of it in a small phial for Is., but it will write a great many labels^ Use a quill in writing with the ink the same as in your recipe. — M.S. [Biehlorate of platinum is an excellent fluid for writing on zinc, and very permanent. The same character, however, at- taches to the ink for which we gave the recipe, if the zinc is freshly scoured bright before the ink is put on, and is allowed to dry thoroughly before being exposed to the weather. — Eds. J.OF H.] FOECLNG BOSES. Wilt, you inform me the best mode of forcing Roses early ? We have some in pots that have been placed in a bottom heat of leaves, and top heat of 60° by hot water ; but they have not yet shown flower, although placed in that situation in October. -G. H. [You have been too kind to your Roses, or in other words you have overforced them. Tou do not state the degree of your bottom heat ; and a heat at first of 60° is too great for a shrub hardy enough to bear open-air cidture in April and May. The bottom heat should not have been more than 60', and the top heat 40° by night and 55° by day. In yoiu- case you had better lift the pots out of the bottom heat and give plenty of air in order to strengthen the shoots, and then if they are Hybrid Per- ))etuals they are sure to flower shortly ; but if they are Provence including Moss Roses, or of the Gallica class, it is doubtful if they will flower this year at all. You ask for general instructions in regard to the time of potting, cutting down, boU, and after-treatment. In addition to these heads of culture, to produce Roses in January, Febru- ary, March, and April, you should know what kinds to pot for that purpose. There are a great number of varieties suitable for forcing, and out of that number we will select for you the following twenty-four sorts: — Moss: Common. ProKence r Cabbage. Hybrkl Chinese : Elizabeth Plantier and Paul Ricaut. Sylrid Perpetual : Edward Jesse, General Jacqueminot, Geant des Batailles, Jules Margottin, Louis Buonaparte, Madame Lafi'ay, Prince Albert, Heine des Fleurs, and William Jesse. Suiirbon: Acidalie, Armosa, and Queen. Chinese: Cramoisie Superieure, Mrs. Bosanquet. Tea-scented: Comte de Paris, Devoniensis, Niphetos, Gloire de Dijon, and Triomphe de Luxembourg. Time of Potting. — If good plants are taken up early in autumn, carefully, with all their roots entire, potted immediately and placed out of doors for a month and then pruned, they will flower pretty well the season following ; but, unless in a ease of April 8, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULT0RK AND COTTAGE GAaDENKR. 27 necessity, it is ftir better to grow them in pols twelve months previous to foreinn; them ; they then become ostiiblished in the pots, and are in a better state to bear a forced growth and earlier bloom. Roses th.At have been forced have attained a habit of blooming early, and are, therefore, to be preferred for that purpose. Kvery autumn following they should be repotted, disturbing the roots as little as possible, but yet picking out with a stick as much of tlie old soil as can be conveniently re- moved, and use fresh to fill up the pots. Tlic best soil is two parts strong turfy loam, and two parts hotbed-dung; if a part of burnt rubbish can be had, mix it with the compost. Kor Chinese and Tea-scented varieties add a part of decayed leaf mould ; and in potting take care that the pots are well drained, and cover the drainage with a th.ia layer of broken charcoal, and let the compost be used in a moderately dry state. Pruning. — The time for this operation is early in November. Strong growers should have the weak shoots cut away close, and the strong shoots shortened-in a little only. If they are cut- in close the llowers will be few and far between ; others that are weak growers should be cut-in rather severely, say to two, three, or, at the utmost, four buds. This latter rule applies chiefly to Hybrid Perpetuals, Chinese, and Tea-scented varieties. To obtain Roses at Cliristmas, the best plan is to choose all Hybrid Perpetuals for that purpose, and prevent them flowering at their due season by nipping-olT their early buds, only mind to keep them growing and they will form a second crop of buds as late as November ; then put them into a warm greenhouse and they will open their blooms admirably at the end of the year, coming in before such as are regularly cut down and brought into the forcing-house. After Roses for forcing have been potted and pruned, they should be placed in a cold pit till required to be removed into the forcing-house ; here they will be protected from the heavy autumnal rains, which ai-o very injurious to the young delicate roots of Roses, especially such as are intended to be forced into early flowering ; in such a pit, too, the wood has a bettor chance of being well ripened : hence older plants should Iiave that benefit, care being taken to give them plenty of air during the later summer months, and only just water enough to keep the soil moist. The last week in December or the first week in the new year is quite soon enough to commence forcing for the general crop. To keep up a succession take in a few every month afterwards up to April. Keep your plants as near the glass as you can, only leave room for the young shoots. At first let the heat be moderate — that is, 45° to 50° by day, and 40° by night. As growth goes on increase the heat to 10° higher by day, but not much higher during the night. It is very weakening to the Rose-shoots to keep up a high stimulating atmosphere during the time they are in darkness. In giving uir be careful that no draughts rush across the young and tender leaves, or they will sutfer much from the cold. Ill warm weather, air, of course, may be given fioely. If tte air- openings are opposite the pipes or flues, so that th3 an- in entering becomes softened and partially heated, it will be a very great advantage. Watering. — As the leaves expand water may be given more liberally. Every third time give them some liquid manure. G-nano water is strongly recommended, but it must be given in a weak state : about 1 oz. to the gallon is quite strong enough. The syringe may be used freely till the buds begin to expand ; but in dull cloudy weather refrain from syringing. After they have bloomed placa them in a cold pit or some other shelter, and as soon as the frosts are over plunge them in an open place in the garden to make summer growth ; but if intended to be forced the next season allow no flowers to bloom on tliem. Roses in pots during the summer are too often placed in some back out-of-the-way place, and utterly neglected during the summer months. No wonder they do not flower the year following ; whereis, with moderate care all the year round, the Rose will thrive and bear forcing annually for many years.] ROYAL HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY. Apeii 1st. FiOHAt Committee. — The subjects for examination by the Committee at this Meeting were not numerous. The most im- portant was a new form of Musa, similar in growth to a Canna, and finely marked with a broad bund and blotches of white, from which it had been named Musa vittata on the continent. It was considered a first-class plant of that stamp, and a Fii'st- class CertiCcato was awarded for it lo Messrs. Vcilch. It will make a splendid exhibition plant. The same firm and Mr. BuU, of King's Road, sent two small Ferns, Asplcnium Qabellulatumaud rachirhinse to each of whichaFirst-classCertificafc wasawarded. The same merit was accorded to a new form of a double French White Primula sinensis, fi'om the Messrs. Smith, of Dulwieh. This was imanimously agreed upon to bo a first-rate plant, with immense large flowers, in which the stigma, style, and germen are perfect, and it is, therefore, in a condition to continue itself by seeds, or be the parent of a new race of improved stamp. On this point Mr. Beaton congratulated the florist members of the Com- mittee on their good sense and judgment in agreeing with the rest in giving a first-rate prize to a pin-eyed Primula, which he maintained was always the best of the two wild forms of these flowers on account of the facility it oflered of crossing them. There were two very superior varieties of Lycaste Skinneri, from Messrs. Veitch, making hard upon twenty kinds of that sportive Orchid known to one or other of the Committee, some of whom asserted that cut flowers of this beautiful Orchid kept longer in water than any other Orchid, and that with the ex- ception of Odontoglossum grande, that this was the most easily- managed plant of them all in a cool house. There was another improvement, and a marked one, on Cypripedium barbatum, from Mr. Williams, of the Paradise Nursery, for which a Certificate was granted ; and a most pro- mising Perpetual Moss Rose, called Hortcnse ^'ernot, a basketful of small plants of which was sent by Mr. W. Paul, and the Com- mittee requested that it might be sent again in the autumn, considering it a very promising Rose, which could not be properly judged from forced specimens. Mr. Todman the successful raiser of many good seedlings, sent live kinds of new Azaleas, of which one called Lord Canning is a perfect " self" flower — that is, without a spot, or shade, or eye, and is of the most beautiful colour, the highest colour in the race. This, also, was desired to be seen when the plant was older. There was two Rhododendrons sent up from the open ground, from Mr. Veitch, sen., of Exeter, one of them white and intensely spotted in the throat, which as a conservatory flower would be very handsome, but out of doors at this season all but lost ; the other a deep self red. There was a small specimen in bloom of the Paris fashionable Wigandia caracasana, an immense large-leaved plant for turn- ing out in the summer, and to be kept as tlie Indiarubber Plant in winter. The flowers are not much, only they come cir- cinate, or, in a twist, like those of Forget-me-not, and are of a violet blue tint. All circinate flowers like this might be cut as soon as the first of them opened, and if the twisted buds were thrown into water, they would unscrew and open successively in the drawing-room, some for days and some for weeks accord- ing to the kinds and time of year. Also, two samples of a Willow-leaved Berberis aquifolium, a sport not common amoug the seedlings, and which for a rock-garden or a Chinese one would be highly desirable. Then, there was a Hippeaster of a long descent from crocatum, still maintaining a glow of that rare colour in bulbs — an orange yellow, but from injudicious crossing the flower itself was flimsy as could be, and not worth retaining in a select collection which one never sees near London ; and a collection of Cinerarias from the Messrs. Smith, of Dulwicb, of the same strain as they ex- hibited at the March Meeting of the crowds. And, finally, the gardeners at the Chiswick Gardens sent up two baskets of Uttle pots of Ancectochiluses to show that they too fall in with the times, and instead of botany take more care of how to please the ladies by the sterling honesty of high cultivation as for prizes. On these a highly interesting discussion took place, the tendency of which was to show that the prevailing custom of keeping these Anoectochili under glass in stew-pan treatment, was a highly unscientific mode of cultivation and altogether imnecessary in their case. SOWING LOBELIA SPECIOSA AND GRACILIS, AND MANAGING THE SEEDLINGS. I snoTTLD be very much obliged if you would inform me the best time of year for sowing the blue Lobelia ; also, if the hght blue kind can be raised from seed as well as the dark, and liow they sliould be treated to bring them forward for bedding purposes. — 0. B. W. [Now is a good time to sow both tlie Lobelia specioaa and 28 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GAUDENEE. [ AiirU 8, 1862. the lighter blue gracilis, but Ihere is not a moment to spare, the seedlings ought to liave been up by this time. Have them in a hotbed till the seedlings are up a few days ; then put them where they can get more air, and when they are big enough for you to handle them transplant them into little pots, three or four plants in each pot; after that keep them close for another week, and then they are fit to stand in any kind of cold pit, witli the same treatment as young Verbenas ; and at the time of planting them out, divide "the balls into four pieces with a good plant in each, and plant them G inches apart.] A PLEA FOE PYRAMIDAL PELAEGONIUMS. BY THE liTE ME. GEOEOE m'eWEN, OF THE HOETICULTUEAL society's gabden at OHISWICK. Phesumixg that we shall have gained an important point, if we can satisfy our readers that the form of training which we recommend is worthy of imitation, we deem it expedient, before entering upon the practicability of the subject, to show that variety of form is desii-able ; not that we wish, or expect, to see the present dwarf form abandoned. No ; but only that another form — viz., the pyramidal should be introduced, AVe are pre- pared to show that it is not less natural, practicable, nor is it less appropriate, than the dwarf, squat form ; and tliat it will much increase the beauty and interest of a collection of these plants as a whole, and would add largely to the number of admirers and growers of the Pelargonium, if this form of growth were to be generally introduced. Because of the delight which variety of form produces, pyra- midal training is desirable. Who is not fond of variety ? Let us go and look upon yon forest — scan the fields — glance at the wild flowers and plants by the highways and byways — take a grand survey of the vegetable creation ; or, if you choose, let us confine our range, and take the same species or varieties, and have them each shorn of their now varied forms, and then say if they have not lost more than half their beauty and interest by the change. Now, all we plead for is, that we should not pay exclusive attention to one, the dwarf, form ; but that we should grow the tall form also. Another inducement we would urge in favour of the pyramidal training, is novelty. To tell gardeners that anything new gives increase of interest, and oftentimes pleasurable excitement, is to repeat what they must have constantly observed. Indeed, rauch of the success of gardening may be traced to, if it does not altogether depend upon, thus giving an agreeable excite- ment. Another and yet more important inducement, we would urge, is their utility, or adaptation to almost any situation. Yes ; you can place them with effect, whether in or out of bloom, on the centre or side stages, where the sun, light, and air may play freely upon them ; or yon can lodge them on circular hoops of iron or brackets, in a hall or staircase, as represented in tlie woodcut. How much, too, would they enliven the tameaess of the Pelargonium-house as it is ; or, wliere they are still more at home, yet greater favourites, in those large con- servatories, where you can walk past, and around them, and feel as if in a garden. Again : decorative objects are perchance wanted for special occasions. None will be found so suitable as the pyramids for centre-pins in the group of flower-stands or baskets ; whilst as pillars in the entrance-hall, or by the corridor, or as beautiful plants for the table, they are equally appropriate. Again: they will "fit in" to any style of gardening, whether geometrical or gardenesque ; in rows by tlie straight walk, singly on the smooth lawn and in the dressed border at intervals, or as a centre plant in the mass of colour ; by turns relieving, sur- prising, and always greatly pleasing. And who can doubt that, in the time coming, when a yet higher standard and a purer taste is exemplified in the arrangements of our exhibitions, our pyramidal-formed plants will be there, and so managed as to bear a thorough inspection, when no stakes nor glaring artificial props need be theirs — while the admitted dull uniformity of the collections in the Geranium-tents will have passed away, to be no longer tolerated. If we have done justice to our subject, we have succeeded in showing that our pyramidal Pelargoniums are, or may be, objects of great beauty and interest, as well as great novelty and utility, and will largely compensate for the labovir bestowed on them ; we now proceed, therefore, to treat on the not least im- portant part, the practicability, of the subject. Methinks I hear some one argue that the strength of the plant will be sure to go to its top, leaving the bottom and body of the plant naked. Another says that it will be so long before a Geranium is grown to the height and girth you require (say 6 feet by 3 feet, not more). And another will not think of it, because they occupy so much room. To the first objection it is replied, that tlie tendencies spoken of can be successfully counteracted, on the same principle that we train oui wall trees wheresoever we will. To the second, we submit that one season is not long ; and, when once the plant is trained, it lasts for years. And to the third objection we reply, that the stage room required is not more than that occupied at present, the extra height requisite being now unoccupied. It may, however, be well to remark here, that it is necessary to have in "the mind's eye" the model at which to aim in producing. We suggest that the height of the plant should be twice its diameter — that is, if the breadth of the plant at the base (which shall be just at the rim of the pot) is 3 feet, the height may be 6 feet, or thereabout. We must also remark, that in ordinary circum- stances this height should not be exceeded ; for this reason, amongst others which could be adduced : in this class of plants the flowers are so placed as to display themselves better when looked upon, than when looked up to ; and, for a similar reason, there should be no swell on the body of the plant. With such plants as the Ecse, Fuchsia, Scarlet Geranium, Heliotrope, &c., there need be no limit to the height, if due proportions are maintained. In a future paper we may give a few suggestions on the fitness and adaptabiUty of these subjects for pyramidal training. [We append to the above very suggestive remarks some notes on the same subject, showing the effect of pyramidal plants as ornaments to the hall and staircase ; with the accompanying prac- tically illustrative sketches, which are furnished by Mr. H. Noel Humphreys : — " When last in Paris," writes Mr. Humphreys, " I was much struck with a beautiful effect produced by plants placed outside the rich iron balustrade of a principal staircase, at the hotel of the Count Auguste de B . In that instance, the pots containing the plants were lodged in circular loops of iron, connected by a strong bar fixed firmly to the exterior of the staircase, at and between each loop. By this inexpensive means the odour, the freshness, and the floral beauty of the plants accompanied the visitor to the very door of the principal saloon, without encumbering the staircase, or encroaching in any way on the sjiace devoted to free ingress and egress, which is seldom, in modern buildings, suSiciently spacious to bear curtailment. Geraniums grown in the pyramidal form would be peculiarly suited to place in such a situation, as their height would bring them above the balustrade, and leave their best flowering portion to the unimpeded view of the visitor, while a plant grown in a lower form would not possess this advantage. But instead of the iron loops, which can only be regarded as a cheap temporary April 8, 1802. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COXIAGE GARDENEK. 29 oontrivfluce, I would suggest a more decorative, and at tlic same time more permanant mode of placing flowering plants outeido the balustrade of a Btaircase, and, at tlio same time, one wliicli might be made subservient to other purposes. I propose making tlie principal moulding beneath the exterior of the ba- lustrade jut out at certain distances, and by describing three- fourths of a projecting circle, form a series of brackets, upon which ornamental vases containing plants might bo placed. Thus, on other occasions, when a profusion of light might be more desirable than flowers, bronze candelabra, each surmounted l)y a single light, with a ground glass globe, might bo substituted for the vases containuig flowers, or they miglit alternate with them, which would produce a very rich and pleasing etTect. In the accompanying sketch I liavc sliown the G-eraniums placed upon the circular brackets as described, and, iu the hall beneath, 1 have arranged a row of vases exactly beneath the Geraniums, itiiiicuae iuid lliiil, witb (.ieraiiimus ui Vasts uui uu iituLkets. PEDESTAL. tops, iu tlie Oiange-tree form, to contrast witli the pyi'aniidal figure of the plants above. Between each Hydrangea I would which I suppose to contain finely-formed Uydrangeas, grov.n with a single stem like the Geraniums, but with bushy round place a climbing plant, neatly trained to a tall rou; ney might be Mauraudya Barclayana, Thunbergias, or Loaea lateritia ; hut they should be all the same, and very trimly trained, as this syrrmietrieal repetition is necessary wherever irregular forms have to be grouped with architecture." In a future paper the management of pyramidal Pelargoniums will be explained ; and accompanied by illustrations of their application to garden teiTaces, with some practicul suggestions by Mr. Humphreys.] 30 JODilNAIi OF HOETICULTURE AND COirAGE GARDENER. [ April 3, 1862. THE BIRMINGHAM KOSE SHOW. The first Meeting of the Committee of Management was held on Thnrstlay last {3rd inst.), at the Committee-room of the Town Hall. Tlie Mayo,- of Birmingham (H. Manton, Esq.l, in the chair. Among the gentlemen present were Sir John Rat- elifi", the Revs. S. Reynolds Hole, P. M. Smythe, W. K. R. Bed- ford, E. H. Kittoe,' John Green, and Messr.*. T. B. Wright, John Jaffrny, John Lowe, John Shaekel, J. B. Gansby, G. P. Tye, .Job Cole, Samuel Evans, B. A. Hallam, and E. W. Badger. It was decided to hold the Show on Tuesday and Wednesday, July Ist and 2nd, which, coming midway between the Royal Horticultural and the Crystal Palace Shows, seems a rery sensible arrangement, as it will enable the most important growers in all districts to exhibit at Birmingham, without in any way interfering with the metropolitan shows. A liberal prize list was framed, in which two divisions occur, to which we desire to give pro- minence. They are both in the open class C. — viz.,'No. 12. Tlie best six varieties, cupped Roses, single trusses, with stem and foliage as cut from the tree, shown together as a bouquet, in a Tase ; and No. 13, the best six varieties, expanded Roses, single trusses, with stem and foliage as cut trom the tree, shown in ■the same way as No. 12, The Committee will provide vases for ■these two divisions. Unless we are much mistaten, these will produce a very interesting and a most useful display of Roses, au naturelle. It will be observed that an attempt at classification has been made, separating cvipped from expanded Roses, which we regard as a step in the right direction. It cannot be denied that hitherto, while by far the larger number of oiu' best Roses are expanded ones, the palm of precedence has always been awarded to those pans in which " cupped " flowers have pre- dominated. If the experiment at Birm.ingham successfully tests this question, a new era in Rose growing and exhibiting will most undoubtedly be inaugurated. A Sub-Conimit!ee to assist the Hon. Sees, was appointed, consisting of the most practical members of the General Committee. We wish this vigorous young Society all success, and think we may venture to assert, that the Committee, who are evidently regarding their work as a labour of love, will succeed in estabUshing an Exhibition of great and growing importance. The Committee comprises such a large body of practical and influential men, amateur and pro- fessional floriculturists, that the most sanguine expectations regarding the Sliow may bo safely entertained. Of one thing ex- hibitors may rest quite assured — there will be on the part of the Committee every desire to conduct all the proceedings in such a spirit as will best answer the ends they have in view, the ad- vancement of the interests of horticulture, and the supply of an additional source of refined and innocent enjoyment to the inhabitants of the midland counties. We understand the prize list will be ready for issue in the course of a week or nine days. GAEDEN INFESTED BY GRUBS — NEAL'S APHIS PASTILS— COTTON-SEED REFUSE. Last season, and again still worse this season, our vegetable garden, more particularly in the oldest part, is infested with a great number of blackish-looking grubs, three-quarters to au inch long, called in the district " botts," which eat ofi' most of our Cauliflower, Cabbage, Lettuce, and other young plants. We have killed many by looking them out at the roots of the plants, but they still increase in number. We have tried to drive away or kill them by planting in soot, sprinkling lime, watering with manure water and ammonia water from oui' gas-works, but all to no permanent cure. Our neighbours are also similarly annoyed ; as many as 150 were taken from the roots of a perennial plant in a garden near to us. Whilst writing I may say, tliat seeing advertised in The ■ JoiTKNAL OF HoRTicuLTtTRE " Neal's Aphis Pastils," I was induced to purchase a two-shilling packet, and having used two at one time in a house 36 feet by 11 feet iu which half a pound of tobacco paper answered, I find that after using the whole lot of six in three weeks (he insects are still alive, especially on some Strawberry plants. We used them as directed. Have you had any complaint of them, or do you know whether they answer the purpose intended ? As at present cocoa-nut refuse, flax-refuse, &c,, are much praised as fertilisers, may I ask if any of your correspondents more especially from Lancashire) have tried the broken cotton seed or refuse made in the first processes of cleaning cotton for spinning? Being of an oily, warm nature, I feel certain it would answer in the growth of many plants. — Haeby. [Your kitchen garden wants but a thorough good and deep trenching. It is all vexation to attempt to rid old kitchen- garden soil of grubs and maggots, either by means of such trench- ing or by paring and burning. But all the trenching for this kind of reformation, if not for all others, is to be done when the ground is driest, and at the hottest point of the season — say in August. That is the right time to trench kitclien-garden ground if one could afi'ord to do it, and if you can you must, or else these grubs will turn you out of possession altogether in the long run. When one is trenching a piece of ground is the right time to see to the drainage of the place. Nothing is more easy then than turning the trenches in the direction of the fall of the ground ; and at the bottom of so many trenches go a foot deeper and put in a drain, and say nothing about it till you come to where the next drain should be, and put that in also as quietly as you like, and you can then talk loudly of the vast im- provement, and how you killed, &c,, and that the draining was no expense at all — that you merely wanted to know the geology of the subsoil, and while it was open that you thought it was just as well to keep it so.] A FEW DAYS IN IRELAND.— No. 19. (Continued from page 519, Vol. II.) TEMPLE HILL. This beautiful residence of Robert Gray, Esq,, is. like Mr. Bcwley's, also situated at Blackrock, near Dublin. The mansion is a handsome square building, built with dressed stone, and surrounded mostly by terraces, and about an acre of pleasure ground. There is also, we were told afterwards, on one side of it a handsome conservatory about 50 feet in length, and half as much in width. From tiie elevated position, tlie views obtained of the Hill of Howth, the Bay of Dublin, and the harbour of Kingston are not only interesting in themselves, but ever changing in the variety of tlie objects presented. We regret that iVom some inadvertence we saw nothing of this conservatory, and had only a glimpse of the pretty lawn. In passing from the gate.way down a hollow to reach tlie glass houses on a bank just not so high as that on which the mansion stands on the opposite side, there was one object on the lawn at a considerable distance from the house which at once attracted our attention, and which must form a prominent feature from every window on that side of the mansion, and that was a good-sized mound of white flints standing alone in its glory. Now, though to our eye and sense of propriety such a huge heap in such an open spot was perfectly incongri.ous, yel not being near enough to examine what were its particular purposes, or what effects it had on the sense of fitness when seen from the mansion, we are not in a position to think, and far less to say, that our taste is superior to that which planned and constructed this heap of flints on an open lawn. The proprietors of Temple Hill have far more right (o please their own taste and sense of what they deem suitable on their own ground, than we or any one else has to hint that it would have pleased better if some little thing or other had been difierent. Besides, so little is generally gained by taking exception to the doings of others in such a mere matter of taste and fitness, that but for the large liberal-heartedness of the proprietor, we would not humbly insinuate the wish that the flints might be removed to a more fitting position, such as the large rootery forming iu the hollow on the way to the garden — that is, if there ave not stronger reasons than any we know of for keeping it where it is. This might be of much more importance in fixing ideas of fitness and taste than at first meets the eye. There is, in many places at present a perfect craze about rockwork and rooteries, altogether irrespective of position. Only get a few loads of ugly stones thrown together, or as many crooked and twisted roots of trees — it matters little where, as in front of a splendid Gothic residence or a Grecian mansion, and you are espec'ed to say, " Oh ! how pretty ! " In front of such a mansion as the last mentioned, some twenty yards or so from it in a low, level position, is a huge mound of stumps of trees, roots, flints, and stones, with plants and Ferns, &c., stuck among them, so huge as for size to throw Mr. O'Brien's Fern rcckwork into the shade, interfering with the beautiful rich scenery beyond, and costing many pounds in JOURNAL OF UORTICULTUHE AND COTIAGE GARDEJSER. Ai-rU 8, 1662. ] money, and no end of labour to make and to keep, and llic object attained — a huge deformity ! We could speak, too, of ro\if;h root-heaps in front of the drawing-room windows of a beautiful Gothic mansion, wreathed with Ivy and other climbers. We do not deny but such masses may look tolerable in summer when the romantic roots, as the owner calls them, are concealed or nearly so ; but would such a man of penerally exquisite taste think for a moment of adorning his drawing-room with such proofs of retrogressive barbarism? Is it much better to have such ugly heaps on a fine lawn just outside the windows ? Must the truly beautiful within be enhanced by contrast with such so- called beautiful roughness without ? The large rootery in the hollow seemed to be in the process of forming ; when planted with Ferns, alpines, &c., we have no doubt it will bo constantly increasing in interest, and importance. Shortly after passing it we met our new friend near tlie houses, Sir. Tobin, the very intelligent and successful gardener ; and after premising that everything about the garden bore signs of being carefully attended to, having so far used the flint stones as a text for a practical discourse, we will confine ourselves to notice what was grown under glass and otlier protection. The chief houses seemed to be placed something like a square in two principal range?. The front range is 80 feet long, and in three divisions. The first compartment is 30 feet long, 14 feet wide, 1-1 feet in height at back, and 7 feet in front. The roof is a lean-to, with curved glass in front. This is devoted to Peaches. The front trellis is curved so as to occupy the greatest amount of space without shading any but the very bottom of the back wall. The front trellis is filled with a beau- tiful tree of the Noblesse Peach ; the back is furnished with two trees, riders, of the Royal George Peach. The wood in this house was in fine condition. The middle division ie a stove but span-roofed, 20 feet wide, 26 feet long, li feet high to ridge, and about 7 feet at the sides. There is a low pit in the centre 10 feet wide, so as to admit of tall plants being grown. A nice pathway all round 3 feet wide, and a broad shelf or stage 2 feet wide all round the sides. Many of the hardier plants of this house were ripening their wood in the greenhouse, &c., so that the house was set nice and thinly with Ferns, Mosses, Achimenes, and Begonias. Of the latter were nice plants of the following, which were rather strange to us, and looked very pretty — Count Alfred de Limminghe, Ebenezer Pike, Eugene Gul- leno, Jas de Sibra Carvelho, Rex Fernandez, Victor Lemoine, &c. Among stove plants we noticed neat specimens of Stephanotis floribunda, Eehites crassinoda, Rondeletia speciosa, AUamanda Schottii, Ehopala corcovadensis, Pandanus utilis, &c., ranging from 4 feet to 6 feet in height, and generally as much in diameter. The third division is a Peach-house of the same size as the first. The back w.tU is filled with one tree of the early Grosse Mignonne, and one of the Double Montagne. The rounded front or roof-trellis is occupied, or will be, with a Royal George Peach, brought from the open wall in December, 18G0, and which produced in 3861 eight dozen of very fine fruit. The wood seemed m capital order in September, but Mr. Tobin had made up liis mind not to overcrop next season, nor yet to test it to the full until thci-oughly established. In what may be termed the back range is a span-roofed green- house 50 feet lor.g, 18 .''eet wide, with a flat stage ; from stage to ridge-board 10 feet ; from shelf, height at sides, 6 feet. This house was chiefly supplied with Fuchsias well grown, some Ferns, a few Begonias, and the hardier stove plants. The great proportion of the usual plants and good specimens were rusticating under the slight shade of a wall, to be ere long intro- duced into the house. Among these we noticed fine plants of Azaleas — as Glcdstanefii, 5 feet by -l- feet ; Triumphans superba, 6 feet by 4 feet in diameter of head ; Tricolor, .51 foet by 3 feet ; Exquisita alba, 5 feet by 4 feet; Marie Louise, nearly 6 feet by 4feet; Ardens, 5 feet by 4 feet ; Duke of Devonshire, 4 feet by 2 feet ; Lateritia punctata, 5 feet by 3 feet ; Semiduplex maculata, 5 feet by 3 feet ; Concinna, .') feet by 3 feet ; Perfecta elegans, 3 feet by 2i feet ; and several standards from 3 feet to 5 feet in height, forming nice heads ; with many plants of smaller size, all healthy and bristling with Gower-buds on well-ripened wood. Among nice compact plants of Heaths there were two Erica | Cavendishii, 3 feet by 2^ feet in diameter; tricolor elegans, | 4 feet by 3 feet ; tricolor WUsouii, 4 feet by 3 feet ; ferruginea, 2 feet by 2 feet ; Irbyana, 3 feet by 2 feet ; tricolor, 3 feet by 2 feet ; deprefsa, 2 feet by 2 feet ; aristata major, 2 f^t by li foot. 81 Among varieties were nice plants of Leschenaultia bilobn major, IJ foot by 1 foot in diameter; Diosma bucco, 2 feet by 3 feet; Eriostemon buxifolium, 4 feet by 3 feet ; E. pulchellum, 4 feet by 2i feet ; E. neriifolium, 3 feet by 2 feet ; Pimelea Nieppergiana, 2i feet by 2 feet ; Ilardenbei-gia monophylla, 5 feet by 3t feet; Epacris grandiflora, & feet by 3 feet ; Hovea purpurea, (> feet by 3 feet; Gastrolobiuni Brownii, 4 feet by IJfoot; Acacia grandis, C feet by 3S feet ; Araucaria excelsa, a pretty plant, 7 feet by 4 feet j I'iiwclea decussata, 3 feet by 2 feet ; Clothra arborea, 7 feet by 4 feet ; and good handsome Camellias, from 4 feet to 7 feet in height. Among the newer Rhododendrons standing here, and also in the orchard-house, we noticed good plants of R. Bletium, 4 feet by 3 feet; Elfrida, 4feet by 4 feet; Griswoodiensis, 4feet by 4feet j Calophyllum, 2 feet by l\ foot, with six fine large-swelled flower- buds; Boothii, 4 feet, with several flower-buds; and a nice plant of Dalliousianum, with six strong wcll-swellcd flower-buds. There were also some pretty Rose plants iu pots looking strong and healthy — such as Bluirii, Paul Perras, La Eeine, Coupe d'Hebe, &o., ranging from 2 feet to 5 feet in height and from 2 feet to 3 feet in diameter, with which Mr. Tobin had secured the honours at the Iiorticultural competition for five years successively. We mention these plants that will ever be increasing in in- terest year after year, not only as testifying to the unremitting attention and skill of Mr. Tobin, but also as showing the liberality with which his worthy employer fosters a taste for the higher departments of gardening. From what we have men- tioned of other places, and hope still to do, it will be seen that Mr. Grey has many associates. Whatever may have been iu the times of the past, it is evident there is no backwardness in this respect in Ireland now. We question if anywhere iu a similar amount of time, except immediately around the metro- pohs, we could have seen equal signs of progress in England. With many honourable exceptions there is something of a retro- gressive character obtaining among us, as to the highest depart- ment of ornamental gardening. In many places great blazes of colour in summer are the all-in-all as respects ornament ; and to secure that the gardener with very limited means must contrive to rear and plant from twenty to a hundred thousand plants, and then when the fi'ost has swept them ofi', contrive not only for space again, but how with old materials he can make fresh arrangements and combinations the following year. A few shillings or a pound or two for bedding plants being all that he can obtain in the way of direct novelty. In this land of free masters, and free servants, even in such cases there is no right to complain, es, so long as we continue to serve, the wishes of an employer should ever regulate the particular direction of our labours. Still it is nothing but fair to state that the bedding system has not only vastly increased the labours and the anxieties of the gardener, but when ever so successful it does not yield him such pleasureable interest in his work, as the getting and growing specimens of good new things. Perhaps this latter fact might be one reason why in all the places we visited, the gardeners imiformly spoke so highly of their employers. But few ladies and gentlemen have any idea of the more than zest and encouragement it is to an intelligent gardener to obtain possession of desirable novelties as soon as they are in the market. ' Iv. Fish. {To ie continued.) THE WEATHEB. The weather is very inclement here at present, and has been since the 13th. At that date the wind changed from W. to N.E., and has continued to blow from the cast for the last twelve days. On the 13th the earth at 1 foot deep had reached 40° ; but since then the temperature has fallen to 35° on the 22nd, and that temperature has been registered the last five days, which is 7° below the corresponding period of 18G1, 5° lower than that of 1860, and 6° below the average. At 4 feet from the ground the temperatiu-e has ranged between 45" and 24°, and the mean temperature 3G°.5. Thermometer in sun's rays was not aflected excepting on the 22nd, when it registered G8°. On the other days its reading was the same as that at 4 feet. Snow fell on the evening of the 23rd, covering the ground 9 inches deep ; aud rain followed on Monday, amountin;; (with melted snow) to 1.55 inch diu-ing the !we!.ty-four 'unirs. fhie- 32 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK. [ April 8, 18S2. day (Mavcli 26th), .78 inch of rain has fallen, making a total fall for the last four days of 2.51 inclies. Just as a weather problem for your weatherwise readers, I give the state of meteorologienl observations here at y p.m. of the 26tli. Barometer 29.596 inch. Thernionieter at -1 feet 38', on grass 36°, earth 1 foot deep 35'. Hygrometer, dry bulb, 38° ; wet bulb, 38°. Amount of cloud, 10. Wind, east, calm. Rain, and densely overcast. Wliat is the benefit derived from meteorology if we cannot foietel future events ? Thanks, my grandfather (and he liad it from his grandfather), used to be able to tell wliat would follow the changes of the sun being at the equinoxes. Acting upon liis weatherology, I re- spectfully but reluctantly prognosticate, " This year we shall have a cold and wet spring, a prevalence of easterly winds, and but little range of temperature." — Ueokge Abbey, Sraclford. KEW GARDENS. EXTEA0T3 FBOJI SIE W. J. HOOKEli'S EErOIiT. The number of visitors to the Eoyal Gardens during the year 1861 was 480,070, being 54,656 in excess of the year 1860. Tliey were diftiibuted in the following proportions : — Number on Sundays, 189, 162 ; number on week days, 290,608. This is exclusive of the increasing number of persons engaged in scientific or commercial pursuits, who have visited the Sluseum, Herbarium, and Library, for the purpose of obtaining special information. EOTAXIC GABDEN. The means adopted for introducing Cinchonas (trees yielding quinine) into the East Indies and our tropical Colonies, rank first in point of interest and importance of the works of the post year. In my report for 1860 I mentioned the erection, at the desire of the Secretary of State for India in Council, of a forcing- house, especially for the cultivation of the Cinchonas, with the view of establishing plantations of them in India. The opera- tions of the several parties organised to proceed into the Andes and procure young plants and seeds have been described in detailed reports laid before the Secretary of State for India, by Clements R. Markham, Esq. Upon the Royal Gardens devolved the duties of receiving and transmitting the seeds and plants to India, of raising a large crop of seedlings, of nursing the young stock, lest those sent on should perish or the seeds lose their vitality, and of recommending competent gardeners to take charge of the living plants from their native forests to the hill country of India, and to have the care of the new plantations there. Farther, with the sanction of the Indian and Colonial Governments, it was arranged that our West Indian Colonies and Ceylon should be supplied with a portion of the seeds. The results hitherto obtsined are the following : — In the Nilgl)errie Hills, I am informed by Sir TY- Denison (Governor of Madras), that there are at this time flourishing 3477 plants of the Bed Bark, Cinchona succirubra (one of the best kinds), many of which are from 3 feet to 3 feet 9 inches in height ; and 2370 of other kinds, equally healthy.* Many of tliese are ready to be planted out in sites already selected by Mr. Markham. In the Boyal Gardens we have 2170 healthy young plants, which will be ready for transmission to India at the proper season. In Ceylon, under the management of Mr. Thwaites, Director of the Royal Gardens at Peradenia, the e;speriment has been equally successful, in proportion to the quantity of seeds received. A plantation of different kinds is flourishing at Newra-EUia. In Jamaica the C. succirubra is succeeding admirably. A quantity of healthy seedlings have been transported to a locality 4000 feet above the sea, and are now ready for planting out. Mr. Wilson, the Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens there, has made a requisition to Government for 50 acres of land to form a plantation therewith, and for an assistant to take charge of the plantations. Seeds were sent to Trinidad at the same time as to Ceylon and Jamaica, but unfortunately not one has germinated. The Winteb Gaeden, oe New Lahqe CoKSEETATonr. — Great progress has been made in tlie construction of this edifice, * A more receut letter from Governor Denison, dated 9th January, 18G2, infonii.i me tliat they have now upwards of 8000 plants in most vigorous growth.— W. J. H. for which the designs were supplied by Mr. Peclmus Burton in 1859, and the tender of Messrs. Cubitt & Co., for the construc- tion of the grand centre and two octogons, was accepted in 1860. This building, which is intended to supplyour main desideratum — a means of cultivating the trees and shiubs of temperate climates, especially of our colonial possessions, and which will afford to the public an attractive and instructive resort during the winter months, will consist of — Leneth. Breadth. Height. 1. A grand centre 212-G 137G CO feet. a. Two octagons 60 50 2.5 feet. 3. Two wings 112'G 62'6 37 leet 9 in. Tliese several portions communicate with each other by a long central vista. The superficies will be 48,392 feet, or about 1$ acre.* Total length, including the vestibules, 583 feet. Of these portions, the two octagons were completed during last autumn, and immediately filled from the overflowing contents of the -conservatories in the Botanic Gardens. Workmen are now engaged on the grand centre, which is to be finished in the course of the ensuing autumn. Tlie arrangements are completed for planting the trees, &c., in the ground of the main area, and the heating apparatus for the centre and octagons is fixed. The erection of the magnificent spar of Douglas's Pine was also effected. 1 his superb pole is unrivalled in Europe for height, symmetry, and excellence of material ; it was presented to the Royal Gardens by Edward Stamp, Esq., and was erected not less on account of its ornamental character, than because, towering as it does to nearly twice the height of the fine trees around it, it is admirably calculated to exhibit to the public the relative size and bulk ol the timber trees of one of our own colonies, British Columbia, where the forests, from which it was obtained, mainly consist of this kind of tree (Abies Douglasii), and where it often attains a height of 300 feet. For the erection of this spar, the services of a party of mtist-makers from the Dockyard at Woolwich were liberally accorded by his Grace the Duke of Somerset ; and the operation was successfully accomplished in May last, under the superintendence of Mr. Isaacs, the Inspector of that, department. The following are its dimensions: — total length, 159 feet ; diameter at heel, 1 toot 7 inches ; cubic contents, 160 feet ; weight, 4 tons 8 cwt. 2 qrs. ; age, about 250 years. Total length of the original tree, about 220 feet.f SCIENTiriC DKPAETJIENT. — MtTSETTMS. These receive constant additions of objects of interest and value, and are annually more resorted to by persons in search of informa- tion regarding woods, drugs, dye-stufl's, textile materials, &c. During the last year the inquiries relating to timber have largely increased, and some valuable specimens have been received, especially fiom the Oak forests of the South of Europe and from ^\'est Africa j both procured by officers despatched by the Admiralty for the purpose. A large and very beautiful collec- tion of specimens has been bequeathed to the Museum by the late Rev. Professor Henslow, of Cambridge. HEEBAiau.M AKD LiBEAET. — Large adiUtions have been made to these, and especially to the Herbarium. Amongst these I would especially mention admirable collections from Western Tropical Africa, by Mr. Maun, particularly from the hitherto wholly unexplored high mountain regions of Fernando Po, Cameroons, &c.; from Eastern Tropical Africa, by Dr. Kiik, the energetic and accomplished companion of Dr. Livingstone ; and by Dr. Seemau, whose mission to the Fiji Islands was mentioned in my report of 1859 ; also from the Secretary of State for India, who has made over to the Royal Gardens the enormous collection of plants that had been accumulating at the India House during the last thirty years ; together with the whole of the MSS. and drawings of the late eminent botanist. Dr. Griflith. I have also to announce the mission of a collector to Japan, under the joint auspices of our own Board and the Admiralty. The most important step, however, taken in this department, has been the commencement of a uuiform series of inexpensive Colonial Floras, which are urgently required by colonists, manu- facturers, and travellers, as well as by scientific botanists, horti- culturists, and amateurs, but which, owing to the labour and expense of compiling them, and the necessity of doing this in • Our Palm-house contains 24,000 feet superficies ; the conservatory at Chatsworth, 15,276 feet; and that at Syon, 7785 leet. t This will be exceeded by the Pine spar coming to the International Esliibition from Vancouver's Island, and which is to be elected in thcKoyal Horticottural l^ociety'a Garden at Kens-ngton Gore. This gigantic spar is 230 feet long. April 8, 1862. ] J0UBN.4.L OF HOEXICUIiTURE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. 33 suuh an establishment as the Horbariiiui at Kcw alone alTovdi, can never be iindcrlakcn by private individuals unaided by Government. — W J. UoOKEii, Director. LATE GRAPES. TninE are some men who may be called " Vim- Tamers." They seem to do with that apparently pliant jilnnt jiist us they will — cramming it into pots, twisting it into all ports of odd shapes, pruning it tliis way and that way, and linally decreeing that it shall produce fruit just at the time they desiderate. Of these men Mr. Hill, gardener to Ualph 8nejd, Esq., of Keele Hall, is one. We have received from that gentleman a bunch of Lady Downe's Seedling on this 2nd of April as fine as it is possible for it to be produced. It has been ripe ever since last August, and hy Mr. Ilill's skill has been preserved all the time without a shrivel or a blemish upon it. ^Ve sometimes hear it said, "There is nothing now in gaidening." " Old Miller knew quite as much as we do." Suiji observations may refer to Cab- bage gardening, but horticulture is a science, and must progress. "What would "old Miller" have said to new Grapes on New Year's-day, like Mr. Thomson's, or to these old Grapes on the 2nd of April of Mr. HiU's ? "WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. As the opportunities of proceeding with work here have been tut occasional owing to the frequent occurrence of rain, eveiy opportimity should be embraced for completing the important operations which belong to this period. BasU^ a warm sheltered spot may now be chosen to sow in the open ground ; but to insure success it is a better plan to sow in pans on a slight hotbed, and afterwards to plant it out. Beans, earth-up the early crops, but before doing so lay a little soot close to ihe stems; timely earthing will also prevent the wind damaging them. Cahhage, pull up any of the plants tliat are running to seed in the autumn plantations, and fill up from the reserve-bed ; at the same time stu- the soil between the plants and earth them up. Carrols, •tliin-out those in frames, and sow the main crop if not already done. Celery, the main sowing for the winter crop should now be made. Continue to prick out from the early sowings. Gherkins, an early sowing of them, and also of Nasturtium, may now be made, tliey will require a gentle heat and to be gradually hardened-off before transplanting. Kidnei/ Beans, a sowing may now be made in early localities. The early sowing of this useful vegetable is sometimes cut off above the ground by late spring irosts, but the portion beneath the surface of the soil occasionally throws np shoots, from which a crop will be produced nearly as soon as if the leaders had remained uninjured. Ijettiice, give air to the plants in frames night and day in mild weather. Loosen "the soil about those planted in the open ground. Sea-iale, remove the covering immediately it is done with ; if there is any yet to be covered, let it be done before it grows much. BoT-edgings sliould be clipped immediately. FLOWER GABDEN. If not already done patches of some of the most showy hardy annuals should now be sown in vacant places, which usually exist in the herbaceous-beds and in tlie edges of clumps and borders in the shrubbery. A suflleient quantity of cuttings and seedlings of half-hardy climbers should now be potted for planting out in May, Cobceas, Maurandyas, Lophosperiuums, Tropaeolums, and other such plants would be found useful for covering bare places on walls, fences, and trellises, which otherwise would give an unsightly and unfinished appearance to the place. Pot-olF Carnations and Piuotees as soon as the weather will permit. ■Have the turf swept, well rolled, and made thoroughly ilrm without loss of time, and rememberif the first mowing 's deferred till the grass gets long it will require much time and labour to get the turf into proper order. I called a few days ago on my friend Mr. Marcham, Nurseryman, Earl's Court, Kensington ; he was then busily engaged arranging his flower garden with Daisies and Heartsease ofvariouB distinct colours, Ccrastiumtomentosum, Forget-me-not, London Pride, and other such spring-flower- ing plants ; and as an experiment he had nrarked out several devices, such as V.B., the Prince of Wales's Feather, and others separately on the beds, each device to be distinctly defined by ihe arrangement of the colours in each bed. Persevere in stir- jng the surface of the beds of Pinks, Pansies, &c., after rains. Propagate Pansies for succession, and fill up vacancies that occur in the beds. The Chrysanthemums will now bo well rooted ; pot Ihem oil' singly into small pots, to be occasionally stopped as they progress in growth, to have dwarf sturdy plants. IltllT OABDEN. Disbud Peach and Apricot trees : this should not be done severely at once, it is better to go over trees three or four times for this imrpose, removing a certain proportion each time. OUEENHOUSE AND CONSEBVATORY. j Continue to shifr the greenhouse plants which require it. [ Pelargoniums and Calceolarias for early blooming to be kept comparatively close and frequently syringed. Take onrc before I potting that the old balls of lleatlis and otlier hard-wooded ' plants are sufficiently moist, as it will be impossible afterwards to moisten them properly without saturating and souring the I fresh soil. A succession of Achimenes to flower late in the autumn to be placed in heat. Climbers, both in pots and borders, to have due attention, retaining no more shoots than will be j reqtured for the allotted space. The leading shoots of Epacrises, Heaths, Chorozemas, Correas, together with as many others as I produce the best eflect in a bushy condition, to be frequently pinched back or stopped to produce good specimens. FOBCING-PIT. As the season for forcing flowers is now drawing to a close, this structure will be useful to give additional encourflgement to Clerodendrons and other such free-growing plants which require plenty of room. Some of the plants may also be removed from the dung-frames to this pit to make room for Balsams, Cocks- combs, Globe Amarantlis, and other plants for the summer and autumn decoration of the greeidiouse and conservatory. PITS AND FBAME3. ScarletGeraniums, Petunias, Verbenas, Calceolarias, and other plants for bedding-out may be removed to cold pita or frames, that a liardy habit may be induced preparatory to being planted out. If plunged in old tan, ashes, or other light material, much of the labour of watering will be saved, and the plants will be in a better state when the planting-out season arrives. Calceolarias, Verbenas and other joung stock intended either for decorating the flower-beds, or for succession in pols, to be pinched back to make them bushy. If no plan has been formed for the arrange- ment of gay masses of flowers, it should be done forthwith in order that sufllcieut stock uiay be got together without delay. Not a moment's time should be lost in propagating extra things for the purpose. Choice Carnalions and Picotees may soon be turned out into the beds or borders ; three in a group, in rich soU, produce a fine efTect. The Mimulus family inay soon be planted in fresh patches in a moist soil and situation, not for- getting the Musk, which should be removed in large patches. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. These doings out of doors have been but few, as the rains and Scotch mists still continue, and with but little signs of intermission. On Tuesday, the 1st of April, the glass rose, and having been rather dry on Monday, we hoped to be able to sow Onions ; but the showers came down in torrents in the after- noon, and on Wednesday continued without intermission. In our heavy soil there has not been a chance of Onion-sowing ; for I have long proved that the middle of March is quite early enough for us, and for early Onions it is better to depend upon autumn sowing, and transplant these early in spring, merely fastening the roots, and leaving the bottom of the stem just on rather than in the ground. No thinning of autumn-sown Onions will be equal for bulbing to transplanted ones. If not clearing up soon we will sow a bed thick, and transplant them likewise. We got out a portion of what is intended for the first Peas and Beans from under a slight protection ; but we could not finish even that. Pea-sticks have been prepared under shed-covering, and stakes and tallies of all kinds made, and every dirty pot washed as soon as emptied. Planted out more Dwarf Kidney Beans, and removed the early Potatoes in pots to the orchard-house, now of a nice size and the skins firm. Pricked-oft' Capsicums, Tomatoes, and many other seedlings, Celery, &c., finding dithculty to hold them all. FRUIT GABDEN. Chiefly confined to work of routine. Changed Strawberry- pots, and brought in fresh gently started a httle under glass; 34 JOUKJ)AIi OS HoailOULTURB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ Api-a 8, 1862. tlieVB could toavaely Is* woree weallier for fee-flavoured fruit, and a few hours' sun would do mucli servihooted Celekt {Old Deer).~li is al»o called Celeriac {Apium ijrnveileiis rnpacciim), and full particulars of its culture are given in The Cottage Gardener's IJlctionarij. Celery is much preferable. Carter's Champion is a very good smooth-skinned Cucumber. April S, 18(>2. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDKNER. 35 PHOiNOcouA {II. //.).— It hus boon sUrve.l for want of water, :iti(1 tlmn been gluttetl. Let it ulone as It shows (lower-buds. Give ic, when dry, ;i llttio manure water of a cool kinrt, and weak, imd when clone llowcrins priino buck, and set in a close, warmer place, and whenever there arc si^ns of crowth rep, ft in the same size pot, jetting rlil of a good deal of the old soil. LriiUiD Manure (C. R. 5.).— This, which you require for greenhouse planfs, may be made of sheep's-dunp, a peck to thirty srallons of water. Cowdang may be used, a peck to twenty gnllons, but tlie water should be boillnff, as this dunjj is liable to contain the laivio of injurious insects. Five ounces of Kuano to ten gallons of watei is also a Rood liquid manui-e. Superphospliate of lime, one pnnnd to twelve gallons of water, will benefit your Pelargoniums. All the preparation required by any of these liquid mamire^. is to let them remain undisturbed until qu.'te clear, and then to poju- off the clear portion fjr use. Ia-HJ. Waikr (A Stthscrihcr, Sf. Xicholas). —One peck of lime to forty gallons .of water makes the lime water requirpd for killing worms on lawns. IndickS [0. i5.)'--'niat for Vol. XIV. can bo had free by post for three penny postaftc stamps. That for Vol. XV. is out of print. HirPEASTnusfb and Disa en vndifi.oka (S. .*?. ^.).— Yotir means and your Vracticc would oni/ increase your trouble were you to attempt thrs? (lowers. You say that yon can.not have Mignonette or force a Deutzia gracilis: there- fore, your money and your patience to i, wnnUl be lost were you to embark in the higher flights in g-ardening. Buy our "In-door Gavdcnlng for the Many." and master tlio directions there given. Nest week we shfiU give a chapter on Hippeasters, if only to assist the lioyal Horticultural Society, who now make tlieni a standing number in their schedule of prizes. NoTCHtNc. Fruit Trees {G. A', Suhscribrr).—yo\i are just in time to notch. Now is as g'lod a time as any in p.11 the year. Annuals for Boiidering Geranium-beds (H. I. D.). — The most lasting annuals to plant round an oval of Scarlet Geraniums are Saponaria calabrica, Sanvitalia piocumbcns, tlie dwarf French ISfarigold, and the tall botanical Marigold ealled Tagetes tenuifolia. These four will last out the whole season till the frost comes, fioti seeds sown just now. The first is abx-ightpink ; tlie rest are yellow. Laurels Dying (Idem). — These, failing after two years in front of that vail, die entirely by inches for want of food. Nobody ever plantpd Laurels in such a scorching place without first trenching and improving the ground, and yours has not been even trenched, nor yet dug one-half the depth to keep Mignonette alive. Just try and prove the fact. But the fact is, not one out of one luindred ever doe^justicc to ground for Laurels, and some few do too much to it as we now know to our cost. We have loads of it to cnt out every year to keep it at all within bounds. Glass SxRrcTDRES [Tokay). — We would have a hipped I'oof for conser- vatory or greenhLiUse, whicii would give the advantage of the north wai!, and then take a sp.in-hoase north and south from it, like the leg of the letter X- ^- yoti wished a wide house make a double span. We prefer such a house for your purpose to one facing the south. We do not equally approve of a span running east and west, as thei'e is only one side for direct sun. We find as respects glass that fifteen-ounce, called sisteen-ounce — in fact, ranging from 13^ to 16^, or 17i, will yield and bend when a hailstone or other missile will break twenty-one-ounce. However, on the whole we think twenty-one-ounce the cheapest in the end. See notice of a new style of houses at p. G. Yours from the position should be elegant. W0R3IS [A Subscriber). —You will see a recipe for lime water in answer to another correspondent. It is quite as effectual as any other application, and not dangerous. The chemical mixture you allude to probably is cor- rosive sublimate, but it is a deadly poison. Loudon's '* Hortus Britannicus " ■will »uit you better than his " Encyeloptedid of Plants."' CocoA-NcT Fibre Refuse {Sionnsea). — The sample has not the slightest resemblance to the refuse useful for garden pui-p'ises. We have said that the true is like brown rappee snuft', but your^i are bristles. Ribbon-borders [F. A. Marth)enu).—A\\ yonr plants will di except Petnnia between the two Geraniums, Petunias being bad in any part of a ribbon by the bother tliey give to keep them in their places. We had seventy-five yards of the nyctaginiflora to keep in form in the fourth ; nw of a nine-row border for some years, and that Petnnia occasioned more trouble than the eight other rows put together. Nevertheless, when one can manage ihein, some Petunias make grand rows. ST'ive Ferns [J. L., rork8fiirc].—Jjy plunging the pots in a hotbed of tan they will grow faster, but unless the tan is kept fresh you will be apt to be troubled with worms in the pots, which will more than neutralise the advantage. AU things considered, the stand will be best. The n#rth aspect will behest for most Ferns; but where the light is too strong, the glass may be shaded or muffled. Watering Vines when Stoning (Jt/cm).— The Vines may be watered if dry, which we can only conceive of them from heing planted inside the liouse. The manure water we fear would be rather strong if not diluted. We suppose the chili was taken off it. We suspect the honeydew is the resu'it of too much watering in dull weather. The leaves cannot evaporate the moisture— you had better sponge it off. Stove FOR AGnEENnousE {Tyro, ^/acATJoo/).— No stove without a chimney can be used among plants without injuring them. As you cannot have a chimney, we recommend you to have a small gas-stove constructed like Mr. Lichfield's, as mentioned at page 1.5 of our last Number. Pine Apple Soil {i?.X).— The cocoa-nut fibre refuse is not for Pine Apples at al', unless you had very sickly ones, which the refuse would soon ptit on their legs again— fit for the very best .strong, well-pulverised, but knotty loam. Brick earth, like yours, is" altogether unfitted for growing Pines in ; but Mr. Beaton tells us that if one-third the quantity uf the refuse were to be added to any sort of clay, and kept in a ridge for full two years, and to be turned four times a-year in very dry weather, he thinks it would make an excellent soil for Melons, Pine Apples, Palms, and Musas. No garden plant will flourish in your soil. We would pare and burn it. The burnt soil mixed with the top spit would much improve the staple. Early Grapes ( Viator).~Vft have never yet seen or heard of Grapes so early, or at all like those ot Mr. Thomson's, of Palkeith. The earliest besides we ever saw were produced in the second week of Februaiy, and were little -scraggy bunches, and tlie truit, ihough coloured, unripe. Mr. Thomson's ••are bunches worthy of August, and in flavour not to be surpassed. TvKf Pits {Edith].~'Vm( pits arc made by laying the tui-vea say a toot wide longitudinally on each other. Mr. Fish's C ale ool aria-pita are from 4i feut to 5 feet wide, G inches in front above the k-vel, and l.*) inches at back, and from 0 inches to '■) inches below the level. The earth taken out forms the chief part of the walls, with a layer of turf here and there to keep it firmer; a layer of turf covers all outside for neatness. He prefers turf altogether when it can be had, and the bed to be as high as the surrnunding surface ; those so raised have been little atTectod by the late continuous rains. Those sunk, required a Inde 2 feet or 3 feet deep to be sunk at the lowest corner to receive the excess of water ; but such a season rarely hapi)ens in March. When much larger than the above a few posts— say .^ feet ajiart, arc driven in the li;:e of the turf, and a rail placed along the top. We have turf walls thus formed from 2 feet to 4 feet in height, and a sloping grass bank has kept the turf dry for years. ^Ir. Fish also uses four-feet Celeiy- beds for similar purposes ; the Celery conies in after the plants are removed. If you get ?ome fresh tin and throw it in a heap until it ferments, about 2 feet of that will be deep enongh tor the purposes you want. Ckntre Bed {H. 5.).— As yon have **most of Beaton's Nosegays at com- mand," put a tliick row r,f his Carmine Nosegay round the Golden Hollies and inside the Variegated Mint, and you will never repent it. If yon have not got that Nosegay put in Christina instead. Various* cy^ro).— The " Osage Orange " is not an Orange, but belongs to the Natural Order Moracepe. Its botanical name U Madura aurantiaca. The Citrus fruit you enclosed is some kind of Lime. The plant you enclosed a spray ot is Ruscus liypoglossum, it has the same properties as the common Butcher's Drooin. R. aeulcatus. Your Hiicfiarh nmazonlca having one spike with three flower-buds, and another spike with four, is a good specimen. After they have flowered part the bulbs and grow them singly in sm;ill pots. Insects (ff, C. r..\— The Caterpillar which has gnawed out tlie interior of young Ash branches, is that of the Wood Leopard Moth (/euzera vEseuli). [Anon). — The Beetle which has been so injurious to Vines this spring is the Otiorhynchus.sulcatu-s or Striped-back Weevil. It shonld be Imnted for with a lanthorn after nightfall, when it will be lound on the leaves and twigs. [R. F.). — You Peach blooms and twigs are infested with the young black larva* of the Aphides attached to that tree, A. persicio, upon which there is an excellent memoir by Morrens.— W. W. Back Numdees fC 2?.).— You can have from our office, from No. 2 to No. 12, both inclusive, of Vol. XXIII. ; but No. 1 of that Vol. is out of print. We can let you have Vol. XXIII. complete, and in its cloth cover. Waltonian Cases {M. II.).— The boiler must have been allowed to be- come dry while the lamp continued to burn. Zinc, we should think, must be employed to mend it ; but you had better consult the maker. Gooseberry Caterf:i.lae (^1 Subscribet; Tc'.iforth ^n/O-— We know of no other preventive than tan, a*? we recommeniled ; unless taking off the surface soil 3 inches deep and burning it might be effectual. It the Cater- pillars come there is no mode of destroying them but by hand-picking, or dredgiug with white hellebore powder. RfssiAN and OTH-^ii ViOLETs {B. West) .—To grow these plants to per- fection, a rather deep loamy soil is necessary, stiff" rather than light, the situation quite open. It may, however, be oheltered from the north and other cold winds. Trench and 'prepare the ground some time beforeplanting, but if it be in good condition dung is not wanted, as that causes the plants to run too much to leaf. Take otf rooted layers or offsets as early in the season as they are to be hid, and plant them out on the ground so prepared. Rows about 18 inches apart, and the plants abont a foot from each other in the row will do very well, and if the weather be moist at the time of planting they will in general start at once and grow; but in long periods of dry- weather red spider is apt to attack them. Dusting the plants with sulphur underneath the leaves as well as above will, to a certain extent, clieck it, giving them at the same time a good watering with weak liquid manure ; ' but one of the great secrets in obtaining good well-formed plants loaded with bloom, is to pick off all runners as they appear. Attention to these matters, and with a soil suitable to their growth, success is certain ; and if you want to force Vio'ets, the same course must be adopted, only endeavour to ge t them matured as early in the preceding season as possible, and do not hasten, them on too fast, as the plant will only produce leaves if hurried on at improper speed. Lobelia speciosa— Perilla and Ageratum (J. 7*., Trtdc a iter). —The seedlings now up on a gentle hotbed ought to make good bedding plants and flower this summer. No public journalists ought to say where such and such plants or seeds are to be bought ; that would be recommending one dealer at the expense of others, and would be most unfair. Any nurseryman who advertises in our columns can obtain any plant or packet of seeds that is on sale in Europe tor any one who orders and pays lor them. Cutting Down Orange Trees {£. C.).—lt your Orange trees were in an unhealthy condition, vour gardener did not act unwisely in cutting them down, although by your sketch he may have cut them lower than we should have been inclined to do, as we would only have cut them in severely, much in the same way as an old standard Apple or Pe;i]- tree is cut down to gratt afresh, the limbs being cut otT a shoit distance from the main bole. If, in addition to this, the roots were thoroughly examined, and dead and useless ones cut away, and the tree repotted in fre^h soil with plenty of drainage, and tlie plants set in a warm close house, it is likely they will break and make fine heads by autumn. It is also good piactice to tie mo?s loosely around the stums and branches, and to keep it always moist by syringing, taking care to remove it by degrees when the small shoots appear. But the moist atmosphere of an ordinary vinery in the course of forcing will usually suffice for this, taking care, however, that the roots do not get saturated to supei-fiuity with water at u time when there is no toliage to absorb it. In repotting it is not unl.kely but smaller pots will do when the roots are pruned. Narcissus (5f. 5.).— The upper half of a leaf ought to be sent with the flowers of all sorts of bulbs if they have them. No class of bnlbs is more dilficult to determine from single flowers than Narcissus. ^'f"" J^ ^ ® good old *'Butter and Eggs," Narcissus anrantia flore pleno of old books, tindthe Queltia aurantia ot modem classification, one of the richest ot aU vellow Narcissi. Pray can you spare a root or two of it when the leaves die downy Pray also make us a memorandum on the posture of the seed-pods after the flowers are past— nov.' they are horizontal from the scape, home do and some do not turn up the seed-pods quite erect as the seeds advance to maturity ; but we are not cc- tain which of the postures tlic Butter and Lggs" take to at last. 36^ JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ AprU 8, 1862- Carj:x Fraseri {A. 7?., Bi-oiiilc!/),~This, the finest of all of that rigid race, is a native of scilgy places in'North America, and requires niucli about the same kind of soil and treatment in evei-y respect as Disa granditiora— that is to say, as an evergreen bog plant, ref|uiring to be kept out of the sun in very hut weather, and not to be exposed to the vicissitudes of a variable din ate like ours in winter. The snow keeps it warm at home. Sowing Cockscojibs and Balsams {A Subscriber, Bath).~'^o time must be lost in sowing Cockscombs to obtain good lartte heads for August ; and ■when the plants are fit to handle, prick them off into a pan or box for a tide, as it saves the watering of so many small pots ; but tliey ought never to be allowed to stand so as to get a check, but pot off as soon as you see they require it, and cor.tinue to repot afterwards until they are placed in the pots you intend them to peruumently remain in. A close frame or holbed is the best place for them, with ircquent syringlnas and a rich soil. Balsauis require more air and arrive sooner at maturity : therefore, about the Ut ^liiy will be soon enough to sow for what you want. A good bottom heat and p'enty of top air, amounting in fine Meafiicr to total exposure, is what they do best in, as by that means pood bushy sliort-jointed plants are obtained. We presume you have a good variety, as much depends on that. Balsams from the first must have separate pots, but ought never to get pot-bound. Names of Plants iirnririckshire).~l, Siphocampylus bicolor ; 2, Ori- ganum eipyleum. ^ {H. E., Monmouth). —A. large Irond of Polystichum augulare lobatum. V'e found no other. {B. ir.)-— Sphagnum is a kind of pale-coloured Mo's found abundantly in wet boggy places. TheCystopteris is nothing but C. fragilis. Tlie otlier frond appears to be a narrow and somcwjiat rt-voUite variety of Blechnum spicant, but we do not recognise it as a named variety. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY, &c., SHOWS. Mat 14th and 16th. Taunton and Sowerset. Sec.y Charles Ballance, Esq. I Taunton. May ;i7th, :i8th and 29th. Bath and West of England (City of Wells). Steward^ S. Pitman, E^^q., Manor House, Taunton. Entries close May 1. Mav 2Sth and 29th. Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire. SeCy Mr. J. Hocton. Entries close May 14th. June 3rd. Essex Agricultural Aspociation. Sec^ R, Emson, Slough House, Halstead. Entries close May 10th. Junk 4ih and 5th. BEVKHLrv and East Riding. Sec.^ Mr. Harry Adams. July 9ih, 10th, and Uth. Lkkds and West Riding. Secs.y E. Holds- worth and J. Wade. wild fowl. Among other erroneous notions that; bare prevented many from indulging a taste for keeping aquatic bu-ds, is one that a *' piece of water " is necessary. !Now', this implies nothing less than a lake or rery large pond ; and, in the mind's eye, it is studded with islands, and peopled witli flocks of fowl. Like many other notions this is a wrong one. On such a piece of water, if there be hxindreds of birds, many of them large, of the Goose tribe, and by far the greater number of the common WUd Ducks, some will always be visible ; but the amateur of beauty of plumage, or one mho seeks to have really tame and familiar birds will be disappointed ; they will be hiding away — rendered shy by the space granted to them, and by the facility for concealment, lie who has lakes at his disposal must, if lie will enjoy tame wild fowl, resort to the limits imposed by neces- sity on those for whom we write these papers. As in those that treated on Pheasants, our aim is to sliow (and we write from experience) how easily and inexpensively these tastes may be encouraged. It is not impossible to keep wild fowl in London, but it would be difficult except where there are gardens. Our remarks, then, arj addressed to those who have these luxuries, and tliis will include most of those who live in country towns and their suburbs. In these and similar papers we may publish from time to time, it must be borne in mind wlien we give limits or measurement, it is not because such are in any way necessary, but to show how little is essentially required to indulge the pur- suit, and to enable the birds to be properly kept. Many descriptions of wild fowl are in keeping with a flower garden : they are things of beauty, colour, and contrast. Most persons are acquainted with the marvellously-beautiful plumage of the Mandarin and Carolina Ducks : they are also very hardy, more so than many of the commoner sorts ; but they are expen- sive, and we will, therefore, pass them by. We will speak of others that have beauty, and are yet easy of attainment at a moderate cost. The Dun bird, or red-headed Pochard, with his red head and neck, grey breast, and bright red eye ; the Tufted Duck with his rich purple black head, neck, and back, his white side and breast, his falling crest and golden eye ; the merry whistling Widgeon with his varied plumage ; the spotted-breasted Teal ■with his green face, chestnut head, bright streaming saddle- feathers and lustrous wing ; the Garganey with its white-striped face, beautiful breast, blue wing, and white and blue streaming feathers ; the elegant Pintail with its long taper neck, blue and black striped bill, and brown and white striped neck, its long tail giving it the name of the Lea Pheasant ; tlie Gadwall with its maroon-patched wing and curiously waved breast ; and the Shoveller witli its rich variety of colour. All these are to be purchased for small sums, often only a few shillings per pair. They have been bred wild, and so long as tliey can indulge the instincts of such a state they do so ; but it is astonishing how soon they become tame alter they have discovered they cannot get out of their new place. As they will not be convinced tUl after thorough inspection, care must be taken to make all secure, and this will bring us to describe such a place as is neces- sary wherein to keep four or five pairs of these beautiful birds, a piece of water 8 feet long by 4 feet wide, and 18 inches deep ; a rough pollard stem put in the middle of it adds to the appear- ance, and is pleasing to the birds. The water sliould be sur- rounded by irom 3 feet to 4 feet of grass, and this should be planted with small shrubs, and such as have branches close to the ground. It is well the water should not be level with the grass ; but there should be three or four places as far apart as can be, where the bank should be cut through to afford landing- places for the Ducks : these shovdd be paved with large pebbles. Tills enclosure should be made secure by means of wire netting stretched around it. It should be from 3 feet to 4 feet high, and must be close to the ground all round : this is absolutely " ^' (To he continued.) POINTS IN GOLDEN-SPANGLED HAMBURGH COCK. Poor " Yoekshieeman ! " AVhen will he learn the points re- quired in the above breed ? or how much longer must he keep and breed them before his judgment equals those who reside in other counties ? It is quite new "tome" to hear that Yorkshiremen love, or prefer a black breast to a spangled one. I thought all fanciers concurred the latter was essential. In a correspondence which took place about twelve mouths ago, what I believe to be the true characteristics of the breed were then stated — viz., " a well-serrated comb not too broad, Ih'mly fixed and straight on the head, and good spike behind ; ear-lobes white ; hackle deep gold, striped down the centre with black ; saddle to match ; breast well mooned with green black moons ; back and upper part of wing a good maroon, with two distinct bars across, separating the flight-feathers ; tail green-black, and ample ; legs blue." Should my judgment be at fault I shall be glad to be put riglit ; as tlie nearest approach to the above are what I send out as good specimens, and think I am not far from the mark, as I was breeder of birds which took. prizes at the late shows — Birmingham, York, Crystal Palace, Manchester, and Liverpool. But a black-breasted lioUow-eombed bird I never keep to lireed from ; as to the ear-lobe being slightly fluslied with pink it s'.iould not mar the bird's success, being superior in other points. Ear- lobe alone should not rule entirely, and black breasts will only be loved by some jolly old Y'orkshiremen. Mr. Dixon, Mr> Berwick, and several others, never show black-breasted birds, and the way the question was answered in your Journal of Marcli 4th I thouglit»cast a slur upon all Y'orkshire breeders, exhibitors, and judges. And as I only get the Journal monthly, it came in on April Ist — a day that all fools meddle, this is my apology for interferiL'g. — Yoekshikejtan, Hipon. Hen with Male Plumage. — There is belonging to a person close to my house a Silver Hamburgh, three years olJ. Iii the second year she laid two sets of eggs, which were hatched under another hen. In her third year she moulted, and she has now the plumage of the cock, the hackles on the head, and neck, and rump, and the long tail-feathers. She does not lay now, and is sickly. — A Subscbibek. [It is not at all unusual for old hens to aequire the plumage of the male bird. They lose their productive power at the same, time. — Eds.] STINGING BY LIGUEIAN BEES. I CAN fully endorse the statement of your correspondent Mr.. Barrell, .is to the comparative innocuousness of the sting of the Ligiuian bee. A few days since, whilst engaged in changing AprU 8, 18(52. ] JOtTENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 87 the floor-board of my Ligurian stock, I acoideiitally jarred tlip liive : this apparently irritated tlio bees very mucli, for they instantly poured out and covered me. Two of them left their stings in iny hand and wrist. The pain and swelling, however, \ielded to the speedy application of a little tincture of arnica, und in a few minutes had entirely subsided. "Upon several previous occasions I have experienced a similar slight inconvenience from the sting of the Ligurian bee, although upon many occasions I have suffered most acutely when I have been stung by the common black bee. A pinch of tobacco soaked in water, and applied instantly, seems to be the best nmedy, and generally subdues the swelling aud irritation. — Bectob. BOTTLE-FEEDEES— FLAT- TOPPED HIVES- VENTILATION AND FUMIGATION. The London feeding-bottle will do very well if you have the hives in a bee-house, but it is very awkward if outside, as you cannot put a milk-pan or anything on ; I would therefore suggest that they should be made of a low flat shape, the neck going into the hole of a straw hive or standing on top of a box-hive, end this would not expose the top to the cold and wet weather. Can any of your correspondents inform me what advantage flat-topped hives have over the conical ones? as I fancy the conical are best for winter and keep the bees warmer, for I find in my flat-topped that the bees hang down a good way, and those at the bottom nearest the mouth drop from the cold and die. If bees require ventilating, how is it that by nature they stop up every little hole but the one they go in and out at, and are not ventilated when in a state of nature ? Can anv of your correspondents inform me who first found out fumigation for bees, and if any other nation besides our- selves used brimstone for destroying them ? Are bees natives of England ? and, if not, where were they introduced from ? — A. W. [We have been favoured by Mr. J. E. Briscoe, of Albrighton, •near Wolverhampton, with a sketch and description of a feeding- bottle, which he has invented and practically tested, and which we think will answer your purpose. The annexed woodcut represents a section of (he bottle, which is 6 inches in diameter, and 5 inches high, and contains above five half-pints of liquid food. The neck is short, l.V inch in diameter, and is meant to be inserted in an aperture in the top of any kind of hive. Mr. Briscoe has ex- perienced an inconvenience from these bottles not standing steadily whilst being filled, but this might easily be remedied by altering the shape as indicated by the doited line. The bottle-mouth when in use is tied over with a small bit of tiffany, wliich is better than cap-net where perfor- ated zinc cannot be interposed, as bees soon gnaw the net through if left unprotected. The only advantage of flat-topped hives is the facility they ilTord for supering. The subject of ventilation is being itself "ventilated" by some of our most able correspondents, and the circumstance you mention ha.s not been lost sight of by them. Fumigation by means of pufl'-balls was recommended by the Kev. John Thorley in 1713, but we do not know if he was the originator of the process. If bees are not actually indigenous to Great Britain, they became naturalised at so early a period that no record remains «f their first introduction.] UNITING BEES— CHANGING SUGAR INTO HONEY. 1 OFPEE you my mite of practical experience upon this subject, if it has not already got too stale. Having fed up all stocks that required it by the end of October last, I expected that all *va3 safe for the winter, but to my disappointment one cold Tiiorning in November, one of my stocks was thrown from its stand (but by what agency I know not, neither do I wish ; but I suspect foul play, as it was close to one whose doings may appear in your pages at some future day), and every comb broken out. Of eoursCj it was hopeless to attempt refitting and keeping it together at tliis late season, so I swept off all the bees into Iho liivc, and made tlie ipieon a prisoner, as I wanted to kee]i the adopted one of Ibe other liive lliat the bees must be put to all safe. I must confess that I hud some doubts about uniting the bees so late in tlie season, as destroying them was out of the question. I made ready for the evening, and united them in my usual way, and I bflievo witliout a single combat, an occurrence not unusual with me. As the season advances I shall see the results and compare notes with some of ll:e crotcliets upon this subject. I made twelve unions with the same results as above last season. As the subject has been iO ably explained, I forbear at present making any remarks upon it, only I hope those who have not done so will try, and be their own judges, as I am sure it will well repay the trouble. What next ? Chemistry again 1 some will say ; and well they may, if they have ever given it a practical test. In the stock referred to there was pure honey gathered uiiou the moors, and syrup also as pure as could be made, given a month previous to its downfall. I was able to see the dillorence distinctly, so as to keep the two separate ; but the great test was still to come, 1 1 e syrup had not undergone any change in its passage from the bottle to the cell, nor had its month's stay in the hive given it any perceptible change, and I have some of it in the comb at the present time unaltered. But I am now speaking of the labours of the black bee. There may be some magic power possessed by the yellow Italians, wliich none but their owner U acquainted with. If this be so the seasons will make little difference to him, if he can convert sugar into honey. One thing more, and I liave done. If the honey undergoes a change in the stomach of the bee, how is it tliat we have all the different flavours ; of course depending on what flowers it has been gathered from ? I have a few hives in one locality, the honey of which (like counting chickens before they are hatched) is sold before it is gatliered, on account of its fine flavour. I think it is gathered from the white clover and the bramble, of the latter there is a great quantity. — A NoEiil Lancashibe Bee-keeper. RESULT OF "A. W's" EXPERIMENT IN SUPER-POSING. The other day being fine I looked at the two hives I joined last autumn, and found the bees had gone into the lower hive, and I therefore took the top one away; but from this last cold weather I find very many dead, and am afraid there are very few left, but will look the first fine day. We have lately had nothing but cold, wet, and snow. — A. W. [Never were opinions more completely verified by subsequent events than have been those which were promulgated by us in reply to the original inquiry of " A. W." in page 38 of our last volume, and to which so many objections have been made. Not only has the massacre at which we then hinted actually taken place, as has been already related by our correspondent in page 429 of the same volume, but we now learn that the bees have, as we predicted, " ultimately descended into the lower hive."] BEES DYING OF DYSENTERY— " VAGABOND SWARMS," AND VENTILATION. This morning (21lh March) I found the young virgin queen spoken of in page 488 of the last volume, turned out of the hive, her death having, doubtless, been occasioned by the same fell disease which had already proved fatal to so many of her working sisters. As this event puts a stop to .ill chance of my observing by her means a new phase of parthenogenesis, exemplified in a queen bee bred so early in the spring as of necessity to remain unfecundated, I shall lose no time in uniting the remainmg bees to the colony to whicli their parent was introduced in the manner alrea"dy related. On the whole, perhaps, I have Uttle reason to complain, having lost but two stocks by dysentery out of a total of twenty-six— no great pcr-centage when it is con- sidered that nearly all were artificial swarms formed late in the season. I regret to state, that in a letter recently received from Mr. E. Wyndham Jones, of Nautwich, Cheshire, who is the distant correspondent mentioned in the latter part of the article above referred to, he says-" The bees in my box have ceased to exist, JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTUKB AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ April 8, 1862. ring gone during the sharp frost wliieh followed the January Id weather." Speaking of internal moisture, he also says, " I liaT mild weather." Speaking _ imagine it brings on dysentery. What magnifies the difficulty is, that two hives fail and two escape — -viz., one straw and one wood gone, one straw and one wood saved, a swarm and an old stock in each case, all being subject to the same temperature, the room in which they arc placed being dry and well ventilated." My own experience is of exactly the same contradictory character, but tlie novel and unwelcome appearance of dysentery among my stocks this winter has pretty well determined me in future to follow the advice of our Renfrewshire friend, and fly to ventilation during winter, as, at any rate, the least of the two evils. In a former letter Mr. Jones informs me " that above the south porch of Acton church, about a mile from Nantwich (a place that was once made a prison by Cromwell's ' ironsides,' when a desperate battle was fought), there is a strong colony of bees which were there twenty-five years ago, and the parish clerk says he has seen them there ever since, having taken an mterest in their welfare. I was curious enoiigh when there last summer to get some workmen to erect a ladder close to the entrance, and after a careful inspection, I do not see there is the slightest chance of any escape of air, &c., otherwise than through a small aperture in the wall, which serves as an entrance for the little rascals. In Combermere, Cholmondeley, and several other parks in this neighbourhood, there are some colonies of bees which throw off swarms annually, and I am assured that persons who have fortunately met with what Richardson calls ' vaga- bond swarms,' have the best of luck, boasting of the superiority of their favourites." In a more recent letter my esteemed correspondent says, " I was at Acton church some days since, and noticed the bees were then alive. I intend taking a regular tour through the diflerent noblemen's parks this summer,for the purpose of making inquiries on the subject of bees and their movements in the trees, the result of which I shall in due time communicate to you." With regard to ventilation during winter in the cose of swarms which have taken possession of hollow trees, &c., it is very pro- bable that in most instances the cavity is too large to be com- pletely filled with combs, and that if this be so the vacant space underneath serves the same purpose as the eke used in Ayrshire, and successfully adopted by " A RENrEEWSHiRE Bee-keepee." In conclusion I may state that if Mr. Wyndham Jones will ful- fil the promise he has given of reporting the result of his obser- vations, he will confer a favour on many others as well as on — A Detonshike Bee-keepee. PRESEEVING GINGEB. Paee it nicely with a sharp knife and throw into cold water. Then set it on the fire (in cold water), and boil till tender, thi-ow it into cold wat«r again until quite cold, then drain the ginger and jjut into a china bowl. Clarify the sugar in the proportions of 8 lbs. to 7 lbs. of ginger. Let the sugar become cold, then pour over the ginger enough to cover it. Let it stand two days, then strain the syrup from the ginger and boil it with the remainder of the sugar, let them boil together twenty minutes. When cold again pour over the ginger, and let it stand three or four days. If the ginger is nicely swollen and the syrup rich, nothing more is necessary ; but if not, boil it again at the interval of three or four days. Wide-mouthed bottles are best for keeping it in. Divide the syrup to each ; cork and seal, or dip in bottle-cement. — Rebecca, LARGE YIELD OF BUTTEE BY ONE COW. As you have given the management of a cow, I now send you the weekly butter produced by our cow if you think it worth your notice. She is a small one, particularly handsome, bred between the Ayrshire and Alderney, but not showing the shghtest appearance of the latter. The custom in this county is to put butter up in half-pounds : therefore, in 14 lbs. there would be twenty-eight draughts. This, if considered, would add consider- ably to the quantity, as my servant places a pennypiece on the scale in addition to the half-pound weight ; also cream used for the table, which, during fruit time, is no little. During winter the butter is as yellow as a buttercup. The cow has nothing but grass and hay, no roots of any kind. Her time of calving was yesterday. My man has not succeeded in drying her, although kept up and nothing but hay given her. She gives at all times a very small quantity of milk, but so rich that the third skimming is like leather. The cow I had before the present one gave pails of milk, and the most butter she produced in the week was 5i lbs. The cow calved 2nd March, 1861. March 15, first day of cliurning, the calf witli lier seven days 18 lbs. March 22, Hibs.; 29, 133 It's. April 5, 14 lbs.; 12, 14 lbs.; ID, 14 lbs; 2G, 15 lbs 84| May 3, 14 lbs. ; 10, 13j lbs. ; 17, 14 lbs. ; 24, 13J lbs. ; 31, 13J lbs. June 7, 13 lbs. ; 14, 12 lbs. ; 21, Hi lbs.; 28, in.i lbs 116 July 5, 10 lbs. ; 1 2, 10 lbs. ; 19, 9J lbs. ; 26, 94 lbs. August 2, 8J lbs. ; O.OJlbs.; 16, SJlbs.; 23, 8i lbs. ; 30, 8,{ lbs 82^ September 6, 71 lbs. ; 13, 7i lbs. ; 20, ! lbs. ; 27, 7 lbs. October 4, 7 lbs ; 11, 7 lbs.; 18, G^lbs. ; 25, 5.J lbs 55 November 1, 6.J lbs. ; 8, ej lbs. ; 15. 6i lbs. ; 22, 6J lbs. ; 29, 6.Jlbs. December 6, 6 lbs. ; 13, 5 lbs. ; 20, Gibs. ; 27, 6 lbs 64j January 3, 1862, 5 lbs. ; 10, 4 lbs. ; 20. 4J lbs. ; 31, Sj lbs 19J February 14, 5.^ lbs. ; 28, milked once a-day, 5;j lbs llf Total produce in year 441 j IDs. In addition to the above account there are sundry pats of butter not accounted for. — II. S. S. OUE LETTER BOX. African Ducks (S. C.).— We have little doubt from your description the Ducks are Muscovies. The plumage tallies \\ith them. If, however, they are drakes, they will easily be known by the dipping motion of the Iiead, the swaying to and fro of the tail, and the hoarse liissing noise they make. Spangled Tolands (C F. S.). — It would occupy too mudi space to go into detail of all the points of Spangled Polands. I'ou will find them in the poultry books. The feathers of the top-knots should be laced, not spangled. A wliole colour is |a defect. The tail-feathers of the Silver cock should be spangled with black at the ends. The Golden should be streaked am; made up of ricli golden and lustrous black shades. Br.An.MA PooTiiAS (i7^/yJ7^^(»^}.— Wc cousider Brahma Pootras quite as good layers as Cochins. We cannot say whether they may averase 150 eggs the second year— that is, an egg every day for five months of thirty days each. They do not eat as much as Cochins, and they have more meat on the breast The best cross (if any cross be a good one) would be between a Brahma cock and a Doriiing hen. In sitting and rearing Cochins and Brahm.as are pretty much alike. Game Cock having DiARRnuin. I have them answering the descrip- tion well. It is one of the varieties called by some " littsrale," a very bad name by-the-by, as it is not a littoral species, at any rate exclusively, for it is found with other varieties in the country bordering on the Lake of Como, but is equally abundant in other parts very far removed from any shore as I have fre- quently found. It is not inclined to die down so completely as the more northern varieties, and I have frequently liad them bloom for many months together ; but I have found them bloom more abundantly and stronger by giving them a moderate rest. When strongly and well grown it is a very good variety. Those of them I have under shelter are now just throwing up their flower-bads ; but; the others out in the open garden only now losing their leaves partially and at rest. I potted one to-day having two stems, one erect, the other stoling under the sur- face, issuing from opposite sides of the tuber, measuring 3i inches and 2| inches in length respectively. By my notes I see I found these with others in North Italy as thick as Yiolets on our banks in spring, as early as July 22nd and August 10th in different years, which does not quite agree with Mr. Beaton's account. As regards the culture of C. europium, about which many inquiries are made, I may say I lost plants of it repeatedly untU I studied them in tlieir different habitats. They are found in April 15, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 41 various situations — roufjli rocky ground, amongst mountain debris, moss-grown banks, under tlie sliade of woods, but gene- rally tlie finest in some snug nook where, by a rock or friendly bush they are protected from rough winds and mid-day sun, at the same time enjoying free air and full light, with complete drain- age at all times. If these conditions be secured, witli a little friable loam, decayed leaf mould, or peat and sharp sand, there need bo no fear of success ; but they must have none of that extreme drying process too many Cyclamens are subjected to. As to double Cyclamen persieum, I have a note of a fine one having been shown at the Norwich and Norfolk Horticultural Show in April, 1830. Semi-double are not unfrcquent with me. I have one now witli thirteen petals, and had one of C. Atkinsii here this season also semi-double ; but not considering them any improvement, have hitherto paid no attention to them. Permit me to call tlie attention of the admirers of Cyclamens to the vast advantage of growing tliem in masses. Without seeing them in this way, no one can form an adequate idea of their beauty, more especially the section comprising C. coum, vernum, ibiricum, and Atkinsii. I have grown very few singly in pots for some years ; but either in pans, or planted out in pits or frames. 1 have one of the latter measuring 8 feet by 5.V feet, with the above varieties mixed, this season one mass of bloom during the whole of January and February ; and in order to form some estimate of the number of flowers, I measured otT, in company with a friend, a fair sample of 18 inches square, and found it contained the remains of upwards of 450 flowers in that space. — J. A. P. EOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.— Apkil 9th. This was chiefly intended for Azaleas, and they were the chief plants there ; but, in addition to them, there was an excel- lent spring show of greenhouge, stove, and conservatory decora- tion plants, some good novelties, and some very good old notions which, when put all together, made a very pleasing exhibition. The arrangements were fully up to the occasion this time. The Azileas had the whole side of one of the wings of the arcades next to the council-room, and they extended 36 yards in three rows on the slope against the back wall of the arcade, with the light from the front only, which is a disadvantage. The best was made of the council-room by the absence of the centre stage down the middle of it ; the sides and both ends were quite full of choice things, of which the Cinerarias were the gayest. The Tulips, the Roses, the Hyacinths, the immense number of cut Rhododendron hybrids between arboreum and cinnamomum, sent up from Devonshire by J. Luscombe, Esq., of Combe Royal, Kingebridge, together with Auriculas, new Primroses, new seedlings, both of crossed Rhododendrons and of Azaleas, Begonias, with collections of rare or new plants, collections of forced flowers, and collections of April flowers not forced — just such another assemblage of various classes as many of the great families enjoy now down in the provinces during the holidays in their own conservatories. But how different the efTect from the difference of the arrange- ments ! Effect must, necessarily, be so far sacrificed at the very best arrangement that can be made for the best of shows. Next May we shall have effect marred from a different cause^from too much green and no flowers in the forests of fine-foliaged plants by the hundreds. Now, it is from all flower and too little space for green, or brown, or variegated-leaved plants. Thus, people, or say, in plam English, critics, who must take their ideas from assemblages of flowering plants at London shows, because they can see no others, arc sure guides to direct in the way of selections — they cannot help it, and it is not their fault, but the inevitable consequence of a bad school for teach- ing which is, or is not, the best style of plants for this or that purpose, for the grand conservatory or the more ambitious flower garden. Your London critic can at best but put his thumb in his mouth, and if he would keep it there, instead of often making a fool of himself, he would be thought the wiser man. You cannot judge from a sliow how Mr. Henderson, or Mr. Spencer, or all the rest of them can give such magic effect with the very selfsame kinds of plants in their conservatories at home. I know I never could, and I have seen as many shows as most of my own age : therefore, the wisest thing would be never to expect magic effect from a show, nor hold up your own notions of effect from all you could collect of it that way. The greatest want wo had at this April gathering was wont of foliage below and behind vast masses of varied flowers. Green- house collections generally sup]>ly green sufllcient for their efl'ect on the eye : they did so on tlie present occasion in a very remarkable manner. The whole end-broadth of the wing, in whicli the Azidcus stood in need of baek-foliageil plants, was covered with all sorts of greculiouse plants in all styles of train- mg, from tight lacing to the natural curvature of the shoots of the Sindryana Heath, the best-trained plant there, though it never had any training at all. The effect nlong that end, as contrasted with that of the finest kinds of Azaleas that ever were staged together on one occasion, was most remarkable when the place was all but empty. When the eager crowd fill in, all ideas of effect are squeezed out of the question, if not out of the critic himself if he has to undergo the ordeal. I said 36 yards of Azaleas in three rows — the miscellany of greenhouse kinds across that wing, 27 yards of prime stuff. Then in front, as if you said front stage of a greenhouse, 12 yards of low plants, among which were half a dozen splendid Hippeasters, at last, from Mr. Williams, of the Paradise Nursery. Also a fine variety of Wood Anemone in a collection of hardy spring flower.* from Mr. Young, of Highgate ; a lot of fancy Begonias from Mr. Cuthush, on (he top of Highgate; forcing Pinks and otliers from Jlr. Turner, of Slougli ; and a profusion of most beautiful and mostly hardy variegated plants from Mr. Saltei*, of the Versailles Nursery. Among them were Veronica chamffidrys variegata ; Symphytum asperrimum variegatum, fit for an empress, a grand specimen ; Lilies ; Arum italicum ; Cheirantluis, most unwallflower-looking in its variegation, and yet tlie true tiling, and many tilings Hke it ; and one thing like Luzula sjlvestris, and just as like a Cyperus vestitus as that. In the council-room were 12 yards of Cinerarias, fine specimen plants, three deep ; 4 yards of one collection of rarities and finc-foliaged plants from Mr. Bull, five rows deep ; 6 yards oi' Hyacinths, three or four deep ; 10 yards of Tulips, with a dozen of Roses in pots in the centre from Mr. W. Paul ; 6 yards of Auriculas in three rows. Then the whole end farthest from the entrance was filled with collections from the Messrs. Veitch, Eraser, Cutbush, and Williams ; while the Messrs. Henderson, of Pine Apple Place Nursery, M.'ssrs. Veitch, Williams, Parker, and Smith (of Dulwieh), occupied the stands at the end next the door with quaint things, fine crosses and most extraordinary- looking somethings as nothing ever looked before. I allude to three most-out-of-the-question plants, from the Pino Apple Nursery, and if you were in Lor.don, or within twenty miles of it, nothing would pay so well as a visit on pur- pose to see them. They belong to the acrid order of Arads, as our Arums do. Their name is Arisfema ringens, and they look very much like Arisrema Pythonium, of Dr. Martens' Brazihan " Materia Medica," and no one ever saw a plant look like them in flower, or look more like an Arum without the flowers. The curious part is the hood, wliicli is of rhinoceros substance, and comes forward in a bend, and falls over the front of the flowers, so that you can see very little of the inside at all. By these stood Rhododendron Ealconeri with twenty-three blooms in one truss. This is your florists' flower, or what will some day turn the wavy and wavering of this ra"e into Tulip- shape and form, they are so prim and so mathematical already. Then a fine, large, white Sikkiui hybrid Rhododendron, called Deuisoni, from Mr. Bousic, of Stoke, and another more in the way of Princess Royal, more wavy and more pink in the white, like all the hybrids from eiliatum. It was named Magnalii. Here stood a splendid Grevillea Hillii, from Messrs. Veitch, which might put one in mind of the old Agnostis sinuata, with longer and much narrower leaves. Aralia leptophylla from the same firm will also make a very genteel-looking plant for a col- lection. Also, two plants of Passoqueria undulata in full bloom, and a basketful of their lovely little Stenogaster concinna, which seems to be never out of flower, and which all the boys and girls who were at the last Ju)y Show in the great conservatory never seemed tired of talking about. Robert Warner, Esq., hail another of those new lovely forms of Lycaste Skinneri, at this point ; and some fine Ferns and foliaged plants from Mr. Williams, of the Paradise Nursery; also, a fine plant of the Countess of Haddington Rhododendron from Mr. Parker, a fine white blush, as if with the blood of eiliatum; and Azalea Barelayana superba from Mr. Ivery ; and a Due d'Aremberg, pretty Azalea seedling, from the Messrs. Smith, of Dulwieh. Some called it a sporting gentleman, as one of the flowers came plain ; some ooculatum, on account of the :iiostbeau- 42 JOURNAL OF EORTICuLTUSE AND COTXAaE GARDENER. [ April 15, 1862. tiful eye, whicli ij difl'tTLnt from all tlie eyes of all the Azaleas. It is a chariiiijig little thing — the Due d'Aremberg Azalea. Their first-class Primula witli pin eye was there too, and e:illed Delicata, and a more dwarf one called the Eairy, and some otlu'rs. Tiiat was a rich corner, and one of the beet in it w?.s a new colour and style of Auricula from Mr. Jas. Holland, of Isle\rorlh, and calle I Msr. Ey'es. On the opposite side of tlie entrance began a collection of Cinerarias ; then a collection of fine-leaved pknis from the Messrs. Smith aforesaid, of which Cyp?rus a'ternifoliui variegatus was the prettiest; then three or four collections of Cinerarias in suc- cession ; then a large collection from Mr. Bull of real good things in thorough good style ; then another collection of Cinerarias ; then iifty Hyacinths from Mr. Cutbush ; and then at the farthest end of the room and the farthest corner, the first collection of forced fJowers, from tlie Messrs. Eraser, in which the SnowboU Gueldres Kose was eren better than it was in March. Then the centre was filleci up with a collection of spring forcer,=, from the Messrs, Teitch, good Pinks and good Lilies of the Valley, showing as good management in the forcing as the best Rhododendrons and Azaleas ; then Mr. Ckitbush with forced flowers, in which tlie old Solomon's Seal, Polygonatum vulgare, was as good-looking as you ever saw it out in the borders, and no bother to have it so. Ihe same as for Dielytra will do it. Then a large collection of mixed stove plants fjoni Mr. Williams. There were two forcing Geraniums at this end which some of ray friends down the coimtry will bo glad to hear of. The Heine Hortense, from Messrs. Eraser, is of the Ercnch streaked, very showy, and capital to force: the other is called Albioni, snd a great improvement on Albj Multiflora, from Mr. Cutbush. I am asked more about forcing Geraniums than any olher of the race, and by people whom you would be astonished to hear if I were to tell they have better gardeners of their own, only they have too much to attend to for seeing what is done about London. There was a fine specimen of Hymenocallis fulva in two col- lections—that of Mr. Salter, and in one of Messrs. Smith's groups; and in the lalter was a plant, a climber of the Des- modunn looks and habit, culled Rhyncosia albo-nitens, with spites of botanical flowers, of no other merit. Three plants of the best telling Heaths there were of Sindryana, from Mr. Tegg. A collection of tall Cacti, including two plants of crenatus, were 'very early and well done. One of the best specimen Rhodo- dendrons was a plant of Gibsonii from the Messrs. Veitch. Acacia Drummondi, grandis, and longifolia, in three diflerent collections from Messrs. Veitch, Lee, and Eraser, and a Heda- roma tulipifera from the former, were particularly fine. Erica elegans, Eoronias, Eriostemons, Epacris, Leschenaultia, Polygala, Pultena;i bicolor, Cliorozema Lawrenciana, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Camellias were the chief plants in exhibition. The new Azaleas were exquisitely grown. Mr. Turner was particularly fortunate, in kinds, in setting and in style of growth. His Due and Duchcsse de Nassau were grand ; Brilliant and Gem ditto ; Bride and Glelstanesii, Variegata and Eulalie, with Orand Monarch were amongst the best kinds there. But selecting sorts and colours out of all Ih5 mass I put them thus : Brilliant the richest there, deep orange scarlet ; then Gem in the s.nme tint ; then Soi Leopold ditto ; Grand Monarch ditto, and Rubens. The best and the only purplish there was Constantia Rosea, a fine showy kind ; the hose-in-hose Anicona is the next tint to Constantia Rosea. The best light Rose is Due de Na-sau, a noble flower; Coronala, the old Coronata, ■was yet the highest coloured, and Mr. Dodman's new seedling self is in that tint. Of the variegated kinds the best were Criterion, Bavon Vrier.>, Eulalie, Vittata Rosea; and of pure Whites the Bride was the best there ; then Leeana, Magnifica, Virgin Queen, and Iveryana all but white. There are too many whiles with flakes and spots not very constant. Of peculiar tints. Rosy Circle is a good example ; and of this unique breed (liere was a fine one from Mr. Todman after Pctuuiaiflora. And, in a collection of small plants of very varied aspect from the Messrs. Veitch, there were several kinds of peculiar tints, such as Etoile da Gand : Hortense Vervaene, light straw cast; Kamentacen, a while botanical plant ; Prince of Wales and Princess Alice ; and Kubens, aforesaid, a very good kind. The prize list will show the winners ; and if I were to repeat all the namrs it would only be like counting the finders over a^air.. Besides, we all expect next May will eclipse everytluni' that ever was seen or heard of in Azaleas, in size and numbers, and in the perf;ction of growth. Tickets will be sold witliont end. Fellows' privileges will be put to a severe test. Music will be ten times more noisy than ever, and no one yet knows the ejtacfc size for crinolines, only that there does not appear the smallest chance of any of them being an inch smaller at all events, and some of the gardeners talk of having Merimacs and Monitors to save themselves, if not their plants, from a general sweep when the crowd rush after the bands. The French liave not only in- vaded this country, but they have actually taken possession of ours at South Kensington, and were then throwing up immense earthworks and putting in foundations thick enough to stand anything, and the Emperor is coming to see it is all right. D. Beaton. There can be no question of the success of the Azalea Show, cr of the wonderful skill by which in such a sunless, cheerless spring as this has hitherto heen, a mass of bloom of such sur- passing beauty was brought together. All honour be to tliose florists by whom it was acliieved, conspicuous amongst whom we must mention Mr. Turner, of Slough. The size of his blooms of Azaleas was really something wonderful. How gloriously the exquisite shape of Gem, and the glowing orange scarlet of Brilli'iiit were brought o\jt I This latter flower being without question the best, largest, brightest, and most periect in shape of that class. I must, however, pass these hghlly by, though legitimately coming under the designation of florists' flowers. Roses were exhibited .n considerable quantities by Messrs. Paul & Son, of Cheshunt, and Mr. Wm. Paul, of Waltham ; but I hold it to be utterly iinjrossible to decide anything as to the merits of Roses from blooms taken at this early period. There is this to be said, that if a Rose conies out well now, it is likely to prove a "stunner" by-and-by ; and wo may, I think, con- fidently prouounce Beauty of Wallham to lie one of the best English Roses ever raised, and, indeed, a first-rate one, worthy of being placed alongside of tlie hitherto only Rose of decided English origin, " Devoniensis." It seemed to be a cross be- tween Jules Margotlin and General Jacqueminot, partaking of the excellent qualities of both parents. In the same box ex- hibited by Mr. Wm. Paul, the fortunate raiser of the above, were some of the new F;'eiich Koses, but of these it is impossible to say much, as plants are so thoroughly worked and cut about that the blooms must be inferior. Amongst them were Adolphe Noblet, Paul Leval, Charles Leiebre, Eugenie Bouciere, Vulcan, Madam Charles Wood, Souvenir de Mons. Rousseau, and Monte Christo. Of these, the only one I Iieard anything good of in France was Madam Charles Wood. It promised here to be a large flower, but inclined to be loose; but as I have said, it is unfair to judge of them now. Amongst the older sorts in Messrs. Paul and Son's boxes, were fine blooms of Gloire de Dijon, Madlle. Bonnaire, Louis Guillino, Celine Forestier, Devoniensis, President, Narcisse, and Baron Gonella. Of Auriculas one must speak with becoming modesty. The season is backward, and even growers had but little to choose from. Mr. Turner contributed good plants of Taylor's Glory, Fletcher's Mary Anne, Ensign, Netherwood's Othello, Spaidry's Mary Grey, Dickson's Duke of Wellington, Page's Champion, Smith's Mrs. Smith, and Ann Smith ; while I never expect to show finer plants of Maclean's Unique, Hudson's Apollo, or Page's Champion, which were in my o'.vn six. Unique had eleven fine pips, and Champion, nine, A novel-coloured seedling was exhibited by Mr. Holland, called Mrs. hjyles, which promises to be an acquisition for a stage, it was of that delicate lavender colour one sees in alpines; but instead of having a yellow paste it had a fairly white one, and tlio flower was well-shaped andl»rge; while not meeting the requirements of a florist it was still worthy of what it received — a Label of Commendation. In new Cinerarias there were some promising flowers. Lord Elgin, from Mr. James, gardener to Jir. Watson, oi Isleworth, was a dark rich coloured self of fine form and substance ; while Mr. Turner had "James Andrews," a dark-coloured purple self, and " The Ai'tist," a rich-looking rosy carmine, with very little white, and novel ; this received an extra prize. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Dulwich, had a handsome new Azalea, Due d'Aremberg, in the way of that exquisite flower, Etoile du Gaud ; but besides the regular rose-coloured star, it had dark shading in the centre of the petal, which increased its beauty. I have already mentioned Mr. Turner's flower. Brilliant, it seems to be a continental variety, unknown to growers here ; and as I saw some very fastidious acquaintances of mine putting it down in their note-books, it mav be relied upon as worth some- April 15, 1862. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 43 thing; it is a grand-looking orange scarlet Uowor, deeper and better tlian Porryanum. Mr. Bragg, of Slough, had two boxes of Pansiee, but, nlthough good, it was too early to say auglit about Ihem. Thoy were very meritorious, considering it was the 9th of April. — D., Deal. The following are the awards of the Judges : — Twelve GRKENHOUSE AZALEAS, distinct Isimis (Nurserymen). First, C. Turner, Uoyiil Nurseries, Slough. Second, J. Ivery & Son, Dorltinff and rteigatc .Nurseries. Tliird, J. & J. Fraser, Ibe Nurseries, Lea Bridge Koad. Nine nuEENHOUSE AZALEAS, distinct kinds (Amateurs). First, T. Todman, gardener lo R. Hudson, Esq.. Claph.-lm Common. Second, J. Blog. gardener to S. Gassiot, Esq., Clapliara Common. Third, yi. niggs, gardener to Mis. Barchard, Putney Heath. Fourth, J. Tegg, gardener to Baron Ilambro, Itoehampton. Six GREENHOITSU AZALEAS, distinct kinds CAmateurs). Fir^t, T. Tcdman. Second, J. Tegg. Six GUEENH0U.-5E AZALEAS, new distinct kinds (Open). First, C, Turner, Royal yuraeriea, Slough. Second, J. Ivery & Son, Dorking and Reigate Nurseries, Surrey. Three GREENHOUSE AZALEAS, new distinct kinds (Amateurs). First, T, Todman. Single specimen of GREENHOUSE AZALEA (Open). First, C. Turner, Nurseries, Slough. Second, J. Ivery & Son, Dorking and Reigate Nurseries, Surrey. Third, T. Todraan, Si.-c RHODODENDRONS in bloom, distinct kinds (Open). First, J, Veitch & Son, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea aud Exeter. Three RHODODENDRONS in bloom, distinct kinds (Open). First, W, Young, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq., West Hill, Highgate. Single Specimen of RHODODENDRON (Open). First, J. Veitch & Son. Second, W. Toung. Nine CINERARIAS, distinct kinds (Nurserymen). First, J. Dobson & Sons, Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth. Second, C. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. Six CINERARIAS, distinct kinds (Amateurs). First, P. Lamb, gardener to Miss Thackthwaite, Norwood Green, Southall. Second, J. SViggins, gardener to Walter Beck, E^q., Worlon Cottage, Isleworth. Third, J. Gray, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth. Twelve SPRING FLOWERS, forced, distinct kinds (Open). First, J. & J. Eraser, The Nurseries, Lea Bridge Koad. Second, Veitch and Son, Royal Exotic Nursery. Third, W. CutbusU & Son, Highg.ate Nurseries. Twelve GREENHOUSE PLANTS in Flower, not forced, distinct (Open). First, J. Veitch & Son. Second, J. & J. Fraser. Third, J. & C. Lee, Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith. Twelve HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS in Flower (Open). First, B. S. Williams, Paradise Nursery, HoUoway. Second, W. Young, gardener to R. Barclay, Esq. Nine AURICULAS, distinct kinds (Nurserymen). First, C. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. Second, J, Dobson ic Son, Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth. Six .\UR10ULAS, distinct kinds (Amateurs). First, Rev. H. H. Dombrain, Deal. Second, J. James, gardener to VV. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth. Third, J. Holland, g.irdener to K. W. Peak, Esq., Spring Grove, Isleworth. MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS AND FLOWERS. First, W. Bull, King's Road, Chelsea (Group of New and Rare and other Plants. Equal Second, W. W, Cutbash & Son, Highgate Nurseries (Collection of 50 Hyacinths). W. Paul, Cheshunt Nurseries, Waltham Cross (Cut Roses). Paul Sc Son, the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, Herts (Cut Rosps uni Roses in Pols). W. Young, gardener to R. Barclay, Highgate (Tall Cacti). J. Lus- combe. Combe Royal, Kingsbridge, South Devon (Cut blooms of Rhodo- dendrons, hybrids from arboreum and cinnamomum, grown in the open air). J. Veitch & Son (Collection of Azaleas). B. S. Williams, Paradise Nursery, HoUoway (Collvction of Amaryllis). Third, J. Salter, Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith (Collection of hardy variegated plants). Fourth, W. Paul, Cheshunt Nurseries, Waltham Rose (Cut Rose Beauty of Waltham. Equal Fourth, J. Tegg, gardener to Baron Ilambro, Roehampton fErica Sindryana). W. Bragg, Star Nursery, slough (Pansies). B. S. Williams (Collection of plants and .\lsophila species). Extra, C. Turner, Slough (Seedling Cineraria .Artiste). them out at a cheap rate so as to enable purchasers (o Iiavo them in quantity the first year. The following is a faithful description of tliem : — Sir Piiilip will bo found one of the best Verbenas ever raised. It is an exceedingly brilliant carmine scarlet, witli free, compact stylo of growth and profuse blooming habit ; will prove to be one of the most telling objects in the flower garden, and for a row in a ribbon-border it stands jive-eminent. This is without doubt one of the finest Verbenas in cultivation. Little IIaiiiiy. — This is one of the most distinct vai-ieties I have ever seen — a dwarf, compact, free-lloweriug habit, not growing more than G inches to 9 inches higii. In colour a rich velvety crimson, with a brilhant white eye. Of free, erect growth. This will make a charming bed. CicriY. — A clear, rich peach oi' almond-coloured pink, with a beaut iful cerise or rose eye. Neat and compact style of growth. Flower-trusses largo and well formed. Is of a free-blooming liabit. A very great improvement on all the known varieties of that colour. It is a seedling from Bonnie Dundee crossed with Souvenir de I'Exposition. It is also a charming variety for pot culture. I have had some plants of it beuutiully in bloom for the last three months. It is not quite so compact in habit as the two first-named varieties. Lady Grey Egeeton. — Beatitiful magenta crimson, dis- playing a large, well-expanded truss ; the most beautiful coloured Verbena I have ever seen with Purple-King style of growth and habit. Stands the weather well. A very profuse bloomer. I am sure when this has passed through Mr. Kobson's hands he will give a very favourable account of it to the readers of The JouKNAL OF ilORTiccLTTJEE, and put it dowu in his book as Al with the varieties above named. Jenny Lind. — A beautiful toauve with lilac tint, very large truss. A splendid variety, great improvement on Azucena, Coronet. — Rich dark mulberry with extra largo truss and pip, dwarf compact habit. A great improvement on Ocean Pearl. Well adapted for pot culture. The finest Verbena of its colour. Queen. — Beatitifid, rich, indigo purple, with large white eye ; fine truss aud pip. An improved Annie Gray, from which it is a seedling. A very fine variety, well adapted fur bedding ptu'poses. 6e3I. — Rich violet-tinted crimson, medium-sized truss, dwarf compact habit, a very profuse bloomer, and excellent bedder. IsoLiNE. — Rich puce colour ; fine, dwarf, neat growth, with profuse bloom, and good flower-truss. litis variety will also make a very beautiful bed. Keepsake.— Magenta-shaded mauve, with a well-formed truss. Eyebeight. — An exceedingly rich violet-tinted midberry, n;edium-sized truss, an improvement on Lord Elgin. It is the darkest Verbena out, rather a strong grower, fine for large masses, extra. Master Corbet. — A great improvement on Lord Clyde and Miss Trotter. Model. — Bright carmine tinted lake, with canary-coloured eye, and large ilower-truss. A decided improvement on Morning Star. Cauuceus. — Rich violet tinted purple, with fine white eye, large truss, and close compact flower-lobes. An improvement on Standard Bearer and Leviatlian. Tropajolum Oulton Park Beauty is also a very great advajice on Elegans or any other variety at present in cultivation. — T. WiLLf, The Gardens, Oulton '.Park, Chexhire. NEW YEEBENAS. I WAS very much pleased with Mr. Kobson's very able re- marks on the Verbena in The Journal op Hoeticultcee of March 11th, where he lias so ably reviewed the Verbena from its commencement nearly down to the present time. I have for many years j;rown thetn extensively for flower-garden decoration and pot culture, and have had all the new kinds of any promise each year as they have been sent out, and have spared no pains in crossing them. I think I have at last succeeded in raising some that I think will nearly come up to Mr. Robson's ideaot what a good Verbena should be. 'ihey are at present in the hands of Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, who will, I believe, send VINE INJURED BY FIBE. I HAVE a small vinery heated with a flue and filled with a fine strong healthy Vine. A few days ago when the buds were just bursting they were dried up and killed by the heat from some woodwork, which unfortunately took fire and smouldered all night. The stems were not scorched, but they seemed dry^ and where I cut them no sap came ; in forty-eiglit hours the sap returned with such force that having no buds to expend itself on, it is bleeding, not only where I cut the stems but even through the uninjured bark. The Vine being so fuU of sap — 1st, How long will it take to form new buds and ti come into leaf? 2nd, Is there any chance of fruit from spring-formed buds formed in the ))Iace of those destroyed autumn-formed buds? 3rd, What would be the best treatment for the poor Vine — moist heat or cool dry air ? The stems are not injured. — Virgo. [We are sorry that you have had the accident, and think you u JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTFEE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ Aijrll 15, 1862. must have had a strong fire in such weather to eet the wood a smouldering. We are sorry in the second place that jou cnt or did anything to tlie Vines. As the buds wei-e just breaking, and if you l;ppt only a gentle heat most likely fresh buds would hare stai'ted from the base of the injured buds ; and if the Tine was well stored with fruitful sap, these second starts would most likely have shown fruit. In support of this opinion we once cut off every bit of young wood from a Vine, and yet had plenty of fruit. We can give no direct answer on this subject, as we do not know the exact state of the Vine ; and, besides, the cutting and wounding you have subjected it to is depriving the Vine of tlie flows of sap, wliich would have helped to throw out fresh, or rather the latent buds. We think the sap must be trickling down the bark instead of bursting through it. It is late to try to stop it. However, you might let the vinery get as cool as possible, and then in the evening dry the cuts; place a red hot iron over them for a few seconds, and then daub-up with thick red lead. You niJl be sure to have good wood for next year, and though you may now have some fruit, we should have been more .sanguine if you had done nothing in the way of cutting or wounding the Vine.] COMBINING GLASS "WITH TIFFANY IN CONSTllUCTING AN OECHAED-HOUSE. I HAVE a lean-to tiffany-house, 18 feet long by 7i feet broad, placed against a wall facing the west. Supposing I remove the tiflany and cover the top with large glass— say 20 inches by 15 inches, and the side beads to tlie depth of 2 feet, and the remaining 3 feet with wood in the shape of an eighteen-inch drop ventilator, and the other 18 inches, with fixed planking, should I have a chance of ripening Peaches and Nectarines in pots in it? To enable you to assist me with your counsel I must mention that the sun never reaches the foot of the wall until half-past one ; but then on a fine day the heat is very great, and I keep it until it sets. Our climate is mild, but damp ; yet from my situation, half-way up a steep hill, and the lightness of the soil, I have no reason to complain of the mois- ture save that in very wet seasons the atmosphere becomes charged with an excess of it, owing to the circumstance of the surrounding moors for miles being inundated. In days of old by some I 'm told (pardon the rhyme) the good monks of Muohelney Abbey had a vineyard within a stone's throw of my abode, although the sea in its desire to minister to another of their wants, during Lent especially, swept over these moors. Surely, then, I may hope to have some success with my western aspect, although it is adulterated with a slight dash of north. The titTany-house was originally placed against a north wall as a protection to various plants, Ferns, &c , during the summer months. Finding, however, that the shade was too great, I had it removed to its piesent site. There unfortunately it will be exposed to the Atlantic gales which blow over my garden at a rate sufficient to carry away everything but a man's creditors. However, I mean to let it stand one to see how tiffany will resist a strong wind. It has already withstood several sloshing ones from the north-west without showing a single rip. Should I find it equal to the demand made upon it I feel inclined to leave the sides as they are of tiffany, and content myself with covering the top with glass to secure more light and dryness. I may add that the tiffany is nailed on wooden frames made of inch laths, and slide into their places like shop shutters. A quarter of an hour is siitBeient to strip the house of every morsel of tifliiny, and I therefore find these side frames very convenient in summer time, as I am thus enabled to let tlie balray air ramble as it lists. Supposing the tiffany to give way, what would become of the glass root ? I do not ask whether it would go, because I am more likely to know than yourself ; out would it resist the gust ? I fear not.— A Beadek, Somerset. [If you had the angular piece above each doorway made to open and a couple of squares in the centre of the roof close to the ridge, a foot ventilator might do in front. We think the tiffany might stand a long time for sides if properly supported ; but enough of air would not go through it on a suiiny day, and, therefore, you would need more top air. In lean-to houses the want of air at top is ruinous with a ventilator at front. AVe think two in the centre at the ridge would do if the angular piece at each end can be opened. But for having the tiffany wc should prefer the ends to be of glass and wood, as you propose. The plants will succeed well enough.] THE AYALTONIAN FIXEE FOE WALL SHELTEES. Talk about fixing, here is a fix and a finish at one stroke which will fix anything against a wall that is good and useful for screening the blossoms of fruit trees from frost, and the fruit itself from birds and iu-ects. This fix is made to "clip" a nine-inch wall witliout a coping ; but it may be made so as to clip any coping, and a wall of any thickness. Let the width, between the two claws of the fixer, be exactly the same as the wall or other substance is in thickness, and it will ehp anything, from the ridge of a hothouse to the thickest wall in the country, and the moment you fix it you may hang a ton weight to the eye of it by means of a hook, and it will bear it on the perpen- dicular as long as the strength of the wall, or wall-plate will bear so much perpendicular pressure. These fixers are put on the wall or taken off as easily as one's slippers. Mr. Walton had them in use for the last four years, and I had been watching them the whole time. He has them and glass lights, tlie same as for Cucumbers, on the hook-and- eye system of fastening. There are two hooks to each Hght, one on either side, screwed to each style or corner, and each light has two fixers clipping the wall so as to receive the liooks. The length of the eye at the end of the fixer is about 3 inches, and the bend of the hooks makes about another inch, which allows each light to hang down perpendicularly against the wall, and 4 indies from it or from the trees ; but it may be suited to a less or a greater distance. Then, on the two lower corners of the light he has a bolt-plate, 3 inches long, screwed on ; but two small staples, 3 inches apart, will explain the bolt-plate easier. Through these two staples he runs down an iron bolt into the border, about a foot or so. This iron bolt is not more than half an inch in diameter, and has a turned end like the end of a walkmg-stick, and that turn rests on the upper staple when the bolt is fixed down. The night that hurricane blew down the north wing of the Crystal Palace Mr. Walton's hanging light, in another part of his garden, did not budge the eighth of an inch. He has a whole run of these lights, close together as the roof of a Peach-house, over his Peach and Apricot trees, Cherries and Plums at times, without the shghtcst accident from wind or weather. 9mi.' The bottom of the hghts stands 2 feet above the border, and yet they save the blossoms as effectually as if they were down to the ground, and in frosty wtather and cold nights he has a coping of wood ; a board 6 nches or 7 inches wide to cover the four-inch space at the top, or all along the top, the board is fastened to the fixer by a bit of leatlier after the manner of a hinge, so that the coping in fine days may be turned up and back to rest on the top of the wall all day, then the trees are as free as if in tlie open air, and by pulling a string at night they are as close along the top aa if they were on the back waU of a Peach-house. This contrivance answers perfectly, and there is no end to its application. Get a quantity of these fixers made at the black- smith's, and a boy could fix them all round the walls of the largest garden in the kingdom, at -1 feet or 5 feet apart, in a few hours. If it were merely for holding a temporary coping while the blossom lasted they would be worth the expense, for they AprU 15, 1862, ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 45 will last a whole lifetime if (hey are painted with iron paint. f. But nets, oi' canvass, or frlgi, or tilTany, might be applied that way as easily as glasa lights. The shelter might even be done like window blinds or bed-eurtains — a small iron rod with a hook at each end to fall into the eyes of the fixers, and rings and curtains of any material to draw sideways in tlio morning and pull tight at night. But the housemaid would put you up to that way of it better than a gardener, and you can see your- self how easy it would bo to arrange the glass, the canvass, or the what-would-be-necessary to keep out the wasps and tomtits when the fruit is becoming ripe, — D. Be.vton. €ERASriUj\r BIEBEESTEINII FOR FLOWER GARDENS. ^Vho does not remember v\ith what surprise the news was received a sliort time, comparatively, since that the hard)' perennial Cerastium tomeutosum was a suitable plant for our highly decorative and still improving flower gardens ? And what should we do without it now? Where shall we find a substitute for it ? And where shall we find another plant to surpass it for the same purpose.' Is it possible? — That is a question time will answer better than I can do now ; but this 1 know, that there is one of the species in this same genus which should be somewhere in England, that would totally eclipse tomentosum, valuable as it is at present. There is in some botanical works a species described or noticed, said to have been introduced into English gardens about forty- two years si[]ce, called C. Bieleysteinii. Now, where is this lovely, white, woolly, perfectly hardy perennial to be found ? It is larger in the foliage, more woolly, whiter, more dense in habit, and in every way superior to the before-mentioned C. tomen- tosum for an edging, or for groundwork in panelling ; and see it at what season of the year you wUl, compared one with the other, Biebersteinii is the superior kind. In fact, if the two were growing side by side, I venture to say, as a practical man, that there would not be one in a thousand but would say, " Give me the latter. Tomentosum must go back to the herbaceous borders, rockeries, &e., for us." If this species is so valuable as I assert, the question next forces itself upon us. Where is it to be found ? Wlio is there acquainted witli it ? Has it been lost ? Can it be reintroduced? Will it pay the nurserymen to seek it out as a commercial speculation ? I answer each of the questions in the affirmative. Then which of our firms, famous for their energetic movements in the case of anything new in the bedding-out class of plants, will be the first to obtain and exhibit at the meetings of the Eloral Committee of the Boyal Horticultural Society plants of this particular species ? Let them exhibit if they will a plant of each, or plants of each, side by side, and if they do not receive a good recommendatory note of introduction to tlie gardening public I shall be deceived in my judgment. But, I feel persuaded that it will be ordered by thousands if it is otfored at a reasonable price ; and let it, if possible, be introduced into our elaborate flower gardens during the present season, that our visitors may look with increasing delight at the persevering energy of the English gardener who will, can, and does, turn every useful plant to advantage. In conclusion, let us hope that among the wonderful improvements of nsw plants that are to be produced this year, Cerastium Biebersteinii may be one. — NiCKEBBOB. down through the cross lines of cord, and run the small tics previously made close to the bunch, which makes it quite secure i'rora moving in any direction. By this means you have a simple, economical, and efl'ectivo mode of transmitting flowers to any distance, and preserving them as fresh as when cut. — P. PACKING CUT FLOWERS FOR TRAVELLING. Hatin& seen in your periodical of April 1st a suggestion made by you for the purpose of elucidating a system of packing cut flowers for safe transmission to a distance, I beg to scud you a description of the system employed here (Combe Abbey) by the intelligent gardener, Mr. Miller. First, a box is made of half-inch deal, the length, breadth, and depth of which may be according to the size of the bunches of flowers. Then take two cords along the box longitudinally, 1 inch apart and 2 inches from tlie bottom. After which take other two lines of cord transversely, and at right angles to the first two lines put in, 1 ineh apart and 6 inches above the other two lines, just according to the length of stalk of the bunch. Nothing more is done but tying two ligatures round each ol the rows of cordmg. This done, prepare your bunch by tying eome damp moss round the footstalks of your bouquet, insert it A CAUTION. "To whom?" ejaculates the reader, and I reply. To all who have vineries ; more especially to you (and there arc very many such), who hare a little pet vinery of your own, not enclosed, within a garden, in entii-ety by walls — one of the many advan- tages of which being to protect the contents more or less from tl.o many enemies to successful cultivation. Did I not write this, " A Caution," but head it more properly, " Vines Eaten by Mice," the chances are, you whom it most concerns would pass it over in anticipation of the usually more pleasing matter con- tained in the pages of the Journal you arc at present perusing, with a censure upon any who could negligently permit such a thing. Having decoyed you to perusal of this, I will proceed at once (o explain how those pilfering little michers, the smallest of all beasts, mice, have twice within my experience destroyed the whole growth, once of Vines some six years old, by eating, or, perhaps to speak more within the meaning of my deductions, gnawing it in two at the base. Last January the second unfortunate oc- currence of this sort was shown to me, when Vines with fine wood of two summers' growth were served in precisely the same way as the former ones. This was entii-ely unknown to the sufferers, until the Vines, being forced, drooped all at once, which necessarily led to inspection. The moss placed in the vacancies in the wall to admit the Vines from the exterior border to the interior of the house being removed, it was seen, by the Vines falling in at the base, what was the mortifying cause. The mice had cut them clean in two. This is the place they select upon which to satiate their nibbling propensity. Ere I conclude I will recommend as a possible preventive, that traps be kept regularly supplied with baits in gardens, whether the accustomed depredations of those little pests are visible or not, as they will accept of anything in the form of what they have an habitual liking to, and that the more readily above than below ground. Why they eat a Vine in the way mentioned above cannot be satisfactorily affirmed. I am led to infer that the mischief only occurs in dry weather when no heavy dews fall, and that it is done for the attainment of the moisture in the sap when no water is near and the accustomed rain or dew-drops upon blades of grass or points of straw in the thatch are not attainable. As a prevention it would be advisable to place some small garden- pans or saucers containing water within or around. — W. Eaelet, Digswell. REMEDY FOR MILDEW ON FERNS. To recommend an article which answers its purpose better than others of its class, however much it may serve tlie interests of the producer, is to confer a very far greater benefit on the consumer. Under these circumstames I shall be glad to recom- mend to other Eern-growers, " Bell's Preparation for Killing the Mildew." This being one of the most unmanageable pests of our ferneries, and the remedy being, hitherto, as bad as the disease ; for as all the beauty of Ferns depends upon the foliage, to have this looking as if the leaves had been sprinkled over with a whitening-brush, at once renders them ohjects of disgust, instead of being attractive ; and it is somet'.iing to be able to subdue the enemy and at the same time to give the plants the benefit of a thorough detergent, which leaves them freshened-up and as clean as if newly unfolded. I have found it thoroughly successful, and if used with soft or rain-water all that can be desired. — W. K. Bkidgman. [We never before heard of this remedy. Why does not the proprietor advertise it ? — Eds. J. os H.] Me. John SriNCEE. — It will be gratifying to many of our readers to hear that Mr. Spencer, who has for twenty-five years acted in the capacity of gardener to the Marquis of Lansdowne, at Bowood, with so much credit to himself and benefit to the 46 JOURNAL OE HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ AprU 15, 1862. profession, has so secured (lie respect and confidence of his employer, that he has been appointed steward over tha whole of the Wiltshire estates. This is a noble testimony to the integrity and ability of ono who has for so many years occupied a place in the first ranks of horticulture, and who has, by an honourable and consistent career, enjoyed the esteem of all who hare had the advantage of his acquaintance. In addition to this appointment, Mr. Spencer will still retain the superintendence of the garden. MILLER'S HORSESHOE-LEAF PINK GERANIUM— RETAINING VARIEGATION. I DO not think this plant is so near extinction as Mr. Beaton assumes it to be ; at any rate twenty years ago there existed large bushes of it in my father's garden, which looked shabby enough wlien put away for the winter under the greenhouse stage, but in summer were a perfect sheet of bloom. I perceive that some of your correspondents claim credit for an ability to produce Tariegation at will. Perhaps they can assist me to maintain it. All my stock of Brewer's Varifgated Geranium has returned to the original colour, and my Farfu- gium grande is fast accomplishing the same process. I have several very fine four-year-old plants of the latter that are fn.st losing all their spots, and I am quite at a loss to account for the circumstance. They have been kept and grown in a cool greenhouse, and occasionally watered with weak guano water. Could this have had anything to do with it?— Alfkeb Copland. [Our plants of Farfugium grande and all others that are kept so cool as yours are just in the same condition. Stove heat will do all you require. Mr. Beaton assures us he never said anything about a scarcity of Miller's Pink Horseshoe Geranium.] ORCHIDS PRODUCING SEED-PODS. A COBEEBPONDENT in a contemporary asks for information bearing upon this question which, so far as we are aware, up to this time has received no reply. Hia case is represented thus : — "CATTiETAS. — S. C. K. says that last August he impregnated a Sower of Cattleya crispa with pollen from C. amethystina, and has now on the plant a fine fruit the size of a bantam's egg, not yet ripe. He asks 1, whether this is unusual; 2, if any of our readers have succeeded in obtaining seedlings ; and 3, for any practical advice as to germinating the seed and treating the seedlings." So far as my experience goes, there is nothing unusual in obtaining seed-pods and seed in abundance from more than one species ; but I have never yet been fortunate enough to get the seed to germinate. However, I never hod so successful a hit as during last season, and that, too, was obtained without the shghtest manipulation. We have no less than five seed-pods of Cattleya Mossia;, one of Lielia cinnabarina, one of Odonto- glossum grande, two of Epidendrum aurantiacum, ono of Chysis aurea, and one of Dendrobium heterocarpum, all full of seed in the very best order, and the majority of tbem just now under- going a series of trials with the view of testing the best materials and the proper temperature to induce and promote vegetation. It will be at once apparent to those who are familiar with their geographical distribution, that we have examples from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Guatemala, Pei'u, Chili, and the East Indies in the way of reproduction. All these seed-pods are from last season's flowers ; nearly all of them required from eight to nine months to remain on the plant, and should never be taken therefrom until beginning to burst their three-lobed seed-vessel. If placed in common garden saucers in the hottest part of the East India house, where no water can get access, the seed will rapidly disunite, and each seed-pod, by a shake of the hand, will disperse its contents like very fine sawdust, and might easily sow moderately thick a square yard of ground. On the other hand, if tlie manipulator attempts to sow before adopting some such treat- ment, he will find the attraction oi' cohesion of the seeds so great that they will not disunite individually, and are therefore not in a condition to warrant sanguine ex|;eclations. We never had more than three seed-pods in toto until last season. These were sown in pots, prepared after the manner of established plants, but no symptoms of their race ever appeared. I had not a clear conscience upon this experiment, as although there was an apparent similitude to their indigenous habits, by the seed being scattered, as ono would naturally expect, by the breeze upon mother earth ; yet such precious matter, not to speak of the peculiarity of the habits of tlie whole genus, merited a wider range of practical tests. This season we have filled shallow pans with potsherds within an inch of the brim, some of the edges protruding upwards to the surface; then mixed simple and charred wood, and sphagnum in greater and lesser pro- portions— sowing the seed now thickly, again thinly, covering with a slight sprinkling of sand, and not covering at all ; placing bell-glasses in some cases over them, and in others leaving them to their fate. Some are plunged in strong close heat, others placed in a medium temperature, and under many other cir- cumstances too tedious to mention until we know of successful results. I have attempted cross-breeding between some of the Cattleyas and La;lias, but with no fortunate results. I have aUo, like the correspondent mentioned above, tried the pollen of one variety upon another variety of the same species ; but, unlike him, have hitherto been unsuccessful. I am aware that Calanthe has pro- duced seedlings, one of them named Domini, I believe, in honour of the raiser. Do any of your readers know if any other species has produced like results ? — James Andeeson, Meadow Bank^ Uddingsione. A FEW DAYS IN IRELAND.-No. 20. TEMPLE HILL. {Continued from page 31.) The greenhouse is connected with a lean-to vinery 70 feet long, 16 feet wide, 16 feet high at back, and 3 feet high in front. This is divided into two houses. The front sashes all open out with a lever, and every alternate top sash slides for air. The houses were filled with young Vines. The first division consisted chiefly of Muscats and Frontignans, wi(h one Lady Downe's Black ; the second with Black Hamburghs, Black Prince, West's St. Peter's, and Prolific Sweetwater, of which Mr. Tobin spoke highly. The wood formed was strong, short-jointed, and getting as firm as a piece of oak. We found there was a little difference of opinion about cutting back, and taking only a few bunches in 1862, and taking a more general crop. The Vines were strong enough to yield a good crop, but we hope that Mr. Tobin will be able either to cut back freely, or take only a few bunches, as otiierwise if a good crop is taken it wiU likely be the first and the last good crop the Vines will yield. We have proved it over and over, that a crop from young Vines is just like taking a heavy crop from young Vines in pots. It is rare that such plants ever do any good afterwards. Besides some nice crops of Melons, we were shown two specimens in a fruit-room. The one was a sort of Canteloup, a fine well-swelled specimen, with an aroma to tickle an epicure, and 20 lbs. in weight ! The plant had no particular attention except severe thinning, and a pretty good supply of manure water. The other was a beautiful, smooth, green-rinded, and green-fleshed Melon, about li lb. or a little more, called the Patteridge Melon, a fine variety of the Egyptian, which we grew true for many years and never found one better for the table ; but we lost its purity because in a small space this friend and the other friend would send seeds with flaming recommcndatjons as to their respective merits. Xeeping to these forcing departments. There is a nice Pine- stove, though in a rather shady place, but the plants looked remarkably healthy and strong. This house is span-roofed, 50 feet long, 13 feet wide, a bed on each side 5 feet wide, and a passage down the middle 3 feet wide. The house is cUvided into two equal compartments, and the heating-boiler at one end, at which end are the fruiting plants, the other being devoted to successions. The house is so shaded by a Peach-wall to the south of it, that it scarcely gets an hour of sunshine from Novem- ber to February, and yet the plants were strong and short, with- out the least sign of being drawn-up or spindhd. This we believe to be entirely owing to the mode of giving air. In each division there are three ventilators on each side wall, 18 inches long by 8 inches wide, hung on pivots in such a way ihat the fi-esh air admitted is thrown in over the heads of the plants, and is warmed before reaching tliem. We hope to tell how Mr. Boy lance, at Killakee, by a very simple arrangement effects this April 15, 1862. ] JO0RNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 47 with front air. Much the same principle is carried out here though by a plan a Utile diflerant. Bc«ictcs the above, there are three drains, or ventilatm's, on each side of each division that come from the outftiih-, through the beds on wliich tlie Pines are grown — that is, twelve altofjt'lhor, and tlie open internal end of these comes agiiinst or near to the liot pipes whieli run on each side of the passage. These drains, or ventilators, arc left open night and day, unless in the very worst weather, and to such practice Mr. Tobin asci ibes the compact bushy character of the plants. There can be no question that but lor the expense of fuel, most forcing-houses would bo better of )nore fresh air than they obtain, esperially if heated before coming in contact with the' plants. Our friend, Mr. Thomson, of Dalkeitli, by similar modes can colour Grapes splendidly in winter, though scarcely ever seeing sunshine. We must now content ourselves with noticing what may be termed two orchard-houses. The 6rst is a wood and glass span- roofed house, 81 feet long, 2t feet wide, 13.^ feet from level of floor to ridge, height at sides from 8 feet to 9 feet, 7 feet of that being glass and moveable. The interior is divided into three beds, those on cacli side being 5 fi'et wide, and 2!. feet above the pathway. The centre bed is S feet wide, ] ^ foot above the path- wav, and a walk 3 fei-t wide goes all vo\uid it. A row of nice stubby Peach trees with the wood looking beautirul was planted along the centre, and a row is placed in pots on each side to fill the openings. The side borders are supplied with two rows of trees in pots. A good proportion of these were out of doors to get all the sun and air possible before being housed for the winter. We noticed, however, some fine specimens of Duchesse d'An- gouleme Pear in a small pot in the iiouse, fully 1 lb. weight and nearly ripe, and some pretty specimens of Eugenia Ugni, covered with its small aromatic fruit. There are main-bearers fur the roof 8 feet apart, and supported by iron pillars. These bearers were tied by iron rods crossing from side to side of the house. Vines were planted iu the side- borders to go up the roof, and also against the pillars, so as to form transversely and longitudinally something like a series of arches, which will have a fiue effect in summer when the Vines are established. About forty Vines are thus used, and will yet permit a great amount of light to the plants iu the beds. Pipes for heating go round the pathways, but are never used except in frosty weather. Under sucli circumstances the Prolific Sweet- water ripens three weeks before the Royal Muscadine. There ■were fine bunches of Raisin de Calabre, which were getting ripe, and which will hang a long time without shrivelling. The other orchard-house is an out-door Pear-hoiise, with ■which we were so much gratified that to its dimensions and details we would du'cct the attention of general readers, and especially amateurs who wish to make the most of their little gardens. This simple structure is also 84 feet long, IS feet wide, 10 feet high at ridge, being span-roofed, and 7 feet high at the sides. The roof is formed of stout spars for rafters fas;ened to the ridge-board at top, and at a neat wall-plate at the sides. The sides, and therefore the roof, are supported by iucli-and-a-half iron bars beaded at bottom fnto large stones, and fastened to the wall-plate at the top. Tlie house is so light- like, and seems to stand without support ; as the rods are con- cealed by a Privet-hedge at each side, which is kept closely clipped in summer, and allowed to grow a Utile in ■winter and spring. The roof is furnished with canvass in spring, pulled up and down as desirable by means of rod and pulley. This simple structure has three rows of Pear t.ees standing 6 feet apart each way. The centre row under the ridge had trees from 8 feet to S feet in height. In tlie two side rows the trees ranged about 5 feet in height. There was not much fruit — not owing to frost, but to the season of 1860 being so dull and wet as to prevent the ripening of the buds. Notwithstanding the wet o£ 1861, there had been more sun, and almost every tree was a picture, bristling with fine rounded bloom-buds from the top to the ground. The centre row needs root-pruning in three years, as they are planted on what was a hard walk with about 18 inches of soil to grow in. The two side rows grooving in the free soil with no hard substance beneath them are generally root-pruned every other year. What with devastation by birds and ruin by frost in our-getting-more-uncertaiii climate, need any comparison be instituted between such a system, and growing fruit on tall standards, or in a dwarf state in lines on borders, as respects ease of protecting, certainty of a crop, economy of space, plea- sure of attending to the trees, and examining the fruit? We do not know what many amateurs may now be inclined to do — we know what w^o should like to do. We rather think we felt a spice of envy about Mr. I'obin possessing such n nice Pear-orcliard so completely under control, and perliaps all the more, as it had to bo kept bottled-up; for Mr. Tobin is not more distinguished for kind coui-tesy than (or retiring modesty. E. Fisn. FLOEISTS' FLOWEKS, TUBIK DISTINQUISHINCt CHAIIACTKKISTIC3, Olia.TI\iTiON, ANB VAEIETIES. — KO. 4. THE CARNATION AND THE PICOxEE. We have grouped these two (lowers together, as they are generally grown so in collections, and because tliere arc some dear good people who frequently want to know " which is which." We can, therefore, say to all such, "'Look on this picture and on that,' aad there will be but little difficulty in your minds afterwards. You will, observe, my good old friend, if you put on your best specs, that the markings in the Carnation arc in bars from the base to the edge of the petal, while in the Picotce they are confined to a lacing on (he edge." " Oh ! but," some florist will exclaim, " surely no jjersou is so idiotic as not to know the diflereuce ! " Ah, we little know each other's ignorances ; only let us be tender when we know we ourselves are so very far out in a great many things. A worthy gentle- man, who, I doubt not from his bearing and peculiar method of dealing with the unfortunate letter H, was a worthy citisen of London town, accosted me the other day at the Flower Show at Kensington, as we were standing togeth.er opposite a number of Cinerarias, "Pray, sir, are those a kind of Polyanthus?" Now, would it have done to havo laughed iu that good mtm's face and told him " No ?" I could only say, '• Notesactly, they are called Cinerarias ;" for I feel that while I could stand a pretty good competitive examination on the subject of florists' flowers, I had rather not tate up th« subjects of banking, the stocks, or the funds, about which my friend, whoever he was, I have no doubt was quite an fait. There is one thing about which a florist cannot be so charit'ble — when those who have no taste for his special hobby affect a sort of contempt for his puerility, or pronounce his fine house full of Pelargoniums or stage of Auriculas as like as two peas, ami ask. What difference now is there between them? So have I seen a couutry boor lounging through a room full of Etruscan va-^es of the most exquisite models, " Lawks ! them pitchers be all the zame, beant they ? " Well, I am getting far away from my subject, although I dare say a good many folks would make the same observation about a first-rate collection of these fragrant and attractive flowers ; but let any one grow them, and they will then discover those delicate differences of markings and colours which a florist's eye so immediately detects. Is it not the same iu other matters to the eye of an educated person even ? If you open one of Mr. Lovell Reeve's magnificent monooiraphs of shells there is an immense similarity in the species that form the genus; but become a conchologist, and then all those delicate markings, those little tubercles, those varieties in shape, all become invested with peculiar interest, and you wonder yoi. could have been so daft. Tile Chabaoteeistics of a Carnation are best seen by the figure, which is, however, not more than half the size to which modern floricultural skill has brought this flower. The pod (aa the calyx is technically called), should be long, as then the flower is not liable to burst it, as is the case when it is short. The flower should be quite circular, and rising up gradually towards the centre so as to form half a ball. The outer or guard petals should be large and few in number; and the other petals should be regularly disposed on them, and .diminish in size towards the centre. In saying this, we beg it be barne distinctly iu raind that such a flower as is represented in the drawing is what is called a dressed flower (of this more anon). The texture of the petals should be thick and waxlike, and the markings distinct and clear; the ground a pure white, any flushing or running of the colour being a decided disqualification. In the case of the Picotee the same rules heild giod iu reference to shape and substance ; while the colour should be confined to the edge, and not run down the petals iu bars. The grass, as the foliage of the plant is called, should be a fine bluish-green ; and now-a-days I think that no new flowers of 48 JOURNAL OF HOUTICTJLTTJRE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ April 15, 1862. delicate habit ought to be tolerated at all. There are some we cannot yet throw away which unfortunately are delicate, Brooks' Flora's Garland and Easom's Admiral Curzon for example ; but if a new flower in either of these classes be admitted it ought to be superior to them in point of habit, for in other respects I question if they can bo beaten. The CtTLTivATiON of these classes can only be properly managed by growing them in pots. The old-fashioned plan of beds has been deservedly going out of vogue for some years past. I say deservedly, for one is so much more free from the depredations of insects, and the work of layering is not of that terrible break-back character. The pots should be about 10 inches across, and a pair may be placed in each, one stake answering for the two flower-stems. The compost (but I am going over ground I have trodden before), should be one-thh-d loam, one- third leaf mould, and one-third rotted frame-manare, well mixed together and carefully looked over, as one wireworm — a nasty, 1 yellow-looking monster — will completely destroy the best pair you have. When they are potted it is a good plan to place a piece of potato or carrot in each pot, and examine it every three or four days. This acts as a trap to tiie vermin, the only way to get rid of them being that of the finger and thumb. I have tried all kinds of mixtures, and they rather seem to thrive in them than otherwise. The pots should be placed on a walk or other \JJ/'J^S<^ CAR.rATION. convenient position, and kept clean. When the plants begin to spindle, as it is technically called — that is, the ilower-stems begin to increase in length, they shoidd be loosely tied to the stake, which we suppose to have been already placed between the plants; and if any green fly appear on the shoots they should be brushed ofl", or the shoots washed with diluted to- bacco-water. Keep the surface soil, too, well stirred ; and as the blooming time approaches it will not be a bad plan to top- dress with some well-rotted manure — remembering, however, that the higher-coloured varieties are somewhat impatient of too much manure, and are apt to run when they are overdone with it. When the flower-buds appear they should be pinched off, leaving only three on each stem, and these tolerably wide apart. As the bud swells a piece of bast mat sliould be tied round it, and the segments of the pod split down on each side, eo as to prevent bursting. It will now be time to place them on a blooming-stage, with an awning over them to protect them from the rain and sun. I have bloomed mine very well in a tiffany-house open at the sides, so as to admit a free current of air and prevent the plants from being drawn. If you desire a really good bloom cards must be placed under each pod ; and as the" petals open they should be gently assisted so as to lie flat on the card. But many varieties will open without this trouble. Wlieii blooming is over, unless you wish to save seed, cut down the flower-stems, take out the stakes, and have all ready for layering. I have already given in Yol. I. of The JoUBNAL OP HOETICULTUKE, pages 6 and 4-56, 457, lists of what seem to me the most approved varieties ; but to make this short paper complete I add a list, which comprises some good and sterling sorts. Scarlet Bizarres. Admiral Curzon (Easom) Mr. Alnsworlh (Holland) Captain Thompson (Pu.xley) Oliver Goldsmitli (Turner) William Pilt (Puxley) Lord RunclilTe (HnUiday) Dreadnought (Daniels) Crimson Bizarres. Black Diamond (Haines) Hope (Pnxlcy) Lord Millon (Ely) Tenby Rival (Puxley) Orestes (Puxley) Pin\ and Purple Bizarre Falconbridge (May) Captivation (Taylor) John of Gaunt (May) Sarah Payne (Ward) Lady of the Lake (Hale) Red-edged. Ada Mary (Smith) Dr. Pittman (Turner) Eugenie (Turner) Lauretta (Smith) Lavinia (.May) Fdvorita (Kirtland) Mrs. Norman (Norman) Purple-edged Amy Robsart (Dodwell) CounteBB (Fellowes) PICOTEK. CAKNATIONS. Rose Flakes. Aglaia (May) Poor Tom (.May) Flora's Garland (Brook) Mr. Martin (Elrington) Rose of CastiUe (Headley) Purple Flakes. Ascendant (May) JIayor of Nottingham (Taylor) Earl Stamtoid (Elliott) Squire Trow (Jackson) Florence Nightingale Scarlet Flakes. Africana (Chillingford) Christopher Sly (May) Defiance (Puxley) Sly Henry Tlavelock (Puxley) Sportsman (Hedderley) Mars (Puxley) PICOTEES. Furple-edged~[eontinued). Duke of Devonshire (Bayly) John Linton (Headley) Rival Purple (Headley) Rose and Scarlet-edged. Miss Meeking (Kirtland) Rev. H. Matthews (Kirlland) Rosy Circle (Payne) Mrs. Drake (Turner) Princess Alice (Kirtland) — D., Deal. Ajn-il 15, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF UORXICULTUBE AND COTrAGE GARDENER. 49 THE MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING OF PYRAMIDAL PELARGONIUMS. WITH SOMH INTKODCCTOET BY THE LiTE MB. QEOBQE m'eWFN, OF THE IIOBTICUI.TUltAIi SOCIETY S QAliDEN AT OUISWICK. EEMA.RKS AND ILLUaxKATIONS BY MB. H. N. IIUMPHUEY9. Ix those parts of tlio Continent, whore the nature of the the purposes of terrace decoration, miglit advantugeonsly supply climate admits of the cultivation of the Orange tree with much their place. At more than one estahlishment with whicli 1 ani more facility than in England, those noble plants, in their acquainted, I have seen Fuchsias trained to G feet and 8 feet massive square tubs, form the grandest and most appropriate decoration to terrace walks that can be conceived. The efl'ect thus produced can only be witnessed in this country for a short month or two in our rojal gardens at Hampton Court, and in a few celebrated private gardens where expense or inconvenience is no object. The immense accommodntion required in the form of orangeries, necessary to furnish terraces with Orange trees in this country, renders Iheir general cullure for such a purpose impossible ; but other plants, if cultivated expressly for in height, especially for placing out on a terrace during the summer, and if they were trained to the same form as tlie Pelar- goniums, and made to alternate with them, the elf^'et would be very good. I succeeded myself in training some of these plants to a height of about 5 feet, and then sull'ered them to form a bushy head, similar to standard Roses or Pomegranates. This forms a pleasing variety, and would contrast well with pyramidal Pelargo- niums, for artists find that effects produced by striking contrasts are sometimes more valuable than those obtained by uniformity. Ci.lldCll IClTilCO, .'-Lu\. Ill The above sketch exhibits a terrace on which pyramidal I Pelargoniums are placed in a manner to produce a very agree- able eifect, the acuminating lines of the Pehirgoniums contrast- [ ing well with the predominant horizontal lines of the terrace, j but the full advantage of the arrangement can only be shown by the aid of colour. Suilieient indication is given, however, to enable any person to judge of the general etltct which might , be produced by Pelargoniums trained in this manner and in a similar position. The species that has been tricci for this purpose is not one of the most robust ; and I imagine tliat for out-door purposes the common horseshoe Pelargonium would form a larger, and perhaps more effective object, particularly if it were i to alternate with the new pink variety, or that with variegated foliage. [With these remarks of Mr. Humphreys on the artistic effects of pyramidal Pelargoniums, we proceed to Mr. M'Ewcn's practical instructions on tlie subject.] The end of January, or beginning of February, is a good time to begin to form pyramidttl Pelargoniums. Both old and young plants are available ; but, as an expeditious mode has many advantages, we recommend to select from the old plants the most healthy and high-coloured, and, as the unhandsome can be best spared, choose from those with whose symmetry you are not pleased. Preserve the best centre shoot as the leader ; and from it cut away all its rivals, or side shoots ; this act will increase lateral shoots, which it must be an object to encourage. Tie-up ' the main shoot to a good strong stake, which may be left longer than is requisite at the time, as a vigorous growth may be anticipated. i The chief attention must now be directed to divert t!ie growth | .:1 relargoiiiuiiis. from the top to the under lateral tliools. Slopping the mair> shoot would tend to it, but this would, for a tune, thwart a not less important point — the getting up of the plant. However, by a constant pinching of the upper shoots or rival leaders, by taking off occ.isionally there a large leaf, and by preserving every leaf, and bending downward, and regulating the shoots at the base and body of the plant, and also by turning and exposing fully to the light the vacant parts, an approach to the form you aim at will bo daily augmenting. You must lay aside, for the present, the standing rule, " that when you stop one shoot, you must stop all." Stop and bend to the place wanting, wherever the strong shoots appear, always excepting tlie centre. But it will be found that the leader will be occasionally run- ning to flower ; in this case stop it, and draw in the next wood shoot. We may here mention that, previous to bending the side shoots much, it is indispensable to have, near the heel of each lateral, what we shall call a gnard-tie, that when the shoot is bent — and it can be done by degrees to a great distance — the stress of the bend may come upon the tie, and thus prevent tfce laterals breaking off. We may assume that, about the middle of March, there is a great growth upon the plant, and that the pot is full of rootH ; and as the making of wood is of primary im- portance (for it will take another season to make this a show plant), it must have a large shift, the drainage perfect, and the soil rich. The size of the pot must be regulated by the vigour and size of the plant ; but a shift from an ll-iuch, or rather an 8-inch pot, to a No. 6 or 13-inch pot, is quite compatible with success; this size, too, will support well, and give good propor- tion to a plant from 5 feet to G feet in height. The soil compose 50 JOURNAIi OF HORTICULTTJBE ANB COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 15, 1862. iieai-Iy lhu9 : — Turfy loam drawn asunder by the hand, and well decomposed dung, equal parts ; one-fourth peat ; and silver sand sufficient to colour the wliole. Little water will be required until the plant takes with the new soil, and of course this is hastened by giving it a shady, close, and moist atmosphere for a day or two. We s'lid that one stake is sufHeient, and we say so etill ; but, in a little while, a few temporary stakes for the tender shoots may be of service, before provision is made for their permanent support. By the middle of May, the plants should have made an apparent fulness of shoots, and will present an outlme of the pyramid. But this fulness is only apparent, for when each of these shoots is extended 9 inches or more, large vacant spaces will present themselves ; therefore, a general stop- ping of the whole plant must shortly take place. If other things are equal, the best time to do this is when the shoots at the base extend nearly to the rim of the pot after being thus finally stopped. The reason for this will appear, when the final tying- in of the plant in June takes place, of which we now speuk. Surround the under side of the rim of the pot with a strong wire, with or without eyes. To this fasten, at intervals of 6 inches or 7 inches, smaller wires to run vertically, and fastened near the top of the stake. To these upright wires may be fastened, if ■necessarr, a few pieces of wii-e or twine running horizontally ; upon this the flowering shoots are tied, and the work is done. We close by submitting a few general directions, which will, no doubt, be useful to a large class of those amateur readers who may be beginning to " grow Geraniums." We will suppose the growing season to begin in February. February and March. — Temperature at night from 40 °to45°; by day, 10° more. In drjl, cold weather, light a little fire; in- crease the moisture as the season advances, and keep the atmo- sphere of the house jjure by airing daily. Guard against cutting winds. Fumigate, for two or three nights successively, at the first appearance of green tly. In the evenings, towards April, a little guano or liquid manure may be cast about the house. Water the plants on!y with soft water. Avoid steaming at all periods. April and Jilojf. — Night temperature, from 45° to ."iO". By day, 10° to 20° more. Saturate the atmosphere with moisture. Shut up with sun heat, but give air daily, and at night also when the air is calm and warm, 'ihis will prevent the ph>nts drawing. And this also do : keep the plants standing free of each otlier, and turn tliem often ; tee that the snn does not strike on the pot. June and Juhi. — Kight temperature, from 50° to 55°. By day, 60' to 80°. We have entered the maturing and flowering period. Give increased air and h'ss moisture. When the trusses of flowers appear, then apply weak, deal- liquid manure at every alternate watering. Tlie displav uf flowers will be only mode- rate compared with what should be next year. To prolong the blooming season, shading and coolness are indispensable ; and not less so is gauze or luce over the openings of the house, to l^revent insects, as bees, touching a Qoner. Pick ofi" the bloom so soon as it fades. Seed-bearing exhausts plants, and so does prolonged flowering ; avoid both, for tlie first year particularly. August and Septemher. — Kijht temperature, from 55° to 60°. By day, 20° more. liemove the jjlants to pits or a sheltered situation. Withhold water, and give the plants the full glare of day. If they are out of doors, lay the pots on their sides. When the wood is brown and firm, a^'d growth stopped, cut the p'aiifc well in, giving due attention to keeping the prramidal shape ; and if the shoots at the base are cut to about 7 inches, or flush with the pot, it will be right. This is the resting period. But we would greatly recommend to steal a march at this period, and try to have the plants fully matured, and out back in August. By the end of September the young shoots will be appearing. Lift the pot, syringe, and give them the benefit of niglit dews, without watering the ball. Shift the plants, and induce them to ■grow freely. October and November. — Temperature decrease with the season — from 55° to 40° at night. If the plants are not shifted, do it early, by shaking away the old soil, slightly pruning the roots, and using say an ll-inc!i pot. The soil must be lighter than before, less rich, perfect drainage, also some bits of charcoal mixed with the soil. A caterpillar infests the plants at this period — keep watching and hand-picking it. Take every advan- tage of sunny days and dewy nights ; but frost must be vigi- lantly guarded against from the middle of October. A luxiu'iant growth is not, at this period, desirable, but a healthy, short- jointed, and vigorous break or push, which must be kept in check until the end of January. Do not excite the plants now an any way. Dec::mber and January. — Night temperature from about 35° to 40°. Day from 5° to 10° more. Avoid using much water. In severe weather the house or pits shoidd be covered at night by mats or shutters. This will economise the fuel, and save the energies of the plants. About the beginning of the year the plants may be finally shifted, the house v.-liitewashed, and the temperature sUghtly increased, advancing afterwards with the season. By fair management you may expect a fine display in tin.e for the Jime shows. — {Gardener's Magazine of Botany.) MR. J. STANDISH'S, BAGSHOT AND ASCOT WUESERIES. {Continued from page 4.) In resuming our account of the new Japanese plants sent homo by Mr. Fortune, it is but justice to give the place of honour to the noble Sciadopitj s verticillata, the Umbrella Pine, or Parasol Fir as it is variously called, the latter being the more eori'ect rendering of the scientific n'lmc. It has been erroneously described by Siebold as forming a tree of from 13 feet to 15 feet high, with yellowish-green leaves ; but in i-cality it grows to the height of from 100 feet to 140 feet, and \vM deep green leaves. These are liuciuf, nbout 4 inches in length, blant-poiuted, and rather broad. 'Xhtrj are arranged in v/horls or clusters of thirty or forty at tlie wids of the branches, and radiate regularly like the ribs of a psrasol ; from each of theje pai'ssols others spring, so that the tree i» covered with thou^nus of tl-ese peculie.r parasol-like cluster* of Lmves. In its grovvth the tree assumes a pyvamidijl fonn with wide- spreading branches at the base anci tapering rc^^ularly upwards ; cveu in the young specimen wbitli we saw thss characteristic was well marked. Altogether tho Sciadopilya is described by those who have seen it in its native coBntry as a tree of a peculiarly striking and ornamental character; and should it^ as it is expected, prove haidy, it must be regarded as an acquisition, second only to the giant Wellingtonia itself. It is novf pretty generally known thaE the Thujopsis dolabrata is perfectly hardy in this country, it having stood uninjured the severe winter of 1S60, when even in some places the common Holly was killed to tbc ground — a property which, coupled with its handsome app.;arauce, must render it a favotsrite for ornamental planting ; but here we have a variety called Tlmjopajs dolabrata vai-iegata, in which the blaokish-greeu Arbor- Vitie-like foliage is much variegated with white, the vari'gatioQ like that of most of the Japanese Conifers, coming in Urge paSchea. Like the species, it wilt withstand any amount of cold that it may be subjected to in this climate ; and from the height which it is expected to attain here, it will in all probability form an object of great beauty and effect for Iand8cap3 scenery, as well as for single specimens on lawns. Another Thujopsis with charming yellow variegation was also point'-'d out to us, as well as a fine kind cslWd Xliuj..)psis Standishi, with beautifully plaited dark green leaves. Ectinospora obtusa is another grand Conifer, which is described by Japanese writers as the glory of the foitsts. In its native country it grows with a straight stem 70 fee' or 80 feet high, and 5 feet or more in diameter, and the wood being white, very close-grained, and susceptible to a high polish, always commands a high price as well for timber as for ornamental purposes in the arts. In habit the plant combines the sturuTOess of the Cedar of Lebanon, with a foliage smaller in size tlian that of any Cypress, in colour of a sad green, the young leaves, however, being of the brightest green. Being fonnd very far nevth, there can be no doubt of its hardiness; and should the wood acquire the same degree of solidity here that it does in Japan, the tree will be valuable to us not for its ornamental character alone, but also for planting for timber. Retinospora obtusa varic-gata, is a variegated variety of the above with the foliage much blotched with white. Ectinospora pisifera, a species with glaucous finely divided leaves, forms a slender ornamental tree of lower growth. Of this there i.^ a variety with white varicgationa ; and another, aui-ea, in which t'ao whole of the young shoots are of a golden line, like those of Thuja aurea. 'i'his had a very elegant moss- like appearance. RetiiiO'>p?rii sehigiiioides is another species, somewhat like a Sclaginelia, with SQiatl branches covered with dark green leafy scales, Kageia ovata, from Yeddo, where it forms a fine evergreen bush, with broad, thick, ovjte leaves, without any apparent mid- rib, of a glossy dark green; and its variety, Nageia ovata varie- April 15, 18fi2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 51 guta, which is bonutifuUy striped or blotched with white, are also great acquisitions. AVo also noticed a variegated Juniper somewhat resembling ohinensis in its general charactov, with glaucous gnou leaves and white variegations; the true Juniperus japonica with glaueofls foliage closely imbricated and extremely minute : and two varie- gated species of Podooarpus — one of which, culled covrugatus, had ovate shining leaves, finely variegated with white, the other liaving yellow variegations. A fine variety of Cephalofaxus Fovtuni, distinguished as robusta, is worthy of particular mention on account of its hand- some dark green leaves, which differ from tlioae of tho species in being broader, thicker, more flat, and much more regularly placed in two rows along the branches. It may also be remarked that it stands tho smoke of London very well, aud being of free growth it would form a very desirable evergreen tree for suburban gardens. In cold frames was a large collection of plants, many of which had only come homo a few days ago. Among them were four- teen or fifteen ports of Maple, witli curiously cut or variegated leaves — those of one calling to mind tho fronds of Pteris tricolor both in colour and shape; several double-llowcring Cherries, reported to have flowers as large as a JN'oisette Eose; a new Deufzia nitli red flowers, said to be splendid ; a variegated Jasmine; a Porsythia, stated to be climbing; a Lonieera with green leaves dotted all over with yellow ; three or four Cle- matises ; a variegated Cinnamon ; aud a silver variegated variety of the well-known Kerria, or Corchorus japonicus ; a variegated Bamboo, a pretty dwarf grass-like tuft ; a variegated Ivy ; and several varieties of ChiTsanthemums, said to be of altogether an extraordinary cliaracter, and likely to give rise to quite a now race from those at present in cultivation ; several Oaks with curiously cut loaves; and lastly, Quercus ehinensis, an ever- green Oak found near Pckin and in Chinese Tai tary, and, there- fore, perfectly hardy. The leaves are long, like those of the Sweet Chestnut, only smaller, and the acorns are large, with handsome cups. The tree, we were informed, attains tlie heigtit of 30 feet or 40 feet, and is of a very ornamental character. Passing info a propagatiug-house we found a beautifully varie- gated Lily of the Valley, Convallaria majalis variegata, its ovate dark green leaves having broad distinct stripes of the purest white running from base to apex. Of course, the specimen shown to us was very young; but should the same purity of colour and distinctness of marking be retained in the more advanced stages of its growth the plant will be invaluable for ilower- garden decoration. There was also a variety in which the leaves were merely tipped with green ; and another had the leaves striped with yellow. Among a host of other things in this house Mr. Standish pointed out a Saxifrage much esteemed by the Japanese for baskets, the leaves green and rcse-colourcd on the young shoots, shadhig down to white on the older ones — quite as free as sarmentosa, and, like it, admirable for baskets and covering rockwork; anew Vitex just coming up; several sorts of Lilies, one of wliich of the lancifolium breed is reported to have finely-spotted flowers 8 inches across ; Lychnis Sciino, described as having beautiful crimson flowers, and its white variety, both of which ha\e only just arrived ; the pretty variegated Gar- denia, the leaves edged with white ; a herbaceous Spirsea, said to have magnificent red flowers ; an Egg Plunt from Pekin, producing, it is said, fruit as much as 1(5 inches round ; and a fine and very distinct hardy Fern with fronds 2 feet long, and wliich, when full grown, will probably reach at least twice that length. The fronds being of the brightest green, when young, and much cut, the plant is peculiarly ornamental. The fernery contained a lavge collection of new Ferns, to notice more than the names of which would take up more space than we can afford. Among tlio most remarkable were Cyatlica Cun- ninghaniii and Todea pellucida, and the following new kinds, which are so hardy as to resist five or six degrees of frost and are perhaps capable of bearing even a greater degree of cold : — Lomaria Fraserii fluviafilis, and elongata, from New Zraland ; Lastri-ea atrata, Cyrtomium caryotioides, Cyathea Smithii, Poly- stichum vestitum venustum, Woodwardia japonica and orieutalis and Linssca trichomanoides. These might be cultivated in rustic boxes or small stone caves with glass fronts, and placed under trees or at the north part of a house, so that the sun could not shine upon them ; they will grow with very little light, and merely require to be kept cool and moist, and' to li.ive the glass covered with mats or canvass in severe frosty weather. That this mode of culture is eminently successful ivas proved by a largo glazed case standing brneath a tree and having a fhio pinnt of Todea pellucida in the centre, surroimried with Hymonophyllums, Davallias, Lomarias, Ac, all in beautiful con- dition, tho only drawback in its ajipcarance being two or three of the more tender Ferns, which Mr. Standish had put there by way of experiment, and which had been unable to withstand the winter. AH tho protection the case received was that afforded by the tree and slight coverings in frosty weather. There are many persons who are ardent admirers of Ferns, but who cannot afford to erect a ho\i80 for tho growth of these interesting plants, or who, owing to tho small size of their gar- dens, eainiot spare the room which would be taken up by such a structure. To these, then, the knowledge that they may yet grow some of their favourites in the way wo have indicated may not be without its advantages. Once a demand ctiited for glass cases for this purpose manufacturers would soon produce them of all sizes and shapes so as to suit difl'erent tastes, and the greater or less means for the gratification of these. It may be well to add tliat Hymenophyllmn demissum, eriapatum, seru- ginosum, flcxuosum, polyanthos, dilatatum, pidchcrrimum, and seabrmn, with Trichomanea reniforme, 'J', clongatuni, and Todea hjmenophylloides will flourish with the same mode of treatment. Before quitting Bagshot we had just time to glance through some span-roofed pits used as vineries, in which a brisk heat was kept up by linings of dung and leaves. The paths running up the centre of each pit are sunk 3 feet below the surface of the borders and filled up with dung and leaves, and the heat thus generated passes directly beneath the borders in coueequenee ot a space of 9 inches being left between the bottom of these and the floor of the house. Of the excellent result of this ample supply of bottom heat, the enormous size of the bunches was the best evidence. The Vine, it must be remembered, is a native of Asia, wdiere its favourite climate lies between the 36th and 48th parallel of north latitude. Here, though the atmospheric tempe- rature may at times be low in winter, the soil is never so cold as in Britain, and as the season of growth approaches there is a powerful sun which quickly warms the soil and starts the roots- into action. And in the culture of the Vine, if this root action is not properly secured in the first instance by a proper degree of heat in the soil, the foliage will derive its supply of nourish- ment not through the roots but at the expense of the stored-up organisable matter of the stem. English horticulturists have paid more attention to the sub- ject of bottom heat than those of, perhaps, any other nation ; but when even our farmers carrying on their cultural operations on a ruder anel more extensive scale are keenly alive to the advantages of draining, not merely in carrying off the surplus waters, but also in raising the temperature, and consequently the productiveness of the soil, it is not too much to predict that the subject of bottom heat will acquire a yet higher degree of importance in the more limited area of the garden. To resume, however, after this digression. We here saw the Yeddo Vine, which is stated by Mr. Fortune to be a medium- sized red Grape of great excellence, and quite equal to a Grizzly irontignan in flavour. Possibly it may jirove hardy enough for out-door culture against walls. In other houses were In- gram's Hardy Prolific Muscat and Muscat Troveren in pots, furnished with numerous large bunches, and, it may be added, a large batch of seedling varieties, Mr. Standish being assiduous in crossing. In the Hhododendron grounds, containing about 15,000 Ame- rican plants, it was, of course, too early in the season to see any tiling but the foliage; but in this Mr. Standish has effected by skilful hybridising very considerable improvement. One variety, which he has named Mrs. Gair, was beautiful even when in leaf, its foliage being like that of a Magnoha. All the stock on this ground is ultimately to be removed to the nm-series which are in course of formation at Ascot, to which we next proceeded. Here, Mr. Standish has secured upwards of eighty acres of ground opposite the Grand Stand, and surrounding the Royal Kennels. About a fourth of this extent is a nice loam suitable for fruit trees, the remainder being a deep fat peat admirably adapted for growing large specimens of American plants. Digging, trenching, draining, and roadmaking were being actively carried on ; in the latter dcpurlment alone one long avenue, which is intended to sweep round the grounds, will require about two miles of road to be made. On each side of this are to be ranged all the dilfcrent hardy Conifers. Already in places the ground was being stocked, and the centre house of a range of glass had been erected and the heating apparatus. 52 JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUEl!; AND COTTAGE aABDENEE. [ AprU 15, 1862. completed. Que boiler with a heating surface of about 25,000 square iuches is to warm the wliole of the liouses ; it is con- structed of two-inch pipes connected with syphon bends form- ing a box surrounding the fire on all sides, and the whole is arched over like an oven. The fuel it is to consume is peat. It would be premature now to enter into details of the plans which Mr. Standish is working out, but on a future occasion we shall take an opportunity to " report progress." POETEAITS OF NEW AND EAEE PLANTS, FLOWEES, AND FEUITS. Dendeobium Lowii (Mr. Low's Dendrobium). — Nat. ord., Orchidaeeie. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — Native of Borneo, at an elevation of 3000 feet. Flowers briglit yellow, with red lines on the lip and crimson fringes. Blooms in November. — {Botanical Magazine, t. 5303.) Angukia Waeczewiczii (Warczewicz's Anguria). — Nat. ord., Cucurbitaceee. Linn., DiceciaDiandria. — Native of Panama. Stove climber. Flowers brilliant scarlet, blooming in December. —{Ibid., t. 5304.) Physttkus MACULATrs (Spotted Physurus).— iVa<. ord., Orchidefe. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — Native of Ecuador, South America. It bloomed in November, at Mr. Osborne's, Fulham Nursery. Sir W. Hooker thinks the white spots on the leaves "may not be constant."— (iJirf., t. 5305.) Cekopegia Gaedneei (Mr. Gardner's Ceropegia). — Nat. ord., Asclepiadea;. Linn., Pentandria Digynia. — Found by Mr. Gardner, at Eambaddo, Ceylon, at an elevation of from 4000 feet to 5000 feet. Flowers white, thickly spotted with dull purple. —{Ibid., l. 5306.) Beookia PRisiiATOCAEPA {Prisin-f rutted Segonia).— Nat. ord., Begoniacese. Linn., Monoscia Polyandria.— Native of Fer- nando Po, at 3000 feet elevation. Flowered at Kew in Decem- ber. Flowers yellow, but insigniEeant.— (/ijV/., t. 5307.) ScilLA Beethelotii (Berthelot'e Squill).— A'oi;. ord., LiHa- cea;. Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. — Native of Cameroon Kiver, tropical Africa, and Canary Islands. Flowers pinkish- white, inconspicuous. — {Ibid., t. 5308.) BOLBOPHYLLUM Ehizophok.t-: (Mangrove Bolbophyllum).— Nat. ord., Orchideffi. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — " A very lovely little plant." Found growing on Mangrove trees by the Nun 5iver, tropical Africa. Flowered at Kew both in April and November. Flowers reddish-purple, yellow, and brown. — {Ibid., t. 5309.) Clomenocoma MONTANA (Mountain Clomenocoma).— A^ai. ord., Compositse. Linn., Syngenesia superflua. — It has also been called Dysodia graudiflora. Native of Guatemala. Crimson orange, " colour of the flower very rich, and it may prove to be a valuable summer bedding plant.'' — (liirf., t. 5310.) Petunia Eliza Matuieu (P. inimitabilis flore pleno).— Very double ; petals purple and whit^. " Unquestionably the sensation flower of the season, 18G1." Flowers very large, some 4 inches in diameter. — {Florist and Pomologist, i., 49.) Teanspaeent Gage Plum {Si/n., Keine Claude Diaphane). —Yellowish-green, dotted and speckled with bright dark crimson. "A dessert Plum, larger than the old Green Gage, and of the greatest boauty, and most exquisite flavour. Ripe in the beginning and middle of Sptember." — {Ibid., ji. 56.) THE WEATHEE. With the diflference of being farther to the south, the weather in Gloucestershire has been nearly similar to that reported by Mr. Ashby, from Lancashire. We have had almost the whole of March and part of April (up to the 10th) very wet ; but March and April are rarely both all wet. I have not noticed these two months wet for at least 55 years. The verdure on the grass lields is most superb at present, and the grass on the meadows and pastures, where they are drained and well manured, is very forward. Yesterday the " Black-thorn winter " commenced, with the full blossom o"f the Sloe or Black Thorn, aud who ever saw this take place without frost and cold winds 'i" " Emblem of Life, see chantretul .\pril sail In varying vest along the shadowy skies; Now bidding summer's softest zephyrs riee, Anon recalling winter's ."itormy gale. And pouring from the clouds her snow and hall." — (B.K. Vliite.) In answer, the last ten days, to those who have been predicting so early a spring, I have always said " our Black Thorn is only getting into blossom. Wait until this blossom is entirely gone." The sudden check to vegetation this week will, probably, save the great promise of bud and blossom ready to burst on the fi*uit trees of all descriptions. I will read a short paper to some of the young people who fancy when there are a few warm days in March or April, that real spring or summer is approaching. In the year 1802 we had snow on the 16th of May, and severe frost that day. In 1805 we had snow about the 10th of May. In 1809 we had enow in Gloucestershire 6 inches deep on the 21st of April. In 1816 we had hail and snow in May. In 1830, after a very warm week, we had snow on the 1st of April, and the thermometer fell in fourteen hours 40°, from 65° Fahr. to 25° in the morning (recorded in The Cottaqr Gaedenee.) In 1837 we had twenty-sijt days of frost in April, and twenty frosty days in May, real spring only commenced about the 21st of May. In 1838 another late spring with a fortnight's frost in May. In 1845 we had nineteen severe frosts in March, and ten days skating at the middle of the month. In 1853 and 1854, about the 7th and 8tli of May, snow fell each day in heavy storms. In 1855 we had a very late spring. The Black Thorn was in blossom until the 10th of May. Frost more or less severe during the first ten days. The White Thorn was not in blossom in the earliest districts before the 28th of May. On the whole I agree with Mr. Abbey, that we shall have a cold and wet spring, a prevalence of easterly winds, and but little range of temperature. No one who has studied and noticed the climate of England expects a continuance of genial weather before the middle of May. In giving a prognostic of the summer, my opinion is that it will be what they term a medium one, that we are likely to have a preponderance of dry weather in May and June, and that July is likely to be a drier mouth thau it was in 1861 ; but August is likely to have a greater quantity of showery and unsettled weather than in 1861. The twenty-five fine harvest days iu last August saved the Wheat crop throughout England. Notwithstanding the rich appearance of the early grass above alluded to up to this day (the 10th of April), we are very likely to have a light crop, as I never yet saw premature grass in April turn out well in June and July, the land being cliUled by wet previously. — H. W. Newman, Hilhide, Cheltenham. FLAX, WOOL, AND COEK EEFUSE FOE GAEDEN PUEPOSES. Flax Bepdse hag long been used as a manure, mixed with farmyard manure, in the neighbourliood of York ; perhaps, ever since its manufacture commenced. However, the first use of it as a garden material that came to my ears was at Fairfield, near York, about eight years since, and being inquisitive like most other gardeners, I took the trouble of visiting the gardens there, hoping to glean something new about hotbed-making. Well, having asked to see the new-fashioned plan, I was shown a bed 15 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 6 feet high, in reality com- posed of flax refuse and stable-dung in equal proportions, which I was informed produced a milder heat but of longer continuance than stable-dung alone. This bed was said to have been made on the 5th of February, aud Cucumbers planted a week after that in the bed were, when I vi.-ited the (jlnce on the 6th of April, producing fruit, some of tliem 1 foot 10 inches in length, and the plants were pictures of health. The temperature inside the frame was 75° with a dull day and overcast sky, and a ther- mometer plunged in the soil indicated 87° at 6 inches deep. Near the same bed was another, newly made, for Melons ; and the heat of it, and iu the frame above it, was mild and very Uttle higher than that of the Cucumber-frame which had been made six weeks prior. Flax refuse, therefore, is a material useful for hotbeds ; and, applied as manure for Strawberries, the results are equally satis- factory ; but the plants are not stimulated into growth so rapidly, nor produce such abundant foliage, as they do when stable-manure is applied. However, the plants continue to April 15, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. 53 produce annual crops of fine fruit (after a thorough dressing of flax refuse at [ilanting and an annual mulching an inch in depth in March, which also prevents the fruit from bcinj; spoiled with hcav_v rains), for severiil years. For kitchen-garden crops it is a good fertiHser, but slow in its action, and (as fiu' as my expe- rience goes), not to be preferred to ordinary manure. Wool Eefuse is a material well adapted for raising a mild, strong, and violent bottom heat, according to the quantity used. Formed into a bed 1 foot G inches deep, a mild licat. of 75° to 80° is the result ; a bed 3 feet high will make the mcrcuiy rise to 120°, and sometimes to 180°; whilst a bed 6 feet high will soon set the whole a-blazing, and if we arc unfortunate enough to have a frame on the bed that soon is reduced to ashes. Nevertheless, as a heat-producer and used in moderation, and with care, wool refuse, or Billy-muck, is inferior to none other fermenting material ; it retains its heat longer than stable manure or tanner's baik. Used as a manure, after it has laid a year or so to rot its application as a top-dressing to grass is very beneficial, and for garden crops it is a good manure — superior to ordinary dung. To make a compost of it, it should bo laid in a heap to decompose for three years at the least, when it makes a good ingredient for the polting-bencb, for enriching the compost for any description of softwooded plants. CoEK Shavings are said to heat spontaneously so violently as to ignite. Be that as it may, I find the few Orchids we have are much benefited by its use as an ingredient in the potting or basketing compost ; in fact I think cork shavings are equal if not preferable to charcoal, llowever, as my experience is but very limited I speak reservedly ; but should any person have tried it I hope they will give us their results. I certainly had intended to have tried cork shavings, especially as I hud the promise of a cartload for the fetching. But to my consternation I found promising and performing were two very dilTerent things — it proved a promise only made to be broken. In conclusion, I have to add in favour of flax refuse that, when used as a mulching on orchard-house trees in pots, the trouble of watering is lessened, and the trees are benefiled by its application.— Geokge Abbey, Gardener, Horton Hall, Brad- ford. WOEK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARBEN. DtniiHG the last month we have had Buch a continuance of rain that little progress has been made in the sowing of seeds, or «Ten tlie digging and trenching of ground. Surely the late drench- ing rains, and the astounding articles which are daily appearing through the press of this country will convince the owner and occupier of every plot of ground of the necessity and importance of thorougli drainage. Ground that is thoroughly drained takes but a few hours to drain ofl' the superfluous moisture, and under such circumstances it is soon in working condition ; whereas ground that is imperfectly drained will be days, and in some instances weeks before it is in a fit state for tjie reception of seeds. The cultivator mho has his ground thorouglily drained will have his crops appearing above ground before those whose ground is undrained will be able to deposit the seed ; and, should the season throughout prove unfavourable, the latter will not produce as much as will pay for the labour. If a few fine days shoidd occur prepare for getting in the main crops, if not already done, as soon as the ground is dry and workable. Broccoli, if a sowing has not yet been made of the various winter and sprmg varieties, it should he made at tlie first favourable opportunity. Brussels Sprouts, a good sowing to be made for winter use. Cabbage, a sowing of the Sprotborough to be made for winter and spring use. Cardoons, the seed may now be sown in trenches where the plants are to remain, the trenches to be about l feet apart, and a few seeds dropped in at inter- vals of 18 inches or 20 inches. Carrots, they succeed best in a deep rich soil ; if it is of a light nature it is the njore suit- able for the long tapering roots. They should follow a crop for which the ground was previously well manured ; for if manure is appUed in the spring the roots will be forked and wormy •whenever they come in contact with it. CauUJlowers, prick out the young seedlings on a warm border, earth-U]) those which have stood tho winter beneath hand-glasses. Mushrooms, in making beds to produce through the summer, a portion of loam should be mixed with the dung: this will give greater solidity to the bed, which will in consequence produce more fleshy Mushrooms. Marigolds, to be sown if required for kitchen purposes. Xaslurtiuiii, a sowing may be made at the font of a fence or any other suitable place, cithiT for tin; purpose of forming a screen or the production of seed for picklinj, or for both. Parsnips, the seed, if not already committed to the earth, to bo sown in drills from l.'i inches to 18 inches apart in drills and about an inch deep. Drilling crops, where it can bo dom-, is far more convenient than sowing broadcast, as tlie inter- mediate spaces can be easily cleaned and stirred-up, which is of great benefit to the plants. FLOWER OABDEK. As the unfavourable state of the weather most probably inter- fered with the performance of previous instructions, we would advise a reference to them when tho weather will become favour- able for executing all arrears. The following plants, if not already there, may be introduced with advantage to the flower garden : — The Phloxes of various colours and sizes, as seen last season in tho beds at Chiswick, may be recommended as worthy of special notice. Most of the varieties of Pentstomon gentian- oides are handsome ; Snapdragons are numerous, and many of them are very sh^wy ; Delphiniums when pegged-down in beds or allowed to grow erect in borders make showy masses of blue ; Alstriimcrias are easily managed and showy, also the Gladioli of various colours. The hardy Uielytra spcctabilis when planted out is one of the gayest things grown, blooming freely through the season. Commence in earuest with mowing and cut down close, it will mow better for it all the season afterwards. STOVE. Pay attention to watering, shifting, stopping, &o., the plants in general. The greatest care will be necessary to prevent the soft-wooded plants from drawing; during this sunless weather they should have all the light possible. Some of those potted early niay now require a second shift. Take every opportunity of keeping down insects by fumigation and the active use of the syringe ; but caution must be taken that the syringe is not plied with such force as to tear or injure the leaves. GEEENHOUSE AND CONSEBVATORY. Proceed with the staking and tying-out of plants requiring such assistance; but if former instructions had been carried out relative to growing plants with short-jointed wood, a good deal in the way of stakes may be dispensed with, although some will be necessary to give the plant its desired shape, but on no account use more than will efl'ect that purpose. Turn each plant frequently round that it may not become one-sided. Orange trees require particular attention when they are making tlieir young wood. Stop luxuriant shoots at the fourth or fifth joint, no one part of the head should be allowed to grow stronger than the rest. Young trees may require some of their strong branches to be tied-down for a time, which will strengthen the others. Climbers should soon be planted, if additions are to be made to them this season, and see that the young growth of the old ones does not get entangled for want of training. FORCING-PIT. Preparations must now be commenced for the autumn, by propagating such plants as Euphorbias, Justicias, Poinsettias, &o. ; nor must the forcing Pinks and Picotees, Roses for potting, Sweet Briar, &c., if not attended to already, be forgotten. Cut- tings of Fairy Roses to get the plants strong, must bo put in at once. Pay strict attention to Violets so as to get a good stock of them. PITS AND FRAMES. Persevere with the potting-olf all plants for bedding-out. Those which have been established and hardened may be re- moved to temporary pits and protected with mats. ^ W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. There is as yet little or no change in the weather for the better. We had it dry on the 4th, but little sun. Forked the surface of the rain-caked ground intended for Onions, &c. Did it still more slightly on Saturday morning. Trod and raked it by mid-day, and just managed to draw shallow drills, and sow Onions, and cover with light, dryish sod before the rains came down again. Sowed also Parsnips, which ouglit to have been earlier, a few Carrots, and a row or two of Beet, deferring the main crop for some weeks. Also, a few iurnip 54 JOURNAL OF. HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGK GARDENER. Radishes, and a slight sowing of Broccoli and winter Greens. Cut over Cabbage plants in the quarter that were tlirowing-up their flower-stalks, a too common thing in this neighbourhood this season. By cutting these over pretty low, the cut-off heads would be useful, if there were not such a supply of all sorts of Greens from the mildness of the ^7eather. This mildness, and two or three sliarpish fi-osts have made this havoc among the Cabbages, much to the loss of the cottagers; but cutting-down will olteu, when done so early in the season, cause the stools to produce at a later jjeriod tliree or four tiny Cabbages instead of one. Gave some Broccoli some manure water, though tbere has been wet enough ; but such rich v.-nterlng does good even in wet weather, if the plants are not waterlogged. Cut up the roots of Sea-kale plants that had been forced into lengths of 3 inches ready for planting, and got ground ready for thinning last year's sowing. Where ground is plentiful would thin as soon as up fairly, or sow thin enough at first, as this plant does best when sown to remain there. The roots cut up into pieces we do not consider to be so good as seedlings, except it be the crown ends. We have sometimes slit up the latter when large into several pieces, to secure buds at once, but seldom with advantage, as vermin that will not penetrate the rind of cut pieces will devour the inside to a shell, if split down its middle. Those who intend mating a fresh plantation should, therefore, get last year's smallest seedlings instead of these cut pieces, as dealers will be apt to send the latter mixed up with the former, and charge the same price. A little salt thrown along between the rows of growing-beds will now do them good, and Asparagus- beds would like a sprinkling, which would not only assist the shoots, but keep down weeds. Covered a score or so moi'e heads of Sea-kale with largish pots, putting them firmly an inch in the ground, covering the lioles at top with a slate or tile, and half a spadeful of earth to keep out all light. In sunny weather when the sun beats on the pot the crop will be fit to gather in a few days; in dull wet weather it will be longer in coming. Sowed Basil, Marjoram, &c., in heat, and Thyme, Borage, Burnet, Sage, &c., in pots and boxes. These things, though liardy enough, are apt to be lost wb.en small, and, therefore, the extra care in sowing and planting out the seedlings is not labour lost. FEUIT GARDEN. Much the same as last week. Moved Strawberries set from shelves close to the glass to some farther from it, and supplied the top ones with plants that had stood under glass on the top of a slight hotbed lor two or three weeks. Some people succeed pretty well by bringing plants from the open air at once into a temperature of 60° to 70° or more. We trace no such practice from the lessons that Nature gives : all her operations speak of gradual bit-by-hit working. In forcing-liouses, if Strawberries are placed in them when the houses are shut-up, the plants have all the .advantage of the gradual rise in temperature, and the flower-trusses come boldly. For succession crops in the same houseiwe prefer the plants being gradually excited before shelving them. No weather could be worse hardly for obtaining rich- flavoured fruit, &c. FLOWEB DEPAKTMEKT. Out of doors this has been well nigh at a standstill. Cold pits holding thickets of Calceolarias are much as they were, as the ground in the temporary pits is so cloggy for moving them. Wet or no wet out they must go soon, or 1 fear what the struggle for existence will accomplish. Seeing we shall want more room than our earth pits afford, cleared a small quarter of last year's Cabbages, and dug out trenches 4 feet wide, which will first be fiUed with Calceolarias and other things, and would bo a capital place, if bottomed with a little hot dung, for sowing half- tender annuals. These for the time being answer all the pur- poses of the best turf pits, and will come in for Celery afterwards. D A Z' r 1 c D --^-_ f 1 B . / A, Ground level of garden. B, Pits dug out. c, Slope lor walking on, sending rain past, generally covered with a little litter to keep the shoes clean. D, Tops of sides, for placing hurdle.", or calico, or wattled hurdles, such as eomtiion old fence hurdles, with a few Bprucc or laurel boughs drawn through them. E, Showing such covers laid across. Calico, frigi domo, fixed to poles would be handiest. A person walking at c, and another at d, put it off and on pretty well as fast as they can walk. [ April 15, 1562. Whatever protection is used, means should be taken to throw the heavy rains past by having one side lower tlian the other, which in making is as easily done as net. See section of two such makeshift pits. Divided Dahlias and planted them out about 3 inches apart under glass, from whence Calceolarias had been removed, and may thin them again before going out. This, especially in bedding kinds, saves much labour in potting. Planted out in temporary beds many of the green and horseshoe- leaved Geraniums where I could cover with old sashes, as they lift well without potting. Turned out lots of variegated ones that had been potted into shallow wooden boxes, and placed them in a verandah where they can be protected. Filled the pots with more variegated ones. Sowed Zinnias, Stocks and Asters in pots and boxes, and set them on the floor of a Peach- house until they got up nicely. Pricked-off lots of seedlings, Petunias, Lobelias, &c. Potted Pelargoniums; trained earliest kinds and strongest plants. Potted young Fuchsias, Vincas, fine-leaved Begonias, &c. Old plants of tl-.ese should have most of the soil shaken from them, and be placed in smaller pots. The soil, loam, and peat, with almost a third of old cowdung or hotbed manure, old, well sweetened, and dried before using, and a little silver sand. Plants old and young shoidd be under rather than over potted; no place suits them better than a vinery at work, the heat and the shade just suit them. The sun, if strong, is apt to make the leaves spotted and brown They seem to thrive in a temperature from 50" to 65° and 70°. If kept in rather small pots they will need watering often after the pots are full of roots, and weak manure water will be accept- able; if in largish pots they will need watering much more seldom. Much was expected from these plants for out-door decoration. A great gardener wrote to me last season — " I have got a new idea for this season that will, I think, make you old jo.g-trot fogies stare." Well, 1 believe this was some '500 to 1000 of these plants turned out in the (lower garden ; but I heard notliing afterwards of the '■ idea." We have seen them pretty fair in some places. Mr. McDonald, of Woodstock, Ireland, had a bed of them and the Chinese Coltsfoot, &c., about the best we noticed. With us and elsewhere neither too much wet nor too much sun seemed to suit. In any shady place under glass they will be more at home than out of doors even in summer. — K. P. TRADE CATALOGUES EECEIVED. Charles Ttinier's General Sprint/ Catalogue for 1863, is a descriptive list of all that is new in Florists' Flowers and Bedding Plants. Those who are interested in such matters, will find it well worth a perusal. A Catalogue of Forest, Fruit, and Ornamental Trees, iy Benjamin. M'hilham, Clough Nursery, Mottram,ia a good general nursery list. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *** We request that no one will write I'rivately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications aliould therefore ho addressed solely to The Fdiiors of the " JoKrnal of Sortieulture, ^'c," 162, Fleet Street, London, F.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Calceolaria Leaves Spotted (iS/(7«(a).— Youhave bad a little red stiider on the Calceolarias, and a good deal of thiips, both caused by the plants being kept too hot and too dry. Put a quart of lime and a quart of soot into twenty gallons of water. When mixed, and settled, and cle ir, syringe the plants well, turning the plants over and over. "When dry dust with a mixture of dry soot .ind flowers of sulphur. After a few days shake that off and syringe again. If all the leaves are as had as the one sent, the plants would not be wortii ihe trouble. EvEnoiiEEN Climbers {A Subscriber). — We have often said there are no evergreen climbers for the climate of England. Propeily so called, the Ivy is not a climber, but is the nearest to it. A plant like a Cleaiatie, or a running Rose, and to be green the .vtar round like the Ivy, is what we repeatedly have said is not to be had for our climate. Then, of course, it jS like all other varieties highly to be desired. April 15, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTUilE AND COTTAftE GABDENER. 55 CAMKi-tiAs {J. S.).—y>o cunuot tlit.iinKuish the butlfl, the roots were quite dried up, but, otherwise, scemod to Imve nothing; tho matter with tuem. Try thoCuniclliai* in the lifihte^t pl'ice you can comm.iiia, ami be sure the bull is watered throughout. Wc think it mu-^t be eomo peculiar variety, as the g,iriieuer succeeds so well with all the otht-rs. Ad.vhiko a Stovi: to a Boimr (//. 3f. 7'.).— Putting a Bheet of iron round yourciiculiir stove und placing a biiiler on the top would answer, but we are duuhtful if anything but i4hect-ivon would stand round your tlove. Yuu should take your flow-pipe Ifoni near the top of the boiler, instead ol' so near the bottom of it as you suggest. We would not lilie to work it so place I. The cheapest plan wc know of would bo to have h brick Arnott's stove, and an Arnott's etove-boiler nn the top of it, which Mr. Highes, of the iron foundry, Bishop Stovtford. sells for about 35*. How- ever, your plan will anbwer well enough, if you attend as niiove to the flow- pipe, though unless you can eointnand the services of a very handy man, your boiler ni ly not be so cheap after all. Vulcanised Indiarubber tubing ■would not answer for hot water. Books (C7. /J. //.).— You can have r/is Ctttagc Gardeners* DiHionary^ free by post for 5s. 8r/.. from our otlice; and "Johnson's Modern Dairy and Cowkeeper," for 3s. ^d. {A. B. 6'.).— Bnv the new edition of our ' Grcen- houspF for the Many," which will be publi»ihcd in a few days. It contains much about oi chard-houses. Aii.ANTiius TuEK {}frs. P.). — Any nurseryman can obtain it for you, for it is in the catalogues of the London nurserymen. Potatoes anu Cklf.rv {A jyotfinffhamshirc Jnquir'er), — Do not put any manure to the ground for the t'otatoc!*, unless it be two bushels of soot nnd 11 lbs. of Epsom salts mixed together and spread over the ground before dig^'in-.'. Give no liquid manure to your i'otatocs, but as much as you like to the Celery. It will make it crisp, not soft. Pbopagatinq EvEnop.F.KNS (Lhnerick). — Xow is as good as any time of the year to layer all sorts of evergreens and all kinds of deciduous shrubs. The Portugal LaureU and the Bays— that is to s^iy, Liurus nobitis, will need toungcing or twisting, tlie Aueuba find the common Laurel will do without, and both will come from cuttings out in the opeufield.itputinin July, as M-ell as Scarlet Geraniums. No one thinks of layeving Berberis aquifolium now- a-days, but every one raises it from seeds like the Larch, or Scotch Fir, only the birds take to the berriesof this Berberis when the seeds are tit for sowing, and get the best share of the seeds on account of their better knowledge of when it is fit to sow. Watcli the b rds or you will soon learn to your cost the best lime to sow the seeds of Berberis aquifolium. EccriAnis am\zonica [G., Livcrpoo!^.— This r.iichavis U the very pink of drawing-roiim plants, but as such tlie treatment must be as ditferent as possible from "hat it would need in a horhouse. There is where the great error lies with half our plants. So;ue gardener finds out the true way, and the best way for him, of growing a planr, jmd amateurs t.a'oat ii consumption of (lie provisions of a hive, by the coolness tlial the opeiiinpis allow to enter ; for it is known bv experience, that the nioi'o considerable the interior warmth of tlio liivc is, the yveat^r is the consump- tion of the stores within. Lastly, it allows, iluving all weathers, while the bees oecn|'y the lower part of the hive, one to judge of tlie weakness or stronfjth of the conununity without moving it, which is always prejudicinl to it, but by only looking beneath, it is seen what one may be required to do at any moment. "With respect to cold, I do not think its efl'eets so injurious to bees as some imagine. It forces thciii not to separate them- selves from each other, and thus enables them to pass without danger tlie most i"i|^orou3 "intei's. "One might, on this suhjeef, put the question. Whether it be quite so certain the safety of a hive depends on the preservation during the whole year of all the bees that it contains ? " For my own part, I am inclined to the negative; and that if the great increase of bees during the spring and summer be advan- tageous to a hive, as one can have no doubt of, so as to cause it to throw strong swarms, in order that the provisions for the following winter may be abundant, it is no less necessary that there should remain a diminished popidation during autumn and winter, in order that the said harvest may last the longer. " In fact, of the two mortalities of bees which happen annually, that of the autumn, joined to the expulsion of the drones, pro- duces the ellect of which I speak — that is to say, of diminisliing the number of mouths to feed during winter. As to that of the spring, I think it designed to carry oU' a good part of the bees of the preceding year, in order to give |)lace to the young which are to succeed them. Now, by the method of leaving the hives open all round at the base in winter as well as summer, I am well persuaded that bees only perish that should ; whereas, by that of shutting them up too close, a far greater number of them die than is necessary for the preservation of the hive." " However it may be, I leave to every person the liberty of his opinion and his practice; not only without blaming, but praising, on the contrary, the clTorts of those who seek the best ; for I do not think everything has yet been discovered on this subject." — E. K. INSULATION OF BEE-HIYES. In order to prevent the access of insects, such as ants, milli- pedes, and snails, &c., which not only annoy the bees, but often devour or spoil much of their stores as fast as they gather them in, it is an exceedingly good plan to place the legs of a bee-house, or the feet of a bee-atand in pans of water, taking care continu- ally to keep them filled, and all weeds removed from near them, lest the ants, whose cimning as well as ingenuity are proverbial, should make so many ladders of them, and thus defeat the end proposed. The Tomtit, or Great Oi-Eye, Sparrows, and Swallows — the Great Tomtit during winter, and particularly in the spring — make great devastation among the bees of an apiary. The Large Tomtit, or Great Ox-eye, is a most mischievous bird ; the smaller species, some of which are exceedingly beautiful, are quite innocent of all bee slaughter; but the great criminal above mentioned (of which I have destroyed about a dozen this winter), is easily entrapped by a small cage baited with a tempting piece of fat, of which he is most dainty. These birds generally come in pau-s : two cages should always, therefore, be in constant readiness to receive them, and to supply them with their dainty repast. Ants may be readily put to the rout by a little fresh lime, or if a pointed broomstick be driven through their nest, about 2 feet into the ground, and carefully pulled out again, hundreds will fall daily into the well tlius made, and may be easily destroyed by a little lime or hot water poured into the pit. llillipedes are readily caught by laying a board or slate on the ground, and afterwards crushed. Snails are readily caught by flower-pots inverted. Sparrows should never be sulTered to build their nests near an apiary. I have frequently seen these marauders catch the bees and the drones in the air flying, and carry them olf to their young. They are far too cunning to touch poisoned corn. A gun, with a httle dust shot, is the best remedy ; and the same may be had recourse to for Swallows, even by those who are not great adepts in shooting ; for these birds, though they fly ever so swiftly, may he ca.iily brought to the ground by seizing the moment when they are on the turn, which they always make in then" flight, however swift it may bo. — E. K. PARTHENOGENESIS. UOUBIANISINa AN AriARY — THE MYSTKBT OF DBONE DEVEI.OI'MENT. M. IIeemanx says (page l.'i), "It will be well to be cautious to leave one hive undivided and untouched that they continue to breed many drones, for the divided hive will not produce any more drones in the same year ; therefore, one hive must be kept strong and untouched, so that you do not run short in drone- breeding." Now, when a hive has swarmed naturally does it not continue to produce drones? And why not when artificial swarms are formed ? Or must the possessor of a single stock of Liguriun bees leave its increase to nature ? As I am desirous of Liguriau- ising my whole apiary as speedily as possible, any information will greatly oblige — 1'". II. [.Vfter repeated perusals of M. Hermann's little book, I am still in doubt as to wdiether he was aware of the fact that drone eggs were entirely free from male iiiflueuce, and that, therefore, a pure-bred Italian queen which has been impregnated by a black drone will breed as pure Italian drones as one that has received true impregnation from a male of her own species. That this is really the case follows, as a matter of course, if par- thenogenesis in the honey bee is a proved fact ; and that it is so cannot, I think, be for one moment doubted. Uhoso who have read the apiarian articles in the last two volumes of The Jouenal OF HoRTieCTLTUEB will be aware that to Dzierzon, the eminent German apiarian, we are indebted for the discovery that drone eggs are unfecundated by the male semen, and that the truth of lliis discovery was proved by tlie microscopical investigations of Professor Siebold. These investigations having been verified and confirmed in America by Professor Leidy, and in this country by myself, have resulted in estahlishing beyond question the fact of parthenogenesis in the honey bee. Having clue regard, then, to tliis important fact, I believe that the most feasible, and, in the end, also the most speedy mode of Ligurianising an entire apiary from a single pure Ligurian stock is that recommended by me in page 507 of the last volume — viz., to content yourself the first year with furnishing all your stocks with young Ligurian queens from the colony in your possession, leaving their impregnation to chance. Next year any of the3e queens, about whose true impregnation there is any doubt, njay be weeded out and replaced by young sovereigus bred, as before, from the original Italian queen. These will stand a fair chance of a true impregnation from the multitude of drones of their own species, which will then have been bred by the mother queen and her otfspring, whetlier hybridised or not. Something may be done the first year to increase the chance of a true impregnation by multiplying the number of Ligurian drones and diminishing those of the black species in the manner recommended by M. Hermann — i. e., by placing drone-combs in the breeding part of the Ligurian-hive (feeding liberally if honey be not very plentiful at the time), and transferring them to the black stocks as soon as filled with brood, removing, at the same time, all the original drone-combs from the latter. When a hive swarms naturally the production of drones does not immediately cease, because there is usually a great number of embryo drones in the hive ; hut, as it is well known that the old queen always leads ofl" the first swarm, it follows, as a matter of course, that, beyond the hatching-out of whatever brood may remain in the hive, no farther increase, either of drones or workers, can take place until her successor commences egg- laying. Notwithstanding the occasional irregular production of drone eggs by young queens, which has been noticed by Febu- rier and Dr. Bevan, and still more recently by myself, it may be laid down as a general rule that the laying of drone eggs is at an end for the year whenever a natural swarm issues from a hive, and that the remaining drones will be ruthlessly expelled as soon as the young queen becomes impregnated. The "old queen having led ofl' a swarm will breed no more drones for the year, unless the new colony becomes sufliciently prosperous to throw off a swarm, in which case there will be another laying of drone eggs prior to the issue of the ewann, and the same course will be repeated as in (he old stock. When artificial swarming is practised, the suspension or entire 68 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 15, 1882. cessation of drone-breeding depends upon the mode in which the operation ia performed. If tlie old queen be placed at the head of the swarm, all will follow in the same manner as if it had issued naturally. If on the other hand tlie old queen is left in the parent stock, the swarm being funiiiihed with brood-comb from whioli to raise a queen, the suspension of drone-breeding will be but temporary, and, in fact, need not take place at all if the number of bees abstracted be not sufficiently large to check the prosperity of the colony. That distinguished apiarian, Dzierzon, writing so recently as the 1 tth February last, says, " that drone breeding is the first step towards increasing the species that is to swarm, and that it begins and is continued when there is a feeling of prosperity and growing strength in the colony." Any interruption to this feeling of prosperity and growing strength puts a complete stop to the production of drones * which is not resumed until pros- perity is restored. If this axiom be borne in mind it will afford a clue to the mystery of drone development — a mystery which, it may be remembered, the experiments and researches of the illustrious Huber failed completely to elucidate. — A DEVOif- sniRE Bee-keeper.] BEES AS CHEMISTS. "Bees are able to niat-;e lioney of sweetened water. By way of trial, I fed A Stock with liard sii;rar,+ wliicb. after I liad put it into a feeding-pan in pieces, and sprinltled abundantly with water, I placed before the bees. When I afterwards cut the combs out of the hive, which I wished to empty on account of its queen. I found tlnit this sweetened water lutd lieen chauged by the bees into honey, and was well sealed. It had all the taste of real honey. — "i)/e Korh-Bienenzucht ," by Fricdrich Otto Rothc. It will be perceived by the above quotation from a work written in 1S54, that German bee-keepers have long been aware of a fact which was indeed established by M. Reaumur nearly a century ago, but which has been denied by some of our best English apiarian writers, and is even now controverted in tlie pages of The Jouknal op HoETlciTETtinE. The results of my experiments and observations entirely coincide with that of Ilerr Rotbe, although they have been so frequently repeated, and under such a variety of circumstances, as to induce absolute conviction in my own mind. I have this day (20th of March) extracted from tho late artificial swarm mentioned in page 42S of the last volume, a small piece of sealed comb, itself fabricated from, and containing only what was originally simple syrup. This piece of comb I shall be happy to submit to the Editors or any tribunal they may point out, with the view of having it tested, and the result made public, after it has been ascertained if any, and what change, has been made in the flavour and chemical character of its contents. The artificial swarm from which this piece of comb was taken was formed on the 9th of last August, after the honey season here was entirely over (as proved by the fact that several ill- provided swarms in this neighbourhood died of starvation at the time), and, being supplied only with simple eyrup, fabricated combs and stored them with sufficient food to last the winter. This evidence is the most conclusive I can ofier, and if accepted may fairly be presumed to decide the point. Should any bee-keeper, nevertheless, be of opinion tliat he can, either by confining a newly-hived swarm in a room, or by any other means, induce bees to store their food without changing its character, I now repeat my offer to present such person with a good Ligiu'ian stock, upon his producing a piece of sealed comb in wiiieh simple syrup — i.e., lump sugar and water only — has been stored by bees, and in which the syrup remains unaltered. — A Devon- shire Bee-keeper. P. S. — Since the above was written, I have perused the com- munication of "A North Lahoashiee Bee-keeper" in last VFeek's Journal. He appears, from what is therein stated, to be the very man to claim the stock of Ligurians which I offered. As preparatory steps, I would suggest that he should first prepare a certain portion of simple syrup from lump sugar (such as I suppose his bees were fed on), and, with the assistance of one or two friends, carefully compare its flavour with that of syrup taken from the scaled combs of his defunct stock. If neither himself nor his friends can detect any difference in taste, then place a small quantity of each in shallow vessels, and expose them to a current of dry air until one or the other * If the check be severe, it roay result in the destnietion of all the drone- brood and of every adult drone in the colony. + By this is meant sugar-candy which is extensively used in Germany for feeding bees. becomes crj'stallisod. The effectual manner in which his bees have destroyed the crvstallising property of the syrup which he submitted to them v.-ill, in this war, soon become evident. Every bee-keeper is aware of the different flavour and varying quality of honey, and knows also that it. depends upon the season and the pasture from wltich it is obtained. It is, of course, a vei'y fair argument to adduce against the mere assertion that bees effect a change in the food with which they are supplied, and as such has been repeatedly made use of; but as soon as this assertion is supported by siiffii-ient evidence, "both must take eqnnl rank as established facts, which, however apparently antagonistic, are doubtless in strict accordance with each other. [Another practical bee-keeper gave last week atot.iUy different evidence. The question will not be set ot rest until a swarm lias been confined in some room — say an empty greenhouse, and supplied for some time with syrup of sugar and water only. It is an interesting inquiry, and we shall be equally plensed what- ever the triith proves to be — we only wish to ascertain that. — Eds. J. OE H.] OVERFEEDING BEES-CHEAP FEEDING BOTTLE. WAIEEPSOOFING AVOOD OR STRAW HIVES. It appears to me that many persons err on the side of over- feeding, supposing, as is generally done, that a hive ought to weigh 20 lbs. nett at the close of the season. My experience goes to prove that half that weight is amply sufficient. I have always found that those hives that contained only that quantity have invariably done better the succeeding season than those that had been made up to 20 lbs. by feeding, and I find th s corroborated by several bee-keepers of my acquaintance. Some difference of opinion exists as to the kind of bottle to be used when feeding is necessary. I have used an empty glass pickle-jar (such as pickles arc usually retailed in) and have always found it answer well ; I tie it over with the canvass ladies use for woolwork, which is the most durable of any kind of netting. A piece of perforated zinc is placed over the hole in the crown-board, the bottle inverted upon the zinc and covered with a wooden box, which cfleetually keeps wet from entering. I should fancy from your correspondent " A. W.'s " remarks last week that he sometimes finds wet enter his hives. I have for three or four years used tiie varnish from the recipe I give, "which makes either wood or straw perfectly waterproof — viz., half an ounce each of gums — thus : benzoin, and guiacum, and 2 ozs. shellac dissolved in 8 ozs. of naptha, and strained after standing a day. It is applied in the same manner as paint, dries perfectly in ten minutes, and, therefore, can be used at any time in the year without injury or annoyance to the bees, and leaves no smell behind. H ew wood may require two or three coats, and if previously slightly stained will present the appear- ance of French polish, of which, in fact, it is a species. It has lasted three years with me, quite unprotected, and is yet unin- jru'ed. The quantity given would do a dozen hives or boxes and ought not to cost eighteen pence. — G. F. B., Colm-y Hutch, OUR LETTER BOX. GOLDKN-SPANOLED HAMBLTiGHS. — "CoKia:KPOKTJliNT " likeS " POOK YORK- sHiKKMAH ;" onlT, hc tliir.ks, perbapp, the jwor man is like Gil Bias' beggar, quite able to take ibat which he asks. We Inncy the alms ■were given mure for fe;u- of the bUnukrbues than for the love of the Virgin; and he -who descants on "well serrated, firmly fixed comb; white ear- lobes; (Jeep gold hackle, striped down tie centre; maroon wing, and dietiiict bars;" has not nnicli to learn " j « re Golden-spangled Ham- burghs.*' AVe should not like to catt a slur on Yoik?hire, lur judges, and her breedorp. The black breast certainly was a York&hire hereby, and it is only of late it has been repudiated. When once upon a time, the best of the Yorkf^hire judges acted at a show of Hamburghs only, the prize was given to a bird with a purely black breast. It was held at Hudders- field. We think rose cai-lobcs will always be fatal to succeps. Canaries in a Koom (J/a/rcr;?).— The' young birds may be allowed to leave the nest when they like, the old ones will continue to feed them on the boughs or floor. You will find a description of the points in the varieties of Canaries in earlier volumes oi this Journal. The series will soon be published in a separate forn^. — B. P. B. rilEVENTION OF KOTTEN FeATHEE IN PiGEONS {J. S. -^.).— ThC diSCaSC known as ''rotten feather" is one of the most troublesome to the fincier. It is more frequent in biyh-brcd birds than in the stronger ;ind more common varieties. It appears to depend on imperfect formation of the feathers. Beyond placing the bird in those circumstances which tend to promote its vigour, we know of no prevention, nor have we ever met y\\\h any one who has. Rotten-feathered birds will breed tieely, and throw sound-feathered young ones. Kids (i\'. iV'.).— Advertise thorn as being for sale, describing tlitm and stating price. April 22, 1S63. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUKE AND COTTAGE QAEDENEB. 59 WEEKLY CALENDAR. °^^ "o7 M'nth Week. 22 To 2S W 24 Th 25 F 26 S 27 ScH 28 M APRIL 22—28. 1862. Easter Tuksday. Sun's declin. li** 32' n. Cineraria amelloides. [1843. St. Mark. Priki^ush Alick born, Dvytintlra tcnuifolia. 1st, or Low Scnday. liopogon formosum. 'Weatheb NSAS LOXSOH IH ISGl. 1 Barometer. Thermom. Wind. Rain in IncheH. depr. (left. 29.887-29.772 56-89 N. •01 29.S.M-29.813 55-2i N. •08 29.919— 21I.9S2 64-40 N.W. •01 30.0U1-29.981 60-30 N.W. — 30.U3-30.029 62-32 N.W. •03 30.111-30.014 38-22 E. •54 : 30.090-30.004 54-26 N.W. 1 Snn Rises. 50 48 46 44 42 ! 40 !af 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Sun Sets. Moon Rises Moon'f and Sets Age. m. 8 29 47 4 22 41 sets 2 2 3 24 25 Clock after Sun. Day of Year. 112 113 114 lU 116 117 118 Mf.teoeoloot of the Wef.e.— At Chiswiok, from observations during the List thirty-five years, the average highest and lowest temperatures of these diiys are tiS.o' and 30.c» respectively. The greatest heat. sr. occurred on the 2Sth in 1840, and 4th, 1833 ; and the lowest cold, 18% on the 24th in 1854. During the period 137 days were fine, and on 108 rain fell. THE CAMELLIA AND ITS CULTURE.— No. .5. OLSTURE. — Dr. Lindley, in "The Theory and Prac- tice of Horti- culture," most emphatically ob- serves tliat plants should never liave more moisture than their system can consume. This is certainly an axiom accepted and practised by all who deserve the name of cul- tivators ; and an infringement of its due observ- ance is fatal in its consequences in proportion to the respective capabilities of the multitudinous race of Flora of withstandint;, or succumbing, under a given amount of fatigue. Plants with small wiry roots, such as the Cape Heaths, cannot endure fatigue with impunity ; while the Camellia, and many other subjects of like nature, are not materially injured by a moderate amount of excess either way. Such excesses, however, on the part of the cultivator had better not become systematical. The parties in charge must not be " habit and repute " in the abuse of their subjects, else the latter will soon have to undergo hospital treatment — by no means a happy condition for the plants themselves, and an eye- sore to every onlooker, not to speak of the mental dis- quietude experienced by the unfortunate cultivator. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary that one should have in their mind's eye the axiom, " Plants should never have more moisture than they can consume ;" and it might be added, they should always have a supply according to their needs. There is one period in the annual history of the Camel- lia which deserves to be i-ecorded as the most critical. More failures occur at that particular period than any other throughout the season, judging, at all events, from my own not unattentive observations. Scores of people complain of buds dropping from November to January — in other words, from the time that the buds are properly formed — that is, almost full-sized, until the time they are expected to expand. With impunity, aye, and even with the best results, especially to shy-blooming varieties, you may allow the plants to get what is technically termed bone dry at the root, on a long summer day, when the young wood is pretty well consolidated, and flower-buds expected to be in the course of formation ; when such treatment, during the short days of winter, would bring them down like a shower of hail (if the plants were large enough) about your ears. No. 56.— Vol. JII , New Sebiis. A moderate state of moistness at the root, and a moderate state of humidity in the atmosphere during the period in question, is what should be aimed at. In fact, to speak in medical language, they should be "kept quiet." How often does one see, especially among the uninitiated, who fire away without ever look- ing at the thermometer, an almost parched atmosphere occasioned by strong artificial heat, necessitated in turn, in some degree, by probably 20° or more of frost out of doors. Let the plants be ever so well watered at the root, if the atmosphere remain a couple of days (wo speak safely) in such-like predicament, the buds, without inquiring into the physiological cause, will drop off in dozens. The work of a season is mis-spent, and the only satisfaction obtained, if the unsuccessful party is inclined to ferret out the cause, is the seeing his or her case replied to in the answers to correspondents. It is almost unnecessary to be more emphatic on this point, but we again reiterate that a strong, dry temperature at that dull season is about the best means possible for getting rid of the flower-buds. Again : one other fertile source of mischief in connec- tion with moisture, especially to plants that have been liberally repotted the same season, and also to plants that have been planted out into conservatory, or other borders, even though they have been growing there for a series of seasons, is an excess of moisture which the plants by their roots cannot absorb and digest. Hence follow the decomposition and death of the rootlets which the growing season has engendered ; and next, as a matter of cou.rse, follows the sluggishness of the con- tinuity of the sap, which at this more than any other season gives the system of the plants such a shock of paralysis, so to speak, that they quickly relieve them- selves of their buds, and all the while without much ap- parent debility of the plant itself, as exemplified by its foliage. We happen to know a case in point where a border was thoroughly renovated early in the spring, and the plants luxuriating in the fresh compost to the satis- faction and delight of all concerned who saw them. Buds were formed in thousands, and doing well up to that critical period. The chief of the establishment who expected great things of them, was chagrined beyond measure to see the buds dropping. On giving some of the large plants a shake the buds came down like a shower of Lammas Pears from a heavy-cropped tree in the month of September. On investigating the cause it was found to be an excess of moisture at the roots, and what aggra- vated the case much more, an incautious and injudicious appliance of manure water at a time when it was not needed. No extra stimulant should be given to these plants until the pot is crammed full of roots. Weak applications once a-month at that time will assist the vigour of the plant, and, consequently, add strength and stability to the blooms when expanded. Camellias are by no means gross feeders at the root, and although it is necessarv to furnish a proper ingre- dient for the roots to revel In, as has been suggested and disposed of in former chapters, their success as flowering No. 7oe.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Series. 60 JOOBNAL OF HOETICULTXJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 22, 1862. plants 18 probably more attributable to strong heat in the growing season, and an atmosphere charged with humidity in proportion to the state of tho temperature. It is wisdom in my ■opinion to shut up the house or houses they are growing in early in the afternoon, and deluge the atmosphere with humidity by means of fi-eely plying the sjringe, giving the plants a thorough good batli ; while I am sceptical as to the practice of resorting ta syringing overhead in the morning, which I have, indeed, abandoned. In the former ca»e experieiice teaches that if ;the temperature be higli, probably 80° for an hour, falling, we shall say, to a minimum of 55" during night, and the plants in proper liealth, their systems will greedily absorb the greater portion of extreme humidity which the houses contain. Their bending and flaccid shootlets caused by the extraordinary call upon their vital energies during a hot day's sunshine, will betake them- selves to an erect position, and theu" whole system will be re- invigorated ; whereas, if their thirst is not properly quenched, there is not, and cannot be, the same amount of success. On the other hand, it is malpractice to ply the syringe overhead in the morning when the plants by their leaves are evaporating instead of absorbing moisture, and one only defeats the end they have in view by following up such-like method. The careful observer who may not have the slightest smack of veget- able physiology, knows well that where drops, or blotches as they turn out to be afterwards, of moisture remain on the leaves during the day, and perchance the direct rays of the meridian sun come iu contact therewith, it is certain destruction not only to the epidermis on the upper surface, but to the entire ]iart of the leaf or leaves so exposed. In fact they are so susceptible of injury while making their young wood even under the best treat- jnent that they require at that period more especially, quite as close shading as a house of Orchids. The successful cultivator has, however, occasionally to resort to what might bo called negative means to bring about uniform fortuitous resuUs. The constitutions of the dill'frent varieties of the same species often require shght modifications of the usual routine. The truth is that practical gardeners ought to know, ind very often do know quite as much about the system of the -plant as the doctor about the system of his patient. That is why I argue tliat gardening is quite as much entitled to be called a aeienco as doctoring. Those high-up iu dealing with the matter in a scientific point of view, botanical and physiological, set it down as such simpliciler ; but looking upon us low down and our humble capacity, are slow to elevate our practice and the method we have in going about it above an art. It does not require a very lengthened ex|jcrience to see that a Black Hamburgh "\'iue and Canon Hall Muscat will not set fruit equally well under similar circumstances. The former will scarcely refuse to set in a house kept considerably above the ordinary degree of moislness ; while the latter, speaking in general terms, will scarcely fructify to the cultivator's mind in a very dry house where we would suppose the pollen would of its own accord scatter like dust in a hot summer day. Again, take another example at a diflerent stage of maturity — one of the most delicious Grapes in cultivation, possessing a vigorous habit, a strong tendency to fruit freely, a handsome bunch, and large individual berry, immediately it begins to change colour, if there is anything like moisture iu the house, looking at the interpretation of the term in the gardener's mind, almost every berry will crack, and bunches become unsightly and unfit to be placed upon any nobleman's or gentleman's table ; while most other Grapes, in like circumstances, are unaffected in this respect and may be all that can be desired as examples of cultivation. I need scarcely say I refer to Cbasselas llusque. One might mul- tiply instai}ces of this description like anomalies ad injinitum. I was only endeavouring to fortify Flora's position in referring to compeer examples of Pomona. All these w.iyward subjects such as Mathotiana, Mrs. Abby Wilder, Regea, Centifolia alba, Rubini, and some others,. must receive somewhat diverse treat- ment from the general stock in order to induce formation of llowor-buds. As soon as the cultivator finds the wood pretty well elongated, and the leaves assuming somewhat their natural size, it is judicious to withhold moisture both in the atmosphere and at the root, or they will form httle else but wood-buds. A very good proof of the wisdom of this practice is to be observed in tiowcr-buds forming iu scanty numbers ; they only appear on the weakest shoots of plants treated after the usual method, which is a tolerably patent proof that such-like varieties elect to grow wood-buds in preference to flower-buds, and, therefore, jjhow good-enough cause why they ought to be subjected to a low diet. Indeed it is not a bad plan to allow the whole planta- tion of them at this period to remain on the dry order for two or three weeks. Any one may do so without the slightest compunc- tion, taking care once the buds are properly formed to see that the balls are uniformly moistened. Liquid manure water, guano water, and nitrate of soda diluted have each their supporters, and I am in no wise inclined to be churlish with other people for adopting them ; but I may state that unless to large -plants that have been growing in from 12-inch pots to .30-inch tubs, and have remained in such for two or three years, we have never applied such stimulants with very good effect. If the physical condition of the soil be such as we have endeavoured to press upon the reader, the drainage perfect, the resting, growing, and checking of the plants nil attended to at the proper time, there is little, very Uttle to fear in the shape of abundance and quality of bloom, which is the great desideratum. Remember that I do not wage a war of exter- mination against stimulants. By no means. If plants remain in small pots quite full of roots, then stimulants must be applied to keep up the system. I only contend for a moderate supply of pot-room so long as the plants are small or medium-sized and in portable-sized pots in preference to a small modicum of soil support, and an absolute necessity for liquid appliances. The Camellia is a plant, which if allowed to become filthy — that is, if its leaves are not syringed and occasionally sponged like a child's head in the same predicament, is liable to vermin. The brown scale is its worst enemy, and may occasionally be found in well-managed collections. Such collections, of course, are always adding to their stock, and although these incomers are subjected to a rigorous process of ocular investigation there may be larvpe of that insect on some of the plants. It is very easily kept down by periodical washings of Gishurst Compound, or even soft soap. A couple of ounces to the gallon make a capital safe ingredient of either of them, and plants so affected washed three times in so many weeks will be perfectly clean. Some of your readers know the Scotch maxim, " a steek in time saves nine," which is probably not so offensive to the generality of your readers as the very expressive One quoted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget speech as to require interpreta- tion. A few minutes' attention to keeping down vermin infest- ing plants at the proper time may save days of labour and anxiety months afterwards. — Jas. Andeksok, Meadoto Bank, Uddingstone. A YARN OUT OF A WEE PICKLE TOW. I n.u) a private Utter the other day from a first-rate grower of plants, a good practical botanist, and a great reader. What he chiefly wanted to know was, how to set about writing his notions for publications, knowing that his secret was as sure as the name of his lady love in my keeping. There may be a thousand like him at this moment, wishing to be useful to others, and at the same time improving themselves, and probably laying the surest foundation for future fame and fortune : therefore, it struck me that by merely begging your pardon for another broom-handle article so soon, at such a busy season, I could just tell the thousand what I had written to him, and show him and them, at the same time, how to begin, and how to find a ready-made subject to write about, at any season of the year, by merely writing a review of the last Number of this Journal ; and as it comes in weekly, a man need never be at a loss for a subject to write about, or make a broom-handle article, while so much is before him to choose from. I wrote as follows : — His first plan should be to write under a different name ; to keep a copy of your mnnuscript, and to compare it with the printed article; to avoid mannerism as ho would the evil spirit — that is, not to write tivo articles just alike in words and sen- tences, for fear of getting into one style, or one manner of writing only ; to write exactly as if he were writing to private friends of very different dispositions, which, as he meant to please them all, would compel him to a change of style, and keep him from all ideas of nervousness, which is entirely ruinous to young writers. That exercise would soon show him if he wanted or where he wanted touching up, and no one coidd be the wiser. Then, to begin a review of the last Number of this Journal, as an example to young beginners I must do as usual — keep to fair argument and straightforward criticism, and neither spare myself nor blame others if I can at all help it. The first article is on Cxclambks, by "J. A. P.," a gentleman who has shown more practical knowledge of the Italian species April 22, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTURR AND COTTAGE GARDENER. (jl than all the botanical authovs who wrote about them for tho last sixty years, save Tenore iilonc. His is llie best and most reliable aocount of vermnu and europreum in all our books, and no doubt but be is as well at hotno on the Cyclamens of Naples and central Italy, and on tbc Cabibrian sjjec^es, the true Ivy- leaved kind. One of the most singular ooineidenoos I ever met witli, is the exact form of tale and language by " J. A. P.," and the descriptions that were given to me of his Swiss and Italian rambles by Mr. Atkins himself, the great cross-breeder of the family. But no gardener or botanist, as far as I know, was aware till this season tliat tho Cyclamens assumed such dlU'iTont forms in the wild state ; and no author, excopt Sweet, had ever noticed the spur, and he knew it only on vernum. My vernum was in ill health for five years before I had it : the first time it flowered with me was in March, and the llowci's then and tho following year were much deeper in colour than they have been since they took to flowering at the end of October. Tlie reason why my vernum (lowers so early is, that it is planted out in a pit, wbcre it has been kept warmer and moi-o confined in order to bring it round from a long course of illness. I was not aware that I was wrong on tlio family crest — that spm', till early this season, when I i*eceived a true curopaMim witli tho crest on, from the gentleman wlio dug it up twelve miles beyond Genoa. Ignorance is never a fuuU, only a misfortune, and my misfortune in this heraldry is now its own reward ; and we ai'C, certainly, all of us much indebted to " J. A. P." for his very lucid and practical account of the family. lie also confirms the view which this Journal has lield from tiie boginning, on the system of drying these half-bulb sort of roots. It is tho liard drying which keeps them down so much, as, if they were not ao dried, no one would ever see the end of one of tliem. Any kind of Cyclamen would see out two generations at least, if people would cease from roasting tbem alive, as the practice is in many places. The reason why I take vernum to be a cr083-seedling is, that no one has ever yet assigned it a native locality. I look upon eibiricum in the same light as vernum, another cross without a home. Mr. Atkins has changed our old notions of species in this family so completely, that unless we are sure and certain to the contrary, any new or old addition that may be made to this section of Cyclamens may safely be referred to intermixtures from foreign pollen. True rernums and true sibiricums might very pro- bably be now picked out of seedlings of Atkinsii in tlie Welling- ton Road Nursery, where this race varies as much as Calceolarias. The fact that a plant will come true from seeds is not the least con- firmation of its being a distinct species, for the merest accidental garden variety often does the lik", even among annual plants. What we were all so much in ignorance about was the extreme range of the variation the leaves of Cyclamens assumed in ditTrent lecalities. None but those of neaiiolitanum wei'e hitherto known in cultivation to vary much ; but now we know, thanks to " J. A. P.," that curopiTum varies even more than we know of in ueapolitanum ; and no doubt the vernum, on travelling as far north as Naples, assumes forms of leaf very different from what is or may be seen in the middle and extreme point of Calabria; and it may also prefer a lower elevation at the nortliern limits, and possibly to come near enough to the coast as to warrant the name littorale to one of the forms of it there ; or a fresh-water botanist might bo excused for calling some form of europieum by that name, if lie found it near the Lake of Corao — littorale moaning a shore plant. The Cyclamen figured by Dr. Sibthorp in his " Flora Grieon," looks very much like Mr. Holland's evergreen Cyclamen, as far as I recollect, and now there can be no doubt about that being one of the forms of europoeum. It has the exact fragrance of the best known variety of curopfcum. The next article in the last Number is my own ou the Azalea Show, and I ought to be pulled over the coals for writing it so carelessly. Here, then, is a le.sson for young writers. Look here, *'eritics who must take their ideas from assemblag'^s of flowering plants at London shows, because they can see no others, are sure guides to direct in the way of selections." They cannot possibly be any such thing, but "they cannot help it :" therefore what I ought to have said was that they " are not sure guides." Then there is Dr. Martins, the great demonstrator of Brazilian botany, down as Dr. Jlartens. And what is the use of hammering at all if you are liitting the wrong nail once in seven times, as I did there with two most beautiful variegated plants which I meant to praise ekyhigh, and yet never even toUl they were as much as variegated ? " There was a fine specimen of Hymenocallia fulva in two collec- tions, that of Mr. .Salter, and in one of Messrs. Smith's groups." Ilemerocallis fulva — wliy, that is the common shrabhery border yellowish flower calWi i),iy Lily. Of cour.-o it is; hut in my notes there was a high-sounding name to one of tho plants which put me out so as to forjet myself, and what I was going to say. Botli were most beautiful specimens of tho finest hardy- variegated plant there, after Symphytum asjierrimum variegatum. If this Hemerocallis (not calis as one had it) keeps as slick and slim OS both were that day all through the summer, no one can liammer the plant too much on the nail. The third article is on florists' flowers, a review of itself ; and the only thing I could touch up in it with a clear conscience is Sir. William i?aul's new II. P. Rose, (he Beauty of Waltham, a splendid grower. I saw tho plant last autumn at the Floral Committee, and I should say it boats both its parents, the Mar- gottin Rose and the General Jacqueminot. I was al-'O pleased to read that the author and tlie writer came so near as a toucher ou the merits of the new Auricula Mrs. Eyles, so you see I can do a little of lloristry in a quiet w.ay. Then as to the new Ver- benas from Oulton Park, they are sure to be right ; for Mr.. Wills was a contributor to the Experimental Garden. The burning of the Vines in tho next article was a sad misfortune, for which we must all sympathise. In such anotiier case, or one hko it by frost, the plants should not bo cut until new shoots are made, and then to bo cut hack to a promising shoot. I pass the next two articles and come to "Ceraslium Eieber- steiuii," and I think it is at Kew, and that I had a hunt after it there last spring, and, if so, there was then only one plant of it; but we must not rest till we get to the bottom of it, and many thanks to " NiCKERBOR " for the contribution. " Packing Cut Flowers " is the next article, and I can vouch for it being one of the very best plans, for it is identical with that I saw at Stafford House by Mr. Fleming, of Trentham ; and if I had not had a regular go-in the boxes and my packers in routine on that p'an, I should certainly have taken to the crossed strings just as " P." put them down in that box. The Vines eaten by mice in the next article was another sad loss, and the "Caution" is good. There is another way of getting rid of them, and of rats, cats, and dogs. Take a piece of liver, out it in the form of dice into small bits ; prick one side of the dice, and inoculate the slit with a drop of strychnine ; and fur a rat take the inoculated bit on the point of a skewer, dip it in the frying pan after something good, and cast off the bit in the run of the rats with the point of a knife, so that the rat may not smell a foe, and the thing takes like a fly-hook after a r-ainy day ; and either of the anima's will take to his heels im- mediately for his home as fast and as far as they will ca-ry him, but down he goes ere he reaches the place, unless it is nigh at hand. It is always gratifying to hear of such confidence and such a rise in a fellow-labourer as is recorded of Mr. .Spencer in the next chapter ; and in the next it is not a*^ all surprising to see Mr. Beaton saddled wi'li the crupper the wrong way. He deserves it all ; for if lie never spoke of Miller's Pink Horseshoe Geranium, he did of his crimson; and what is the difTereuce? For if the plant was in "extinction" itso'.f, who ought to bear the blame more mildly than he ? Orchid-pods come next ; but, O Teacher ! you never told us how you did it— how you crossed, or how you sowed or reaped the goodly harvest I ofien registered in your name and mine; but I have been at it and know all about it, yet even now I hesitate to take the cheese off another man's crust, and shall only say my plan is the second best. Get tho seed-pod of an Orchid emptied on a piece of smooth paper, the seeds being as small as the dust in the sunbeam. Take a very clean No. 32-pot, and put a No. 60-pot upside down over tha hole at the bottom, and put a piece 2 inches square of ragged turf of fibry peat over the hole of No. 60. Then take four pieces of rough cracked char- coal 3 it.ches or 4 inches long, and half (hat in width and thick- ness, place them on their ends against the sides of the big pot at equal distances, put your finger on the bottom hole outside, and fill the pot with water, hoiding (ho pot in the left hand. Now sow the seeds on the water, and breathe agiinst it till tho whole surface is equally dusted. Then begin to let oil' the wate from under your finger by the bottom liole very, very gradually As the water subsides in 'the pot the seeds will stick to the sides of the pots, the peat, and the charcoal, just like so much of a tide-mark. When the water is all ofl' place the pot in a saucer of water with an inch deep of water in it, and hold it to that jorraNAL or horticultuee and cottage gardener. [ April 22, 1862. point till your seedlings are safely on the wing, put two twigs across the mouth of the pot, and put a square of glass over the twigs, so as to hare a space for air all round the thickness of the twigs. Put the pot where it will not get more dry at the sirles than it is now, and where the heat is at Calcutta point, and if ninety-nine out of every hundred of the seeds will not vegetate and tliat very soon, why, the pollen has not given them tha germ of life. I brought a thousand Orchids into this world just that way ; hut, truth to say, they all of them found tlie means of getting out of the world by a route I never could fathom. So, as I have just said, my plan is only second best after all. And then we have " A few Days in Ireland, No. 20," and it is always twenty to one if ever you can catch that man tui-ning a corner. He will be an Irisliman as sure as Paddy O'Keardan before it is all done, or el^e he wants to get all the goodness out of them for this side of the channel and make them believe all the time his aim is just the other way. But I should like to have seen some of the sights ! Captain Whitty, however, from the in- spection of prisons in Dublin, called ou me last week, and told me all the Irish news in a lump, and the best part of the whole story was the continued success of his good lady with the Wal- tonian Case ; and if Mr. Fish knows a gardener in all Ireland who would venture a risk of propagation against that lady and the Waltonian, I should like the name to book for the Derby. Then another first-rate article on " Florists' Flowers " succeeds. I always thought there was a wheel within a wheel in managing Carnations, and there tliey are sure enough, no less than five of them besides the guard wheel, and now I cau see what I could not for a length of time — the real and substantial difference between a Carn&tion and a Pink of the present fashion. I re- collect mistaking the one for the other seven years back, at a sliowin tlie Regent's Park. So one can live and learn to the last. Then tliose beautiful architectural terraces and balustrades and pyramidal Scarlet Geraniums. How exquisitely beautifully they have been delineated ! Tliat is the place and style for Nose- gays, and the right school for young artists. But how they make one's teeth to water from the reading of Mr. Fortune's' run to Yeddo and back again before the arrival of the ambassadors from the Emperor of Jnparj, in the accounts from Mr. Standish's nurseries at Bagshot. But have you seen Prunus trilobus from a former trip, by Mr. Fortune ? if not, it is the prettiest thing you ever saw. Just like a true cross between two puik Pompons — say Madame Rousselou on the one part, and the best pink you know on the other part, and the flowers of that Prunus are better stUl, and come with the leaves early enough without forcing. And did you book that beautiful new " summer bed- ding plant," from the " Botanical Magazine," I mean that very rich crimson orange composite called Clomenocoma montana ? We must have it out and see to it. Nothing in that way should ever slip between the fingers for want of trying. Then the " Weather," just such as it is, and then to end in wool, flax, and cork, is nothing more than another form of hot- beds, with blankets, sheets, and cork bottoms ; but the tilings tell as well in the newer style, and some of you ought to try them certainly, and some may wish I was there too, but how could I, seeing I had a thousand young ideas on my hands, and had to demonstrate how easy a thing it is to spin a yarn out of " A wee pickle tow ?" D. Beaton. DISA GBANDIFLOEA. In the answers to correspondents in the last Journal there is a mistake as to the seeding of this plant, which I would take this opportunity of correcting. It has seeded under Mr. Eyles' care ; and he told me the other day at South Kensington that lie had a number of seedling plants, besides about sixty which he had made out of (he plant presented by Mr. Leach to the Royal Horticultural Society ; in fact, there is no plant that I know that is likely to become more generally grown after a few years than it is, provided people attend to the very plain rides laid down by Mr. Leach for its culture. But what is one to say when people arc so wrongheaded as they will be at times ? I was some time since showing to a very eminent plantsman the beautiful drawing of it made by Mr. Andrews for the Floral Magazine, when he said, "Ah! By-the-by I don't believe all that is said about that plant being easy to grow." " Don't you ?" was my reply; "have you got it?" "Yes — two little weakly plants." Tlie plants were brought, and poor enough tliey looked. "What was your treatment?" "Oh, I have kept them tolerably dry during the winter in the stove." All I coidd say was, "I wonder you have them at all." Had be kept them in a cool house from which the frost was excluded, and stand- ing in water, he would have had nice healthy plants by this time. A short time ago I was again the guest of my friend Mr. Leach, and saw all his plants in their fullest vigour. They had been kept moist, and were throwing up offsets in all du'ections ; while the main stems were stout and saucy-looking, as if they intended to bear a large head of bloom. One pot he had kept in an intermediate-house all the winter, but it was not in as good condition as the others, and not a bit more forward, clearly showing that the cool house is the proper place for them. I have kept the small plant which Mr. Leach so kindly gave me in a pot standing in a saucer of water, and it is growing away fast. There is one peculiarity about it which I do not remember to have seen noticed. Just at the base of the main stem there is now a small shoot or offset, which remains very much the same size for some considerable time ; but when the main stem begins to decay this offset begins to increase, and when the head of the family has done its work this one is ready to take its place. The bump of philoprogenitiveness is very strongly developed in Disa, for no sooner is an offset potted ofi' and started for growth, than it begins to increase afso. And as ere long Mr. Eyles' plants will he distributed amongst the Fellows I presume, and Mr. Veitch must be getting into a stock of it from those he obtained from Mr. Leach, it will ere long be generally grown ; and notwithstanding the sneer with which tlie idea was received by a classical contemporary — that it would some day be seen growing out of doors, on the margin of pools, &o., I have san- guine hopes of seeing it ere many years realised. — D., Deal. MANETTI STOCK AND MANETTI EOSES. I HAVE no desire that my name should ever appear in print, or that my rosery or Roses should ever be mentioned, except for public instruction. I sign my name at full length for one only reason — viz., that the public may have the opportunity of seeing the truth of what I say. I have no iireddections or pi'e- judices whatever — they are beneath an educated mind. No man can be called prejudiced that bends to liis cireumstances, whether those circumstances relate to fortune, locality, or soil. I can truly say that I never had, in any article that I have written, any other object than the public good. I have no secrets ; and I beUeve that " the liberal deviseth liberal things, and that by liberal things he shall stand." I was amused and gratified by a letter that I received some years ago from a gardener, living with a lady of title in the Isle of Wight, who paid me the great compliment of saying, " I wish all people were like you, who tell us what will do us good. People are got so selfish, that if they know anything (say about Cinerarias) that will do us good, they will only tell us enough to do mischief" Let me endeavour to wipe off this foul blot from tlie escutcheon of florists, and say a few things relating to Manetti and Manetti Roses, which may do good. I must always suppose that this is admitted — that unless people mean to cultivate Roses in " earnest," they had better, for "satisfaction," have nothing to do with them, es- pecially if Nature is not likely to supply that which Art refuses. 1. The Introduction of the Manetti Stock. — This stock was sent many years ago to Mr. Rivers in a parcel directed to Messrs. Longmans & Co. It was a solitary stalk. " How great a matter does a little fire kindle ! " Mr. Rivers has made a fortune out of it. Mr. Cranston says he cannot propagate it fast enough to supply his customers, who prefer it ; and I sup- pose that Mr. Francis has done himself some good by it. I do not propose here to praise this stock, or prefer it above others. My predilections for it are well known, and arise from my soil. To the question often proposed to me, " Which is the best stock for me ? " I cau return no answer, till I know the circumstances of the querist. Till these are known, the question to me is like the mouths of the Ganges, " lost in marshes ! " I propose, in the following observations, simply to give a few hints as to the management of Manetti Roses. I know how the stock should be raised, how propagation by ingrafting should be done, how it should be planted for budding; but, as I learnt these from the "trade," I should not think it right, without asking permission, to inform the readers of this article. I bud but very few Manetti stocks myself. One thing is certain, that the stock cannot be budded well without going down "all fours." I buy AprU 23, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOfiTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 63 Manetti Eoaes and bud Briara because I do not like going down " nil fours." 2. Suil. — Manetti Roses will grow and bloom well in any soil — sand, chalk, or clay. They grow more rank in stiff soil than in any otlier. Tliis is the objection to them ; but, they have this advantage — viz., that tliey will do well in soil where it would not be expedient to grow Briar Roses. 3. Planting. — This is always the basis of successful arboricul- ture. If the land is stifl', cold, and wet, when you receive the plants, you will gain by planting tliem in clumps as tied up, and putting them out at the spring. If tlie soil is healthy, they may be planted at once. Those that are budded high — say 8 inches, should not be planted to the full depth, but 4 inches, and earthed- up the other 6 inches — that is, 2 inches over the collar, like Potatoes. The stock may be exposed in winter, but it should never be exposed in summer. The greater part of mine wlicu first received were budded too high ; but, being thus planted, have always done well. I tie all my plants to a stick ; the small ones are tied to a spar. They sliould not be cut when planted. Budders are now beginning to bud lower— close upon the roots. These may be planted on the " flat." 4. Seplanthig. — When Manetti Roses run to bluid wood, they should be either root-pruned or removed. Auguste Mie is given to this : hence I cut but little wood, even useless wood, out of it. ^yhere ground is strong and first-class, annual re- moval and root-pruning " may " be advantageous. As I have no such ground, I cannot give a certain opinion. It is a rule with me, wlieu a plant does well to leave it alone. Manetti Roses may be removed with cai"e, without injury, when in foliage and bud. Two out of the treble AngleteiTes, cut for Kensington in September, were cut fi'om two-year-old stout plants, removed cfrom the upper to the lower part of my garden with their balls of earth on, and kept watered as to foliage for a day or two. This removal took place in the beginning of August. The blooms were fine, some of them being over 4 inches in diameter. I removed some plants of Manetti Roses (31), from Blandford hei-e on the 24th of May, last year. They had their foliage on. The plants had suflered from the winter, but they became fine plants by the latter part of the year, and one (Cambac^res), threw up for Blandford Exhibition as fine a bloom and truss as I ever saw. I gave Id, each for the plants. They were all shielded after planting from the sun. They soon " took," all did well, and all look well now. 5. Manuring. — The ground should be well trenched and ma- nured before planted ; and, as the trees bear, so should thoy be manured. Feeding cattle and feeding trees are both matters of "judgment." Half-inch bones ; new maiden earth ; black highly- decayed manure, made from horses and pigs ; nitro-phosphate j guano ; liquid manure ; wood-ashes ; occasionally a little salt ; soot ; and strong-beer grounds are what I use. This latter I put on for gala days, when the bloom is nearly full for expansion. It must be greatly diluted by about nine times the quantity of water. My twenty-four trebles at Kensington in September had had a potation of this. I use also, besides the above, stale twenty-jears-old " humanioribus," which looks like Hardham's thirty-seven snuif. 6. Watering. — We have lately needed but little advice on this subject. For the last two years it has rained like the Atlantic Ocean coming through a sieve. Manetti Eoses do not want so much watering as Briar Roses; but, when they are watered, sufficient shoidd be put on to touch all the points of the roots. This, with many hundreds of Roses in a torrid summer, is a serious affair. 1 plant the Koses in trenches with all their roots one way, so as to know where to place the water with more economy. Manetti roots, however, run on all sides. 7. Suckers. — These should be cut off close to the stock when- ever they appear. I am never, except in the case of weak pot plants, ever troubled with them, owing to careful planting in the first place. Briar Roses, summer and autumnal, as well as Briar stocks, are very troublesome ; in strong ground, no doubt, less of these will appear. I would advise Manetti Rose-planters, when they plant the Rose in light soil, to tread the ground very firm on the radicles of the roots and close up to the stock : the exclusion of air would stop suckers, which, it is possible, in very light land might prevail till the tree has completed an adequate volume of wood. 8. Plants Cut Hard hy Winter. — When this occurs, or when you cut down a bush to the stumps, you must be careful, when you cut into the quick, to seal with Robinson's liquid glue, rub- bing on also a little dirt. I also use a cerate made of oil, soap, beeswax, and Burgundy pitch, or cobbler's wax. As the ground is usually, after a wet winter, very cold, in order to quicken the roots I move the ground with Parkes' fork deeply in the baulks on which the plants stand, and also between the rows where I walk. That has been done to-day (April 8th), to supply health to the ground which this wet March has denied to me. I never knew ground more unhealthy. The plants are very healthy. 9. Mildews. — There are three kinds of mildew — white, orange, and black — which alfeet Roses. If you should overlook any of them till the foliage is hopelessly spoilt, take up the plant and shake it out, and put it back again. This will stop for awliile the flow of sap, which, having no lungs to go to, will be confined to the wood, and spoil it for next year. Ilighly-mildcwed trees, unless their wood is ripe previously, have a salmon mark in the pith of the wood, and cut soft as a Turnip at the ensuing spring. It cannot be denied that Manetti Roses, as a class, are more subject to white mildew than Briar Roses, and that the higher you cultivate the more you will be subject to it. This arises from the succulence and quick growth of Manetti plants, and also of very highly cultivated Briar Roses. I tried last year with complete success, after sulphur failures, 2 ozs. of pounded vitriol dissolved in a stable-bucket of water, and poured from a watering-pot with a fine spout over the foliage. The trees are perfectly healthy now. 'The plants were some on Briars and some on Manetti. When foUage is very young and tender in the spring a weaker solution would be advisable. I have only tried it on hard-leaved plants. Sulphur is not a sure remedy. I cannot conclude without dispelUng a few errors as regards my soil and situation. My home garden is exposed to the furious assaults of the south-west wind, which has just knocked down 39 feet of my garden wall in defiance of two buttresses. The land in this garden is dry brown land wanting in aluminum. My other garden faces the north-east, and is dry black soil mingled with and resting upon gravel. This also wants alu- minum. It is the better soil of the two, and the British Queen revels in it. Still Mr. Worthington, when here, observed, this soil is too deficient in clay for Roses. In winter the situation is vei'y severe. No doubt some of the Manetti Roses have Rose roots ; but I have examined two trees — a ten-year-old fine Duchess of Norfolk, and a four-year-old Inermis, and they have no other roots than the Manetti. I hope and believe that my Eoses will tell their own tale on the 11th of June at Kensington. High cultivation, universal attention, and a knowledge of the peculiar habits of each Rose plant, are the keys of success. I beUeve that I could grow them on the tops of the hills equally well.— W. F. EABCLrFFE. INTEKIOE AEEANGEMENT OF A GEEENHOUSE. I ha'It: a greenhouse erecting, span-roofed, against a south wall, 19 feet by 10 feet, 7 feet to the spring of the roof, and 10 feet 7 inches from the ground to the ridge. Will you advise how to plan it inside for plants and fruit trees, so as to make most use of the room and the blank wall against which the house stands ?— H. A. W., Plnfleld. [For making the most of such a span-house we would have a tree or two against the end of the house, a walk in the middle, and a border on each side for plants. In the case of a lean-to, facing the south, we woidd cover the north wall with fruit trees, have a walk a couple of feet from it, and a border in front either for plants in pots or turned out, and to be root-pruned when required. You could do little with the end or back of the house in either of these cases if you had a stand, and if you had you would have more trouble with fruit trees and Roses. Yom- house would, however, be properly a fruit-house instead of a greenhouse.] The BiEMiNGHAM AND MIDLAND RoSE SHOW. — The Com- mittee mot on the 3rd inst., in the Committee-room of the Town Hall. The first business was to fix the time for holding the meeting. Tuesday and Wednesday, the 1st and 2nd July, were the days determined upon after some discussion, being as near as possible midway between the show of the Royal Horticultural Society, and the one at the Crystal Palace. The prize list was next considered, the premiums it was finally determined to offer amounting to f 81 10s. The schedule, together with the regula- tions for the display both of Roses and of horticultural imple- 61 JOITRNAI; OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 22, 1862. mente and garden ornomente, will be issued in a short time. The project is exciting great interest, and will, there is every reason to anticipate, prove a decided succesp. BOBONIA SEH-EULATA CULTUEE. I SITALI, feel obliged by your acquainting your readers and myself with the secret of the management of Boronia serrulata. My gardener eannnt keep it alive, and I have heard the same complaint from others. Ti. is intrinsically a very pretty flower, but to me it has pcculisr cliarms, because it is common all roiind a city wliere I spent many years of my life — Sydney. It is called by Australians "the Native Rose," and about Christmas time, when if is abundant in the Bush, great quan- tities are gathered f^r o>namen(al purposes. Its strong and peculiar odour perfitraes Die whole house. — Austealian. [You do not say on.^ word too much in favour of this pecu- liarly-scented plant. I( often fails because we cannot give it the keen sunlight it obtains in its native home in the Bush. It will not, therefore, siniid thr same amount of cold with us in winter as it will do near Sydney, because with nil our care in our drip- ping, cloudy climate we cannot get it both to grow and to ripen its growth as well as it does in its native country, and all plants cultivated in pots require more attention than when growing in the open soil, with all circumstances favourable. Passing everything about propagating, we will just instance a few of the matters necessary for successful culture, merely premising that you liave a small, bushy plant to begin with that ere long will require more pot-room. The first thing, then, with those not having much practice, is to secure a potjui.t a single size larger, perfectly clean, and which if new has been poalced in Water, and dried again before using. Nearly a quarter of such a pot should be filled with drain- age, the larger below, and fine-washed grit on the surface. The compost should be cIiieBy the best fibry peat, and in proportion to the size of the plant and shift. It should consist chiefly of pieces from the size of a Pea to that of small Mazagan Beans. About half the quantity of peat may consist of equal portions of broken charcoal, broken pots, sifted so as to exclude all dust, and the best silver sand. Such a compost even wlien pressed tight will allow the water to pass freely, so that drainage is con- tinued from top to bottom, the least stagnant water being ruin- ous. In the spring of the year, when it is desirable the plants should grow freely, a little dressing of old, sweet cowdung rubbed fine will be acceptable. In finishing potting with such roughish material it is advisable to cover the surface half an inch or so with the finer soil, so as to prevent the air entering too freely and drying up the fibres. In all cases it is advisable not to over-pot. In weak or decaying plants turning the roots care- fully out of the old soil, putting them in compost more sandy than the above, and keeping the plants warm and rather close, are the best means for restoring them. Established plants should bo repotted if they need it, after the bloom is gone, the faded bloom cut back, and the plant pruned back considerably (keeping in mind that the bloom this season is produced on the points of the young wood formed and ripened the previous year). The potting should not take place until fresh growth is taking place — say when the young shoots are an inch or two in length. After nipping the flowers off and pruning, the plant shoxdd stand in nn airy place for eight days, then be removed to a closer and warmer one, be kept there after potting, and only be moved to an opener place, but seldom out of doors, when it is desirable to harden the young shoots — say in the end of July and August. Position and Temperatwe. — Unless then when commencing to grow, and for a .^hort time after potting, the plants must have little or no shading. All the sun, when able to bear it, that the shoots can obtain the better will they stand the dulness and colds of winter. When the shoots are getting long enough, the plant should stand close to the glass in a greenhouse, or in a cold pit, with air front and hack, if necessary, but so as to get the full force of the sun ; and the roots under such circumstances had better be protected by setting the pot inside of a larger one. Such plants will in fin'> days stand a sun heat with air on of from 70° to 80°, and rejoice in it. By the middle of Sei>teraber the plant should be transferred to its winter quarters, where it will get all the sunlight possible and plenty of air, eo long as out of doors it ranges about 40°, and is not too foggy. In December, November, and the first part of January, the plant should only rarely be under 45°, because unless in extraordinary seasons the wood will not be so firm as in Australia. From the middle of January to March the plants may have an increase of 5° and 10° of rise from sun- shine. When in bloom ordinary attention will be sufficient. When done flowering pi-oceed as already detailed to get fresh growth and ripen that growth. Waieriiig must be done carefully, or all the above will be labour thrown away. Properly speaking, the plant should never be very dry nor very wet. The compost and the drainage must guard against the latter, and the pot must be frequently lifted and rapped with the knuckles to make sure the plant is not dry. A watercr who slips his work and keeps the surface moist for an inch or so and allows the ball to get dry in the centre will soon have the plant sickly or dead. On the other hand, with such careful attention as hinted at above there will be a reward for al! the labour. The plant looks best when bushy and grown so as to form nearly three parts of a circle. When fully established and regularly pruned it will stand the knife pretty well. The young shoots if numerous will frequently need thinning. In old plants it is best to nip ofT the old flowers and not cut back much, and then the young growth being short is easier ripened for blooming the following season. Even in young plants a growth "of 3 inches or 4 inches is more easily ripened than a shoot of double the length. The water must be pure and soft — exposed rain water if possible. Manure water should never be given unless a little of a weak and cool nature, such as old cow- dung, just when knotting for bloom, and again when making new wood. — B. Fish.] IDENTIFICATION OP PLANTS. Yoir will greatly oblige A City Merchant^ if in the notice "To Correspondents," in your valuable work you say what the J?o/« iJe rat plant is, from the Island of Bourbon ; also, what is the Yam-pa, which is said to be a root in common use and largely consumed as an article of food by the Snake Indians along the Rocky Mountains ; also, what is the Kooyah, or Tobacco Root, another edible root much used by tlie Indians in the same country ; and what is the Mansonifa, or chocolate-coloured shrub of Fremont's exploring expedition in the Oregon country, which he says is an evergreen about the size of an Apple tree, with bark as smooth as glass, and bearing clusters of berries in the autumn which are edible. [The Sois de rat is so called from the fruit of the shrub being grateful to rats and mice. It is the Myonima obovata of botanists, and the generic name from mys^ a rat, and onemi, to delight, refers to the fact we have stated. Kooyah, or Tobacco Root, as stated by Dr. Hogg in his " Vegetable Kingdom," is the root of Lewisia rediviva, native of the west of the Rocky Mountains, and gathered in great quantities by the ludians,- who value it highly for its nutritive qualities. It is boiled and eaten as arrowi'oot, and is well calculated to be a provision for long journies, 2 ozs. or 3 ozs. being enough for a man even when undergoing great fatigue. It is called Tobacco Root, be- cause it smells like Tobacco when cooked. Of the Yampa and Mamonita we have no account, and shall be obliged by any of our readers sending us relative information. —Ens. J. or H.] CLASSING VINES IN VINEEIES— AMOUNT OF CEOP PEEMISSIBLE. I HAVE three vineries at this place under my care, the Vines planted by my predecessor in the spring of ISfiO, and have made very good wood. The first season I cut them down to the wall- plate, this season I left them one-third of the rafters on account of their strength. They are showing fruit nicely in the first house. How many bunches would you leave on for first crop ? and would you let a bunch remain on the leading shoots, as they are showing very well on them ? They are planted inside of the house and allowed to root out under arches. I am afraid as they are planted they will not answer. In the first house are planted, 2 Golden Haniburghs, 1 Pope's Hamburgh, 1 Bowood Muscat, 1 Charlesworlh Tokay, 1 Muscat Hamburgh, and 1 Black Ham- burgh. Second house — 6 Muscat of Alexandria, 1 Canon Hall, Tliird house— 1 Lady Downe's, 2 West's St. Peter's, 2 Black Barbsrossas, 1 Grizzly Frontignan, 1 Bowood Muscat. I am April 22, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND OOTTAOE GARDBNEE. GS afraid the present arrangement will not answer, and how would you alter them P — B. J., Ireland. [We do not see mucli the matter with the planting. In the first houeo the Muscat might be in the warmest plaee, and would yield Muscats before the second came in. Wo allude to the Bowood. The Muscat Ilamburgh would come in with the other. The second house could not be better; and the third house will hang a long time after the Grapes are ripe. We would limit the bunches to about four to a Vine, if the bunches ni'e fine ; and if enough equally good can be obtained, we would not leave a bunch on the leading shoot. However, if very strong, a bunch will not hurt it much. You might take the double of the above, as we have often done, but never without regretting it afterwards.] CONSTRUCTION OF A GAS-HEATED MELON PIT. A Subscriber inquires whether a Melon-pit would be success- ful if constructed as follows : — 1, A strong ashlar wall, 12 inches thick, all round, such as frost could not penetrate ; 2, The in- side of pit to be level with the ground ; 3, To be 21 feet long, seven lights, at 3 feet each ; 4, Lights to be each 7 feet long ; 5, 5 feet higli at the back, 2 feet 6 inches at front ; 0, A stove in one corner, partitioned-ofF from tlie soil in the pit by brick- work ; 7, A tile pipe to lead from stove across the pit, through the soil, and return to the open air to get rid of vitiated air from stove J 8, Inside this tile pipe (the joints of which not to be hermetically sealed) the pipe from stove to run, thus conducting the heat all round ; 9, Stove-heat to be from gas, giving thus an even steady heat ; 10, A stone path behind the pit to stand on to work the lights. [Everything will depend on the setting of the stove, and the pipe that takes the heat. If yom' return earthenware pipe, eu- olosing the close pipe from stove is lower considerably than the stove we have no faith in your proposed system answering. Wo question whether you would not require a quick ascent instead of a long descent. All that we have known of gas- heating leads us to the conclusion that for diffusing heat much the same principles must be attended to as in constructing a flue. To get enough of heat at all early, a good supply of gas will be necessary. All things considered, but for getting gas cheap or for nothing, we think a small brick Arnott's stove with or without a small Rivers' boiler on the top of it, and three inch pipes, two below the bed and two above, would be more satisfactory and less liable to casualties — in fact, we would sooner have an Arnott's stove alone, low enough to heat bod from a chamber beneath, and the top by openings from chamber. For cheapness nothing beats a stove now, and there would be less intricacy than in your plan. However, if you try it let us know the result, as many are enamoured with the idea of heating a house by merely turning a gas-tap.] A BUNDLE OF WANTS IN THE BEDDING GERANIUM WAT. Much has been said of late about variegated Geraniums and their origin and otlier features, all in its way very good, and skilful cultivators have extended our lists of names to an extent which renders a weeding-out of indiSferent kinds now and then necessary. But my purpose here is not to undertake the un- gracious task of condemning varieties that have done good ser- vice in years gone by, but to point out new wants in this way, and direct the attention of the ardent cultivator towards supply- ing that want, and I do not doubb but he will ultimately be able to do so. I will, therefore, state my requirements in a form that will be easily understood, and as I elpect they are such as will meet the views of all llower gardeners, the attain- ment of the object asked for will be a general boon. Commenc- ing, therefore, with VVani the Fibsi. — I *»aht a silver-edged Geranium of good habit and quick growth, with w/ute flowers ; so that when it becomes necessary to plant variegated Geraniums in lines as •string-work to a panelled garden, or in a white line to a ribbon or striped bed, the colour of the flowers should coincide as much S9 possible with that of the plant. Unfortunately, all the at- tempts at variegation have been with a view to obtain flosvers of the best form or brightest scarlet, and in this respect some very excellent varieties are in general cultivation ; but I nm not acquainted with any silver-edged one hnving white flowers. Perhaps some sport from Virgineum, Lizzie, Hcndersonii, or Boulo de Neigo, tlie kinds nearest approaching to white that I have, may supply the desideratum. The habit of the plant I will describe below. Want the Second. — I want, as one of your correspondents cleverly expresses it, » Mangles' Variegated Geranium with a gold-laced jacket on. In other woriia, 1 want the white edging of this most useful Geranium turned into a bright yellow ; the flowers for the time might remain ns they are; the prostrate but quick-growing habit of tlie plant to remain as it is. In fact, I simply want the silvery margin of its leaves turned into gold — a want, by-the-by, not more unreasonable than tliat of the world in general, who seemingly all give the preference to the more valuable metal. Want the Thibu.— As the last-named variety is bettor adapted to cover a considerable space of ground than form an edging, I want a gold-edged kind, of a compact habit and quick growth, to form lines or rows ; and if I take Tom Thumb as the type -of habit I would like to see in gold lace, the requirements of my case will be understood. It would certainly be as well if a stronger grower than Tom Thumb were also dressed up in gold lining — say Punch, Mrs. Maylor, Emperor, or others of that breed ; but I would be content with one that presents as uniform a habit as Tom Thumb, and, what is equally important, retains its foliage to the very last — a feature which Purple Nose- gay and others are very defective in. Want the Fourth. — I want a golden-edged variety of the Oak-leaved class of quicker growth than the white-edged kind we have under the name of Lady Plymouth. In fact, I may say here I would like a more vigorous growth thrown into all the variegated varieties we have ; but in this particular case I do not stipulate what colour the flower is to be. It would be best white ; but once obtain the variegated form of right colour and constitution, and the flowering part will follow. Want tue Fifth is an improvement on I'urple Nosegay, giving me a plant of better growtn that does not lose its leaves so quickly, and does not get so leggy. It is too much to ask for a better flower at the same breath ; but one with the footstalk shorter would be better, and if the colour could be brightened up so as to approach the same tint as Verbena Purple King, there would be a good chance of having a blue Geranium in a short time. However, I hope to hear of much improvement this way, and would like to give the so-called improvers of our Scarlet section a hint that I am perR-ctly satisfied with their attainments in that direction, and would like them to try their hand on this and some other brauL-hes. Want the Sixth is something more in the Ivy-leaved way. In fact, I do not despair of seehig most of the colours of the Verbena transferred to this plant, and in dry situations and hot summers it will be a formidable rival to that popular bedding plant. It is hardly likely that the mass of bloom on the best of our Verbena-beds can ever beexcL-lIed in Ivy-leaved Geraniums ; but the latter looks better as a plant not in flower. Wo all know Verbenas are not the earUest nor ) ct the latest of bedding- plants, and when not in flower can never equal the Geranium in the same condition ; but the Ivy-leaved Geranium is best adapted for vases, very dry banks, or places where Verbenas would only drag out a sickly existence : therefore, I hope to see it more generally adopted where improved forms are forthcoming. Want the Seventh is some considerable improvement in the Unique section. No greenhouse plant can possibly look better than RoUisson's Unique Geranium when trained in a pyramidal form and full in flower, but as a bedding plant it lacks bloom the latter part of the season. I fear this cannot well be improved ; but if it could be made as abundont and continuous a bloomer as the best Scarlets we have, we would have a very important boon. In this section such kinds as Moore's Victory, Prince of Orange, Shrubland Pet, the white, pink, and scarlet Unique, as well as Rollisaons, and others, are all very good while in flower, but in the latter part of the season leaves instead of flowers predominate : and though I fear the character of the plant is against continuous blooming, it may, perhaps, nevertheless be improved in that respect by degrees. Qualifications of a Bedding Geuanidm of the Vaeie- GATED Class. — In an article on tbe Geranium in The Jouenal OF HoETIC'UlTUBE of last year I uienlioned some of the points I thought essential in a bedding Glant-collecting readers of The JotJiiNAL OP IIonTicULTunE, " Nickerbor," for instance, if they can tell us something about them. Now then, " NiCKEK- BOR," you oddly-namod man, tell us all you know. Where are they to be obtained ? when to sow and how ? when to plant and how ?— N. H. P. [These ^Mesembryanthemums have been used for tlie last I twenty years in all large gardens in the coiuitry, nnd at the Crystal Palace. Mcintosh brought them out first at Clavcmont about 1835 or 1836.] SYEINGING VINES. My Muscats in a thirty-two-fect house are nearly all set,- tliose at each end of the house, where the pipes by turning the corner give more heat, quite set. My gardener contends that it is right to recommence syringing overhead, in order to prevent red. spider. I, on the other hand, relying upon the authority of Mr. Sanders on the Vine, discourage the practice, more especially during the present cold and sunless weather. Which is right, Sanders or my gardener ? Of course he confines the syringe to the Grapes that are already set. — T. F. [These are matters as between employer and employed that we do not like to give an opinion upon without knowing all the particulars, nor yet agreeably then, as more depends on thoroughly carrying out a system than in the mere superiority of one system over another. The gardener would be quite right in syringing the Vines well when fully set to clear ofl' all refuse of flowers, &e. If deficient in evaporating means, or afraid to use sulphur with them, he might continue syringing for some time with propriety if quite certain the water was pure and left no sediment. Fob ourselves, after one syringing we rarely repeat it, because the water at command is not pure, and enough of evaporation is obtained from troughs and plants growing in the house. A Uttlo air all night at the top or early in the morning will, under such eii-cumstances, be as much opposed to the spider as con- stant syringing. ^Vllen these aids cannot be obtained there can be little harm in syringing if the water is pure until the fruit is stoned. Of course in dull weather less will be wanted.] MESEMBEYANTHEMUMS AS BEDDEES. " I WISH all the Mesembryanthemums were swimming down the Trent, the bothering, mifly, finical little beggars ! Why can't her ladyship be content with Scarlet Geraniums and yellow Calceolarias like other folk ?" " Have patience, my good fellow." " If you preach patience to me I'll shy one at jour head!" "Bather a rough reception," you will say. Yes, to a stranger it might appear more raspy than friendly ; but to us, who knew the evanescent nature of our friend's wrath, it did not appear so. We quietly sat down in the potting-shed where he was at work, jjotting-ofl' some young Mesembryanthemums, and waited. We did not wait long before he broke out into a laugli, and said, " Iler ladyship has seen some of these things (still fingering them contemptuously, and we're to have a bed or two in the flower garden ; they're rather ticklish customers to deal with, and I've a hundred and fifty jobs wanting me." It was in the throng of the spring propagation. One bright summer day we called again, and had scarce got within hail, when our friend sings out, " You're just the fellow I want to see, come on ;" and, as if he possessed the seven- league boots he strides oil', Iciving us to trot after him, wonder- ing what now the wind brings down to us. " By Jove ! you never saw such a bed." At last he stopped in the centre of the flower garden, and, before we had time to get breath, he takes ue by the shoulders and places us before two beds, one mass of star-like flowers of a lilac rose, or rosy lilac colour. '■' Arn't INK FOR ZINC LABELS. No better, more lasting, nor more easily applied ink can be than that so often recommended by The Journal of Horti- CCLTUEE. Mine was made up in 1837, and I have what will last me years yet, it seems to gain strength with age ; in fact, I suppose it does by parting with the lighter parts of the mixture in the form of invisible vapour. I have noticed many inquiries and opinions lately on this subject, the last one beiig "M. S.," page 26, April 8, 1862, who says, that on application to a druggist to make up the ink- compoimd that he, the druggist, has made up the recipe many times, but the jiarties never renew it, finding it not indestruc- tible. The druggist recommended bi-chlorate of platinum as a substitute, being more indestructible. The expense will be a fatal stumbling-block towards its general adoption ; Is. for a drachm is rather dear. " Use a quill pen in writing with this ink, bi-chlorate of pla- tinum, the same as in your recipe." I have quoted the substance of " M. S.'s " communication, as I have to differ in many point.* from it. My practice is in few words thus, Cut the pieces of zinc to any shape you like. I prefer thin strips 3 inches to 4 inches long, and 1 inch wide. On a wet day get all your materials in some of the houses that are heated by either hot- water pipes or flue. Make yourself a seat near the pipe or flue, arranging your pen and ink beside you, put a piece of board across your knees, and with an old knife scrape one side of the I zinc label the width and length of your name, then with a steel I pen (a quill draws too much ink and often makes either foul strokes or a blot), write it legibly, put the label on the pipe or 68 JOURNAL OF HOBXICULTUEE AND COITAGE GARDENEK. [ AprU 22, 1862. flue, and go on to the next. As quick as they warm and dry they are ready for removal, and anything more black and in- delible need not be desired. I marked labels for a miniature fruit garden of Pears, Plums, Cherries, &c., some hundred or two, and I discovered the fixing process by accident. The steel pen ought to be wiped after use. The old knife is quicker than sand or emery-paper. — N. H. P. DESTEOYING WORMS BY GISHUEST COMPOUND. A WANT has been long felt, and that I believe very generally, ■of a simple and efficient cure for worms in lawns and gravel walks. This, it lias accidentally occurred to me, may be supplied by Gishuret Compound. I therefore beg to give you my expe- rience on the subject. A short time since, while using a weak solution of the Com- pound on a large plant that had been removed out of door? for the purpose, some of the wash, of course, fell to the ground, when it was discovered that a great number of worms had been drawn up to the surface of the ground for the last time. It struck meat once that this was the thing wanted — viz., a cheap and easily-applied remedy for an imsightly nuisance. What can be more annoying to a gardener, or to the owner, to see (only perhaps the morning after mowing) his refreshing green lawn thickly studded over with little black heaps of dirt, to be disposed of only by diut of much labour in sweeping, rolling, &c. No doubt by giving publicity to this, if it be a new idea (and I believe it is), further experiments will be made, and further information given. — James Poksfokd, Zovghborovffh, Parle Nurseries, Brixton, SCAEECEOWS, AND CEAFTY BIEDS. I NETEB have had such trouble as this season with the small birds. They have devoured my early-sown seeds, and I am afraid they will finish my principal sowing ; they are such a hungry lot here by the south coast, for they seem to be continu- ally feeding. We want Mr. Frost to pay us a long and severe visit next winter to devour some of these old wide-awake cus- tomers, they seem to know every dodge. I htard of a gardener a few days ago, who stuck up a scare- crow to frighten the birds away. This was in the image of a man, and a Robin forced a passage under the hat of (he scarecrow and built its nest there. Was that not enough to make that gardener give up all thoughts of sticking up a scarecrow ? I performed the same in this garden, and am in the habit of moving it at difierent times of the day, and almost as soon as I turn my back they are on its poll, turning up in their way ; not only that, but they will even strip the old hat of its fur to build their nest; so I advise your readers to knock the crown out if they want to keep the small birds from building in it — also strip it of its fur. But that was not the only means I tried to prevent their attacks. I laid four lines of netting, one on top of the other ; they were not very close knitted, it ia true, but these vermin would find their way to get in, and took good care to get out. The chaffinch and linnet are the worst. I also used that scarecrow recommended by Mcintosh, and which I have found very useful in other localities, but here it is a total failure. It is a long rod, 6 feet or 8 feet long ; from the point drops a line of small cord, and at the other end of the cord is fixed a Potato stuck full of feathers of diiferent colours. Now, these south- coast birds might live to an old age, when they enjoy such a lovely breeze as we get and scarcely any winter ; this last we have scarcely caught sight of any enow, and the thermometer not falling below 22°, they get more crnfty every year, so that they will not partake of a little adulterated food as a change. Out of so many thousands of your readers, perhaps one might be kind enough to give a plan that would prove successful. — J. ViCKAET, Aldwick PaviUon. WOEK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. As soon as the seed-leaves of the Cabbage tribe appear, sprinkle Boot or wood ashes over them, for the purpose of preventing the attacks of insects. It should be frequently repeated until the plants are an inch or two high. Continue the destruction of all noxious insects and vermin. Capsicums, repot the plants of the larger varieties intended for turning-out next month. Harden them off when they have taken fresh root-hold. The small sort, commonly called Chilies, should also be potted as they require it in rich soil, and be kept in some "trarm place. Carrots, the frames may be removed from the early sowing if required for otlier purposes. Thin and water them as may appear necessary. Celery, some of the earliest sov.'ing that has been pricked into boxes may now be planted in a frame ; no artificial heat is required, but the light should remain on in cold wtt weather. Prick-out the successional sowings. Lettuce, forward the spring- sown plants where tliere is a scarcity of autumn-sown ones. Water them in dry weather, and loosen the soil around them. Sow seed of the Paris Cos and other good sorts. Onions, thin the autumn sowing. The plants drawn out may be replanted into beds after they are thinned to regiJar distances. Loosen the soil carefully bfetween them. Peas, earth-up and stick the advanc- ing crops. Before earthing, strew some soot beside the rows to prevent the attacks of grubs. Radishes, make a sowing of the Turnip-rooted kinds. Water those in frames when dry, to pre- serve their juicy and mild qualities. Uhnbarh, sow seed to pro- duce roots for forcing. FLOWKR GAEDEN. When the whole stock for bedding-out is pottcd-off, attention must be paid to the hardening of tlicm gradually for their final destination in the open air. This eliouki be done by degrees, avoiding too sudden changes, and stepping straggling growth in order to have bushy plants. All pruning is probably finished, but if not it should be completed immediately, tlaut Gladioli and Feriarias. Plant evergreen shrubs it you are obliged, and take care when 60«doing to preserve every fibre, the holes to be much larger than the balls and roots will fit into. Attend to watering, and fix stakes to prevent the injurious effect of the plants being wiud-waved. Commence in earnest with mowing and cut down close, it will mow belter for it all the season. Finish edging walks, and clip Box-edgings. FBUIT OAEDEN. Where wall trees are protected by netting or other such ma- terials used as curtains they should be diu.vn from the trees in the day, unless there is a bleak-cutting wind, wheu they may remain. Remove suckers from fruit trees as soon as they appear. Hoe between Raspberry, Currant, and Gooseberry bushes. Plant out early-forced Strawberries. STOVE. The plants here are now in vigorous growth, they must be assisted with a lively bottom heat, a brisk-growing temperature with plenty of moisture and air, and weak liquid manure to such plants as require it. Clerodendrons should now be in vigorous growth, at least the first lot, and, therefore, must be assisted ; and the younger stock of these plants must also be encouraged. AUamandas of all sorts, Rondelctias, Gloriosas, young Ixoras, Dipladenias, Francisceas, and many more free- growing plants must be encouraged by potting when necessary, and due attention to cleanliness. Steplianotis now showing bloom to be properly attended to, and give plenty of manure water to the young specimens. Ixoras, now expanding their bloom-buds, to be set close to the glass, and where they can have plenty of air to colour the blooms ))roperly. Young Cactuses lor early bloom next year to be induced to make an early growth. Start a fresh stock of Gesneras, Gloxinias, and Achimeues. GBEENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATORT. As the Camellias in the conservatory are nearly out of bloom, thev and the Orange trees and climbing plants will be benefited by a little extra heat to start them into growth. Advantage must be taken to close the house pretty early in the afternoon, at the same time sprinkling the borders and the plants hghtly with tepid water to produce a moist-growing temperature. If not previously done, the borders should also receive a good soaking of weak tepid hquid manure. Although it is not ad- visable to use shades unless under peculiar circumstances, never- theless it sometimes happens at this season that sun-bursts, after the late sunless weather, are too powerful for the plants to bear, and, therefore, will require the intervention of a shade to protect them from their scorching inllijcnce. In the greenhouse many plants are advancing into bloom, and care must be taken tliat they, especially the large specimens, are duly supplied with water, aiid that they receive no check. AU the principal plaiats have been potted long before this time, and are now making April 22, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 69 root, therefore, guard against eost winds, and sliido when the weatlier is very bright. Give such plants n^ young IJoronias, Pimeleas, I'olygalas, DiUwynias, Lescheiiaullius, Kriostemons, &C., n tolerably close corner of the house ; keep them clean, and repot them wlien necessary. Attend closely to stopping the young growlli as it requires it. Komovo flowers of young Les- chenaultias, and, indooil, of all other young plants where growth and not bloom is the first object to bo attained. Syringe the plants occasionally, and a little weak manure water will bo found beneficial to the strong-growing kinds. Guard the Heaths against strong currents of dry air, more especially the newly- potted ones. The young specimens should now be removed to a pit or frame where the lights can be put on or off at pleasure ; the pots to ba placed on cinder ashes. FonciNG-PlT. This being nearly done with for the season may now be ap- propriated to the jou;;g Azaleas, which should now be forced into vigorous growth as soon as possible. Those choice kinds which liavo boon forced and have done blooming may be potted and brought in here at once. Stop the shoots as the plants progress in growth, so as to make them strong and bushy, and maintain a brisk-grov/ing temperature, witli plenty of air and moisture. Guard against thrips by syringing the plants and sprinkling the pots with clear soot water, and fumigate slightly every week for f evoral week.? consecutively if insects make their appearance. The thrips may also be kept in cheek by tlie timely use of tobacco water. Syringe the plants daily at the time of shutting np the pit, and introduce the specimen plants of Azaleas into the pit as fast as they go out of bloom. PITS ANP FRAMES. Graft and inarch Camellias ; keep them ia a close gentle heat. Divide and pot Lobelias. Pot-off rooted cuttings of Dahlias. The old roots of common sorta which are not rtquired for propagation m.iv now be placed in the forcing-pit, and when they break may be divided and planted out as soon as all danger from frost is over. AV. Keake. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Mucn the same as to routine as the previous week. Trans- planted Sea-kale, prepared ground for Asparagus, and planted a quarter of Cauliflower plants. Thinned out finally those under hand-lights, and top-dressed with rotten dung and a little lime to frighten the slugs. Sowed Broad garden Beans ; also in boxes under protection Scarlet Runners and Dwarf Kidney Beans for transplanting. Nipped the points of Peas in pots full of bloom. Potted Cucumbers and Melons, watered the first in a bearing state. Among fruit — thinned out Figs a little, fresh regulated Vines, and stopped where showing. Changed Strawberry-pots when done with, bringing pots into heat by degrees, and took great care in giving air iu such cold, fitful weather. Pricked-oiT seedlings of all sorts that could be got at, finding that is the great and only secure remedy against shanking, even though we lift and prick-in little patches, instead of individual plants ; still, when the seedlings do not stand too thick in the pots a little stirring of the surface with a bodkin-like stick, and a freeh dusting of fine soil and charcoal dust, will generally keep them all right. When time prevents any of these modes being tried, avoid watering overhead w ith a rose, as you would fever or plague. In very i)articular cases give moisture from beneath, by setting the pots in a tub, within an inch of their rims, or even leas. In other cases flood the pot by pouring on a pot- sherd at the sides, but without wetting the "tops much. Planted out in earth and turf beds Calceolarias and Geraniums. MILDEW. The dull weather lias been rather productive of mildew in many places, and sulphur is in general the best preventive, and the fumes of sulphur best of all. The great thing is to get the fumes without being so hot as to approach ignition. In houses heated by hot water, or flues, the safest: plan would be to put the sulphur in evaporating-troughs and basins. We think 170° is as higli as sulphur ought ever to be exposed to, and we would prefer 1G0° to go among tender plants. Mr. Lane, the great JJoso-growcr, who seems to get myrinds of them on their own roots, for the trouble of saying, " I want you," for in great batches in autumn and spring it is rare to find a cutting miss, has used a very simple mode for destroying the mildew which appeared in one of his large houses. Some time ago I stated that Mr. Lane is one of the few men that thoroughly understand the Polmaiso system of heating. In a large house so heated by a sniull brick stove, there is a funnel- opening for throwing the hot air into t)ie house. In fact, a wooden box without bottom or top, unless when it is desirable to cover it — say 2 feet in length by IG inches in width, and some 2 feet in depth, communicating directly with the chamber over the stove. Now, sulphur if it could have been thrown on tlio top of the stove might have got too hot, and carried de- struction to the plants as well as the mildew; but this is all avoided by a very simple process, and we like it all the better, and think it well worthy of being reeorderl because it is so simple. A slate is suspended in the opening of this shaft, with plenty of room for air passing all round it, and the slate is daubed, and the daubing renewed with sulphur. If an ex- perienced person put his nose over it, he would know that the odour he inhaled would do for the mildew, and not hurt the Roses. Mr. Wright the well-known foreman showed us plants where the mildew had been, and which was thoroughly shrivelled up and gone. Now, those who force with flues or resort to iron stoves or brick stoves, may here cut a leaf out of Mr. Lane's book, and use it for themselves, without any danger of igniting, or over-heating the sulphur, and thus pretty well set red spider and mildew at defiance; and I need not add, that if much benefited by such a simple and safe mode, they will easily find a legitimate way for expressing their gratitude. WEATHER VICISSITUDES. I had intended saying something about the care required in the sudden change of the weather, from fog and rains to frost and sunshine. The frost, we fear, will carry destruction with it. Our Apricots, though protected with Nottingham netting, are much blackened. Peaches, as yet, are safe. Gooseberries are a little touched, though they had a little litter and old hay sprinkled over them. Clierries, &e., were protected with a rather close net, and seem, as yet, to have escaped. A few degrees in an orciiard-house, all being dry, have done no harm. We hear of rather dismal accounts where no protection was resorted to out of doors, and of scalding and burning in houses and pits, even though plenty of air was given. Many of these accidents were due not only to the sudden change from dull to bright cold weather as we had on the 12tli and 13th, and continued on to the 16th, but to want of allowance being made for the change. I cannot, however, enter on the subject, but must be content with the following hints :— First. In such a case there should be as little fire heat as possible to meet with the sun heat. It would be better to make a fire, if necessary, in the middle of the day, than put on the fire wanted for weeks past in the morning, when there was every prospect of the sun shining. It would be better also to shut up houses earlier with sun heat, and get the fires merely to come in as the sun heat was going. Secondly. The coldness of the heating medium would neces- sitate the giving comparatively little air which was biting and cold behind the sun, and that air in lean-to houses should be chielly given at the apex. We have heard of cases, where houses with rather tender plants in them were well opened top and bottom on the 12th and 13th, and a good heat kept on at the same time, and then surprise was expressed tliat the leaves were blotched and curled at the edges. The jioor things must have had a treat, with the air from a furnace roasting one side, and a frosty air playing on the other. In such days we would say. Put out tlie fires, let the sun be the only or almost the only heater, and give air almost entirely iu tender cases at top, so that it shall be heated and moistened before reaching the plants. It is sur- prising how, even in such days, people will at once pull back the lights from frames and pits, and give front air so freely to foreing- hou.ses, and tlien shut them up at night in a stiflhig heat. In all such weather air should be given gradually, and taken away gradually, and it is amazing how little frosty air need bo ad- mitted if thot little is given early, and heat by artificial means is reduced or taken away. And Thirdly. In suoh sudden changes, with cold air, bright eun, and artificial heat combined, it is next to impossible to keep tender plants and newly-potted plants from flagging, when such bright weather follows damp, cloudy, and foggy weaiher, because the plants are unable to meet the sudden change. It is no use watering if the soil is wet enough, but a syringing overhead^ and a close atmosphere, with atteniion to air-giving, and artificial heat as referred to above, will generally keep all right. If that will not do, it is better to give a slight shading in preference to 70 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COIIAGE GARDENER. inundating the plants, or giiTug tliem much frosty air. For shading much glass in a hurry, nothing is better than water just coloured with whiting. This thrown on the glass with a syringe or engine, wiU give a sHghtly clonded appearance to the glass, which will be removed in a slight breeze, or a shower of rain. Of course, those who have regular shades will use them in pre- ference, and remove them as soou as the sun loses power or is shaded. These are some of the little essentials to success. The giving great quantities of frosty air to tender plants is much on a footing with the practice of taking tender plants into a cold shed, allowing them to stand as objects of attraction there for a oonsulerable time before and after potting them afl-esh in cold wet soil. Such plants are sm-e to suffer though they may not show it at once, just as a mau may die from a blow on the head, received months and years ago, though showing little bad effects at the time. — E. F. [ April 22, 1862. TEADE CATALOGUES EECEIVED. A Retail Catalogue of New, Beautiful, and Rare Plants, offered hi/ IJilliam Bull, King's Road, Chelsea, S. JT.— This is an excellent catalogue and contains a great many novelties. All or most of the plants are fully described, some of them so minutely as to convey a pretty correct idea of what they really are A pescriptive Catalogue of Bedding Plants, b» John Scott Mernott Nurseries, CrewJcerne.—lhh, too, is a most respectable catalogue, very copious, and appears to contain everything worth growing m the way of bedding plants. The information com- municated 18 good. "W. TO CORRESPONDENTS. =*♦* Wo request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All rammunications should therefore be addressed solely to Tlie Editors of the "Journal of Horticulture, S,-c" 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. > j > . We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Heating nv Gas {A Lady aardencr).-Vov a small Krecnhouse "0 feet long heatms by gas is quite effectual.' We heated one forsevearyears nierely by an ornamental stove placed at one end, with a tube to carry ofl the sases evo ved lunning along in front to Ihe otlier end of the lionse The heat may be mceased reachly by having two or even three ringsof burners instead of one nng. In that case the upper rings should each be ofa smalki d.ametev than that b low it. It is better to have morrthan ifordtaa ly ga's'Siafly.'"'' ""' """ '*° '""'^'' "" '"^'" '^<'™ "^ ™'J- '"'ning on the HiiTiNo Bv Gas {Carlosity).~See what we have said in answer to the ofth'iiTo'f'i'tf iTub.iVaS:'"'' ^"^ "^^ ""' ""'■ ^°--i ™ "'^ ^n— ' we'^c'ould^Hi,'d?„?r!f''^'r'' .f^''r'.''''^'T'^''^ '^''"^ ^^'•'= ^° '^"'■"■e'l that Thfvp. il;,„H ? ■^'' of spider l.vmg, though signs of where they had been. Theie seemed also sometlnnK hke signs of mildew. If you use lime be sure you do not make the sulphur too Iiot. Did we kno,, lio>v you hea the house " so TOe''Au'.?b»'"'"''""^- "'^""'"feto have the sulphSrabove 160" lim' if '^"^^a 's '•ery careless as to soil. Give it a little heath soil and ivensand7r„d"„"'?-"'= ""'" '."'ives alike in shade and exposed, and wUl Of ^™!,t • eood coatmg of smoke and soot with comparatively little injury washed ' " ™"'^ ■"""'^ " '' S'^" "f '^■•'"■"S its stems and Teav^s tv^.^^nn^ '^'-^=10'"? Falling {B. Mnt/,nos).-We suspect your Cherry tiee wood was not npe enough, or had got tuo dry in winter or autumn o7 perhaps, had not been sufficiently established in the pot t y ™?iics; causes will produce such a result. When blossom-buds are vey 'thick on a small tree, if time could be spared, the weakest and those which may not ^n.^^" r'"'^° "■""• *™"' "" ""-■'"'■a ""t- We have a fine Elton tr"e ,"o ducing a fair crop every year, but still a good many drop, and a great ,ni„v after setting never swell, but gradually shrivel up. The tree secM is n se?f s'ulncU-s'LWuleS: '' ''' '^''"'""'^>- ^-" --' ber;\^"S r.I^,''^"^^? J"^"""""- ""■ *■ ^" f^ Constant Header, Stoke Ferri/) -.\ye presume that you mean your propagating-pit to be above liot-waterp pes or flue ; and if you have plenty of heat nothing is better (ban rough^stones smaller ones above, a layer of smaller ones still, and then fluo "and for plunging. la worm should get in soak the wbole with lime" vate, The aame would clear the mould and gravel. Tliat would be the cleanest The «jcoa-nut refuse or tan would also answer, but sand would be t'le cleanest The cocoa-nut fibre refuse you enclosed is the right kind. ueanest. no?n„i?P ™,l, r« "S^^'^o W^t-i- (-t- C: v., yraru.-ickshire).-Vfe do DhidPd fl? "'"■ '"^ ?!f^ "' ">' ^"^ ""'''S '° ">" obscurity of tl e figures dra itlft nnH IS'"?, '^ """^ '""'^'"S "^ "^""^ "f damper/to regulate the owt h, H '^H^n-jlx^" 'S generaUy Mttle difBcnlty, We do not see your V^nr fl „. !^"' dividing your flue. Why not return a single flue instead? lZ>^^,^Tl''T "'■'' '='"■* '» "'' "iividing, 15 inches ; but we do not know )?» w • ■?; ""^^;'- ^ *'■*= '"" "'""J's '5™^ better when the rise from the bars is sudden. Then from that point for the most of the length there is a use of 2 inches, and from thence round the end to the base of the flue a lh„ ,. '.If', '^^'" "''°'' ^° "^""y different levels may check the smoke, tne strength of diauglit may differ in the two divisions, and may make the smoke waver whetliei to go on or to relurn. Is your chimney high enough ? liy a clumney-pot without making other alterations. In such circumstances with a good rise (roiu the bars to the b;,se of the flue, and a gradual rise aU the way, such a flue, single or double, ought to burn anything. WoKMs IS Lawns {Jt. s. ir.).-Watering witli lime water as often as the worm-casts appear is the usual remedy ; but see what Mr. Ponsford says to-day about the use of Gishurst Compound for the purpose. CnLTiVATi^o Water Chesses (J7. £)._The following is extracted from the Coltnge hardeners' Dictionary :~'^ piantiui, in Water.-The trenches m which they are grown are so prepared, that, as nearly as possible, a regular depth of 3 inches or 4 inches can be kept up. These trenches arc J yards broail, and 8i yards Jong, and whenever one is to be planted the bottom IS made quite firm and slightly sloping, so that the water which flows in at one end may run out at the other. If the bottom of the trench is not sufficiently moist, a small body of water is allowed to enter to sotten It. The Cresses are then divided mto small sets or cuttings, with roots attached to them ; and these are placed at the distance of 3 inclies or 4 inches from each other. At tlie end of five or six days a slight dressing of well-decomposed cowdung is spread over all the plants, and this is pressed down by means of a heavy board, to which a long handle is obliquely fl.\ed. Ihc water is then raised t.> the depth of 2 inches or 3 inches, and never liiglier. Each trench is thus replanted annually, and furnishes twelve crops duiing the season. In the summer the Cresses are gathered every fifteen or twenty days, but less frequently during winter; care is taken that at each gathering at least a third part of the bed is left untouched, so that neither the roots may be exhausted nor the succeeding gathering delayed. After every cutting, a little decayed cowdung. in the proportion of two arge barrowfuls to each trench, is spread over the naked plants, and this is Beaten down by means of the rammer above mentioned. After the Water tresses have been fhus treated for a twelvemonth, the manure forms a tolerably thick layer at the bottom of the trench, and tends to raise its level. 10 restore it to its original level, all the refuse should be thrown out upon tne borders which separate the trenches from each other. These borders may be planted with Artichokes, Cabbages, or Cauliflowers. The drainage trora a dung-heap might be allowed to flow into the stream if it did not foul It much; and if the water wore so enriched we question whether any annual addition of cowdang would be needed. Sowing Cinerabia and Primola sinensis {A Subscriber, Clapham).— It only a new beginner do not think ol striking Moss P.oses from cuttings, better buy a few that are established in pots. Sow Primula sinensis now, and again in June for succession. Von may also sow Cinerarias now, and again m July. These will most likely give you a great variety. If you wish to have a few first-rate sorts get some half-dozen of tlie best from some tradesman florist, and wlien done flowering cut the flower-stems off, and turn tlie plants into a shady border. Water them as they require it, and by August and September you will find each plant possessed of a number of healthy suckers or yoimg plants, which divide and pot. Cinerarias may also be raised by cuttings, but they do not make such nice plants as suckers. The Cineraria maritiina, cuttings of which were adverted to, is used for flower- gardening purposes. KoTCHiNG Fkuit Tbees (,An Old Subscriber).— '^"Siolchmg" is cutting a notch above a bud through the sapwood as well as through the bark, to induce that bud to become a branch rapidlv hv prevent'ng the upward flow of the sap and diverting it to the bud. Heating a Small GnEENHOtrss (Tyro).— A small iron or a brick Arnott's stove would heat such a house nicely, but being connected with the drawing- room It might be unsightly or troublesome. These would be cheapest. The next best and cheapest would be a flue ; and if you can get deep enough for a small stokehole we would have the flue under the floor. Then for the arrangement inside. The house being 16 feet long and 10 feet wide, the centre at back being the drawing-room door, and the centre in front and opposite lo it the door into the garden. Such a house would look best with a pathway right across it, say 3 feet wide. This would leave CJ feet on each side ; and if the ends were opaque a sloping stage on each side would hold the greatest number of plants. But if the ends and fronts were chiefly glass, then we would have a shelf of 9 inches all round ends and front, a border at back for climbers, &c., for back wall, a walk all round of 2 feet besides the central, and a small flat or pyramidal stage on each side. By this plan every plant may be easily examined, and neatness will be secured. I( we did not floor all the hnuse with tiles we would do the pathway, and under that we would have a fluo all round— the pathway, in fact, forming the top of the flue. This also would make the pathway dry and comfortable in winter. CvcLAMEN CuLiniiE (A. G. i.).— Vouis is a nice red variety of Cyclamen persicum, not in a very strong condition, owing to having been too much dried last summer, or being a very young root. All the family do best turned out in their balls into tlie open border while they are at rest during the summer, and to be repotted in the autumn when they show signs of growth ; then to he kept as cool as possible during the winter with Ixias, and such like bulbs in a cold frame, but not to let the frost to them, nor give them too much water, or confinement from free air in all fair weather. They all require the very best drainage and a generous soil, such as would do for nice pot Geraniums, and if there is any dung in it be sure it is very rotten, as for Auriculas, and quite dry and crumbly when it is mixed with the loam and sand. 'N'ery good sorts and good flowering plants of Cyclamens are sold in Covent Garden at about Is. lid. the piece on the average ; but the best and cheapest way would be to bargain with a nursery- man for a dozen of sorts at so much, and to raise seedlings from the whole lot, then there would be no end to the variations and the markings of the flowers. A selection of the very best flowers might be made from time to time for a family stock, and the rest be given away, if only to extend the knowledge of such beautiful flowers which require so Ultle trouble, and pay for it in such abundance of gay flowers. April 22, 1862. ] JOUKXAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COITAGK GARDENER. 71 Sowing Winter Ciii!Rkv {/. S. A., JJ''at)stead),— This, Physalis Alkc- ktngi, nia> be sown In the open air at the eml of April, or sown in a aliiiht hotbed, and the seedlings planted out. If it is P. peruviana, it should be sown in a hotbed, potted-otr. and grown in a greenhouse, or planted out in June; but it won'id be best kept in the greenhouse for the first season, and most likely it would produce plenty of fruit the following year, whicli may be eaten, or used us tarts. There are so many things that gn under the name of Winter Cherry, Cape Gooseberry, &c., that we really cannot say how to treat exactly, unless wo knew whieli was the one in question. However, a little heat at first o;in do no harm, and keeping in the house the first season, ■will be sure to make all right. GEnANiuji Leavics Diseased (F. ^.;.— The *' frizzling," as you term it^ is caused by insects, either red spider or thrips, for the specimen t-ent was de- faced by the post-office stamper. The air of the house has been kept too dry and not sufficiently ventilated. Flowers of sulphur, syringing, and more ventilation are the remedies. Grubs in Cabuage-beds.— .R. Ilodijin says, he saved his plants, entirely destroyed tlie ^ruba, and has nut seen one since, by putting 4 lbs. of common salt upon every li yards in length and 3 yards in breadth. OvAi, Beds (A. 0. T.:.—V,'c never say what should be planted in beds. We only give notice of everything worth planting, and tell if the plantings of others are in the fashion." In a large oval like yours, with a maas of scarlet in the centre, most people would put a row of Perilla round the scarlet, then Flower of the Day round Perilla, and Lobeha in front; and some would put yellow Calceolarias instead of Perill t ; and stime one thing, and some another. A Camellia greejihouse with Passion-Flowcrs is just the place for Mandevilla, and just not the place for Stephanotis. Cocoa-nut Fibre Hefuse ((?. W. S'.).— The sample enclosed was the right kind. Cerastitm xomkntosvms frosted (Idem).— Y out Cerastiums are done for ; they came out of a hot forcing- place, and Oaks and Elms from hot forcing would have just gone the same way. Probably the bottoms are not dead, and if not the plants will do just as if they had no hurt, only they will be a month or six weeks later, that is all ; and you may as well plant them out at once, and put a little mulching of some very light stuflf down each side of them, and see they do not want (or water. Cyclamen and its Seedmngs {E. TI'.).— No wonder at all at their ad- miration of your most admirable Cyclamen, which is the very best of them all. No name short of a Sultan could give people any idea of the grandtiur and richness of "fifty blooms" on such a plant. According to the leaf, you have done it as a Sultan ought to be done; yet, nevertheless, the name is merely Red Persicum, or Cyclamen persicura rubrum of nursery catalogues, but there are ten rubrums, not one of which is so good as the real one, and you have it. You have a treasure iu it that few know anything about, it is the best mother breeder in the family, and it nc^■er yet produced a bad seed- ling. We have seen magnificentums from it, and of all colours, too, without crossing ; but then it stood while in flower among such beauties as must tell on its seedlings for two or three generations. Save every seed from it. and sow them the day they are ripe, which will be about the first or second week in July. Plunge the seed-pots in the open ground, and put a bigger pot upside down over the seed-pots to keep otf everything ; they will then want DO water till the seedlings are up one mouth, and by that time they ■will need to be taken to a cold pit ; and if you could plunge them there for the winter they would want no water till ihe end ot January. The seed- lings might remain two years and two months iu the same pots; then to be divided out into separate pots, and then for the grand secret of seeing flowers such as few had ever the chance of seeing before. CrcLAMKN (C T. £r.).— Your seedling Cyclamen from rubrum is the haadsomeat that has yet been raised as far as we know. It is as densely spotted on a light grouud as Sinningia guttata ; rubrum is a sport, and never comes true. No one can tell a Pinus from the seeds. Spelling and PnoNONCiATioN (Plants). — The Cottage Oardener*s Dic- tionary gives the coiTect spelling, and shows which syllable the emphasis should be laid upon. There is no book published showing how names are pronounced. Dahlias {R. Hodgin). — Buy our "Florists' Flowers for the Many." For five penny postage stamps ;ou can have the book from our office fi'ee by post. It gives fuller directions for cultivating the Dahlia and other florists' flowers than we can find space for in answers to correspondents. Verbenas {An Aniateur, Tavistock). — Robinson's Defiance for scarlet; ■Purple Kiug for all blues, purples, and darks ; and Mr.-<. Ilolford for white, are the three principal Verbenas wliicli have been used for the last seven years for what you want. We cannot recommend one set of plants iu preference to other plants, or one nurseryman, or house of business before another. Tacetes TENUiFOLiA [Suljscribcr /fom No. I),— Th'is Tagetes will not do instead of Calceolarias in a ribbon-row in front of Scarlet Geraniums, it grows too tall for tliat row ; but just behind the Scarlets it would make the cheapest yellow row iu the kingdom, and probably one of the vc-ry best — say if Punch were in front of it, and the seedlings were to be transplanted 6 inches apart in the row, and the row to be a foot or 1-5 inches beyond Punch. This is a most permanent and bright yellow for a row a long way back from a walk, where other plants would hide so much of the stems and leaves as would vender the line conspicuous for tidyness. Agatu-ea cp, affords a slight view of the interior from the back (not the front as engraved), but is much obstructed by the frames. The crown-board, which is raised in the en- graving, iskeyedto prevent warping, and is secured by four long brass screws passing through the ends of the keys. A two-inch central hole for feeding is the only aperture, and this is closed when not in use by a circular block of one-and-a-quarter-inch wood 5 inches in diameter. A three-eighth rabbet is cut out of the top inner edge at the back and front, and below this are notches seven-eighths wide by three-eighths deep, in which rest the ends of the frames. This arrangement affords the bees a free passage above the frames as well as below and at their sides. The annexed sketch of the in- terior angle of one of my hives is drawn the full size, and will serve as a guide for the arrangement of the frames, which are ten in number, and are placed at equal distances apart. Compound Bae-feame. — This is a contrivance of my own, which I have found very advantageous in enabling me to use frames in stock-hives and bars in supers ^- ..^^....^jac-jnj — .nu^-^^--^^^.^-^ ^ ■- — "-s| without forfeiting the advantages arising from the unlimited intercliangeability of every comb in every hive and super in the apiary. Its construc- tion will be readily un- derstood by an inspec- tion of the annexed sketch, in which the comb-bar is shown shghtly raised from its frame. The bar itself is 13:1 inches long by seven-eighths of an inch wide and three- eighths of an inch thick; thcsedimensionsmust be rigidly adhered to,as every coml-har should jit every hive and super in the apiary,' Tlie slips of wood forming the frame are seven-eighths of an inch wide and five-sixteenths of an inch thick, with the exception of the projections at the top which are the same thickness as the bars, and are five-eighths of an inch long. When the comb-bar is in its place the whole forms a frame 13 irchcs long by 7i inches high (inside measure), with a five-eighth projection at each end, which rests in its appropriate notch in either the back or front of the hive. The accompanying engraving represents the frame filled with comb, in which state the bar becomes so Srmly cemented to the frame as to admit of its being handled with the greatest facility. « Tt is a good plan to commence by making a pattcin bar of mahoganj^ which should be taken care of and used as a guido whenever oomb-bars are required. 74 JOrRNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AUD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 22, 1862. Impkoved Comb-bae.— This little contrivaace has proved very effectual in securing straight combs when guide-combs are not attainable. Tlie annexed sketch is a section of the new bar. It will be perceived that the lower angles are rounded off; whilst a central rib is added of about an eighth of an inch in breadth and depth. This central rib extends to within half an inch of each end, where it is removed in order to admit of the bar fitting into the usual notch. All that is necessary to insure the regular formation of combs is to coat the underneath surface of the central rib with melted wax. My practice is to use plain bars whenever guide-combs are attain- able, as these can be attached with much greater facility to a plain than to a ribbed bar ; but whenever I put in a bar without comb I always use one of the improved ones. By this method crooked and irregular combs are altogether unknown in my apiary. PloOE-BOAEDS. — My floor-boards are made of one-anda- quarter-inch wood, keyed to prevent warping, are 18 inches square, and show a projection of about an inch beyond the exterior of tlie hive, fi'om whicli they are chamfered down on all sides nearly three-eighths of an inch. An entrance 3 inches or 4 inches wide ia cut in front out of the substance of the board commencing at the edge, and continuing on the same level until inside the liive, where it slopes upwards. The entrance formed in this manner is five-sixteenths of an inch in height where the hive crosses it. Aliohtixg-boaeds are moveable, being attached to the floor- boards by means of a couple of pins of stout wire ; they are made from a piece of a silk-roller, 2 inches in diameter by 8 inches long:, rounded off at the ends, which when quartered makes four alighting-boards. The surface should be roughened by a toothed plane. Supers are 13 inches square inside and of various depths. 6 inches deep is a convenient sizeand when filled will contain nearly 30 lbs. of honey. Tlie engraving repre- sents a vei'y neat glass super of this size, which is manufactured by Messrs. Neigh- bour. It shows also the adapter with its longitudinal communicatious near the sides of the hive, and which replaces the crown-board when a super is put on. As the honeycombs in supers are better when made of a greater thickness than those intended for breeding, I place only eight comb-bars in a thirteen-inch super. HiTE-EOOFS AND OuTEE Cases are made of half-inch wood 11 inches wide. The former is separate, and is cross-bradded rests on angle-pieces at the corners. A half-inch opening is left under the eaves all round for ventilation. The hive-cover is dovetailed together and glued, with a brad driven through each of the tenons ; it rests on the exterior projection of the floor- board, and is retained in its place by a plinth 2 inches wide, which fits loosely outside the latter. It must not be forgotten that all wooden roofs and outside cases require to be kept well painted, whilst no paint should ever be applied to the hive itself. When a super is put on a secoud outer case becomes necessary, and this fits loosely on the first, when the hive ap- pears as it is represented in the annexed engraving. In conclusion I may add that the Woodbury frame-hive with all its appurtenances is manu- factured from my designs by Messrs. Neighbour and Sons, 149, Regent Street, and 127, Holborn, London, to whom also I am indebted for the use of many of the engravings, by which I have been enabled to illustrate my meaning. — A Devonshibe Bee-keepee. together at the angles with a two-and-a-quarter-inch turned acorn in the centre ; its frame fits loosely over the cover and THE BEE SEASON IN NORTH LANCASHIRE. In your last I see that a correspondent predicts a cold wet spring, and that denotes a late one, or, at least, when combined they are the materials that such is made of. In comparing notes I find that so far we are at least a month earUer in this district tlian in 18G1. The first pollen gathered in that year was on the 16th of March ; but this year the first was on February Gtb, making a dilTerence of nearly six weeks. Upon the whole it was a warm month ; on the 22nd and 23rd the thermometer rising in the shade, a north aspect, to 50" and 52° respectively, a height never reached in March of last year. On the 22ud and 23rd of tliat month we had 3° and 5° of frost accompanied with a heavy snow storm. April with the exception of to-day (the Ilth), has been favour- able, the wind north and only 42°, yesterday 56°. On the 8tli the young bees were out in great numbers. Last year I did not see any until the first week in May, but, perhaps, they had not shaken off the dull cares of 1860. It is an old saying, "Early drones, early swarms." If so, I shall expect them early, as I had one drone turned out to-day dead but fully matured. Last year no drones made their ap- pearance from the same hive until the swarm had issued, June 11th. A second issued on the 23rd, and a third on the 25th, by this time rather too much ; and to add to this it came home from the moors in the beginning of September queenless. I selected one of my strongest stocks with a young queen to be united to this. After this " ventilation " became a necessity in all. I had three ventilated at the top until the latter end of February, and they are the most forward stocks at the present time ; but it must not be taken for granted that I recommend it in all cases, it entirely depends upon the strength of the stock. If weak, my plan is to keep them as snug as possible after the cold seta in. I have practised the above since 1858 with the best results, and with confidence I recommend it to those who have had some ex- perience in the management of the bee.— A Noeth LANCASnrEE Bee-keepeh. THE QUEEN IN DANGER. I STATED in page 19, that my experience induced me to think it likely that Uzierzon was correct in declaring that a queen bee cannot psss beyond the limits of the " brood-bed " except at the risk of her life. This opinion was very strongly confirmed n» longer ago than yesterday (16th April), when, on opening ona of my hives for examination, I immediately found the queen a AprU 22, 1862. ] JOUHNAX OB" HORTICL'LTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 75 •closo prisoner amidst a cluster of workers, of tlie size of a bantam's eg?, on the floor-board and quite owaj from the brood- rombs. With some difficulty I ellected her majesty's i-elease much against the will of the workers, several of which attempted to end the skirmish by piercing their sovereign with their stings. Having freed her from these disloyal traitors, I introduced her between two of tlie bars, to which I knew brood-combs were atlixcd, and proceeded with my examination. On arriving at the comb on wliieh I had placed the queen I found her again a close prisoner, and had again the same dillieulty in releasing her. Being willing to see if she would bo better reciived in the centre of a brood-comb, I laid one on its side and placed her just in the middle of the brood-cells. No sooner had she touched the comb than she was seized and attacked in the same manner as before, and once again I had the same difficulty in releasing her. There could, therefore, be no doubt lliat a similar spirit pervaded the entire colony, since three ditl'ercnt sets of bees had acted precisely in the same manner in three dill'crcnf parts of the hive. Not knowing what better to do, I separated two brood-combs which had not before been meddled with, placed the queen in the middle of one of them, and, putting them again in tlieir places, closed the hive as rapidly as possible without waiting the result. This circumstance caused me no little anxiety, owhig to the queen being a beautiful Ligurian, and also the last survivor of those originally imported from Switzerland ; but this anxiety was completely allayed on examining the hive this morning, when I found her majesty once more parading the brood-combs in all the pride of undisputed sovereignty, and receiving the voluntary homage of her erstwhile rebellious subjects. — A Devohshibe Bbe-ke? »e. EOBEIIT SYDSERFF. There is a rather rare little volume having this title page : — '■ Sydserflf's Treatise on Bees; being the result of upwards of thirty years' experience. Executed on a more general, extensive, familiar, and useful plan than anj other work of the kind yet published. By R. Sydserff, Leigh-on-Mendip. Salisbui-y, printed by B. C. Collins, 1792." The perusal of the volume at once enabled us to conclude that its author was a thoroughly practical bee-keeper ; and no sooner was he thus established in our good opinion than, as is our wont, we wished to know all that coidd be known about one really so worthy. The only clue justifying a hope that from some old survivors of Sydserlf we might glean fragments of his biography was fur- nished by the fact, that in 1792, as the above-quoted title-page states, he resided at " Leigh-on-Mendip." Now, this little hamlet lies about eight miles westward from Fronie in Somerset- shire ; and the hope at ones arose that we might enlist for our research that mortal, characterised by energy and common sense, who is so favourably known to our readers as " The Doctor's Bot." We were not deceived by that hope, nor* in our estimate of our coveted agent. This is testified by the fol- lowing letter we have received from him : "I took the first opportunity, after receiving your note, of visiting Leigh-on-JIendip, which is about eight miles from Fronie. I at once inquired for its " oldest inhabitants," and was eoon in company with one of them, but he was too deaf to be of any service to me; but his daughter directed me to another old man that was not deaf, and a native of the place. " I soon foimd him out, and at the first appearance I thought 1 was all right, as he was an active, lively, old man. But in him was a greater disappointment ; for although he could hear and understand, and seemed very desirous to give information, his memory was " no worth a prun ;" and when I tried to refresh it by taking him back to his earlier days, he had for- gotten which was his oldest chUd, or where he married his wife from — /. e., from what house. I tlien asked the grand-daughter if there were any furmers or other respectable people about the age of her grandfather, natives of the place, still residing there ; and she recommended me to one, i)r. Moon, a retired army surgeon; to whom, after a short delay (he being at tea), I was introduced. After attempting to make an apology for thus intruding I handed him your note, believing that to be the quickest and best way to make him acquainted with my bu-iness. But he declined reading it, and wished me to do so ; at the same time desiring me to draw a large arm-chair, the ditto of the one he sat in, near to his and be seated. " I then began tlie note ; and as soon ".s I mentioned ' Robert Sydserlf,' I found I had deposited the pinch of salt on the right spot at last. " Tills gentleman deserves a chapter for the benefit of posterity by a pen that can do hiin justice in the transactions of your Journal, as he belongs to a class that is fast disappearing from amongst us, and much to be regretted, lie had been much abroad, had seen both sides of the globe and both sides of mankind, and he retains a vivid recoUeelion of, and likes to dilate on the beauties of both. But I must return to Eobert Sydserff. " Dr. Moon knew Mr. Sydserff well ; and I will briefly give the information I received from him without the garnish of anecdote or raciness with which it was delivered. " RoBEET Sydseefp was a native of Scotland, by trade a tailor, and by calling a local preacher of the Methodist Con- nection. He married in the neighbourhood and had two sons, both regular preachers, and one daughter, now all dead. During his residence at Ljigh-on-Mendip, he had some property left him in Scotland, but had not the means to go there to receive it, and it was to raise the means to do so that he published his treatise on bees. Dr. Moon was well acquainted with him, as lie used to make the clothes for the family at their own house, lie showed me a bust of Sydserif by himself, and he assured me it was an exact likeness, but I forgot to ask whether it was a cast or a model. SydserlF had what the Doctor called a cherry lip, about which he told a humourous tale. " SydserIT left Leigh-on-Mendip, and went to reside at Mails, about four miles from Fronie, and there he died and was buried ; but with regard to dates Dr. Moon could tell me nothing. " Since then I have been to Mells, and called on some distant relatives of Sydserff's, where I saw a grand-daughter of hie. Still they could only just remember him. So I then called on the parish clerk with a view of getting the register of SydserlT's burial ; and he, being an old man, could remember liim well, but he could remember no dates. "He referred me to the curate for the register, and fortu- nately the curate colled on the rector to ascertain tlie fees to be charged ; and the curate having your note showed it to the rector, the Bev. J. S. H. Horner, and, fortunately, he had been a sub- scriber to The Jouknal of IIoRTictJLTUEE from its beginning: therefore, to render all the assistance he could to promote the interest of the Journal was to him a labour of love, and he cbeerlully made the copy enclosed gratis. Nor was this all, for he obligingly showed me over the gardens, which owe their chief attractions, which are not a few, to his own personal attention, as he informed me he kept no regular gardener but had a handy labouring man — which leads me to the remark I have often made, that it is really surprising what some gentlemen, and ladies too, can accomplish with the assistance of a handy man. Finally, the rector desired me to say he would be most happy to give any further information on the above if it was in his power, or at any time upon any other subject connected with his neighbourhood." The extract from the Mells Parish Register is as follows : — " Burials in the Parish of Mells, i» the County of Somerset, for the year 1815. Niime. I Abode. | When Buried. 1 A^e. I Officiating Minister. Kobert Sydserff. | Mells. | June 30. | 71. | J. Higgins, Curnte." When you once get hold of the end of a thread, whether of a silkworm's cocoon or of a biography, you are always enabled to unwind more than was at first apparent, so the above dates enable us pretty clearly to establish SydserfTs birth-date and birth-place. As lie was 71 when he died in 1815, he must have been born about the year 1741; and, confirmatory of this, we find the following passage in his " Treatise :" — " The first part of my life — viz., from December 1, 1743, to December 4, 17G9, I resided, unless at intervals, at Stalbridge in Dorsetshire." Wc may conclude, therefore, that Stalbridge was his birth- place, and December 1, 1743, the date of his birth. So far, then. Dr. Moon is wrong in calling him a Scotchman ; but wo have no doubt he was of Scotch extraction, for Sydserff is a Scottish family name. Dr. Moon's narrative that the "Treatise" was written to raise a fund to enable him to obtain property which had devolved to him in Scotland is quite compatible with Sydserff's own state- ment, that the completion of the work was hastened by his narrow escape from death. He says in the preface, "When I liad wrote about thirty pages, I laid it by inclosed in a bo6k, 76 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 22, 1862. without thinking any more about it ; but some time after, a person, opening the book, saw it, and, unknown to me, took it away. He showed it first to one, then to another, till it was no longer a secret. Being imder many obligations to different persons, I was under a necessity of lending it from one to another. Most of those who had then seen it, earnestly in- treated me to get it printed ; this was a measure I could think nothing of. I was then desired to write it over again (as much of it as was lost), and finisli it, which I promised to do, but post- poned from time to time, xmtil I was importuned by the Rev. Mr. Watkins, of IJeigh-on-Mendip, for that purpose. On assuring him tliat I wovild get a book and do it, he then gave me one, telling me at tlie same time that now I had no excuse for delaying it. Though I fully intended to do it, it was still put off from time to time, until the latter end of the year 1783. I was then seized with a putrid fever, and soon became insensible. Being given over by the physician, and nothing but death ap- pearing probable, it lay much on my mind in the interval of my senses, and I was determined (if I should be spared) no longer to put off the business till to-morrow. "Having thus informed the reader by what steps this treatise lias arrived to its present state, I have only to add, that there is not, in the whole book, one page, nor even a line, which I do not know, or have not reason to beUeve, to be true." Tailoring and preaching, though Sydserff's chief occupations, were not unassisted as a matter of revenue by his apiarian know- ledge, for we find this postscript to his preface : — " Any gentlemen whose bees have omitted swarming until the latter end of June, and are desirous of increasing their stock, may have swarms taken out of any old hive, by Mr. Sydserff, the author, which shall do as well, or better, than those which come forth of their own free choice. In like manner bees are taken out of hollow trees, walls, or any other places on the following terms, if not farther than four miles from his house : — For taking a swarm from an old hive £0 5 0 Out of a hollow tree or otlier place of danger 0 2 6 Taking the honey and comb without hurting the bees ... 0 16 For acommon awarm from a bu.sh or tree 0 10" This leads us to make a few extracts as evidence of his know- ledge of bee-keeping being in advance of his age. " The queen or mother bee is of a comely and stately shape, brown of colour, as other bees, about the shoulders, but her hinder part darker ; under her belly she is of a brighter red ; her legs proportionable, and of the colour of her belly, but her two hinder legs more yellow. She is longer than a working bee by one-third part, and much larger. I never knew one of them to sting either man or beast, although I have often tried to provoke them to it that I might know the efficacy of their poison. Her office is to reign over and direct the other bees in all they do, to head the swarm, and to raise a new brood. She brings forth ten, fifteen, or twenty thousand young ones in a year, so that she may literally be said to be the mother of her people." " Close under the honey, at the upper part of the combs at the bottom of the void cells, is the place where she first begins to lay her eggs, which are about the bigness of those that the butterfly leaves upon the cabbage j but they are of a different colour, those of the butterfly being yellow, but those of the bee are white. She first puts in her head to examine the cell, and, if void, she lays her egg, and so goes on, from one cell to another, until an egg be laid in every upper cell." " If there is a sufiicient number of bees let them not be taken barely because of their old age, for there is not a bee in the whole hive which is a year old, although the hive may have stood more than ten ; and such hives seldom fail swarming twice or three times every year. I had a hive of bees which I kept near seven years, and then spared them to Mr. Isaac Budgett, in 1783, and this hive was one of the best in his garden in the summer, 1790, and I do not recollect that ever they missed swarming once a-year, and in general twice, and often three times. Bees which are designed to be taken should stand imtil all the young are come forth, and if any remain they siioidd be separated from the sealed comb, otherwise the honey will be but of little value." Sabeaoenia PUEPtniEA, A New Remedy foe Smali-pox. — The Medical Times and Oazette reports an interesting discussion at the Epidemiological Society, upon a paper sent from Nova Scotia, by Mr. Miles, surgeon in the Artillery. Captain Hardy, of the Boyal Artillery, an accomplished and intelligent officer, who has been for years among the Indians, says that " the old squaw's remedy had long bean known to them as an infallibl cure for small-pox," and that " the Indians beUeve it to be successful in every case." From the information gathered from the Indians, the following observations have been carefully sifted : — 1. In the case of an individual suspected to be under the influence of sniall-pox, but with no distinct eruption upon him, a large wine-glassful of an infusion of the root of the plant Sarracenia purpurea, or Pitoher-plant (several specimens of which, including the root, were exliibited on the table) is to be taken. The effect of this dose is to bring out the eruption. After a second or third dose, given at intervals of from four to six hours, tho pustules subside, apparently losing their vitality. The patient feels better at the end of each dose, and, in th& graphic expression of the " Micmac," " knows there is a great change witliin him at once." 2. In a subject already covered with the eruption of small-pox in the early stage, a dose or two will dissipate the pustules and subdue the febrile symptoms. The urine, from being scanty and high-coloured, becomes pale and abundant, whilst from the first dose the feelings of the patient assure him that " the medicine is killing the disease." Under the influence of the remedy, in three or four days the prominent symptoms of tlie constitutional disturbance subside, although, as a precautionary measure, the si.k person is kept in camp until the ninth day. No marks of the eruption (as regards pitting, &c.) have been left in cases examined, if treated by the remedy. 3. With regard to the medicine acting (as is believed by the Indians) in the way of a preventive in those exposed to itifeotion, it is curious to note, that in the camps where the remedy has been used the people keep a weak infusion of the plant prepared, and take a dose occasionally during the day, bo as to " keep the antidote in the blood." A discussion followed the reading of this paper, in which Mr. Marson, Dr. Copland, Dr. Waller Lewis, Dr. Babington, Dr. Morehead, Dr. Milroy, Mr. Eadoliffe, Mr. Lord, and Dr. M'William, took part. All of the speakers concurred in the desirability of requesting Mr. Miles to procure a further supply of the root of the Sarracenia purpurea, with the view of having its anti-varioloid properties tested in this countrv. OUR LETTER BOX. DoKKiNO WITH Dlseased Leo (C. P.).— Tho bono of the thigh was carious and greatly enlarged, and the periosteum or membrane covering the bone was highly inflamed. No treatment could have cured it, or averted a lingering death. The disease was, probably, caused by a severe blow. Spanish Fowls' Fi-:atiier.s Diseased {E, Byown). — The feathers enclosed are not in a healthy state. The white points are immaterial. All Spanish chickens are batched with white flights, and many of the best birds throw white spots and stripes in their plumage. When there is any defect in the quill, it is the result of a fevered state of the skin, which prevents due nourisliment being conveyed through the soft pipe which afterwards becomes the quill. The cure is to purge freely with castor oil, to feed on light ground food, nnd to give the birds a grass run. A change of weather will cause the earth to teem with food and medicine for fowls. It is a common thing for f.'athers to turn the wrong way; it generally happens to the flight-feathers, and is hereditary in some strains. If the birds are in good health we always pull out these feathers as soon as they are found. It is always wrong to pull out growing feathers; it causes a hard substance to form, and frequently prevents aftei -feathering. When the fowls are in full health the leathers will come right. Desteoting Vitalitt of Eoas (B. £.).— Pierce one end ol the shell with a needle. Bantams losing Head-feathebs (4 Suhscriber). — Continued wet and cold winds have contributed to injure the health of fowls. When feathers fall it is evidence of a bad state of body; if tbey are picked off by their companions it is the same. Give them castor-oil, a table-spoonful, every other day, and rub the bare spots with compound sulphur ointment; the oil need be continued only so long as the disease exists. The comfortable appearance of the birds will tell when they are cured. "A Stewarton Apiarian" wonlJ much oblige *'A Devonshire Bee- keeper " by stating the result of the experiment with the Woodbury comb- bar, which he mentioned in page 28G of the last Volume of The Journai. of Horticdltoke. LONDOK MAEKETS.— April 21. POULTRY. There are not wanting proofs in the market that the winter has been a, mild one. For the last day or two small chickens have been raovepleniiful, and there is reason to believe we shall not have a recurrence of the pcurcity that has marked the last two or three years during the months of May or June. Large Fowls . Each- -s. 4 3 2 3 7 d. 6 to 6 » I" 0 „ s. 5 4 3 3 7 d 0 0 0 6 6 Ducklings... Pigeons Rabbits Wild do. Each- -«. 4 0 1 0 0 d. s. d. 0 to 4 6 8 „ 0 10 3 ; 1 4 Guinea Fowls 8 „ 0 9 Goslings Hares 0 :; 0 0 April 29, 1862. ] JOUIINAL OF nORTICULl'UKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 77 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Day of of M'Eth Week. 29 Tn 30 W 1 Th 2 F 3 8 4 Sun 5 M APRIL 29— M.\Y 5, 1802 Pvotca longifloia. Struthiola erccta. [born, ISiO. St. IMiii,. vaneo for this will enable both employer and employed to form a more correct opinion of what shortcomings may be reasonably and fairly accounted for, and what ought to be present, and the con- ditions here entered into are such as may be met by most small gardens, where one man or more is kept ; but for distinction it is only fair to say that there are two men employed, as very often other things aa well as those connected with the kitchen garden, are to be thought of at the same time. Artic/ioke. — The Globe Artichoke suffered very severely in the winter of lSGO-01, so much so, that very few plants were left alive in many gardens where they had stood unscathed for many years. A little protection round the collar will, in most instances, preserve them ; but a very severe winter by destroying all the larger leaves, neces- sarily retards the plant in furnishing the large heads expected ; but when planted on a dry soil, and some rough dung laid round each plant early in December, it will usually survive the winter with little injury, and bear heads in the south of England by the end of .June, and continue doing so during -Jul}' and August. Of course, a few plants will only produce a proportionate number ; but as it is not in general one of the popular vegetables, only a few plants will be wanted. Artichohe (.Jerusalem). — Unlike the last, I do not know of anything likely to injure this, and where there is space to grow it, its apjiearance on table may be reckoned on at any time from September to May ; but like the last-named vegetable it is not one of the popular class, but as a change, deserves attention. Good ordinary garden soil not too dry suits it best. In fine autumns like that of last ycir it flowers; but this does not seem to have any influence on the root. Asparagus. — Few vegetables present greater apparent cause for dissatisfaction than this, for it is but compara- tively few gardens that yield such fine heads as those sent to Covent Garden. The vale of the Thames is cer- tainly unrivalled for this article, and the inexperienced amateur can hardly hope to equal the produce of this district on a soil of an opposite character to the one it is grown in to so much perfection. I have seen the stiff loamy soil of a district that produced some of the best Wheat in the kingdom, trenched 2 feet deep, and a deep layer of brickbats and other rubble laid in the bottom, as well as drains of the most approved fashion, and dung lavished without stint, and salt, sand, and the other ingredients thought necessary to form a compound re- sembling the one it flourishes in to so much perfection, but the result fell far short of the expectation. Medium- sized Asparagus may, however, be grown in most places, and it is possible it may be in reality better at table than the large London kind; but in soils adverse to it the plant does not thrive so well, and in very wet or severe frosty winters there are often great losses amongst the plants, that due allowance must be made by those whose table may not be so abundantly served as they would No. 709.— Vol. XXVIIT,, Otn Series. 78 JOUBNAIj of HOETICULTUEE and cottage aAEDBNEE. [ April 29, 1862. wish ; but, in a general way, licads fit for table may bo had from tlie md of April througii May, but it is not good policy to cut it too late in tlie season, as that weakens the plants for another year. Young plants especially ought not to be over- done that way. Beans (Broad). — These hardy leguroes accomtnodate them- seWes to all eoils, and after the middle of June a dish of Beans may usually bo liad all the summer, where there is sufficient ground to admit of the repeated sowings requiied to keep up a supply ; but usually a few early ones, and a second crop suffice for small gardens, for other things coming in at the same time Beans are often set aside. Tlie Mazagan is the best to stand the winter, but the Long-pod or Windsor is more admired for the main crop. The ciUtivation, however, having so often appeared need not be repeated iiere. Beans (Dwarf Kidney). — These universal favourites may be had all the year round where there are heated glass structures to furnish them ; but in small gardens this cannot well be the case. Plant, therefore, the first crop about the 20th of April, and succeeding ones up to the end of May. Generally speak- ing, the Dwarf Kidney Bean is admired as coming in before the Scarlet Eunner, and when the latter commences it is thouglit sufficient. If, therefore. Dwarf Kidney Beans can be had in July, the otlier will fill up the rest of the season. Beans (Scarlet Runner). — Certainly this is the most prohfic of all the legumes used at table, and tlie fact of cottagers growing it extensively is a sure token of its being worth its place. Plant the first week in May, and again about the 20th, and if you like plant another row at the end ; but usually the first planting, if successful, will carry on the supply to the end of the season. In average seasons, from the 12th to the 24th of July, is as soon as the first will be gathered in the south of England, in the north later, but as this vegetable furnishes so great an amount of food of a kind relished by all classes, where ground is scarce, and the situation a dry one, it would be better to omit the late sowings of Peas entirely, and have more of this, as it is the more certain cropper. Eemarlis on its culture, however, having appeared in other papers, it is needless repeating it here, only it is fair to say that in cold, wet situations it does not answer BO well, and may be reasonably excused if not forthcoming. Tlie cultivator and his employer must, therefore, both exercise their discretionary power in tliis case, and in the cool, damp situation sow more Peas, which are better bearers in such a place. Beet (Red). — A little care at sowing time to prevent the slugs injuring, or rather destroying the young plants, will secure a crop of this ; but anotlier and much more difficult matter arises. All Beet seeds do not produce roots of the re- quisite good colour : hence the propriety of only dealing with the best seedsmen, as many complaints of Beet of indifferent quality arise from causes over which the gardener has no control whatever. If he saves his own seeds, which many do who have once possessed themselves of a good variety, he may insure tlie article being good, and many seedsmen also send out only good varieties ; but tliere is nothing more likely to sport and degenerate, if not duly kept up to the mark", and the appearance of the salad bowl is sadly marred by a coarse, stringy substance of a half Mangold Wurtzel breed. Borecole, or Kale. — A useful class of vegetables, especially in spring, as it is principally the young shoots that are admired. The Curled Green or Scotch Kale is one of the hardiest, but the class partaking more of tlie character of Chou de Milan is a greater favourite at table, the Cottager's Kale and Asparagus Kale are also useful and good, and it may fairly be set down that a disli of Greens of one or other of these kinds will be forthcoming every day in February, March, and April ; but for autumn and mid- winter use, the services of the following are more decidedly useful. Brussels Sprouts.— 0{ all the vegetables the gar»!en can boast of, perhaps none can be so certainly depended on to fill up a gap at the most inclement season as this. Brussels Sprouts are usually to be had in good condition for table from October till April, and the hardest weather has but little efl'ect on them : therefore, to the owner of a small garden it is prudent to plant a considerable breadth of tliis, quite as much as of all the other kinds of winter Greens and Savoys put together. For cultivation see former artich's. Broccoli. — This popular vegetable often deceives the most experienced, as the mildness or severity of the season has so much influence on it tliat it is difficult to foresee with anything hke a certainty when it may be likely to come into use." The best way is to plant three or four sorts, as the Purple and White Cape for autumn, Walchoreu and Snow's Winter with Knight's Protecting for winter, and the Portsmouth and any other large kind for spring ; the Wilcove being about as late as any. In very severe weather throwing a little litter over the most forward heads will protect them much, and in ordinary winters the kinds above will furnish a supply all the autumn and winter up to within a short time of when the first Cauliflowers are expected. Where there is space for planting a good breadth, with a late border for the latest Broceoli, and an early one for the first Cauliflower, there should not be more than a week, or at most ten days intervening between the one and the other. Calhage, — Second in importance, perhaps only to the Potato, a good bed of Cabbages affords a something to cut from nearly all the year round ; for after cutting the Cabbage, the second and third crops of shoots furnish an exhaustless supply of greens until severe weather in February arrests their growth ; and the ground being wanted for something else, the old stalks of the preceding year may be then removed, as it is expected another bed of young ones is coming on. But common and accom- modating as this plant is, it is by no means exempt from the uncertainty which all vegetation is subject to. An unusually hard winter kills many of the plants; and a very mild one, by allowing their growth to go on almost uninterrupted, they arrive at too large a size in March, and not imfrequently run to seed instead of forming useful compact hearts or heads. This evil is the case in more places than one in the present spring, while the other misfortune befell a still larger number the year before. Cabbages and Cabbage sprouts may be reckoned on for the most part of the year. Cauliflower. — When well managed and a few early plants are preserved through winter in hand-glasses, and allowed to stand on the same spot, they will generally come into use by the middle ot May ; and from thence up to November Cauliflowers ought generally to be forthcoming, excepting in very hot seasons and dry situations, when a gap must be excused in the supply. Some otlier misfortunes now and then occur in their cultivation, but usually the Cauliflower is a constant and acceptable accom- paniment to the good things of the dinner-table. Carrot.^K few sown very early in a hotbed will be found very useful, after which a bed on a south border will come in well, the main crop being sown the third week in April. Some soils arc, however, not adapted to the Carrot, in which case it is better to buy the winter stock than struggle against difficulties to grow them ; but by all means sow some for early and general summer use, and as an article for table April and May may be regarded the scarcest months. Celery. — Good ground and a liberal allowance of manure will generally secure good Celery, and if the seed be from a good solid kind there is no difficulty in obtaining a good article; but the fastidious admirer of Celery must not be unreasonable in requiring too large a quantity, for to have it good it requires a large space, and the due supply of other things does not always allow of this. Nevertlieless, a large breadth of Celery may be, or ought always to be planted, and its presence at table may be reckoned upon from September to the end of March. A little for soup may be also had in the intervening time, but an article for salad cannot well bo had in good coudition before September. Dry weather and a dry place check its growth, so that in the north of England it is often earlier than in the south, where its growth is mostly confined to the autumn. Cucumher. — Up to the middle or end of July these must be looked for under glass ; but in August and September favoured situations produce them plentifully enough out of doors. With the assistance of a frame and hot dung they may be had without any great amount of care or skill by the middle of April, and from thence up to October may be regarded as plentiful. After then, being less cared for, the frames we presume may be wanted for something else. It is right, however, here to mention that the Cucumber is subject to a singular disease — a gummy sub- stance exudes from the fruit on the places where the spines ought to be, and often destroys the whole crop. It, however, is not of frequent occurrence ; but where it does appear its virulence is only equalled by that of the Potato disease, and, like it, it is equally difficult to cure or prevent. J. EOBSON. (To he contintied.) Aekivai or Mk. J. Gould Veitch. — We are happy to annoxince the safe return of Mr. J. Gould Veitch from japan. He arrived in London on the ever.ing of Saturday, the 19th inst., in excellent health. It is now just two years since this young April 29, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULXURE AND COXrAGE GARDENER. 79 gentleman set out on his maiden jounicy to a laud whiili to Europeans was a land unknown. He went, not to follow a trodden patli, or to visit scenes tliat had been depicted by former travellers; but with the stout heart and firm resolve that were necessary for such an undertaking, ho set out prepared to meet the dangers and difficulties incident to sucli an expedition. How he has carried out the object of his mission is now pretty well known. To him we are indebted for many of the rarest Conifers of Japan, besides many other plants which had never before been introduced, and we understand he has brought home witli him seeds of numerous plants hitherto unknown. THE GENUS HIPPEASTEUM. When Linna'us named the original species equestre — a bright orange flower with a green star at the bottom — he meaut it to signify the Equestrian Star, or Knij;ht's Star, a badge of an ancient order of knighthood, and Hippea?ter means the same thing. Singularly enough, equestre, the species on which the genus was founded, was the first plant of the order of Amaryllids which the first collector of the reformed, and Royal, IlorticuUural Society had met with in Brazil last August ; and no less singular, if we date back to the time of Linna>us, that equestre is now met with, in a wild state, within sight of a railway station. He found it on the woody hills above Belem, forty miles from Bio (see our "Proceedings," 18(i2, page 53). Ho found more of them also there, but he missed some good ones up the gorges of Corcovado, and on the south side of the bay. The whole family are natives of Brazil, except vittatum, which is from the opposite side in Peru, and regium, or regina?, a native of nobody knows where, but somewhere on the low coast of Mexico. A very fine variety of solandriflorum, with red stripes on the outside, was sent from Lima to the Glasgow Botanic Garden; but whether that was a garden plant or a native has not been stated. As there is now no difficulty in procuring all the best kinds for garden use from some one or other of the Brazilian ports, and as the Royal Horticultural Society have them in their schedules for prizes, and also because there are very few of them now in England, and still fewer who know much of the high estimation they acquired in the latter part of the last century, and the first quarter of this, I mean this contribution to be half historical and half biographical of what was known of them, and what they had been brought ts by the skill and industry of a race of growers now nearly gone to their last account. No plants in the world were in higher repute, in my younger days, than these very plants ; no race of plants is more easily improved by cross-breeding, and crossing is yet very far from producing results such as were effected in this family forty years back. The nearest to it will be the crossing of the large- flowering Sikkim Rhododendron. Even then I do not see how you could excel some of the crosses I have seen from Hippe- astrum solandriflorum, the flowers being full 10 inches long, and from 5 inches to 7 inches across. What you see of them now are merely the dregs of a former world, not worth talking about, and to make a fresh start with what you can muster, withoiit fresh importations, would be as wise as to graft at the wrong end of the stock as they do Manetti. With the above limitation the genus is confined within the tropics in Brazil j but on account of the various elevations at which the different species are found, some of them are hardy greenhouse plants, some prefer an intermediate treatment between stove and greenhouse plants, some are hardy stove, and some very tender stove plants — meaning hardy and tender in respect to treatment, not as to the degrees of heat. One is an evergreen the year round, and one or more are inclined that way, if encouraged ; the rest cast their leaves and remain dry during the winter, and a section of them, if well managed, will rest in winter and at midsummer, flowering both in the spring and in the autumn. There are only ten or a dozen wild species known to be good erossers ; but some of tliese have several local wild varieties, and some of the wild varieties are better garden plants than the species; but let mo take the specii.'s in alphabetical order, and tell the tale of each, and where a figure and full description of it may be found and verified. 1. HiPPEASTEtJM AULTCDM (Bo<. Reg., vol. vi., 444), with two varieties — glaucophyllum {Boi. Mag., vol. Ivii., 2983), and platypetalum (Bot. Reg., vol. xii., 1038). These have only two flowers on a scape, the flowers chiedy a crimson and a green throat. Tlie glaucous-leaved sort is the best to cross, and the three are hardy stove plants. 2. H. BULBU103USI, under wliich eleven varieties or kinds come in, because they produce blind oflisols, and only vary in the shades of colour, or haf, or stature. They have different degrees of orange and red to jrooatum (Bot. Reg., vol. i., 3S), which is coppery orange. Xhoy are all of easy growth. The following are the best breeders of them — ignescens, with a small fiery orange flower; rutilum (Bot. Reg., vol. i., 28), a brilliant scarlet; fulgidum (Bot. 7?«/., vol. iii., 226), pale orange scarlet; and pulverulentum (Bol, Mag., vol. xlix., 2273). All these kinds grow in the vicinity of, or not very far from Rio, and some of tlicm may now be in Cliiswiek garden, from Mr. Weir, the Society's collector. They made an exquisite strain by crossing with solandriflorum, and quite another strain of high orange scarlet tinged with purple, and very tender, by crossing with fulgidum, and rutilum with reticulatura ; but the two races have been extinct for the lust thirty years- 3. H. CALTPTEATUSI (Bot. Reg., vol. ii., IGl). — A tender stove plant with two flowers on a scape; colour greenish, and the gr.'cn netted over with red. With the least encouragement it is an evergreen, but crosses from it and by it are very beautiful and require rest in winter. 4. H. EQUESTRE {Bot. Mag., vol. ii., 303). — ^A hardy stove kind with bright orange flowers, with a green star at the bottom. This was the original kind, and was from Trinidad, Surinam, and West India islaniis. It is not so good as stylosum, with the same colour, to breed from ; but stylosum is difficult to get. 5. H. PSITTACINUII {Bot. Reg., vol. iii., 199). — A hardy greenhouse plant. A most valuable breeder with two flowers only on a scape. The colour a dark green richly netted and margined with bright red. G. H. EEorcTM {Bot. Mag., vol. xiii., 453). — Bright scarlet flowers with a green star. A much better plant than equestre for crossing, the flower is of better substance and colour, and of much better form, while the bulb is equally hardy in the stove. Named Regince from having first flowered in England on the Queen's birthday, in 1728. Said to be a native of the shores of the Mexican GuK. 7. H. EETICUIATITM {Bot. Mag., vol. xviii., 657). — A delicate, tender stove plant of exquisite brightness and beauty. Colour purplish-red, as in some of the new Nosegay Geraniums, and that regularly netted or reticulated with a darker colour, and a clean clear white star at the bottom. The locality of this splendid bulb has never been recorded, but as the collector of the Society found the only known variety of it, striatifolium, near Belem, we may presume the species is not far from Rio, and, perhaps, ne.trer the coast. Striatifolium with a white band down the middle of the leaf, has a larger and a paler flower than the green-leaved reticulatura, and it is now at Chiswick garden, from the collector. 8. H. SOLANDKIFLOKUSI {Bot. Mag., Iii., 2573, and another variety of it, Bot. Reg., xi., 876). — Two forms of this magnificent plant with tlie flowers from 8 inches to 10 inches long, which are of the same form and nearly the same colour as those of Solandra grandiflora — that is to say, creamy white with a tinge of pale green in it, and faintly striped with red on the outside, and a deeper red at the end of the tuba. This is a tender stove plant, but has been the parent of a hardier race of the moat magnificent crosses ever raised, and with the pollen of vittatum and psittacinum, the seedlings require only the treatment of the greenhouse. The rutilum and fulgidum varieties of bul- bulosum made another race with it, which were as hardy in the stove as those of aulicum. 9. H. STYLOSUM {Bol. Mag., xlix., 2278). — A tender stove plant from near ilaranhani, with a more coppery orange than equestre, and giving a deeper tinge of orange to the cross seedlings than that species. 10. H. VITTATUM {Bot. Mag., vol. iv., 129, and Bot. Reg., 988). — Two varieties of the most valuable of all the Hippeastere, being the hardiest of the race. It lived out of doors at Mitcham, in Surrey, for many years, and even ripened its seeds in the open air, and had nothing but a coat of ashes over the border in winter. It is the male parent of Johnsoni, now the hardiest; and the oldest cross we have of them, regium having been the mother. But a free florid race between it and psittacinum was still more hardy, yet they have all disappeared. Vittatum is soon weakened in stove heat. A strong bulb of it would have as many as nine flowers on a scape. It is a white flower with double stripes of I'ed in it, and a green eye in one variety. These were all the wild kinds that we have crossed, and then, were only two more that I know of which were worth crossing 80 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aAEDENER. [ April 29, 1862. the longiflorum variety of ainbiguum from Lima in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, which was very like vittatum, with a larger and langer flower, and another red one found on the Organ Mountains, by Mr. Gardener, which is a hardier form of aulicura, with better-shaped flovrers. This last I had through Mr. Wailcs, of Newcastle, as soon as it came over, and I had a fine race of hardy, stout, well-formed flowers from it at Shrub- land Pork, but less brilliant than tliose from aulicum. Dr. Herbert also bred from it, but I never heard the result. It seemed as hardy as psittacinum, and it ought to be still at Woburn Abbey. D. Beaton. (To ie continued.) EOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. April 22nd. Fkuit Committee. — Mr. Robert Osborn in the cliair. At this Meeting tlie following prizes were offered : — - Class A. For tlie best und second best dishes of dessert Apples, distinct soils 20s. IOj. ,, B. ditto ditto kitclicn Apples 2iJ5. 10s. „ C. The best and second best dish of Strawberries, not less tlian SO fruits 20s. 10s. ,, D. Best three heads of Croccoli 10s. In Class A, Messrs. Ivery & Son, of Dorking, were the only competitors. They exhibited Mickleham Pearmain, a fine dessert Apple so late in the season, but considerably shrivelled ; Hertfordshire Pearmain, also much shrivelled ; and Court of Wick, very good, but small. To tliis collection a second prize was awarded. In Class B, Messrs. Ivery & Son exhibited French Crab, IS'orfolk BeauBn, and Bess Pool ; and Air. Hall, gardener to Captain Tyrrell, Fordhook, Ealing, exhibited French Crab, Dumelow's Seedling, and Bess Pool. Those of Mr. Hall were much superior to Messrs. Ivery's, and the first prize was accord- ingly awarded to them j the second prize being awarded to Messrs. Ivery. Mr. Charles Tnrner, of Slough, sent three heads of Broccoli of the Frogmore Protecting variety, which appears to be a form of Knight's Protecting. The prize was awarded to them because of their being the only exhibition for the prize. The heads were " leafy and frothy," and not good specimens of what a good Broccoli ought to be. Mr. William Thomson, gardener to the Duke of Buccleuch, Dalkeitb Park, sent a bunch of Lady Downe's Grajre in very fine condition for so late in the season. The berries wei'e as plump and fresh as if it had been autumn, and still the bunch iiad hung on the ^'ine till the young shoots had begun to break. So highly did the Committee appreciate this example of horti- cultural skill, they aw arded a Certificate of jMerit to the exhibition. Mr. Cox, gardener to H. Coore, Esq., Scruton Hall, Bedale, sent a very nice bunch of Burbarossa Grape of large size, pro- duced in a greenhouse where plants were grown. The berries were rather small and shrivelled, but their flavour was excellent. Mr. David Thomson, of Archerfield, near Drsm, K.B., sent berries of the Areherflold Early Muscat Grape, the Bowood Muscat, Tvnnnigham Muscat, and Muscat of Alexandria. The Archei-lield Early Muscat was quite soft and ripening, while the others were quite hard and green ; and it exhibited all the character of being fully six weeks earlier than the others. Mr. Pring, gardener to the Hon. Mrs. ^'ernon Harcourt, sent a seedling Apple which was very richly and highly flavoured, but whicli proved so like Russet Nonpareil, which was also exhibited at the Me-ting, that the Committee could not distin- guish the difference between them. Floeal Committee. — J. J. Blandy, Esq., in the cliair. The first plant brought forward was Lithospermum fruticosum, from the Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith, for which a Second-class Cer- tificate was awarjed, the plant being considered a useful rock plant to be treated and used as a rock Cistus. The aspect of the plant at a short distance was that of a free blue Anagallis, but is more woody than that ; it blooms from May to October out of doors, and cuttings of it taken in September, should be kept over the winter witli Verbenas and otlier bedding plants to be turned out at (he end of the spring. From Mr. Anderson, the great cross-breeder near Edinburgh, were cut flowers of a fine seedling Clematis, a cross between ccerulea aud lanuginosa, distinct in colour between the two parents, for nhifh an award was made. Also a pale blue Gentiana received from Dr. Jameson, from Peru ; it is one of a class of numerous alpine plants of the same genus, natives of high localities on the Peruvian Andes, and was considered a nice botanical herbaceous plant. Also some nice cross-seedling Rhododendrons between ciliatum and Edgworthii, a numerous race now springing up from different quarters, of which the best in habit we have yet seen is Countess of Haddington, a cross between ciliatum and Dalhousise, which was exhibited by Mr. Parker at the Azalea Exhibition recently held in the garden of the Society. From Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, was a free-looking green-leaved Draca;na, called Gliiesbrechtii, for which a Second-class Certifi- cate was given ; and a slender Fern-like-leaved Lomatia, named elegantissima, which had the same award. Also Alsophila ele- gans, a strong-growing Fern, which was requested to be sent again when more advanced. There were several other Ferns, and many seedling Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Epacrises, amongwhichwereseveral Bhootan seedling Rhododendrons of the kinds sent out a few years since from the Clapton Nurseiy, from Mr. Tilleiy, of Welbeck. Also Centaurea argentca from Mr. Salter, who sent besides a strange tinted sport of Scrophularia nodosa. Mr. Standish, among other plants, sent a most beautiful new Solomon's Seal recently brought from Japan by Mr. Fortune. It is one of the most bcautifuUy-variegated plants yet seen from Japan, the leaves being dark green and beautifully broad-banded with two or three silvery white ribbons on each leaf. It should be called Vittatum, and find a place in every good collection ; a First-class Certificate was unanimously aw.arded to it. The whole beauty is iii the leaves, the flowers being just the same as those of the Lily of the Valley. Another most useful plant was from Mr. Everest, near Read- ing, and named by the Committee Genista Everestiana. With- out being in flower you would take this plant to be the same as the old Cytisus or Genista rhodophena, and it must be a seedling from that race, with dense spikes ot deep golden yellow — a most profuse bloomer, which will some day displace all the varieties of Cytisus racemosus, or yellow spring Cytisus now in use. This also had a unanimous award given to it as being likely to be " everybody's plant." There was a "remarkably sweet" Dendrobium from Japan from Mr. Standish, a little alpine-hke plant with small white flowers. A large wide-spreading flower on a Hippeastrum from Mr. Williams, called after himself. It is distantly affected by vitta- tum, and is a better kind than is generally seen about London; but would not have been a great acquisition five and thirty years back. Here Mr. Eyles reported favourably of the " Amaryllises " which the collector of the Society sent home from the neigh- bourhood of Rio ; tlie Brazils being the native country of almost all the Hippcaster,-, and no Amaryllis has yet been mot with in the new world. From the garden of the Society were the same well-grown jJnoectochiluscs which we mentioned from a former meeting, toge- ther with some interesting variegated plants from the collector of tlie Society, which are soon to be set up for Fellows ot the Society to ballot for, that there may be no more room for com- plaint's about the plaut9»introduced by the Society being given away to those Fellows who might soonest hear of them and had the boldest face to ask for them. We consider this balloting for jJants to bo one of the best rules of the new CouncJ. OXALIS SPECIOSA PEODUCING BULBS ONLY. In the autumn of 1860, I planted several bulbs of Oxalis speciosa in No. 32-pots, three bulbs in each. Not one, however, made its appearance above ground. Supposing the bulbs had rotted, I recently turned out the mould, when to my great surpi-ise I found a cluster of bulbs at the bottom of each pot, or about treble the number planted. I have repotted them 1\ inch deep, but shall be thankful for any information as to the habit and culture of these bulbs. — Z. A. [We expect that (ho bulbs had been kept too dry and too long out of the ground, as naturally the bulbs should have been in leaf and flower when you planted them. The bulbs also were, most likely, rather deep, and, in self defence, wasted their strength in throwing off small ottscts. You are right in planting these rather shallow, in sandy loam and peat, and encouraging them to grow. It is doubtful, however, whether they will bloom April 29, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE aABDENEB. 81 this nutumn or not ; but by watering ns long ss tlio leaves arc gi-ecn, antl wintering in rather a dry state afterwards, you will be sure to get flowering bulbs next season. It is just possible they may greet you with their pretty flowers this season.] FEW DAYS IN lEELAND. (Continued from page d-T.) -No. 21. CLONMEL HOUSE. fiESIDENCE OF J. M. NELIGAN, ESQ., M.D., UONKSTOWK, BLACKEOCK. Theee can bo no question of the pleasure obtained and the improvement gained from visiting largo princely places employing their scores of under-gardeners and labourers ; or if more limited in extent, sparing no expense tliat everything alike rare and common should appear in the best possible condition. No greater misconception however can exist, tlian the somewhat-too- general idea that such only are the places worth seeing, or capable of exercising a beneficial influence on their possessors, and through them on the general community. In the first place, it is seldom that the smallest garden can be visited even bv tlie greatest gardeners, without presenting to them some objects of interest which in their great establishments may either be wholly overlooked, or not so well attended to. From the very nature of things, it often happens that in small places many productions individually show more signs of careful luiremitting attention than they do in larger places, just because in the latter attention is not only much more divided, and the gardener must often depend upon mere directions imperfectly carried out, or even counteracted ; whilst in tlie former the principal operations will be performed by the gardener liimself, or under his direct and immediate supervision. These circumstances will not so much apply in those very large places where several regular eontinuous foremen are kept and encouraged to stay ; but they will more or less apply in such largish places where under-gar- deners, to suit themselves, seldom remain more than one or two years in a place. At any rate the fact remains, that smallish places are not the least worthy of notice. Again. But for the increase of these small gardens, the pub- lishers of sucli serials as this could not expect a remunerative circulation, and thus gardening as an ameliorating influence would exercise but little power on the general community. Rejoicing, tlien, as we do in the neat profitable garden of the cottager, because other things being equal, and, humanly speaking, the man possessing a well-kept garden is likely to be a better man than his neighbour without one ; and delighting in the princely establishments of the Trenthams in England, the Dalkeiths in Scotland, and the Cartons and Woodstoeks in Ire- land ; we have equal pleasure in contemplating the great increase of gardens, in every possible position between the two extremes referred to, that is now taking place, not only in the country, but in the streets and suburbs of our towns, ranging in size from the 80-many-days-a-week of the jobbing gardener, up to those that require a gardener constantly, and on to one or several assistants. Our touching upon this subject naturally leads us to notice another great misconception as to the social position which such gardeners are presumed to occupy — in other words, the remune- ration that is deemed suflicient for them. "We are far from assuming that gardeners, even in the best places, are overpaid — quite the reverse, though we see reasons in daily operation why there will be no general improvement in this respect for the better. But we see no reason why there should be something like a recognition of a shding scale, to the effect that the man who superintends a score pair of hands may be worthy of f 100 a-year ; wliilst a clever man who has only to superintend his own pair of hands, is well paid with from £20 to £30. Of course, every employer has the undoubted right to decide what he is able and willing to give to his servant, and if wise will proportion his expectations accordingly. He should be well aware, that except in extreme cases of necessity, a man will not continue to serve unless on suitable terms. The expecting so much by the employer, and the receiving so little by the worker, are too generally the simple causes of the heart-burnings, the dis- satisfaction, the constant changing that take place, and the wrecks of all that is economical in the garden premises as a consequence. What else can we expect, when almost every week we find ad- rertisements for gardeners who must know this, and must do that, be conversant with hothouses, forcing-houses, greenhouses, and, to make the most of them in fact, possess a good deal of the genius of a Fleming, and the talent of a Thomson, and then be paid munificently with from lis. to 18». per week ? Not but that there are plenty of gardens, and plenty of men for whom such wages would be ample payment. The error is in sup- posing that a small place with any pretensions, requiring the best talent to make the most of it, can have that talent at such wages. The late Mr. Loudon long ago advocated, that to make the most of a small garden, the best talent must bo had, and suitable re- mmieration should be given. In large places more general in- telligence may be necessary, and the faculty of directing and regulating men, and of properly organising and managing with efliciency labour-power — a matter altogether diflerent and far more important than the mere seeing that men are actively em- ployed, and which faculty also should be paid for as it deserves. But this faculty though less developed, will be necessary to make the most of comparatively small places, and the practical ability must not be behind. It is true there will be no com- parison in the extent of responsibility ; but, on the other hand, instead of chiefly observing and regulating, the gardener in the small place will have to observe, think, decide, and carry out with his own hands chiefly at one and the same time. When all these matters are taken into consideration, we trust it will be seen, that gentlemen who are ambitious to make their little gardens distinguished — that is, to make the very most of them in the way of pleasure and profit, must not only endeavour to get good gardeners, but keep them by paying them liberally. Some such ideas swept through our mind in looking in upon Dr. Neligan's suburban or rather street garden, suggested chiefly by the size of the garden. Otherwise the remarks have no relative application, as Dr. Neligan unfortunately was from home, visit- ing the "land of the mountain and flood," so that we missed the pleasure that numbers told us we should have in meeting with a thorough enthusiast ; and we know nothing of how he and his gardener Mr. Byrne, stand to each other, further than like most gardeners in Ireland, he seemed as if he could not speak too highly of his employer, which we always take to be a favourable sign, and in his shirt-sleeves, and active industry, seemed as enthusiastic and eager about his little paradise as his neighbour Mr. O'Brien could well be in superintending the rare and splendid plants of Mr. Bewley. We could not help wishing then and now that such gardens and gardeners were multiplied, not a hundredfold, but thousand by thousandfold in old Ireland, and Britain too, just because thoroughly believing that every one of these thousands of homes would or might be the recipient of new and pure sources of pleasure. The whole extent of the ground of Clonmel House is 240 feet by 150 feet, the most of it being behind the house. On one side is a small elevated greenhouse in which, in addition to some nice Epacrises and other plants, were some huge plants of Fuchsias, past their best, which not long before had carried ofi' the honours at the Show of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland. Mr. Byrne does not approve of the roots of Fuchsias being dried too much when in a state of rest in autumn and winter. When he wishes to start them, he cuts or prunes them in pretty freely, and then places them in the stove, in a heat of from 50° to 60°. When the plants break their buds nicely he takes the plants out of the pots, shakes the old soil from them, thus reduces the balls, and prunes the roots if very long or weak, and repots in smaller-sized pots, keeps them in the stove in such temperature until the roots are coming out at the bottom of the pots, when they are transferred to the larger pots in which they are to bloom, kept in the higher temperature a httle longer, and then placed in the greenhouse. The compost used is three parts good mellow loam, and one part dried horse- droppings, with a little silver sand. The plants had been very massive and full of flowers. The other houses consisted of a vinery 50 feet by 12 feet ; a plant-stove 21 feet by 14 feet ; and an orchard-house 30 feet by 14 feet, with a pit in front of the stove 24 feet by 6 feet, assisted by the flue that heats the stove. These are low houses of wood and glass, on Mr. Rivers' system — for instance, the orchard-house is 8 feet to the ridge, and 4 feet high at the sides, with ven- tilating-boards there and no ventilation at the top, the side openings being found to be quite sufficient. In this house were some beautiful Pear trees, and others were standing in diflerent parts of the ground in pots receiving the necessary treatment. A few Pine-Apple plants were grown in the etove, which seemed to us rather out of place where so many things were attempted. 82 JOITRNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ AprU 29, 1862. Part of the stove was devoted to Melons up the roof, the kinds said to be some grand Indian sorts, of which we failed to be impressed with their value, so far as appearance went ; but, perhaps, the flavour when ripe might neutralise our opinion. We should certainly be agreeably disappointed if any amount of sugar or of wine would render them delicious. We notice this because we have observed that the worthy proprietor and others have been, of late, sending to different places foreign Melons — we mean raised fi-om foreign seeds — for the opinion of connoisseurs. It is a good thing that there are some who will take tlie trouble to test unknown kinds for the benefit of the public. For ourselves, after having a fair share of trying Melon and other foreign seeds, we politely decline receiving such seeds from obliging unpractical friends now, as our space is too limited to permit of these ti'ials. There is such a pleasure iu giving such things and asking about them afterwards, that we feel that pain is often given by a plain statement of the case. Tlie receiv- ing such packets with thanks, and then getting rid of them by placing thera in the fireplace, might be more gratifying to the givers; — the result, "Ono! we never mention it ;" but in so doing we could hardly keep a clear conscience in the matter. Tliere are so many good Melons, scarlet, white, and green-fleshed, that generally those with little room would do well to keep to these well-tried, well-known kinds. Altogether in such a little garden there might be quite enough of the general-collection principle ; but still Mr. Byrne had the good taste to concentrate his attention npon a selection of articles, and this, as we have often stated, would constitute a great charm in street and suburban gardens, and increase the pleasure of fi'iendly neighbours, be they proprietors or gardeners. We have instanced Fuchsiae ; another plant to which special attention is devoted is the Chri/santhemum. These were standing on and by the sides of walks, and undergoing a tying and training process before being placed in the orchard-house to bloom, after the trees were placed outside. The training by hoops, &o., is done much tlie same as described in Nos. 3 and 4, only that Mr. Byrne, instead of having his plants flattish, gives them more the form of a hemisphere or semicircle. We did not think his plants were so large as those of Messrs. Smith and McNeill ; but we had either been mistaken, or the plants had been trained and filled-out well before the exhibition at the end of November, at which Mr. Byrne stood first for six Pompous, and first for tlie special prize of twelves in pots, where distinctness, health, eym- m«try, and bloom of the plants, were the tests of success. Some Pompons in these twelve plants were the largest exhibited, measuring 4 feet 6 inches in diameter from side to side, and 6 feet across the arc of the hemisphere formed by the flowers, which on some plants were more than 1000 in number. Some readers may not think this notice is penned in vain, if they are made acquainted with the minutiae of Mr. Byrne's treatment. Whether for large or small specimens, he prefers suckers to cuttings. For large heads to be bloomed in 13-iuch pots he proceeds as follows. At the end of December or the beginning of January he selects three of the strongest suckers from the old plants, picks out all the lower eyes and buds ; and if one or more sucker should be longer or more leggy than its neighbours, its centre is nipped out, or it is stopped or shortened. These three suckers are then potted in a 6-inch pot, using three parts turfy loam and one part fine sea sand, in wliich they soon root freely. These are placed for a fortnight or three weeks in such a stove as has been already referred to, to encourage rooting, &c. Then they are moved to the greenhouse for a similar time. They are then moved to a cold frame, where they coiitmue until about the middle of March, when they will need potting into 9-inch pots. They are then kept in the frame for several weeks, and are then moved to a south border, where they remain until the May frosts have gone. By the 1st of June the plants get their flowering 13-inch pots, and from thence to the 1st of August the plants are kept on the north side of a wall. Then they are moved to the most open parts of the garden, then by-and-by to the front of a south wall, and from thence by the second week in September to the orchard-house. We may be mistaken, but we noticed little plunging of the pots, and to that we attributed the robustness of the plants partly. The strength of the compost is increased at each shifting, until the last con- sists of half turfy loam chopped roughly, and half well-rotted stable-dung and sand. Stopping the shoots goes on to the middle of July, not later. When placed in the flowering-pots, two sticks are placed across it, and galvanised iron rings placed round as previously described, the hoop being about 3 feet in diameter at first, and the size increased as the shoots grow. From that time the shoots are gradually brought down, and tied into shape, taking care not to be too rash at first. Water is given at the root when necessary ; and when the flower-buds show, liquid manure is given once a- week, or twice if the weather is sunny and warm. When the plants are moved to the orchard- house each pot is set upon the top of another pot reversed, so as to raise them above the ventilators on each side, which are generally left open night and day, except in very cold and stormy weather. In our opinion the great secret of success under such a course of treatment, so as to secure fine healthy foliage as well as fine and numerous flowers, is the very free use of clear water all over the plants with the syringe morning and evening until the flowers begin to expand. The same plan is adopted for specimen masses in 9-inch pots, with this difference — that a single sucker is selected, placed in a -i-inch pot, shifted into a 6, and finally transferred to a 9-inch. If disposed to be critical, we might have wished that the main walks iu such small gardens were done with flagstones, or asphalt, or gravel and tar, the latter concealed. Opportunity ought to be given for free motion whenever it is fair abovehead. The walk, if of stone, might be high enough to serve for edging as well, and thus be dry a minute after a shower. No edgings are worse than Box for such places, as it retains the wet and other things besides ; and we like to see ladies walk in their own gar- dens with gracefulness and ease, instead of making frights of themselves by their sole concern about preserving then- garments clean. Such places, to yield tlie greatest amount of pleasure, shoidd be the very pink of cleanliness, order, and neatness. If we have been somewhat slovenly in the minutise of details, we feel confident that Mr. Byrne wUl kindly correct all that is amiss. R. Fish. EHODODENDEON NUTTALII. Wbll, I have seen a sight at last ! but I ought to have seen it two years since at Kew, and in some of the London nurseries. I have just seen a noble specimen of Rhododendron Nuttalii in most noble bloom, in the garden of A. Mongredien, Esq., at Forest Hill, two stations from the Crystal Palace on the way fiom London Bridge, the celebrated garden for the Spergula pilifera ; and this Rhododendron and that Spergula are now two good sights, such as you will not see elsewhere round London as far as I know. I never said one word too much in favour of Spergula at all events, and if I say aught too much in favour of Rhododendron Nuttalii, it is big enough to bear it. It is the grandest flower iu the order to begin with, and it is all but one of the cheapest plants in the country if you take it as a Uttle seedling. I was told by several nurserymen, that they were now selling their seedling plants of it cheaper than the new Verbenas and Nosegay Geraniums ; but the plants will not stand much frost. That which I went on purpose to see is about 8 feet high, and has six noble, if not most noble, trusses of flowers on it just now^ and the trusses from six to eight flowers in each, and all the flowers on the same level in each truss. When the flower-bud is opening, the colour inside is a beautiful soft tinge of yellow ; but, as the flower expands, it gets lighter and lighter, till at last it is purity itself in whiteness, and looks as firm as a piece of polished ivory. No white Lily is of firmer texture, and few more wide across the opening. When it is just at its prime the flower is 6 inches across, 4 inches deep, pure pearly white inside except at the bottom, where the original soft yellow tint remains to the last ; and the back of the flower is tinged most delicately with pink, as in some specimens of cihatum. The anthers are dark grey, and full of pollen ; and if there are ten of them in each flower, as there should be, this plant would pay itself well by selling the anthers at one guinea the piece — and I am quite satisfied that no anthers were ever sold so cheap ; equally so, that a good erosser could use them till the end of next June if he had bought some and took them home with him this week. Bat, of course, the gentleman who owns the plant would not think of selling the anthers or anything else that way ; and of course, also, he will not think mucli of me for making the suggestion. Now, as never was such another opportunity in my day, I will just observe that I would take three of the smallest anthers and shortest stamens I could flnd, wrap them well up in blotting- paper, and send them down by post to Mr Anderson, the great Scotch oroRS-breeder and hybridiser, near the heart of Midlothian. The anthers of all the flowers of this order, in which also AprU 29, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTIOULTURE AND OOXTAGE GARDENER. 83 Heaths and Epacrises nve ineludcd, do not split along the side 89 meet anthers do. The pollen gets out of the anthers by pnres or an opening at one end : therefore, all the anthers in all the plants in all tliis order are the easiest to carry about for the pur- poses of crossing; and as far back as June, 1837, I put it in black and wliite, that you might gather the anthers of Rhodo- dendrons on the Alps of Thibet, bring them home to England, just as I would send those to Edinburgh, and cross your own stock with them as freely as if the pollen travelled no farther than from Sydenham to Arthur's Seat. And from that day to this I hare not seen any reason to alter or amend that story. See Loudon's "Gardener's Magazine," for 1837. So if the notion of selling pollen or of carrying it about for crossing pur- poses shoidd seem odd or strange, I should say it is not for its novelty at all eveflts. Now, the first tiling Mr. Anderson would do, on receiving these dark grey anthers, would be to look out one of his medium- sized plants of Rhododendron ciliatum, and pick out the three or four strongest flowers out of so many trusses, and throw them away and prepare the medium and the weakest flowers by taking out their own anthers so as to apply the pollen from Sydenham in order to obtain a new race of Rhododendrons having very large ivory white blossoms, a close, comfortable habit of growing, and a constitution which would, after three more turns of crossing with others, which he well knows, render the new race quite as hardy as the Rhododendron ponticum, and better growers even than ponticum. On the other hand, I would select half a dozen of the longest and stoutest anthers and send them down to Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, to be crossed with some of the very largest flowers there on the biggest standards they have in these quarters, for another race of close-growing giants; and as Nuttalii is deliciously sweetly-scented, I would get a biU from Parliament to put an entire stop to crossing ciliatum or any other sort with Edg- worthii, and all the other bare legs of the family. — D. Beaton. MY AURICULAS IN 1862. I HAVB, as yet, only talked and written upon the subject of Auricula-growing, but to such an extent, that I fear that manj of your readers have regarded me much as the House does some Hon. Mem. when be annually brings on some favourite motion which it votes an immense bore. " Ah ! here is poor with his hobby again ! " But as my doing so has, I humbly believe, led not a little to its reinstatement in the favour of the pubhc, I may be excused for once more taking my ride ; and as I have been permitted this year to show that it is not meri-ly talk with me, but practice, inasmuch as I was enabled to take the first prize for six at the Royal Horticultural, and the small Sliver medal for twelve at the Royal Botanic, any observations I may make will, perhaps, be taken as having a little more weight. The homely old English proverb is never more true than in flowers — " The proof of the pudding is the eating ;" for I know people who are always theorising, always fancying what they can do, always taking up every notion that anybody puts forth, and, of course, always failing. Let a thing bo well done, and it is worth all the talking in the world as to what we can do. It may seem strange after doing this that I should be com- pelled to say that, taking into account the size of my collection, which has gradually increased each year, I never had a worse bloom than this year. Fortunately for me, some of my earlier plants were the best ; but 1 very much question whether 1 shall have anything very good for the 30th, when the National Auricula Show takes place. And this is only another example of the very great capriciousness of this flower ; for my stock never looked more healthy, the plants are, generally speaking, in excellent heart, and yet the bloom is defective ! My own county is famous for growing a crop (Hops), of which it is said you never know what sort of a crop you have had until the money is in youi- pocket ; but I really question if they are more uncertain than this favourite flower. As yet I have not heard much of other collections : I know my friend Mr. Jeans' is not as good as usuhI, but that he attributes rather to not having potted the plants himself, and its having been done latj in the year than to any other cause. My good brother, who, alas! by the fortunes of war, or rather the whims of the War Office, has been ordered off to Gibraltar, was with me last week, and told me that Dr. Plant considered his collection by no meana ia such fine order as usual. Of the more general character of the season's bloom we shall most probably hear on the 30th, when we may hope to have a good uui^ter of variouH growers from all parts of the kingdom, and shiill then, perhaps, be able to say whether climatic influences have anything to say to it — whether, in fact, a mild weather is more injurious to a good bloom than a severe one. The general statement last year was, that the bloom was a very excellent one: it will be some- what strange if the reverse is the ease now. Last year I made a statement as to the little dependance that could be placed on heart or centre blooms, and a»ked for any ra- tionale on the subject. And it is a very singular thing that nearly two-thirds of my blooms this year are centre blooms. But what causes them at one season to run so much in this way, and in another to be quite the reverse, passes my comprehension ; or why this centre bloom should not be as good as a side one is equally a puzzle. It may be asked. How is this shown? Here, for instance, is a Waterhouee's Conqueror of Europe with hardly any colour at all in it, and there a Dickson's Duke of Cambridge nearly all colours, both these being centre blooms. Now the ordinary failing of these two flowers runs in that direction — that is, the former is generally deficient in body colour, and the latter has a superabundance ; but being centre blooms the fault is exaggerated in both cases. Then, again, here are two plants of Headley's Conductor which sometimes has thefault of producing a little green floret in the centre of the pip. In this centre bloom this is so excessive, that in order to make the flower presentable at all, 1 must pull these out. Why, again, should this be? The fault of the flower, in a florist's eye, being thus exaggerated by its being a centre bloom. But the strangest thing of all has been the production of flower-stems without a single trace of bloom on them. Two of these 1 have cut off and sent by post to Mr. Darwin. The plants Dickson's Apollo and Leigh's Colonel Taylor are in excellent health. I have examined their roots, and these 1 find all right, and vigorous growth benig made. In both cases there is apparently an attempt at the formation of the sexual organs, but nothing like a flower. Not being a botanist I may here be perhaps mentioning a very ordinary matter ; but it has struck me as odd that it should only have occurred in the case of these centre blooms. In three or four plants I have also had what I think my friend the Vicar of Alford called chlorosis — a deficiency of colour in the leaves. As they have all been subjected to precisely the same treatment, I cannot account for this. There is yet another point which strikes me as singular (and when one is continually noticing a class of plants you get to see many little things which in wider fields one never thinks of) — viz., that the goodness or otherwise of a bloom afl'ccts the in- dividual members of a variety. Thus 1 have six or seven good plants of Spalding's Blackbird, and I have not one good bloom among them ; while in the same numberof Fletcher's Mary Anne, even though some be small, yet there the bloom is all equally good. Last year the former were all good, the latter poor. Last year my Waterhouse's Conqueror were all good, this year they are all inferior. Making, however, aU these deductions, my bloom is very pretty, and 1 am quite charmed with the bloom- ing-stage which I erected this year. The plants are all so nicely in the range of the eye, and there is no risk whatever of the cover being forgotten, and, consequently, the bloom spoiled. And I feel quite confident that no one who has anything of a collection will have half as much satisfaction in looking at it as he would by adopting this plan ; and I hope also to make it useful by-and-by for other things. I hope to be able to give, by-and-by, a few notes on the dif- ferent varieties of Auriculas which have bloomed with me this year ; and shall hope to have my say next week on the National Auricula Show. — D., Deal. SWEATING APPLES BEFOEE STORING. The following discussion occurred recently at a meeting of the Missouri State Horticultural Society : — Flagg. — " I would like to ask whether there is any truth in the popular belief that Apples ' sweat,' and that this is essential before putting them away. 1 find Apples moist in the piles and in barrels opened in spring. Is this anything more than ordi- nary condensation from the atmosphere ?" Muir. — " I have seen Apples sent from France with the stems sealed to prevent evaporation, and have noticed that the stem shrirels first." Mason. — " I do not believe there ia any evaporation except 81. JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AKD COTIAGS GARDENER [ AprU 29, 1862. from the stem. I tliink the sealing of the stem of the Grape prevents evaporation." RedfieW.— " Pear-growers consider the perfection of the stem essential in keeping Pears." Dr. Claggett. — " It looks reasonable that moisture should leave tlie Apple where it entered." Dr. Edwards. — " I think the fact of sealing the stem shows there is no evaporation from the surface of fruit." Dr. Claggett. — " I do not believe in ' sweating.' It is a mere cliauge of temperature that produces moisture." Smith.— "An Apple will 'sweat' all the time, and you can wipe off more moisture than the Apple weighs during the course of the winter without diminishing its weight." Pre.ident. — "The point is whether there is a process of evapo- ration after picking from the tree." N. J. Colman. — " I would contend that an Apple does not sweat — sweating is a heating process. The process is one of evaporation. I think the Apple shrivels and passes off moisture, and that it is so with all fruit." E. B. Colman. — " A shrivelled Apple has no moisture. I believe Apples keep just as well barreUed-up right from the tree." N. J. Colman. — " I remember that when I was a boy my father used to barrel-up Apples direct from the tree, and they were apt to rot. My uncle put his up-stairs and sweated them first, and his kept well. Such is my own experience also." Dr. Edwards. — " I put up two hundred barrels direct from the tree, and they kept well."— (^Prairie Farmer.) CEEASTIUM BIEBEBSTEINII. I HAVE now two nice little plants of this Biebersteinii, and we shall soon prove what is said about it by "Nickeebor." I have my plants from a good practical gardener who knows all our wants and all we possess. His accoimt is this — that Ceras- tium Biebersteinii has been in private collections for a length of time, and as an herbaceous plant it always looked better than tomentosum. It does not spread out so much or look so "thin" as tomentosum, that the leaves are twice the size, and that the ]ilant altogether is much in the way " Nickeeeor " put it. My liiend is quite full of it, and is getting it up like steam ; for he knows where there is an old plant of it in some private gentle- man's garden from which he took his cue of it last season, and was going to write to me about it just when " Nickereoe's " account of it appeared. As I expect, Suffolk like, that my two little plants came out of a tremendous close forcing-stove, I cannot trust them out from my cold pit before they are completely hardened — and they seem to me to have begun a fresh growth naturally — say towards the middle of May. — D. Beaton. IDENTIFICATION OF PLANTS. The Yampah (not Yampa), inquired about at page 64 is, according to Frenont, the same as our common Dill (Anethum graveolens), or a very nearly related kind, which he found grow- ing in the bottoms along the north fork of the Laramie River, and to which his attention was first directed by observing the Snake women engaged in digging the roots in the low timbered bottoms along the creeks. The Indians along the Rocky Moun- tains, especially the Shoshonee, or Snake tribes, in whose territory the plant is very abiuidant, consider it the best among the roots used by them for food, and take great pleasure in offering it to strangers. It also grows very abundant and in great luxuriance along the tributaries to the Colorada ; particularly along that stream to which tlie Snakes are accustomed to resort every year to procure a supply of their favourite plant, and on which they have bestowed the name of Yampah River, but wliich the Trappers call Little Snake River. Colonel Fremont says the Yampah forms a very interesting link between a savage and a civilised life ; for, he observes, " We had for supper on the shores of the Great Salt Lake, Yampah, the most agreeably tlavoured of the native roots, and again in the morning we break- fasted on the 'Yampah' and 'Kamass' (Camassia esculeuta) ; but a cup of good coffee still distingnished us from our digger acquaintances." The Mansonita, or chocolate-coloured shrub of Fremont, is the Arbutus procera of Douglas ; a fine hardy kind, whieli grows from 15 feet to 20 feet high, and one deserving to be more extensively planted than it is, on account of its singular appear- ance.— G. QOEDON. NEW JAPANESE CONIFEES. Abies micbospeema, Lindl., The Small-seeded Spruce. Tins is one of the Conifers sent home by Mr. J. Gould Vcitcli, who found it at Uakodadi, and who describes it as a tree 40 feet to 50 feet high. The under side of the foliage very- glaucous and resembling the Spruce Fir in point of colour ; but the leaves are as long as those of Abies amabilis, and perfectly silvered underneath. Mr. Gordon's description in the Supplement to the "Pinetum" is as follows :- — " Leaves solitary, about 1 inch long, and three-quarters of a line broad, more or less arranged on the upper side of the branchlets ; linear, narrow, flattened, and ter- minating in a small prickle, or somewhat blunt point ; bright green above, and glaucous below. Cones cylindrical, 2\ inches long, and three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and as broad at one end as the other ; scales loose, rectangular, with the apices toothed ; bracteas very small, ovate, and terminating in a spine or mucro. Seeds pale, cinnamon-coloured, one line long, with ovate wings two lines long, sometimes acutely notched ou the margins." Dr. Lindley considers it " a beautiful tree, quite unlike any other Spruce, with slender delicately-toothed cones as broad at one end as the other, and the smallest seeds of the genus." Our figure was drawn by 5Ir. Fitch from specimens sent home by Mr. J. G. Veitch. THE AEEANGEMENT OF FLO WEE GAKDENS. BT MR. JOHN CilE, GAEDESEE TO THE DUKE OF AEGTLl, INVEliABY CASTLE. Nothing can be of greater importance, as regards the ultimate effect to be produced in a geometrical flower garden, than the proi:er arrangement and distribution of the various plants which are to develope the colours upon which that effect is dependant. This is of far more consequence than the actual shape of the beds ; although there is no doubt they should be as void of acute angles as possible. The following practical instructions in these matters will be useful to those of our amateur readers who are in the habit of purchasing their bedding-out plants, and may not as yet have determined how to fill their flower-beds for the present season. This is a kind of procrastination, however, in the case of tho.se who propagate for themselves, which, to say April 29, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OiT HOKTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. 85 the loast, is blameable ; for a due provision of plniits con liardly be expected to be made, unless this matter has been duly doeided at the propagating season. The annexed Usts all refer to the accompanying plan, the figures corresponding with those on the plan. Arrangement for February and March. 1 Helleborus nij^er, white and pink. a-2 Crocus reticulatus, blue. 3-3 Eranthis hyeinalis, yellow. 4-4 Galanthus plicatua, white. 5-5 Narcissus minor, yellow. 1 Anemone apennina, blue. 2-2 Arabis pnecox, white. 3-3 Cheiranthus alpinus, yellow. 4-4 Aubrietia purpurea, dark lll.ic 5-5 Alyssuin saxatile. yellow. 6-6 Iberis saxatile, white. 0-0 Erythronium dcns-canis, liglit purple. 7-7 Erythronium dens.canis albl- florum, white. S-S Corydalis tubero5a, purple. 9-9 Ery'throni'im lunceolatuni,yclIow Arrangement for April and May. 7-7 Tulipa oculus-solis, black. 8-8 Polemonium mexicanuni, blue. Utl Vesiearia utriculat\mi, light yellow. red and Arrangement of Hardy Annuah for April and May. 6-0 Cullinsiabicolor, white and lilac, 7-7 Clarkiapulchella all)a, while. 8-8 Clarkiapukholla, retlili-sh-purple. 9-9 Erysimum reroHskianum, orange yellow. 1 Silene pendula, pink. 2-2 Nemojihila atoniaria, white. 3-3 Nemophila insignis, blue. 4.4 Eschscholt;iia crocea, orange yel. .5-5 Collinsiagrandillora, bluish purp. Arrangement from May to November, as marked in the figure- 6-6 Calceolaria viscosissima, yellow* 7-7 Verbena Robinson's Defiance 1 Geranium Lucia Kosea, rose. 2-2 Verbena Princess Koyal, white. 3-3 Verbena Ileloise, dark lilac. 4-4 Verbena White Pertection, white. 5-5 Verbena Due d'Aumale, bluish- lilac. scarlet. 8-8 Verbena Jlonfc Blanc, white. 9-9 Verbena Walton's Emma, purple. The accompanying figure of a geometrical flower garden is in- tended to show that it is possible to avoid ncute-angled beds to a much greater extent than is generally done ; and yet it will be the figure, that simply contrasting one bed in each circle with the one next it would certainly fail to produce — in other words, planting the four small circles surroundinj the centre with four different-coloured plants instead of two colours, as is the case m tlie annexed figure. The expressiveness of the general arrange- ment of the beds in the figure, it is possible to work out still more elfectively by planting one kind of plant in all tlie beds forming eaeli circle, taking care that the one circle of beds, in the series of circles of which the figure is composed, contrasts in colour with one another ; but in this arrangement it should never be forgotten that what is gained in greatness of expression is so mucli loss on the side of variety. And although the three modes of planting noticed explain all the principles of massing flower gardens with which I am acquainted, studied care is necessary to a right application of them, so that they may hai- monise with the form and features of a place. In a small place, one bed may bo planted to contrast with another bed ; but, m a larger place, the beds may be contrasted in pairs ; and, if larger still, beds completing tlie wliole circuit of the figure, or zones of circles, may be planted with one cu\om:— {Gardeners Magazine of Botany.) ALOCASIA METALLICA AND ALOCASIA MACUOEHIZA VAEIEGATA. The islands of the Indian Ocean abound in the most extra- ordinary and gorgeous vegetation. From them we have re- ceived the greatest ornaments of our plant-houses, both with respect to flowering plants and plants remarkable for the beauty and richness of the colouring in their foliage. In former times plants were valued by the horticulturist in proportion to the beauty of their flowers ; but now none are more highly prized than those with well-variegated leaves. And who can tell what new wonder for the botanist or rare geca for the horticulturist is to be sent us next from these apparently inexhaustible mines of vegetable beauty ? It is not my intention, however, to enumerate the many beautiful things we have received, but to con- fine my remarks to two plants which stand pre- eminent for decorative purposes — viz., Alocasia metallica, from Borneo, and A. macrorhiza varie- gata, from Ceylon. The first from its striking con- trast with every other known plant, the splendour of its foliage, which nothing of the kind can excel, if it can equal, and the beautiful metallic lustre which pervades tlie whole, which must be seen to be appre- ciated or understood. The blade of the leaf is fi-ora 12 inches to 20 inches long, and a foot or more wide, ovate or cordate in shape ; the upper surface of a superb bronze colour, richly glossy and metalhc ; and the under side of a lively purple, if anything more shining and more glossy than the upper. One sight is certainly sufficient to recommend it to any one, and a plant in vigorous health with from ten tcv twenty such leaves upon it is indeed a glorious sight — an exhibition of itself. The soil I have found it thrive best in is a mixture of fibry peat, chopped sphagnum moss, and a little dung and sand ; being very particular to have my pots well drained to enable me to supply it abun- dantly with water, and givmg it the usual treatment of a moist stove. Alocasia macrorhiza variegata is a plant of a to- tally different character, but not a degree less beau- tiful. Naturally a stronger grower, it throws up its- splendid broadly-sagittate leaves to the height of 2 feet or 3 feet, which are from 18 inches to 30 inchea seen that the beds are not without a good deal of variety in their ' long and 20 inches broad ; the ground colour a beautifully dark " ■ .. ... .. green, broadly blotched, and striped pure white, dashed in places- with a lighter green and grey, tlie markings usually extending over fully half the surface. In addition to this, the large bright green footstalks are regularly striped witli bands of pure white, running from the base up into the leaf. In consequence of its being a much stronger grower than metallica, a stilfer soil must be used. A mixture composed of equal parts loam, peat, and leaf mould, with a fair addition of sand, I have found to suit it admh-ably, liaving the same care to drainage as before mentioned. So totally difl'erent are these two plants, yet withal so beauti- JoE/f outline, and also pretty well contrasted in size, as well as ex- pressive of unity throughout the figui'e, whilst there is a balanced elfect conspicuous in every part of it. It will also be observed that the beds are drawn in circles round a central bed, and crossed at right angles, so that the two beds on a line witli the centre, or on this side and on that of the centre, are seen to be of one colour, contrasting, of course, with the central mass, but producing of themselves a balanced brightness. When a flower garden is massed, as the present figure is, there is a reflection of one side observed in the other, and, consequently, a uniformity apparent in the arrangement, wliich gives a dignity of effect to 86 JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 29, 1862. ful, it is impossible to give the preference to either ; but I feel confident they must shortly grace every collection of ornamental foliage plants. — Jdvenis. SEEDLING OECHIDS. In reply to "R. C. K." and Mr. Anderson (see Jotjenal of HoBTlcuLTnEE, page 46), may I refer to Messrs. Teitch's catalogue for 1861, wherein, at page 25, three seedling Orchids arc described as having been raised at their nursery ? Tliey are Calanthe Dominii, a hybrid between the purple C. masuca and the white C. furcata ; Calanthe Veitohii, a liybrid from Lima- todes rosea fertilised by Calanthe vestita ; and CatHeya hybrida, from Cattleya granulosa and C. Harrisonise. All are said to have been eihibited before the Botanic or Horticultural Societies of London. Mr. Anderson's experiments are exceedingly interesting, and I hope he will succeed in raising seedlings of all the species he names, and let the horticultural world know the result. I have seen ripe seed-pods hanging abundantly fi'ora Brouglitonia san- guinea, from Angrsccum funale, and from some of the Onoidiums and Epidendrums in Jamaica ; and as we know, of course, that all the species are naturally reproduced from seed, horticultural science ought to be able to solve the problem of their reproduc- tion here. May we not look for seed-packets of the epipliyte Orchids to be advertised for sale before many years as regularly as Balsam and PrimiJa seed, if not quite so cheaply ? — P. H. GosSB, Torquay. GAS IN HOT-WATEE PIPES. Undee the above title in the last Volume of The Jouenal OP HOETICCLTUEE, page 473, a correspondent, " Junioe," notices a very remarkable circumstance which took place in his hot-water pipes when he appUed a light to an air-pipe which he had put on the pipes, the gas bursting in a pale blue flame, and he supposes it to be hydrogen, and you reply, You cannot be certain without more proof as to the gases. Now, to me the proof is positive, because thei-e is no other gas which burns with a pale blue flame but hydrogen ; and besides, there is no other gas which was at all likely to be generated in such a place. Andi t is easily accounted for ; but it shows at the same time that there is something radically wrong with the apparatus, and your remedy is not a satisfactory one, as it does not afiect the cause. The gas will still be generated, and it ia possible that the gas-pipe may not be sufBcient to allow the escape of all the gas. It is well known to all chemists that the first, or among the first, methods adopted to procure hydrogen gas was to heat a gun-barrel red hot in a smith's forge, and pass a current of steam through the gun-barrel. The water was decomposed, the oxygen of the water combining with the red-hot iron of the gun- barrel forming the oxide of iron, and the hydrogen, the other element of the water, being collected at the farther end of the barrel. Now, it will be seen from this that there is a very great proba- bility of the same operation going on in " Junioe's " apparatus. There must be some pipe becoming red hot having but a small orifice for the water to pass through, which enables the fire by its action on the pipe to decompose water, and of course the pipes will soon become oxidised, and wear through. There is a part of " Juniob's " description I do not fully understand, wherein he says, " Wlien the fire draws keen, that in a couple of hours a considerable quantity of water will, if not prevented, boil out, returning through the supply-cistern which feeds the boiler at the bottom of one of the feet." If it means that a small pipe is led from the supply-cistern to the bottom of one of the feet of the boiler, then I can easily imagine that if the fire acts strongly on this pipe that the water will be decom- posed, and the result hydrogen ; but then tlie hydrogen would come out at the cistern, and not get into the pipe unless bent in some way to cause it to go there. If it is not caused by the supply-pipe, then it must be by some of the feet, as they are called, of the boiler being too small in their ori6ce to allow sufficient water to pass through them to keep down the tempe- rature by absorbing the heat generated by the fire. I would feel obliged if " Juniob" would explain it a little more fully how he has it arranged ; and would like to know if any other of your numerous readers had experienced anything of the sort with these boilers or any other. But, in fact, there is no other I am acquainted with which is likely to do so unless the tubular ones. But with " Juniob's " experience I must con- fess that, to me, such an occurrence is likely to happen in others where, from the impurities of the water used and the continual oxidisation which is going on in all boilers, the tubes are not unlikely to get partially closed up, and similar results will follow to that of " Juniob's." I would advise " JuNiOE " to be careful, and not light the gas again, as he might have an explosion, because if the hydrogen were to get mixed with the atmospheric air in the pipe, there is a possibility of its doing so, with the ebidlitions of the water, in sufficient quantity to blow-up the liouse. Although I have exploded the gases oxygen and hydrogen from a glass bottle ; after having had the bottles blown to dust in my hand, I con- fess I should not like to light the gas at the tube of " Junioe's " boiler, and thence my advice to him to be careful. — Alex. Sheaeee, Yester. [We are glad to have this letter of inquiry and warning from a man so practical yet so scientific as Mr. Shearer, and we hope that " Junioe " will afford the additional information he desires. We quite agree with Mr. Shearer in thinking that probably the gas noticed by "Junioe" is hydrogen, but we did not, nor do we, think ourselves justified in saying positively that it is that gas, because we do not like to assume as Mr. Shearer has that "there must he some pipe becoming red hot," without which we cannot explain how the hj drogen is formed. It is quite true that hydrogen is the only gas that, when pure, bums with a blue flame ; but there are many impurities which tinge a flame blue. — Eds. J. of H.] THE POSE. Tlie Amateur s Rosarium, a Manual of Directions Regarding the Culture, Propagation, and Varieties of the Rose. By the Rev. E. W. Thomson. London : Hamilton, Adams, & Co. Edin- burgh : Paton and Ritchie. EosE-cuLTUEE is One of the most favourite but usually least successful of all the pursuits in the flower garden which ama- teurs adopt for their own special care. To aid them in escaping from sucli failures the Bev. E. Wodrow Thomson has just pub- lished a cheap little volume, entitled "The Amateur's Rosa- rium ; " and it is an example of what we have often observed — that if an amateur who thoroughly understands his subject writes relative instructions he usually produces a book exactly such as an amateur requires. A professional too readily pooh- poohs minute details; and the excluding sentence — "Oh! every one knows that ! " is accepted too often by his judgment as valid when about to give directions for securing success. Now, an amateur knows on the contrary that minute details of the commonest practices are just what he wanted to have told him when he was in much ignorance about his subject, and Mr. Thomson has evidently not forgotten what he required to have told him when he began Eose-cultivation. He does not write for the accomplished Eose-growei", but for those who have to become accomplished ; and to aid in his instructions being well understood various woodcuts are given of the modes of budding, grafting, and other operations. We will confine ourselves to one extract. " A very common cause of nnnoy.ince to the amateur, is what is kp.owa by the name of the "green centre." In general, this malformation assumes the form of three or lour green projections, which occupy the place of the central petals of the flower. In some cases, however, we have seen these tlevelope themselves into little shoots, spiinging from the centre of the bloom. This tendency is not confined to anj particular class of Roses ; though it is confined generally to particular varieties. It is found in the vigorous Hybrid Bourb -n Great Western, as well as in the dwarf Gallicas Ohl, or Boule de Nanteuil. In these, and others, it almost always exists ; while in Coupe d'Hebe, and Madame Zoutman, &c., th? first vigorous, the other moderate in its habit, it ia never seen. The class most subject to it is certainly that of the Gallicas. We cannot remember at present one member of this class totally and constantly exempt from this tendency. Kean, Ohl, Boule de Nanteuil, Napoleon, D'Aguisseau, La Tour d'Auvrrgne, and many others, which are the gems of this family, are all liable to this disease. " Floriculturists entertain different opinions as to the cause whic^ pro- duces, and the treatment which may cure this disease. So far as our own experience has gone, we agree with those who consider green centres as generally the result of excessive nutrition. We have already observed that tlie excessive pruning of a naturally vigorous variety of Rose pro- duces in the plant thus overpruned a tendency to increase its individual size, and to diminish its tendency to increase its kind. The way in which this result is effected is this : Overpruning allows the parts which remain to be overfed, and high feeding in the vegetable, as it does in the animal world, induces sterility. " Now the green centre in a Rose just manifests an effort made by the April 29, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 87 plant to increase its size ; nnd if we may bo iillowed the expression, an iinwillingness on the pirt of thut pLint, to do anythinu towards incrcafeinK its kind, by tlic formation of a p° is quite high tnough for top and bottom heat now, and for such cuttmgs as Verbena*, Geraniums, and Calceobirias, and the half-inch of sand at the bottom should from this time be kept more damp, or quite 1 damp, and a Little air on in the fore part of the day. April 29, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOEXrCULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 91 TaiTOMA uvAiiiA Sowing (MancJiestrr). — If you sow tlic scerls now— that ii?, iu the bt'pinniitg of Mny, 18G2, amX treat the scedlinps just as if they were the si-i6HitivKi,Li:n ( n^cr;/).— The way the Grapes were pret^crvcd in such good conniiion, as mentioned iu our Nuuibera tor March Uth and April 8ib, was by allowing the bunches lo remain upon the Vines, in a viinTy the air of whii-h was kept dry ; cutting them away from the Vine in March wiih a piece of the spur attached. The end of the spur was stucic into a piece of Mangold Wurtzel, and thou the bunch was hung up in a cold dry place. RoBKB ON THKiR OwN RooTS NOT BLOOMING {E. M. M.).~.\\\ that is the matter with these Koses i?, that they have too much goodness and too much kindness, and loo little or no sun at all since they were potted. Thty should not have had one single ** drop" attongcr than from the pump the whole of this winter, and till the Rose-buds were all but 0[)en. No sort of manure water can be of any use to any plant iu our climate, from the 20th of September to the lOch of May following:. Giving such liquids is a clear perversion of the plainest facts in natural science. Namks of Plants [M. C, Ireland).~li is Orobanche elatior, or common Broom-Rape. [S. S. ). — Yours is Ttcoma jasminoidcs. (C iJreic). — It is Kibes aureum, or Golden-flowered Currant, a native of North America, and very common. POULTRY, BEE, and HOITSEHOLD CHRONICLE. ■ Wells). ! May 1. ;., Mr.J. POULTRY SHOWS. Mat 14th and 16th. Taunton and Souehskt. Sec.^ Charles Ballance, Esq., Taunton. Entries close April 30th. Mat 27th, 28th and 2yih. Bath and West of England (City of Steward, S. Piiman, Esq., Manor House, Taunton. Entries clo: Mas 2Sth and 19ih. Hull akd East Riding of Y'orksuirk. Sec. Eooton. Entries clot-e May I4th. June 3rd. Essex Agbicoltubal Association. Sec, R. Emson, Slough House, Hal-ttead. Entries close May 10th. June 4ih and 5ih. Beverley and East Riding. Sec, Mr. Harry Adams. Jdne 12th, North Hants Aguicultural Society. Sec, Mr. 11. Downs. Entries close May 21st. July 9ih, lOih, and llth. Leeds and West Riding. Sees., E. Holds- worth and J . Wade. IMPOETANCE OP PROMOTING FOWL CULTUEE. Whbn poultry has been kept for a fancy ; when a few chickens have been reared ; wiien some prizes have been taken, and when some pens hare been sold at high jjrices ; all that could be done has not been accomplished. The blase breeder need not oiFer a reward for a new pleasure, nor think himself another Alexander lamenting the iuipossibihty of a new victory. There is yet some- thing to bo done. Many of our greatest discoveries are due to accident : such things are crotohetty and capricious. They escape the combinations of the scientific and studious, while they present themselves to the careless and idle. Such a one has spent da^s and nights to discover a jiower or movement, and that which he has failed in has struck another who was playing science to kill time. The improvements that are to increase the value of stock, or to augment tlieii- food-producing qualities, are due to amateurs. Those who keep anituals for protit are, with few exceptions, anxious for the main chance, and all are too much inttreated in the profitable employment of capital to withdraw any part of it for experiments. Such experiments are made by men who live in towns, or small fancy farms, and who labour under every difficulty, except want of capital. But as all classes benefit by the discovery of one, it is wise in a government to give every encouragement to those who devote time, capital, or intelligence to such pursuits. The French Government has not been slow to see the merits of poultry, and wo have before us the conditions that have regu- lated and the motives that caused the Show. Although it will be closed when this paper is in the hands of our readers, still much of it is so good, we think we do well to prmt it. It is entitled, " A Communication in the name of the Council, by M. Drouyn de Lhuys," President. Sitting of March 14, 1862. "The Imperial Zoological Society of Acclimatisation should, by article 12 of its statutes, contribute to the propiess of practical zoology by publiea- tione, honorary and pecuniarv enoouraRements, and, if possioic, by exhibi- tions." Keport, — "There are not two opinions on the happy influence exhibitions have exercised on the amelioration and propagation of the great animal classes — horses, cattle, poultry, swine. In all civilised countries these exhibitions take place peiiodical y ; they are the great national festivals of our age. They render people familiar with, and inculcate a taste for the best types of the best cla^ses; they stimulate the emulation of amateurs, and impart considerable activity to ihc tracie carried on in these animals." It is thought such advantages should be eagerly sought for on bihalfof agricultural ornithology, and the lively interest whicli attejiip's of this kind have excited in France, Kniiland, Saxony, and all over Germany should encourage their increase. A celebrated breeder writes — "Everyone is rearing fowls. It is almost a fashion. I see poultry reared in towns, in tlio gardens of their suburbs, in parks, in rooms, and even on window-sills in the middle of Paris. " But if this taste has developed itself with all the impetuosity of a fashion, there is also a general complaint that it has been carried out with thoughtlessness and confusion ; witliout con- sidering the properties of the different breeds, the clioiceof stock- birds, or their purity : licnec many deceptions which would at last cause discouragement and disgust. Exhibitions remedy this evil by placing before amateurs the finest specimens of the best breeds. They educate the public. " These considerations have determined the Council of the 'Soeietc d'Acclimatation,' and that of the ' Jardin du Bois do Boulogne,' to open in the garden, under the auspices of the two societies, an Ornithological Show." The proper appreciation by the Government of the import- ance of breeding poultry arises from the fact that they possess in France accurate statistics of the numbers and value of the fowls and eggs consumed ; also their weight as food. They also know the number of eggs exported. Poultry makes more progress in most parts of the continent than it does in England. It is constantly seen at the tables of the middle classes in tlioae counti-ies, while it is a rare luxury here. It forms a vei'y large item of exportation abroad, and many French and Belgian small farmers' families are mainly supported by the produce of the poultry sent to England. They have not one advantage over the English farmer, except that of not pooh-poohing poultry, and with all the costs and risks of exportation they beat him. Our market supply of poultry becomes smaller every year, and but for the exertions of the dwellers in towns, we should be fast drifting to a state in which wo should be dependant on foreign countries for fowls, just as much as for Ortolans. We have but one ray of light — Scotland is sending eggs, and Ireland fowls, to London. Better management on the part of the latter would largely increase the receipts. CHANGING PIGEONS' EGGS. Me. Bkent states, that if eggs are exchanged between two pairs of Pigeons, and there be above two days' difference or so, that it will be impossible for the young to live. Now, we gave to a pair of Dragoons, the day of laying the latter egg, a pair of eggs from Short-faced Tumblers that they had been sitting six days. They have reared tho young, which are in first-rate condition. Now, another Dragoon cock has taken the hen from the cock of the same pair, and she still served tho young hatched with the other cock, sitting on them at night, &c. ; and, after laying, still continued to sit on them. — J. T. [Young Pigeons are, as is well known to all fanciers, fed during the first few days with a curdy secretion formed in the crop of the old birds. It is ordinarily produced about the period of hatching. If that be delayed two days beyond the usual time, the old birds seldom sit "longer but leave the eggs. On the other hand, if egga that are to hatch several days sooner are transferred from another nest, the soft food is produced earlier, and the young are nourished. We have often brought it on at the tenth and eleventh days of sitting.] TA0NTON AND SoMEESET PoULTET ASSOCIATION.— We hope our readers will remember tliat tlie entries for this flourishing Association will close to-morrow (Wednesday, April 30th). A schedule, including every variety in separate classes, with prizes amounting to nearly £100, with fourteen pieces of plate value £2 2s. each, presents a bill of fare in the West of England not frequently to be met with in tho shape of a poultry show. We hope the catalogue will be well filled with entries, and the Directors therebv encouraged on a future occasion still further to increase the value of their prizes. Considerable additions have been made this year, and we observe in tin- published Report of the Directors for last year, that " they pledge them- selves (if well supported) not to relax their efforts until the Taunton and Somerset Poultry Association shall take ita^stand amongst the leading societies of this kind in the kingdom. 92 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 29, ISeZ'. BIEMINGHAM FANCY EABBIT SHOW. This, the twentj-fifih lialf-jearly Exliibition, took place on the 21et— 24th inst. The following is a list of the pnzetakers ;— LENOin .IP EABS.-Fii-6t and Second, J. Guest's Fawn Doe. Length of ears, 21 inches ; vvicltb, 5g inches. Weight, 12 lbs. 6 o/s. Age, 10 months 16 days Yellow and While Huck, Length of ears, 20^ inches ; mdlh, 5' inches. Weight, 'J lbs. H ozs. Age, 5 months 22 days. Black a.nd W'Hl'rE.-Fir»t, J. Uewitfs Black and White Buck, Length of ears 20 inches; width, 5 inches. Weight, S lbs. 4 ozs. Age, 4 iiionihs 24 days. Second, J. GueEt's B.ack and White Doe. Length ot ears, 20 inches ; -width, 5 inches. Weight, S lbs, 12 ozs. Age, i mouths .. d .ys. Yellow a.nd Whitk.— First, J. Guest's Yellow and White Doe. Length of ears, 20 inches; width, 5 inches. Weight, 'J lbs. a ozs. Age, 5 months 22 days. Second, J. Hewitt's Yellow and White Doe. Length ol ears, 18? inches : width, 45 inches. Weight, 7 lbs. 8 ozs. Age, 4 months 9 days. 'I'ORTOJSESUELL.— First, J. Guest's Tortoiseshell Doe. Length of ears, 19J inches ; width, 4 ; inches. Weight, 6 lbs. 2 ozs. Age, 5 months 2 days. Second, T. Pinchbecli's Tortoiseshell Doe. Length ol cars, 1 7:i inches; width, U inches. Weight, 7 lbs. 8 ozs. Age, 7 months 4 days. Blue Ind Whiii:.- First, W. Howell's Blue and White Doe. Length of ears, laj inches; width, 45 inches. Weight, 6 lbs. Age, 2 months 20 days. Second, T. I'iuchbcck's Blue and White Doc. Length ot ears, 17J inches ; wiiltli, 4} inches. Weight, 7 lbs. 4 ozs. Age, 0 months i days. OBEY AND White.— First, W. Howell's Grey and White Buck. Length of ears, 20 inches ; width, H ii.che?. Weight, 9 lbs. Age, 7 monihs 1 day. (No Kabbit for the Second Fuze.) . Sele-Colouh.— First, J. Guest's Fawn Doe. Length of ears, 20J inches ; width, 5i Inches. Weight, 9 lbs. 6 ozs. Age, 5 months 22 days. Second, J. Coleman's Fawn Buck. Length of ears, 18 j inches; width, 4;; inches. Weight, 8 lbs. Age, C months 9 days. Weight.— First, J. Hewitt's Yellow and White Duck. Length of ears, 19g inches; width, 4;; inches. Weight, 9 lbs. Age, 9 months. Second, T. Pinchbeck's Yellow and White Buck. Length ot ears, 19i inches ; width, 4:,Mu.hes. Weight, 8 lbs. 8 ozs. Age, 7 monihs 4 days. E.XTRA PRIZES. LoKOEiT Blue and Wuite,— Prize, ■«■. Howell. Longest Ghev and White.— W. Howell. Commended, W'. Howell. Pkairie Hens.— fourteen pairs of Prairie Hens have just been sent from Chicago to England. They are intended for Queen Victoria's henerj.— (Boston Cultivator.) Spi THE DOG. Bouse Bogs and Sporting Dogs, their Varieties, Points, Manage- ment, Training, Breeding, Rearing, and Diseases. By JoUN Meykiok. Loudon : J. Van Voorst. We have before us a small volume eiitillcd " House Dogs and lOrting Dogs," which we recommend strongly to such of our .^aders as have, or who intend to have any one of the canine breeds, whether they wish to have sound information as to the good characteristics the breed ought to possess, how they ought to manage it, or how to detect and treat the diseases to which it is liable. It is a thoroughly practical, reliable hook, and a few quotations will afford a fair criterion of its contents. "The Skye TEEiuER.-The varieties of this breed are innumerable. In the island of Islay alone there are four distinct strains of Skye Terrier, all kept distinct and all highly esteemed. u , ,„ •'The general characteristics of this dog are-a long body, very shoit legs, long neck, and ears which generally stand out slightly from the head. In deciding upon the parity ol any b.eed of Skye Terrier, the following points should be looked to ; his coat, which should be long. w,ry. and straight ; h s eves which should be bri,i;ht and keen, but not prominent ; his tail, which should he carried in a line with the back ; his legs, wliiclisliould be straight, and not clumsy in the foot; the hair over his eyes, winch should be abun- dant- his colour, which should be either slate-colour or fawn ; black is not nncoimon, but is objected to in Scotland." A cross with the Spaniel or the Maltese Terrier is of. en resorted to by dog-fanciers ; but it is to be objected to, as it makes the hair solt and silky, and spoils the courage. •■ There is no pluckier vermin dog than the skyeTerncr. In the Hebrides he is used as an utter-hound. For this purpose, a pack of Ironi eight to a dozen ol these little dogs is employed, which arc able, Irom their small size to follow the otter and attack h.in in the crevices ot the cairns, er piles ot looserock on the sea-coast, in which he makes his retreat, the otter is quickly driven out, and generally shot in attempting to reach the sea. As there is no harder. biting animal than the otter, the employment of Skye Terriers in hunting him is a sufficient proof of their pluck. I have myscll seen two of these little dogs bulging on to the iiccU ot the otter, and thus saving him from the guns of the spoilsmen as he sciauibled from the locks into the sea." .,,..-. c "The Ukeakino oi' Spaniels — 'The great object in the framing ot Spaniels is to accustom them to hunt within a radius of twenty yards or so of the shooter, without the necessity of continually holloaing and whislliiig to them. ..... ■ . * " The quickest way ot breaking a team of Spaniels is to have an assistant to ' whip in ' the relractory dogs which hunt too far for the breaker, while the latter should whistle or call to ihem at the same time. They can al o be taught by the use ot the check-cird ; when a Spaniel hunts too far olf he 1» made to ' down charge,' and the breaker walks up and drags the dog to- wards him by it. It a dog is too wild, he m.iy have hi» fore-paw put through his collar, and be hunted m this way for hall an hour or so. "Spaniels should not be hunted in thick covers till they have shown themselves obedient in hunting hedge-rows, bits of gorse, &c., where they can be seen, and rated by name, for any short-coinings. They should noi, however, be hunted at all until they are perfect in the ' down charge ' and in coining to heel ; belli of which should be taught in the manner recom- mended lor the Pointer or Setter." "The Choice op Puppies.- A black nose is desirable in every breed ot dogs ; and as ihe nose of a young puppy is invariably red, it is important to ascertain whether it is likely to become black or to remain ftesh-colouied. It can be foretold as follows: when the puppy is ten days or a fortnight old, a small. Indistinct, bluish-black mark will generally be observed on his nose. 11 this mark is situated in the centre of the slit which divides Ihe nostrils,, the nose will be black ; it in any other part ot the nose, it wi'l be partially black ; it there is no mark at all, the nose will be tlesh-colour. " liy lar the best recommendation in a puppy is fatness; partly because tat is a sign of a goon constitution, partly because the being able to get a 1-allcr share of milk than the others is itself a sign of greater strength." » " In the Hebrides, the terms blue and yellow are applied, in reference to terriers, to colours which are properly slate-colour and lawn." THE BEE SEASON IN DEVONSHIRE. I n.vvE to give a Tcry different report of the comparative seasons for the bees in the springs of 18(31 and 1S62, to that of your North Luicashire correspondent. In the spring of 1861 most of my hives were in a forward state. Pollen was carried in freely in February. Breeding was proceeded with to an astonishing extent in March and April, and the hives rapidly increased m weight about the middle of April. One hive, which had filled but two-thirds of its space with combs the pre- ceding year, liad, by the end of April, completely supplied the deficiency. On tlie -Ith of May the bees were driven out, and » splendid artificial swarm obtained. Its combs were crammed with brood to the bottom, with a very large quantity of newly- sealed honey in the upper part. Several other hives were in an equally forward condition. Many had drones out in April, and all were becoming crowded with population by the end of the month. In this present spring a very differeut state of affairs is to be remarked. I consider my hives generally to be at this data (April 23rd) a full month behind w-hat they were last year, altliough beibre the winter they seemed in a much superior con- dition than at the close of 1860. This is not my own experience only, but applies to all the stocks I have seen in the neighbour- hood. I have but just returned from a visit of a few days at Kings- bridge, where 1 have inspected many apiaries. Without excep- tion the strongest hives are weak indeed compared with what mine were at ihis time last year. Kingsbridge has alwajs been rather celebrated for bees, and, being considerably to the south, of Exeter, is generally favoured with a more forward and genial climate ; but at ihis time it is far behind our own. Vegetation is by no means so advanced ; what there is, seems to have suir.-red a good deal by nipping winds, and bee-flowers are decidedly very backward. N umbers of hives have ceased to exist. Some that have been fed with many pounds of food have died of starvation. We have had a great deal of warm weather this spring, and bees carried pollen perhaps earlier than last j hut certain it is that the breeding has been very far behind. It is not because my own bees are less prosperous t*iat I draw these conclusions. Tliey are, so far as I can ascertain, quite beyond the average of those kept in the neighbourhood. The consumption of stores ia the stocks has been most remarkable- Had I not liberally supplied all my stocks with artificial food, it is my belief that none of them -would have been in nearly so good a state as they are at present, and several of them would most assuredly have come to grief. But there is no cause of alarm. A few weeks of tolerably settled weather will enable the bees to retrieve their lost ground; and I do not despair of seeing my apiary, by the end of Hay, in as prosperous a condi- tion as at the same period of 1861. To every rule there is an exception ; for two of my stocks present a very diU'erent appearance from the remainder. One of these to-day has been, to use a local term, " hanging out," and is so crowded with bees that no combs can be seen from the back window. A second stock in the same garden is, perhaps, equally strong ; but, from being domiciled in a very large frame- bar box, does not show such evident signs of pros- perity. The other stocks present a beggarly appearance in comparison. irom the first of these two prosperous colonies I obtained 42 lbs. of super honey last summer ; and the second is the artificial swarm made, as related above, on the 1th of May. In both, therefore, there arc old queens — I should say at least thren years of age. The first stock swarmed in 1859, and not since j the second was a first swarm in 1860 : consequently then. April 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTUHE AND COXTAOE OARDENEK. 93 at least one yenv oH. This appeal's to aild ;inoUiiT proof in confirmation of a theory I have for some time adopted — that the third year of a queen's existence is generally her most pro- lifie period. In all probability, if not renewed naturally or artificially in the fourth year of her life, the hive becomes com- paratirely worthless. So I hope before the close of the season to substitute young queens in their places. — S. Bevan Fox, Exeter. APIAEIAN NOTES. Swallows Said to Destroy Bees.— Your correspondent "E. K." charges that innocent bird, the Swallow, with being a devourer of hive bees. I have been a elose observer of Swallows for many years, and never destroy their nests ; and I am sorry to say, that when a youngster, I foolishly tried my skill in shoot- ing Swifts, Swallows, and JIartens in the month of July, more than once. When these birds were shot, their mouths were in- Fariably filled with flies of a very minute description. I never once found a hive bee, or even a largo lly of any sort, in the moutii or inside oi either of the three species of birds I have named. I hope your correspondent " E. K." will " reconsider his verdict," and am sure he will llnd this assertion of his is a mistake. " E. K." is quite right in his charge against the large black- headed Tomtit (the Parus magnus). He is called the "bee- fiater " in Hampshire. As to the House Sparrow, he sometimes kills a few hive bees ; but, after all, is only an occasional destroyer. He prefers grubs, butterflies, caterpillars, and ripe wheat when Ue can get them. I found the garden mice the greatest enemies to bees ; and the bees themselves, in spring and autumn, attack each other's hives and plunder without mercy. A good look-out should be kept to prevent this, and instant measures taken. Where there are manyliive.', a season seldom pisses in which this civil war does not more or less take place. One disadvantage in " E. K.'s" "Insulation" of bees is this — that in wet and tempestuous weather many bees would be driven by the winds into the water, and, unless the temperature were very high, they would perish. Ventilation. — Much has been said about ventilation. In severe winters, such as 18G0-61, the less the better, as I witnessed the destruction of bees, particularly swarms of the previous summer, where the death of the bees evidently took place from severe cold, the bees being in a very healthy state before the frost, and honey in abundance in numbers of the defunct stocks. At the same time proper ventilation in very hot summers prevents the melting of the combs, which latter event is very little guarded against, particularly by cottagers, many of whom seldom shade their hives, the great heat being an occurrence of perhaps once in six or seven years. The bees do all they can in this case before destruction comes on them, by lying out night and day for some time. The instinctive fear of enemies in bees wars against ventilation a good deal, as they stop up every crevice in the hive to prevent the ingress of all marauders. The LuMP-sraiR-STnup Aeoument. — I agree with the "Devonshiee Bee-keepeb" in his views on this subject. It would be equally surprising if an expert chemist were to tell you that he had extracted 20 lbs. weight of excellent honey from the blossoms of the white clover, or from the honeydew on leaves, as to suppose that the syrup in question was not changed in the stomach of the bee. Every experienced bee-keeper knows that pure honey is influenced, both in flavour and quality, by the different pasture from which it is imbibed ; the colour is also strongly aff'ected, and the consistency by the state of the weather. In very hot, dry summers it is thick and glutinous, and in a wet season the honey is thin and watery. The honey from the syrup alluded to no doubt will partake of a thin and watery quality, but still it is changed most materially.— H. W. Newman, Hillside, Cheltenham. Eaelt Swakm of Bees. — A rather singular occurrence hap- pened at Steart Bay, in the parish of Stockland, Biistol, on the 29th of March. Mr. G-. Silke had in his garden some hives of bees, and on the 29th ult,, the weather being extremely hot, a swarm issued Irom one of the hives and entered an old hive, in which they are now located. It is an exceedingly rare occur- rence for bees to swarm at this pei-iod of the siim'. — {Somerset Count 1/ Gazette.) A^ENTILATION OF BEE-HIVES. YouB correspondent " E. K.," who, in page 57, quotes the opinion of a Ercneh bpc-kooper in favour of " leaving hives open all round at the bottom," is probably aware that Miner, the American apiarian, recommends this mode of proceeding during summer ; but as soon as winter approaches, he lets down his hives and limits ventilation to an cntraTicc 2 inches long by half an inch high in front, and a similar oriGee in the rear, which is covered with perforated zinc. The only instance which has come under my observation in which a stock of bees passed the winter with a free passage all round, occurred early in March, 1850, when, being desirous of increasing my apiary, I purchased five stocks in the neighbour- hood of Taunton, in the adjoining county, Somerset. I'pon lifting one of them, I was surprised to find it raised from its floor-board by wooden blocks about half an inch thick, and was still more surprised at being informed that it had passed the winter in this state. I may add that this hive showed drones on the 10th of April following, at which time I find by a note in my journal that it was the strongest stock then in the apiary of — A Devonshike Bee-keepee. WATERPROOFING HIVES. In my recipe for waterproofing hives, which you inserted in your Number of the loth inst., the printer has corrected my punctuation into a mistake (it was correct enough as written), which will deceive any luckless wight who may have tried the recipe. I said, " .} oz. each gums thus, benzoin and guiacum, &c.,'' meaning (in a tabulated form) — .'i 0/,. gum thus % o/. gum benzoin ?i o/,. gum guiacum 2 ozg. shellac 8 o7.'>. naptha A reference to your Number will show the difference it makes, which please correct, or it may get me into hot water. — Ot. F. B., Colaey Hatch, ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. This Association has for its objects the introduction, hybrid- isation, and dilfusion of useful or ornamental animals and vegetables, not only in this country but in our colonies. It is a Society proceeding soberly, and, being guided by good sense and sound science, cannot fail of effecting much good. Its funds are in a satisfactory state, because its outlay is regulated by a wise regard to its income ; yet it would be able to be more extensively and more rapidly useful if its funds were larger, and we hope that they will soon be increased by the addition of many more subscribers. The annual subscription is but a guinea, and each subscriber has a preference given in obtain- ing through the Society such animals and vegetables as he covets. A few extracts from the Society's Annual Keport wiU give a just idea of its proceedings. "From an official letter from Sir Gr. Bowen, Governor of Queensland, to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle. " Government House, Brisbane. Queensland. " 3rd November, 1861. " Mr Lord Ddke, " Above all, I would recommend more especially to the notice of Ihe Society: — first, the Bustard, or Wild Turkey of our plains ; secondly, the Talcgalla, or Mound-building Turkey of our forests; and, thirdly, the Wonga, the queen of the I'igeon tribe. I am informed by competent judges that ad tliese last-named birds could be easily acclimatised, and even domes- ticated in Engl.ind, while I can bear my own personal witness, as a sports- man, that they all afford capital shooting and delicious eating. The Wonga in particular combines, in the most delicate proportion, the flavour of the Pheasant and of the Grouse." *'I have, &c., (Signed) " G. V. BOWEN." " Chinese Sheep. — The first lot shipped by the ' Wagoola,' from Shanghai, arrived in London a few days ago, and have been temporarily received by Mr. Bush, the Treasurer. One ewe died upon the voyage, after dropping three Iambs on board the ship, and one, also in lamb, which was landed in a weak state of heallli, has died since. We are happy to be able to report, however, that the remaining four ewes and two rams are in excellent health and condition, and that they manifest every sign of thriving, and the ewes are all believed to be in lamb. Mr. Bartlett, of the Zoological Gardens, reports that 'they breed 94 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTtJBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C April 29, 1862. twice in the year, and produce four and sometimes five at a birth.' " " GtTANS. — On the 28th of August four Guans were received by the Hon. G. Berkeley from Mr. Dougall, of Glasgow.* These birds are now healthy and in good condition. Many interest- ing facts as regards their food and habits have been recorded by Mr. Berkeley. "They feed chiefly on barleynieal, mixed as thickly as possible, and only one out of the four will cat maize. They are all very fond of bread, rasp- berries, blackberries, &c. The fond necessary for Theasants answers very •well for Guans. They go to roost after their morning feed, and their nature is to perch and roost a threat deal. They are particularly sensible and intelligent, and will live and remain round the house and garden as well as tame fowl. They arc fond of roosting in very high trees, but they will easily conform to roosting in a fowl's house. I have placed two o^ my four with Mr. John Mills, jun., at Bisterne, to breed in his aviary, and kept two myself in my aviary."— (Report from Hon. G. Berkeley.) " Ceoss Between the Pintail anb the Common Duck. — The Vice-President of the Society, the Hon. G. Berkeley, has, in pursuance of one of the objects of the Society, been pursuing his experiments on the hybridisation of bii'ds, and has arrived at a valuable cross between the Pintail and common Duck, a hybrid which is not only handsome in its plumage, but forms an excellent variety for the table. "The following interesting and important communication re- lative to this experiment has been received from Mr. Berkeley : — "A circumstance has happened, in regard to the e.xperiuient made by Lord Craven, at Ashdown Park, which bears upon the theory that all species have a common origin. From a JIallard of the Pintailed cross (supplied him by me), and the large tame ' Rouen Duck,' he has bred some beautiful birds, the males can7ing the elongafed tail-feathers of the sire. " From a brother of this Mallard, and the large tame black ' Buenos Ayrean Duck,' I also bred a number of birds, not one of which carried the long feathers in the tail, though a slight peculiarity in the curled feathers marked the origin. Had tliis variety in these two crosses been only occ.i- sional, or in an instance or two, it would not have struck me so much; but for a large number to carry so distinguishing an illustration of origin from one species of duck and not from the other, though the parent sires of each were brothers, and precisely alike, is well worthy of remark. " Lord Craven finds, in regard to his experiment, precisely that which I have found, that docks thus bied from the Pintail may be hilled all the year round as excellent for the table, never acquiring the hardness to which the meat of the tame duck is liable when grown to maturity."— Grantlev F. Berkeley. " Abeoweoot. — In compliance with your request, I here give you a short statement in relation to the Arum introduced by me into the island, and which I have been cultivating for the lact seven years. It first came under my notice through the means of a plant brought in a pot from the Azores, and given to a brother-in-law of mine, as a plant producing the arrowroot. The first sight I had of it persuaded me at once that it belonged to the arrow tribe, and I at once determined to ti-y its powers of enduring our climate; and the result has been that I have found it perfectly hardy, bearing well the severest of our winters. Growing, however, the winter through, it retjuircd the shelter of a walled garden or land otherwise protected from high winds, which break the leaves and thus retard its growth. " The digging of the crop and the replanting takes place at the end of July or commencement of August. It might be done simultaneously, the smaller bulbs being planted as they are separated from the larger ones destined for arrowroot. They, however, can remain out of the ground for some weeks — a longer time if kept quite dry. " In planting, I have, after repeated trials of yarious modes, adopted the following. I dig a trench as for Potatoes, but levelling the bottom with the spade, so as to have a level surface of about 6 inches in breadth, and as much as possible of uniform breadth; then drop into this furrow very thickly the small bulbs. These latter, though not attaining the size of the larger ones, will yet acquire a respectable size. I lay them thick for two reasons : one is that many of the bulbs will not grow the first year, and the second is that it has become evident to mo that the bulbs, in increasing their size, require the assistance of each other to get the better of the pressure of the soil, which, after winter rain, gets hard. Between each row I leave a space of 18 inches, or, when I plant in very rich soil, 2 feet. "The bulbs so p'auted I leave two years before taking them up. A crop niay, however, bo obtained yearly by planting bulbs of the size of a good-sized egg ; but I prefer the other mode. At the second year, the plants not having been dis- turbed, are up much earlier, and become much finer and • "These graceful birds were imported by a gentleman from Rio Grande South America |Ut32° S.. long, bi" 12' W ). The American name is'Jacu' —the ' Turkey of I he Woods ' Tlicy are from a mountainous and temperate region. The finest poultry known at Rio Grande is a cross between the male Gnan and the common domeatic Fowl." liealthier plants than those planted one year for the other, and produce much finer bulbs for the next planting. "To obtain ft first-rate crop the soil needs to be rich and well manured. If this is done at the time of plautinp:, the more rotten and decayed the manure is, the better. If, however, you prepare your soil early the previous spring, you can turn in manure in its ordinary state. The manure in all cases is spread upon the soil and forked-in. " This plant seems to delight, like our common Arum, in rich vegetable mould ; and, like it, seems to do best in large clumps or close patches. This was what first suggested to me the propriety of planting thick. "The produce of this plant is enormous. From li perch I manufactured one year 60 lbs. of arrowroot, which I sold at the rate of \s. per pound, being at the rate of £VS per Guernsey vergce, or £193 sterhng the English acre. This was planted with bulbs the size of an egg, in rows 1 foot apai t and 3 inches in the lows. " That was a remarkably good year for bringing the plants to perfection ; I have never succeeded so well since. It has never failed, however, in paying me well for the ground it occupied, and the labour required by it. " In some years it has been attacked with a disease peculiar to the plant. Early in spring I have found the leaves and stalks acquire a rusty appearance, and tliis gradually spreading until the plant disappeared altogether. On digging the bvJb it was perceived that it had stopped its swelling from the time of attack. " I have observed tliis same disease in the common Arum, and in another Arum named serpentaria, which I have also in my garden. " With regard to the extraction of the fecula, this operation is performed just in the same way as potato-starch is obtained, and, therefore, does not need any particular explanation here. "There resides in this Arum, as well as in the common Arum of our hedges, an acrid principle, which would make it very dangerous if eaten in its undried state. By drying, however, its poisonous qualities entirely disappear by evaporation, and in this state it becomes really superior to the Potato. 'This has led me to believe that if this root was kiln-dried, it might afterwards be stored and used as Potatoes the winter through. I have not yet, however, made the experiment, save with a few roots dried before a fire, and so far proving perfectly successful. This acrid juice becomes very troublesome to those who are occupied in manufacturing the arrowroot ; it causes a most intolerable and itching sensation to the hand, and especially between the fingers. Oil of any sort, but particularly oil of cloves or sweet oil, rubbed over the hand soon allays this otherwise unpleasant, if not painful sensation. By great care in avoiding to dip the hand in the water, much of the evil may be averted. Most of the work may be done with instruments having handles. — Pbtbe Martin." OUR LETTER BOX. Gold-pen ciLiED Hambuhgh Hen (.E. R. TTz/ion).— Drapffing her leg, hanging: her tail, incipaclty of standing, are all symptoms of pressure on the brain, and most piobably are occasioned by excefisive fatness, arising from over-feeding. The hen eating htr eggs is also an evidence of a depraved appetite. The only mode of preventine this, is by watt-hing and taking the CRg away as soon as laid, and having nest-eggs of white earthen- ware, which can be purchased for the pui-pose. Give your hen a table- spoonful of caetor-oil twice a-week, and feed her chiefly upon boiled potatoes, with a little oat or barleymeal, until the symptoms ubate. Cankek in Pigeons (Jr. C7)oype).— The disease affecting your young: Pigeons is that known as canker. As it prevails throughout your loft it evidently depends on some general cause. You are either feeding on un- wholesome food, or, what is more probable, your loft or pigeon-honse is overcrowded, or the dirt is allowed to accnmulate, or there is insuflBcient ventilation. Look well after the general health, and you will have no more canker. The safest application to those birds already cankered is powdered burnt alum, to be applied after removing the white matter. Dkake Hatched Under a Hen {J. R. W.^ Netr Forest). —It cannot be denied that there will exist through life a sort of filial atiachment between the Drake and his mother and her family. The indifference with which he would view fowls under other circumstances doen not exist, but it is not true he will be a "persecutor of hens." Such may and will be the case sometimes. With proper precautions the use of the hen for hitching is not necessary. The Duck is not allowed her own ecgs. because she is said to be a bad mother ; but if she is confined and kept from the water, she is as good as a hen. Bewick's Brans {3i. L. ^.X— Tliey are very beautiful, but would be too costly. We have had a similar suggestion for ('rawines of their eggs aiid nests. Wo wish we conld afTord to satisfy all such =uggeslion8. Bv-the-by, wc aroglad to see that the French Government have adapted actlvts measures for preventing the destiuciion of either su'all birds or their eggs, and on the ground that they are the friends of the cultivat ors of the soil. May 6, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 95 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Dny Day of of Vl'nth Week. 0 Tn 7 W 8 Th 9 F 10 8 11 Boh 12 M MAY 6-12, 18C2. Epacris gnindifiora. Eiituxid pungens. Kuchilus obcordatus. Gardoiiuia multiflora. Gastrolobium speciosmn. 3 Sunday ai-ter Easteh. Grevillea acumiuata. WEATHKtt NF.AB LONDON IN 18G1. 30.137—30.001 29.955-29.919 29.893—29.709 29.757-29.670 29.078—29.649 29.573—29.539 29.89G-29.61.5 defc. dc(t. 58-26 51-35 45-27 52-30 52-38 50-44 60—41 N.E. N.E. N.E. : N.E.. E. E. N. Inches. Sun Sets. Moon Kisoa Moon's and Sets Age. •03 •02 04 25 af 4 23 22 20 18 16 15 7 9 7 I 30 7 I 49 28 53 J> 10 11 12 13 14 Clock after Sun. Day 01 Year. 126 127 128 129 130 131 182 Meteoroloot of the Wekb. — At Cliiflwick, from observations durinf? "he last thirty-five years, the averape highest and lowest temperatures of these days are 62.0' and 40.0° respectively. The grcitost heat, SP, occurred on the 6th, in 1830 ; and the lowest cold, 21^, on the 8th in 1855. During the period 147 days were fine, and on 98 rain fell. THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. OETUNE smiled on the open- ing day, and we trust that when the closing; day in October arrives, we may be em- powered to record that no frown has been upon the face of the fickle goddess during the intervening five months. All was joyous on the Ist instant ; it was a glorious May-day, a sun without clouds, roads without dust, and crowds without accidents. Every living unit, from the Pi'ince to the catalogue boy, seemed to unite in one wish and one effort to render it a happy day, and they were thoroughly successful. It is not within our mission to describe the ceremonial of the open- ing, nor to touch upon the splendours, and beauties, and graceful fabrics, and masses of utilities that are con- gregated and arranged in the stu- pendous storehouse for the world's creations at Kensington Gore. Nine- teen of our own colonies, comprised within that monarchy upon which the sun never sets ; and fifty-seven states spread over the earth's surface with which we are at amity, all have contributed the best examples of their native products and skill, rendering it the most wondrous epitome of the world's wealth and garniture. But we must employ our pen upon none of these. We must drop to what at first sight seems a bathos profound; we must chronicle the bee- hives, and the mowing machines, and the Potato-diggers, and the spades — yet there is really no bathos here. There hangs a lace shawl in those Courts, which claims in ex- change from the purchaser £250; there are golden and sil- ver fabrics, to buy which another cipher must be added to those figures — yet these have no value so real, so wealth- producing, as those bright steel implements by which the flax of that shawl, and the metals of those fabrics were won from the earth. Near those implements, too, are arranged those warlike marvels, the Armstrong guns ; and among other Courts ranges of rifles and trophies of swords — but "Give us the Spade, 'tis old Entjland's ^lory. That fashioneJ the held from the bleak barren moor ; Let us speak of its praise with ballad and story, 'Tis briphlened with labour, not tarnished with gore. It was not the sword that won our best battle, Created our commerce, extended our trade, Gave food for our wives, our children, and cattle ; But the queen of all weapons— the Spade, boys, the Spade." No. 58.— Vol. JIL, New Seeies. Now, having arrived with the poet at this horticultural conviction, let us turn from all that dazzles the eye, and walk to the west side of the eastern annex, and there we shall find the following, upon some or all of which we shall have more to say in future Numbers. " 2083. BooTHMAN, .1., Gishurn Coates, mar Sftipfon.— Observatory bee-hive and feeding-box. "2084. BoTD, J., ifii'15/miii.— Brush lawn-mower, shaft-roller, and tubular scythe-handles. " 2(199. CltANsro.-j, W. M., .J8, King William SIreel.— Wood's grass- mowing machine. " 2100. Cnoss, T. W. & Co., Washington Works, Xccis.— Garden engines. " 2103. Dennis, T. H. P., Chelmsford, £ssei.— Metallic horticultural building. "2100. DonE. J., 17, ^xmou»» Street, Ctoienii'e».— Garden, watering, rolling, and syringing machine. "2107. DowNiE, E., Sen., Some/, Hertfordshire— Ofien bee-hive and uniccmb case. " 2112. Fenn, K., Iteelon/, Woodstoeli.—CoWdger's. bcc-hive. "2113. FEnRSBEE.J. md Co., Slroitd, Gloucestershire.— Luvin-mO'xing and sweeping machines. " 2111. Fekktman, E., Mendep P'ace, Oiindle, X'orlhamptonshire.— Patent self-kneading lever churn. " 2122. Gnr.EN, T., 5na Hookeri, a pretty com- pact-growing sort ; a nice little specimen of the scarce Gleichenia semiTestita ; Gleichenia rupestris, another scarce species ; a hand- ■jome little Todea pellucida, with numbers of Adiantums ; Gym- nogrammas, including Q. pulchella ramosa, a distinct variety, and the new and handsome tasseiled Gymnogramma Witeu- halliaua ; Doodia aspera pumila, a variety which makes a hand- some specimen when old enough, hanging all over the pot ; Lomaria sinuafa, the fronds sinuated at the base ; and Nephro- dium moUe corymbiferum, a nice distinct variety, with curled foliage. Rare Triohomanes, under bell-glasses ; the newc't Selaginellas, such as Lyalli, Lobbi, and Wallichi, together with a large quantity of young stock, must complete our enumeration of the contents of this house, in which, however, it may be added, tliere is a very interesting collection of about 350 Ancectochils, among which were Lowii, very large ; the pretty querceticola, and three new kinds — BuUenii, Ruckerii, and Kevilliana. On entering the house devoted to finc-foliaged plants no one could foil to remark three magnificent Cyanophyllums on the centre stage: one of them, at least 8 feet higb, was beautifully clothed with its gorgeous leaves, some of which were a yard long and half a yard across. Near this was a handsome specimen of Croton angustifolium, 4 feet through, with leaves 2 feet in length ; also a noble plant of Tupidanthus calyptratus, 6 feet high and as much through ; a remarkably fine specimen of the scarce Theophrasta imperialis ; a Bird's-nest Fern, 6 feet across ; and a large plant of Amherstia nobilis. Of course Caladiums, Marautas, Dracaenas, and Rhopalas were to be seen in abun- dance, ^ong with a good stock of all the usual foliage plants, which we need not here particularise, Of the more remarkable of the others were Sphserostema mar- raorata, which has been called the Frosted Climber from the upper surface of the leaves having a frosted appearance, a plant which has been much admired wherever it has been exhibited ; Alocasia metahica, of which the culture v,-as given in our last week's Number ; Bertolonia marmorata, a beautiful little plant not sufficiently known, and which, being velvety green, marbled and veined with white, would make a good assoeiats for Ancec- tochils; Campylobotrys refulgens and pyrophylla, with hand- some velvety leaves ; the new Phyllagathis rotuudifolia ; and Franciseea c'onfertifolia varicgata, a nice distinct climber, with leaves marbled and margined with white. We may just add that some very large Nepenthes — Isevis, Rafilesiana, and others — occupied the further end of the house, to the general effect of which some well-grown and richly-coloured plants of Coleus VerschaftVlti contributed not a little. Proceeding next to the large specimen-house, a structure 50 feet long by 24. feet wide, which has been recently added to this establishment, we remarked a noble Cycas revoluta, Dictsouia antaretica, with fronds 8 feet to 10 feet long ; two fine specimens of Dion edule, one of them an enormous plant cover- ing a space 30 feet in circumference, and just throwing up a fresh set of leaves ; and an immense Dracaena, said to be a variety of Draco, with a clear stem 5 feet high and about 18 inches in circumference, giving the house quite a tropical aspect. At the furtlier end of the house we observed Gleichenia speluncse, 6 feet high and 8 feet through, probably the largest plant in the country. It formed a beautifully compact mass of light green, and was supported on each side by nice spe- cimens of two otlier rare species — scandens and dicarpa. There were also fine plants of microphylla and flabellata, the latter a beautiful species with the fronds of a bright veiy lively green. Among Yuccas, we noticed aloifolia vuriegata, o feet high, and well clothed with foliage to the pot ; concara, a good hardy species ; and quadricolor, one of the most compact-growing of the genus, with very liandsomo variegated leaves. Another plant that attracted our attention was Pandanus rellexus, the spiny dark green leaves of which are beautifully twisted, completely hiding the upper part of the pot. Nice plants of Rhopala coroovadensis, Cliamierops excelsa, and smaller specimens of Dicksonias were scattered here and there, and in one comer Imantophyllum miniatum beautifully in flower. The Show and New Holland-house contained Eriostemons, Chorozemas, Azaleas, and a miscellaneous collection of flowering l^lants, among which were Tetratheca erieoides hirsuta, a nice greenhouse plant with lilac flowers in May ; Genetyllis Hookeri, covered with its large bell-shaped flowers ; tulipifera, another nice greenhouse plant, just coming into flower ; Reine des Doubles Azalea, one of the handsomest doubles we have, the flower being of a rich rosy crimson ; and a new kind called elegautissima, pure white with a few red stripes, very handsome and free- flowering ; also, one striped like a Carnation and of quite a novel character. On a back stage was a stock of Rhododendrons javanicum and Nuttallii, to the flowering of the latter of which, at Mr. Mongredien's, we called attentiou last week. It may not be generally known that Mr, Williams has one of the largest collections of Amaryllises that exist in tliis country, comprising about 1500 plants. Among those in flower were Ackermanni, and its variety pulcherrima, a magnificent crimson and scarlet flower of fine substance ; aidica major ; Unique, a fine seedling which flowered this year ; and Williamsi, a cross between Ackermanni and pulchella, bearing immense flowers. Before quitting the houses we must not omit to notice a plant of Liboccdrus Doniana, about 3 feet high and as much through, forming a dense mass of Lycopodium-like foliage. We had here an opportunity of seeing in quantity the new bedding plant, Scrophularia nodosa variegata, wliieh has been so much spoken of lately. It is certainly the best hardy variegated plant which we possess for bedding, and its adoption will save the gardener much anxiety in wintering and finding frame-room for the more delicate plants which it will advantageously replace, Tussilagofarfaravariegataisalsoa good plant for edging large beds and for ornamenting rockwork, and, of course, perfectly hardy. Neatly arranged in pots was a collection of other hardy varie- gated plants, together with herbaceous and rock plants of all the kinds usually grown, and manymore that are not, and which would doubtless afi'ord a good resource for those in search of such ob- jects for then' gardens ; for, since the bedding-out system has been so generally adopted, many of these plants are scarcely to be had. It is but just to add that witliin tlie last twelve months the place has been much improved, the borders having been laid out afresh, and planted with the best conifers and otlier hardy trees and shrubs, and that the general condition of the place reflects the greatest credit on Mr, Williams' skill and industry. CULTURE OF THE PINE APPLE, {Continued from page 391, Vol. II.) Summer Cultuhe. — As the Pine Apple is a native of the warmest parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, and as our liabitations for it are necessarily kept almost at summer heat all the year round, yet even this exotic fruit is benefited by a kind of rest during some portion of the year. That period of rest is the winter for tliis plant ; and as when a plant is at rest, par- tially or wholly, it requires less stimulants in the shape of heat, water, and light, it follows that the best period to give this partial rest in this country is during our short dark days. I therefore divide the two seasons into summer and winter. The first commencing about the middle of February, and ending about the middle of October. The second from tlie middle of October to the middle of February. I thus make the Pine Apple's summer eight months, and its winter four months. The culture required during the summer consists in potting the plants, renewing the heat of the bed, and, where it is prac- tised, planting-out the fruiting plants in a bed prepared for them. The best season for a general repotting is February, though it may be done in March or April. If done in the early part of the Pine summer, the plants have a longer season to grow in previous to the second repotting in July or August. A fort- night previous to commencing potting, see that a sufiicicnt quantity of soil, as prepared in the manner before described, is laid in a warm shed to take the coldness and wet out of it or, in other words, to warm and dry it. It should not, how- ever, be too dry. To prove it, take up a handful, give it a. gentle squeeze, and let it fall upon the bench ; if it falls to pieces. May 6, 1862. ] JOURNAL 01^ HOBTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE OARDENEa. 101 the soil 13 ill a right state for uso. In regard to warmtli, itslioultl not foel coUt to the liand. Also have the broken jiota or oyster- shells ready, diy, mid aired. If the plants are plunged in tun or leaves, and the heat requires renewing, have the tan from tlio tanyard some time previously, lay it in a heap to become heated and to drain. Then examine the stock of pots, and have a suflieient number reudy ; if old ones arc to bo used, let them be thoroughly waslied in liot water and set by to dry. All these materials and articles being in a fit state for use, then begin to tie-up the plants carefully with bast mat, avoiding any rubbing of the loaves ; and, when tlic-y are tied-up, lift them out of the pit and place them either in a warm shed, or, if that is not spacious enough, place them in the vacant vfalks inside the next house. As soon as the pit is empty, let some of the assistants begin to renew the heating material. If the bark is very much decayed it should bo sifted, and what goes through the sieve removed out of the pit. If there are any worms left amongst the rough old bark, mix it with quicklime : then throw a portion of it to one end of the pit, and commence bringing in the now bark. One man should mix the new and the old tan regularly together as the new is brought in, filling up tlie pit at ono end, and continuing to do so till he reaches the other end ; then the trench may bn tilled up either with all now bark, or mixed with a portion of old, reserved for that purpose. Tlie pit should be well filled, rather above the kerbstone, to allow for settling — it is tlien ready for the plants. When new tan is used altogether, it should bo moderately dry and warm before using it. Where there are plenty of hands, the potting should be going on whilst the pit is being renewed. A sufficient quantity of new compost being ready, a portion v.'ill be laid on the potting-bench ; the potter will then take a plant in hand, having previously dxed upon tl]e proper-sized pot, drained in the following manner : — Lay first three or four large pieces over the hole at the bottom of the pot, ill such a manner that the superfluous water may readily escape, then upon them lay a second layer of less crocks, and upon them a tliird layer of a smaller size, and lastly a layer of the rougher pieces of the compost, then a thin layer of soil. It is now ready for the plant. I will^suppose the plants abont to be potted are such as are to fruit the following season. The larger kinds, such as the AVhite Providence and the Cayenne varie- ties, will require pots from 12 inches to 14 inches wide, whilst for Queens and Black Jamaica varieties, pots of 9 inches or 10 inches diameter will be large enough for fruiting plants. These points in regard to the size of pots being attended to, the operator will take a plant and carefully tm-n it out of the pot, keeping the ball entire. Whilst it is in hand he should examine the roots, and if there are any that are dead cut all such off to a living part ; also pull off the lowest decaying leaves, for at their base he will find young, healthy roots pushing forth, evidently want- ing and seeking for soil to strike into. The pulling-off these lower leaves is often done to great excess. No healthy leaf onght ever to he removed. Some fifty years ago, in many places where Pines were grown it was a barbarous custom to (what the old gardeners called) disroot large plants in autumn, and put them into smaller pots. Now, on examining the plants after turning out the ball, if tlic roots are healthy and all alive, it certainly wonld be little short of madness to cut off these healthy roots merely because it was the fashion to do so. I say, preserve all the living roots. If the ball is too large for the pot, reduce it by rubbing off part of the soil and picking out all the old drainage. Another point should be attended to — and that is, to pot first all the largest plants. These will be placed in the back row in the pit, and as each jilant is fiuislied potting, it can be taken into the house and set on the bark ready to be plunged when a sufficient number are potted for that back row. To return to potting the first plants. Set the ball within the pot, observing that it is rather deeper in the new pot than it was in the old one, fill round the old ball with fresh soil, pressing it down with a blunt stick very firmly, put in a little at a time and press that little down, and keep repeating this till the ball is covered, press the soil firmly to the neck of the plant and leave a small space — say about half an inch short of filling up level with the rim. This space is to hold water when the weather is so hot as to render a large supply necessary. The plant is then repotted, and should bo taken into the house immediately, and set on the (au-bed as before mentioned. Take the next in hand and repeat the operations of draining, dressing-off decoying leaves, Sec, and so proceed til! all are finished. Observe the precaution in plunging not to put the pots more than half their depth in the fresh tnn, for it is better to bo on the safe side. Experience has proved that bottom heat is adi antageous to all exotic plants, and the Pine Apple is undoubtedly benefited thereby. The only dilficuKy is to avoid extremes. I have repeatedly found that the maximum heat for tlio roots of Pines should never exceed even in summer 85°, and 7t' or even 10' less will grow them well in t!.o earlier and later months of the year. In ex- perienced hands trial sticks tlirust into the bed arc a sufficient guide, but tlic safer plan is to procure a thermometer fixed in a lioUow lube with an opening in it where the heat may be observed. Such thermometers are kept in stock by tlic dealers in such articles. The moment the bottom heat rises aboi-e the proper temperature, the pots slionld be moved backwards and forwards to form a cavity round them, and water should be poured in freely, which will cool the bed and cause a fine health-giving moisture to arise among the plants. Should that not lower the heat the second or third day, then the plants should be lifted up entirely and set on the very top of the bark or leaves, and allowed to remain there till the temperature of the bed is reduced to the safe amount of heat. More mischief lias been done in Pine-growing from burning the roots than from any other cause. When the heat declines, then in the case of the pots having been set on the surface, let them be plunged, and when they have only been rocked to and fro fill up between with moderately dry warm bark or leaves where the latter article for bottom heat is used. This completes the potting and renewing of the bottom heat for the fraiting-house. Observe, that the plants of a sufficient size and strength to fruit, potted in spring, will not need repotting in August following. At that season it may be found necessary to renew the bottom heat, and in so doing the plants will have to be tied-up and lifted out of the pit. It will then be a convenient opportunity to top-dress the plants by removing as much of the old soil as can be done without disturbing the roots, and replacing it with fresh com- post. The bark need only at this season be partially renewed, just sufEcicnt to raise the heat to the proper height. It should be remembered that the roots of the plants are now close to the bottom and sides of the pots, and, consequently, are in a greater degree liable to sufier from too much bottom heat. Greater care, therefore, is necessary at this lims to preserve the roots from being injured. A vigilance, untiring, night and day must be ex- ercised till it is certain all danger of burning is past. If all has gone on right the fruiting plants will be stout, a good colour, and show a healthy, fresh appearance, and will enter their winter treatment in such a state as will warrant their fruiting early and certainly in the following spring. (To be continued.) T. ArpLEBT. CRANSTON'S PATENT BUILDINGS FOR HORTICULTURE. Having waited till I had an opportunity of perusing Mr. Cranston's doubtlessly beautifuUy-got-up and cleverly-written monograph, I am at length so far in possession of the grounds upon which he has taken out his patent. In this matter, how- ever, there is a question involved of some monieut — equally to him, perhaps, as to me, which I feel it my duty not lightly to pass over. That question is as to priority of invention. Having been, as you and many professional friends are aware, for some time back more or less occupied in originating and carrying out first, at my own cost, two separate ranges of model houses, very remarkably s niilar in principle both as re- lates form and ventilation to some of the respected author's sec- tional outlines and descriptions, I may thus without any, the least, ungenerous imputation, consider myself justified in sub- mitting my case to the profession, the public, and to you in the following precise statement as to dates. At the same time I admit, that whilst it is possible that two individuals unknown to and widely a)iart from each other may bo simultaneously occupied on the same subject, and to have arrived at exactly corresponding results as to piineiple, without cither one or the other being aware of the fact ; yet it is equally possible, as matters may and do sometimes go amongst us, that with an ominous ''patent r'ght'" over my head, 1 may have been acting ditl'erently, and so have improperly become guilty of on illegal act. Finally, as to "patent"' on my part. I might have taken one out in the wht/er of 18G0, when I had all my plans matured ; 102 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ May 0, 1862. but I determined the rather to leave whatever origination there I miglit be in my inventions yj'ee to all, merely snpplyine litho- graphed plans and details professionally at a fixed rate, accord- ing to extent and outlay, and I still purpose following up this determination. I also fully ijitend, if spared, in due time, when every point in structure, heating, and cultivation has been thoroughly tested by result, to submit my monograph thereupon to the public. I then hope to be .able to prove that in point of suitability, elegance of form, and proportion, be they large or small, or as to ready adaptability for all and every sort of under-glass gar- dening requiring ordinary medium dimensions, my houses are I"-XTi:i:iOR VIEW OF one of MR. HIVEN S RAKGEP. the most economical in point of cost, the most complete in point of finish, strength of fabric, and general compactness that may yet have been constructed. Then as to the question of dates, and consequently priority of claim, let us look at it in the following form : — NIVEN. CR.'VNSTON. In Seccnibcry 1860, his design was matured, and in Januiiry, 18C1, begun an I carried out to completion ; his span-roof and sides broken up into lour surfaces or planes, correspGndinR to the lean-to form oijig. 4 [but not numbered), in Mr. C.'s book, plate I. Also his horizontal. ventilation prin- ciple, same as described in page 3o in same book — viz., " by valvular slides in grooves worked simultane- onsl) by a handle." In March and April, 1861, his struc- tures lully stocked and occupied. In April, 1862, richly promising in Strawberries, Grapes, Peaclies, Nec- tarines, Apricots, piums. Figs. Cber- I'ies, Ac, in various modes of train- ing. I trust I may be allowed to hope that the author of the able and interesting work in question will, from his ability and stauding as a professional gentleman, kindly and honourably favour me, if he can, with what is evidently wanting in the above columnar statement. — N. Niven, the Garden Farm, Drumcon- dra, Dublin. [As stated at page 7, it is not our province to decide on priority of invention. We could not but see there was much novelty and genius in Mr. Cranston's sketches, and regret that a few errors in printing have left the expression of our opinions more mystified than they were written. For instance, in page 7, • first column, fourteenth hne from top, the word " deserves " His dale of patent appears to have been August 24th, 1861. His publication of monograph Feb- ruary (no exact date), 1862. should be "takes ;" and the word "credit" that follows should have had the marks of extract before it. Our perhaps-prejudiced opinion is, that the radial rib ventilators are alike the new, the strong, and the weak points of the system. In seeing much to admire, it also struck us that there was a wonderful unison in idea between the modes employed by Mr. Cranston and Mr. Niven, a section of the lines of the last gentleman's houses being given at page 215, last Volume. Mr. Niven does not make the radial rib a ventilator from being pierced with holes, as Mr. Cranston does; but there is a continuous small ventilator from the over- lapping of the glass at the junction behind the longitudinal rafter or radial rib, which is not shown in the section, but which will be understood by the posi- tion of the subjoined lines. These small ventUators are shut in winter and open in summer, but little dependance is placed on them, the means at sides and doors being ample. We may also mention here that in page 216 the oval holes should be almost as long as the spaces between them. Our impression is, that both gentlemen have hit on a plan for giving almost all the advan- tages of curvilinear roofs, with the cheapness of using straight glass in the simplest manner. We might also state that though generally not using quite so large squares as Mr. Cranston, Mr. Niven, from black-puttying the joints, hardly ever, or never, has a square cracked. Our readers will form their opinion of the claims of both gentlemen to originality. For ourselves, we have two strong beliefs on the subject — first, that any discussion between such men will tend to our benefit and instruction ; and secondly, that any interchange of ideas or maintenance of claims wJl be done in the most courteous and kindly spirit. — R. F.] / May G, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. 103 ARTIFICIAL WATER IN GAEDENESQUE SCENERY, FOR CtROWINQ AQUATIC PLANTS. Watee, in a slate of repose, produces the best effect when it is introduced in the lower portions of undulating; grounds, sucli seeming the more natural position ; nnd the best artific-ial ed'eels, U. XOEL nUMPIIHEYS, ESQ. bed of the canal is formed, and which should be about a foot below tlio surface of the wate-. Managed in this manner, thii plant, rearing its head higli above tlio water, might be made to thoueh thev must be arbitrary to a certain extent, are always | form a very pK-turcjqne contrast to the W ater Lily, which rests most successful when based upon tlie laws of natural phenomena. Thus, a scries of fish-ponds rendered decorative by stone dress- ings, &c., or shallow canals for the cultivation of aquatic plants in the open an-, which may bo made very ornamental, as shown in our illustrations, are best suited to tlie lower levels of an ornamental garden, where also the water plants, some of them of delicate constitution, are more shehered from the cutting winds of our variable and sometimes bleak climate. In such a situation, for instance, the common Arum (Culla, or Richardia), a native of St. Helena and the Cape, where it grows in the ricli soil at the edges of rivers, may be cultivated with success ; the roots being secured in concavities formed of cement, of which the its graceful head upon the surface, as Mrs. llemans has beauti- fully said — " A sculpture-like, anil stulely river queen." The supply for a canal of this description may be derived from the water of fountains occupying the higher level of the gardens, whence, after having performed its tour dr force as a jot 20 feet high, or formed a temple of moving crystal, and many other devices, it may be made to descend in properly prepared channels to the lower levels of the garden to feed canals of tliis description, constructed for tho purpose of growing ornamental aquatic plants, particularly such as require the stimulant of running water. The annexed engraving (No. 1) is a design for a shallo iv eanal or tank of this description. At the upper end the water enters, as shown, from a conduit, falling in a very thin sheet over a lead form contrived expressly to spread it as much as possible, and tlms make an exceedingly small supply produce the effect of a continual ) cascade. In a similar manner it falls at the lower end into a | basin, from which an invisible outlet leads to a drain or conduit i to carry the waste away, or to conduct it to some reserve-tank for common gardening purposes. On each side of the canal is a shallower channel, contrived expressly for the growth of plants requiring more careful treatment. The receptacles for the soil, BufEciently massive to remain steadily at the bottom of the channel, might bo very neatly contrived in the following man- g ner : — a is a hollow receptacle, and B is a lid pierced with holes t^'^S^^^ as marked. The plait being ===3*' placed with earth in the recep- tacle A, the cement Ud B, which fits pretty tightly, is fixed on, and the plant throws up its shoots through the apertures pre- pared for that purpose. By this means the soil is not washed away by tlie action of the water, nor is the water rendered muddy on the slightest disturbance, as would be the case were not the soil about the roots of the plants secured in this or some other manner. The water in a canal, the sides and bed of which should be composed of Portland cement, might by these pre- cautions be kept continually limpid, which the gentle supply of fresh water would tend to insure. The addition of gold and silver fish, in water as clear as this would be, would form a great addition to the general effect, furnishing colour in rapid and fantastic motion, as a strong contrast to the still colours of the plant.*. A canal of geometric figure of this description should have stone or cement dressings of an architectural charactor, as shown in the engraving, and should be surrounded by a broad gravel-path of similar form, approached by a strmght walk of some length, to prepare the eye for the regular forms of the canal and its appendages ; and the entrance to this aquatic parterre might, to aid its semi-architectural character, be marked by two large vases on pedestals ; a few flower-beds, and some masses of shrubs, might be the means of partially con- cealing these symmetrical features from tho rest of the plea- 104 JOURNAL OS HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAaE &ARDENER. [ May 6, 1862. sure grounds, if rendered necessary, on account of their distinct cliaraoter. The plants I have shown in the centrol or deep part of the canal arc simply our native Wnter Crowfoot, the Marsh Mari- gold, and the white and yellow Water LiUes, &c., to which might be added the Frog-bit, the floating Plantain, the Water Soldier, and many hardy exotica. In the shallow channel at the sides, I have placed the common yellow Iris, and our handsome native plants, the flowering Rush, and the Arrow-head, with the greater and lesser Water Plantain ; to these I have added the elegant Cape plant already mentioned, and commonly known among cultivators of window flowers as the "Arum ;" which, grown in water in this manner, attains to much greater size and perfection than by ordinary pot culture. In order to form a canal or tank of this description for the purpose of growing aquatic plants, the first requisite is a supply of water. A small brook or spring, in any part of the grounds, will be sufTicient, which may be cheaply conducted beneath the surface, to any spot required, if not higher than the brook or spring itself, by means of a leaden pipe, or gutta-percha tube, which latter is now being used for such purposes. A tolerably level spot in the lower portion of the grounds should be selected, as convertible at the least expense to the purpose required. The excavation must now be dug, of the extent determined on — the one shown in the design is supposed to be about 21' feet wide by ■18 feet long, but a canal of half these dimensions would form a very pleasing object in a place of suitable proportions. The excavation should be about 2 feet 4 inches deep in the central compartment, and 1 foot 4 inches in the side compartments. When the bottom and sides have been made as smooth as can be accomplished with the spade, the masonry may be com- menced, which is of so simple a character that any country bricklayer may execirte it under the directions of an intelligent gardener. First, let a layer of fiat tiles be placed against the sides, and laid in Portland cement, which should be done in dry weather, when the soil is not too moist, or the cement will not set well ; a second layer of tiles, with cement between the layers, will make a more complete job, but one layer is sufilcient ; the bottom must then be covered with tiles laid in cement in a similar manner, and the whole left till perfectly dry ; the orna- mental moulding may bo formed, in bidk, by a single row of bricks, which, being covered with a sufllcient coating of cement, may have moulding lines rrm along it with a moulding-tool, in the usual manner known to any plasterer. The parts designed for the entrance and exit of the water may be formed in the same manner as the cement coping, and with but little more compli- cation. The pipe conveying (he water from the spring will be conducted to a small reservoir immediately behind the point at which it enters the tank, or to a leaden shape made to spread it into a thin semicircular sheet, in which form it will fall into the tank, as above described ; the surplus water at the other end need only be conveyed away in a common brick drain ; but, if niiform growth and flower, and these look as well as any description of plant can do. Of this class Fuchsia Riocar- toni is the best I have, and for habit of growth, good foliage, and abundance of bloom, it cannot well be surpassed. Fuchsia globosa is certainly not so hardy, though much dwarfer ; but the lia- bihty of the plant's dy ing out hero and there very much diminishes its utility for bedding. Such strong growers as Fuchsia Carolina are only suitable for certain situations ; whilst many of the most esteemed florists' varieties which figure at shows, and form so gay a feature in our plant-houses all the summer mouths are unsuitable for bedding, the long, delicate flower-stem letting the flower droop so much as to be hidden amongst the foliage. I would, therefore, advise the inexperienced planter to reject these, and only plant out such as flower with short rigid stems, show- ing the flowers in a somewliat oblique direction instead of en- tirely pendent. A small dark green leaf, healthy and capable of enduring the eun, is also requisite. Fuchsia fiilr/cns and F. corymhi flora in leds. — Tlie popularity which these species at onetime attained was such that they were everywhere favourites ; but somehow, like the Salvia patens and several other plants, they fell into disrepute, and beds of them are far from common at the present day. The trutli of the matter is, they are more diflieult to manage than many things ; and, unlike the hardy varieties of the gracilis family, they will not stand the winter excepting in very favoured situations, as against walls and other places similarly sheltered ; even there they require protecting. Still a well-managed bed of Fuclisia fulgeus is certainly second to nothing I know of in the flower garden. The best beds I ever saw of it were at St. Leonard's Hill, near Windsor, wliere Mr. Hale, the gardener, had both the above kinds about S ieet and 10 feet high respectively, and as full of bloom as it was possible for anything to be ; and, what was equally important, the flowers all showed themselves, which they do not in a bed from 2 feet to 3 feet high. This, no doubt, is the reason why the plants were abandoned for bedding by those who had not the convenience to winter plants of such large size j for they must be all taken up and lioused somewhere. I have not grown Fuchsia corymbiflora as a beddcr since 1851' or 1855. Fuchsia fulgens I have occasionally ; but the inconvenience of keeping the plants over winter, and, what is equally important, neglecting to take them up early enough in the autumn, was sadly against them. Another reason is that they do not matcli well with the ordinary plants used in a series of beds in a geometrical garden, s.'i the flowers, though plentiful enough, are not all at the top, and veiwcd at a distance are not so showy as variegated- foliaged plants, Scarlet Geraniums, yellow Calceo- larias, and other favourites. JBeds Suitable/or Fuchsia fulgens and eori/mbijlora . — In some detached bed in I ho shrubbery, or where the bed does not form one in a set where smaller plants are grown, these two noble-grow- ing Fuchsias may be planted, either botli in one bed (F. corymbi- flora in tho centre), or separately; the latter way being the best. In whatever way they be grown the bed ouglit not to be less than 12 feet wide, and if 20 fuct all tho better. Large etrong- gi'owiug plants like this Fuchsia, if allowed space proportionate to their size, will amply repay any trouble they may give. The wintering of the old plants is all that is required ; no stopping, pegging, or trimming of any kind being wanted. Some little care nuiat, however, be taken to place the largest plants in the centre and the smallest at the outside. A deep soil not too rich is best for them, and in tho late summer months a mass of bloom will well reward the cultivator. Fuchsia as a Sedge or liihhon-horder Plant. — Nothing can be more suitable than the Fuchsia for the flrst-namcd purpose. For a single row on grass, or as a boundary or background to some other object, the Fuchsia is admirably adapted, its graceful yet sturdy hubit and abundance of bloom rendering it available everywhere, more especially where its whole growth from the ground upwards can be seen at once. As a row for a mixed border of stripes it is not so well adapted ; for the blooms, being mostly pendent, ai-e hidden by the adjoining row coming in contact with them. The best kinds for single rows or hedges are those previously mentioned as being best for beds. Fuchsia as a Standard or Single Plant. — Many years ago attempts were made, with more or leas success, to obtain with Fuchsias straight clear stems with a round-topped head like a standard Rose; but the determination of the plant to throw up suckers marred this attempt at ideal beauty. It was seldom successfully accomplished ; but sometimes these standards were worked into good elTect in geometrical gardens, or as single specimens on lawns. A much more usefid way was to grow them as pyramids, in which mode of growth the habit of the plant was properly represented ; and the general abandonment of mop-headed plants led to a more natural way. Pyramids of Fuchsias are now amongst the most ornamental things we have. As the plants are generally grown to a good size in pots before being planted out, the more delicate white or pale-coloured ones may be used with advantage here ; and being taken up and wintered in some shed or amongst shrubs where they can be protected from severe frosts, they will live for many years. Most growers, however, prefer planting out some of the old plants that have been ornaments to the plant-house the year before ; for these being in pots are easily stored away during the hard winter months. If no portion of the old stem can be secured, the most forward of the spring shoots must be encouraged to form leaders, and the remainder stopped; a good-shaped plant may thus be obtained with little trouble. Concluding Rpmarlcs. — The hardiness of the Fuchsia has been already adverted to, and we often hear of instances of the wood having assumed the proportion of a moderate-sized free, even in latitudes much farther north than might be expected. A lady once sent me some cuttings of a hardy Fuclisia, the stems of which had braved several winters in the Island of Bute, and I have known plants here survive four or five winters in succession ; but an imnsually severe season always kills them to the ground. This, however, in a general way, is no detriment to the appear- ance of the plant, as, when the old stems are saved, it does not flower a day earlier, nor is it so neat-looking. The Fuchsia seems to thrive best on a stony dry soil, where it ripens its wood early in the season, still it likes depth of material as well ; for few plants root deeper than the Fuchsia, and in a soil suitable for it, few will outgrow it. I have seen it usurp more than its share of space when growing in a mixed shrubbery — Roses, Rhododendrons, and similar shrubs being all driven aside ; and Bcrberis aquifoliuni, Laurustinus, and others had a dilllculty to contend against this robust robber. The most fatal place to plant it, with regard to the welfare of the legitimate occupant of the ground, is on a Tine-border : here, if it be allowed to run riot, small berries and shanked bunches will be the result, for which Fuchsia stems of eight to ten- feet growth in one season will be but a poor equivalent. Eight fest, however, is not an unusual growth in less-favoured places,, where the plant is more appropriately and, it may be said, contentedly at home. J. Robson. Nakdoo.— This plant is verv plentiful throughout the whole of our portion of the colony (Murrumbidgee), and has long been known as an article of food, although going by different names in different localities. It is a I'our-lcaved Clover, bearing small black 106 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE OARDENER. [ May 6, 1862. pods about the size of Acacia seeds. These pods are full of very small seeds, at first green and juicy, but wlien ripe very farina- ceous. It is noticeable that the leaves of this plant tiirn with the sun, facing the east in the morning and tlie west at night. The blacks here do not appear to eat Nardoo, having probably a sufficiency of food without it ; but the Aborigines at Mennindie, have always been known to partake of it. Tliis plant only grows in flooded ground, and although the leaves die away during the heat of summer, the seed-pods last a considerable t'ime. Sheep are very fond of Nardoo, and when eat ng it make a curious noise cracking tlie seeds between tlieir teeth. Mr. Green, the postmaster at Hay, has forwarded specimens from this locality to Professor Mueller, who pronounces them to be genuine Nardoo, similar to that eaten by the unfortunate explorers.— (S(/c/«p^ Morning Herald.) VINES BEARING AND NOT BEAEING IN THE SAME VINERY. I FEAE I am like many other amateur gardeners always expect- ing more than our plants or the mode of treatment will produce. I detest regular grumblers, for notliing satisfies them long. Two years ago I came into possession of a garden for the first time in my life, and in it there is erected a lean-to vinery divided into two houses, each about 24 feet by 16 feet. The situation of the house is direct south. Some of the Vines are planted against the wall, their roots being inside ; whilst those which run along the sashes of the glass frames have their roots outside. Tlie Vines are all Black Hamburghs witli two exceptions, these being a Muscat and a Frontignan. In the latter end of 1860 I reconstructed the border for the roots and fixed a good drain in accordance with the instructions found in your Journal. Last year, in consequence of the disturbance of the roots I did not expect much fruit, nor was I disappointed— I had only fourteen bunches altogether, the Frontignan bearing only one large bunch. I consoled myself by the best reasoning I could u9», reiving upon the present year to make good the deficiencies of former unes. The show this year is an improvement upon the last, but not at all equal to the apparent strength of tlie plants nor my expectations. The order of things in some respects is reversed, the weakest plants bearing, the stronger ones being quite barren. This applies particularly to the Frontignan A' ine. Tlie force of the plant has enabled it to throw out many strong shoots, equal in thickness to the middle finger of an ordinary man. The sap appears to move quite in order, and the vigour by which it has thrown out new shoots cannot be questioned ; yet there is not a bit of blossom. They are treated according to the best method which I know ; they have all the air they can have consistent with their treatment, but there is no reward for time and labour spent upon them. I am in a fix, the man who looks after them looks unutterable things, and both together we feel quite simple. What can you advise should be done? Any idea or suggestion you may think you can give I shall be glad to acknowledge.— Ak AiiATEtJK, Manchesfei: [You are just one of those hopeful sort of people we would oblige if we could. "We can understand the reason why you should have drained your border ; but you have not told us why you raised and replanted the roots two years ago. Perhaps i't might have been as well to let well alone so far as good heavy crops at once were concerned. Many Vines in the south have broken badly this season, owing to a'too-great hardening of the wood from a powerful sun and a dry summer and autumn. Now we believe that in your neighbourhood the summer and the autumn were sunless and wet ; and if so that may explain how the weaker Vines are fruitful, and the vigorous-growini? ones are barren. In the first case the wood was well but no°t mordmately ripened ; in the others the wood was so vigorous as not to ripen kindly. If the Vines planted inside against the back wall are pretty fruitful, wliilst those planted outside are more barren, then the above idea would be more confirmed than otherwise. If this is at all the reason, and the Vines are planted within a foot or so of the surface, we think we can promise you a rare crop next year, and onwards ; though perhaps it would be ao well to be moderate for one year. The great thing will be to get the wood ripened tlioroughly before the end of autumn, by withholding moisture, giving all the sun possible, and extra fire heat in September if the wood is not like heart of Oak. A'ery likely a little dry heat in SepI ember and October would have given you fine bunches on your Frontignan this year— that heat being applied, and soaking rains kept out of the border. We think we have hit on the cause ; but ii you can give us more information we would be glad to give more suggestions if we can, as we are anxious that all such experiments should succeed.] WORK FOR THE VTEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Taee advantage of the dry state of the ground to get manure wlieeled upon quarters where it may be soon wanted, and see that there is a good supply being prepared for the Celery crop ; for without plenty of old manure large crisp Celery can hardly be obtained. Broccoli, as the present warm weather brings it forward so fast, some of it should be pulled-up before it is fully grown and laid in a cool place so as to prolong the season. Callage, when the soil is very hard between the autumn- planted, it will greatly benefit the plants to fork between them, and after rain to be again earthed-up. Caulijiowers, fork-up the soil surrounding them, and afterwards give them a good soaking with water, which should be repeated twice a-week during dry weather. Celerij, all that is fresh pricked-out to be shaded and watered until the plants get fresh root-hold. Cucumlers, trenches should now be prepared for hand-glasses, they may be 2^ feet wide, and 1 foot deep ; each should then be filled with prepared dung, leaves, and short grass to 6 inches above the surface, and prepared soil should be put beneath the glasses, the rest of the dung being covered with the soil that came out of the trench. Dwarf Kidney Beans, make a good sowing for succession ; a few should be sown in a pan at the same time to fill up any vacancies. Lettuce, give a few of the earliest plants a good supply of water to bring them forward, some of the Cos to be tied-up to form hearts. Mtis/irooms, continue to form fresh beds for summer and autumn use. Badis/ies, sow both Long and Turnip-rooted kinds. Water those from which they are drawn for use. Embrace every opportunity of destroying weeds. Clear away all old Cabbage and Broccoli stumps as soon as done with, as they harbour insects. FLOWEE GAEDEN. Prepare the stations on lawns for large specimens of orna- mental plants, such as Fuchsias, Scarlet Geraniums, &c. Recently- transplanted shrubs will require to be carefully attended to with water, giving the ground where it may be found necessary a liberal soaking, so as to thoroughly moisten it, lightening-up the surface with a fork where it has become firm. If not already done hardy annuals should be sown after the first shower, and do not forget plenty of Mignonette and Slocks, their fragrance will always render them favourites. I PEUIT GAEDEN. The late drying winds and the present clear warm weather will render it necessary to supply water to recently-transplanted I trees and even to vegetables, and also the seedling crops which \ are just making their appearance ; otherwise, they had better be allowed to remain in a dormant state until we have rain, as con- tinued waterings bind the surface of the soil into a hard crust impenetrable to air, and very prejudicial to the germination of 1 seeds : this, however, may in some degree be prevented by shading from the sun, or covering the soil so as to prevent evaporation as much as possible. Frequent waterings are not then necessary, and the soil is kept in an open porous state, I which is of the utmost importance. When the nights are warno, seeds and herbaceous plants of all sorts should be watered in the evening, so that the soil may gradually imbibe the water ; but if cold nights prevail the early part of the morning is the best time for its apphcation. On the first appearance of green fly on Peach and Nectarine trees syringe them with tobacco water two evenings in succession ; if done properly it will stop their career for the season. If the trees are subject to the curl, or mildew, syringe with water as soon as the fruit is set, and then dredge them over with road dust, taking care to apply it to the under sides of the leaves as much as possible, to be allowed to remain until washed oil' by the rain. The trees may look un- sightly after the operation, but they will thrive and grow luxu- riantly, which will amply repay for the loss of appearance. Wlien applied to Thorn-quicks attacked by mildew, it proves an eflectual remedy. Caterpillars and green fly on Gooseberry bushes, and the dolphin, or black apliis, on Cherry trees, can May 6, 1862. j JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAQK GARDENER. 107 be destroyed by the application of a couple of dressings in tlie same manner. The mining grub, so (lostructiTC to tlie Apricot and Plum trees, may be easily detected by tlie leaves being folded up ; tlie best cure is erusbing tliem between the forefinger and tliuuib. Clean mid loosen tbo surfuco about Strawberries. If strong young plants of the Elton Strawberry are lifted now, and planted beliiud a uortli wall, tliey will produce a crop in August and September, and will keep up the succession along Willi the Alpines to the la.test period. A sloping bank should now be prepared and planted with rows of Alpine Strawberries, three plants in a patch, at intervals of 1.5 inches, the ground to be covered with slates after the plants have become established. STOVE. See that growing Orchids have due attention with regard to shading and atmospheric moisture. ])o not use the syringe too freely among those slarting into growth, but keep the atmo- sphere thoroughly moist. See that specimens on blocks and in baskets are not allowed to suffer for want, of water; for when the soil in baskets is allowed to get thoroughly dry, water is apt to run oil'. If, through any neglect, the soil is allowed to get too dry, the baskets should be immersed in tepid water until it gets thoroughly soaked. Continue to attend to the stopping and training the plants as they may require, and give free-growing plants plenty of pot-room. Achimenes and Glox- inias in luxuriant growth may be supplied with weak liquid manure occasionally. Repot and propagate Begonias. Persevere in keeping down insects, which, if allowed, will now progress with great rapidity. aUEENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOKT. See that all climbers and plants of rambling habits are regu- larly trained, stopped, and watered. AA'licn the young leaves of the Camellias iliat have been excited into wood have attained their full size, tlie supply of water may be diminished to prevent overluxuriance, and introduce a gradual maturity of growth. Take care of the young leaves, and apply sliading the moment it is perceived to be necessary. Examine the plants carefully on the forenoons of bright days, and see that none of them are suflTering from want of water ; for with bright sunshine, accom- panied with drying winds, it will require careful attention to supply them with water, especially specimens that may be pot- bound. Use the syringe freely ou those in full growth. Fuchsias, intended for large specimens, will require to be shaded from bright sunshine, and will be benefited by a liberal supply of manure water ; and where free growth is expected from them, the atmosphere can hardly be kept too moist. Young speci- mens of hardwooded greenhouse plants should bo kept as warm and moist as can be done without inducing weakly growth ; see that they are properly supplied with water at the root, and do not allow them to sustain any check for want of pot-room. W. Keaxe. DOINGS OF THE LAST V/EEK. At last we have "the Dog Days" at tlie end of April, and trying it is to many plants after the dull cheerless weatlier. Many things under glass require a temporary shading, just before the roots are able to supply the excessive demand upon them, by increased evaporation from the foliage. KITCHEN GARDEN. Earthed-up CauVjlowers in hand-lights with rich compost. Elevated the glasses over a few earliest ones, removed the glasses from the rest. Gave all the plants a good soaking with manure water. Pricked out Lettuces and Cauliflowers on border for transplanting. Pointed a border over, placed on it 3 inches of rotten dung and an inch of fine soil on the surface, in which to prick out Celery 4 inches apart, the second lot. TI.e first or forwardest was turned out under glass for a few days to get large plants for transplanting next month. The great secret of having good early Celery and not run, is not early or late sowing, but never allowing the plants to have a cheek from dryness or otherwise until they are fit for table. Sowed main crop of Kidney Beans out of doors, planted some under slight pro- tection, and earthed-up and watered with manure water those in full bearing. Glad to get hold of pots now past their best for other purposes. Gathered Peas from pots, and kept staking the succession crops. Aspai-acjiis is co.T.ing in well notwithstanding the injury done to the forward shoots by the frost. Wlien grown in roivs, a simple covering as two boards fastened at the edges would be useful. Sra-kalc under exposed pots have done nicely, but a fortnight or three weeks ago tlie plants were so frozen inside as to be as hard as a stick. In cases where tlie sun struck the pot before tlic frost was thawed the plants were blackened, showing that a little litter over the pots might be advisable, but I could not spare a bit for such a purpose. FRUIT OAUDEN. Ran the hoe through Strawberry-rows. May draw a rough rake between them by-and-by, but am almost afraid to let such a tool out of my own hands unless in a hay field, or raking off grass. Moved the hay thrown over Goosebeny bushes where it had lodged in the centre of the bushis. Planted out Straw- berries that had been forced in order to get a few berries fi-om them in the autumn, and a large crop next year. The first fiUl crop though wonderful, is by far the best they will yield. Planted out also young plants of good kinds, not expecting much from them, or nothing this season, but a largo crop the next. Turned in some hundred pots into orchard-house, and potted Queens and Keens', pricked out in a border last autumn, squeezuig the soil about them as hard as flint, and will plunge them out of doors in a bed of tree leaves just warmer than the earth. If the season be very early, these will not be much wanted, but if a change of dull weather come over the scene, they will keep the Strawberry-basket going, before those in the open air come in. Removed all Strawberry-pots from houses as soon as done with, and in early houses it is little use having pols of Strawberries now, as if there is much shade the flavour is de- ficient. Disbudded and stopped trees in orchard-house. Fresh potted some Pears and Plums, and put them in a mild bottom heat out of doors, to set the roots going nicely. These are intended to fruit next season in pots, being now the first season from the bud. Smoked orchard-house to give a finish to the brown beetle, which would have been very bad, if not hunted up. Used tobacco and bruised Laurel leaves, which made them drop, though a few have got up again. Though the heat is high during the'day, in these bright days (80' with all air on), nothing seems to sutler from it. If we shut at night, v^-e open the first thing in the morning. Regulated Vines, thinned Grapes, planted out and potted Melons for succession. Watered Figs ; Peaches in pots, that previously needed water once in ten days, hare required it every other day, and Strawberries sometimes twice a-day. So much as to the question, How often shall I water? TLOWEKS. Here as to bedding plants alone we would have required to have made every day into three, and every man into two, in moving, boxing, planting out, hardening-ofT, and propagating. We must finish cutting-making this week, for after that the plants -would be too small to do much good. Wo have just thrown u)) a mild hotbed for lots of plants, eight or ten in a eo-sized pot. The bed is about a foot in height, 9 inches long stable litter and grass from lawn well (rod, 3 inches of rotten leaves above it, and 4 inches of soil over all, ratlier light and rich, and into this the plants arc turned out, ball and all, the earth squeezed tight about them. Here they will grow a good deal in three weeks, and will divide easily at planting time. Lots of olhers have been turned out of small pots into the trenches described the other day, and the pots thus emptied when washed will be used for the 'finer variegated Geraniums, and various tilings that do not lift so well as others. Many Ageratums and Lobelias have been turned out in lumps — say six or twelve plants in a piece, and they grow faster than when separated indi\idually. When thus placed close together, they are easily protected, and being turned into soil need little or no watering ; and besides there need be no such hurry scurry in turning cut into the beds in the flower garden, as the plants are growing where they are. I have now large beds of Calceolarias That have had no water for -a month, and have never shown a fly. If kept in pots I know something of the tubs of water they would have wanted. Plants in general received necessary attention as to watering, shifting, syringing, cScc. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. * We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Joiu-nal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore bo addressed solely to 27;? Hditors of the "Journal of Morticulture, ^c.,' 163, Fleet Street, London, E.C. 108 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDE^'JSR. [ May G, 1862. We also request that eorreiipondents will not mix up on tlie same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or thi'ee questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Green Fly on Apuis (A Lady Subscriber, Barfistaple).— For amateurs who, like you, h^ve the patience to destroy this pest in detail, there is a double brush matie between which the leaves and spray of plants can be drawn without injury, but destructively to the insects. Tobacco water, or a solution of Gishurst Compound kept in a bottle as you propose, might be applied by a brush, but it would be very tedious. Tou had better have a ■basin full of one of those liquids, and dip the leave3 and shoots into it. Chakring Weeds I Jilalp a s),~l( you refer to No. 7 of our New Series, page 117; or to No. 426 of our First Series, page 131, yon will find fall directions for charring. DisA GRANDifLORA {Orch id). ~You arc -wronff in your treatment of this plant, and in your conclusions aa to its culture being difficult. It has been grown very successfully in the Chiswick Garden of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. If it damps-off it is because the air is not admitted freely enou:;h. Roller Shade (A Subscriber, I{.).—\Ve do not see vi'e can make the matter clearer tlian at. page 426, Vol, I. Let a represent the ridge-board of your house, and d the front in oneinclined plane. Fasten the shade at a with tacks and tape, or any other means ; fasten the other side in a similar manner to a rod 2 inches in diameter ; have a grooved wheel fastened on the end of that rod at d. to hold a stout cord longer than the length of the rooftroniE to d; fasten the end of the cord at e, roll the rest I round the grooved v.heel. pull the strint; and up the glass the roller will go to the apex, or as far as you like by fastening the string to a pin to ke'^p it tight. This is the simplest mode, and answers well for small houses. The farther end of the pole may be G inches lower than that at the rope end, but that is ot little consequence. With double the quantity of rope, yon might take the end of the string from d, and over a pulley-wheel at e, and tlijs pull the roller up from the back, and fasten the string to a stout pin as before. To inexperienced persona this may seem best; it involves more cord and a pulley-wheel. nosES IN Pots (IF. A. 0.).— Rose plants will bloom for years in the same pots if the surface so'l is removed, and fresh-eurfaced with i-ich com- post in autumn. You do not my when you potted. It sho'ild be done in September, so as to get the pots well filled with roots before spring. No plant flowers so well in a pot if the roots are not e:etting to tlie sides of tlie pot Very itrobably you over-potted, and late-potted, and the balls have either got dried or sodden. Lapageria rosea Prunisg {(Idem). —The Lapageria, when established, just like a Vine and a Mandcvilla, will bloom either from young wood or on spurs- that is, from well-ripened budb:. You had better not prune it in much. We hope you have given it a rest in winter, Desfontainia spinosa [Idnii].~l( the Desfontainia was grown well in summer, and kept cool and rattier diy in winter, the stubby little shoots should now be showing bloom. It should not be pruned much, unless to form a head and get fresh growth, and then harden it in autumn. It is more difficult to manage tluiu the Lapageria. Get the latter to grow freely, give it plenty of water in summer, all the sun possible iu autuum, and comparative coolness in winter. A'iNES Breaking at Top only f/i ton). —To a pailful of sheep-duni? add fifteen pailfuls of water. This liquid manure may be given iii moderate quantity to bedded-out Geraniams when the flower-buds are developed, if the plants seem to require it, but which they will not do unless the soil of the bed is poor. Propagatikg Bedding Trop-eolums (Tgno7-am us),— AW the Tvopa30lunis you name— Elegans, De Hyris, Cattell'a Dwarf Scarlet, Catteirs Dwaif Crimson, Yellow Tom Thumb, Crystal Palace Scarlet, Crystal Palace Gem» must be had from cuttings, except Tom Thumb, the onl.. one of them which comes tiue from seeds unless Cattell's Dwarf Crimson and Dwarf Scarkt should follow Tom Thumb in this respect, as they do in stature. All wo know of thEf^e two is from what we saw of them at one of the exhibitions ate South Kensington last summer, and they are certainly very pretty. Elegans is the best ot the others you name, and the only one of them that is likely to do well, except in skilful hands. Cyclamens fi5. A.). — Many IhunVis for the industry you have sho^vii about Cyclamcnfi, but as the fiimily had been in great confusion in lU books until very recently, it is now not worth the trouble to republif^h from old authorities. Miller never mentioned vernum, or any of them by Iheir present name?. The editors of editions of his Dictionary were they who supplied thcnames j'ou read from imperfect sources. Sweet is the first person who mentions vernum, and not one of the other authors you name would know vernum from coum, or either fiom europfonm, and no good could result from discussing that side of the question any further. Culture of Tritoma uvaria (F. F.). — Neitlier the seedlings of this nor the young plants should have been in " a both, use." nor yet in a green- house, but in the coldest pit ; they ."fhould not get more thiin 5' or 6° of frost till they are of a fiowering age, aud that will be, or should be, this nexC summer from the first seeds which were on Pale. After the seedlings come to flower, the plants in most parts of the kingdom do better treated as the very best Dahlias, but not dried so much in winter. They should be lilted in November, put into damp sand in the diy. and to b? planted out in April ; but on dry soils it does best out of doors the year round, when treated like Fuchsias with mnlch.v.(.s in winter, and a most abundant supply of water from June to the end of September. "White Bedding Geraniums (5. ^f.^}.—Tbe best bedder of all the White Horseshoe kinds of Gei»ninms to contrast with a bed of Tom Thumb, is one called Madame Vaucher, and it bloom? as freely as Tom Thumb itsell, Hcndersonii is the next best white, and Henderaonii nina is the best white for edgings. But this Fcason we siiail have coming out the whvtc-flowcring variegated Hendersonii, which was mentioned last autumn for the first time. Imantophyllum miniatum (Bulbs).— This is the correct spelling. Notices- of it occur in various volumes, but not giving directions for its culture. The same treatment as mentioned fr-r CHvia in the " Cottage Gardener's Dic- tionary " will do for this bnlb. You can have a copy ot Vol. XV. from our office. Name of Anemone (P. C). — It is Anctiio7ie hnrfmsis miniata, and must have escaped from some garden. It is a native of Italy. Names of Plants (Arthur Cole). — Apparently Orchis mascula ; but tc send one flower of &uch a plant! The leaf is decaying, but it is imposaible for us to say why. In t!ie next Nunber of " Wild Flowers " a portrait of that Orchis will appear. (T. F., Albro). — Domnicum pardalianohes. {Bolder).~\, Tecoma australis ; 2, Acacia melanoxylon ; 3, Polygala Dalmaisiana ; 4, Ac icia verticillita. (S. IT. G., Lirer pool). — Tha purple flower is a variety of Bletia verecunda. The Oncidium is '.mciriium barbatum. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. EOYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY'S SPEING SHOW. APEIL 22—25. The poultry formed a very interesting department of the Exhibition ; in tlie judgment of some, indeed, the most so in the yard. The birds were all in high condition, and particularly good of their kinds. The Doi-l^ings, especially, put in a splendid appearance. The Spanish, aho, were very attractive, aud well represented in point of numbers. There were some yevj line Game Fowl. There are many of the adepts in "Game" flesh who will say that the first and second prizetakers ought to have changed places. Wo were sorry to notice the entire absence of the old Irish Hen, of which there was not asin»lo representative exhibited. We think that this is much to be regretted, for, though not a showy bird, we do not know her equal in point of laying qualities. Brahma Pootra on Cochin-Ciuna.— First, J. Wight, Johnotowii House ,. May 0, 18(52. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 109 CuWntecly. Second, Countess of nrctivc. diickcns.—Virat, R. W.Boylo, Dnnilrum. Scconfl wiUiheld. , „. , , « DnnKlsr,.— rirst, 11. W. IJc.;le. Sncond, CdI. F.eslio, M.l'. HikIi 7 Com- mcndi'd. Sin. I'aircll, Movniiltv ; K. P. WiUiiims, HoHybi-uok, Cloiitavl ; Of. I.iiMgtiy, Kilmoi-u House, Luisan. Commended, Lord Luri;nn, Bvownlow llonsc, Lursan; .!. Forrest, r.oclmck llonso; Countess of Uectlvo; U. \y BotIo, Dundruni. ("/iiVA-fMS.— First and Seeimd, Col. Leslie, M.I". Ihcllly Comniended, li. P. Williams; G. Langtry; 1!. W. Doyle. Conimcnrted, .Mrs. Karrcll, Moyualtv; G. I.angtry. Sr \Ni«u.— First, Miss E. De Courcy Drevar, lioso Hill, Blacltroelt. .Second, C. M'Clintoelc. Hiln'ount, Uandalstoivn. Hiiildy Coinivended, It 1'. Williams. Commended, li. J. .Sniitli, jun., Rutland Square, Pub'.in ; Col. Leslie, M.l'. CVhVAths.— First, K. J. .Smith. Second, ll. W. Hiiyle. Game,— First, J. Witflit, Jolinstown House. Second, II. Cusack, St. Doulachs. r/iiViviis.— Prizes withheld. HAMnORons (Spangled).— First and Second, It. 1!. Williams. Chic/iens.— Pri/es withheld. Bi.ACK Fowl (White-crcstcdi.— First and Second, .Miss 1'.. Do Courcy Drorar. CT.i>J.)i.s.— Firt and Second, Miss E. Do Courcy Drevar. Any Distinct Hrkeu — Piize, R. W. Boyle. Six CliTCKitss Fit for Tabi.e,— Prize witlihild. Docks (Aylesbur' ). -Prize, A. Fleet, Ualston Street. DoWin. DccKs (Rouen).— First, R. W. Boyle. Second, R.P.Williams. Uigiily Commended, It. P. Williams. Commended, U. W. Boyle. DrCKs (Any other breed).- No merit. Tdkkhts. —First, C. Langtry, Kllmore House, Lursan. Second, J. lljland, North Anne Street. Dublin. Poii//,i.— Prizes withheld G vKDER AND GoosK.— Flrst, R. W. Bovlo.' Sccond, J. Bomkc, Stapolin, Bnldiyle. — {Dublin Agricultural Eevieto.) TUEKEY-CULTUEE IN AMERICA. The reason wliy the Turkeys seen in our pouUry-y.irtls do not vie in splendour of plmnago with their untamed brotUers is that we do not let them live long enough. A creature that does not attain its TuU growth till its fifth or sixth year we kill at least in the second, to tho evident deterioration of our stock. But let three or four well-selected black or bronze Turkeys be retained to their really adult state, and well fed meanwhile, and they will quite reoonipensc their keeper by their beauty in full plumage, by their glancing hues of gilded bronze and black, and the pearly lustre that radiates from their polished feathers. In default of wild specimens, birds like these are sought to complete collec- tions of stufled birds. The demand for such large bii'ds among the poultry-dealers, the temptation to fat them before they arrive at this stage, are so great, that few farmers can resist sending their fourteen-pound to eighteen-pound cocks to market, while a young cock of the year, they think, will answer every purpose next spring as well. Some even deem it an extravagance to keep a Turkey cock at all, if they have not more than two hens, which they would send on a visit of a day or two to a neighbour who has a male bird. When the hen has once selected a spot for her nest she will continue to lay there till the time of incubation, so that the eggs may be brought home from day to day, there being no need of a Tifst egg as with the common fowl. .She will lay from fifteen to twenty eggs, more or less. Her determination to sit will be known by her constantly remaining on the nest, though empty j and as it is seldom in a position sufliciently secure against tlie weather or pilferers, a nest should be prepared for her by placing some soft straw, with her eggs, on the floor of a convenient out- house. She should then be brought home and gently placed upon it. It is a most pleasing sight to witness tho satisfaction with which the bird takes to her long-lost eggs, turning them about, placing them with her bill in the most suitable position, tucking the straw around and under them, and finally sitting upon them with the quiet joy of anticipated maternity. Thirteen eggs are enough to give her ; a large hen might cover more ; but a few strong, well-hatched poults are better than a large brood of weaklings that have been delayed in the shell perhaps twelve hours over the time from insufficient warmth. At the end of a week it is usual to add two or three hen's eggs, " to teach the young Turkeys how to peck." The plan is not a bad one ; the activity of the chickens does stir up some emula- tion in their brethren ; the eggs take but little room in the nest ; and, at the end of the season, you have two or three Tery fine fowls, all the plumper for the extra food they have shared with the young Turkeys. In four wetks the little birds will be hatched ; and then, how are they to be reared ? Some books tell you to plunge them in odd water to strengthen them ; tliose that survive will certainly be hardy birds (an experiment which some women are cruel enough to try upnn their own offspring). Air and exercise in- crease the streiislh of any growing animal ; but cold and hunger only dwarf and weaken. Other? say, "Make tlicm swallow a whole ])op-corn ;" which is as if we were to cram a Spitzonberg apple down tho throat of a newborn babo. Others again say, " Give them a little ale, beer, or wine." We know, unhappily, that some mothers are wicked enough to give their infants gin, and we know the consequences. Follow nature ; give them nothing ; do nothing to them ; let them be in the nest under the shelter of their mother's wings, at least eioht or ten hours ; if hatclied in the afternoon, fill tho following morning. Then place her on the grass, in the sun, under a roomy coop. If tho weather be fine she may bo stationed where you choose, by a long piece of list tied round one leg, and fsstened to a stump or stake. But tho boarded ccop saves her ever-watchful anxiety from the dread of enemies above and be- hind— the crow, the hawk, the rat, the weazel— and also protects herself (she will protect her young) from the sudden Bhowcrs of summer. Oiler ot first a few crumb.s of bread ; tho little ones for some hours will be in no hurry to eat; but when they do begin, supply them constantly and abundantly with chopped eggs, shreds of meat and fat, and boiled Indian meal mixed with chives or lettuce chopped fine. Mutton suet poured over shorts or middlings, cut up when cold ; also liver, boiled and minced, are excellent things. The quantity consumed costs a trifle ; the attention to supply is everything. Tlie young of tho Turkey aflord a remarkable instance of hereditary and transmitted habits. From having been attended for many generations with so much care, they appear naturally to expect it almost as soon as they are released from the shell. We are told that young pointers, the descendants of well- educated dogs, will point at the scent of game without any previous training ; and so Turkey poults seem to wait for the attention of man before they can have any experience of the value or nature of their attentions. Food which they would refuse from a dish they will peck greedily from the palm of a hand ; a crumb, which would bo di.sdained if seen accidentally on the ground, will be relished from the tip of the finger. The proverb that "the master's eye fattens the hare" is applicable to them, not in a metaphysical, but in a literal sense ; for they certainly take their food with a better appetite if their keeper stays to distribute it, and see them eat it, than if he merely set it down and left them to help themselves. We believe this to be the case with more domesticated animals flum we are aware of, and appears natural enough if we remember how much more we enjoy a meal in the society of those we love and respect, than if we partook of it in inditlerent or disagree- able company. The Turkeys then are hatched, and we are rearing them. Abundant food for tlie mother and the young, constant attention to their wants, are the grand desiderata. An open glade in a grove, with long grass and shrubs here and there, is the best possible location. The long grass will afford them cover from the birds of prey ; the hen will drive oflT four-footed enemies with great courage. We have been amused with the fury with which a mother Turkey has pursued a squu-rcl till it took refuge in the branches overhead ; what instinctive fear urged her we know not. Insects, too, will abound in such a situation. When the little creatures are three or four days old they will watch each fly that alights on a neighbouring Hower, fix it with mes- meric intensity, and by slow approach often succeed in their final rush. But in the best position you can station fhem, forget them not for one hour in the day. If you do, the little Turkeys will for a time loudly yelp, " 0, then, remember me," in notes less melodious than tlioso of a prima donna, and then they will be sulky and silent. When you at length bring their delayed meal some wiU eat, some will not. Those that will not can only bo saved by a method at all other times unjustifiable — namely, cramming ; but it must be done most gently. The soft crumb of bread rolled into miniature sausages should be intro- duced till their crops are full. For drink, many would give ale or wine ; we advise milk. The bird wants material, not stimulant. It has been actually wire-drawn. It has grown all the hours you have neglected it without anything to grow from. Like a young plant in the spring season, it will and must grow, but has no roots in the fertile earth to obtain incessant nourishment. The roots which supply its growth are in the stomach, which it is your oflicD to replenish. " Prevention is better than cure." Such a case ought never to occur in a well-cared-for poultry- The time when the Turkey hen may be allowed full liberty with her brood depends so much on season, situation, &o., that it must be l.ft to the exercise of the keeper's judgment. A safe rule 110 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ May 6, 1862. may be fixed at the season called "sliootingthe red," a "disease," as some writers call it — being about as much a disease as when the eldest son of the Turkey's master or mistress shoots his beard. When young Turkeys approach the size of a partridge, or before, the granular fleshy excrescences on the head and neck begin to appear ; soon after, the whole plumage, particularly the tail-feathers, start into rapid growth, and the " disease" is only to be counteracted by liberal nourishment. If let loose at this time they will obtain much by foraging, and still be thankful for all you can give them. And now u the time that Turkeys begin to be troublesome and voracious. What else can be ex- pected from a creature that is to grow from the size of a robin to 12 lbs. or 14 lbs. in eight or nine months? The only way to keep them from rambling is to feed tliem well and regularly at home. — C. N. Bement. — (Genesee Farmer.) DEATH OF A QUEEN. On the 21st of April I had occasion to remove some brood- comb from the hive, the bees of which had manifested so strong a disposition to attack their sovereign, as related by me in pages 74 and 75, when I found the unfortunate queen again a close prisoner ; and although I adopted the same course as before, by releasing her and introducing her between a cou]ilfi of brood- combs, I had the mortification of finding her dead on the ground in front of the hive two days afterwards. It may, perhaps, be a question Avhether I may not have myself contributed to' hasten this catastrophe by the disturbance produced by fi-equent examinations ; but never having before met with a similar instance, I am more disposed to believe that the bees had detected some evidence of declining powers in their hapless sovereign, which induced them to pursue the same course with her as is adopted with superannuated workers, multitudes of which I have seen expelled from my strongest stocks during the past two months. This hypothesis is strongly supported by ths following interesting narrative by Herr Otto Eothe (author of an excellent apiarian treatise entitled " Die Korb-Bienen- zueht"), which I find in the German "Be3 Journal" of the 14th of last month. Herr Eothe says — " On the 17th of May I was taking brood from one of my best Italian stocks, domiciled in a common straw hive, when I found (besides brood in every stage) royal cells both sealed and unsealed, which I supposed the queen would soon destroy ; for although the stock was very populous and well stored with honey, yet the weather (about Whitsuntide) was by no means favourable for swarming. On the following day, however, sentence of death was passed upon the queen herself; but from hereditary respect the bees did not kill her, but turned her out alive, and I found her, apparently in fidl vigour, running in the sand before the hive. As she seemed to me quite lively, I gave her to a queenless stock. Here she filled cell after cell with brood, and after I bad used some of it for rearing queens, I put her into another queenless hive. But what was the result ? From all the eggs laid by her at this time only drone-brood was developed, and queen-rearing came to nothing, ^'exed about it, I crushed the head of the useless queen. " Up to the 17th of May she had regularly filled cell after cell with worker and drone brood, and it was a pleasure to look at the strong colony. From the 18th of Jlay, however, she laid only drone eggs, consequently the sperm must have suddenly come to an end. But it is remarkable that the bees immediately observed this, and resolved upon an act of violence which is not carried out in every hive, since many a stock tarries until self- help becomes impossible. Last spring I had a colony with a drone-breeding queen which, after she was removed, would not accept a fertile queen as long as a drone egg remained in the cells, and only received her when all the drone eggs were re- moved. On the other hand, during this spring another stock with a drone-breeding queen readily accepted an inserted royal cell. They injured the vigorous young drone mother and threw her down from the combs to free themselves from her ; receiving willingly a fertile queen that was oflered to them, although there was much drone-brood in the hive. Why did the bees in one case know what was necessary for them, and not in the other?" This question is much more easily asked than answered. We may lay down general rules in apiarian matters, but it is far from certain that bees will invariably follow them. One thing may be learnt from the foregoing, and that is the sudden nature of the change which takes place upon the contents of the spermntheea becoming exhausted. Up to the 17th of May Herr Rotbe's queen appears to have laid worker eggs in pro- fusion, whilst on and after the very next d;iy she proved herself incapable of laying any but those of drones. — A Detokshike BEE-KEErEK. BEE-KEEPING AND CUSTOMS IN CHESHIRE. It is customary in many parts of Cheshire, and I believe in the adjoining counties of Shropshire and Staffordshire, for the cottagers possessing stocks to place swarms out to their neigh- bours by parts, on the understanding that at the expiration of two years a division of the issue and produce of such swarms takes place; such division, so far as I can ascertain from those best acquainted with its equity, is for the lender to take his old stock, tile borrower the first swarm, and so on until a fair distri- bution ends the ceremony. Of course, allowances are made for casualties ; hut, unfortunately, this system is falling into disuse by reason of many of the cottagers not being over-scrupulous in their dealings, wliieh they would not dare to do if a society were formed for the purpose of regulating this amongst other apiarian matters, such, for instance, as where a swarm straggles away from the apiary of its owner, and can be identified. There are several superstitious notions respectingbees. Amongst the chief is, that where any member of a family who keeps b. es dies, it is considered imperative to tap the hive and inform the inmates of the calamity, otherwise the tenants will all dwindle and die. I think a custom prevails in Worcestershire of draping the hives with mourning. There are very many old dames here- who can cite abundant instances of cases where whole apiaries have ceased to exist in consequence of the non-observance of this strange and, I must confess, singular ceremony.* Another superstitious notion prevailing with regard to bees, is where a swarm is known to settle on dead wood it is the omen of death in the family ; and, last summer, owing to my doubt- ing such a piece of superstition, I got well snubbed by a fussy overblown old dame who clings to all ceremonies of this sort, and which appear to have been handed down from the abbots aud monks of old. I noticed the case of bee-stealing before Sir John Duckworth, at the Devon Sessions. Mr. Carter evidently thought it was doubtful whether a jury would, under such circumstances, convict ; and, certainly, I confess that, upon the law of the case, there may be serious doubts whether they are domesticated or ferte naturre. The Scotch law upon the subject corresponds much with that of England— the stealing of bees being considered larceny at common law ; and prosecutions for stealing bees are very numerous in Scotland, although rare in England. It is usual, however, in order to steer clear of an objection on the head of " fera? naturte," to lay the articles stolen in the hive and honey, sometimes only the hive, which can certainly, in most eases, be- identified. For the law upon this subject, see Tibbs v. Smith, "Sir Thomas Raymond's Report," 33; 2 East's " Pleas of the Crown," G07 ; 2 Russell " On Crime," 151 ; 4 " Dowling and Eyland's Report," 508 ; and Alison's " Criminal Law of Scotland." You are very fortunate in only having lost two out of the numerous stocks you possess. I doubt not you have bestowed great pains on them. I consider it will in the end be found that ventilation at the bottom of the hive will be a preventive against humidity— permitting a thorough current of air to pass continually through the hives. If so few bees in their wild state— i.e., those which tenant old oak trees, buildings, &c. — die of the rot (as it is so termed here), where it is presumed no other ventilation takes place except through the entraHce, which is always small, how happens it that such sad devastation occurs annually in our domesticated stocks ? and it does appear to me most strange. It is a subject which has often struck me, and does not seem to have been noticed by any of the writers I have perused on the subject of bee-keeping. You will find most works of any note recommend placing bees about 2 feet from- the ground, whereas the bees uncontrolled always make high up, and will remain there for years if not disturbed. I recollect at Hough Hall in the parish of Wybunbury, Cheshu-e, seeing nearly 1 cwt. of honey taken from the roof of the Hall ; and it was stated they (the bees) had been there thirty years. The neighbouring bee-keepers had such a dread of this overgrown: * I should say this custom exists in Ireland. May 6, 1SG2. ] JOURNAL OF nOBTICULTURE AND COTXAaK QARDENEU. Ill colony tlint tliey rejoiced at tlie downfall of such a colossal empire ; for tlio bees not only went out as autumnal marauders (Terifying the old adii<;e, " mucli would have more "), but several Bwarms were annually known to go there: heuDB the terror and linully the joy of the' beekeepers. And the old sexton of the pariah informed mo he hud known one or two colonies in his time to seltle at the church of Wybunbury, which in eon- scfiiunice of both toner and eliurch cracking (the former had been gradually giving way for years to the extent of li feet, and was seen for a distance round, biit it was brought back to its perpendicular by tlie jirocoss of boring and letting it gradually down on inverted arches ; tlie church, however, was rebuilt), woidd afford plenty of opportunity for them to domicile them- selves in the crack of the old church. The weather has not at present been favourable for our pets j but I do hope we may have a good season. In TiiE CoTTAOF. GAiiDENKii, No. 51)7, March 6th, 1860, you recommend tliat the Alp bee slionld be kept as far from the common bee as possible ; b>it how can this be done when you have friends keeping bees of tlie common order in close proximity to your own residence? It would be selGsli and unjust, if you Iiad the power, to demand their removal ; and, consequently, I consider it wonll under such circumstances be impossible to keep the blood oflhe Italians solely pure. The drone-stoppers are not available ; besides, I have always understood that the embraces of the queen with her paramour take place on the wing in the open air, and were I to introduce a stock of yellow jackets here, according to what I see and read in The Journal op HoitTl- cuLTrEK I should expert hybridising.- — Edwaed WyNDnAM Jones. [I believe it will be found impossible entirely to prevent hybridising, at any rale at iirst. I have already stated in page 57 what I deem the best mode of combating this difliculty. — A Detoxshieb Bee-keepee.] CHEMISTRY OF HONEY. In the January Number, page 366, there is the following quotation from Taylor's " Bee-Keeper's Manual : " — " That the bees have not the ability to change chemically the contents received into their honey -bags, is shown by the saccharine mixture ^ven to them as artificial food, in which I could never detect any alteration after beuig stored in their combs." Not having seen Taylor's Manual, I am not aware if he offers any proof of how he "could not" detect any alteration. Of course, mere tasting is none, and the Editors seem to think the same, when they refuse to be umpires in the offer of the " Devonsiiibe Bse-keepek," in page 410. In page 41.5 Mr. Taylor gives the opinion of a most eminent chemist, " who says that he cannot imagine any chemical ■agency in the stomach or honey-bag of the bee." I am no chemist, still I think I know as much of it as to say, that I ■cannot see vhy there sliould not be a chemical agency exerted either in the act of the bees taking the sugar syrup into their stomachs, or in the stomach itself. Still that is mere opinion without any proof, but I will now endeavour to prove that it is <'hemically changed. Every chemist knows that the term sugar is applied vaguely to any sweet substance of animal or vegetable origin ; but such are generally divided into the saccharine or fermentable sub- stances which form alcohol, as cane sugar, grape sugar, milk sugar, &.C., and the unfermentable, such as manna, gelatine, glycerine, &.c. The chemical composition of cane sugar, or that which is given to bees, is carbon 12 equivalents or atoms, 11 of hydrogen, and 11 of oxygen. Grape sugar, again, or that which is sometimes ■called the sugar of fruit, represented by that seen on the dried grapes and figs whicli come from abroad, is composed of carbon 12 atoms or equivalents, hydrogen 12, and oxygen 12. Honey belongs to this class, and is composed of these elements — Cane sugar, carbon 12, hydrogen 11, oxygen 11 ; Honey, carbon 12, hydrogen 12, oxygen 12. Honey, then, it will be seen, contains the elements of one i atom more of water than cane sugar. It, therefore, requires no great stretch of the iinogination to conceive that the bees may ' have the power of adding one atom of oxygen, and one of hydrogen to the sugar syrup in tlie stomach. However short the time it is in the honey-bag, we know how fast the oxygen of the atmospheric air when inspired into the lungs by man or I animals is expired again in the form of carbonic acid gas — we know very well that the carbon is supplied along with the food taken by man ; but how the carbon and oxygen combine to form carbonic acid is not so well understood, although tlio fact remains the same, and the bee lias only to convert or decompose the water in the syrup into its elements of hydrogen and oxygen to change cane sugar info grape sugar, or honey, and no one will doubt f)f the many wonderful powers the Creator has given to the animal kingdom which we never shall be able to understand. But there is another classification of sugars which throws still more light on the subject, and can be satisfactorily tested by IJubosey's saccharometor, a very ingenious instrument invented for the purpose of testing the kind and also the quantity of sugar in the several sorts of beetroot used in France for the production of sugar. With one of these instruments I went through a pretty extensive set of experiments a few years ago for my employer, to find out the turnip which had the greatest amount of sugar in it, and if possible to improve the feeding properties. Some of your readers will doubtless, as I did at the time, scratch their heads at the idea of there being any sugar in a turnip; but "seeing is believing" they say, and I have now whiskey or alcohol beside me which I made from both turnips and beet. It was during tliese investigations, that I was led to inquire into the nature of honey, or rather to find out what was crystal- lisable and uncrystalUsable sugir. Cane sugar is the represen- tative of crystallisablc sugar ; and grape or honey sugar, that from turnips, beet, &c., uncrystallisable. Dubosey's eaccharoineter is, then, the instrument which in- fallibly points out whether it is xnicrystallisable or crystallis- ablc sugar which is present in the liquid under examination. It would be diflicult without drawings to give a clear idea of the instrument. I may just observe, that the principle on which it is constructed, is the variations in colour which two prisms when moved give to any transparent liquid containing dissolved crystallisable bodies. Those having a polarised microscope with prism for examining tlie crystals of nitrate of silver, Bclenite, &c., will have some idea of it. When examining the juice of the turnip I found the instru- ment-scale was reversed from that when looking at a solution of cane sugar, not knowing at that time that there was such a thing as uncrystallisable sugar. On making inquiries I was told that treacle was ; but on purifying it, I found it gave indications of both crystallisable and uncrystallisable sugar, showing that the manufacturers had not been able to extract all the crystallis- able sugar. I was then told that honey was ; and to it I went, and found it to be pure uncrystalhsable sugar. A friend of mine, a chemist, was paying me a visit some time afterwards, and he was very much interested in my bees, and their works, but knew nothing about their habits, and he saw me feeding them with sugar syrup, and he said, " Why don't you give syrup of sugar that is sold by the manufacturers, which is uncrystallisable, and the bees will be saved the trouble of converting the crystallisable syrup of sugar into the uncrystal- lisable sugar syrup ?" Neither he nor I was aware that there was any dispute on the subject. I got the syrup of sugar, it being much cheaper, and was rather a little exalted on the hint I had got ; but I found the bees were better chemists than my friend, for they would not take it but in very small quantifies. Here, then, is a liquid chemically the same as lioney, only not so transparent, which they will not take, and which is still like their natui'al food. So that I was compelled to resort again to that made from pure sugar. And last year, having a glass top on one of Neighbours' hives which was not filled, I gave the bees as much sugar as they would take night and day, and kept the hive well covered to keep them warm, as the weather was cold they could not got any honey out of doors, but they made combs and filled them with honey from the sugar. To test whether it was diflerent from the syrup made from the sugar when in the combs, I took some and placed it in the instrument, and found certainly that the erystaUisable sugar had been converted into the uncrystallisable. Tl.c experiment was made when I had not the slightest idea that I should ever require to make it known as I have now done, for I have no doubt as to the fact myself. Others may say that I was not particular to prevent the bees from getting other honey than that from the sugar. I admit it to be a very proper objection; and to set the matter entirely at rest, having the 112 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Kay 0, 18G2. instrument that will enable me to do so, I shall be very glad to repeat the experiment in any way your apiarian friends may suggest. Since I began to write this, I have been thinking the best way to set the matter at rest would be to give the sugar to some bees and kill one which had just filled itself with the sugar, take the contents of the honey-bag and examine it, w'lich will he quite sufficient to give the result, and surely none will be able to dispute the correctness of that test. — Alex. SheareKj Tester, THE CROSS BETWEEN ENGLISH AND LIGURIAN BEES. Tbe various queries on this subject, which were propounded by "W. H." in page 427 of the last Volume of The Jouenal OF HOKTICULTUEE, arc, I think, satisfactorily answered by the following communication from Ilerr Meuzel, which I find in a recent Number of the German Bee Journal. — A DEVOKSniKE Bee-keeped. "As German* and Italian bees are now (generally considered not as different species, but as varieties of one and tbe same species, it may be advisable not to call tbe offspring of a true Italian queen and a tiue German drone, and vice versa bastards; but according to tbe proposal of Professor Waguer to call them either bybrids or mongrels as the most eminent nomenclators have named our domestic animals. A queen descended from a pure race but impregnated by a drone of tbe other species I would call •'a cross-mother;" an Italian queen if she be descended from a true Italian mother, and is impregnated by true Italian dronest " an Italian race mother :" therefore I would distinguish— 1, Italian and German racc- mothere ; 2, Italian and German cross-mothers. " It is known that the dronc-offapring of an Italian cross-mother are true Italians, as also the drone-offspring of a German cross-mother are true Germans; but tbe worker-offspring of both consists of mongrels or hybrids, although in their outward appearance individual bees may sometimes bear the character of the mother, and, sometimes that of the father in colour and habit. "The impregnated daughter of a cross-mother I would call a mongrtl- mother, and that of a mongrel-mother a tierce-mother, and in this manner ■we should get quadroon and quintcroon-motbers. *' In like manner tbe drone and worker-offspring might be called mon- grels, &c.; but the drones would always stand one degree behind the workers. It is not, however, easy to pursue tbe gradations of these minglings beyond the mongrel-mother, neither would the doing so be of much practical importance.— A. Menzel." OVEK-FEEDING BEES— BEES AS CHEMISTS. YoTTE correspondent " G-. F. B.," eeems to think it is a work of extravagance to feed bees where the weight is 10 lbs., having always found hives containin<; that weight prosper better than those which are made np to 20 lbs. by artificial feeding or other- wise. This opinion I am not able to endorse ; twenty years* experience leads me to a contrary conclusion. Bees well fed in autumn and again in spring to make up any deficiency, at which latter period I am satisfied there is an extensive drainage upon their stores, throw off earlier and larger swarms, the first and second week in June, sometimes in May, than those stocks which are but scantily provided, for in the latter case I have invariably noticed the swarms are sent out in July, mucli too late to do good. True, there is no rule without an exception, but a liberal supply of Mr. Bevan Fox's mixture judiciously given makes a visible improvement in all stocks requiring aid, and I say such is needed where the weight does not exceed 10 lbs. With due deference to your correspondent's opinion, to whom I tender my thanks for having mooted the point, I think he has not taken into consideration the difficulties and dangers a stock of bees left with only 10 lbs. is surrounded. The queen of those hives possessing abundant stores and escaping that curse— damp, for it destroys more bees than any other enemy she has to encounter, commences her work of laying much earlier than one with a narrow stock of provisions, although hives weighing 10 lbs. in autumn would not be in danger of starvation in spring. Plenty, like poverty, acts upon bees in a similar manner as it does in other parts of the creation. The more mouths to fill, the more is required. I examined a stock of bees of a friend in Februaiy Inst, and found ttiem all dying, not an ounce of pro- visions left. The evil was manifest, and past reparation. I warned the proprietor in the antumu that although it possessed wliat he thought enough — viz., 121bB,, yet it would be short in spring, * The original German bee is identical with the common English species. t The use of the plural in this cusc would appear to indicate that the writer is ot opinion that a queen bee may require the services of more than one drone. — A DrvossHiRE Bee-keeper. as such a population I seldom witnessed, and he had the morti- fication of discovering a fine colony smitten down for want of tituely aid. The bee is a great economist, and does not throw lierscif open to the charge of prodigality, not a single ounce of food properly administered is ever wasted, and the only want of foresight which I can discover, and I have taken some pains to do so, is the great profusion : she will at certain periods of the year, and for what purpose I am unable to say, gather im- mense quantities of pollen. A populous liive well stored in spring is much more active than one etherwise situated. I, there- fore, recommend all who value these little slaves to care for this important point (as one of magnitude to their welfare), not to leave them with suc'a a scanty supply of food as recommended by your correspondent, assuring him I shall not do so unless I can see more clearly its practicability. Your intelligent correspondent the " Detonshiee Bee- keepee" is very busy on the subject, which at present appears undetermined and engrossing considerable attention — namely. Whether bees effect a change in the liquid they take so as to convert it into honey. Although I am no chemist, my opinion as at present constituted leans against him, and for tlie following reason : — I lost a hive of bees through the cfficts of my old enemy "damp," last winter, and which in the autumn had been fed on the syrup recommended by Mr. Bevan Fox ; atid in order to make an examination of the comb, I cut out one therefrom which was regularly sealed over. My investigation of the comb plainly demonstrated real honey in that which had been gathered from the pasturage, and the syrup which was distinguished by the rum and salt added in the making, and which was as much different as possible from the honey. I kept it for some weeks in separate vessels, and this spring presented it to my bees placing the same before the apiary, wlien, strange to say, the real honey was preferred before tliat which I considered nothing but syrup, and which was only taken when every particle of honey was gone. If the hive is not broken up (liaving given it to a friend for scientific purposes), I will endeavoiu- to procure a piece of the comb, and if Mr. Woodbury desires forward it to him. — Bak-hite, Naniwich, Cheshire. OUE LETTEE BOX. liAnBTT-KEEPiNG {HabbU Fancier). — Tn the twenty-fifth Volume of our First Series you will find very full directions for m.iking an enclosure for keeping and feeding Rabbits. No breed is more profitable than the Chin- chillas. They are excellent for table pui-poses, and the skins sell for a high price. YocNG Himalayan Rabbit (Xapin).— The long white-furred young one from the Himalayan doe is merely an evidence that there is some Angora blood in the breed, either the buck or tbe doe was of a cross-bred pedigree. We can only advise you to advertise what you wish to sell. One of the parties you name you bad better be careful iu dealing with. Putting a. Supi^n on a Common Straw Hive {A Lahouring Man).—\x\ order to place a super on a common straw hive, it is necessary first to form a platfonn on the top of the hive on which to rest the super, and secondly to make an aperture for eomiiiunication. Prepai-e first a piece of three-quarter- inch yellow pine 12 inches or 14 inches square, by cutting a hole in the centre 2 inclies ov 3 inches in diameter, and screw a couple of stout pieces of wood across the grain on the underneath side near the ends to prevent warping. Nest fit this square platform to the top of the hive by paring away the wood round the hole on the lower side until the edges arc quite thin and fit close to the .straw, and screw three or four inch-and-a-half wood screws into tbe underneath side round the hole at 3 Inches distance from it. TIk-sc screws should not show through on the upper side, but project an inch below. In order to attach this platform to Iho hive get some mortar well mixed with a little cowdung and plaster over the top, leaving a flat surfiice to receive the platform which is to be bedded upon it. The mortar when dry will adhere firmly to the straw, and tbe projecting screws will give it a fast hold to the wood. As soon as it is set, cut a circular hole in th>^ straw crown of the same size as that in Hie wooden platfonn, and the job is complete. Supers should now be put on immediately. Get our "Bee- keeping for tlie llany," price 4rf. (free by post from this office for five stamps), and eflect autumnal unions in tbe manner described in pages 45 and 46. Is Zinc Injurious to Bees?— Ture for Pottiko on Supers {A Hert- fordshire Bcc-hccpcr).~~1\iQ perforated zinc over the entrance will cer- tainly dc your bees no harm. When the hives appear crowded no time should be "lost in putting on supers. It made of zinc and glass they "Will require efficient external protection in order to mod5rafc changes of tempe- rature. Keeping a Pont (iJccrfja^iO.— We know a pony which is kept through the summer on a quarter of an acre of good grass land, like youra. He is con- fined in a railcd-ofi' sheltered comer, about 20 yardslong and .5 yards wide, with a shed to retire under in bad weather. The grass is moTrn and brought to him. being place I in an old crate for him to take it from. The plot, from which the grass has been cut for the pony's day's consumption, is watered with the house sewage immediately, and the whole is kept irrigated with tlie same sewage two or throe times weekly. The grass is ready for cutting at one end, as soon as it is finished cutting at the other end. As you have half an acre, one quarter acre might be kept for hay ; and, if well irrigated, would give two crops annually. M»7 13, 1862. ] JOUSNAL OF HOKTICDLTTTKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 113 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day of M'nth Day of Week. T0 W Tn P 8 Sun M HAY l:l— I'J, 1862. Habrothamnns elegans. UurdenberRia Comptoniuna. ITovea clliptica. .)ackson>a grandiflora. Konnedya proBtratu. ■t SONDAY AFTEK KASTBE. Hovea ilicifolia. Wkathkr near T.ondoh in 1861. Barometer. Thermom. Wind 30.260—30.13,5 .W.SGB— 30.287 30.324-30.174 30.184-30.0-14 30.132- SO.Ol.'i .30.235-30.211 .30.340-30.297 deir. deif. .■53-27 71-41 73-41 78- 4.'> i;l— 29 01—32 08—34 N.E. N.W. N. N.W. N.E. N.E. N.E. Rain in Inches. Son KiKee. m. h. 13af4 12 4 San Sets. Moon Rises I Moon's and Sets Age. m. h 39 of 411 42 43 43 4G 48 m. h. rises 3 a 9 0 10 .'; 11 : 40 11 room. 11 0 ◦ 1« 17 18 19 SO 2! THE WiK«r At Chiswiok, from observations during die last thirty-flTe ye«r«, the aTorane highest and lowest days are 64.9'' and 41.9> respectively. The greatest heat, 80', oocnrred on the 15thandl7th, in 1&33 ; and the lowestcold, MKTEOROLOaY OF temperatures of these days . - - .. S.'i', on the 1.5th in 1850. Daring the period 140 days were fine, and on 99 rain fell. Clocii ttftrr Day of tiuii. Tear, m. s. .3 53 133 8 53 134 S 5! 13S 3 53 186 3 52 137 3 50 138 3 48 189 St and lowest he lowest cold, FEW ADDITIONAL NOTES ON CYCLAMENS. HAD no intention of intruding further on the columns of The .loUENAL OF HOBTI- CULTUEE, respecting Cyclamens, had I not laid my hands on a (iocument since I last wrote, indicating the native habitat of Cyclamen vernum. This I was satisfied I ought to possess, yet not finding it amongst my other papers at the time I was writing, did not feel justified in quoting from memory, making it a rule when writing for publication to be as certain as possible of my facts (a caution which I would respectfully submit Mr. Beaton might with advantage impress on his correspondent, in addition to his other good recommendations, when writing on any subject for the information of others). On the authority of Reichenbach, Cyclamen vernum is a native of the south of Europe ; and whilst writing, acci- dentally turning to Loudon's " Hortus Britannicus," I find he also gives the same locality for it. These testi- monies will, I trust, be satisfactory to most, though I may not be able to convince Mr. Beaton, after the strong opinion he has already expressed. ' With regard to Cyclamen ibiricum, I cannot see any valid ground for regarding it a hybrid. Its very name points out its native habitat — Iberia (Georgia) N.E. of Palestine — and I have little doubt if Mr. Beaton will send his "commissioner" there, and he be diligent in his search, but he might return with a good supply of it, and probably other good things. I have had repeated importations of the tubers of C. ibiricum, and have not the slightest reason to doubt their coming from the locality indicated. I do not state it as a fact, but con- sider it extremely probable, that Goldie received it through his Russian friends, as he certainly did some other good and scarce plants. With respect to C. vernum and ibiricum being produced almost, or quite, pure with C. Atkinsii, I think it easily explained by these who know how freely the latter and its varieties hybridise with all this section — so much so, indeed, as to have in a great measure displaced from cultivation the true ibiri- cum as imported ; many of those so crossed having a much larger and broader petal, with more diversity of colour than the original, are by most preferred before it (though some of the native varieties are beautifully clear and dark, and are botanically interesting). I have reason to know that with one party at least) from whom some of the London nurseries occasionally draw part of their supplies, as well as with myself, the varieties thus produced are endless. Amongst others I have the white petal of C. Atkinsii with the pure dark green and shape of No. 59.— Vol, ni., New Sbbies. C. coum foliage, though in the tirst instance Mr. Atkins has stated in the " Garden Companion " for June, 1852, (where C. Atkinsii was first figured), "that he found every plant deviating in the markings from the seed- bearing parent (coum), produce white or blush flowers. whilst those retaining its plain dark leaf invariably bloomed with different shades of the colour of that species." As the time of blooming seedlings from pet plants is always anxiously looked forward to by amateurs, I am glad to see by the reply to " E. W.," m the Journal for April 22nd, page 71, that the period to bloom those of C. persicum is now reduced. It is but a few years since a writer on this tribe gravely stated six to seven years were necessary ; but in the reply above alluded to, about two and a half are mentioned (two years and two months in the seed-pot, and then potted-oft' singly for blooming). On both of these I have made an advance, blooming them and also other kinds in sixteen to eighteen months from the time of sowing the seed. My plan is to sow the seed as soon as ripo in shallow pots or pans well drained, give a good watering, place a little moss lightly over the surface of the soil to insure uniform moisture, and put them into a cold pit or frame. As soon as the first plants make their appearance remove the moss gradually to prevent the plants being drawn up weakly (which I should fear the inverted pot as recommended by Mr. Beaton would be very liable to do). As soon as the seed- leaf becomes firm enough to handle without danger of bruising, transplant them into nursery-pots or pans about an inch or so plant from plant. Keep them in the cool frame or pit with a moderate supply of water and abundance of air in all favourable weather for the winter, but protect from frost ; as the spring advances encourage their growth by more liberal watering, occasionally over the foliage (but I do not mean sodden or drown them). Give plenty of air in all genial weather, and occasionally shade from the hot sun. Keep them thus growing, but as summer advances leave the lights off during the evenings, nights, and early mornings, only using them in unfavourable weather ; and in order the more easily to shade them when necessary from the full sun, towards .July or August reduce the moisture, and expose them more freely to the full sun and air for a couple of months, then pot them singly, and if they do as well as mine many will bloom the following spring. There are some tubers now growing here sown as soon as the seed was ripe last summer, which at the present time measure fuEy three quarters of an inch in diameter. By leaving seed- lings long and thick in the seed-pot you have another disadvantage. It ia well known that many of the choicest varieties of seedlings are frequently the weakest growers : therefore have but a poor chance to escape from being smothered or deprived of their due share of nutriment by their more sturdy brethren. I believe there remains much to be done with Cycla- mens, not only in improving the bloom, but also as foliage plants ; some of them are extremely beautiful, and would rival many of the more tender plants in that No. 711.— Vot. XXVin., OiD Serhs. H4 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 13, 1862. respect. I have of late paid some attention to this, and already raised some beautiful varieties. The more hardy ones especially are invaluable during the winter, when their foliage is in the height of its beauty. I herewith send you a specimen of a seedling which has been growing out of doors in an exposed situation all the winter wiihoitf tlie slightest protection, and just now dying down. The size you will see is very large, and when in vigour the substance very thick and wax-Uke ; ground colour an intensely dark holly green with light markings. — [Tlie leaf is marked somewhat like Begonia Rex ; is heart-shaped, 6 inches long from apex to point of lobes, and 5 inches broad across the lobes. — Eds. J. op H.] Mr. Beaton must excuse me for saying I fear he does not always practise the advice he gave to his correspondent, when writing for publication, or he would have perceived and cor- rected what I presume are unintentional errors in his review (April 22nd) of the previous Number. He therein twice speaks of Cyclamen sibiricum, though I expect he means ibiricum, and also of twelve miles beyond Oenoa instead of Geneva, as the locality from whence the tuber of C. europseum came, sent to liim by "T. C.,"* though he has once before had to correct the latter error ; and, again, I cannot comprehend what he jneans when he says "no doubt the vernum, on travelling as far north as Naples, &c.," wliilst he doubts vernum having any native habitat, unless it should have been written C. repandum (hedera;folium of some authors), that inhabiting the districts of country alluded to. My attention has also been called to the period of flowering of Cyclamens, as given by Mr. Appleby in his arranged list of herbaceous plants in the Journal of March lltli, page 472, wherein he puts C. neapolitauum as an April bloomer, whilst it is universally allowed to be an autumn one, and europseum as March, whilst that is essential!!/ a summer species ; both kinds being at the periods named just retiring to rest instead of blooming, and I fear C. vernum and repandum planted for April would disappoint, the former being generally over by that time, and the latter (except under protection) scarcely early enough. These errors uncorrected are much to be regretted, as tending to perpetuate the confusion which has so long prevailed ;unongst the species of this beautiful tribe of plants. — J. A. P. THE GENUS CROCUS. The following is an alphabetical descriptive list of species and varieties of wUd Crocuses, with the authorities for the names, references to published figures of them, and the native places where they have been found : — 1. Ceocus AEiiins (Herbert). Sibthorpianus (Bot. Reg., 1845, Misc., 5). Native of Bithynian Olympus, in the pass from Trebizond to Stauros, which is choked with snow till June. Only known yet from dried specimens, in which the flower is very rich. Nearly white, with a yellow bottom, and with- out a sheath. Closely allied to boryanus and oebroleueus — two beautiful winter or late autumnal-flowering kinds. 3. C. AKNULATHS (Herb., Bot. Mag., 1841, 3861, p. 4 ; Bot. Reg., 1843, Misc., p. 26). Native of the south-east of Europe, from Italy to the Caspian, in ten varieties and four subvarieties. The latter are omitted. 1. Biflorus, Scotch Crocus (Miller, Bot. Mag., 845). Native place uncertain, 2. Adamicus (Herb.). C. Adami (Gay, in Bulletin de Eerussac, 25, p. 219). Native of Caucasus. 3. Nubigena (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1843; Misc., p. 81). On the top of Mount Gargarus. 4. Purpurascens (Herb.). Sent him from Dalmatia. 5. Albus (Herb.). From Obschina, near Trieste, on the Austrian side. 0. Pusillus (Tenore). There are three subvarieties of it. — Naples, Parma, and the Roman States. 7. Ccerulesoens (Herb.) From the neighbourhood of Naples. 3. Extriatus (Herb. The biflorus of Bot. Reg., 1987). Found near Florence. y. Taui'icus (Herb.). A fine bluish-purple-streaked kind from Odessa. 10. Grssous (Herb., The biflorus of Eory de St. Vincent). From Nauplia. Ihis Crocus is best known by the garden plant named Scotch - We liave a communication from '*T. C," in which he points out this error. His eommunicttion ivill be publisheil next ■week. — Eds. J., of H. Crocus. It is easily known by its smooth hard bulb-coats, its yellow throat, and undivided fragrant stigmas ; by the deep yellow sheaths which envelope the leaves when it first pushes, by all the sorts having five streaks on the sepals, or three outer petals, except 6, which has three only, and the strong pubescence of the throat and filaments, characters peculiar to all the varieties. The Scotch Crocus is quite sterile, and the seeds marked biflorus and sent here from Italy produced the variety 6 only. The variety 2 is a roost beautiful flower of a bluer tint in its purple than any Crocus. Much variety and beauty in cultivation may be expected from variety 3. A variety from Pisa of G is naturalised in Barton Park, near Bury St. Edmonds. They are all spring Crocuses, from deep bluish-purple to pure white. 3. C, ASTUHicrs (Herb., Bot. Mag., 3998, f. 2). From the maritime hills of Asturia in Spain, near Gijon and San- tander. Its offsets are produced on runners like those of C. pyrenfeus, to which it has been likened, but from which it differs in a bearded throat, a deeper purple, and flowering at least a month later. It was raised by Dr. Herbert from a single seed, which fell out of a specimen in Sir William Hooker's herbarium, which had been mistaken for pyre- nfeus. This is a very beautiful pm'ple October Crocus. 4. C. BOETAKCS (Bory de St. Vincent ; Gay, in Bulletin de Ferussac, 25, 220). lonious (Bot. Reg., 1845, Misc., 3 ; ditto, 1847, 16, figure 10). Veneris of Tappeiner, and Caspius of Fischer's herbarium. This is a most charming Uttle Crocus for November, and one of the most easily to be had of all the wild Crocuses, being a native of most of the Greek islands, the Morea, and on to Asia Minor. It is found in Corfu, Sta. Maura, and Zante. The best variety of it is on Mount Skopo, in Zante, producing from the same eye sometimes five flowers, and even three at once ; and it is the only Crocus known which exposes the seed-pod out of ground while in flower. The flowers at first are cream-coloured, then white, with an orange throat, and in some of the wild forms of it there are purple streaks on the outside ; it is one of the few Crocuses which are remarkable for their lily-white anthers. There is a good figure of it in the "Magazine of Botany" for 1850, page 273, and the editor, Mr. Moore, now Secretary to the Floral Committee, gives there the whole treatment of autumnal Crocuses for the drawing-room, and you ought to see it. 5. C. ETZANTINUS (Parkinson, Paradisus, 168 ; Ker, Bot. Mag., 1111, p. 2 ; Bot. Reg., 1847, 4, f. 5). Banaticus of Gay. (Bull Fer., 25, 220). Native of thickets in the Banat, and in Wallichia near Krojova. Parkinson had it from Turkey. It is the speciosus of Reichenbach, and the iridiflorus of the same and of Dr. Heuffel, flowering in October. This beautiful October Crocus is very remarkable from its purple style, the size of its spreading sepals, and the smallness of its erect pale petals, with the points a little recurved, and marked with purple lines, which give it the semblance of an Iris : hence the iridiflorus name by the Hungarian botanists. A deep violet purple flower. 6. C. CAMBESSEDEANUS (Herb.). Cambessedesii (Gay, B. F., 15, 220 ; Bot. Reg., 1845, t. 57., fig. 4). Native of Majorca. A " very remarkable and pretty little autumnal Crocus." — Herbert, who described it from dried specimens. 7. C. CAMPESTKIS (Pallas, in Lambert's Herbarium). C. mon- tanus (2 Clusius). Native of Roumelia, on the hills near the river Marissa, and believed to be a variety of Cart- wrightianus. 8. C. CANCEILATUS (Herb., Bot. Mag., 1841, 3864, p. 2 ; Bot. Reg., 1843, Misc., p. 30 ; ditto, 1845, Misc., p. 81). A pale white or violet flower, of which there are three named varieties from different places. 1, Kotschianus (Herb.), with a violet limb, named after Mr. Theodore Kotschy, who found it on the summit of Bulgar Dagh, behind Tarsus, and stretching towards Kurdistan ; 2, Margaritaceus (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1846, Misc., 74, ditto, 1847, 16, f. 4). Native of Nauplia ; 3, Mazziaricus (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1845, Misc., p. 3, and 82). Flowers in October in Sta. Maura. This very florid Crocus " purples the ground " on the ridges of Mount Taurus at the end of summer and early in the autumn. The other varieties ai-e not so fine. 9. C. CAKPETAKTJS (Bossier and Reistcr). Only known by their description in the " Flora Lusitauici." May 13, 1862. j JOURNAL OF HORTICULXURB AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. 115 10. C. CAKTWitiQHTiAurs (llcrb., Bot. Reg., 1813, Jlisc, 131 ; ditto, 1844, f. 3 ; ditto, 1845, f. 37, b.). A very beautiful autumnal Crocus, bloomed at SpolTortli as lute or as early as January. Xho flowers are wliite, suifused all over willi purple, more or less starred inside with purple lines. One "root" had a pure wliite flower. There is a good figure of an intermediate shade of it in the " Magazine of Botany," page 273. It was named after Mr. Cartwright, Britisli Consul at Constantinople, who procured it from the islands Teno and Scyro, where it flowers in October, November, December, and January. Of all the Crocuses this would be by far the most valuable breeder. It is inclined to a I'onsiderable degree of variation in these two islands; and there is a variety of it near the town of Canea in Candia, with the sepals pale yellow externally (see Bot. Reg., 1845, 37, fig. 7). The flowers are fragrant, and have the great merit of expanding easily, and not closing again willingly even in cloudy weatlier. This, then, is the type plant for an entire new race of Crocuses to bloom in the dead of winter, spreading from the shortest day back to October on the left, and advoncing on the right to meet the spring- flowering race. 11. 0. CnJslANua (Herb., Bot. Beg., 1845, 37, f. 8 ; ditto, 1843, Misc., p. 32). C. montanus (1 Clusius, Gay, B. P., 25, 220). This is the farthest-west kind of Crocus, being a native of near Cintra in Portugal, blooming hero in Sep- tember, with a dark yellow throat to a purplish flower. 13. C. CHKYSANTHUS (Herb., Bot. Mag., 1841, 3862, p. 3; Bot. Reg., 1843, Misc., p. 27). A very early yellow spring Crocus, native of Macedonia and Thrace, on low mountains near Bhodope and the Despoto Dagh, flowering in February about the village of Carlova. 13. C. DAMASCENES (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1845, 37, fig. 1). An autumnal species from limestone mountains near Damascus, where the Arabs cook and eat them. It is rather a pretty purplisli flower. 14. C. Fleiscueeianus (Gay, B. F., p. 219, 1827). A very florid Crocus with white flowers, slightly streaked on the outside. From the limestone hills of Smyrna. 15. C. gabgakicus (Herb., Bot. Mag., 1841, 3860 ; Bot. Reg., 1843, Misc., p. 30). Crocus aureus of Clarke's " Travels," 1812, who called it aureus. A very ornamental species from the top of Mount Gargarus, flowering earlier in the spring than lagenteflorus ; the flowers deep golden yellow, and produced seeds at SpoiTorth. Dr. Clarke's specimens were all citron colour. He and others found several fine kinds on the summit of Mount Gargarus. 16. C. HADHiATicus (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1843, Misc., 77). There are two varieties of it — 1, Chrysobelonicus (Bot. Reg., 1847, 17, f. 8, 9), from Santa Maura, flowering in October ; 2, Saundersianus (Bot. Reg., 1847, 17, f. ,7)> i^"""™ 'he hill of Bisdun, where the ancient Dodona once stood. The flower is white, with a deep golden throat, which is sonie- times stained witli dark livid reddish-purple on the outside. A fine species. Yar. 2 was gathered by Mr. Saunders in December, near Janina. Var. 1 is from the hill called Chrysobeloni, in Sta. Maura. 17. C. Heuffelianus (Herb., after Dr. HeufTel). A species closely akin to vernus, from the Northern Banat, flowering in damp wood in February and March. 18. C. iMPEE.iTONirs (Herb., Bot. Mag., 3871, p. 2). Imperati Tenore (Bot. Reg., 1993). A fine species, varying with flowers striped and white. Native of lofty mountains in the south of Italy, as Monte Pollino, in Calabria, at an elevation of 6000 feet. 19. C. INSFLAEIS (Gay, B. F., 15, 221 j Bot. Mag., 3871 ; Bot. Reg., 1843, f. 21). This species varies from yellow to straw colour in the north-east of the island of Corsica. It also occurs in Sardinia and in Capraria, and is akin to suaveolens of Italy. It bears seeds freely in England, and varies so much that two kinds cannot be found exactly similar — a good character for a good and valuable parent. 20. C. iNTBOMissus (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1845, Misc., 2). This was found with Damascenus, and died without flowering. 21. C. liviQATUS (Bory de St. Vincent, Voyage de la Moree). Vernus (Smith's Prod. Fl. Grajc). This species is almost white with a yellow throat, and with purple streaks outside; but it abounds with much variety of colour in the Morea, near the ijuarentine station of Zeitun ; also in Thermia Melo, and on Hymettus. 22. C. LAGEN.r.PLOiil'S (Salisbury, I'arad. Lond., 1805). This beautiful Crocus — branching into a great number of wild local varieties, from dec)! yellow to white, either unstrcakcd or with dark blue slrcuks on the outside of the tube and base of the limb — extends from the Banat of Hungary, over the Balkan, to Ithodosto and Constantinople, thence to Gargarus and Cliios and other islands, and to Bithynian Olympus. In all tlieso places all the kinds were found deep in the ground, much deeper than other Crocuses. Dr. Sibthorp found aureus deep in sand upon clay. Treated with very liglit soil, it produces seeds abundantly in Eng- land, but upon sandstone, or in a damp situation, it doC3 not thrive, and often perishes. The breed of versicolor has well nigh banished from our gardens the yet richer race of this lagemeflora (lagena, a flask), of which there are nine wild varieties and as many subvarietics. The latter are not here enumerated. 1. Aureus (Smitli, Prod. Fl. Grffic, 1, 24; English Bot, 2G4(i, and Bot. Mag., 2986). 2. Striatus (Ker, Bot. Mag., 938). 3. Stellaris (Haworth). 4'. Syriacus. 5. Luteus (the vermis of Bot. Mag., 25). This is our " Large Dutch Yellow Crocus," which is barren. 6. Ohverianus (Gay). From Chios, and at Rhodosta in Roumelia. 7. Haemieus (Herb., Bot. Reg., 82). From Mount Hiemus, near Adrianoplc. 8. Landerianus (Herb.). From the Tioad, through Mr, Lander. 9. Candidus (Clarke's Travels, 1812). From Mount Gargarus. 23. C. MEDirrs (Gay, B. F., 1827, pp. 8 and 9 ; Bot. Reg., 1845, 37, fig. 5 ; Bot. Mag., 3871, p. 4). This is a great acquisi- tion to an English garden. From east and west Liguria. First sent by Sir Augustus Foster, from the Ligurian Varese. The flower is large and veiy conspicuous, flowering from the end of September. Purple and violet, and ripened seeds at Spofforth. 24. C. NH-ALIS (Bory, Vovage de la Moree). C. sublimus (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1845; Misc., 73 ; ditto, 1847, 4, fig. 2). On Mount Delphi, in Euboea, and a larger variety on Mount Corydallus, near Athens. D. Beaton. {To be continued.) KOYAL HOETICULTUKAL SOCIETY. Mat 6th. Fbuit Comhittee. — Mr. Edmonds in the chair. Prizes were offered at this Meeting for dessert Apples, Peaches, Nec- tarines, Melons, Strawberries, and Cherries, and strange to say there were no exhibitions in either class, except in Peaches, not- withstanding the liberal prizes that were offered. Is it that the competitors for horticultural honours are reserving their strength for the great contests that are forthcoming ? Mr. Hall, gardener to Capt. Tyrrell, Fordhook, Ealing, sent some dishes of kitchen Apples, including Bess Pool, Dumelow's Seedling, and French Crab. ; Mr. Thomson, gardener to his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, again sent a bunch of Lady Downe's Grape, merely to show what like Grapes were that had hung from the autumn and through the winter and spring till May. From the old wood young shoots had begun to appear ; the rising sap had flowed equally into the bunches as into the young shoots, and burst the berries, which in consequence had mostJly become mouldy ; there were some, however, that had resisted the force of the sap, and these were quite sound and excellent in flavour, Mr. Carmichael, gardener to the Countess Dunmore, at Dun- more Park, near Stirling, was the only competitor fur the prize for Peaches. He exhibited a dish of the Stirling Castle Peach. The fruit was very excellent, well grown, and of good flavour to be so early in the season, and the First Prize was awarded to it-. This Stu-ling Castle Peach seems to be a very excellent one for early forcing. Mr. Melville, of Dalmeney Park Gardens, near Edinburgh, sent three heads of his Late Broccoli, one of whicli showed a very largo head, and the other two were not much developed. The opinion of the Committee w.is, that this was a very good stock of Invisible Late Wliite Broccoli. 116 JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [May 13, 1862. Elobai CoiourxEE. — Ti;e Rev. J. Dix in the chair. There was a mass of new plants before this Meeting, and a full attend- ance of members oi Committee. After appointing Sub-commit- tees for judging new jJants, the florists' flowers, and garden seedlings at the exhibitions of the Society in May and June, tlw Committee resolved not to hold their separate Meetings till aftflp the summer exhibitions were over in July. All those, therefore, who intended to submit their novelties for the awards of the Committee will have to take the opportunity of those exhibition days for doing so. Mr. W. Barnes, nurseryman, Cainberwell, sent three plants of a handsome new variegated Azalea, which had a Certificate of recommendation ; the redeeming point being the superior style of growth to that of tliis section of Azaleas. Mr. Standish began a large assortment with two kinds of Weigelas, Van Houtte and Stelzneri, the latter, which is in the way of amabilis, had a CertiSc.ite of recommendation. Then hie Tariegated Holly-like plant, called Eurya angustifolia, and which was before the Committee last year, from Japan, had a First- class Certificate unanimously ; and his more HoUy-like Osman- thus ilicifolius variegatus had a Second-class Certificate. A very beautiful Eetinosporapisiferaaurea.alsofromMr.Standish's Japan collection, had a First-class Certificate. A Fern called a species of Microlepia, from China, from Mr. Standish, had a Second- class Certificate ; and his Aucuba picturata, from Japan, was requested to be sent again, the imported plant being not in a lit condition to judge of its merits properly. He also sent plants of his May Queen Epacris, which were not thought to be superior to many others now in cultivation. Mr. Kinghorn, nurseryman, East Sheen, sent a fine coloured seedling Azalea, called Laxton's Scd. To be seen again. Messrs. Veitch & Son came up w ith a host of very good things, and one collection of very bad things, which they sent on pur- pose to show that none of their new Caladiums are so good as the old ones, unless it may be one of them, whish the Committee wished to see again when the plant is larger. They sent three kmds of lovely hardy Maideu-hair Ferns from the upper regions of Chili, approaching the Araucaria region. These stood out of doors all last winter at Exeter. The three kinds had each a First-class Certificate by nearly the unanimous voice of the eighteen or twenty members present. The names and the merits, in our judgments, stand thus — Adianlum sulphureum the best, A. chiiensis next, and A. scabrum third. The same firm sent a fine-looking double red Petunia, with white edges to the petals, called Madame Rendatler, which had a Second-class Certificate, and another not quite so good. Then came their collection of new kinds of Begonias, from which the Committee selected two for Second-class Certificates — namely, a comparatively small-leaved kind ; the one, Imperialis, a dark purple, soft eatiijy leai with light veins and markings ; and a clear green-leaved kind, called Smaragdina, wldch is the Latin for emerald green. After these the same firm had a most noble specimen of Altacia cristata, which Mr. Beaton described some years since as like a plant from before the Flood. From Mr. Bunney was a specimen of Cypripcdium Lowii with two flowers on the scape, and different i'rom the usual state of the species. Then a gay but very small specimen of foreign Azalea from M. Verschaft'elt, with a deep white margin all round the edges of tlie petals and half double, I'or which a Second-class Certificate was given. Mr. Ferguson, Stowe, sent a most lovely single white Petunia, marked with five broad vivid stripes of purplish-red in ever^ bloom. The whole of the Committee held up their hands for a First-class Certificate to that flower, which is called Madam Ferguson. The Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, of the Wellington Road Nursery, sent a large assortment of their newest Ger.aniums, but in Buch small plants that none of them could be properly judged. Also a large specimen of Rhododendron Dalhousii in bloom, and a larger specimen of K. Nuttallii just going out of bloom ; and a new lively low-spreading yellow-flowering plant, ■said to be a species of Velia, a greenhouse plant. Also a noble now Swainsouia-lookiug plant, with long spikes of stout violet purple flowers. Here also the Committee were unanimous in giving it a First-class Certificate. They sent word they had it from Australia as a Clianthus, and tlie specimens looked that way or as half between Clianthus and Swaineonia. It is the only pea-shaped flower we have ever seen of that shade of colour. They sent another very small specimen of variegated Lime tree which the Committee thought ^ery promising, and to which they would have readily given a 1' irjl-elass Certificate if the plant had been two years old instead oi two-months.gralted ; as it was they gave it a Second-class Certificate. Lastly, the Messrs. Lee sent a fine yellow hardy Azalea called Altaclarense, a cross between the yellow Sinense, the leaves of which it assimies, and some of the Belgian yellow Azaleas. This, on accoumt of its free-blooming and hardiness, and particu- larly as likely to be one of the best to force early for the con- servatory, had a First-class Certificate. NOETH AND SOUTH. NoTWiTHSTAia>iN& the expulsion of Mr. Russell from the United States, and the consequent loss of accurate intelUgence from the seat of the war, and in spite of the close blockade of the Southern ports, I have been enabled to obtain through a particular channel accurate information of a fierce, though, like most of the American battles, a bloodless fight, which took jjlace no later than the 30th ult. The ground was remarkably well chosen, and the troops were drawn up under experienced commanders. The appearance of the Northern troops was, to an unpractised eye, j'oor and weak ; while in physique the Southerners were remarkable for vigour of appearance and bold and daring countenances. But the result of the contest only showed how varied are the fortunes of war, and how little we can calculate upon results ; for it resulted in the ignominious defeat of the Southern forces, one standard only of any import- ance remaining in the possession of the Southern army. To drop all metaphor. The National Auricula Show was held on the 30th at the Royal Botanic Society's sixth spring Show, and the result was that the Northern growers carried off all the principal prizes. As a great deal will be said, doubtless, on the matter which ended in such unexpected results, I shall put the matter as it seemed to me. If correct, it will account for everything. It has always been a great puzzle to me how the flowers which maintained then- hold in Lancashire and the North generaUy did so, but it is no mystery to me now. And if the National Auricula Show (the first, and I fear the last), has done no other service, it has demonstrated this, that, wide apart as northern and southern amateurs are in their opinions as to Tulips and Pinks, they are equally so as to Auriculas — so wide, that I fear there is no possibility of their ever agreeing together. Taking aai entirely different standard, they must ever come to opposite conclusions. I shall not readily forget the burst of astonishment and some- tiling more when the gates were again opened, and the result of the adjudicators became visible. Some contending that, as the rules said three pips were to be the lowest number allowed, therefore the Judges preferred those with three. Let me say at the outset that I never saw more thoroughly conscientious judging than that made at this Show. Nothing could exceed the pains and labour with which each flower was criticised ; but, at the same time, it was done on what we in the South consider to be entirely a vicious principle, for with the Northerners the individual pip is everything. The size of the truss, the vigour of the plant, the general contour, in fact, goes for nothing. Thus, for example, in the class of eight varieties, Mr. Turner's plants, which obtained the second prize, were models of growth. They had fine large trusses containing ten, eleven, and twelve pips ; while the collection which obtained tlie first prize had none more than five, some only three pips. The plants were in truth little more than offsets, but the judg- ment was entirely confined to the pips. Now, had any of the Southern exhibitors been awara of this, they could very readily have supplied very different plants to what they did ; but to cut out a truss so as to leave only three never occurred to them as the right way to exhibit an Auricula. Oh, Dr. Plant, what woidd you have said — you with your Booth's Freedom with ten and eleven fine pips — youi' fine Conquerors and Glorys ?— you woiUd never have had a thought bestowed on your fairest productions ! I had wished previously that the Doctor would have sent us something to show what Auricula-growing is. I am glad for his own peace of mind that he did not ; and for myself I can say (and I had nothing there from which I ex- [jected anything), that sooner than spoil my stage of Auriculas by such a barbarian process, I would give up growing them altogether. Let me see a nicely shaped truss, and there I can May 13, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GARDENEB. 117 recognise beauty, bul not in a miserable etarveling, like a Manx coat of arms, all on tlireo legs. I know the reply to this will bo that of the three Judges two were Soutlierners." Most true; but notwithstanding this tlie judgment was on the Northern principle, and hence the North- erners carried the day. Ilad it been reversed — had the South- erners taken olF tlie prizes — I doubt not that tlie same strong feeling would have been evinced on the Northern side, and so 1 fear we must agree to differ ; but this very fact will, I fear, entirely demolish any hope of such a reunion again until wo can see with their eyes or they with ours. It must happen as it has done with other flowers, and the National Auricula Show be confined as much to them as would a Pink Show were sucli instituted. I do not write this in any feeling of disappointment as fiir as the mere fact of the prizes being obtained by Northern growers is concerned ; for when 1 heard that tlie day was fixed for the 30ih I felt that Mr. Tumor and others had but little hope of success. But had they had ten times the amount of plants, and their plants been in the best possible condition, it would not have availed them one atom — it is the difference of taste, and there is the sum of the matter. A good deal, too, of the interest belonging to a contest of this kind was spoiled by the owners not attaching the names of their plants to them ; hence it is impossible to give (what to growers is ever desirable), the names of the winning sorts. One judg- ment I believe both North and South acquiesced in — the giving of the premier prize in tlie Show to Mr. Hcadley's George Lightbody, which I at one time considered inferior to Lanca- shire Hero— a judgment I now entirely witlidraw. It is a fine and excellent flower, although his plant of it wag not in the fulness of bloom that he wished. Perhaps had it been so the Judges would not have treated it so well, considered it too large, &a. As it is, one mnst heartily congratulate so old and valued a florist ixpon his success. One other .Sower I must mention — Holland's Southern Star, apparently of the same family as Mrs. Sturrock, but a good deal brighter, a real crim- son ; and when it becomes a larger plant will make a most striking figure on a stage. The following were, I believe, the awards : — Class .\, For Eight Varieties.— First, Mr. Wilson, Halifax. Second, Mr. Turner, Slough. Third, R. Headlcy, Esq., Stapleford. Fourth, Mr. I>onglas, York. Class B, For Foor Varieties.— First, Mr. Pohlmas, Halifax. Second, Mr. Headley. Third, Mr. Elliott. Fourth, Mr. Cheetham. Fifth, Mr. C. Turner. Class C, Single Green Edge.— First, Mr. Elliott. Second and Third, Mr. H. Wilson. Fourth, Mr. H. Stewart, York. Fifth, Mr. Pohlman. Class D, Best GRvrr Edge. — First and Second, Mr. C. Turner, with Lan- cashire Hero and George Lightbody. Third, Mr. H. Stew.art. Fourth, Mr. Pohlman. Fifth, Mr. Turner. Class E, White Edges.— First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth, Mr. Pohlman, Halifax ! ! Class G, Seies.— Firet, Mr. Elliott. Second, Third, and Fourth, Mr. Pohlman, Halifax. Fifth, Mr. U. Wilson. Premier Prize eor Best Auricula.— Mr. Headley for George Light- body. One cannot close a notice of the Show, however brief, without tendering one's warmest acknowledgments to Mr. Douglas, of York, for the great care and anxiety with which he has carried out the project, and for the urbanity and kindness he displayed to all who responded to the invitation. — D., Deal. GAS IN HOT-WATEB PIPES. Wetting on the above subject, in your Number of April 29th I think, Mr. Alex. Shearer made an error in stating tliat " there is no other gas which burns with a blue flame but hydrogen." If I mistake not, carbonic oxide does the same, and that gas is also formed when the vapour of water passes over carbon at a red heat, and coal dust is generally used by moulders in finishing a mould ofl'. But is it not more likely to be hydrosulphuric acid gas, which also burns with a blue flame ? The following is a quotation from Gmelin's " Handbook of Chemistry," vol. ii., page 19G. Speaking of the formation of that gas, he says it is formed " when organio compounds containing sulphur putrefy or are heated by themselves, or when other organic compounds are heated in contact with sulphur. If the existence of hydrogen-salts of metallic oxides be admitted, it must likewise be supposed that hydrosulphuric acid is generated when a mouosulphide of an alkali metal is dissolved in water, and when iron filings are mixed with water and sulphur." Again, in same page — "Hydrosulphuric acid gas is collected over warm water or brine, which absorbs less of it than pure cold water." Again, on page 200, speaking of its aqueous solution, he says, " Water at ordinary temperatures absorbs its own volume of hydrosulphuric acid gas. When heated it ovolyes the whole of the gius." I do not know where the gentleman resides who first wrote to you on the subject, but is it not possible that the water used in llio boiler might, like Harrowgate water, contain this gas, and on being heated evolve it? — V. O. Whitehead, Holly Howie, Rawtenstall. CONVEYANCE TO EXHIBITIONS OF CUT HOSES AND OTHES FLOWEES. P. P. would feel much obliged by a little information with regard to the conveyance of Roses (cut trusses) by train for exhibiting, and whether the box that contains them should be air- tight or ventilated. The former, P. P. was under the impres- sion, is most beneficial to the bloom, the moist atmosphere in the box causing the flowers to retain their freshness ; but read- ing Mr. Beaton's article on the subject a few Numbers back, P. P. was surprised to find that Mr. Beaton made rather a point of the necessity of ventilation, to allow the perspiration of the flowers to escape. A box l.'i inches deep, with 6 inches of moist sand at the bottom, the surface covered with moss, has been found to answer tolerably well, but the blooms get occasionally scratched with the leaves of the Roses, and the distance has been so short that it is scarcely possible to form an opinion as to the desirability of the box being ventilated. A few hints on this point from any reader of the Journal who has had experience in the matter would be thankfully received. [Taking cut Roses, Dahlias, Asters, Holly hocks, Gladioluses, and all the rest of them to exhibitions is a branch of packing which is altogether different from the packing of miscellaneous flowers, and leaves, and shoots for drawing-room decoration, and neither of the two ways recently described in these pages is applicable to your case. When you can carry a box of cut Roses in your hand, or have them immediately under your own eye, such a plan as yours may possibly answer ; but I should be very sorry to trust my chance of obtaining a prize to a box so arranged when much surer plans can be adopted. I have had some little experience in such matters — and, although not myself an exhibitor, carried for my friend, the Rev. P. W. Kadclyffe, a box of blooms last September from Blandford to London without ruffling a loaf; and I think you will find the following plan effectually to answer your purpose. Your box should be made specially for them, the lid being sunk a little, so as to allow space for a layer of nice moss to be laid on the top. It should be perforated for the number of blooms you intend to show. The size now generally adopted is 18 inches in depth from back to front, and the length dependant on the number of flowers, though a box that will hold twenty-four blooms is the most convenient size. Where three trusses of each are to be exhibited, the holes should be made in triangles (■ . •), so as to allow each bloom a separate place. Each hole should have a zinc tube about 4 inches long with a flange round it, so as to keep it in its place, and the lid of the box should be fitted with hinges which easily slip off. So far from ventilation being required, the more air-tight they are the better ; for where air gets in dust will also intrude, and no one knows how this penetrates everything in a railway carriage until they have experienced it. When you are ready for packing have your tubes well filled with water, the moss laid on the box and watered with a fine rose. Defer cutting your Roses till the evening, and then after sundown and before the dew falls, take what you require. Have ready some pieces of rhubarb-stalks cut in narrow strips. Place the stem of your Rose carefully in the tube, and then plug it in with the piece of rhubarb : this keeps it from shaking about, and prevents the water from being jolted out of the tube. Always carry a small watering-pot with a long spout, or an old teapot ; and when you arrive at your destination let the first thing done be to look at your tubes, and see that they are filled with water, for a neglect of this is often fatal to an exhibitor. Roses sent in thin way might, I think, be even entrusted to the tender mercies of rail- way porters, who seem to delight, when a box is marked " this side up," to turn it the other way. I took a box of Auriculas last month to Kensington ; and at » station where I was obliged to chanf;o trains told the port*- to wait until I came across t1>e platform, as tlie box was to be carried straight. I came back U8 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 13, 1862. just in time to see it hoisted on bis shoulder, and, of course, two of my pots turned over. Fortunately it was on tlieir return journey, or my hope of a prize would have been of a very rague eharacter. I believe that attention to these few rules will enable an exhibitor to convey his Hoses without scratching or rubbing. Of course, care must be taken that the lid of the box is not too low, or else they will certainly be rubbed. And do not forget the watering-pot ; for however anxious persons may be to oblige you, it is always better to be independent in such matters, and be able rather to help others than require to be h*lped. There is a glorious prospect for Rose-exhibitors this season ; and with such weather as this that we are now expe- riencing. North and South will both be in time for even the earlier shows. Never had the queen of flowers so glorious a prospect before her. — D. Deal.'] I THINK the plans of Mr. Beaton, and " D., Deal," are un- necessarily complicated. My plan is as follows : — Take a box of the depth, length, and width required — say of sufficient length to hold three bouquets. Get some double laths ; cut them the exact width of the box ; nail in one through the box, and then one end of the other, put in your bouquet, and then press the other end gently before nailing, allowing distance be- tween each two laths according to the thickness of the bouquet- handle, and so proceed with the three. Now, if six are required to be sent in the same box, this may bo done by inverting every alternate one, care being taken to reverse them as you proceed, eo that the handle of each one inverted comes up be- tween the otliers without injury, and see tliat the laths are put at proper distances, so that they do not squeeze too tightly, or they will make the bouquets oval-shaped. — J. DlTEES. THE AILANTHUS SILKWOEM. We are informed by Lady Dorothy Nevill, who has devoted 80 much attention to the introduction of the Ailanthus Silkworm to this country, that there is now a prospect of a market being opened for the disposal of the silk. Mr. Lister, one of our great manufacturers at Bradford, is jirepared to take one million of cocoons a-year at the rate of Is. per pound ; and should it tui-n out that there is not much waste in the manufacture, the price would be increased to Is. dd. It is very cheering to hear that a method has been discovered for unwinding the cocoons in a continuous thread, as in the case of the Mulberry Silkworm cocoons. This operation is familiar to the Cliinese, who have no difficulty in the matter ; but hitherto the process has not been known in Europe. We are told that the discovery has been made by a lady in Paris, and as soon as we obtain particulars we shall communicate the information to our readers. COENWALL WEATHER AND OPEK-GEOUND CEOPS. Nothing can be more dehghtful and cheering than the weather and the general appearance of the early garden produce in the district surrounding Mount's Bay. Everything is really early and vigorous. During the last few days early Potatoes have been drawn in the parishes of Paul and Madron for the supply of our markets, as well as by private individuals. A day or two ago a grower remarked tliat in twenty -four hours after the soil had been loosened about the roots there was an evident growth, and that everywhere the plant looked very promising. Sixteen or seventeen days ago great fears were excited by the prevalence of easterly and north-easterly winds, with an appear- ance of frost in the air and sky; but, thanks to an All-wise and over-ruling Providence, the crisis appears to be now past. Had frost come a fortnight ago it would have destroyed all the very early crops and entailed a loss of many thousand pounds sterling to the growers. The last few days the weather has been splendid ; the sun bright and hot, the wind soft and gentle, and the face of nature smiles on all hands. In a very short time the tables of our tradesmen and better-to-do classes will be supplied with green Peas. Young Onions are strong and healthy. Radishes and Rhubarb have been as plentiful as sticks in a farmyard. Early Cabbages are delicate and tender ; and Lettuces and young Onions are becoming quite common. In some favoured localities the grass is a foot high, and in most places there is plenty of good feed. The Apple trees are perfectly covered with bloom, and the Gooseberry and Currant trees are equally promising. Should the weather continue fine this will certainly prove one of the most abundant seasons known in tliis neighbourhood for jetcn.— (April 29, Penzance.) THE SEASON IN HEETFOEDSHIEE. While I write, May 6th, I have two swarms of bees hived within an hour of each other, quietly settling themselves within the hives prepared for them. The swarms are each abundant and strong ; the individual bees are very fine. I wUl add a few jottings upon other things as influenced by the season in this neighbourhood. Mushrooms were gathered upon a bank beside a public highway in the middle of April last. Pears are set for a very good crop here, and the embryo fruit seems to promise well. Apple blossom is most abundant, but I infer that a very large majority of the anthers never came to perfection, so that there will be a scarcity of pollen in this neighbourhood. Plums seem to be set very well, and there is a very good show for a crop. Cherries, in some instances, will not be so abundant, unless the diseased pistils in 60 per cent, of the flowers here is an afftjction purely local. Wall fruits are set very well, as also are the minor bush fruits. I regret to say the caterpillars upon Gooseberries have made their appearance again this season ; they should be seen to. I hope the lightning and heavy showers upon the eve of the 6th here will destroy them as also the black fly, which is unusually abundant this year. — W. Eaeley, Digsivell. KEEPING GEAPES. Teee Fkoos.— a fresh supply of these interesting little crea- tures from the South of France has been presented to the Royal HortioiUtural Society, and as another envoi is promised, the Council think that some of these may be spared for distribution among the Fellows, and they propose to have a ballot for them in pairs in the month of June. They are not only charming from their beauty, and the marvellous similitude which they bear to the leaves amongst which they live, but are most useful in a conservatory in clearing ofl' green fly, and all sorts of insect vermin. Formal notice will be given of the ballot in the " Pro- (seedings" for June. — {Proceedings of Society.) Theke days since, a friend brought me about a pound of Catawba and Isabella Grapes. They were about as good as if just taken from the Vine in the proper season, full and plump, but most of the berries had fallen from the stems, in the carriage of about ten miles over a rough road. Now, the way these Grapes were preserved may not be new to you, though it certainly seemed a novel one to me ; but the fact of their keeping until the end of March in fiue condition is worthy of publicity. In the fall, when they are perfectly ripe, they are taken from the Vines, when they are free from anything like moisture, handled carefully and packed in small kegs — nail kegs were the kind used in this instance. Put a layer of green leaves right off the Vines in the bottom, on this a layer of Grapes, then leaves again and Grapes, alternately, until the keg is full. Put in the head, and your cask is ready — for what ? Why, to be buried in the ground. Dig a trench so as to admit the casks, deep enough that they wiU have about 1 foot or 15 inches of soil over them wlien covered. The ground should be packed rather tight, and a board laid along on the top before the ground is thrown in. They throw some litter on the surface of the ground over those which they wish to take up during the winter, to prevent the ground from freezing so hard as to keep them from getting at them. One important thing must be observed, that they be placed where there can be no standing water about the casks, or they would suffer. — {Oermantown Telegraph^ Eaeiiness of the Season. — We always consider Asparagus a sure witness to the earliness or lateness of the season, it being a hardy native perennial. It testifies to this year's early spring by being ready for cutting on the 23rd of April. Last year the first cutting was on the 2l8t of April, whilst in 1860 the first cutting was not until May 22. The very earliest cutting at the same place, Croydon, during the last ten years was in 1859, when it was on the 11th of April. May 13, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 119 A FEW DAYS IN IRELAND.— No. 22. The next place we looked in upon near Blackrock was Nutley, Die charming and beautifully-finished residence of Alderman Roe. Entering the place by a somewhat private road from the station, and through part of the grounds of the nursery already referred to, and which we were told formed part of the pro- perty, we had a bird's-eye view of the pleasure grounds, the lake forming in the park between it and the kitchen garden, and the kitchen garden itself before meeting with our new friend Mr. Wright, busily superintending operations in a Potato-field. Before meeting with him, we had ample opportunity, in the passing view, for remarking to ourselTes that here, at all events, the right man must surely be in the right place, as every spot seemed to speak of careful supervision, order, and refined taste. TERRACE AND FLOWER GARDENS GROUIfD PLAN OF MANSION AND PLANT-HOUSKS AT NUTLEY. ,A. DwelUng-hou8e. B. Camellia-house, 34 ft. liy 7i ft. c. Kitchen yard. D. Stove, 43 ft. by 28 ft. by 22 ft. E. Greenhouse, 79 ft. by 14 ft. by 14 ft. F. Greenhouse entry, 19 ft. by 14 ft. G. Orchid-house, 19 ft. by 14 ft. H. Entrance to terrace. As far as we recollect the beautiful square mansion is placed at the west side of the pleasure ground. Close to it, and their backs in line with the front of the house, are placed, first a Camellia-house, 34 feet by 7h feet ; then a semicircular orna- mental wall, some 60 feet in length, built with alcoves for statues, &c., an object of attraction in itself, and concealing all traces of the kitchen and servants' yard beliind ; then a square plant- stove with hipped roof, 43 feat in length, 28 feet in width, and 22 feet in height, opening into a greenhouse 80 feet long, 14 feet wide, and 14 feet in height, extending to a wider bayed house 19 feet by 18 feet, and terminating in an Orchid and Fetn-house 19 feel by It feet. It was at this point we entered by a door m a wall leading southwards, that wall being 152 yards in length, and covered with fine things, with a flower-parterre in front of it. From the south end of that wall an ornamental balustrade goes westward until it passes the mansion, and then returns northward so as thoroughly to separate the pleasure grounds from the park in front and behind. The main entrance is south-west of the house, and though the approach is short, the curves and the planting are a pattern for all who would take lessons in landscape gardening, and showing what interest and taste may be concentrated in a small demesne. To this we will shortly again refer. Meanwhile, standing near the mansion, you are first struck with the compactness and finish of all the arrangements inside the balustrade ; then the massiveness of wliat planting there is without, so relieved by light and shade ; then the waters of the lake, as now forming or widening, seem to sparkle in the sun- beams. South-east of these is a sort of prospect-tower in the kitchen garden, now used partly as a dovecot, but which is an attractive object from the grounds ; and beyond, and bounding the horizon, the rich massive woods of Marrion (the late Lord Herbert's), and of Mount Anville (the seat of W. Dargan, Esq.. one of the best practical patriots that Ireland has ever known) j and that fine beautiful prospect Alderman Roe and all his house- hold may call their own—" theirs by right of eye." The space enclosed by the balustrade is two acres and nearly three roods. From the entrance to the terrace, between the walk and the balustrade, is a fine row of handsome Irish Yews 10 feet apart. The centre of the lawn is graced with groups, some still young, in the massed picturesque style. In front of the mansion facmg south-east is a beautiful flower garden clus- tered round an elegant fountain, the fountain being supplied from a large cistern at the top of the mansion, and that again supplied from a water-ram at a fall in the lake. The beauty of this garden consisted not merely in the planting, but in the open space of grass all round it and between it and the mansion thus giving relief and breadth, as it were, to the colours. Another flower garden was placed farther eastward in front of the main range of houses, with another fountain in the centre. The beds were here placed in geometrical order, close together, bordered by Box and divided by narrow gravel paths. This constituted variety, though the ease and the elegance of the first group were wanting. The beds were also planted more in mix- tures, Roses, &o., which also gave more variety, which is ever pleasing, but at the expense of unity and grandeur of expression. Such beds would be most telling when each was filled by a low- growing mass-flowering plant, so as the eye could easily take in the whole. However nice they look in summer, massed Eose- beds always spoil a group of bedding plants in autumn. One of the best gardeners in England was loth to remove them from a beautiful parterre, and though with a fine eye for effect, it was long before he could be made to see that the thin, and blackish, and curled leaves of his Perpetual Roses did detract from the gorgeous beds of Verbenas, Calceolarias, &c., beside them. A small Rose garden would secure the variety and obviate all the difficulty. We rather think our friend has left a couple of beds still, though all the rest have been removed. The last time we saw them there was a glorious bed of Scarlet Geranium on one side, and Yellow Calceolarias on the other. The Roses just made the splendid group very common — almost a failure. In each case a mass of Ageratum would have balanced the red and yeUow, instead of a few scattered Roses and leaves, which no care would make nice in September. As a return for kindness, may we hint that this pretty garden might be better and more telling without the Roses in autumn ? The plant-houses were rather thin, as most of their usual residents were transferred to other houses, or placed for a time out of doors, and more temporary plants put in thinly to supply their place. In the stove were some fine specimens of Begonias with fine foliage, Achimenes, &c. In the greenhouse were some fine Fuchsias, Balsams, &c. The back of the house was densely clothed, chiefly with three plants — Polygala Laurenceana, pro- ducing myriads of flowers ; Plumbago capensis, also a mass of bloom ; and Heliotropium peruvianum, also a mass of bloom. In the centre of a large vase in the greenhouse was Aristea Banksii, a strong Sedge-like plant with whitish leaves. At the back of these houses, under the shade of a large tree, were a fine col- lection of Camellias, Azaleas, Epacrises, Ericas, Rhododendrons, including a fine plant of Nuttallii, Correas, Acacias, &c. Many 120 JOURNAL OF HORTICtTLTTJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 13, 1862. plants ranging from 4 feet to 6 feet in height, and from 2 feet to 3 feet and more in diameter of head. AU seemed to be in the very highest healtli. We also noticed a great quantity of the beautiful Primula denticulata. On the long wall which bounds the east side of the lawn we noticed many things quite healthy, which will not live out with us in general years, and others all of which were killed by the winter of 1860 and 1861. Along the wall were fine plants of Tea, Noisette, Bourbon, and Perpetual Eoses ; Jasmines in every variety ; Glycines, including sinensis, alba, and mag- nifica ; Clematis, all the best kinds, including Sieboldi and lanu- ginosa, the latter seemingly perfectly hardy here ; Escallonias, as rubra, montevideusis, &c. ; Ccanothus, all the hardy and half- hardy kinds ; Magnolias, all tlie best kinds and uninjured ; Pho- tinia serrulata without a leaf injured ; Solanum jasminoides, fine, healthy, and free-flowering, though in a greenhouse it is generally a prey to fly ; Mahonia ilicifolia with its fine greyish leaves, and other Mahonias and Berberis, as Bealii, &c. ; Garrya eUiptica latifolia growing and blooming freely ; Lardizabala triternata, a fine plant ; Abelia triflora producing its large bunches of tubular flowers ; and Salisburia adiantifolia producing leaves as large as Catalpa. The whole of this long wall is fronted by a wide geometrical horder formed of Box-edged beds, and narrow paths between them, and planted partly in the grouped style, the semi- grouped style, and the old mixed system, so as to permit of dwarf and tree Koses, Dahlias, Delpliiniums, and other fine old plants and annuals being freely introduced. The effect was altogether striking, and for cut flowers it must he a rare resort. We should almost be sorry to see such an arrangement altered ; but we could see Mr. Wright had a little hankering to devote a part to bedding or grouping entirely, another part to mixtures, &o., and very likely if we said much he would turn our own weapons or words against ua. We did not go through all the kitchen garden, but it seemed full to overflowing with vegetables and fruit trees. Close to the houses was a sight seldom to be seen last season — a good-sized standard Apple tree and loaded with fine specimens of Kibston Pippins. Here are two vineries, each 40 feet long, 14 feet wide, and 16 feet high, with good crops of Grapes. Also, a pit 24 feet long, some 14 feet wide, and 11 feet high, used for propagating and keeping bedding plants, and, when these are all turned out, for Melons. The Melon crop hanging and suspended from the roof was magnificent in the middle of September, and pretty well ae regular as if placed by rule and scale. Outside in a yard were also some fine plants of Camellias and Azaleas, many of the former being 6 feet by 4 feet, and thougli not told, we presumed they had a help in the vinery to forward growth and the setting of the buds, and were rusticating a little out of doors before being taken to the conservatories. Krom the kitchen garden a nice walk leads westward through a thick belt of trees that here bounds the paik to the entrance-gate. To the beauties of that rarriage-rood we said we would again refer. Leaving, then, other matters alluded to as well worthy of attention, there are two great distinguishing featiu-es at Nutley. The first is, the clear, defined separation of the flower gardens and pleasure grounds from the park scenery, by means of the elegant balustrade. This permits of a free use of the artistic and even geometric inside the balustrade, and a softening-down with the picturesque at a distance from the straight architectural lines. How different is such an arrangement from attempting to hide the boundary by a deep ha-ha ditch, and then taking a walk near it, so that you cannot help seeing what it was pro- fessed to be desirable to hide ! Then secondly, the outside open massive grouping we have also alluded to in the park in front of the house. It is even better behind the house, and westward to the main entrance. Ei'om the surroundings this park cannot be large ; and yet behind the house so thoroughly are all boundaries concealed, so massive and undulating the groups of timber, so much do they advance to and recede in bold sweeps from the approach, throwing the grass into lesser and larger irregular lawns and glades, that you might fancy yourself in a demesne as large as the imagination could revel in, provided mere extent was the object most desir- able. Just think of the difference, and the monotony, and the idea of confinement and restraint produced by bringing the trees down to a somewhat regular distance from such a nicely- curved, nicely-kept approach ; and many who woidd do that in order to effect seclusion and repose, might have no idea how much both these objects would be promoted by expanse, room- iness, and bold graceful sweeps. In some of these open glades were single and detached groups that told well ; in others, a fine single specimen alone in its glory, from which the eye went to the dense irregular background. On praising some of these, Mr. Wright was modestly doubtful whether the picture as a whole, would not be more telling without them. Without the experience and the fine pictorial eye of our friend, we could see that on such a spot it would require much study, and looking and relooking from all points before fixing on the removal or planting of a tree. We regretted that our stay was so short ; but so dehghted were we with that part of the demesne espe- cially, that to any gentleman near Dublin constructing for him- self a suburban home, and anxious to secure for it not only seclusion and retiredness, but free expanse and roominess com- bined with fine picturesque efl'ect, we would say. Apply to Alder- man Roe for permission to study the grouping from the lodge past the mansion. We hope neither the worthy Alderman nor Mr. Wright will be oflended by the suggestion. A five-minutes walk will unfold more than five-hours writing without plans and views. K. EiSH. THE CALCEOLARIA AS A BEDDING PLANT. Hatino, in preceding chapters of The Jottrnal op Hoeti- CULTUEE, given a rough outhne of the Geranium, Verbena, and Fuchsia, and their uses for flower-garden purposes, I now come to another plant which, supplying a colour differing from any- thing else we have in that way, seems as indispensable to the flower garden as a bed of Cabbages to the kitchen department. Time, however, and a better acquaintance with other plants likely to become substitutes to this one may, possibly, to a certain extent displace it ; but, hitherto, everything that has been introduced with that view has failed to give that satisfaction which a good bed of yellow Calceolaria is always sure to do, so that it is needless making an apology for calling attention to a plant at once so popular, and, usually, so easy of ctilture. I will begin with a few observations on the original species from which our present race of flower-garden favourites sprung, and follow them down to the present time, with such remarks as may be interesting to the general reader. Oeiginal Species. — I am not able from memory to detail all the various advances made in the transition period which was most active from 1830 to 1840 ; but it may be of some interest to say that the first Calceolaria I became acquainted with was C. corymbosa, and that some time about 1829. It was known and cultivated by older gardeners before that time, but I think it was little altered then. Soon after that period the woolly-leaved species with purple flowers created some little stir under the name of C. arachnoidea. This very distinct species might, I think, be turned to good account how if again put into the hands of some skilful hyhridiser ; but I have not seen it for twenty years or more. C. purpurea, I think, was an improved variety of C. arachnoidea, but my recollections of it are less clear than of the other kind ; and all the kinds previously known fell into disrepute when C. integrifolia, the old shrubby yellow variety, or rather species, came into general use. The first time I remember seeing it used as a flower-garden plant was in 1831 ; seedlings, however, of the herbaceous kinds had been known long before, and some had even been sent out with distinct and high-sounding names — one called Kellyana remain- ing for some years a favourite. But it was many years before a quick and easy mode was found out to propagate the hardwooded C. integrifolia, especiaUy when it was confined in a pot, and that often of limited dimensions, so that seedlings of the herbaceous kinds were on the whole more sought after, especially for plant-house decoration ; and C. corymbosa and C. scabiosee- folia being of easy culture, were frequently found in the flower garden amongst other annuals and such perennials as were then thought the greatest ornaments to the garden. One of the earliest hybridisers amongst our enterprising nur- serymen was Mr. Major, of Leeds ; and I believe, before him, another grower in the same way at Chester had sent out several good varieties of the herbaceous, or half-herbaceous kind, while Messrs. Gains and Catleugh exhibited well-grown plants at the London shows. But the merit of bringing the Calceolaria to as great a perfection as any, belongs, I believe, to that veteran plant- grower whose contributions still frequently grace oui' metropo- htan exhibition-stands — Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus, Bart. Mr. Green exhibited some plants about 1840, obtained entirely from crossing C. corymbosa with C. arachnoidea. As May 13, 1862. ] JOURNAL OS HOETICULTURE AND COTTAaii; GARDENER. 121 these belong more to the purely greenhouse, rather than the Qower- gardcn class, il is needless to follow them further, suflice it to say that some years before that I ime, the flower garden was enriched by such dark kinds as Mogul, Majoriaua, Superb, and some others ; wliile the blotcheil or intermediate kinds were represented by Sir Walter Scott, Sunbury Hero, and a host of others, the yellow ones being at that period of less repute. Calceolaria integrifolia and C. rugosa were the only kinds I remember in cultivation of the yellow class they represented up to 1838, or perhaps later, wlion Sulphureum was introduced ; and a red or dark one of the shrubby kind making its appearance at tlie same time, gave all th;> kinds that are now so popular in the flower gardea, with the exception of C. amplexicanlis, which added quite a new class, and previous to its appearance, a white one caused some little stir ; and subsequently another white one, not many years ago, was expected to do great things, but it some- how disappointed everybody. These kinds, forming the originals from which our present flower-garden varieties have sprung, have, in their oflVpring, been much improved in colour, habit, and all the qualities that make them useful, excepting, perhaps, in constitutional vigour, which, as is common in such things, has been in some degree impaired by the change. Native Couxtky of thk Calceolaria. — ^The western slopes of the Andes of about 20° S. latitude furnish tliis plant, and also that most remarkable of all our imported Conifene, Arau- earia imbricata. Of the precise character of the soil we have no positive information, but wa are told it is moist, and being at a considerable elevation we may with every reason of probability assume the Calceolaria to be well inured to frequent and heavy rains, and ranging as it does up to near the limits of perpetual snow, its roots must often be moistened by a melted liquid almost as cold as ice itself: hence we may easily guess that bottom heat is not one of its requirements — at one period of the year at least. Most likely the plant is buried underneath a mass of snow in the short winter months — at least, such plants as reach the line of snow. But tiie herbaceous class would seem not t® ba quite so hardy, and probably inhabit a lower and warmer climate. Chili, where this plant comes from, has a greater diversity of climate than most countries, the tropical and arctic regions may be said to be both represented here ; but the Calceolaria is in an intermediate one, and no doubt it is surrounded by many ornamental plants yet unknown to us, although the enterprise of explorers has furnished us with several, not the least remarkable neighbour to the Calceolaria being the Potato, which, in a wild state, inhabits the same territory. Doubt- less the Calceolaria is also found in the adjacent provinces of Peru, Bolivia, and perhaps as far south as Patagonia ; but I am not aware of its being found indigenous anywhere in the old world ; though in its cultivated condition in such climates perhaps as that of New Zealand there is every reason to suppose it may ere long establish itself, and that in mountain countries it will do so also. ^^ j^ continued. ) ^- ^°=^°''- CONSTEUOTION OF A GAS-HEATED MELON-PIT. Refebbino to page 65, I am obliged for the hint about ascent and descent. No doubt the stove must be in the front corner of the pit, and the condncting-pipo must ascend. I have already tried the same stove for two vineries, and they answer well. This stove heats my lean-to house about 5 feet wide and 60 feet long. The stove is by Rickett, of Agar Street, pnce 35*., and burns 6 feet per hour, and gives a good heat. It can be in- creased if wanted. If the gas is more costly in point of actual cash for it alone, how much may be deducted for saving of labour in attending to fires ? All brickwork for flues, and sweeping of chimney and coal dust and ashes are avoided ; also the cost of keeping a boiler in repair, in addition to the brickwork of the fire. I wish some of your readers would experiment with gas. I think it would even pay to substitute gas for fire heat to existing boilers. — A SuBSCBxairB. CULTUEE OF THE PINE APPLE. (fionlinued from page 101.) Succession Plants. — The fruiting Pines as mentioned in my last paper being all repotted and put into the freshly-renewed •bark-pit, the next thing that requires attention is the succession plants. These should bo repotted, and the bark heat renewed exactly the same as the fruiting plants. They should have larger liots ; indeed, the largest-sized plants will bo in tlio next size to thoseusedforfruilingplants, for such plants will b:; large enough for fruiting the uutunm following to supply fruit in winter : therefore, let such have a second shilt in July into pots large enough to fruit them. Young Plants. — After the succession plants are finished pot- ting, &o., then turn attention to the youngest stock. They will not have filled their pots with roots, but tho soil wdl have become poor with frequent waterings, and the loss of nutriment the plants have drawn from it. Tho young plants should have liberal treatment in regard to rich soil, plenty of pot-room, and free supplies of internal moisture in the air and water at the root. Free growth at this stage is important; for if the reverse is given the plants will be stuuted, and will start into fruit ))rematurely. Let the cultivator, then, keep this constantly in mind. In potting young plants, turn out the ball, and shake oir very gently tlio greater part il not all of the old soil. Pre- serve the healthy roots entire, and repot intc a jiot two sizes larger, following the same method of drainage, and fiUing-in the fresh-aired compost amongst the leaves. Should any of them have sickly or dead roots cut them away entirely, and cut ofl" even the bottom part of the stem if decayed. Fresh roots will soon be emitted owing to the excitement of renewed heat and fresh soil. When plunging the Pine plants, whether they are fruiting plants, succession, or yearlings, after the second row is plunged the first row should have the bast matting used in tying-up the leaves cut loose, and with a smooth stick arrange the leaves into their proper position. At this stage of the plunging ope- ration the ties can be reached more conveniently than if left till the whole of tlie jiit is plunged. When the third row is plunged then release the second from the ties, and so proceed till the last row is plunged ; then cut that row loose, and that finishes the work. Should any leaves hang over the paths, they should be protected by long strings of twine reaching round the pits : these strings will lift up the leaves, and thus preserve them from being broken or cracked. Sonie to save trouble cut such leaves in ; but that is a bad practice, for every healthy leaf should be kept entire if possible. I am supposing that all these three plantations of the Pine Apple in its three stages of growth are done as early in the spring as possible — certainly not later than the first week in March. Done at that early season, when the sun has not such great power, there is less danger of the plants flagging, and consequently no necessity for shading them. Teeatment op StJCKEES anu Crowns. — When the old stools are removed out of the fruiting-house to make room for a fresh stock of plants from the succession-house, then is a convenient time to take off the suckers. The best and safest way to accom- plish this is to turn the old stock out of the pot, shake off the soil, and cut away all the roots, then commence pulling off the lowest leaves one by one till you come to the first sucker. Grasp it firmly, and bend it downwards, till it breaks ofF from the old stem ; lay it on one side, and pull ofJ' the next leaves till the second sucker is bare; then detach it also, wnd so proceed till every sucker on that plant is separated from the old stool. Many of them will have begun to put forth roots, such may be potted immediately, and, according to their size, take their place amongst the succession plants. Previous to potting them pare the bot- tom of the stem quite smooth, and puU off some of the lowest small leaves, being careful not to injure the young roots just starting out from the base of the stem. Small snckers that have not formed any roots may be stuck in the tan-bed for a month or so tUl they emit roots. Crowns. — These will be sent back to the grower from the table, and as the bottom will be soft and full of sap, it is not advisable to either pot them or put them amongst the bark. I generally adopted the plan of first pulling away a few bottom leaves and paring off lihe bottom of the stem, and then laying them upon a shelf in the stove for a week or ten days till the bottom of the stem became witheresl, dry, and firm ; then the crown may safely be either planted amongst the bark or potted, as may be con- venient. Observe, however, never lo water these unrooted suckers or crowns till it is certam tliuc they have pushed forth roots. The Pine Apple is a succulent plant, something like an Aloe or a Cactus, and, therefore, waier will be equally as fatal to an unrooted Pine Apple phnt as it would be to a cutting of an Aloe or a Cactus. 122 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE (JARDENER. [ May 13, 1862. Routine. — Whilet the work of potting, renewing the tan or leaf-bed, is going on, a good opportunity offers of cleaning the inside of the houses. Wash the glass inside and out, whitewash the walls, and scour the stones. At this season (spring), how- eyer, it is not advisable to paint inside, because air cannot be given suiliciently to carry off the offensive effluvia of the paint. When painting inside is absolutely necessary, the best season for it is the middle of summer. The woodwork, however, should be well scrubbed, not only for the sake of cleanliness but also for the destruction of insects which lay their eggs in crevices of the wood. This early work of potting, &c., being finished, the daily rou- tine of attention commences. It may be summed-up in a short paragraph. The first point is a due amount of heat : this I have already given. The next is atmospheric moisture. This is attained by syringing the pipes or flues, and keeping the troughs full of sweet clear water, by syringing the bark when the surface is dry, and by syringing the plants alter a sunny day ; observing, however, not to syringe the fruit when it is in flower or chang- ing to a state of ripeness. Watehing. — Attend to the directions already given, observing, however, not to water newly-potted plants for three weeks or a montli ; by that time new roots will be forming, and the soil will be so dry as to require a good supply to moisten it. For the first two months watering twice a-week will be sufficient ; but in June, July, and August tlirce, or even four, waterings a-week may be necessary. When the fruit is swelling rapidly, if a little water is poured into the crowns it will be serviceable. Fruit that is sweUing-oiT, also should be frequently supplied with liquid manure. It helps them wonderfully to swell up to a large size and form handsome fruit. Giving Aie. — Large crowns are objectionable, .and large crowns arise from too little air being given. Tliat point is the next that I will refer to. Excepting in actual frost I would give air every day — less, of coui'se, in cold wet weather than on hot, dry, sunny days. In the early part of the year give air for two or three hours in the middle of the day, increasing the length of time before shutting-up as the days become longer and warmer, BO that in the very height of summer air may be given by eight o'clock in the morning, or even half an hour earlier, and remain on till five in the afternoon — indeed, in very hot weather, I have frequently left on a little air all night. Attention to this point will cause the plants to grow stout and sturdy ; whereas, a too great closeness will cause them to make long, thin, narrow leaves, and make them so weak that the fruit they will produce will be small, and the crowns disproportionately large. Repotting — Renewing Bottom Heat. — It is very probable that towards June the young plants and successions will have filled their pots with roots ; many, probably, will have sent their bottom roots through the holes at the bottom of the pots into the bark ; also the heat in the bed will have begun to decline. In tliat case it will be necessary to go over the process of repotting, &c., and also to add a small quantity of fresh tan to the bed. The main body of the bed need not be disturbed unless it should be very dry. In such a case a quantity of warm water poured into it will moisten it and cause a fresh fermenta- tion. The bed of the fruiting-house should be renewed also in the same way. On a rough calculation a sixth part of new tan will be sufficient at that time of the year. Though so little is added, yet the effect must be most carefully watched; for a too great bottom heat at this season, would be most peculiarly unfortunate. The fruiting plants should not be repotted, but only top- dressed ; because, if a too great stimulant of growth be applied, that growth will certainly take place, and though the plants will grow larger, they will not be so certain to fruit at the due time. Should they require helping, give them some weak liquid manure instead of fresh compost. T. Appleby. AETIFICIAL WATEK IN GAEDENESQUE SCENEKY, FOE GROWING AQUATIC PLANTS. BY H. NOEL HtTMPHEEYS, ESQ. [Continued from page 104.) ARCHITfcLiLBAI. The above illustration shows the architectural treatment of a fish-pond or pescheria in the gardens of an Italian villa. It exists at the Villa Strada, in the Strada Nuova, near Rome. The {To he continued.) architectural features are perhaps overdone, but are an exoellenft example of the highest and most laborious style to which archi> teetural gardening has been carried in Italy. May 13, 1802. ] JOURNAL OF HOBXICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. BIJOU PLANT AND PROPAGATING CASE. 1-23 _o^j! H A Flexible tube for supplying gas. B Tap. c Circle of gas-jets 3 inches in diameter. D Orifice for escape of heated air. E Opening in floor of hot-air chamber to admit the gas-circle and supply air. F Partition in hot-air chamber to secure equal difl'asion of heat. o Opening at end of partition. H Circle of gas jets, with a peg on each side to retain it in its place. The dotted line shows the course of the heated air from the gas-circle to the outlet at i>. The accompanying illustrations render only a brief description necessary. The glazed front slides out partially or entirely, there being a groove in the framework at the top and bottom. By this, any amount of ventilation is attainable, and the plants are readily arranged. Gas, as a source of heat, is the most powerful and most easily regulated by means of the tap ; but if gas cannot be attained an oil lamp will suffice, even in the severest winter, if a woollen cover be put over the glass at night. At other seasons, if a stove heat is required, two or more of Childs' night lights, according to the temperature of the period, wUl suffice. A thermometer hanging within the Case is a guide by which to regulate the apphcation of more or less heat. The partition in the liot-air chamber not only secures a regular diffusion of heat throughout the hot-air chamber, but serves to support the floor of the frame containing the sand and potted plants. That frame may be Hned either with zinc or block tin, but the hot-air chamber is best lined throughout with galvanised iron. It is decidedly the most elegant and most useful amateurs' plant case that has yet been produced. It can be kept perma- nently at any temperature required, and may be employed for striking cuttings, lor raising seedlings, for growing either stove or greenhouse plants, or for retaining hardy plants long in fijl beauty. — W. Calavaksa Bean.— Surely the word "Calavansa," as the name of a Bean, and referred to in your Jouriials of May 6 and the previous week, is a corruption of the Spanish word"Garbanzo," 124 JOFENAL Olf HORTICULTURE AJSfU COTTAftE G7lRDENER. [ May 13, 1862. the English equivalent whereof ie Haricot Bean, and the Latin, " Cicer arittinum." — A Subsceibee. [It is certainly not the Chick Pea, but a small white Haricot ; we have a pod before us as we write. It is very small, not more than 2i inches long, and contains four white oval seeds, each the size of a small Pea. Vfe did not know that Garhanzo is a synomyme of Haricot. Is it really so ? — Eos. J. of H.] IN-DOOR PLANT CASES. In Mr. D. Beaton's paper on Waltouian Cases, there are some remarks on the In-door Plant Cases which I have patented, seemingly founded on a mistaken idea of my invention; and I am sure you will readily find space for a few words in explana- tion of them, though, indeed, a moment'^ reference to iny former contributions to 30ur Journal would, I think, make the matter clear. My invention (which is chiefly for the growth and preservation of stove plants in rooms), claims the principle of keeping up a constant circulation of air in the Case by the peculiar arrange- ment of the heating apparatus. Tlie idea of " adding hot water to enable the lamji to burn," is quite wide of the mark, since the object of my Cases is to dispense with a lamp entirely, depending on tlie hot water poured in, wliich I find gives suffi- cient heat to flower Gardenias, &c., and to keep very tender etove plants in healtli. My servants tell me it is far less troublesome to pour in a cou)jIe of cans of hot water daily than to trim and refill a lamp witli oil ; and for a drawing-room the absemce of lamps is certainly an advantage. — IC- A. Maling. [No one who compares Mies Maling's and Mr. Walton's Plant Cases can fail to discern that they are totally different. Mr. Beaton only intended to express Mr. Walton's opinion that heating by hot water in a close case was no novelty, and that a patent for that cannot be sustained. No further proof of this is needed than a reference to our " Window Gardening for the Many," where at pages 32, 35, and 81 Mr-. Fish, as far back as 1857, suggests a drawer tilled with hot water in winter as the mode of preserving plants during winter in a glass case. His words are as follows : — "I had seriously thought of recommend- ing for the proprietors of many ef our pretty parlour windows .^. liliputian greenhouse, set upon a ner.t table, only the top was to be iron instead of wood, and the drawer beneath it was to be lined with zinc, but the outside wood in the usual way, with con- veniences for filling this drawer with b.ot water from the kitchen copper, and removing it when cold at pleasure ; but I now gladly give any one the right to make a fortune from such an idea, though entertaming no doubt of its answering well." *' I may mention that a gentleman who is very fond of plants, but who has nothing in the shape of a hotbed, told me the other day that he raises many cuttings and tender seeds very success- fully in a stout old deal box, the bottom part of which is lined with tin, and with a second tin bottom 4 inches above the bottom of the box. This space he fills and empties of water at pleasure by a funnel at one end and a small tap at the other. In general he supplies water every twenty-four hours ; in cold weather twice in that time." Mias Maling, however, says above that Iter invention claims the principle ol' keeping up a constant circulation of air in the Case by the peculiar arrangement of the heating apparatus, a claim which we hope she will never be called upon to sustain in a court of law. The advantage of a lamp, or jet of gas, for heating a glass case is the uniformity of the heat it maintains, and the power of increasing the heat to any elevation desired. Hot water in a tray is constant ly declining in heat, and this cannot be increased. — Eds. J. OF H.] BIEDS AND THE CROPS. I PEKCEIVED that in a recent Journal you noticed the en- deavour of the French Government to prevent the great de- struction of R'laU birds, the loss of which is greatly felt by the French agriculturists ; but the French are not the only suflerers from the destruction of birds, the Legislature of the United States of America found it necessary to enact laws for their protection. Complaints of the ravages of insects owing to the deetruclion of small birds reach us from Canada ; and Australia is importing our despised and persecuted birds, and acclimatising them there for the protection of their crops from the attacks of insect pests. When will the English gardeners .and farmers understand the value of these little feathered checks to the rapid increase of insect marauders ? It is not to be supposed that they are an unmixed good ; many do do some injury, but it is vei-y trifling in comparison to the benefits they confer. It is true that the injury they inflict is often very annoying, and, though small in amount, is personal and direct ; while the good they do is mostly tmoKserved, and frequently not thought of. I thmk I cannot tlo belter than copy for your readers' consi- deration the opinion of Mr. Loudon, which, coming from such an eminent gardener, may perhaps have some weight with them and induce them to spare the birds, v;hile they protect their crops : — "2223, Tbe featliered enemies of ^'iirtleus :ire numerous but not very destructive, cxcypliufj iu .severe wintvrs, wljen tliey eat the t>uds, and during the corainfc-up of email seeds. To preserve ripenina: or germinating seeds where birds .ireruiraerous they must either be covered with a net or watched by man. Scares of dift'ereut sorts as raock uien or cats, mock hawks or eagles, miniature windmills, rattles, lines of feathers, the smell of tar or bruised gunpowder, &c., are of some use ; but the chief dependance must be on watching, nets, and the frequent use of the gun. P. JIusgrave, a practical gardener, who has treated thu subject of vermin in u scientific manner has the following observation on thissutijeot ;— ' Itisa too common practice amongst gardeners to de,stroy without discrimination the birds that frequent tbeii' gardens. This is in my opinion a bad policy. Although I am aware some kinds of birds are great enemies to some crops, it cer- tainly must be a trifling crop indeed tbat will not bear a person to watch it, or a net to protcctit, until it is out of danger; thus the gardener preserves the birds to perform a double oflice, eating up the vermin from the trees, and the seeds of weeds and eggs of insects from the ground. I have often stood and observed the male bird, while the female was sitting upon her eggs or her young, fly to the spot with his bill full of caterpillars to feed his mate or young ; and when the young ones become so strong as to accompany their parents in quest of food, it is really astonishing the num- ber of caterpillars they destroy. I can say from my own observation mat if it was foot the ease that the birds destroy a vast number of caterpillars, our trees in general would exhibit nothing but bare stumps ; for the insects would become as numerous as the locusts of Spain and America. It is from that circumstance that we find to few flies in comparison of the great number of caterpillars. " ' I one day followed a nest of young Oxeyes (Parus major), which had just flown in order to see how the old ones acted. I saw thi:m fly from branch to br.anch and pick from the curled leaves the caterpill irs, with which they flew to their young to feed them. From these considerations it is my opinion, that should the gardener, instead of pursuing a system of indiscriminate warfare against the feathered tribes, avail himself of the seiviceof these useful allies, he might, with their exertions and his own united, soon rid himself of those insects that have hitherto set his efforts at defiance.' " — {£ncyclopiedia of Gardeniitg, p. -126). Your apiarian contributors I v/ould beg to remind that the bee bears a sting, which would prevent the swallow attempting a second : but I think he is unjustly accused. The tomtits would peck the bee to pieces before eating it, and so avoid being stung ; but they rarely take one except from the entrance of the hive in cold weather, and which may be easily prevented. All the family of tits are too valuable as insect-destroyers to be killed ; the bee-hives should be protected from their visits, the birds provided with some food during their time of famine, and pre- served on account of the immcuse amount of benefit they confer on mankind. It is, in my opinion, short-sighted to destroy that which contributes to the public good, because it may happen to cause us some private annoyance or injury. — B. P. Beent. Wbiqht op Makhee. — The average weight of a solid cubic foot of half-rotted stable manure is 56 lbs. If it be dry or coarse, about iS lbs. A load of such manure, or 36 cubic feet, of this second quality, 1728 lbs. ; and of the first quality, 2016 lbs. Eight loads of this first quality, weighing 16,128 lbs., put upon an acre, wiU give 108 lbs. to each square rod, and less than 2J- lbs. to each square foot. An acre containing 43,760 square feet, the calculation is easily made of the pounds per foot, ■which will be tns result from any known quantity per acre put on. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The April Meeting was presided over by F. Smith, Esq.> President. The donations to the Society's library were of con- siderable interest, including the recent publications of the Linnoean and .Agricultural Societies, the Royal Society of Munich, the Society of Arts, the Natural History Society of Montreal, &c. A new natural hi.story journal recently com- menced at Copenliagen (containing an elaborate memoir on the spines of plants, and on the genus Parkinsonia), and the first half of a new work on the Butterflies of South Africa, by Mr. May 13, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 125 Ti'eirten, published iit tl.o Cupo of Good lIo[i(.>, wore also on the table. Tho President announoerl that the first part of a new series of the Society's "Transactions" was ready for Joliyery to the members. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a box of insects of various orders, containing some very rare species collected in South Africa by Mr, Tremen. Also a new British species of Bryaxis (a genus of minute Beetle.'" allied to tho Staphylinidae), taken in the north of England by the Rev. Mr. Little. Mr. Newman exhibited a remarkable female specimen of the Liparis dispar, the Gipsy Moth, which has both the antenniD pectinated nearly as strongly as in the male, tho wings coloured and marked as in the male (excepting rather lighter), but with the abdomen that of the female. Mr. Newman regarded this as the first pseudogynous specimen which had been observed among insects. Dr. Wallace stated that ho had observed that when female Moths have been prematurely developed, as by keeping the elir5salid8 in a warmer position than that in which they are naturally placed, the eggs and worms are found in a very immature condition. Mr. Stainton exhibited a specimen of one of the Vaponrer Moths, Orgyia eririe, the female of which is destitute of wings, and never quits the interior of its cocoon on assuming tlie perfect state. Such is also the ease with the females of Orgyia rupestris and two other European species, whereas the females of tho two Britisli species creep out of the cocoon when hatched ; they do not, however, leave their old abode, but deposit their eggs on the outside of the cocoon, within which the females of the other species lay their ova. Mr. Fenn exhibited a specimen of the rare Moth, Laphygma exiguB, taken on Sallow blossoms on the 24th March. Mr. Pascoo exhibited three specimens of Xenocerus semi- luctuosus, belonging to the Anthribidee, from the Moluccas, remarkable for the variation in size and development of the individuals. One of these was a female, but the two others were males, which satisfactorily proved the occurrence of dimor- phism in that sex, tiie larger having the legs and antenna; greatly elongated, whilst in the other, which was much smaller, the limbs were comparatively very short. This was also stated to be the case with the species of tlie allied genus Meeocerus. AUu-ion was made to the various forms in certain species of South American Butterflies, of which an account had recently been read by Mr. Bates at the Linnsean Society, but these were merely instances of mimetic analogy. Professor Westwood stated that it had long been known that in those species of insects in which the males exhibited greatly developed organs, such as the comuted Di7nastidsc and Coprida; or the mandi- bilated Lucnmdro, there were also a certain number of males which remained, as it were, stimted in their development, and scarcely to be distinguished from females. How far these were incapable of producing their kind had not been observed ; but the specimens mentioned by Mr. Pascoe afforded the first instance in whicli tho antennte afforded similar discrepancies in the male sex. Mr. P. Smith exhibited a monstrous specimen of Chrysomela Banksii, of which one of the hinder tibise was furnished with three distinct tarsi, giving it the appearance of a bird's claw. Also a living specimen of Endophloeus spinulosus, taken in the New Forest by Mr. Turner. Genera! Sir J. B. Hearsey exhibited a case containing a number of beautiful insects of different orders from north-western India. And Mr. F. Moore an extensive and highly interesting series of the silk-producing Moths of Asia, with specimens of their cocoons and silken products contained in fourteen drawers, intended as part of the Indian contribution to the Great Inter- national Exhibition of 1862. He made some observations on the different species, and on the variations in the silk textures produced by each. Dr. Schaum communicated a paper containing remarks on the adoption of obsolete specific names in entomology, rather than such as may subsequently have come into more general use. In his observations the author was severe on the works of various English authors— viz., Marsham, Stephens, Hope, and Waterhouse ; the former on accovint of the asserted insufficiency of their descriptions, and the latter for having adopted the law of priority in nomenclature. This memoir led to considerable discussion. Mr. Fereday read some notes on a variety of the Moth, Tseniocampa munda, contending that such varieties were the results of pairing between individuals which were not true to the typo of tho species, but that where both parents were true, the progeny was also true. Mr. F. Walker read some notes on the American species of Fritillary Butterflies, Argynnis cybele and aphroitc, which he regarded as varieties of the same species. Tho Secretary read a notice oi the injuries committed on the Sugar Canes in tho Mauritius, by the larva) of a Moth, known by tho common name of the Borer, communicated to the Society of Arts bv Mr. Morris. WOEK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. The recent battering rains will have rendered the operation of continual surface-stirring necessary. The Dutch or scuffle-hoe is good for this work amongst wide open crops ; but wherever practicable, a light thin-tined fork is preferable, as it enters deeper into the soil and makes more ell'ectual work. Small crane-necked hoes are best for stirring the soil amongst seedling crops. By all means avoid treading on the soil after this opera- tion is performed, particularly if it is at all moist. Continue to trench-up all ground remaining or becoming vacant. A watchful eye to be kept on the seedling crops that they do not fail a prey to snails and slugs. Broccoli, prick-out the seedlings as soon as they are lit to handle, also Brussels Sprouts. Cabbage, some of the most forward of the early sowing will now be in a fit state for final transplanting, which should be done the first favourable opportunity ; and if dry weather should prevail they must be kept well supplied with water. Cauliflowers, prick-out the seedlings as soon as they are sufficiently large to enable you to do so, and water the advancing crops with liquid manure ; cither the drainage from the dung-heap, or guano, pigeons' dung, horse, cow, or sheep dung, dissolved in water, to be applied in a clear state. Draw a little fresh soil to the stems after the operation. Leehs, transplant from tho eeed-bed as soon as they are large enough, in rows 18 inches apart and 9 inches plant from plant ; the soQ cannot be too rich. Lettuce, tie-up for blanching a few of the largest Bath Cos that have stood through the winter ; these should be kept well supplied with water if neces- sary in order to induce rapid growth, whicli is essential to the production of that tender erispness so much prized in this variety. Mushrooms, cellars or cool sheds are tiie best places for making beds during summer. Prepare a quantity of materials for making a large bed at once, as it will be found to continue in heaving much longer than smaller beds ; and, therefore, there wiU be no necessity tor making them so often. It is almost im- possible to keep Mushroom-beds free from grubs during summer unless the situation is very cool. Potatoes, when they are above ground fork between the rows, which will prove of great advantage to the crops. Tomatoes, plant-out a few on the south border against the wall ; the main crop had better be delayed. The same remarks apply to Capsicums, Basil, and Marjoram. FLOWEK GAEDEN. Bring out all the flower-baskets and tubs which have been housed during winter, and set them in their proper places ; these add much to the beauty and general outline of the landscape, especially where the surface is tame and unbroken. See that due attention is paid to the general effect they may have upon the scene, by placing them in situations where they will be seen to advantage ; also procure, if not done already, some good rough turfy loam to fill them. Continue to stake plants in bor- ders, and bulbous plants in beds, as they advance in growth, frequently stir the surface of beds and borders, especially after such heavy ra'ns as we have had lately. Go on thinning-out the annuals sown in the borders, they should nevei' be allowed to smother each other by being left too thick. Dahlias, Salvias, and all plants intended for flower-garden decoration should bo gradually inured to the open air by drawing off the lights before fin:\lly planting them out. See that standard Roses arc properly secured against high winds, and tho caterpillar and green fly. Those which were budded last season should be again gone over, and all buds and suckers that proceed from the stock destroyed. FKUIT GAEDEN. Continue disbudding and thinning the young wood as it advances on Peach, Apricot, and Plum trees; retain no more wood than can be laid in without crowding. One well-ripened branch that has been well exposed to sun and rir is generally 12S JOURNAL OF HORTICULTXJBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 13, 1862. more proliSc than half a dozen branches that have been huddled together, and, consequently, are ill-matured. Thin Peaches and Apricots where too tliick, leaving double the number required for a crop till they are stoned, when they must have their final thinning. The Apricots, if wanted for tarts, must be left until they are large enough for that purpose. Do not forget to use every available means to keep Strawberries in a free-growing state, by timely applications of water and frequent surface-stirring. STOVE. A very kindly temperature and healthy Iiumidity should now be kept up, and regular attention be given to the supply of air, to shading the plants, syringing, and bottom-watering. " Many fre.'-growing autumn-blooming plants, that liave been encouraged to make their growth, should now receive less nourishment in the way of liquid manure, and also a gradually diminished supply of water at the roots. In a short time such plants may be placed in an intennediate-house, where, if they can enjoy light and air, their growth will be properly matured and the flowering buda will set abundantly. Encourage young stock of all kinds to make a sturdy free growth. GBEENHO08E AND CONSEBVATOBT. Follow former directions as to airing, watering, &c., and use every endeavour to keep a moist gi-owing atmosphere at all times. Attend in due time to those plants which require potting, and ply the finger and thumb vigorously to those plants of a rambling or loose habit of growth, so as to get them compact and bushy. Some of the most forward of the Azaleas, which were stopped some time back, will now be breaking again, and, if necessary, this is the proper time to give a second shift. Stop those whicli require it. All Azaleas, as soon as tliey are out of bloom, should be taken into heat to make their growth, syringing them copiously, and supplying them liberally with manure water. William Keake. DOIJSTGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. Cleared away tl\e remains of most of the Brussels Sprouts, and the stems of the most forward Broccoli. Even the latest of this, owing to the hot sunny days, is coming in too much at once to be long useful, and if taken up and kept in a cold shady place it loses its flavour. Removed the most of tlie Winter Greens, with the exception of variegated Kale, and Scotch Cabbaging Kale, which, as yet, show few signs of flowering. The last is one of the most useful vegetables alike for hardiness and continued production. Some of the plants from a row had remained two seasons, and from being cut over were a mass of shoots. Left also a little longer the plain- looking green Asparagus Kale, which is well named, tlie slioots being little inferior to Asparagus. Finished planting out young plants of the latter, placing them in rows 4 inches apart "in tlie row, and 27 inches from row to row. The jilants are placed on a fine pulverised surface, and rich material put over them in the ridge-and-furrow style. Finished also planting out in rows four-inch pieces of the Sea-kale forced in houses. With the exception of the crown ends, the next best of tlie old plants for this purpose are the small finger-like roots about as thick as a lady's little finger. These soon make crown-buds and grow freely. The plants over which pots were placed in the open air, have afforded some fine gatherings, but have at last rebelled against our authority, and notwithstanding our sinking the pot a little, and a spadeful of soil on the top of it, have lifted the pots on their crowns so far as to let in light from below. Have any readers tried the green flower-heads of Sea-kale just when opening ? if not, then do not fail to do so, for if well cooked they are excellent, and are often carelessly thrown away. Sowed also what little seed we had. These seedlings if well used may be forced the first winter, and always in the second. I now generally sow and plant in rows about 2 feet apart, the plants being left about 9 inches in the row, and then lift the most that I need for forcing. Threw a little rough salt between the rows of the Sea-kale an°d Asparagus, alike to encourage growth, kill snails, and discourage weeds. A good piece of Sea-kale is a fine thing to have to go to in a severe winter. Where much is to be raised, a little litter may be thrown over the gi-ound to keep out frost, and to permit of easy hfting, and any person may have it in perfection who can take the roots packed in soil to a cellar or other dark place, with a temperature ranging from 50° to 55°. Sowed a border of dwarf China Beans, and planted out more under glass for the last crop, taking care to pick those bearing regularly, as other- wise they soon get too old and injure the plants. If close- picked and well nourished there is no difficulty in keeping plants now bearing in a pit from bearing until the frosts come. Find Tom Thumb Pea very useful for early work in pots under glass jirotection, and in such fine weather as this, the pots may be set out of doors. Potted-off Capsicums and Chilies. A super- abundance is useful for serving-out insects, especially when mixed witli tobacco paper. Planted a two-light frame with Cucum- bers, to prevent cropping those in pit too heavily, and thus pre- maturely exhausting the plants. Planted out Melons singly, generally two in a light, to be trained on the ground. Can hardly find room for pots this season, though that is a good way to grow them. Pricked out Lettuces, Cauliflowers, Celery, &c., on a border, some 3 inches or 4 inches apart, the latter to rise with balls, the plants having been forwarded in heat. Tvpo lights of the strongest plants were planted under glass to get them early and strong. A Uttle trouble with the border pays all the labour. We prepare it thus : throw on it a little rotten dung — say 2 inches, prick that in with a fork and mix with the soil, moved 2 inches deep. Place over that about an inch or more of rotten leaf mould, and then a couple of inches of light, fresh soil, in which plant. Most things, if at all fibry-rooted, will rise with fine balls, and never feel the moving. We shade with a few spruce branches at first, after thus pricking-out, and besides the shade the branches from their scent help to keep fly, and weevil, and slug, too, at a distance. FETJIT GABDEN. Disbudded a little of Apricot and Peach trees out of doors, preferring to do it gradually. Ran the hoe through Strawberry- quarters, expecting fully the rain which came so sweetly on Tuesday night, and a thorough drenching now almost secures a fine Strawberry crop. Just as a proof of what a little bottom heat will do, found that the young Strawberry plants raised from the border, potted firmly, and set half plunged in a mild hotbed about a loot liigli, as described the other week, quite ex- posed to the air, and otherwise having no protection whatever, were in full bloom before those in the borders had scarcely opened a flower. They may not be wanted, but it is always pleasant in our changeable climate to have a hundred or two hundred pots moveable, where to a certain extent you are in- dependent of the weather. Already the fine roots are getting to the sides of the pots. Now, be it clearly understood, that though this lifting, potting, and slight forcing if desirable, may do very well in spring, it is a great risk to depend on any such plan in December and January. For early work the pots must be full of roots and the buds well ripened. Dusted soot and ashes over some Gooseberry bushes where a few caterpillars had made their appearance. Gave some manure water to Raspberries and Black Currants, both of which suck it pleasantly, if not given too strong. Watered fresh-planted trees with clear water. Hunted insects in orchard-house. Catch them and squeeze them being, after all, the most eHeotual remedy. Stopped and disbudded as necessary, and find that all things in pots have evaporated much moisture and need supplies pretty constantly ; and, what mj good assistants say is very strange, if there is a dry pot in the house I am sure to go straight to it at once and find it out. Tied-up the Vines in the late vinery, having hitherto been tied close to the front of the house beneath the roof, and so kept cool by plenty of front air. I was afraid to leave them longer in case the young shoots should be knocked off in fresh-arranging them in their more regular vertical posi- tion. Of all the untouchable things in the Vine way I have come across, are the young budding-shoots of the Stockwood Golden Hamburgh. I have lost some fine incipient bunches this season, just from treating them, in moving the shoots, some- thing like other Vines. The least touch will cause the young shoot 2 inches or 3 inches long to break from last year's shoot. "To be forewarned is to be forearmed." Treat such shoots tenderly, and all will be well. Regulated, tied, and stopped in second vinery, and took the opportunity of a dry sunny day to pull a dry hand over the bunches of Muscats in bloom. Flower department much as last week. — K. F. CATALOGUES EECEIVED. James Carter ^ Co.'s Oardener's and Farmer's Vade-Mecum Flanl Siipplemenf for 1862. T/ie Spring List of Soft-wooded Bedding and otlier Plants May 13, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OK HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 127 cultivated ami sold hii JC. G. Henderson tj* Son^ Wellington Hoad^ St, John's Wood, NJi\ A Retail Catalogue of New and Rare Plants offered hg F, (5" A. Smithy J?ark Road^ Dulwichy S. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *#* We request that no one will write privately to tlie depart- mental writers of the ''Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing thoy are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications sliould therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the ''Journal of Morticttlture, tfc," 162, Fled Street, London, F.C, We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Coloured Flowkr-gaiiden- Vlkh (Rev. A. i^'.).— Some months since we had seveial most excellent coloured plans sent to us, with a forcible repre- sentation that such, if published, would be more instructive and be more readily appreciable by gardeners than any uncolourert plans however full and correct the descriptions accompanying them. Wc promptly assented, but were compelled to add, "There is no sufficiently cheap and correct mode of carrying out the suggestion." Since then a mode has been disci)vered, and we shall place the results before you a"d our other readers in the course of a few weeks. Seeds [P. A'//'/'*). — The seed is Fenugreek (Trigonella fconumgrjpcum). Apple Blossom {G. H. iJ.).— No one can tell the name of an Apple from a specimen of its blossom. It is difficult enough to do so from an inspection of the fruit. ViNERT-BORDEK 'J. F.y Kiddeniihisfer). — Look back to Irisli notes, and see how Jlr. McNeill, Mr. Milroy, and Mr. Watts do their Vine-borders. We have no objection to bricking the front to prevent the roots getting beyond their allotted space, nor yet have we any objection to the bricks at bottom to prevent the roots getting down ; but we would not have the bottom flat as you show, but sloping, and on that we would place 9 inches of open nibble as brickbats, ttc. You would then have plenty of space for soil The drain in front must be a foot below the brick bottom at least. Good fresh turfy loam is the best compost ; and the best mixtures with it would be some tenth part of brick rubbish, and some one-hundredth pai-t of old broken bones. If more strength is I'equired give it by top-dressings and manure waterings. Vigorous Vixes (T7-e>if).—\\e think from your description the Vines niust be all right, as they are so short-jointed and fruitful. If they are spur- pruned, then stop before the bunch one joint, and keep stopping; and all the laterals behind remove, except those from the two eyes nearest the branch. If you must remove more leaver, do not take them from the buds you want fcr fruit-shoots next year. We think if yon keep clear of laterals it will do. AsPARAGCs (An Inquire/-]. — Abundance of liquid manure during the growing season, April to September, and not cutting later than the end of May. are cardinal iiiles for obtaining good heads. If you require all the details of Asparagus culture buy our "Kitchen Gardening for the Many," which you can have free by post from our office if you sene live postage stamps with your direction. ' Heat Liqvifving Sap (F. IT. A. 5.).— Heat does not liquify sap, it merely arouses the roots into action, and they imttibe more moisture from the soil. The moisture imbibed dissolves, as it ascends, the nutritive matters deposited in the sap-vessels during the previous growing season. Such subjects are involved in much uncert^iinty, and are best left for discussion to men of science and leisure. We shall be glad to receive any notes on prac- tical gardening the results of your own experience. Flower Garden {G. Holmes).— Yoxx have planted the flower-garden plan very well, and the ribbon-border the same. A centre bed of standard Roses Mignonette, and Variegated Mint to edge with. Six long oval beds all round, with six kinds of Verbenas, a Fuchsia in eitcli, and all edged with Cerastium. An outer circle ot six beds of bad shape, or rather very bad shape, capitally planted with Variegated and plain-leaved Geraniums alter- nately, and a ribbon of nine rows, with three colours three times repeated, or Purple King, Aurea floribundu, and Tom Thumb— all very good. Manure AVatek for Varie 0 to 5 6 Smaller do 3 6 ,, 4 0 Chickens 3 0 „ 3 6 Guinea Fowls 3 0 „ 3 6 Goslings 0 0,06 Each-s. rf. «■ ■ • (sun Barometer. Thermom. Wind, ^^p" j Rises. •03 3af 4 2 4 1 4 III 58 3 57 3 66 3 Sun Set. . m. h. 49 a 7 51 52 53 55 56 57 Moon Clock Rides Moon's after ind Sets Age. Sun. m. li. m. 8. 33 n ( 3 45 53 0 23 3 42 11 1 24 3 38 29 1 25 3 33 47 1 26 3 28 6 2 27 S 23 29 2 28 3 17 Day of Year. 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 Mbtkokoioot of the Week.— At Chiswick, from observations durinff the la«t thirty-five years, the average hiRhest and lowest temperatures of these days are 6C.7' and 44.2' respectively. The ereatest heat, 89', occurred on the 23rd, in 1847 ; and the lowest cold, 29", on the 25th in 1839. During the period 144 days were fine, and on 101 rain fell. CYCLAMENS. more than three months ago you obliged me by iuaerting in your Journal (Vol. II., p. 354), an inquiry respecting the Cyclamen, which has been found wild in our country, and to which our most po- pular floras give the name of C. hederaifolium. My objeethasbeen to ascertain whether our plant is the same as C. neapolitanum of Prof. Teuore ; and from tlie remarks of Mr. Beaton appended to my inquiry, and from other information subsequently received, I am nearly satisfied that it is the same. That the plant which grows at Sandhurst, in Kent, and blossoms in the autumn, is so there can scarcely be a doubt ; and I am now satisfied that the one which grows at Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire, is the same as the Sandhurst plant, having lately received from that locality dried specimens of the flowers, both purple and white, which were produced in September. Of the Suffolk plant, I have not till lately doubted that it blossoms iu the spring, having relied on the statt^ment of Sir J. E. Smith in " English Botany " and " English Flora ;" but I am now somewhat sceptical about it. He does not, that I am aware of, anywhere say that ho had seen it in blossom in the spring ; but as he evidently considered it identical with the Ivy-leaved spring-flowering Cyclamen of the older botanists, which, as well as C. hederafolium of "Botanical Magazine," lODl, is, I have no doubt, C. repandum of recent botanists, he might naturally conclude that it did blossom in the spring. The specimens which he mentions having received from Suffolk may have been of roots only, which he would be likely to plant in his garden ; and if he did, his saying that in a cultivated state it sometimes blossoms in the autumn, is I'eadily accounted for. I must not, however, hastily conclude that the Suffolk plant does not, at least sometimes, blossom in the spring ; for though the speci- mens which I have received of seedling descendants from that locality have with me invariably blossomed in the autumn, they were sent to me with the statement that their time of blossoming is the spring ; and if those to whom I am indebted for them were mistaken, I can only account for it by supposing that they were led into the error in some such way as I have supposed Smith to have been. Perhaps some others of your readers may possess the Suffolk plant ; and if any of them have had it blossom this spring, they would oblige me as well as others by communicating the fact through your pages, and sending you specimens for your opinion as to its iden- tity with C. neapolitanum. In your Number for February 11th, page 388. C. euro- paeum is spoken of as a sickly plant under cultivation. So I have found it when grown in pots — at least, in small No. 60.— Vol. III., New Seeks pots ; in larger ones — say 7 inches or 8 inches diameter, half filled with stones, and filled up with light earth mixed with a few small stones, I believe it would do well. It has done fairly with me in the common open border ; but it would no doubt be an improvement to provide for it a raised bed of light earth mised with stones, such being the kind of habitat in which I have almost invari- ably seen it in a wild state. But I cannot do better than refer such of your readers as are interested in its culti- vation to the excellent paper of " .1. A. P." at page 39 of the Number for April 1'}. If a few large stones were placed on the surface of the bed, especially on the more exposed sides, they would give the kind of shelter which, he remarks, is so congenial to this plant. My knowledge of this species in its wild state is not nearly so extensive as that of " J. A. P.," being confined to a rocky district about ten miles south of Geneva, and to a few spots on the borders of the road between Geneva and Chamouny. On these roadside places I observed it but sparingly ; but in the rocky district it grows plenti- fully, especially on the western slopes of Mont Saleve. From this locality I have at difi'erent times taken up and brought home many of the roots, which are here found for the greater part amongst loose stones — sometimes nearly on the surface, sometimes 6 inches or more deep. Seating myself on the ground for the purpose of removing the stones, I once extricated eight good roots without moving from my seat ; and my friend .las. Atkins, the originator of the beautiful hybrid Cyclamen which bears his name, who was my companion at the time, obtained eleven roots without shifting iiis position. We found a few roots, perhaps about one in a hundred, bearing pure white flowers, which I do not remember to have seen anywhere else. The leaves, so far as I have observed them, are generally heartshaped, seldom round like those of C. coum, and they are as large at least as those of that species, I think for the greater part rather larger ; they are so. as I have the two now growing in my garden. They are entire at the edge, or but obscurely crenate ; very unlike the crisped and sharply-crenulate leaves of the figure of Sweet's " British Flower Garden." But tliat figure was drawn from a specimen of Hungarian origin, and " J. A. P." informs us (page 40) that in the more northern localities the leaves are more decidedly toothed. The earliest time of the year at which I have seen this Cyclamen in blossom is the 10th of July, and then it was but partially so ; it was in full blossom from about the middle of July to the end of August, and early in September I observed that the blossoms were beginning to fade. Now that the inquiry about Cyclamens has been so fully opened in your pages, I hope it will not be closed until the several species are better known and more clearly defined than hitherto they have been. Some botanists, and Mr. D. Beaton appears to be of the num- ber, are of the opinion that C. vernum is of hybrid origin ; others make it a variety of C. coum. In tlie Prodromus of De Candolle it appears as a variety of this species, or as synonymous with it But " J. A. P." evidently No. 712.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Series. 132 JODBKAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 20, 1862. considers it a distinct species ; and from his long cultivation of it, as well as from bis knowledge of tlie whole genus, his opinion is entitled to much consideration. It appears doubtful, however, whether it was known to the old botanists. I cannot find a reference for it to any one of them, except that Sweet quotes Morison'e " Historia Plantarum," an old folio of 1680, which I have not seen ; but he also quotes Miller's " Dictionary," No. 4, " Cyclamen (vernale) foliis angulosis integris," which appears to agree better with repandum than witli vernum ; for, in addition to the " foliis angulosis," the flowers are said to be large, white or pale purple, with a bright red or purple bottom ; whereas in Sweet's figure the leaves are nearly round, not angular, and the flowers are nearly of as full a red as those of C. coum. If Miller has C. vernum at all it is, I think, his No. 2, "Cyclamen (Purpurascens) foliis orbiculatc-cordatis, iuferne purpurascenlibns." I refer to the eighth edition of the "Dic- tionary ;" Sweet quotes from the tiiird, but I suppose the num- bers and descriptions are the same in both editions. The " Cyclamen vernum " of Gerard's " Herbal " and of Par- kinson's " Paradisus " is, I have no doubt, C. repandum. Gerard's " Cyclamen orbieulato folio," and Parkinson's " Cyclamen Eoma- num Autumnale," come the nearest to our C. vernum, and except in the time of blossoming, there is not much either in the figures or descriptions to prevent their being received for it. 0. neapolitanum is well figured and described by Gerard's *' Cy- clamen folio IIeder;r," and Parkinson's " Cyclamen folio hedera; autumnale." Another impediment in the way of receiving C. vernum as a distinct species is, that no country appears to be known to which it is indigenous. If it can be found wild in any country, that, of course, woxdd settle the question. Of C. ibiricum, I see no reason to doubt its being indigenous to the country from which it takes its name. In the " Horti- cultural Magazine " of August, 1849, where a description is given of it, it is said to be a " native of Iberia ; " and a friend has informed nie that he has received two parcels of imported roots, which he had every reason to believe were direct from that country. — T. ('., Haleshigh. P.S. — At page (11 of your Journal of April 22, there is the same error of " Genoa " for Geneva, as occurs at page 492, Vol. II., in the Number of March 18. EAISING EVEBGEEEN AND DECIDUOUS STANDABDS. In the early A'olumes of Thb Cottage Gaedenek there were long chapters about how to make standards and half-standards of most of the old evergreen and deciduous shrubs, and reasons and arguments were adduced for the application of such plants on terrace gardens, and every inducement was put forth for going that way to work ; but, unfortunately, the old Horticul- tural Society set its face against any sucli move, and Mr. Appleby was just lueky enough to escape being transported for venturing to exhibit the first standards of Deutzia gracilis, and the last tliat were ever seen at Chiswick Shows. Things are otherwise uow, and no plants are more prized by the revived Royal Ilorticultui'al Society tlian standards inside and out its garden structures. I went through the grounds and conservatory the other day, and the standards of the Portugal Laurel seemed to me likely to do there after all. During the winter they and the Cedar of Leba- non looked wretched, but they are breaking strong. If Mr. Appleby comes up to the Exhibition he could revenge himself now for ilie vituperation inflicted on his Deutzias, for the new Society has a collection of the most ridiculous Tom- Thumb-looking bronze statues about some of the upper steps near the conservatory, which no mortal with a grain of artistic genuine taste would ever put in such places — unless, indeed, they are meant to signify that the Society is now pUant, and that you could do anything in reason with them, and select even standard Laurustinuses above all other things for their display of winter flowers in fine glass houses. The Society patronises every good move in that direction now, and we have this week felt the first pulse of the new move coming back on us who led the storming party against Fort Prejudice a long time ago. That pulse was from au amateur, who wishes to know if the Laurustinus is worked on stocks of the Gueldres Rose. The question is not so far out as it might seem ; for although there is no natural allinity for working bet ween the two — the one an evergreen, the other not — there is sufficient family affinity to warrant the idea. But standard Laurels of all kinds, from nobilis to the last variety of the family, are made ten times better on their own roots than on the roots of their near neigh- bours; and most fortunately, nothing is more easy of doing than to raise them all on their own roots, just as the old Cottage Gaedenee said they ought to be done — that is, by cutting down to the ground ; even as late as next week would do. In the ease of an old plant of Sweet Bay, of Portugal or common Laurel, or of Phillyrea, or Rhamnus, or Alaternus, scoop the ground from near the collar of the plant, and with a small Imnd-saw cut through the stem as low as you can do it ; stir the ground all round, and if the stump bleeds let it — but let there be no doctoring, a little blood lost is often more saved ; water the stool, and wait awhile. When the suckers come very thick together thin them, •■ind when they are 6 inches high put 4 inches deep of cocoa-nut fibre refuse in a heap all round them, and the damp in that will keep the stems of the suckers as soft as they are then for the next six weeks. By the time the suckers are, any one of them, just 20 inches above the heap of cocoa-nut fibre refuse, open that heap down to the surface ot the old stock, and 3 inches above the old-cut stock take off' a ring of bark an inch wide from every sucker that is of that length, and before the end of August every one of these ringed parts will have a fringe of roots all round, and the cocoa-nut fibre refuse is then quite full of such fat white luxuriant-looking roots as you never saw before coming above ground, even from a Vine in a waah- house-like temperature. I said, seven long years since, that there was nothing on the face of the earth or under it, in which the roots of Hollies and Deodars and all manner of trees would luxuriate so soon and so much as in tliis cocoa-nut fibre refuse, just then fully proved in the Experimental Garden, and I repeat the same now, when every one is holding up the hand in its favour. But prove the fact, and secure to yourself such beautiful evergreen standards at the same time as the Royal Horticultural Society are now grow- ing in their splendid new conservatory. All the plants in this do one real good to see how well they thrive, and none of them better than the standard Laurustinuses, which have been beauti- fully in flower there all the winter, and are now left there to make and ripen their young wood, and to be hardened-off in the autumn, just like Chinese Azaleas and Camellias, for flowering again next winter, even in a more flourishing state than they ever had tl.'e chance of being in before they got into such comfcrt- able quarters. But, about the rooted young standards, which are to be, in that wonderful cocoa-nut fibre refuse, let us now follow them to their final separation from the old stools. In the autumn of the first year, as we have just seen, they have eacli a mass of roots, and they ought to remain unmoved all that winter, and to the middle of next April if they are evergreens, then to be cut below where they have been ringed for rooting from. Choose a dripping time to separate them, and before you plant them out for nurs- ing up to be what you require, find out all the buds or eyes, which are situated among the matted roots, and pick them out thoroughly so as to do away with the chance of suckers ever rising from them. Disbud also a foot or 18 inches above the roots, and for the next two years only stop the rest of the side shoots that may issue from the stems of those which ulti- mately are to be the standards, and see tliat none of the shoots which are to form the head get on faster than the rest ; stop them if they do, and bring all of them up on equal terms, and you never could expect to see such beautiful standards as you will have, or may possess, if you keep strictly to these well- known simple rules of obtaining such things. But, recollect also, if you were to give Ihem plenty of cocoa- nut fibre refuse as others would give them manuire, you wUl gain time and finer roots. Then, if your stool standards are of deciduous kinds, as Persian and common Lilacs, Gueldres Rose, or any Spirseas and the like, they must be parted from the stools by the end of February, and be done exactly as the evergreens. And, moreover, every hardy tree or shrub, deciduous or evergreen, in this country or in any other, will yield to propagation on that plan. The only special and essential proceeding iu the whole of the treatment is to keep the bottom part of the young shoot as soft and as suc- culent as table Asparagus, until the shoot is large enough to be ringed near the bottom, and that can be done only by a heap of the cocoa-nut fibre refuse, exactly on the jilan here set forth. I have seen suckers of variegated Hollies root that way sa freely, May 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDRNER. 133 eoemingly, as Verbenas, and there is not a shade of doubt in niv mind about the young shoots of any plant rooting the some wav under similar circumstances. U. Beaton. A FEW DAYS IN IKELAND.-No. 23. MONTROSE. This beautiful residence of William Jamieson, Esq., is only a short distance from Alderman Roe's, and the demesne is of mueh less extent as far as appearances go. On entering the lodg.' and passing along tlie approach we noticed some nice plants of Kollies and Conifer.s, and learnt that more, in addition to Thn- jopses and Cypresses, were to be added. By the sides of the approach were little dots of circles of iloweriug plants, with Roses — thus destroying everything like breadth of view, and giving an undesirable sensation about flowers before reaching the flower garden. On speaking to Mr. Laidley. the gardener, who had only been there a short time, he told us all these circles were to be turfed-up, and we were glad to hear it. Scarcely any other arrangement could so thoroughly break uji the massiveness of a place, and lessen and even destroy all sense of dignity as this frittering with flower-beds along a carriage road, and the evil is anything but uncommon. As you get near the mansion a large Portugal Laurel and a Yew-hedge, &c., conceal the offices on the right side of the approach. As at Nutley, the pleasure grounds are south and e.-.st of the mansion, and the kitchen garden more eastward still. A walk runs through a slip ot shrubbery on the south side of the lawn, and this walk is tlioroughly concealed from view by a combina- tion of rootery and rockery in irregular sweeping lines, and perhaps some l feet in height. That on the west side imme- diately in front of the mansion is so well clothed with Ferns, creeping plants, Moss, Saxifrage, Sedums, &c., and overhung with evergreen Oaks, &c., as to bo rather unobjectionable in an artistic point of view. That on the east side is equally well seen from the house and the conservatories, and, what- ever may be the material of its chief construction, showed great masses of white flints, yet uncovered in September. In such an elegant place the fiints seemed as glaringly out of place as the white flint-mound alluded to iu another pretty place a few weeks ago. The whole gardens would be nearly three acres, and rather more than one-third we should suppose was devoted to lawn and flower garden. On the east side of the lawn there did not seem to be a very good separation between the ornamental and the useful departments. We forget whether the ridge of rockwork was continued there from north to south or not ; if so, it was not so high as on the south side. Notwithstanding the rage tor rooteries and rockworks, we are unable to see the propriety of such mounds bounding a fine- dressed lawn, and in front of an elegant mansion, unless it be true that the more violent the contrast the greater tlie pleasure. If desirable to conceal the walk in the slip thoroughly from the pleasure ground, an evergreen shrubbery faced with Rhododen- drons would furnish a nice background ; and as the south side of that would be screened by the trees farther south still, there might have been no end of rockeries, and rooteries, and ferneries, as distinct and separate objects of attraction, and which could not be seen at all from the lawn or the mansion. We may be thoroughly wrong in our idea, though not wrong in expressing it, that such mounds on a fine-dressed lawn and seen from fine sitting-rooms, speaking from every wall and corner of refined taste and artistic skill, are as much in the right direction as setting the most rustic rough-looking three-legged stools as ornaments in a lady's boudoir. Taste, however, is an unde- finable thing, and every man has a perfect right to carry out the ideas which he cheerfully pays for. Some love the showy and gaudy ; others the neat, the retiring, the small, or even almost microscopical, in vegetable nature. For giving comfortable homes to such little beauties there is nothing so suitable as the crannies and recesses in a rootwork or rockery. Wlien we meet with a thorough enthusiast in this branch of vegetable study, and observe the pleasure and satisfaction which it yields, we seem to catch a portion of the same spirit ; and as in the case of the rockwork close to the elegant mansion of Lamport Hall, in Northauiptonshire, forget each and every thing about the position. As to flowers, there seemed to be a nice group of beds close to the principal rooms of the mansion, a nice group in the centre of the lawn, Roses on each side of the main walk with small circles of flowers round them, which Koses it was proposed to iiiake of even he;glit,with circles of flowers betweecn, or a waved ribbon-border instead ; and, be8i(ies all this, the borders in trout of the houses were tilled with bedding plants pretty well up to the wall-plates — a practice perhaps a little too common, not so much for impoverishing the border as keeping the sun's rays from it. The chief thing, however, that rivetted our atten- tion, and which has been too much neglected in most flower gardens on the grouping system, were two massive stand-points of colour that by their height gave something like repose to the rest of the lawn, otherwise dotted quite enough. The first is on the west or entrance side of the lawn, and consists of a cone-shaped bed some 9 feet in diameter at base, and fully 1 feet in height, forming a pyramid of Scarlet Geraniums, lu a line with this, and on the castor farther side of the lawn, is a raised vase basket about 3 feet in height, and 8 feet in diameter, filled likewise with Scarlet Geraniums elevated in the centre, and having a handle across it covered with the Canary Plant. The effect of such stand-points should be seen by those who can see no beauty in a flower garden, but in masses of colour as level as a mown lawn. The chief range of glass looking on this lawn, commencing at and connected with the mansion, is close on 200 feet. Many of our English gentlemen, and expecting no end of results too, will think and think for years before they decide to erect some little hothouse. A glass hou'e seems nothing to these worthy merchants of Dublin. Ere long even the neighbourhood of London will have to look to its laurels if it would not be beat in gardening by the suburbs of Dublin. The first conservatory attached to the mansion is a liipped-roof building, 11 feet high at the sides, 21 feet in height in the centre, and 23 feet in width ; the back is covered with a trellis, on which were trained Scarlet Geraniums, Clematises, Lapageria rosea doiug well, &c. A walk passes all round. A platform, ij feet in width, goes all round the three sides for retaining smaller flowering jilants. The centre is a bed of clean gravel, on which the plants stand. On our visit the house was decorated chiefly with Fuchsias ; in winter and spring it is filled chiefly with Camellias, Azaleas, Cytisus, &e. — a row of tall Camellias in the centre. Azaleas, &c., on the sides. Next to this is the greenhouse with wide steps as a stage, and this too was chiefly devoted to Fuchsias ; but in winter and spring it has a general collection of Epacris, Deaths, Geraniums, &e. In several places we noticed fine specimens for these houses, slightly sheltered out of doors, as Deaths, I'^pacris, Correa, espe- cially splendid plants of the best of them still, speciosa. Among other fine specimens we noticed Camellias 6 leet in height by 4 feet in diameter, and Azaleas 4-1 feet in height and nearly as much in diameter : these will give some idea of the greenhouse plants. A vinery separates the greenhouse from the centre somewhat- domed conservatory. Some of the vineries showed signs of hard cropping for continued years, and perhaps a little of over- cropping the borders. This one was to be excavated to a depth of 4 feet, drains laid across, a foot of brickbats put over them, a thick layer of lime rubbish over that, and the fresh soil mixed with sweet dung and leaf mould ; the young Vines to be planted inside, and Vines in pots grown to supply the deficiency at first. Next, the centre conservatory 20 feet in height and about the same width sets off the range. Here were some fine tree Rhodo- dendrons and Azaleas, and a good place for wintering large Fuchsias, &c. The roof is covered and festooned with Glycine sinensis, which must be very beautiful in spring. There is one drawback connected with this plant— namely, that when grown over a general collection of plants in a house there is no end to the trouble in getting rid of the faded petals. Next we come to two vineries, 12 feet at back, 12 feet in width, 4 feet in front, one 21 feet and the other 28 feet in length. Both are supplied with pits in the centre about 1 feet in width ; and one to be made the earliest-house was to be filled with fermenting material, alike to excite and break the Vines gently, and to bring on Roses, Lily of the Valley, &c. We wish we had pits in our houses instead of stages, or rather them both. There is nothing that suits Vines better than the gases and vapour from such pits. With plants the fermenting material must be sweet at first ; with nothing but the wood of well-ripened Vines the manure at first may be rank enough, provided it is sweetened by the time the buds break. The next pit was chiefly filled with rubble for setting plants on without heat. As far as we reeol- lect, the range is finished with a Peach-house nearly 30 feet by 134 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE A^D COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 20, 1862. 12 feet, wires placod horizontally about 15 inches from tlie glass, and the roof covered with a fiue specimen of the Noblesse. Passing from (he liouses, the same wail continues onward for 300 feet into the kitchen garden. The wall is 10 feet in height, and seems to have hern thoroughly renewed, painted of a black colour, trellised with wire longitudinally, 3 inches from the wall, and not long planted with young Peach trees. We should like to hear of this wall and its success. At present, we are inclined to suppose that unless under certain circumstances, the free absorb- ing of heat by the black colour is greatly counterbalanced by its free radiat'on. If the wall were covered at night in front of the trees, the radiation would be so far arrested, the heat would be gradually given out for their benefit, and from the absorbing quality there would be no danger of that scorching in a bright Bun which is apt to take place when the heat is reflected from a light whitish surfiice. The kitchen garden seemed well, extra well, supplied with old and young fruit trees. This is all right enough lor an orchard, but scarcely the thing when a proprietor expects good vegetables as well as good fruit irom a kitchen garden. Vegetables without sun, however well manured, are apt to be hard, stringy, and without much flavour ; and cooks and gardeners ai'e blamed ■when tile fruit trees above them are the sole cause of the evil. We imderstood a thinning was to take place. At the end of this main walk stands a rustic house backed and flanked with rockery and rootery, with climbing Roses, &c., clambering over them. At a little distance is an old ice-house, proposed to be converted into a shell house, communicating by roekwork with the rustic Iiouse, and the shell house is to have glass openings in the roof, each painted of a diflerent colour, to reflect the coloui-s on the shells. As we lately stated, we are yet novices in the eflects that thus may be produced. In the Melon ground, in addition to a good collection of frames, we found a span-house 25 feet long for Geraniums, with a stage in the centre and narrow stages at the sides ; a Cucumber- pit, 31 feet by 6 feet, 7i feet high at back, and 2^ feet in front, and which Mr. Laidley wished had been span-roofed, a wish many others would join him in, at the risk of gentlemen saying *' It is no use trying to satisfy these gardeners ; give them an inch good liumouredly, and they will teaze your life out to obtain the yard, and not be satisfied then." Well, well, a little teazing brought to bear on employer and employed too is no bad thing after all. It iielps to keep down the insidious fungus- growth of thorough self-satisfaction — the great bane and draw- back to all progress and improvement. We were told of a nice place belonging to a brother of the proprietor of Montrose, and also of other places in the vicinity well worthy of a visit ; but the shades of evening were now falling, and we felt rather pleased with the day's work at Black- rock, &c., since meeting with Mr. O'Brien early in the forenoon. If we did not tire out the courtesy and patience of the gentle- men, superintendents of these gardens, we found we had pretty well exhausted ourselves, and wanted rest before enteiing on other scenes ; iioping, meanwhile, that we have been able to excite a little of the interest for this suburb of Dublin which we ourselves felt. R. EiSH. COLEUS VEESCHAFFELTI. We are very much indebted to M. Verschaflelt for the intro- duction of this striking ornament to our plant-houses. What a magnificent colour, and how elegantly laciniate its beautiful foliage, forming a striking contrast to all the various plants with fine leaves that we possessed previously to its introduction ! Even without the presence of other variegated plants, how cheer- fill it makes a place appear by having a plant or two placed among the various tints of green foliage and flowers that usually decorate our greenhouses and stoves at this season of the year. I say greenhouses advisedly, as our old plant from which others had been propagated has, during the past winter, been in a temperature rarely exceeding 45° Eahr. at night, and often much below ; so that we may quite set this down as being much hardier than its congeners C. Blumei and pectinata, for these in the same house have completely perished. Those who remember the immense specimen of C. Blumei shown by Mr. Dodds in the first-prize collection at the last great show at Chiswick, may imagine what a splendid thing O. Verschaffelti will be, grown to even half that size. I hope the exhibitors will bring it out well this year, as the plant cannot be too well known, and sliould be in every collection of plants — not as a single specimen meiely, but in half-dozens or dozens, according to the size of the place ; as a few of them, even in the absence of many flowers, make a collection look quite cheerful. I find that it cannot have too much light, air, and "muck pie" to bring up the colour to perfection; plants that have been coddled-up in great heat and shaded looking little better than the older varieties. But what I wanted particularly to ask was. Will it do for a bedding plant ? If so, it will soon put Perilla out of the field iu high gardening. The latter to my mind having sucli a sombre appearance ; while Coleus, both in colour and form, looks quite cheerful. About ten days smce, the weather being so mild, we began to bed out here ; and having a plant to spare we put it rato one of the beds. I have watched it daUy since with great interest, and observed up to Saturday that it seemed quite as much at home in the open air as Geraniums, &c. ; but yesterday (Sunday) we had a very heavy hailstorm here (in Kent), the ground being quite white, as though snow had fallen for some little time. This morning I went quite expecting to see my pet with its head down ; but was very agreeably surprised to find that, as far as appearances go, it looks quite as well as before. I hope, therefore, that others may be induced to try it this season as a bedding plant. If the nurserymen will put it at a bedding- plant price— say 9s. or 12s. per dozen, it migiit be a temptation to try the experiment.— J. A. S. THEORY OP COLOUR, AND THE INFLUENCE OP LIGHT ON VEGETABLES. Theke are, perhaps, no phenomena in nature better calculated to arrest our attention than tlie gay and varied colours of the vegetable kingdom ; they have been the subject of admiration in all ages, and in almost all ranks and conditions of life. From the study and contemplation of these colours have sprung the arts of dyeing and painting. The savage, to whom clothing is a superfluity, tattoos and daubs his body with all the varieties of colour his ingenuity can prepare and his imagination devise. The civilised man, with more refinement, imparts this colour to articles of clothing. The study of the sciences of light and heat — the two subtlest agents in nature — is, indeed, one of un- bounded and intense interest, and likewise of much practical im- portance. They divulge to us Nature's secrets, and make us acquainted with many, if not all, the phenomena witnessed in everyday life. It is with the former ot these only — viz., light, that we have at present to do. And in entering upon the sub- ject of the laws of light I am very well aware that it might be carried to an almost indefinite length ; but, as neither time nor space will permit of this, I shall content myself by taking a general and brief view of the effects of light on vegetables. Science has demonstrated that colour has no material existence — it is a mere opticial delusion ; at least the colour does not reside or exist in the object that appears coloured. All colours depend for their existence on the rays of light. A beam of light is composed of three distinct rays or colours — red, blue, and yellow — and, according to the ray or rays reflected by the particular objects, so will be its colour. When a beam of light falls upon the surface of a body, part of the rays composing the beam are absorbed and become extinguished, and part are re- flected or thrown hack ; these latter enter the eye of the spectator and determine the colour of the object. It should also be men- tioned that the power any body has of absorbing rays of light depends upon its chemical constitution : thus, it follows, that when any change takes place in the colour of an object, a chemi- cal change in its constitution also has taken place. If the red ray is absorbed, and only the blue and yellow rays reflected, the object from which they are reflected appears green ; if the yellow ray also is absorbed the object appears blue ; or if tlie blue has been absorbed, and red and yellow reflected, the object appears orange ; or if the yellow ray only is absorbed the object appears violet or purple : thus from these three distinct colours— red, blue, and yellow — are the various shades of colour in nature produced. Green is unquestionably the dominant colour in the vegetable kingdom : this is well known to be a compound colour produced by a union of yellow and blue. In speaking of the green-colour- ing matter of plants, Borthollet says :— " The green of plants is undoubtedly produced by a homogenous substance in the same May 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 135 way as tlio greater number of liucs whic)i exist in nature. This colour, then, owes its origin sonielimes to simple rnyBand some- tiuise to a union of diflerent rays ; and some other colours are in tlie same predicament. Were the green of plants due to two substances, one of which is yellow and (he other bine, it would be extraordinary if we could not separate tbem ; or, at least change their proportions by some solvent." That tliis idea of Berthollet in regard to the green-colouring matter of plants being a dis- tinct substance is correct, science has long since fully demon- strated, and the method of obtaining this in a separate state is so exceedingly simple that no one need long remain in doubt as to the truth of the matter, but ascertain it for themsolTes. It may be procured by the following process : — liruise the green leaves mto a pnl)i with water, and pivss out all the liquid ; then boil the dry pulji in spirits of wine, or good-proof whiskey. When the alcohol has evaporated there remains a deep green substance, which dissolves on being washed with water ; this is the green- colouring matter of vegetables, or, as it has been denominated, ohloro|)hyllitc. The forpialion of this substance depends on the action of the solar rays. — J. Dunm. {To be continued.) niODUCTS OF TOBASCO, MEXICO. SINGtII.AU CHANGE IX APPLES TAEBN HENCE TO MEXICO. Me. Koch, a German gentleman resident in the State of Tobasco, Mexico, about six miles from the mouth of the Tobasco River, at a rec>;nt meeting of the Farmers' Club of the American Institute, gave a most interesting account of that country and its productions, and, among other things, stated that he could not grow Apples there, though he had no trouble iu growing trees irom the seed, which came to bearing in three years. The first fruit produced were small Apples, but afterwards the fruit was exactly in cliaracter hke the wild Guava, the same of which Guava jelly is made, which grows upon a tree somewhat resem- bling an Apple tree. He had also planted Pear seeds, but only got Guava fruit. Cherries change to a fruit quite unlike the original, being yellow and of a honied sweetness. He is now preparing to take some grafted fruit trees out with him, to see if he can grow anything true to its kind in that cUmate and soil. The situation is about latitude 18", and range of thermometer Go" to 95'. The soil is sandy and very produc- tive— Sugar Cane growing to a height of 36 feet as a common thing, and sometimes 50 feet. Sweet Potatoes grow to a mon- stro is size, and in the State of Chiapas Corn grows astonishingly. The Coffee tree iu Tobasco is very productive, yielding 15 lbs. or 20 lbs. to a tree, vrhiie 5 lbs. or 6 lbs. are considered a fair crop in Brazil. Rice is grown three crops a-yeai-, by the rudest cultivation. The Indians have no fai-ming tools but the machete, which is a long, heavy knife, with which the brush is cut, and when dry, it is burned, and then the seed put iu with a sliarp stick, for all their crops. Mr. Kocli is about to take out a steam plough, and many agi'icultural implements, to cultivate that rich and productive soil, where the only drawback that appears is the insects and reptiles, which are truly by his description enough to deter any ■white man from attempting to live there. There is also a trifle of intermittent fever in the way, but he thinks that comes from getting wet. — (Prairie Farmer.) Cetstal Palace. — The great Flower Show of the season will be held on Saturday, 24th May. From the number of entries already received it promises to be the most complete exhibition of flowers which has yet been held at the Crystal Palace. Taking place on the Queen's birthday, a day which this year unhappily will be unattended with the usual mihtarv displays, drawing-room, or other rejoicings, a large number of distin- guished and official personages will have leisure to attend this, one of the most attractive displays of the season. Considerable additional interest is excited on this occasion from the announce- ment that the great roof over the Handel oi-chestra, which has been so many months in preparation for the Festival in Juno next, will be completed before the day of the Flower Show. The orchestral band of the Company will be considerably strengthened, and, aided by military bauds, will aii'ord an ojiportunity for estimating the cireets which will be produced by the 4000 perfonners who liavo been so long in training for the Festival, when asscmhietl betieath this gigantic covering. The vast circles of seats in the great ori'iu'Stra will be thrown open to visitors, and as it is intended to erect in the great transept large circular trophies of tlowcrs of considerable height, thousands of visitors will bo enabled to contemplate the blaze of floral beauty dispersed below, while listening to the musical performances. THE GENUS CROCUS. {Continued from page 115.) 25. Cbocfs ocnROLEUcrs (Boissier, Bot. Mag., 18G2, t. 5297). Native of Anti-Lebanon, near Scanderoun, above Sidon, flowering there and in England in the middle of December. Sir W. Hooker calls it a very elegant and charming cream- coloured flower, with a yellow eye and lily white anthers. It must have been known as one of the " Lilies of the field " to the foresters of King Iliram when preparing Cedar wood for Solomon's Temple ; and it should be made known to the gardeners of the reign of Victoria as a likely type plant to diversify the aspect of a new race of midwinter- flowering Crocuses, and holding an intermediate position between C. Boryanus and aiirius. 26. C. ODOKXT.? (Bivona Bernardi, longidorus Rafinesque, and serotinus of Bertoloni). This is a very fragrant and desirable Crocus, a native of Italy and Sicily, and another variety is in Malta. The variety longillorus (Bot. Keg., 1814, 3, fig. 4), is a native of Sicily near Palermo, and on Mount Stella near Pajstum, also in Calabria. Melitensis (Bot. Reg., 1844, 3, f. 5), occurs on Mount Yerdala in Malta. It flowers in October and November, and answers well in pots and ripens seeds. The colour is a lilac purple with an orange throat. 27. C. PALLASiANrs (Bot. Reg., 1844, 3, f. 2). Pallasii of Marechal von Biebei'stein. A native of the Crimea on sunny hills, with a pale purple flower, hairy in the throat ; never introduced. 28. C. PULCHELius (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1843, Misc., 28; Bot. Mag, 1841, 3862, p. 2). A most lovely Crocus, native of the forest of Belgrade, also on the Asiatic side of the Bos- phorus and on Mount Athos. The flower is of a pale bluish-pearl colour with an orange throat, and some with a pure white flower, contrasting beautifully with tlie orange throat and milk white anthers. It is a great acquisition to our gardens, flowering freely at the beginning of October, and ripening its seeds willingly at Spoifortli. The bluish- pearl aud the pure white flowers will cross and produca quite a new race of autumnal flowers, which wUl exceed that of versicolor. 29. C. PYBEN-EUS (Parkinson, Paradisus, 1629). Nudiflorus (Smith, Enghsh Botany, 1798, fig. 491, a bad one). Mul- tifidus of Ramon, and speciosus in Supplement to Eng. Bot., 2, 2765. A fine large purple Crocus, native of the Pyrennees, and naturalised near Warrington, Halifax, and Nottingham. Which is the yellow Crocus that accompanies it in the latter place ? 30. C. EETicuLATUs (Mar. v. Bieb., Bot. Mag., 1841, 3865, at the end ; Bot Reg., 1843, Misc., 30). Susianus (Ker, Bot. Mag., 652). The Cloth of Gold is the best known of the Reticulate Crocus. It occurs in five distinct varieties in the south-east of Europe as far as the Crimea. Variety 1, auritextus, is the pure Cloth of Gold, the fulvus of Pallas, and susianus by mistake, Susa being farther east than the eastern limits of Crocus. 2 is variegatus from Monte Spaccato, Trieste. 3, Dalmaticus of Visiani (Flora Dalm.). 4, Albicans (Herb.), near Odessa; and .5, Ancyrc:nsis (Herb.), wUd near Angora. Albicans, from Bucharest and Odessa, is Parkinson's Cloth of Silver. And the golden variety of Angora is very diflerent from the Cloth of Gold ; having no stripes or suffusion on the sepals, but with a purple tube. 31. C. Salzmanniants (Herb., Eot. Mag., 3868, f. 2). C. ditto (Tingitanus, p. 2 ; Bot. Reg., 1847, 4, f. 4 ; Guay, B. P. 28, 220). From hills near Tangiers, and on mountains near Tunis, flowering in the autumn ; the flowers are pale violet purple. The only kmd hitherto found in Africa. 32. C. SATiVTJs (Linnaeus). Autumnalis (English Bot., 343). The well-known Saffron Crocus, a pale purple flower, and 136 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUSE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 20, 1862. deeper purple at the bottom. Its native place ij not certain. It bas been fmmd wild in Italy in the Ambruzzi, but is believed to have only escaped from ancient cultivation. Dr. Boyle found it in cultivation in Cashmere, which is beyond the eastern limits of wild Crocuses. 33. C. SEROxratis (Paradisua Londineusis, t. 30 ; Bot. Mag., t. 1267). Native of Pine forests in tlie south of Spain near Cadiz, and on the Sierra Nevado ; flowering in October. The flowers are pale violet purple with a yellow throat. A very acceptable plant for the table in November. 34. C. srEClosPS (Marochal von Bieberstein, Bot. Mag., 3861). This is the very finest wild Crocus hitherto known. There are three wild varieties of it. 1, Caucasieus (Bot. Mag., 3861, fig. 1), on Caucasus. 2, Transylvanicus (Bot. Mag., 3861, fig. 2; and Bot> Reg., 25, 40), in Transylvania. And 3, Laxior (Bot. Mag., 38G1, fig. 3), on the high table lands in the Crimea. Tliey have all bloomed and seeded at Spoffbrth from the latter part of September to the end of October. Dr. Herbert says that pyrenaeus, speciosus, pul- chellus, medius, and byzantinus tlower with equal freedom at the same time, and that longiflorus and Cartwrighlianus follow them with equal freedom in blooming, and continue sometimes to January. The sepals, or three outside petals, are of a fine bluish-purple, with a deeper base and three lines up the back ; the three petals not quite so deep, but most beautifully veined, and the throat is of a straw colour, and slightly bearded with strong white iiairs. 35. C. srAVEOi.ENS (Bertoloni, Bot. Mag., 386i). A very fra- grant Crocus, straw-coloured and streaked, with an orange- spotted throat. A native of tlie Campagna of Rome, and the Valle d'Inferno in the old kingdom of Naples, and on calcareous hills near Fundi. 36. C. SuTEEiANUS (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1845, Misc., p. 5). From the mountains of Naupli, and named after Mr. Suter, British Vice-Consul in Caramania, who found it near Angora. The flowers are of a fiery and sometimes reddish-gold colour, and often with a livid blotch at the base of each section of the limb. A very pretty and conspicuous small flower, blooming in the spring, which, if it could be crossed with the pollen of the Cloth of Gold, would produce seedlings to vie with the Jersey Sparaxusts. 37. C. TnOMASiANUS (Herb., Bot. Reg., 1844, 3, fig. 6). Tho- masii (Tenore, Memoria, &o., 12). A purplish flower, streaked on the outside. Allied to sativus, and flowering in the autumn. A native of upper and lower Calabria, where there are two varieties of it : 1, Princeps, with the edges of the leaves and angles of the midrib closely fringed. 2, lasvis, all smooth. 38. C.ToMASiKiANus (Herb., Tiaiani, Flora Dalmatlea). Named after Signor Toniasini, President of the Magistracy at Trieste, who discovered it in the Mountain Biokovo in Dalmaiia. It is allied to vernus, from which it difl'ers in not having an involucre. 39. C. TouENEFOETiANtrs (Gay, Bulletin de Fi-russae, 25, 220 ; Bot. Reg., 1845, 37, f. 3, H. Misc., p. 6). Native of the Greek Archijielago, as Milo and Thermia. A desirable pot plant in November, as when the flowers are once expanded they keep so even at night. It has lily white anthers and white pollen, and is akin to Boryanus, from which it differs in the pale blue of the limb, tlie paleness ol the throat and filaments, and other technical marks. 40. C. VALLICOLA (Herb., Bot. Keg., 1845, Misc., p. 7 ; ditto, 1847, t. 16, fig. 3). Native of the Alps of Trebizond, near the village Stauros, blooming in October. The flowers white, with two yellow spots at the base of each segment. Eilaments and anthers pure wliite. 41. C. TELUCHENSis (Herb.) Native of the summit and slopes of Veluchi in the INIorca, with a violet purple flower, having a white bearded throat, and blooming in the spring. The flower-scape is so short at the time of flowering, that the ovary seems almost sessile — a rare feature in Crocuses. 42. C. VERNUS (Linnauis). Vernus and sativus were the only two Crocuses known to Linnania. This is the most widely extended of all the Crocuses, with an alpine range from Spain to Odessa. It is pure white on the Bavarian Alps, purple in the Tyrol, and deejier purple on Calabrian moun- tains ; but the finest of our garden varieties of it are from the Odessa plants, whose flowers are either pure white, beautifully striped inside, or deep purple. The tlirnat of all the wild varieties of vernus is white and hairy, by which they can readily be distinguished from their powerful rivals — the race of versicolor, which is as constantly smooth in the throat. But whether garden seedlings of either race keep constant to that type feature in their generations has not yet been inquired into ; the prevaihng feature of the best of our present race of spring Crocuses, such as Sir Walter Scott, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and the Uke, is a smooth throat, which would indicate them aa referable to versicolor. There are three very distinct varieties of vernus : — 1, the vernus communis ; 2, nea- politanus (Bot. Mag., 860), from the highest mountain in Calabria, Monte PoUino, flowering there in June and July ; 3, nivigina (Bot. Reg., 29, Misc., 130), which growa on the Steppes near Odessa, is the finest of the three. 43. C. TEESicoLOB (Ker, Bot. Mag., 1110). A native of Nice. The prevailing colour is white, sometimes suffused with purple, and generally more or less streaked with deep purple on the outside. The throat is smootb, sometimes white and sometimes yellow. The race of versicolor prefer deep planting, 4 inches or 5 inches below the surface, as does the race of lagenseflorus. 41. C. VisiANicus (Herb., Bot. Eeg., 1845, Misc., 78). Pallasi- anus of Professor Visiani in "Flora Dalmatica." Flowers in the autumn, the flowers being of a violet purple, with a yellow throat, by which it is distinguished from pallaeianus of the Crimea, and approaches more nearly to hadriaticus, its nearer neighbour. D. Beaton. PEESERVING DAHLIA TUBERS. Mat I be permitted to offer a simple suggestion relative to the preservation of Dahlia roots during winter ? Though care- fully dried before storing away in the autumn, I used continu- ally to lose them by the rotting of the crown, till at length it occurred to me it was occasioned through the decay of the long stalk left attaclied to the tubers : this becoming partially charged with fluid kept the crown constantly wet. My remedy has been to leave not more than 4 inches of stalk ; from this to scrape the whole of the outer covering or bark, and at the base to make a small opening which permits any watery deposit to escape. The result has been I have preserved the whole of my tubers, while experienced gardeners around me have complained of loss, notwithstanding that every precaution from damp or frost has been taken. — B. F. F., Margate. THE CALCEOLARIA AS A BEDDING PLANT. (Continued from page 121.) The Gbadual Pkogress of the Calceolaria as a Bed- ding Plant. — It has been stated that the old C. integrifolia was planted out in mixed flower-borders as early as 1830, or before, and subsequently the half herbaceous ones were planted out in like manner ; but as bedding-out in masses of one colour only had not come into fashion at that time, I do not remember seeing a whole bed of any one kind, and as flowers were the more prized in accordance as they disclosed the more beauties by close inspection, the self-coloured ones were regarded secondary to the blotched or clouded varieties. Nevertheless, the sturdy habit of the yellow one gained friends, and a yellow Calceolaria amongst Campanulas, Phloxes, Chelones, and such- like plants was considered an advantage. But as every year brought forth something new in the half-herbaceous line, and new things then as well as now were eagerly sought after, the progress of the old yellow into general repute as a bedder was but slow until 1838, and afterwards. True, some cultivators in advance of the general public might have had beds of it before that time ; but in far-away rural districts it had not become common until 1840, when an impulse was given to it, and soon after newer and improved kinds were forthcoming, one of the best being C. viscosissima, which though dating in catalogues as far back as 1832, I do not recollect coming into general repute until 1843, and as it still maintains a respectable position in the list, may be regarded as a sort of standard. The ap- pearance of C. amplexicaulis a few years later added another tint as well as another habit to the plant, and beds of Cal- ceolaria became as indispensable as beds of Verbenas. The dark ones being also improved were also sought after, though of late they have ceased to be regarded ao important as the yellow May 20, 1862. ] JO0RXAL OF HOBXICULTURE AND COTTAGE aAEDENER. 137 section ; but the appcaranoo of C. Sultan about 1851 was liailed as a boon, and subsequently C. Beauty of Montreal, and others, added to the already useful section of dark ones, while C. Kentish Hero had a run for some time as an intermediate variety, its large truss of bloom gave it great importance, but it did not afford that succession so much needed in the flower garden, and it fell into disrepute, so that for the last half dozen years, and more, only the more truly shrubby kinds have been in demand. Yellows niso have been nnioh improved during the last ten years, the most popular being C. aurantia, sulphurea elegans, anrea floribunda, amplexicaulis, Kayii, and two or three otiiers ; and more recently Oaines' King, as a dwarf yfliow, has stood high in public estimation, and with General Uavelock as a dark one, and Prince of Orange as an intermediate one, the list may be said to be complete, not but that there are newer, and, perhaps, some s'ill better than those named ; but I only mention such as I am acquainted with.. The Propao\tion- of the Calceolabia. — Amongst the many plants whicli require multiplying, there is none, with the exception of those wliich rise spontaneously from seed, which are propagated with greater facility than the shrubby Calceolaria. Cuttings put into a pan, pot, box, or plain mother earth in the month of October, or even later, and simply protected from the more extreme frosts, rarely fail to make good, useful plants, as no amount of damp seems to injure them, and the amount of protection they requn-e is much less than is generally supposed. For many years I liave been in the habit of putting in hundreds of cuttings into a cold pit in the kitchen garden, covered over only in severe weatlier with wooden shutters, very seldom with glass ; at least a part of them only have that luxury, and I rarely lose more than two per cent., excepting of the delicate kinds, as amplexicanhs, and Prince of Orange is a little more tender than some ; but I generally preserve a few of them in another place for fear of losing the whole. Even in the winter 18C0-61, which may be regarded as one of the most severe of late seasons, we scarcely lost one, excepting of the two kinds alluded to. So that the trouble of keeping a good batch of Calceolarias is an essy matter. I do not know to whom the honour of first striking them in this way belongs, but I used to treat the kinds grown about 1839 in much the same way, putting them in, however, much earlier, and potting them oil' before winter, to bo kept under glass. A sandy soil suits them best, as it is not so likely to harden and crack with alternate wet and dry weather. We put our cuttini:s in little more than 2 inches apart, and by the middle of March take out one half of the rows to give the others room, planting out those taken up into another similar place to strengthen before finally planting out where they are to remain. Ifo plant that I am aware of takes up and plants with so much ease and certainty of growing as the Calceolaria. The roots being exactly adajjted to take up with a ball, a close, compact tuft of roots all of equal length radiating from the base of the cutting, clasp the earth in such a way as to give it more the character of a true ball than that of most plants to which tliat name is given, for, unlike most plants, the numerous roots of the Calceolaria are all of equal length, and, consequently, occupy all the ground they enclose. There are no long, rambling rootlets travelling long distances in search of choice food, as in the Verbena and Geranium, but a thick-set mass, or tuft, of roots all uniting in one common centre, and well adapted for assisting the plant to endure the ordeal of transportation with little harm to itself. Potting is out of the question with bedding Calceo- larias, excepting new or choice ones, and amongst several thousand planted out last year, not more than twenty were honoured with a separate pot, and these only in consequence of being scarce. So that the keeping of Calceolarias over the winter is within the reach of many who have not, perhaps, even thought of it, as I have shown that both glass and pots may be dispensed with. PLA.NTINO-0UT THE Cai.ceolaeia INTO Beds. — Having shown that the plant takes up with the spade with an excellent ball, and having also pointed out the general hardihood of the plant, it need not be wondered at that I recommend it being planted out before the general mass of bedding plants. For some years I have, therefor?, planted them out in April, and given them where practicable a slight covering of laurel boughs — not stuck in the ground, as the wind is so Hable to blow thera out, but laid over the plants ; and though they have sometimes received a little nipping from frosts, they have never suftered to any extent that way. One bed of yellow Calceolarias planted out the last week in March has been the best bed I have had this season. It is not absolutely necessary to plant so soon ; only, if the plants are suffering for want of room, it is better to do so than allow them to get drawn. Plants pot-bound, if there be any such, ought to bo tiirned out into some border of suitable soil, and the matted ball will emit a beard of nice useful roots, all eager to embrace the fresh and unexplored earth. It is always a had plan to allow Calceolarias to become pot-bound, as the plants are not unlikely to die after the first flowers are over. .\nd as a temporary shelter is only needed, some makeshift in that way will easily present itself to the anxious cultivator. It is, however, proper to say, that although the Calceolaria's roots do not ramify far, it likes a good rich soil and a fau' share of moisture : hence it generally does better in showery neighbour- hoods than in dry ones. Dry chalky banks are its bane, and wet and marshy places are also unsuited to it ; but it is, never- theless, so accommodating that few places come amiss to it. And as a single plant in a mixed border, its tidy uniform appear- ance recommends it to notice ; and for a single row in a striped border it is also equally applicable ; and the shrubby kinds at least require no trimming to keep them in order, while C. amplexicaulis can be either pegged-down to the condition of a low plant, or tied-up to represent a tall one. Concluding Remarks. — It not being my intention to say anytlnng of the herbaceous kinds so ornamental to the green- house in April and May, it is, however, proper to say that in some districts the Calceolaria has disappointed some of its most ardent admirers by plants of it dying off during the summer without any apparent reason for doing so. Although I have witnessed this I have never experienced it ; as even in the driest season of 1857, 1858, and 1859, we scarcely lost a plant, although after the first flowering was over there was not much succession, and the plants only began to grow after the autumn rain came on, it being then too late to expect flowers. I believe, even in those districts where they had been in the habit of dying off, they did not do so during last season, so that we may fairly attribute their doing so in years gone by to their inability to withstand the dry weather, and yet this is hardly compatible with their enduring the dry weather at this place ; but it must also he observed that their utihty has fallen far short of what was expected, and I for one invited the readers of The Cottage Gardener to turn their attention to something else as a substitute if the Calceolaria failed any more. But the revival of last season has reinstated this old favourite ; and until we can have something else as good in colour, convenient in habit, and easy of culture, we must content ourselves with the Calceolaria. Possibly our hybridising friends may assist us with something still superior to what we now possess. Assuredly the white one may be worked into something more useful than it has hitherto been, and if they can convert some of the reds into bright scarlets, they will confer another boon ; and if they would again begin with the old arachnoidea, and see how near a blue they can command its progeny to be, giving them aisO the other requisites of a good bedder, not forgetting the property of with- standing rain, they will in this have an entire new field for operations, and I see no reason why their efibrts should not bs crowned with success. J. Robson. IMAGINAEY FORMS IN SECTIONS OF FEEN STEMS. WortD you tell me which Fern is said to present the appear- ance of the sacred monogram (I. H. S.), on cutting the stem or root?— M. D. P. [We do not remember about this ; but it is probably the rhizome or stipes of Pteris aquilina (common Brake) cut in some peculiar direction. The cuttings of this Feru are well known to give fanciful images of the spread eagle and of an Oak tree, and, by the aid of a little imagination, probably the above letters may be discerned. Can any of our readers tlurow light on the question ?] Speegula pilipeea. — It may, perhaps, be interesting to some of your readers to hear that Spergula pilifera appears to succeed in this neighbourhood (Edmonton) for a lawn. 1 planted rather a large piece in the spring of last year, and it is now nearly closed up, and would have done so entirely ; but I committed a mistake in having the ground made up from a 138 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 20, 1862. field, and have consequently had great trouble in weeding and keeping dean. The ground is a stiff clay, and I tliink in hot weather the Spergula will have a tendency to turn yellow unless kept well watered. — G. P. JJicholls, Oakfield. THE EOYAL EXOTIC NUKSEEY, CHELSEA. To attempt to give in a single article any adequate idea of the Tast resources of Mr. Veitoh's establishment, replete with all that is ornamental, or useful, or merely interesting, would be vain. It would take a volume to contain an account of the tropical luxuriance that here evei-ywhere abounds, not to metition the grand collection of the more hardy denizens of the garden, which also deserve and receive their due share of attention. Having thus candidly avowed our inability to do justice to this place in the limited space at our command, we may, perhaps, be permitted to notice as shortly as possible, the fresh attractions which have been added, and the important introductions which have been effected, without being censured for our inevitable shortcomings. The general features of the nursery are so familiar to most of our readers, that we need not pause to describe what has been so often seen and described before. We may state, how- ever, that the large conservatory or show-house through which the visitor passes from the King's Road, at all times gay, is now a blaze of colour. Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Kalmlas, Geraniums, Heaths, &c., contributing their varied hues to set off the more modest greenhouse plants which are introduced to swell the general effect, which is rendered all the more striking by the relief of a due amount of foliage. Near the entrance is placed a collection of large and hand- some Japanese vases and trays brought home by Mr. John Gould Veitch, some square, some round, some hexagonal, interesting and beautiful specimens of the potteryware of the country. Several of the finest kinds were executed in alto-relief, the raised pattern exhibiting trees in flower and fruit ; and others exhibited on their sides representations of the stork, which is a sacred bird with the Japanese, who never kiU it. At the other end is a fine collection of Camellias, ranged on each side of the central avenue, backed up by magnificent specimens of tree Ferns such as are not to be seen elsewhere. Amongst these are especially noticeable noble Cyatheas ; Alsophila Macarthuri ; and a majestic plant of Cyathea dealbata, the New Zealand SUver tree Fern ; and many other specimens of not less remarkable size and beauty. Passing out oi this grand house, in which we might well be tempted to linger, we come to a new feature which has been quite recently added. This is an area of more than 5000 square feet covered with a tiffany roof, supported by Hght and elegant cast-iron columns, and laid out according to a most elegant design, consisting of four large circular beds, with otiiers of a form which it would belong to the engraver to represent, and which there is no word in the language to express, surrounding and harmonising with the whole. In the middle of each of these four principal circular beds is a handsome vase, containing a plant of Yucca recurva, with its leaves gracefully drooping over the edges. In the centre of the space thus laid out is a large circular cast-iron vase, painted to resemble stone, round which the path passes on each side, filled with hardy Japanese plants brought home by Mr. .1. G. Veitch from Japan. The outer row or edging consists of Enonymus radicans variegata, a dwarf distinct variety, with bright green foliage blotched with white, which renders it peculiarly well adapted for edgings ; and occupying the centre is a larger plant of the same kind. The intermediate space is occupied by young planta of Reti- nospora obtusa, one of the finest of all the Japanese evergreen Conifers ; R. lycopodioides, anotlier kind with fine dark green foliage, and of dwarf habit ; and R. pisifera, a graceful species of more pendulous liabit. Besides these are the beautiful Thu- jopais dolabrata, one of tlie finest trees in Japan ; and the Chilian Libocedrus tetragona, also a hardy and very fine Conifer. The ba.He is encircled with a selection of Chilian and Japanese Ferns, including Polystichum setosum, growing almost like a tree Fern when large, which wc shall notice elsewhere ; P. flexnm from Chili, also a perfectly hardy and very fine species, suitable ■for rockwork ; and Lastra?a opaca, likewise hardy, with dark green and olive fronds, adapted for the same purposes as the preceding. In addition to the above there were Lomaria crenulata, a pretty and desirable species from Chili, which answers to its name in having crenulated dark green fronds ; Woodwardia orientalis, a perfectly hardy and peculiarly interesting Fern, its spreading frond3 bearing on their upper surface numerous young plants ; Woodsia polystiohoides Veitchii, a very distinct dwarf kind from Yeddo ; and several others which, being better known, need not be adverted to just now. Turning to the gay Rhododendrons, which are viewed at great advantage from the conservatory steps, we find many of the old hybrids interspersed with standards of Blandyanum, Victoria, Etendard de Flandres and other splendid kinds, and present- ing to the eye dense masses of glowing colours ; and a number of seedlings not yet named, which have been raised by Mr. Veitch, of Exeter ; also several new and remarkably fine hardy hybrids due to the same source. Such are Marian, Uterally covered with flowers of a shaded pink with dark spots, a kind which it is expected will prove excellent for forcing ; Lady Lopes, blush, equally free and rather later ; Oohroleucum, pale straw,, dwarf, compact, and quite distinct in colour from any other kind ; Miss BuUer, a fine purpUsh-crimson, shading ofi' to a rosy white ; Lord Elgin, not yet out ; Rubescens, and some others. This display is a grand feature, which will undoubtedly prove a great attraction during the remainder of the season ;, and the masses of colour being relieved by the dark green foliage,. the eye does not become wearied, as is often the case at the great flower shows. The Coot Feen-house, which adjoins, contauis an endless variety of all the most interesting species, but we can only notice- here a few of the most new and striking. Of such are Acro- phorus atfinis, from Borneo, with large finely-divided frc nds, and very beautiful ; Adiantum chilense, the Chilian Maiden- hair, with very handsome glaucous fronds ; Adiantum sul- phureum, the Golden Maiden-hair, which forms a thick tuft of great beauty, the whole of the under surface being thickly covered with golden powder; and Adiantum scabrum, the Silver Maiden- hair, which is likewise of dwarf growth, and being plentifully covered with silvery dust, it forms an admirable contrast with the preceding. Leptopteris superba, a most lovely species, witlb .semi-pellucid finely-curved ironds deserves special mention on account of its peculiarly graceful character. It is from New Zealand, and will be an invaluable greenhouse kind. The plant we saw, however, is, we believe, the only one in Europe. Poly- stichum setosum, of which there is a large specimen, is another great acquisition, having very ornamental bristly fronds. It is from Yokoliami, and is perfectly hardy. Cheilanthes mysurensis,. forming a dwarf tuft, is new and elegant ; C. glauca hirsuta, a beautiful little variety with very finely-divided triangular fronds, is also very attractive; whilst Microlepia strigosa, being of a lively bright green and growing about 3 feet high, forms a very desirable addition to the greenhouse. Hastily glancing at other objects of interest we can merely mention the beautiful Todea pellucida ; Dicksonia arborescens, with noble fronds densely clothed with yellowish hairs ; Loraaria gibba, a very graceful species from New Caledonia ; Lomaria blechnoides, and Nothochliena mollis, the scarce Trichomanea reniforme ; and the Killarney Fern, T. radicans, which is here successfully grown uncovered by a glass. The Hahdt Fkbneex, which we next entered, is more like an enchanted fairy scene, or an ocean cave in which the sea nymphs- wring their briny locks, than the creation of art, the lovely green fronds of the Ferns completely hiding the sides and ends of the house, except here and there where the rockwork is permitted to peep forth for effect, whilst at one end a trickling cascade falls into a pool where a fine Osmmida regalis is growing, and giving a most refreshing effect on the ear on a warm sunny day. The rockwork is closely carpeted at its base with various English Mosses, and planted all over with La6tra;as, Polystichums, Sco- lopendriums, and other hardy Ferns, the central mass being crowned with a fine Woodwardia radicans. We also noticed Woodwardia orientalis ; Lasti'sea Sieboldi, a rather scarce Ja- panese species ; Lomaria chilensis ; and Gleichenia microphylla,, which is usually considered tender, but which stood last winter without fire heat. The Stove Feeuekt also presents a pretty appearance,hanging- baskets filled witli various craceful species with pendent fronds bemg suspended from tlio roof, whilst trellises covered with different kinds of Lygodiums are seen ever so fur. Here were pointed out to us Alsophila contaminans glauca, a very rare and beautiful tree Fern obtained in Manilla by Mr. J. G. Veitch ;. Thyrsopteris elegans, a vei'y rare and graceful species ; the new Aspleniums fiabellulatum, and lachirrhmoe with its curious- May 20, 1862. ] JOtrUNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 139 whip-like ends ; tlie rare Gleichenia pubesccns and Sohiza;a flichotoma ; that fine tree Fern Cibotium princops, as well aa many other interejting objaets. We next visited n large collection of new plants imported from Japan by Mr. John Vcitcb, to whoso enterprise and botanical knowledge the country is indebted for so many valuable intro- ductions, and which shall all be noticed in due time. Some of them, however, wc cannot pass by imnoticed, as the Abies firma, one of the finest of the Japan Conifers, the leaves of which are bifurcate at the apex, and which forms in its native country a magnificent tree ; Thuja pygma'a, a dense, close, dark green tuft, somewhat resembling a Lycopod, and always remaining dwarf ; I'inus korniensis, from the north of Japan, with long beautifully-glaucous leaves; the noble Sciadopitys; Xhujopsis leete-virens, a dwarf, erect, exceedingly beautiful species with very light green foliage ; the elegant variegated T. dolabrata variegata ; the handsome Eurya lutifolia variegata, with laurel- like foliage, variegated with white and pink ; and Osmanthus ilicifolius variegatus, somewhat like a handsome variegated Holly. There were, besides, many Bamboos and other new and beauti- ful introductions. The Intekmediate-iiouse was fiUed with new Begonias and foliage plants, and several new Gloxinias, one of which, named Constance, was particularly remark;ible for its large size and beautiful mauve and crimson colour. Stenogastra concinna, a singular miniature, covered with white and lilac flowers, also attracted our attention, and on inquiring about it we were in- formed that it continued in flower all the year. It is a charming little stove plant. Ficus Cooperi is also remarkable on account of its large glossy leaves veined with purplish-crimson. In the Stove we found Caladium Veitchi, with large bronzy leaves veined willi white, a grand foliage plant ; Alocasia ma- crorhiia variegata, with bold and striking white variegation, a noble Cala:lium-like plant — a very fine new and formidable rival to Cyanophylhmi magnificum, which has for the present been distinguisiied by the provisional name of Spherogyne, and many other valuable novelties, of which we shaU have to speak on some future occasion. In other houses were fine plants of. Aloeasia zebrina, fi-om the Phillipiues with large, velvety green leaves, the footstalks being yellow witli zebra-like markings of dark green ; an extensive collection of Nepenthes, among which one called N. Dominiana as remarkable as the first hybrid Pitcher-plant raised in England ; large specimens of Ferns ; grand foliage plants of all kinds ; Vandas, Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, Phalaenopses, Cypripediums, and other Orchids in flower. New Holland plants. Rhododen- dron Veitchi exhibiting its large white flowers, and a legion of otlier plants. One of these, however, we must particularly men- tion. It is the new Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, the hand- somest hardy red-foliaged plant we have ever seen, and wliich will decidedly beat Perilla out of the field. Before quitting the nursery we were privileged to see a remark- able collection of curiosities from Japan, with models and speci- mens of the industrial and natural productions of the country, including some beautiful specimens of woods brought home by Mr. J. G. Veitcli, and for which a large room is fitting up as a museum. When finished, the cases, whicli pass all round the room, will be filled with these interesting mementos of his visit, and we doubt not the visitors of the establishment will be per- mitted to view the collection. We observed particularly a plank of Planera acuminata upwards of a yard across j the wood of this is so much esteemed that the Chinese will never use it for any common purpose ; also two lovely specimens of coral, form- ing erect silky feathers of snowy wliiteness ; and some beautiful China cups and vases, almost transparent. in picking, and who literally collect bushels of them ? Lime plentifully sprinkled on the tree seems to check them. I observe a statement that a mild solution of chloride of lime applied to any tree will destroy any fly or caterpillar. But as "mild" is a very comparative term, could you give any inl'orma- tion as to the comparative strcngtli of this "mild solution ?" and so oblige — An lONOiiAMtrs, near Liverpool. [It is diflieult to determine the species of moth or saw-fly which gives birth to a caterpillar without first seeing the cater- pillar. The " usually green " ones on the Apple blossom are probably the larva- of the winter moth (Cheimatobia brumata), which are grey at first, but become pale green afterwards. But whatever their parentage, their most efiectivo destroyers are the small birds. ISo application can kill the caterpillars that would not injure the blossom. The Gooseberry saw-fly caterpillars, we suspect, result from the moths from the underground larvir having emerged before the tan was put on to the surface of the soil, or it was put on too thinly. Dusting v/ith fresh white hellebore powder will kill the caterpillars, but we believe that hand-picking, which you have adopted, is the cheapest and most effective remedy. Any solution of chloride of lime sufficiently strong to kill caterpillars, we think, would kill the leaves also. It is very easy to try the experiment. Dissolve a teaspoonful of the chloride in a tumbler of water, dip into it a shoot, and if it kills the caterpillars and the leaves they are on too, then try one tea- spoonful to a pint of water, and so on until you have ascer- tained the whole truth. Then you could not act more wisely and benevolently than by communicating to us a statement of the facts for publication.] OUE PRESENT SEASON OF BLOSSOMS. At no time previous do I remember seeing such an abundance of bloom upon deciduous trees, and this is not confined to trees under cultivation, but every tree of our hedges and our woods 13, and has been, gorgeously decked with flowers. What other counties may have to report upon this subject I am not traveller enough to be in a positiou to say ; but most certainly here on the south coast, the year 1862 is a memorable year for blossom, and one that will not soon escape man's memory. Our fruit-orchards are beautiful in the extreme, every twig to the very extremity is one mass of bloom. Trees that for years past have scarcely retained life enough in them to secure their re- maining upon the ground, have this season put forth more vigorously than they were ever known to do before, while others that have yielded but little fruit bid fair to produce an unusually heavy crop, and each one is congratulating his neighbour upon the happy result that may reasonably be expected. Plmns, Pears, and Cherries being more advanced than Apples, we can speak with a little more certainty as to a crop. They are all set m abundance. Wall firuit with us is rather above the average, which we are not surprised to see after a season of bloom such as we witnessed here. Gooseberries and Currants are plentiful, and fully a fortnight in advance of other seasons. Strawberries, too, are trussing-up strongly and plentifully, notwithstanding the prognostications of some of your correspondents that we should have a cold, backward spring. — J. C. Clarke, Wake- hurst Place Gardens. CATERPILLARS ON FRUIT TREES. There is a very great show of fruit-blossom in this part of the world, and a great promise of fruit ; but insects ( and amongst them the Gooseberry caterpillar), are beginning to be very busy. In the Apple blossom, more especially, there are two sorts of caterpillars — one a small green, and the other black, hairy, and much larjer. They seem to be in the centre of the blossom, and to cat its heart away. Can any of your readers furnish an effectual plan for dealing with them or a more successful one for destroying the Gooseberry caterpillar than tan, whicif in compliance with yonr advice 1 tried, but without success, as I •have had two women constantly employed for the last ten days SUPERSTITIONS RELATIVE TO THE ELDER TREE. Aee you aware that it is a superstitious opinion amon£ country people in some districts that the cross on wliich oui Saviour suH'ered was made of the wood of the Klder, and thai they object to burn it on that account? It is also said never to be struck by lightning— an opinion founded, perhaps, ou the same tradition. — F. A. W. [We have heard of this before ; but Sir John Mauderille says in his description of Jerusalem, that close by what was con- sidered the Pool of Siloam, "is still the Elder tree on which Judas hanged himself for despair." It may have been for one or both of these legends that Boerhaave always took ofl' his hat to an Elder tree when he passed it. He only shared the super- stitious feelings of his countrymen ; for Grinuu says that in Germany the Ellen, or Elder, was held in such great veneration 140 JOUBNAL OF HORTICITLTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDEKER. [ May 20, 1862. 6y their forefathers, that when they lopped it they usually addressed it thus — "Lady Elder, give me some of thy wood, then will I gire thee also some of mine when it grows in the forest." This address was uttered kneeling, bare-headed, and with arms folded. The most ancient tradition relative to the cross is that the upright stem was of Cedar, the cross-beam of Cypress, the inscription tablet of Olive, and the foot-bloek of Falm. In Hildesheim, when any one dies in the country the grave- digger goes silently to an Elder tree, and cuts a wand to mea- sure the corpse with ; the man who takes it to the grave does the like, and holds this wand in place of the usual whip. Elder planted before the stall-door preserves the cattle from magic. There are various otlier local superstitions relative to this tree prevalent in many parts of England. Thus, the rider on horse- back, it is said, will never "lose leather" if he has two small sticks of Eider in his pocket ; no one will have erysipelas W'ho wears in a bag liung about the neck a piece upon which the sun never shone. Those on whom the shadow of age is falling may like to know that Lupton is certain that " the tlowers of Elder gathered on a midsummer-day, dried and powdered, and a spoon- ful thereof taken daily will make one seem young a great while." Many of our ancestors would not allow their boys to be chastised with a rod of Elder, " because it hinders their growth " — a prejudice tlie boys would willingly have had enlarged to include rods of all kinds. The ancient name of this tree, according to Turner, was the "Bour-tre," or, as we should spell it, "Bore-tree," alluding to the large bore or hole through each branch containing the pith. Elder seems to be merely a corruption of tlie old German name referring to the same fact— Holder, or tree with holes.] FLORISTS' FLOWEES, THEIE DISTINGUISHISG CHAEACTEEISTICS, CULTIVATION, A>1) TAEIETIES. — KO. G. THE TULIP TnEKE are few flowers which have enlisted on their side so much real furor as the Tulip ; indeed, we question if there be one in which extravagance in price, and indeed in language too, has been carried to such excess. It is but little use now referring to the oft-told tale of fabulous prices given for them in the gambling days of the seventeenth century in Holland ; for it was not so much the intrinsic merit of the flower as the opportunity of gratifying the rage for speculation and gambling that obtained such ridiculous prices for them, just as people will gamble oyer the drops of rain running down a pane of glass. But even at the present day a catalogue of Tulips reveals prices for flowers which have been some years in growth which are not to be found in the lists of any other of Flora's favourites ; and were one to make a bid for the bed of 100 rows which Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, ofl'ers for sale this month, he would find that it is no easy matter to get together a collection of Tulips. ^ ^ I, who have only a very small bed and do the flower in a very humble way indeed, asked in my innocence last year how it came to pass that there were so many ill words, such bad language, and nasty feeling on the subject of this flower, and I honestly confessed that I was almost afraid whether there was not some- thing in the flower itself that might bite me. I bethought me of what the old gardener said of horses — " I've noticed all my life that horses seem to spoil anybody that has much to do with them, whether master or man ;" and I began to fear whether the Tulip might not be as bad as the poor horse. And, as if to confirm all my previous fears and suspicions, a controversy is even now pending on this subject in which said controversy personalities of all kinds are flying about thick as possible, and one almost even fears to allude to it, lest one should be dragged into and receive a sound castigation ; the controversy (info which even microscopical science has been brought), turning on the question as to whether form or marking is to be considered the first point in a Tulip. It will be necessary to mention here that this is one of those points in which Northern and Southern florists entertain great difference of opinion. And here, as in the case of the Auricula and Pink, " Northern " must be understood in a restricted sense — Scotland, which is far north, agreeing with us in the more sunny South ; while the what-I-cannot-but-call-erroneous view is shared by the Tulip-growers of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the midland counties. Dr. Horner's idea seems to be that in the South we lay too much stress on colour, which not only is a prominent feature in Tulips, but which, as he says, really distinguishes their classes ; flowers being feathered or flamed according to the disposition of the colours on them. Upon this siibjeet the Northern florists we believe to be decidedly wrong ; and Dr. Horner, who only partially sides with them, to some extent admits this, the purity of the base of the petals and of the ground colour of the flower having been much over- looked by them, and those flowers whose markings were the most gaudy and distinct being considered the favourites, even though the petals were pointed and irregular tl believe their taste is improving). But at the same time he upholds the marking of a flower as permanent, and contends that marking, combined with purity and brilhancy of colour throughout the petals, constitutes the first property of the Tulip ; while form, with substance and smoothness of petal, is but the second. From this I beg most emphatically to dissent, not from my knowledge of Tulips simply, but because I consider that form in every florist's flower constitutes the first point, colour the second, and size the third. What, then, is the form which we assign to the Tulip?- The accompanjing drawing will give Mr. Glenny's notion on the subject ; and, as I have before said, his ideas of characteristics have now come pretty generally to bo considered the standard ones. It will be seen that the six petals of which it is com- posed form a perfect cup, spreading out a little horizontally from the base and then turning upwards, that the edges are- perfectly smooth and rounded at top, and that there are no interstices between the petals to mar the perfection of its shape : the three outer petals Iseing a little lareer than the inner ones materially aids tliis. Tlie cup should be wider, too, at the top than at the base, for where the petals turn in it is a great hin- drance to the beauty of the flower. Substance and smoothness are naturally connected with shape ; for if a flower be flimsy it is impossible that it can retain its shape for a day, and there- fore the petals should be thick and waxlike, and not coarse in the grain, refinement being quite as much an essential in a well- bred florist's flower as in a duchess. As neither the titles nor grandeur of the one can make people overlook coarseness of mind, so neither can fine colouring nor even good shape in the other be tolerated if the substance be coarse. So, again, smooth- ness of the edge is absolutely necessary ; jagged and imeven. ones thoroughly destroying its beauty. Colour comes second in the list of properties, and this must be held to comprise both purity and marking. Tidips are divided into three sections — Bizarres, Bybloemens, and Koses ; in the iormer the ground colour is yellow, and in the two latter May 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 141 white. Now, tliis ground colour ehoulJ be perfectly pure, a muddy yellow or a creamy white spoiling (he beniity of it. Tlie base of the flower iiiflilo slioukl ba quite clear — that is, none of the mavkinj; eliouid run down to the bottom of the petal, nor be Btaiiied in any way ; the same is to be snid of the stamens, which must be white or yellow according to the class. With regard to the marking, each of the above classes has a furtlicr double division into flames and feathers. Bizarrcs having yellow grounds marked with purple scarlet, when confined to the edge is feathered ; wlien with a dark broad stripe down the centre of the petal it is flamed, some flowers being both feathered and flamed. Byblocmens, again, have white groimds marked with violet and purple, and are either flamed or feathered. Roses have also white grounds, marked with rose or cherry red. In no case must i\vi colours be run, or shadod-ort"; the marking must bo distinct and clear— a dilUcult point to keep to; for some will oftentimes disappoint the most ardent and particular grower by running, and then they are a sad disfigurement to the bfd. Size comes last in the list of properties ; and I think a very large Tulip, such as Lord Raglan, is out of place. It seems too commanding for the graceful and elegant forms around it. Such are my views on the properties of the Tulip, and I have written so much about this one point, that I must defer what I had to s.ay about their cultivation and varieties until another time ; hoping, meanwhile, to get a peep at Mr. Turner's bed, which he pronounces to be in first-rate condition this season. — D., Deal. ABTIPICIAL WATEK 1>^ GAEDENEFQUE .SCENERY, FOR GROWING AQUATIC PLANTS. BY H. NOEL llUMrmiEYS, ESQ. {Continued from page 132.) The engraving exhibits a canal supplied in a similar manner, and for a similar purpose, as in No. 1, but which is treated in a manner precisely the opposite of the symmetrical or architectural. The picturesque, as it is termed, has been the cffijct aimed at, in the form of a rocky valley, which it is intended should be entirely screened from the rest of the grounds by means of well-disposed shrubberies, leaving only an approach through a tunnel of rock. A completely sequestered spot of such totally distinct character would form a very pleasing contrast to tho more regular portion of tho grounds, and the aquatic plants, which may be the same as those in the engraving No. 1, would, in a situation so shel- tered, thrive with great luxuriance. In the interstices of the surrounding rocks. Broom and double-flowering Furze should be planted, with hardy Cistuses, and a variety of Ferns ; and so com- pleted, the scene would be very original in its general efTeet. A tank of rocky character must be prepared exactly in the nCTl'REStJDE OR ItOCKV TANK FOP. WATER I'L^NTS. same way as the one previously described as far as its founda- tions, supply of water, &c., are concerned. The form, however, must of course be irregidar, tho rocky eSect of the sides being produced by bricks irregularly placed, and roughly covered with cement, as also the opening for letting in the water. The detached pieces of rock should, if possible, be rough pieces of real stone, collected in the neighbourhood, which in many places, Buch as the red sandstone districts, is easily accomplished ; such pieces, in picturesque forms, being very abundant. But where real stone is not available, such masses may be formed by bricks roughly covered with cement, and will produce a very good effect if the eye of a tasteful director superintends the formation of the outline and position. I recommend this latter mode of producing rockwork as very superior to a collection of hetero- geneous materials, which always produces a petty, broken, and patchy eflect, while the general similarity of colour of the cement- work gives continuity and grandeur to the design, and the forms may, with these materials, be made large and majestic in their character to any extent that the nature of the design admits of. In the rocky tank I have supposed the waste water to escape in tho form of a small open stream among pieces of rock, which, with the addition of a few well-selected pebbles in its channel, would produce a very pleasing feature in such a scene. — {Gar- dener's Magazine of Botany.) 142 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ M-iy 20, 1862. CYCLAMEN VEENUM. [ If " J. A. P." insists upon the true explanation of the reason i why I said Cyclamen vernuni "on travelling as far north as 1 Naples," after denying it a home anywhere, I suppose I must ! eotne out with pecpavl, and tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. But, first of all, let me clear the mist of the misfortune in assigning the locality of C. ciu'opa^um to the southward of Genoa, instead of GeneTa. I had only the previous week corrected the reading from a manuscript, and said tlie Po was still the southern boundary of the species : therefore, any one who took an interest in the question, could easily perceive that Genoa was a misprint for Geneva, and if the thing were in a book the first correction would have been enough for the next edition ; but in a serial work like this, such corrections are less useful in practice. "The south of Europe" and "the Levant," are very useful places for authors and for compilers who know very little of what they are writing about, for refer- ring the locality of a ])Iant to ; but such loose writing will not do now-a-days, and this most useful article from " J. A. P." is a proof of that assertion. Geneva, Genoa, and Gibraltar are in the south of Europe ; but if Loudon, or any of the authors from whom he quoted, or who assisted him in his great works, had known which of tliese places, or which place in the " south of Europe" a certain plant could be found, they surely would have said it. But "J. A. P." has, very obligingly, assisted us in this inquiry, and the conclusion of it is this — that no author since the days of Linna'us has been wholly right on Cyclamens, or rather, that every one of them has been on the wrong scent all their lifetime : therefore, I hold it firm as Loudon, that no man now on the earth knows exactly where to look for Cyclamen vernum in a wild state. I have the " root " and the name vernum from Italy this very month from my own " Sardinian Corre-ipondent ;" and the Messrs. Carter, Butler & MeCuUoch, and Barr & Sugden may guess if my correspondent be the same person as they had their Cyclamans from, when I say my correspondent is now farther to the southward than theirs was a short time since. Specimens of a score of nursery plants of vernum from several Sardinian correspondents have been sent to me for the last two or three years for identification, not one of which was true : therefore, I can only go on supposing that I am in tha flame fix by my own correspondent until I flower the plants. And therefore, also, as vernum can be made here by crossing, and ibiricom as well, I see no cause to give up the point till we are better informed. Now for the vernum which I supposed to have ti-avelled northwards from the south pomt of the Peninsula, through the subalpine risings all through Calabria, and wishing to get nearer to the east on approaching Naples. The whole was a fiction founded on fact to provoke discussion, for one never tires of this sort of thing as long as there is a stone left unturned ; and the fact on which it was founded is, that the true Ivy-leaved Cyclamen of Clusius occupies all that tract of the country, and blooms there constantly in the spring, and the spring is vernum, of course. But neither fact nor fiction seems sufficient to turn many people from the wrong way, and who is so universally wrong on the Ivy-leaved Cyclamen as the bulk of British gardeners ? I am delighted with " J. A. P.'s " idea of making Cyclamens fine-foliaged plants; that is worth trying for most certainly. I once said I could make them all macrophyllums like the variety from Algiers, and I succeeded so well tliat last autumn I passed off, in review, before a first London authority, several sorts in my border as true maerophyllums, although I hsd not that kind then in stock. But I had to trust them to the care of another for some time after that, and had from .300 to 400 frosted to the ground. — D. Beaton. Caetbr's CHAjrpioN Broccoli. — We have received from Mr. Swinerd, gardener to John Swinferd, Esq., of Minster Abbey, Kent, two heads of Carter's Champion Broccoli, which are of very large size, even and beautifully grown, and of a fine colour ; they were each 2 feet 3 inches in circumference. This is evidently a form selected from the Wileove Broccoli, and appears to be also somewhat Inter than that variety. Mr. Swinerd states that the crop of Wileove was over on the 2nd of May, and this is now just in perfection and will last another week. NEW BOOKS. The Orchard Mouse : or the CuUhation of Frv.il Trees in Pots under Glass. By Thomas Eitees. Tenth JEdition, enlarged and improved. London : Longmans. Like all great things that spring from small beginnings, the orchard-house system of cultivating fruit trees has gradually developed itself mitil it has become almost a distinct branch of gardening. From time to time Mr. Rivers lias furnished us with the progressive steps that have been made in this mode of culture ; and now in the tenth edition of his book he brings us down to the latest improvements in these structures and the most recent discoveries in the management of the trees. In this edition we have some instructions on the application of heat to the roots — • a subject which in the present day is occupjing the attention of gardeners, and it is one upon whicli there is not a doubt that the success of the cultivation of all exotic fruits depends. The instructions given for the construction of arrangements for this root-heat are very simple. "FORCING WITU ROOT-HEAT. " The most efficient method of forcing Peaches and Nectarines and also Grapes in pots, is to give tliem root-heat, forming a hot-air chamber by enclosing t*vo 4-inch hot-water pipes between two 4-inch biiclc walls, and then placing bars either of iron or wood, across from wall to wall: on these should be placed slates ; the heat from the hot-water pipes thus enclosed, will give a surface constantly heated ; on this flooring of si ites the pots should be placed, not plunged in any material, for if so, the air of the house will not be heated sutficijntly. So favourable is this root-heat to the growth of trees in pots, that I have found Vines in pots placed on the brick- work over a boiler, with a surface heated to 130^, make shoots 20 feet in length, and bear very tine fruit. In a house 12 or 14 feet wide, with two 4-inch pipes going round it, the path should be in the centre, and a bed or hot-air chamber, .i to 6 feet wide on each side ; the pipes should be near the ground, but not resting on it, and the brickwork may be from 20 to 24 inches in height. This method will answer well for moderate forcing, so as to have Peaches ripe in June, but if early forcing is practised there should be two 4-inch hot-water pipes above the hot-air chamber, so as to till the house with warm air. This extra heat may however be dispensed with, if a house is double glazed, which, as compared with a house single glazed or heated with the same apparatus, will give an increase of from 10° to 12* of heat: for example, a house heated with two 4-inch pipes round it in cold weather in spring, may, with a single .roof of glass, have a temperature of 60°, but with a double roof, and with the same heating force, it would have a temperature of 72®. This is an enormous gain, and the construction of such roofs for early forcing will ere long be very general." Then we have instructions "How to form an Orange grove;" and why not? Oranges are as easily cultivated as Vines; and there is no reason why St. Michael's, Tangerin, and other edible varieties should not be grown as those large, worthless, woolly, and abominably acid sorts that have occupied our conservatories for generations past. It is a high flight of fancy certainly, but it is one which after all is fur from Utopiau, as the following extract will show ; — "HOW TO FORM AN ORANGK GROVE. *' A large span-roofed house 100 feet long and 24 feet wide would form a grove large enough for a most enjoyable promenade. An amateur living near Clapham, Surrey, has recently built ihiee houses of this size, one of which will most probably be formed into the tirst Orange grove ever seen near London. There is another mode of forming an orange grove under glass, more expensive and luxurious, by adopting ' geothermal culture,' and heating the borders as well as the air of the house. A house 24 feet wide under this system would require Jour 4-inch hot-water pipes under each border (with rubble 4 inches deep over them), placed about 2 feet under the surface ; with a path in the centre of the house 5 feet wide, each border may be from 9 to 10 feet wide ; the pipes about 2 fett apart; he^ides these there must be two 4-inch hot-water pipes to heat the air of the house in the ripening season. In a house thus heated those delicious (when first gathered) Maltese blood Oranges may be grown, and the Pernambuco and other tropical varieties of the genus Citrus. Tangerin and St. Michael's Orange trees planted in these warm borders would ripen their fruit very curly, and it would be more sugary and rich. There seems, indeed, no end to what can be done by Englishmen with the aid of artificial heat and glass. What a heautilul vmejard under glass could be formed by such heated borders as I have described above : and howcharmjng " to make a promenade," as our neighbours say, in such a place. The Tangerin Orange is an abundant bearer when cultivated under favourable circumstances. A correspondent has recently informed me that a tree in his garden at Alexandria, Egypt, not more than 6 feet high, has often given him a crop of 500 fruit." Our space is too limited to say more than that this edition is much improved, many additions have been made, and that it is a worthy successor to tliose that have gone before it. A Sandy Bool- of the Chemistry of Soils : explanatory of their composition and the influence of manures in ameliorating/ them^ with outlines of tite various processes of agriciUtural analysis. By John Scoffeen, M.£. Lond. London : Bell and Daldy. This is a pleasant book for the tyro, but it is quite misnamed. It is called " A Handy Book of the Chemistry of Soils ; " but it May 20, 1662. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. 143 is a fact, that not move than 21. pp. out of 21G pp. strictly rel'ito to that leading title. It is a pleiisaiit book, nevertlieless, and much iiit'ormation may bo gleanod from its pages ; but wo recommend that when it comes to a second edition that it bo revised by sonio one who is a master of English as well as oi chemistry. As evidence that this is needed, wo will give but one quotation out of many we have marked as incorrectly expressed. "The idea was entertained by Lavoisier and his associates tliat oxygen v-ras the universal acid of any principle," page 8. Wluit Dr. Scoflern meant to say is — " tliat oxygen is the universal acidifying principle." It is a more ijrateful task to quote passages which are evidences of excellence, and these are by far the most numerous ; but wo can afibrd space for but two :~ "It is a remarkable tact, in connection with the chemistry of starch, that it frequently exist- in exceedingly poisonous plants, but -when once cs- iracted. it is always innocuous. •* A feeble instance in illustration of this point, is furnished us by the Potato, which belonp:s to a very poisonous tribe of plants, the Solanucctc, or Nightshade tribe, and which itself is somewliat poisonous ; for, if Potatoes are allowed to sprout in dark places, the pale blanched sprouts are poisonous, even to danger; and every housewife knows that good Irish stew must by no oieans hitve in its composition any of the water in which the Potatoes were first boiled, because of the poisonous extract which such water contains. "A far more striking exemplification of the poisomns agents with which starch BOiiieiimes associates, is furnished by Tapioca. The tree which yields this fuvourite article of food, not only belongs to one of the most poisonous tribes known to botanists, the ' Euphorbiacetc,' but the Jatropha manihol, us it is termed, is one of the most poisonous of the tribe. A little of the juice of this tree, poured on a wound, or inserted by means of a puncture, almost infallibly kills the animal to which it is applied : indeed the natives of regions where the Jatropha manihot grows, employ its juice with the object of poisoning their arrows. T?.ken internally, this juice is equally fatal. Yet, ditfusccT through the whole of the Jatropha trunk, and easily separable from the latter, by washing, is Tapioca starch— perfectly harmless— and which is rendered in the commercial form of Tapioca, by a process of torrefactiun or partial baking." *• It is u prominent ()\iality of diastase to render starch soluble in water of a temperature insufficient to cause its solution unaided. According to Liebig, the diastase contained in 1 lb. of malted barley is sufficient to dissolve and convert into sugar 3 lbs. of starch. This fact is turned to great practical use in the oper.ition of brewing — especially in the brewing of pale-coloured ales. If the diastase in 1 lb. of malt be sufficient to turn into sugar 5 lbs. of starch, then it follows that we may save our mall to the extent of that quantity which corresponds with 5 lbs. of starch, and use a corresponding quantity of raw grain. By following this plan, we not only cconomiee to the extent of the labour-value, corresponding with the amount of malt saved, but we lower the colour of the resulting beer; inasmuch as even pale malt, at whatever temperature produced, contains a certain amount of colouring matter. " In Germany, and many parts of Belgium, where a light colour is desiderated for beer, the above-mentioned chemical principle is taken advantage of. The white beer of Louvain is made from a wort, formed of a little rafilt, added to a large quantity of wheat flour ; and, in the manu- facture of the celebrated Bavarian pa:e beer, a large quantity of unmalted barley is employed. "If starch be baked, it is rendered soluble in cold water; acquiring under this treatment the leading property of a gum. Under the name of British gum large quantities of this material are manufactured for em- ployment in the operation of calico-printing. The chemical term for this substance is dextrine ; and it may be regarded as starch advanced, by one stage beyond diastase, towards the condition of sugar. Dextrine is not only the result of the tnrrefaction of starch, but it is formed when starch is boiled with very dilute oil of vitriol. As before remarked, it is alt^o generated when starch is operated on by diastase." POETKAITS OF NEW AND BARE PLANTS, FLOWERS, AND FRUITS. Rhododendron abboeeuh var. MMBATUir (Broad-zoned Tree Kliododendron). — 2fat. ord., Ericeaj. Linn., Diandria Monogynia. — A variety raised from seed sent Irom the Sikkim Ilitriiilayn by Dr. Hooker. " Not one is better wovth cultivation than tliis, wlicther for its early free-flowering habit, or the ex- quisite delicacy of the broad rose-coloured limb of the corolla gradually fading into the almost purely white throat, marked at the base with a deep blood-red blotch." — (^Botanical Maga- zine, t. 6311.) LiMATODES ROSEA (Rose-coloured Limatodes). — Nat. ord., OrchidacesE. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. Native of Moul- mein. Flowers pale rose-coloured. — (Ibid., t. 5312.) Clehodenduon Thomson.?; (Mrs. Thomson's Clerodendron). — Sat. ord., Verbenaeear'. Linn., Didynamia Angiospermia.^ — Native of Old Calabar, on the west coast of tropical Africa, whence it was sent by the Kev. W. C. Thomson, and is named in meaiory of liis wife. It liowered during Jauuary in the stove of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. Branches long and twining, or prostrate and rootinj,'. Flowers in clusters and very showy, the corolla being deep crimson, and its large campanulatc calyx white.— (/oKi., t. 5313.) U.HMANTiitrs ciNNAiiABrNUS (Cinnabar-coloured Ilmmanthus). — Hal. ord., Amaryllidacea'. Linn., llexandria Monogynia. Native of Ambas Bay, western tropical America. Flowers scarlet.— (/ij'd., t. 5314.) IIei.iconia metallica (Metallic-leaved Helieonia). — Nat. ord., Musacea?. Linn., Peutandrin Monogynia Native of " the wot shady gorges at the foot of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Martha." Stem 6 feet or 8 feet high. Leaves about 2 feet long, rich velvety green above, coppery metallic purple beneath. Flowers scarlet with greenish-white tips. — (Ihid., t. 5315.) Amabtllis UNiijnE, raised by Mr. B. S. Williams, Paradise Nursery, HoUoway. Colour deep brilliant scarlet, the centre of petals shaded with black, throat marked with white. — (Floral Maf/azine, pi. 97.) IIyacinth Duo be Malakoff.— "A very striking flower, nankeen yellow ground, with broad stripes of crimson in each segment of the corolla." — (Ihid., pi. 98.) PEiiAiiGONiDMs.— Celeste has " an entirely new shade of colour, the lower petals being of a rich orange scarlet, the upper petals deep maroon with a bright scarlet margin, and a clear white centre ; altogether a very novel and striking flower." Mrs. lIoYLE, " a fine light flower, lower petals violet rose, upper petals same colour shaded with red, with a am dl black spot." Pbincetta, "a very beautiful dark flower, upper petals glossy black with a fiei-y crimson margin ; lower petals heavily pencilled with dark red and rose, centre clear white." — (Ibid., pi. 99.) Epackises. — Three varieties raised by Mr. Storey, and sent out by Messrs. Henderson, Wellington Road Nursery. Fireball, brilliant crimson; Butteeflt, white and rose ; and Exquisite, bright rosy pink. — (lbid.pl. 100.) Pompon Dahlias.- — From Messrs. E. G. Henderson, Wel- lington Road Nursery, St. John's Wood. Stah, flowers bright orange yellow. Little Doerit, flowers deep purphsh-rose. — (Florist and Fomologist, i. 65.) Cheeet Noutelle Royale. — One of the "Duke" race of this fruit. " A first-rate Cherry ripening in the end of July, and continuing in use till the middle or end of August." — (Ibid., 72.) CULTURE OF THE PINE APPLE. (Continued from page 122.) Planting in a Bed oe Eaeth. — This method is now followed by many cultivators with great success. AtTrentham, the Duke of Sutherland's seat, I saw a few years ago a bed of earth in a pit in a lean-to house planted full of Queen Pines ; and, at the time of my vi&it, they were all in fruit, many in a ripening state, I was assured by Mr. Fleming himself, who had the charge of the garden then, that the fruit would average at least G lbs. weight each ; and certainly I believe they would, for better swelled or larger fruit of that kind I never saw. Supposing, then, that some of my readers may choose to follow such a successful example, and supposing also that they have the means in the shape of a proper house and a right sort of a pit — that is, one heated under the bed by hot-water pipes run- ning through a shallow tank of water ; let that tank be covered with flags, and on the flags place a layer of rubble, such as broken stones or brick ends, 6 inches thick, and on that layer lay a covering of tm-f, and then fill the pit up to the curb stonee with good rough compost such as I prescribed for fruiting plants in pots. Let this bed of earth settle and become warm and moderately dry. Then select from amongst the fruiting plants a suflicient number to fill the bed without crowding. Choose them as nearly as possible all of a siiie and age. Set the first row on the pit, and commence to plant them by first laying a broad board on the soil to stand upon, and then open a hole at one corner at the north side of the pit ; a three-pronged fork with a short handle is a suitable tool for the purpose. Make the hole deep enough to receive the ball, then turn the ball carefully out of the pot and place it in the hole as entire ns poesible. Fill in around the ball the sod that came out of the hole, which will niise it a sufficient depth to cover the ball an inch or 2 inches deeper than it was in its pot. Press the earth rather firmly to the plant, and then take the next plant in hand and plant it out in a similar manner, and so proceed till the first row is completed. After that is done, remove the board and gently stir-up the soil that has been pressed down by the board ; that board, if of a sufficient length, will be a good guide to keep the rows straight 144 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ May 20, 1862. by. Place the second row ready, and tlien commence again at one end and jjlant it out in a similar way, onlv observing to plant them opposite the spaces in the ' first row in this fashion ■.•.-.• When that row is completed, plant the next, and so proceed till the pit is filled ; only observing, that if the plants have been tied-up with bast mat, to cut the ties loose m each row as the work goes on, so that there may be no disturb- ance afterwards. The outside rows may be loosened from the back and front path. When all is finished, give a good watering with warm water, wash the floors, and leave all sweet and clean! The after-management is much the same as for the pot system only when planted out in such a large body of earth less water IS necessary at the roots. Where a succession of fruit is required there ought to be two pits, one for summer fruit and the other for winter fruit • that lor summer should be planted out in February, and for winter plant out m July. Tbeatment o'f Olii Stools.— After tlie fruit is cut the old stocks shoidd have a liberal suj)plT of water, both from the garden-pot and synnge. This will encourage the growth of the suckers very much, and they may be still further encouraged to grow strongly by pulling olTa few of the old bottom leaves, and pdmg up some fresh turfy soil around the old stem. Tlie young roots of the suckers will strike into this, and, of course, draw nutriment from it. When, however, all the fruit in that pit 13 gathered, then lift out the old plants at once, and take off the suckers and pot them in the ordinary way. It is quite possible that some of the suckers will be so large as to require pots nearly as large as any in the succession-house. Some kinds are shy in producing suckers— such for instance, as the White Providence. When such a one has only one sucker on it, I have taken that sucker off and repotted the old plant, cutting off and shortening- m the leaves and replunging it in the bark bed. By this method 1 have, as it were, forced the old plant to throw out two or three more suckers in succession. WINTER TREATMENT. The winter of Pine culture, as I remarked before, commences in Uctober and ends in January. ^^^I'T^''" '"''''■lal ''eat during this season should never exceed /O at noon, and if it falls to 60° at midnight that will be warm enougn. If a higher heat is kept up the centre youn» leaves wiU come up thin and bleached m colour, showing evidently a too great excitement. The same remark applies to the bottom heat. During the short dark days, if the bottom heat averages from 65° to 70°, it will be quite warm enough. In fact what we want in winter is a slow steady growth, and to attain this we must lower all stimulants, whether they be heat or water, or steam-that is, moist air. Let thi^ principle, then, be borne m mmd by the young gardener-namely, feed a plant in proportion to the work it has to do, and let" that work be done mostly m the longest and sunniest days. Grow slowly in winter and quickly in summer. There is, "however, one oWec- tiou to this rule, and that is, when you have a house full of Iruit, swelling off to ripen about Christmas, these must have 5 or lOo more heat, and a liberal supply of water at the roots and moisture m the air. Bottom heat' should also be kept up by additions of fresh tan, when the heat falls below the minimum, in all pmeries, whether in fruit or not. AiK— Fresh air is as necessary in winter as summer, but, of course, cannot be given to that extent ; yet in some days there 19 sun and a warm soft air, and on such days air may be given toely, even from ten in the forenoon to three in the afternoon. But m doing this great attention must be exercised, and if the weather changes to a cold dampness close all up immediately ■ hence the cultivator of the Pine Apple should either be constantly in Ills garden himself, or leave a competent man in charge that he can depend upon. In November, December, and January very little air can be given, and in very hard frost none at all, unless the sun shines, when a small aperture may be opened for an hour or two in the very middle of the day. It is true in our vanable chmate we have sometimes a short season, lastin-, perhaps, .or a week or ten days, of fine, clear, sunny weather without any frost. The diligent cultivator will take advantage ot such an occurrence, and give air accordingly WATEE.-During these winter months the Piiie Apple requires but htle water-only just sufficient to keep the soil moist. If the sou becomes wet and sodden the roots will perisli, and very likely many of the half-grown plants will start into fruit when more lieat is given : hence the grower should be careful not to give water till the soil is very dry, and even then to oive a very moderate supply. Should by chance any water appear lodged m the hearts of the plants, either from drips from the roof or from the watering-pot, that water should be drawn away I have generally for that purpose used a long, smsiU, tin tube and sucked it out with my mouth, and so got rid of it entirely. There are no actual manual operations required durintr winter excepting the renewing the heat of the bark-bed when it faUs too low m temperature. As it cools and decays most at the sides and ends next the walls, I have sometimes renewed the heat sufhciently by taking out the outermost rows of plants and removing this cold decayed tan, replacing it with fresh tan in a state of fermentation produced by laying it on a heap in the AVith close attention to the above points the plants will be carried through these winter months in good health : and wiU be short, stout broad-leaved plants, of a good dark green healthy colour, ready for the spring repotting. T. Applebt. {To be confini'.ed.) WORK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. The weather is now favourable for carrying ou the various operations of planting and sowing. Where any main crops in the kitchen garden have failed, more seed should be immediately sown ; where they have partially failed procure plants, if possible, to fill up. Thin out all seedling crops as soon as they are fit ; delay on this point frequently does great injury, the plants get weak and drawn, and never recover the ground they lose as compared with those that have been attended to in proper time. Beet, thin the plants to a foot apart while they are small. Fill up vacancies with those that are drawn out ; they will produce plants equally good with the others. If the first crop has alto- gether failed, it is not yet too late to sow again. Broccoli, make another sowing of both early and late sorts ; the former to come in in October and November, the latter late in the spring. Carrots, where young ones are continually in request, another sowing may now be made ; and advancing crops of the same must be kept well surface-stirred and thinned-out from 4 inches to 6 inches apart, as very large Carrots are seldom required. Capsicums, plant-out on a warm rich border ; water them during dry weather throughout the season. Cauliflowers, those in a forward state to be supplied with Uquid manure, even if the ground is wet. Chervil, make a sowing of that, and also a sowing of American Cress. Dwarf Kidney Beans, make another sowing. Endive, sow a little seed for an early crop. It is advisable not to sow much, as it will soon run to seed. Leeks, make a sowing to plant-out for winter use. Lettuce, plant-out a few about once a- week. Parsnips require to be thinned to 9 inches apart or more if the ground is rich. Tomatoes, plant- out in light compost under a south wall, also Chilies and Basil. Let the roots be gently loosened and spread out, if they are at all potbound. FLOWEE GARDEN. As all apprehensions of danger from frost are now over, the planting-out of half-hardy plants for the summer and autumn decoration of the flower garden should now be proceeded with, and carried on as vigorously as circumstances will permit. Select a shady border, and give it a good dressing of rotten dung or leaf mould slightly forked in, fjr planting with the runners of the different kind) of A'iolets for forcuig. The Neapolitan is the best for frames or pots, and the runners will now be found in a proper state for removal. Plant them 8 inches or 10 inches apart ; water them abundantly in dry weather, and pinch off the runners as they appear. If the soil be rich and open they will grow into stout bushy plants by the autumn, and may then be either potted or planted into pits or frames for forcing. The many beautiful climbing plants that are at present in cultivation, make it as easy to produce pleasing effects on walls as in flower-beds ; and there is no reason why an interesting variety should not be produced there as well a's elsewhere ;— Clematis, Tropieolum, SoUya, Passiflora, Cobcea, Lo- phospermum, Billardiera, with their differently-coloured flowers, as well as some of the Loniceras, Jasminums, &c., which are worthy of notice either for their flowers or the fragrance that they diffuse around them. FRUIT GARDEN. During the process of nailing-in the shoots of Peaches Nee- May 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OP HOaTICULTCRE AND COTTAQR GARDENER. Its tarines, and Apricots, eiominc if tlierc are any naiU oo placed as n the Vine," a new edition of whic!i we shall publish in a few days. Our corre- spondent wishes to Unow if there is a market for unripe Grapes for ciiemical purposes. Rose Shoots Cut off {It. C). — You will find a dirty brown grub just under the surface soil near the bottom of the Rose trees. They do the mis- chief at night and hide themselves thi'ough the day in the earth. Ant-Hills {B. M. K.). — Level them, and water them with ammoniacal gas liquor for a few successive days. The insects soon migrate to a locality less offensive. Names of Plants {J. B. P., Gardener).— ItAstrasa. Sieboldii. * {M. P. S/ireicsbiiry).— l, Buplcurum fi'utico^um? 2, Pittosporum Tobira; 3, Ame- lanchier vulgaris. {J. O. Shrewsbury). — 1, Cerasus padus ; 2, Staphylea pinnata. {H. B.). — Gnidia simplex. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHROIJICLE. POULTRY SHOWS. Mat 27tb, 28th and 29th. Bath and West of England (City of WellsU Steituird, S. Pitman, Esq., JIanor House, Taunton. Entries close May 1. Mav 2Sth and iOih. Hull and East Kiuino of Yorkshirh,. Sec^ Mr. J. Hooton. Entries close May 14th. June 3rd, Essex Agricultural Association. Sec., R. Emson, Slough House, Ualstead. Kntries clo&e May 10th. Junk 4:h aud 5th. Beverley and East Hiding. Sec, Mr. Harry Adams. June l2tU, North Hants Agricultural SociEa-Y, Sec, Mr. H. Downs. Entries close May 21st. June 26th and 27th. Suffolk {Woodbridgc;. Sec., Mr. J. Loder, jnn. Entries close .lune 5lh. July 3rd- Prescot. i>c., Mr. James Beesley. Entries close June 2l8t. July 9th, 10th, and Uth. Lkp:ds and W^sst Riding. -Sec^., G. Newton and J. Wade. Entries close June 2lst. Skptember 9tb. WoRSLKY and Ar.mlev (near Leeds). Sec.,Mc. Robert Hoyle, Armley, near Leeds. December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and lib. Birmingham. Sec, John B. Lythall^ 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. TAUNTOIT POULTRY EXHIBITION. The exhibition of poultry just closed at Taunton, Somerset^ was auiiouflly looked forwurd to by the generality of poultry amateurs with far more than customary interest from the fact that it was tlie first Chicken iShow of the present year. There were not wanting those who foreboded that the Meet- ing would prove itself a comparative failure, from the combined inSueaces of the fact that many breeders could ill afford to allow the temporary absence of their laying hens; and again^ that very few indeed could boast this year of chickens sufEciently May 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF IIOBTICULIUKK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 147 matured for the purpose of competition. In epito, however, of these admittedly cogmt dvH\yback9, it is certain that as goodly a muster of both useful nnd fancy poultry wa.s galhercd together as ever yet was obtained in this locality. We cannot forbear mentioning that various sceptical remarks renehcd our enrs as to the ages ctf some few pens of chickens ; one old joker very hhiflly assuring the bystanders "he at once admitted they were like the ladies, all out what was stated ; but how mneh more was only conjectural." Certainly some of the pullets looked unquestion- ably suspicious. To absolutely prove an error of entry was impossil)le, however ; and we fear that at shows held so early as the beginning of May such differenees of opinion will be always entertained respecting chickens. Last year the Exhibit ion took place in the barrack-yard, at that time temporarily unoccupied by troops ; tliis season a fresh locality was eom[)ul3ory, and, therefore, Billet Street was the spot selected ; a considerable part of this street was, conse- quently, carefully enclosed, and proved both comfortable and suitable to most of the parties interested. It is true, to even a proverb liowever, that it is a strange circumstance to hit on any plan to please every one, and in this case there proved to be a solitary objection. It was this: from the front of the Exhibition throughout the whole lengtli of the remaining portion of the street to its junction with the main thoroughfare in Taunton, it had been purposed to temporarily plant evergreens on both sides the way, which, with banners and flags of various kinds, tended greatly to enhance the general efTect, whilst in no wayja hindrance to passers-by. But, as is frequently the I'esult when applied to novelties, there turned up an individual whose impulse was to make himself disagreeable, indeed to so great an extent as to not only prohibit altogether any evergreens whatever being placed on his side the way (which, by-the-by, was only bounded by a blank wall), but actually went so far as to cause a rope bearing a wreath of flowers which spanned simply across the public carriage-way, and to which the town authorities had previously given sanction, to be cut through, and let fall. So much puerile churlishness of course drew down expressions of disapproval from those who were simply idle spectators ; b>it we arc glad to say such manifesta- tions were carried no farther, though doubtless it will be long before the unpopularity thus self-earned will he forgotten. In pleasing contrast to such condvict we must mention that Colonel Phipps without a moment's hesitation at once permitted the attendance, on both days, of the 1st Somerset Militia band, which as naturally increased the attraction. The kii. PAYNES BEE-HIVES. .Illusion and inquiry are sometimes made in your publication to what are called Payne's hives (as at page l;j()). It maybe well to say to such correspondents, that there is no mystery about tliem, for they existed before his time, and any slraw- hivc-maker, if directed, can make one. Straight and cylindrical in form, flat on the top, of any required height and diameter, with a hole in tlie centre of the crown, through which the bees can pass onwards into a super when needed. In Payne's " Bee- Keeper's Guide" (Ncwby, Mortimer Street), is an illus- tration;* and the same thing is in Taylor's "Bce-kceper'a Manual " (Groombridgc & Sons, Paternoster Row). The latter remarks (page 31), "Payne saw reasons for altering the dimen- sions of his hives from 12 inches wide to 14 inches, and 7 inches or sometimes 8 inches in height, inside measure." — A. B. AMERICAN BEE-KEEPERS' MEETING IN CLEVELAND, OHIO. The American Bee-keepers' Association held its third annual meeting in Cleveland, commencing on the morning of tlie 12th of March, and ending on the evening of the 11th. It was more largely attended than any of its previous meetings. Kev. L. L. Langstroth, and other eminent gentlemen were present during its session. Prof. J. P. Kirtland presided. The following is an epitome of the subjects discussed : — I. — The Winter Manaqemenf of J5ees.— Messrs. Langstroth, Kirtland, Robinson, Merriman of Burton, Twining of Indiana, and S. C. Brown i i Portage, took part in the discussion of this topic. Mr. Langstroth had experience with bees in New England, Philadelphia, and Southern Ohio, and said that what would be good management in one climate, would not be in another of different temperature. He is convinced that if bees have plenty of honey, free intercommunication between the combs, and an upward passage from the hive for the escape of the dampness caused by their breath, that bees can be wintered in any climate. Unpainted thin wooden hives are better than thick painted ones. Want of communication between the combs has caused the death of many bees. This can be remedied by boring holes through the sides of the hives, and then running a "butter-tryer" through the combs at right angles to the frames. If tiiis is done late in tho fall, the holes will not be filled by the bees. Mr. Lang- stroth to prevent this, has contrived a passage made of thin cir- cular shavings. Prof Kirtland thinks bees do best out of doors, in thin wooden hives. He would protect the hives from the northern and eastern winds, and hot suns. Ventilation must be good below and above. In his cellar he had kept some hives which were ventilated at the top, hut not at the bottom, and carbonic acid gathered in the hive like damps in a well, and with like results. The past winter he has had forty-five stocks in a boe-house, and all are doing well. Some swarms, merely covered by dry goods boxes, liad wintered perfectly. The boxes were thrown over them to hide them from thieves. Mr. Robinson has three hives, without tops to them, which have stood all winter near an open window, and the bees are in good condition. Messrs. Merriman and Twining agreed with Messrs. Kirtland and Langstroth in then- views. Mr. Brown, of Portage, said that he had buried bees, which had come out in excellent condi- tion ; those so bui-ied consumed only one-half the amount of food'that those not buried did. He believed that in this change- able climate it was best to bury bees, and that such come out in better condition than bees which are wintered out of doors. He never lost a swarm so buried, except for want of food. Mr. Langstroth entertained the Association by reading some accounts from the French " Bee Journal " of the calamities to bees in the year 1S60-«1. It was a dreadful year. Among other statements was one, that out of 470 colonies of bees, 383 died during the winter. II.— Winter Feed!«ff.—M.r. Langstroth feeds with candy, by • So there is in " Bee-Keeping for the Many." whicli liad Mr. PaynCs last corrections. It may be had tree by post from our oltlcc tor five penny postage stamps. 150 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTCRE AND COTXAaE GAEDENEE. [ May 20, 1862. laying it on the frames before the honey is exhausted, and pre- fers it to Uquid food. A sponge saturated with hquid honey does excellently. Mr. Merriman thought maple molas.ses best. Mr. Langstrotli, Mr. Sturtevant, and Prof. Kirtland, strongly re- commended rye Hour as spring bee-food. Mr. Langstroth makes it into a paste with syrup. Prof. Kirtlaud fed his weak hives in the fall on sugar syrup ; this was before fall flowers, and tho«e bees were stimulated to work, and added to their stock of food for winter use. The consequence of such feeding was that the weak hives worked upon the latest sprigs of mignonette in No- Tember, and after the strongest hives, which he did not feed, had ceased to work. That was all the winter feeding he gave. III. — Italian Bees. — All agreed as to the superiority of the Italian to the common black bee. They deserve all the good things that European bee-keepers had said of them, save one. They are not more peaceable, but more irascible than the black bee, and tlieir sting is more poisonous. Mr. Langstroth gave it as his experience, and that of some of his friends, that the Italian bees, instead of being more peaceable than our common kind, are more irascible (except in the season of honey-gathering), and are more difficult to quiet when once excited.* The Italian who brought all Mr. Parson's bees, said that our bees are far more peaceable than the black bees of Germany. A German writer, who furnished a valuable article on bee-keeping for the Patent Office Report of 1860, says that our bees are much more easily handled than those of Germany. This accounts for the belief in Germany, that the Italian bees are more peaceable than the black species. The remarks of Prof. Kirtland seemed to sum up all that other gentlemen had said of the Italian bee. The Doctor prefaced his remarks by saying that he had no " axe to grind," and no bees to sell, and would not have until his experunents had been completed, which would be in three or more years. After discussing the good qualities of the ItaUan bee, he said that it was as much superior to the black bee as Short-horn cows and Chester hogs are to the " scrubs " of the country ; and that the Italian bee is — 1. Stronger, more active, and resists lake winds and chills better than the common bee. 2. It works more hours every day. 3. It collects more stores. 1. It wjrks upon some flowei-s which the black bee cannot operate upon. 5. It breeds more freely. 6. It is more irritable, and its sting more painful. 7. It is more beaiitiful. IV. — Ttnprovemenis in Mives. — Six or eight hives were then exhibited and discussed. After this exhibition was concluded, the following topic was taken up. W . — Is it expedient to destroy queen hees when they have attained either their third ur fourth year of age ; and what is the most sttccessfnl method of raising youny queens for iupplyiny their places, and for forming new colonies I — Prof. Kirtland said, that after the third year, the queen was nearly wortldess and should be killed, and a fertile queen put in her place instantly. So thought Mr. Langstroth ; he said a vigorous, fertile queen was worth half a swarm. Mr. Sturtevant thought the queen as good in her third year as at any other time ; and at four years he would not kill her, unless he knew that he could instantly get a young fertile queen in her stead; — the risk was great, for at that season of the year the loss of a week or two was a serious loss ; it was an exceedingly difficult matter to have young fertile queens on hand, ready lor any emergency. VI. — Is it projitahle to attempt to renovate and cleanse mouldy conib for sahsequent use^ and what are the best methods to ac- complish that purpose ? — The unprofitableness of any attempt to renovate damaged comb was generally conceded. VII, — Hybridisation of the ItaUan and Black Bees. — This was well discussed. The only sure way to prevent hybridisation is by keeping them long distances apart. VIII. — Artificial Smarming. — Prof. Kirtland cautioned bee- raisers against too frequent division of swarms, or they would destroy all their bees. Mr. Twining thought the proper time for dividing a swarm is when the young queen bee commences piping, and is still capped over. If left alone, the old queen bee will probably attack the young queen, kill it, and then swarm. The young queen ehould be removed while still capped, with a part of the swarm. The bees would probably swarm on the next day of themselve?, if this is not done, and, therefore, no injury can be done by thus swarming artificially. Mr. Langstroth said it sometimes happens that in one district bees will swarm abun- dantly of themselves, while in another district not far distant, artificial swarmi? g is necessary. Mr. Brown related his ex- perience, going to show that artificial swarming by the use of * This is certainly contrary to the experience of English apiarians. moveable comb-hives, when not overdone, is the best plan. In answer to a question, Mr. Langstroth said, that in this climate, one new stock to two old ones would be about the proper in- crease. In warmer climates, the increase might safely be much greater. Mr. Langstroth contended that the apiarian who aims at obtaining much surplus honey at any season cannot usually, at the furthest, more than double his stock ; nor even that, unless all are strong, and the season is favourable. It in any season that ia not favourable he attempts a more rapid increase, he must expect no surplus honey, but must even purchase food to keep his bees from starving. The time, care, skill, and food required in our uncertain climate for the rapid increase of colonies are bo great, that not one bee-keeper in a hundred can make it profit- able ; while most who attempt it will be siu-e at the close of the season to find themselves in possession of stocks which have been managed to death. Very rapid multiphcation of colonies by artificial processes, Mr. Langstroth pronounced to be hazard- ous speculation, sometimes successful, but ordinarily sharing the fate of such speculations. VS-.—Artificial Comb. — Mr. Samuel Wagner, Editor of the American " Bee Journal," sent a specimen of artificial comb made by a process which he has patented, which excited great interest, and which promises important residts. X. — Bee Moth. — Mr. Langstroth said that so long as a colony has a healthy queen, and plenty of stores and bees, it is seldom seriously injured by the moth. XI. — Milk a^s a Bee-feed. — Mr. Langstroth stated that new sweet milk had been I'ecommended as feed for bees. He had not tested its value, but advised a very cautious trial of it. Prof. Kirtland thought that the sugar of nailk and albumen might afford nutriment to bees. The Convention adjourned, to meet in Cleveland the first day of the Ohio State Fair in September, when a very interesting time may be anticipated. — (Ohio Farmer.) OUR LETTEE BOX. DucKwiNGED Bantams {Amateur de To I a He). —They have made great strides towards perfection, but they are not a? perfect as the Black Reds, nor as their fulUsii^ed brethren. It is difficult V) say whether they are more prized. We should say not. We should advise yon if you can keep but one sort to keep the Black Reds. In our opinion they are quite as handsome, and they breed true; the Duckwings do not. Californian Quails ((Idem). — These, like all live birds, vary in price according to demand, supply, and season. We believe now they are worth about three guineas or 70*. the pair. Black Bantam Cock's Ear-loees (Idan).— The lack of the white ear- lobe is a grave defect in a Black Bantam cock. It would be a disqualifica- tion if it cume in competition with good birds possessing it. 1( all were deficient in this particular, prizes woald be awarded as though all pos- sessed it. Destroying 'N'^italitt in Eugs {A Reader).— Afiev being punctured with a needle no treatment will give vitality to the egg. Cock Canakt Eat:ng Eggs {A Young J'a/iciVr).— Separate him from the hen when she begins to lay, and do not put him back until she has laid and you have substituted an artificial eeg for the one laid. He will abandon the cannibal habit after a time when he finds he cannot penetrate the artificial egg. Parrot Biting Off its Feathehs (Fanny Fern). — As yom* Parrot will not bathe, try a watering-pot with a small rose, and give it occasionally a . shower-bath of warm wa'.er on a warm day. The cause of its palling oat its i feathers is owing to an irritation of the skin caused by its having been fed ! on improper food, such as that of an animal or greasy nature. Give the bath mentioned in an answer to another correspondent to-day, and anoint the bird witli a salve consisting of plain pomatum and wormwood, the bitter being disgusting to a Parrot. Repeat the process as olten as the bird pulls out its feathers, and give a very small quantity of Epsom salts dissolved in water to drink about twice a-week. Indian com broken or boiled is good, but very httle or no hempseed should be given. An aviary of an octagon shape for small birds is very good, one say 7 feet diameter with a domed top made with galvanised wire or one of an oblong form— say, 9 feet long by 5 ftet wide witli an elliptic top. Pakrot Moulting (G^. P.., Derby).— CsLnaxy seed, bread, tapioca, or sago pudding, a white peppercorn or a chili pod, but no meat or fat of any kind is the proper diet for a parrot, and any ripe fruit in season which it will eat. See our previous answer. LONDON MAEKETS.— May 19. POULTRY. There Is still a lamentably Small supply of good poultry. Trade is worse than was ever known at this season of the year, or the numbeis sent to market would not satisfy half the buyers. Each — s. Large Fowls 5 Smaller do 3 Chickens 2 Guinea Fowls 0 Goslings 6 d. 3. d 0 to b 6 6 .. 4 0 6 „ 3 0 0 >. U 0 0 ,. 6 6 Each— s. d. Duckliags 3 0 to Pigeons OS,, Rabbits 1 3 „ Wild do 0 8 „ Hares 0 0 „ May 27, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 151 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Dav Day of of M'ntli Week. 1 27 To 28 W 29 Th 30 F .H 8 1 Snx 3 M MAY 27— JUNE 2, 1SC2. Kino of Hanoveu boiin, 1819. riiUcnceas. Asci-NsioM. Holy Tiiorsday. Arirttolocliiii ?cmporvircns. Gniilias. Sunday aftkr AscEhsioK. Abclia floiibunda. Weatueii NKAR I.ONBO!) IM 1861. Sun Rises. Sun Set?. Barometer. Thcrmom. Wind. Rain in Inches. ieg. deg. m. h. m. h. 30.032-30.017 74-46 N.E. •01 55 at 3 59 .If 7 30.01S -29.530 62-46 N.E. •01 54 3 vni JO ;U2-2n.8(!.J 74-43 N.K. — 53 3 I 8 29.i)U-29.fl4:! 81-46 N.E. — 52 3 2 8 29.9C9-29.862 74-52 N.E. •08 51 3 .■i 8 29.S05— 29.79.1 67— 3S S.W. •04 50 3 4 8 29.SG5-29.;79 72-43 N.W. — 50 3 5 8 Moon Rises and Scte Moon's Age. Clock ' after Sun. in. )i. 57 2 Beta ! 4 a 9 46 9 ( 22 10 ( 50 10 13 11 • 1 2 3 4 Day of Year. m. a. 3 10 i 14 3 3 2 5,'. 2 47 2 39 2 31 2 21 148 149 150 151 l.!J 163 Meteokoloot or the Week.— At Chiswiok, from observations dnring tha last thirty-flye years, the average highest and loivest temperatures of those ilaye are 68.2" and 45.2° resiiectivcly. The greatest heat, 91", occurred on the 28th, in 1847 ; and the luweat cold, 32', on the 31st in 1857. During the period 115 days were fine, and on lUO rain fell. UTILITY OF SMALL BIRDS. SEND you in a little box what may amuae you. Hero there has been, on the part of the farmers and cot- tasters, great com- plaints made of the mischief done by small birds to corn- fields and gardens. In vain did some hold the argument tbat these small robbers did as much good in destroying grubs and caterpillars as harm to Wheat and Black Currants. For the last two years the township has not only paid for all dead sparrows, but so much a dozen for birds' eggs. I am afraid to say how many tliousand dozens of eggs were taken and paid for, and (as I believe) mainly in con- sequence of this (aided, perhaps, by the mild winter), we bave this year such a plague of caterpillars and grubs as I never remember. Since I last wrote to you I have had three women constantly employed picking over Gooseberry, Apple, and Currant trees, and our destruction of caterpillars has been by bushels. I felt so convinced that this plague was partly owing to the last two years' destruction of birds, that in my own grounds, and in all the coverts, I ordered the nests not to be molested. I now enclose you the head of a sparrow shot this morning in my garden. This was done to test what food it did take to its nest. I hope the head may reach you in the same state in which it was picked up — namely, with three green caterpillars, and three daddy-longlegs in its beak. If one journey from its nest could collect so many, it is easy to guess how much may be done by them to clear trees. My trees from hand-picking are now pretty clear ; but I am quite sure it would have been done cheaper and better by the birds had they been left alone. I cannot think I am sending you much information, but one fact is better than many theories. — An Ignoramus, jiear Liverpool. [We give this brief communication the most prominent position in'our pages, because it relates to a subject of far more importance than it is usually believed to possess. The warfare carried on against small birds is a proceed- ing founded on the most self-injuring ignorance that at present overshadows our farmers and gardeners. A similar warfare has been carried on in France, and the same result has occurred there which our correspon- dent records as now scourging the vicinity of Liverpool — namely, a plague of caterpillars and grubs. So serious has the plague become in France, that the Government have interfered, and a strong arm has been outstretched to save the small birds from destruction. We almost regret that a similar power cannot be similarly exercised on this side the Channel. No. 61.— Toi. III., New Seeies. We have warned our readers again and again that these birds are far more powerfully benefactors than they are iujurers by being thieves of seeds and fruits. They can be scared from these at a small expense, even if old women are paid to act as scarers ; whereas, if the birds are destroyed, no outlay, however large, can rescue our crops from insect marauders. The destroyer of small birds is one of the most unmistakeable illustrations of the old saying, " He is penny wise and pound foolish." It is preventing a small loss and insuring the occurrence of a far greater. Nor are the services of small birds restricted to the destruction of insects, for they are great consumers of the seeds of weeds. As an evidence how far in advance of u^ in a knowledge of these facts ai'e our descendants on the other side the globe, we have a letter before us detailing the successful importation into Australia of goldfinches, hedge sparrows, and other small birds. They were bought in this country and sent by steamar to Sydney, for the express purpose of consuming the Thistle seeds ! We recorded some time since how a Scotchman had sown some seeds of his national emblem in Australia, and that it was overwhelming the land. The public authorities have paid large sums to children for gathering the seed-heads of the Thistles ; but though this has brought in a vast tribute of heads, yet the Thistles are unconquered ; so the Australian authorities have allied themselves, like wise men, with the small birds. The head of the sparrow sent to us by our correspon- dent is now upon our table, with the green caterpillars and daddy-longlegs, parents of root-injuring grubs, in his mouth, and we wish every gardener and every farmer could see it, for it is a striking though silent rebuke to them all.] EOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.— Mat 21st. Honest Old Moore used to put into his weather almanaclg ever since I can remember, tliut such and such wenther would be the day before or tlio day after certain given days throughout the year; but if he had been a Fellow of theHortietdtural Society, old or new, reformed or unreformed, he would have hit nearer the mark to have said, not the day before or a day after such and such show days, but the very day of the show itself will be the sliowery one. And the crowning day of the year of the second great International Exhibition in London was not an exception to the rule — tlie worse luck. Nothing could be more provoking than the weather after noonday. In the morning the whole scene was most grand and glittering throughout. That was the thirtieth May show at which I had been present, and, as far as I can call to mind, if all the " best " of all that was at all the May shows for that time had been col- lected together, the whole would be in the wi-ong side of the scale, if compared witli the brilliancy, and with the high artistic effect produced on this occasion. Fbst of all, Mr. Eyles scooped out a lonj oval of some 300 feet, or thereabout, in length, and of the usual mathe- matical width. All round this oval amphitheatre he made turf shelves in three successive rises, as for a plant-stage; then a No. 713.— Vol. XXVin., Ou) Seeies. 152 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ May 27, 1862. ■walk on a dead level all round, and I counted ninety-nine paces from the one to tlie other end — tbat is, one side or one half of the oval, and by doubling that, and taking the three doorways into account, I calculated 300 feet would nearly reach round the OTfll; but it must be more, and yet one of the beat judges there, Mr. Henderson, of Trentham Gardens, declared it could not be quite so much, alleging that your humble servant could not step a yard fully and so oflen in succeasion. And, of course, we must have the oval tested by Euclid, else how are we to advise when oval beds come to be planted ? Then Mr. Eyles scooped out the centre of the oval, and made a circle bed in the very centre, which is ihe very lowest part of the scoop. Then from a door at each end of the oval, and one in the centre of it, on one side, a walk slopes down to llie centre and cii'cular bed ; and the slopes between the walk roimd the oval and the one through the centre of the scoop, are shelved in turf for stages, and the circular bed iu the centre of the scoop is staged aUo in steps of turf. All that en what was recently a dead level lias made the very best exhibition tent that possibly could be iu such a garden. But, unfortunately, this season, this huge tent is up close to the feeding place in the International, and we could hear them, in the afternoon, above all the roar of the elements on our dripping canvass, growling and gnashing their teeth. Another scooped space to make a match pah', is for Mr. John AVaterer's grand exhibition of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other federates and confederates of that blood. In the opposite angle of the garden boundary, and between the two scoops there is a running avenue of awnings, and the half of that avenue next to the flower show was shelved on both sides and filled with the most rare, most gorgeous, most variegated, and most novel plants ever seen iu this country, or in any other country, at any one time. In practice two things struct me as improveable. The fittings of the canvass. Surely with all the ingenuity of the world next door to us, we might find means to make rain-proof tents, such for instance, as I myself used to sleep in, sound as I did, and dry a'6 a bone, forty years since, up in the wildest parts of the highlands, where one faint squall from the brow of Ben Dovan would sweep away every rag of covering at South Kensington, which would not keep out the mildest Scotch mist one ever was out in. The secor.d thing was, that the sides of the entering avenue should not be tilled with the most temptation plants in the book. In early afternoon one could no more get up one side of that avenue, or "down the other side of it, than he could fly over crinoline. It .was as much as His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge could do witli all his military skill and daring, and he had to take up an extraordinary-looking new Pansy he saw half-way down, and had to shout out to another nobleman who himself was in a fix, that that was the prettiest Pansy he had ever seen, and that they had given it a prize. \ATien 1 got up to it I saw it was from the Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing. In less than an hour after that I saw the newest of our great English baronets pushing along the enchanting avenue, firm as a thatcher, endeavouring to conduct their Royal Highnesses the Duchess and Princess Mary of Cambridge safely through the throng. The whole three, and three or four more of the same Ijarty, seemed in the very best humour and to enjoy tlie fun amazingly ; but it was no fun for Sir Wentworth Dilke to pilot them through and all round so many and such dangerous islands of crinolines. And as like one hailing for help, lie was up to the pitch of liis lungs, at all the gardeners he could cast an eye on, inquiring if there were such Lilies of the Valley to be seen then as were shown at the Azalea Show, for the Duchess wanted to point them out to some of the party as the London pride of the Lilies. The Times truly says, it would need a supplement to give the names even of all the winners, so I shall merely give the names of all the stove plants, and all the greenhouse plants, and all the Heaths, and as many more out of the new and out-of-the-way- looking plants as are likely to do good in two ways — good to have if one can afford it, and good for trade as well. Let me first, however, say, that the best gardening-done plant there was a Hedaroma tulipiferum in the first-prize collection of stove and greenhouse plants, by Mr. May. I estimated it to be more than 7 feet in diameter across the mouth of the pot, and it was as full of bloom as a Tentricosa Heath ; but, strange to say, the name of that plant and most of the same all over the Ex- hibition were wrongly spelled. The old Horticultural Society cast a spell on the spelling of plants, by giving prizes to men for minding their P's and Q's, and now they are on strike and will not spell the names rightly, vainly thinking, probably, that the new Society will be unwise enough to give prizes for writing out names properly from any nursery catalogue. This Hedaroma, without going further to-day, was thus spelled — Hederoma, Hedederoma, and Aaderoma. The best-grown Orchids were the grandiflora variety of PliahTuopsis by the Messrs. Veitcli, the Oncidiuni ampliatum major by Mr. Green, and Cattleya citrina by Mr. Barker in his fir.^t-elass collection. There were six flowers on the plant, and each of the six was, at the least, quite double the size of any such flowers ever exhibited iu my time, and I was " out " before citrina. All the Lalia purpuratas there, would not number the same quantity of flowers as the one plant of it which Mr. Warner exhibited this time last year. The collection from the Messrs. Veitch was, every plant, in first-rate style, and the Judges must have made a holiday of it over them. All the rest of the Orchids were very well done ; but the breed was not nearly so numerous as we had them at Chisnick ten years back. The Heaths were also behind. The jMessrs. Veitch are now pressing hard upon the heels of Mr. Turner at setting their numerous collections for the best eflect. Nothing could be more telling than the way they exhibited their great Orchids, and their masses of variegated and new plants on this occasion. Their Orchids began to read from the centre, where the tallest Vauda suavis stood at the back ; from thence the collection sloped down to each side, and to the front, in matched pairs to the right and left. In the centre of the second row stood a magnificent specimen of Phalienopsis grandi- flora, the best plant of the kind yet exhibited ; and Saccolabium retusum with six blooming spikes stood in the centre of the front row. A match pair of Cypripedium viUosum and C. bar- batum superbud had forty-six blooms on between them, and all the rest were equally well matched in pairs fi'om the specimen plants in the centre of each row; one specimen of their Cattleya Skinueri had sported into more rose-coloured flowers, and was shown together with the original in the same pot. Mr. Milford and Mr. Baker also made a good stride in the right way of setting. The former had the strange-looking Cypripedium caudatum, whose run-wild sepals might puzzle Mr. Darwin himself to account for the origin of those unearthly appendages. His LteUa Brysiana was fine, and the nearest to the race. If I recollect rightly it had sixteen flowers ; and his Dendrobium primulinum was very good. Mr. Baker, who had that fine Cattleya citrina, had also his Dendrobium Devonianum particularly well trained, the slender shoots perpendicularly up from a vi'ide flat pan or basket ; two Leelia cinnabarinas, a fine match pair happily set ; and a fine Anguloa Cloweaii. Mr. Green had a large bush-like plant of Oncidium sphaeelatum for a back centre, and he followed suit in suitable setting. His O. ampliatum superbum had four spikes, and two of them were each nearly 4 feet long, and as full of bloom as a branch of " May." In an off-angle on each side of the way from these Orchids, stood collections from Mr. James Burley, nurseryman, Limpsfield, Surrey, and the Rose nursery of Mr. Paul ; and botli of them might be burley proud of the strain. At the risk of my knuckles, my fingers itch again to say that Symmetry (Turner's), was the best telling Pelargonium there ; that Amy (Dobson ?), was the next best, with its soft salmon tint ; that Etna and Sanspareil are not yet beat for eflect ; and that Eugene Duval is still at the head of the fancy-colour class for my book. They may book me to the last page, but the strain will never leave me. The following were the stove plants in the usual collections of stove and greenhouse plants — Franciscea eximia and conferta, Ixora crocata, latifolia, coccinea, and Griffithii; Allamanda grandiflora, Clerodendron splcndens, Stephanotis floribunda, and Imantophyllum miniatum ; and one from the Messrs. Jackson, of Kingston, was the finest ever exhibited, it had fifteen scapes of bloom. The greenhouse plants in ditto were these — Hedaroma, Pime- leas (of sorts), Polygalas, Ericas, Aphelexis, Eriostemons, Epacris, Boronias, and B. Drummondi (done to a T at last), Leschenaul- tias (blue and red, or orange), Leptodactylon californicum (fine), Chorozemas, Gonipholobiums, Hovea Celsii, Dillwynia splendens, Labichrea heterophylla (the same called diversifolia), Adenandra, Tetratheca, AcrophyUum venosum, Dracocephalum gracile, Rhyn- cospermum jasminoides, and Farfugium grande, if you please. Tliese were aU, and Mr. Chilman's AcrophyUum venosum was the best done, after Hedaroma by Mr. May. There were splendid specimens of Rhododendrone formosum May 27, X862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGK GARDKKKR. 153 and aureum fulgens, from Mr. l^dmoncls, of Cliiswick, and hy them stood ft noblo standard of Rose Gloire de Dijon, widi lino epccimens of Paul Ricaut and Gi'nt'ral Jacqueniinot Roses fro ii Messrs. Lane, who had the most noble Rosea in competition tliat ever were seen. Then a long flat stand for rare and new plants, and a match stand on the other side of the centre to suit, on which stood Messrs. Veiteli and Fortune's harTcst-homea from Japan and China. Tliese were the most interesting collections ever exhibited, and that by the Messrs. Veitch was acompanied by the specimens of wood mentioned the previous week as being at the Exotic Nursery ; but the uses for so much novelty, and the characters of the other new and variegated plants from other parts of the world, must occupy a more descriptive account than can be got into a bare report, in order to make it at all of any use far away from London. And, moreover, the great Crystal Palace Show is held the same week, wliere most of the novelties can be seen without risking one's ribs ; but I find my boots were dread- fully scratched in the pushes through and through the avenue where the vast masses of all the difl'ercnt and indill'erent mis- cellaniea were stowed away to entice people to keep there while otliore get over the scooped oval, and were olTto the colonnades above, to pee the grand move caused by the well-timed liberahty and kindness of Lady Dorothy Ncvill, in inetiluting a reform on the Covent Garden style of cnrt-londing tlie drawing-rooms with heaps of cut tlowcrs witliout heads or tails. Rut depend upon it, both the peerage and baronetage, as represented by her ladyship and Sir Wentwortli Dilkc, will have an up-hill work of it to up-root the Covent Garden style of heaping fruit in a dessert, and of bundling flowers for London drawing-rooms. Well, the same ladies who took the first prize last year for setting the dessert, showed equal confidence now in setting flowers on the drawing-room table. The Misses March, St. James's Palace, an engraving of whose baskets we give below, had the first prize of Bix"guineas, the gift of Lady Dorothy Ncvill, and Mrs. J. II. Lermitte, Knightons, Finehley, was awarded her ladyship's second prize of four guineas. Now, the reason why the prize went to Mr. March and the Misses Jlarch last year has never been explained to gardeners yet, which is not fan- dealing on the part of the Royal Horticul- tural Society. It is of little avail to tell a man that he is a fool, if you do not let him know wherein his folly consists. 1 1 1 y ! 1 1 1 1 • 1 1 ill ' 1 ii- ! M 1 The flowers in one of the smaller haskets were Roses dc Meaux ; those in the centre basket were Lily of the Valley, White Lil.ic, and Narcissus ; and those in the second smaller basket were purple Glosini.iS. The baslicts and their handles are of glass, and made expressly after a design by Mr. March. The foliage was partly of Fern leaves and sprays of Lycopodium. It is not the fault of gardeners, but their misfortune, that there never was an acknowledged guide for setting dessert or furnishing rooms with flowers as the high nobility require them. All gardeners can never get into the high places of this earth, how then are they to know more than Covent Garden measure ? Without the least hint or knowledge of the parties who won or judged, one class of gardeners could see at the first glance that the prize dessert last year, and the prize for grouping flowers for drawing-room tables this season, were not intended to be the actual things required by the makers, nor judged as if they were. The prize specimens if they could speak would just say, "Do not do as I am done with such common things, and in such small quantities ; just provide all that is necessary, as costly as you please, and then but arrange them all in the simple and refined style in which you see all my parts put together." That is what ought to be taught, and not that men did wrong from not knowing better. There is no intention or need to set any limits to prodigahty, but only that even profusion may be dealt with in a simple unstrained system. The idea has gone forth, and is rooted in the minds of gardeners, that unless you place the conrmonest things in this world before your guests, and that in the smallest quantities, you would be called a numskull by the Horticidtural. No such thing. The idea is altogether wrong. All that is aimed at is just like all that we have said about plant- ing beds — namely, that flowers and fruit should be ai-ranged for table on some plan which will give the greatest pleasure to the greatest number of those who know our fashion in artistic dis- play. There is a fashion in everything, and the flowers were arranged better for Lady Dorothy Nevill's prizes this year than the sample dessert was done last year by the very same hands — success emboldened their simplicities, so to speak. Mr. Turner was the winner of the prize for the best setting of a conserva- tory, and he did it in the grandest and in the most extravagant style at the same time, which I shall explain another time. D. Beaton. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. Alas ! It really seems as if the old enemy of the Horticultural Society, not content with the mischief it had done in old days at Cliiswick, was bent on following it up with still more deter- mined assault. This is the second fete this year that the " skiey influences " have marred. The lovely weather of the few pre- vioua days promised well. But on Tuesday an ominous fall in the glass, and an equally ominous rise of clouds of dust, por- tended wet ; and although in the earlier part of the day gleams of sunshine deluded us with false hope?, in the afternoon the rain poured down as it seems best able to do on horticultural fete days, and completely spoiled what would have been doubtless the most brilliant gathering of the season. The large tent in which the larger portion of the plants was exhibited was a blaze 154 JOURNAL OF HOSTICULTUEE AND COITAGE aAKDENER. [ May 27, 1862. of coloi^r; and t]ie manner in whiL-h the plants were arranged promises, with a few alterations, to maVe it a most effective place for shewing plants. Then the lonj; annex which joined it with Messrs. Waterer & Godfrev's American cxliihition was an excel- lent idea, and an admirable place to exhibit the new things, seedling ilorists' flowers, &c., iu. And here let me say I think the growl from the International refreshment-room was quite out of place. The halitiu's of the Exliibition were not pro- mis, d tlie Tiew; and as the latter was brought there, it would be E strange thing indeed if the plans of the Society were to be thwarted on account of the frequenters of the Exhibition. In the arrangement of the tent one missed the green back- ground ; and the centre mound ought, in my opinion, either to have consisted of ornaraental-follaged plants or of some neutral- tinted flowers. The Orchids from the want of green were killed by tlie brilliancy of the colours iu the back rows : but of all this I dare say Mr. Beaton will discourse. I must keep to my own department, the florists' flowers. The Azaleas were magnificent. Unquestionably the finest lot (although Messrs. Green's and Carson's approached very near to them), were Mr. Turner's nine; and the arrangement was, as is always the case with his flowers, perfect — contrasting in this respect with Mr. Yeitch's, which were spoiled by the want of arrangement in the colours. Mr. Turner's stood thus : — Chelsoni (orange scarlet). Iveryann (wliite). Alba M.igna (nhile). Extrani (red). Muriayana (purple or rosy lilac). Juliana (scarlet). Praistantissima Criterion (light orange red). (light salmon pink). In this class Mr. Veitch was second, and Messrs. Frazer third. In the cla*8 for 9, for Amateurs, equal firsts were given to Mr. J. Green, gardener to Sir Edward Antrobus, aud Mr. S. M. Carson, gardener to J. C. Sim, Esq., Nonsuch Park, with the following: — Prffiitautissima, Sinensis, Iveryana, Broughtoni, Sir C. Napier, Perryana, Variegata, Symmetry, Coronata ; and Speciosa, Broughtoni, Exquisita, Eubra plena, Sir C. Napier, Sinensis, Murrayana, Triumphans, and Carnea. Second to Mr. Page, gaidener to W. Leaf, Esq., Streatham. Thu-d to Mr. Kaile, gardener to the Earl of Lovelace : and Extra to Mr. Peed, gardener to Mrs. Tredwell, Lower Norwood. In the class of 6 Azaleas (Amateurs), Mr. C. Penny was first with fine plants of Madame Miellcz, Juliana, Triumphans, Ex- trani, Chelsoni, Iveryana. Second to Mr. A. Ingram, gardener to J. J. Blandy, Esq., Eeading. Third to Mr. H. Chihiian, gardener to Mrs. Smith, Ashtead House, Epsom : aud fourth to Mr. Peed. The large Koses in pots of Messrs. Lane and Wm. Paul were, as usual, magnificent immense bushes, with blooms the very perfection of beauty, but oficring no variety ; the same sorts of course, as in many other things, appearing from year to year. Messrs. Lanes' twelve were Lamarque, Triomphe de Paris, Coupe d'Hebe, Louis Perojiny, Comtesse Mole, Chenedole, Jules Mar- gottin, Souvenir d'un Ami (very large and fine), Paul Perras, Charles Lawson, Duchess of Sutherland, Baronne Prevost. Mr. Wm. Paul's contained fine plants somevvhat smaller of Souvenir d'Eliso Yurdon, Lord Raglan (very fine), Louise Odier, &o. Mr. i rancis, of Hertford, was third, having amongst others a fine plant of Gloire de Dijon, showing its capabilities S3 an exhibition Rose. The Pelargoniums were very fine, and evidently Mr. Turner has been teaching liis pupils too well ; and he must look to it, or his laurels will be plucked from him. As it was, he was beaten iu the open class of Fancies ; and in the show kinds Messrs. Dobson & Co. came very close to iiim. I was glad to see, too, that (he Clewer Manor plants were there, and that the floral world is still likely to be benefited by the seedlings of that far-famed home of seedling Pelargoniums. In the class of 9 show Pelargoniums Mr. Bailey, gardener to T. T. Drake, Esq., of Shardeloes, was first with Osiris, Des- demona, Mr. Marnock, Eugene Duval, Etna, Lady Canning, Sir C. Campbell, Monarch, and Jriel. Mr. Nye, gardener to Miss Foster, had Etna, Fairest of the Fair, liose Celestial, Sanspareil, Flora, Conspicuum, Ariel, Prince of Wales, and Saracen. Of these only two were of Mr. Foster's own raising. Mr. James Shrimpton, of Putney Heath, was third : and Mr. ■T. Weir, gardener to Mrs. Hodgson, The Elms, Hampsteod, fourth. In the Nurseryman's class of 12, Mr. Turner was first. His Roseum was the most striking plant of Pelargoniums in the Exhibition ; while Fairest of the Fair was badly shaped aud nearly lost him the first prize. He had besides Prince of Wales, Viola, Madame Furtado, Sunset, Beadsman, Rose Celestial, Desdemona, Sir C. Campbell, Vestal, and Symmeti-y. Messrs. Dobson, of Isleworth, were seconl : and Messrs. Eraser third. The six Fancies of Mr. Bailey's were Celestial, Acme, Clara Novello, Madame Soutag, Negro, and Lady of the Lake. They were beautifully grown and well bloomed. Mr. Turner second j Messrs. Eraser third ; Messrs. Dobson fourth ; and Mr. Weir recommended. It was too late for Cinerarias. Messrs. Dobson & Son had six :— Queen Victoria, Lady Seymour, Perfection, BrUliant, Masterpiece, and Miss Smith. There was a second lot which was a disgrace to the exhibitor and the Exhibition. There were two sets of Rhododendrons, the first prize being awarded to Mr. Charles Noble. The best were Lady Pahnerston, Lord Pahnerston, Lord Granville, :',nd Duke of Cambridge. Mr. Standish was second. lie had, besides the six, a nice collection of various kinds. Dr. Hogg, General Wilson, Mr. Mangles, Imperatrice, and Madame Titieus were very fine. It was too late for Tulips, the unusually warm weather of last week having driven them into bloom. But two stands were shown. Mr. Norman's, of Woolwich, were remarkably clean, though a little defective in colour. His blooms of Duchess of Sutherland, General Eamoseld, Anastasia, Triomphe Royal, Lady Penman, and Mrs. Smith (Norman), were excellent. Mr. Turner was second, but many of his blooms were past theii' prime. Mr. Bragg, of Slough, had a box of Pansies, and another of Fancy ditto. Tl'.ere were three stands of Roses. Those of Messrs. W. Paul and Lane securing an extra prize. Mr. Paul's were gathered, he told me, from trees planted out in a house under glass, and some of the blooms measured 5 inches across, remarkably clean aud good. Lselias, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Empereur de Maroc, and Cardinal Patrizzi were very good. He had also a bloom of General Zachargersky, a curious crumpled-looking Rose. Mr. Burley, of Limpsfield, sent some plants of his fine Calceolarias — Victor Emmanuel, Priucess Helena, Monarch, Queen of Oude, Lord Raglan, and Primrose Perfection, besides a few plants of that first-rate bedding variety — Angustifolia globosa, which I fancy we shall find to be one of the best yellows grown. Amongst the novelties in florists' flowers which came under the notice of the sub-committee of the Floral Committee were, in Pelargoniums, Belle of the Ball (Foster), and Improvement (ditto), the latter a flower perfect in shape, and which I did not fail to point out to those who are ever crying out that my friend Mr. Andrews draws too perfect flowers. These obtained First-class Certificates — as did Conflagration, a fine deep crim- son, and Eoyal Albert (Hoyle), an immeiite flower. The scarlet Pelargonium of Mr. 'Turner, " Nesfield," received a Second- class Certiocate for its free-flowering properties ; and a tiny one, Wallhnm Pet, of Mr. W. Paul's, v.as awarded the same honour. The greatest novelty there, however, and one which the Duke of Cambridge specially noticed, was a Fancy Pansy exhibited by Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing. It was called Aurea marginata, aud is one of very fair shape and size — a florist's flower, purple, with a naiTOw margin of bi-ight gold roimd each petal. It is an immense acquisition, and opens up a bright prospect to us. Rhododendron striatum formosnm of Mr. Standish was awarded a Fii'st-class Certificate, and Suwaroft' Second. Mr. BuU had two nicely pencilled single Petunias, for which Second-class Certificate's were awarded, Eubv and Emma. Mr. George Smith exhibited that fine Petunia Eliza Mathieu ; and Mr. B. S. Williams a flne salmon-flowered Zonale Pelargonium which received a Certificate. With the exception of the Pansy referred to, the new things were not very remarkable. — D., Deal. HORTICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. The display of horticultural machines, implements, &c., was meagre in the extreme, and quite unworthy of the Exhibition and tile present advanced state of the mechanical art, presenting little of novelty. Were it not that our readers would expect some account of this portion of an exhibition, otherwise so in- teresting, we would willingly pass it over in silence. As it is, a few comments will suffice. In Class A, heating apparatus, Messrs. Weeks & Co., of May 27, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 155 Chelsea, exhibited a powerful tubular boiler, of a desciiptioii tliat has proved higlily efficient in many ostablishments, and ■wliich prcsentd 2U0 Icet of surface to the fire. Also a very liand- Bome pedestal, adapted for lieating halls, churelies, and con- Borvatories, in any of which uo fault could bo found with its appearance. li was commended. From Mr. Ormson, Stanley Bridge, came a large jointlcss tubular boiler ; and from Mr. Jones, of Bankside, the well- known cannon boiler, both wliich need no description here. There was also a small cylindrical upright boiler adapted for heating a room or small grcenliouse. In class B, mowing, rolhng, and transplanting machines, &o., Messrs. Green, of Leeds, exhibited mowing machines of various sizes on their well-known mode of construction, in which quiet working is combined with efEoient action, and differing from all others in the iisie of a chain with pecidiarly-formed links in driving the oog-wheel attached to the revolving blades. Xlie contrivance in the larger machines for emptying the grass out of the box at front into the large receiver at back by means of a winch, cog- wlieel, and cogged-chain, is very expeditious, lliglily commended. The lawn-n)Ower from Kemian & Sons, of Dublin, noticed in our report of the International Exhibition, was also shown, as well as Shanks' machine of diflerent sizes, by Messrs. Crown, of Cannon Street, the latter of wliich needs no commendation at our hands. Both tliese exhibitions were commended. Newton, Chambers, & Co., exhibited their garden roller, tlie counterjDoise to the handle of which is on the outside instead of within the cyUnder as in the ordinary form ; and Amies & Bar- ford, Peterborough, a roller with a wrought-iron cylinder having closed ends, and which can be weighted more or less by pouring water through a hole left for the purpose in the cylinder, and which is closed by a solid brass ]>Iug that can be removed by a key. This application of water, by wliich a light roller can be made a heavy one at will, and at no more expense, is new to us, and if found to work well in practice would be worthy of general adoption. Commended. In the same class we find the fniiiigator, invented by Mr. Spary, of Brighton, and which essentially consists in a cylinder perfo- rated with lioles at the bottom, within wliieli is a lamp lieating a pan containing the fumigating material, the smoke from vfliich escapes through holes in tlie lid. It appears to be less generally known than it deserves. Of garden cliairs there were several, but none so good as that of Picksley & Sims, exhibited at the Inter'national, and also shown here. Those from Messrs. Brown & Co., have tlie merit of cheapness combined with good appearance, and the bottom part and back being of wood are not open to the objection so ofceu made to iron chairs — that of being cold to sit upon. The same firm also exhibited portable folding chairs, and garden vases, the latter of cast-iron of a character that would not disgrace any mansion ; in fact, there is no comparison between the classic designs which they exhibit, and the miserable imi- tations of stonework which so often disfigure ganlens, in which if statuary and kindred decorations cannot be well done, they are better left alone. In the other classes we noticed flower-baskets of galvanised iron wire, suspended from crozier-shaped standards, some orna- mental garden pots from the Weston-super-Mare potteries, and Read's garden syringes and engines, of various forms and sizes ; the former both in principle and practice are excellent, the ball valve with which the aperture that the water is drawn through is closed, being so little liable to get out of order ; but t!ie latter, owing to there being no parallel motion or other provision for the same object, must, in consequence of the piston describing a similar cm-ve, but of less radius to that of the handle, be subject to more wear on one side of the forcing cylinder than on the other, and, therefore, in course of time become no longer air- tight— a complaint which many other engines are also open to, and which might easily bo obviated. There were also water-barrows from Mr. Nixey, of Slough, one being on the old gravitation principle, the tub being of an elliptical form, and hung over the axle j the other of similar con- struction, but with the tub fixed and provided with a perforated pipe in front like that of a street watering-cart, and which is intended for watering garden-walks ; a model of Cranston's con- servatory, and some other articles cither well known or whicli will be described elsewhere. THE TENTS. Some weeks since, when it was aauouneed that the Society were intending to expend a large sum upon tenis, wo warned the Council against such an expenditure; and expressed our surprise that they Inid not been taught better by more than a quarter of a century's experience at Ciiiswiek. Largo ridge-and- furrow tents, even from tlio best of makers, cannot be made proof against heavy continuous rains, and those who are under such tents during such a downfall, require umbrellas and macintoshes. This was quite apparent on Wednesday last, wliere, in all ports, the moisture came beating through in the form of a thin drizzling mist, and the visitors were compelled to have recourse to their umbrellas and parasols ; and this quite independent of the over- flows that took place in tlie furrows. Moreover, tents in wet weather are miserably chilly from the great evaporation from them; and to talk about "enjoying" a Qower sliow under them in wet weather is to talk of what never can be. Let us add, that the consequences to delicate plants need no other illustra- tion tlian was afforded by the splendid Orchids of Mr. Veitch last \V'ednesday. In one sentence, tents were a necessity when glass was dear, but now that glass is cheap they are no longer a necessity, and should bo banished from the Itoyjil Horticid- tural Society's exhibitions. If Mr. Eyles were asked to furnish plans for a glasi structure on each side of the conservatory, in connection with the arcades, he would have little difficulty in forming a design harmonising with the arcades and the Inter- national Exhibition, the only imposing view of which is shut out by the present tents ; and let us add, that never was a greater disfigurement than are the present tents, shutting out as they do the only imposing view that can be had of that building. OFFICIOUSNESS OF OFFICIALS. We will take this opportunity of calling the attention of the authorities of the Garden to the excessive ofPiciousness of the subordinates wearing the Society's livery, wMeh if not checked will become not only offensive as it is now, but positively intoler- able. We have had more than one complaint on this subject ; but that which induces us to take notice of it now is, the treatment one of our reporters experienced when engaged in the performance of those duties wliich are equally for the t)encfit of the Society, the public, and ourselves. Our reporter is a gentleman well known in the horticultural world, and one who is not likely even to cause suspicion of doing anything that is at all objectionable. We shall say nothing more on the subject at present, further than that the procedure is quite a change from the former system upon which the Horticultural Society was conducted, and we trust that it does not indicate the introduction of that high-handed and unbending administration wliich is sure to prove the ruin of any establishment depending for its existence on public support. — [Eds. J. of II.] GRAFTING VINES. Most gardeners arc aware of the uncertainty of success in grafting Vines. This seems to be owing to the bleeding or oozing out of the sap from the wounds made during the operation, which greatly tends to prevent the union of the grafts with the stocks or Tines. I have tried several plans commonly practised, but have found none equal to the following : — This spring I was anxious to have some strong Vines of the Golden Ilaniburgh, and had from a friend a well-ripened shoot of that kind, which afforded several good grafts. These I put on Black Hamburghs, close to the roots, which were previously turned out of pots. When the Vines were repotted the grafted parts were covered with soil, only two eyes or buds of each being left above it. In order to let the wounds heal, and prevent them from the bleeding already noticed, the pots were kept about two weeks in a cold pit, and afterwards in a warm one, where the Vines soon made fresh shoots from their adopted heads, and are now planted into a house and doing well. An experienced gardener may readily perceive that this plan affords a double chnnce of success, for if tlie stock does not unite with the graft the latter will strike root like a cutting. I have also grafted Oranges and Roses in spring in the same way, only they were put into a warm pit at once, there being less chance of failure by the wounds or grafted parts not healing, which is the greatest obstacle to Vine-grafting. — J. WlGHTOK. Fence Posts. — The Ohio Farmer says, " Many years ago we were building a now fence, and when setting our posts we saturated that part which we placed in the ground, and about 156 JOUitNAL OF HORTiCtTLTURE AND COTXAGE GARDENER. [ May 27, 1862. 1 foot above, with coal tar, resin, and lime. The proportions were about eight parts of tar to one of lime, and sixteen of tar to one of resin. We melted the resin before mixing, but the lime we put in as we bought it from tlie kiln. Those posts are now nearly all of them sound and good, although tlie timber was a sorry mixtiu-e of Basswood, Beech, Oak, Chestnut, and MaiJe." AIR-EOOTS ON VINE STEMS. The air-roots upon the Vines in our firtt vinery are an eye- sore to my employer. He wished me to write and ask your opinion upon llie following points regarding them : — Ist. What causes air-roots on Tines? 2ud. Are air-roofs injurious or otherwise to Vines ? 3rd. Would it injure the Vines to cut the air-roots off at any stage of their growtli ? The Vines liave been planted five years. This crop, which will be ripe in three weeks, is the fifth, although I think not excessive crop. Tlie Vines make good wood from the spurs ; but the stems do not swell so fast as I could wish. I liave a command of bottom lieat, and the border now averages 76°. A considerable quantity of carrion was used in the original border. But eighteen months ago I partly lifted the Vines and mixed a lot of lime rubbish and rough turfy loam with the old border. Since then the leaves are.mucli thicker, and the Vines are better, but still we cannot get entirely rid of the air-roots. I keep the atmosphere pretty moist, and give plenty of air upon every favourable opportiinity. In fact, tlie house is only shut up close upon sunny afternoons, when we put them " warm to bed." They have air again at night, which is on Jess or more till after dinner next day. Tlie roots are not in want of water, but are running crowquiU-like near the surface of the border. The berries swell and colour very well, but the bunches do not come very large. They are all Hamburghs. — w. c. [These air-roots as you call them are the cause of a vexed question. Some gardeners are rather fond of seeing them, others detest them even more than you do. We have known fine bunches extra fed by letting these roots run into balls of earth and moss, and removed only wl;en the fruit was gathered. We have also known Vines propagated successfully by such means. Others dislike their appearance as so many robbers, and we are pretty well inclined to look upon them in this light ultimately ; because, though we are well aware that in an early stage they are caterers of nourishment in a damp atmosphere, we also believe that ultimately they are injurious, because their presence to a great extent on tlie shoots in tlie house, so far prevents the free development of fresh roots and spongioles in the border. With your precautions of raising the Vines we are rather surprised that you have so many of them. So long as tlie roots had to run into unwholesome carrion we would not have been surprised at the roots protruding anywhere and everywhere to escape it, and we have no doubt that as the roots rise and run in the cal- careous matter you will have less and less of these stem air-roots, unless you keep an extra moist atmosphere. A clear understanding of the cause and the effects of such air- roots will lead to much difference of practice. Those who like to see them will no doubt encourage them and feed them, thinking, perhaps, too little of the roots in the border. Not only so, but seeing how thoroughly the Vine is a creeping or running plant, they will, to got strength and increase space, twist and layer the shoots in tlie ground in order to get masses of such roots in the soil. On the other hand, those who value them little, as I confess I do, will be chary of all such layering, and prefer Vines with their one set of main roots starting from one collar or crown. I have a strong belief that the finest tirapes can only be produced continuously on the latter plan. Some of our best gardeners have made valuable experiments in this dii-ection, and, perhaps, none more so than Mr. McDonald, of Woodstock, in Ireland, to which I liope to allude before long. In general circumstances, then, we consider it good policy to remove these roots as soon as they appear. For though they imbibe moisture when the house is moist, they dry up when the liouse is dry when ripening approaches, and the bunches are then deprived of the nourishment which they would have ob- tained from roots feeding iu the border. We may be wrong, but we think tlie more fresh air-roots inside the house, the fewer new roots will be made in that border. Now to the three queries. Ist. The Vine being naturally a creeping and climbing plant, these roots will be naturally protruded when resting on any damp surface, such as the ground or a rock, or when placed iu such situations that the roots in the ground could obtain but little nourishment. In rocky districts the Vine in its natural habitats will throw roots from the stems into crevices and crannies in pursuit of nourishment, just as naturally as the Strawberry with us throws out its runners. A moist atmo- sphere in houses, and especially when stimulated with am- moniacal or other rich gases, will ever increase this natural propensity. In cultivation we do not permit thickets of Straw- berry-runners ; and if our views are at all correct, we would rather take means to lessen the production of these air-roots. 2nd. Are these air-roots injurious or otherwise to Vines? We think ultimately they are, because tending to lessen the pro- duction of roots in the soil. Where roots are deep and the soil unsuitable, they may at an early stage enable the plants to go on and set the fruit before the roots in the border come much into operation. But it would be unwise to depend upon such friendly action of theirs. 3rd. As to injuring the Vines from removing them. We think no injury at all would be given iu such a case as yours, if done early. Nor do wo think much injury would be done by removing them at any time ; but as you have allowed them to remain so long, we would as a matter of prudence, if the berries are now colouring, not meddle with them until the crop is ripe. If the Grapes were only set or so, and in such a border as you speak of, and the roots running so nicely near the surface, we would cut off every one of these air-roots as they appear. The better the roots flourish in the border the less you will have of them inside, though a very moist atmosphere will render their production a natural result. With plenty of air and such a calcareous border, with the roots near the surface, you will not afterwards be much troubled with them. The course of culture seems to be the very best. We are aware that a variety of opinion exists as to the cause and the results of these air-roots from the stems. I should be much obliged either to be confirmed or set right as to the opinions expressed above, as it is always well to hear all sides of a question.— R. Fish.] MESSES. CARTER & CO.'S., CRYSTAL PALACE NURSERY, FOREST HILL. Messes. Carter have long held an eminent position among the great London seedsmen, their assortment of seeds, and par- ticularly of flower seeds, being one of the largest that is anywhere to be found, including not only every uovelty, but also many kinds which, either from their scarcity or from being little in demand, can hardly be obtained elsewhere. At their extensive seed-grounds in Essex, where Mignonette, Lobelia, and Nemo- phila, and a multitude of other popular annuals are to be seen m the summer blooming by the acre, scarcely a season passes without their raising some new race, or elfecting some improve- ment on old ones. Extending their business to that of nurserymen as well, they have taken a nursery near the Crystal Palace, where they grow the large quantities of bedding and other plants required by their customers, and to the notice of this establishment we pur- pose devoting a brief article. Perhaps the most striking feature in the place is a lawn of Spergula pilifera interspersed with the darker saginoides, and forming a beautiful, close, green carpet, soft as any moss, and notwithstanding the recent heavy rain, dry and elastic to the tread. If there are any who are still sceptical as to the value of Spergula for lawns, which was first demonstrated by Mr. Sum- mers, the intelligent and persevering manager of tliis place, we would recommend them to view the specimen lawn here, and we are satisfied they will be convinced of the excellent qualities of the plant as a substitute" for grass, and its eminent fitness for lawns laid out with geometric beds. The Spergula is now just beginning to show its minute star-like blossoms, but where these are objectionable, they can be swept off with the greatest ease. On either side of the Spergula-Iawn is a row of geometrical beds, small circular ones alternating with others of larger size, and of an oblong shape, with the ends having a sweep taken out of them concentric with that of the circles. The effect of this constantly repeated was very good, and, we may remark, it May 27, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUEE AND COTIAaK GARDENBR. 137 would be au excellent simple arrangement for small suburban gardens with straight outlines, the laying oat of which by way of parenthesis is so frequently carried out by the bricklayer's labourer. These beds were being filled with variegated Geraniums, such as Cloth of Gold, Golden Chain, and Golden Fleece, for yellow foliage, and Bijou, Alma, Jlrs. Lennox, &c., for white varie- gation, and a variety of other bedders. Among these the hand- some new Fuchsia, Carter's Sleteor, was conspicuous by its bronzy crimson leaves shading off to a rich yellow, and its brightly-coloured shoots. The specimen we saws being young and only just planted out, could not be taken as giving an accurate idea of the ultimate ajjpearance of the plant, but we were assured that when older the variegation is still more marked, and in that case the variety must bo regarded as a decided acquisition. In another bed was Coleus Verschail'elti, which Mr. Summers has planted out by way of experiment, and although it has ex- perienced some rough weather lately, it appears to be thriving well at present. Should it succeed out of doors in summer there can be no question that its crimson folioge will render it even a greater favourite than PeriUa for beds and ribbons. In the same bed witli the Coleus, and planted all round it, was Gnaphahum lunatum, with very woolly, silvery grey leaves, and which proves to be an excellent hardy bedder for the middle of beds, and for front rows when pegged-down. Salvia patula argentea, another nice silvery-leaved plant for bedding, has also been extensively propagated. The Crystal Palace Lobelia, which comes true from seed, and is well known to be the finest of all for bedding, being in great demand, is, of course, largely grown ; but the favour with which it is universally regarded is likely to be shared by a new and beautiful kind called Lobelia speciosa kermesina, purplish-crimson, with a white eye, of which we saw one httle flower. The frames were occupied by Dahlias, Verbenas, and a large stock of other plants, together with a good collection of all the usual occupants of the herbaceous border, several of which were prettily in flower, as ^'iola lutea and cucullata, both nice little spring plants, and several British Orcliises, &c. In the houses, the shelves and stages were crowded with bed- ding stuif, of which the stock is very large, and in capital health ; and in the warm greenhouses and propagating-glass, Gloxinias, Caladiums, Begonias, &c., are to be seen in abundance, a large space being occupied by Coleus Verschaffelti alone, the crimson foliage of which met our eye at every turning. It is fonnd to be one of the easiest of all plants to pi-opagate, every leaf striking root if placed in a suitable temperature. Of Mesembryanthe- mums there is likewise a very extensive collection, comprising about 170 sorts. Among flowering plants, Pimelea N ieppergiana was particularly worthy of note, on account of its free-flowering habit, which should recommend it for more extensive cultivation in the greenhouse; and the same remark will also apply to Tetranema mexicana, which from the profusion with which it produces its purplish flowers in long succession, is a pretty addition to any greenhouse. Judging from the fact of Lapageria rosea having been propagated here to the extent of 1500 plants, the demand for this, the finest of all greenhouse climbers, must be steadily on the increase, a circumstance which is easily accounted for by its value being now everywhere recognised, and by the low price at which the seedlings can now be obtained as compared with former years. The Fern-house contained a collection of Gold and Silver Ferns, amongst which were the elegant silver-tasselled Gymno- gramma Wetenhalliana, Pteris tricolor, argyrsea, and other attractive species. For the growth of these as well as many other plants, Mr. Summers largely employs the cocoa fibre refuse, to which attention has been so often drawn in our columns, and with excellent results as regards the health and vigour of the plants, and he finds many cuttings root more freely in it than in anything else. Before closing this notice, however, we must not omit to mention Cerastium Biebersteinii, of which we noticed a large pan in one of the houses, and which as a hardy silvery-leaved bedding plant must be regarded as a decided gain. The foliage is larger than that of tomentosum, and more densely covered with wool, whilst the plant possesses the same dwarf and compact habit, and is far more striking at a distance. BtBMrNGHAM RoSE Show. — An advertisement of this will be ■found in another page. The schedule of prizes and regulations for the Show of Roses, IlortlcuUural Implements, and Garden Ornaments, is now in circulation, and will receive all the atten- tion to which its contents are entitled. We hear that the pre- vious announcements of the undertaking have been received by both amateiu: and professional florists with most encouraging expressions of approval, and we trust that the support of manu- facturers of the articles which it is intended to embrace will not bo wanting. If so, the garden ornaments and implements will constitute a most interesting and valuable feature, and will have a beneficial effect upon various branches of industry in the town and district; and the information which will be supplied relative to the various contributions — their purpose, special peculiarities, and cost — will render the catalogue, like the one issued from Bingley Hall, an annual publication worthy of being preserved for reference during the ensuing year. It must also be borne in mind that the Committee will stand in need of pecuniary aid in the shape of subscriptions, wliich we hope will be extended to them in a prompt and liberal manner. Persons who may add their names to the list, will receive admission tickets according to a certain rate, which is specified in the schedule to which we have referred. CRYSTAL PALACE EXHIBITION OP FLOWEBS AND EEUIT.— Mat 24th. It would be impossible to secure a more efl'ectlve illustration of the immeasurable superiority for a horticultural show of a glass-covered structure over one covered with canvass than was afforded by this Exhibition, compared with that of the very same plants at the Royal Horticultural Society, with but two days intervening. At the Crystal Palace the company, far larger in numbers, really enjoyed the floral luxuries brought together to gratify by their evidence of skill, colours, and perfumes. Every face was smiling; there was no occasion for anxiety to escape from wet feet and spoiled dresses ; no chilliness ; no dodging about to avoid streams coming from above, or puddles and marshy places formed below, as there was, so subversive of pleasure, at Kensington Gore. It is true the weather was bright and fair, yet no one who thought about the matter but felt that even if the day had been as wet and cold as on the Wednesday preceding, the Show at the Crystal Palace would still have been thoroughly enjoyable and unmarred by the weather. The glass would have excluded the rain and the cold. The prize list will be found in our advertising pages, and to them we must this week be satisfied with referring our readers. The chief feature, additional to the attractions at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show, was the fruit. We never saw finer or better-ripened specimens at a May exhibition. Altogether it was one of the most successful and most effective Shows we ever attended. The statues mingled with the groups of plants especially added to the gracefuhiess of the arrangement RETEOSPECTIVE CRITICISM. Here is a budget of commentaries on your No. 60. " Lastra>a Sieboldii, a rather scarce Japanese Fern," page 138. The plant is a common hardy Fern, and has been so lor some years. I observe you always spell this generic name Lastraa. This is wrong. The name, which was given to the present genus by Presl, is Lastrea. In the same page as the foregoing are men- tioned two Ferns, " Leptopteris superba " and " Todea pellu- cida." They are congeneric, and should, therefore, be both named Leptopteris, as some moderns do, or both Tedea, which is certainly to be preferred. T. pellucida, by-the-by, ought to be called T. hymenophylloides. Palea Cibotii (page 145) are the scales of the caudex of a species of Cibotium (probably the same as the Barometz), which occurs in the islands of the east, and which has been for some time past collected, and exported to Europe for use as a styptic. It is believed to act by rapidly absorbing the aqueous particles of the blood, and thus facilitating coagulation. "There is no yellow Rhododendron yet," "a real vellow without a dirty tawny shade," page 146. R. Boothu, a Bhotan species, which was shown in flower the other day at the Regent's Park, has waxy flowers of a clear yellow, palish certamly, but I think I may say without a tawny shade. My note of it runs thus :-Flower3 yellow, waxy, short bell, with reflexcd convex lobes. — Delta. [The speUing of Lastrea is not uniform, and its derivation is uncertainf It is spelt Lastraa by Endhcher, Loudon, and 158 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. Lindley. Tliey quote Presl as so spelling it, and if so — for we have not his book by us— he ought to know, for he founded the genus. — Eds.] [ May 27, 1862. SEA-KALE SPEOUTS AS A GEEEN VEGETABLE. "Hate any readers tried the green flower-Iieads of Sea-kale just when opening ? if not, then do not fail to do so, for if weU cooked they are excellent, and are often carelessly tlirown away." — R. F., " Doings of Lost Week," page 126. A most valuable hint, one amongst many derived from the same source. Indeed, if Mr. Fisli had never written anything else but these papers, he would have left a legacy to all young gardeners, worth more to them tlian any money sum. The morning after reading this I went into tlie kitchen garden and spied out some of the incipient flower-lieads tliat I had promised decapitation and ignominious expulsion on the first convenient occasion. I immediately got what I thought would be a boiling, took them home and got the lady of tlie house to boO them up tor dinner, reading for her instruction Mr. Fish's instructions. She took the hint, and at dinner-time they appeared looking beautifully green; and on trial, without gravy or any other accompaniment, they were deliciously sweet, with a delicate hint of the Eale flavour. The two censors, pater and materfamilias decided that, as a green vegetable, and a relief from the flavom- of Broccoli, Cabbage, and the other members of the Cabbage- worts, tliey were a decided acquisition, and at once voted the thanks of the house to Mr. Fish for liis addition to the list of esculents. On inquiry I found that they were put on in boiling water, putting a little salt in the water, and boiled quickly. They were done to a nicety in half an liour.— John. COLEUS VEESCHAPFELTI AS A BEDDEE. The question, "Is Coleus Verschaffelti a bedding plant?" was asked in your columns last week by a correspondent. Now, although all opinions on the subject are theoretical, and at present cannot be answered satisfactorily, yet I have myself great laith in its suiting admirably, and am putting it to the proof this season, by using it in place of Perilla, which will have to retire upon the half-pay list, and rest upon its laurels abeady won, if our new pet does well, and I see no good reason to doubt it whatever. Coleus Blumeilhave found thrive well when pbinted out, and I look upon C. Verschaffelti as merely a variety of it with a good deal of the pectinate variety in it. I perfectly agree with your correspondent when he says it does not like shade ; but I have found the stronger the heat, the brighter and richer the fohage. The plant by this time should be as cheap as any Verbena, as it propagates so freely. I obtained a plant last November, and commenced increasing it dii-ectly, and have now several plants upwards of 3 feet in diameter, others somewhat smaller, and a groat quantity fit for bedding or other purposes. I never think of taking more than one joint, and as I pinched my plants to make them bushy, I stuck the points in and had them well rooted m about a week ; but then I have the finest root-pro- ducing material in the world to do it with— namely, cocoa-nut fibre refuse. I wish more would try it for propagating purposes, they would be utterly astounded at the results obtained.— JUTENIS. FEUITEEEES' COMPANY. The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers is a well-known one to every Lord Mayor. From them he has a present of twelve bushels of Apples of various kinds, and of the finest description, w-hich, packed in clean white baskets, covered with white nap- kins, are carried to the Mansion House by clean-looking porters, headed by the Company's beadle. This is a custom of neariy two centuries' standing, a specimen of the usages of the City guilds in times of yore. When the Lady Mayoress directs the housekeeper to remove the fruit from the baskets, it is the custom to put in each of the same a bottle of wine for the porters' use who are besides regaled with a substantial meal, and a privilege to take away the remnants of the same. Soon afterwards the Lord Mayor entertains the Company to a state or "loving cup" dinner at the Mansion House, at which the Fruiterers take pre- cedence before all other guests of whatever denomination present. Lord Mayor Cubitt duly honours the custom originated -^00 years ago. James I„ in the year 1603, incorporated this fraternity as the Master, Wardens, and commonalty of the mystery of Fruiterers and their arms, granted soon after, has the tree of knowledge' entwined by a serpent, with man and woman on each side there- of, iheir motto is "Deus dat incrementum," God giveth the increase. The Fruiterers are governed by a Master, two Wardens a Court of Assistants, and a Livery. The Companv have no hall. —(City Press.) ' BEOCCOLI MANUEED WITH HOUSE SEWAGE. Last year I told you the results of slop-pail-culture of Broccoli producing 3i lbs. on a head, when my neighbours had scarcely any. Tins season the same appUcation of soapsuds, &o., has enabled me to give away more than two dozen heads of Broccoh, besides having it almost everv day on my own tabic. Many of these were very large, and one of them weighed 9 lbs., and measured nearly il yard round. Comparing this large crop with the trifling weight raised by my neighbours, I am desirous- to urge upon cottagers, and especially laundresses, the great im- portance of using and not wasting the materials capable of adding materially to the quantity of food produced in the country. -Theodobe Compton, Winscomhe, Somerset. THE INTEENATIONAL EXHIBITION. When we first recorded the opening to the world of thi» wondrous storehouse of the product of man's ingenuitv and skill, and of the rough materials whicli Nature has given liim to work with, we expressed our intention of adverting on future occasions to such of its contents as fall more peculiarly within our province. Not for us is it to describe the forms of beauty which spring from the sculptor's art, nor the bright creations o'f the painter's brain. The marvellous engines and machines by which the inertia of matter is overcome, and the far-off brought near, alike with glittering gem and costly fabric are all forbidden subjects ; and, however much we might be tempted to descant upon them, they must pass unnoticed here. We shall, therefore, confine ourselves to that which belongs to horticulture, whether tree, or fruit, or flower, the appliances by which these are fostered or encouraged, and the implements em- ployed, and architectural decorations which may be introduced in gardens. It wiU also be our duty to record in another part of our columns anything which may tend to the advantage of the busy workers of the hive. Taking the well-arranged official catalogue for our guide, we purpose going tlirough the classes as nearly as possible in the order in wliich they occur. In connection with tltis, however, we cannot but remark that in consequence of the various exhibi- tions being placed in utter disregard of the consecutive order of their numbers, it is frequently a matter of difficulty to find any particular exhibition — lor instance, 1036 may be alongside 1139 ; whilst 1037 may be in some nook or corner 20 yards distant, and 1038 far away in a totally different direction. This, not- withstanding a " sharp look-out," has involved so much personal exertion, and, what is worse, loss of time on our part, and doubt- less it has been the same with many others, that we very much question whether the alphabetical order of the names in the catalogue would not have been better sacrificed to the consecutive numbering of the articles according to their juxtaposition. Having tlie number of the exhibition, the name of the exliibitor could in that case have been found just as easily as at present; whilst if in search for the number under which any particular name exhibited, we should at most have had to run over three or four columns of print, which would have been much easier than hunting about backwards and forwards. In very large classes surely some compromise between the two systems might have been effected. Classes 1 and 2 present few objects of horticultural interest, being devoted to mining, metallurgy, and chemical products and- processes. We may, however, notice — 510. Dunn, A., Dalstoit. — In this the effects of his indelible marking-ink pencils are exhibited on wood, zinc, linen, parch- ment, and paper; but the merit of the invention havuig often formed the subject of remark in our columns, it must now be well known to our readers. May 27, 1S62. ] JOUaNAl OF nOKXICULTUEE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. 159 In the eucceoding classea we find — 703. BrTLEB & McCuLLocii, CoveM Garden. — 192 eovU of flowei'-seocis, and 2 !■ of vegetable seeds neatly arranged, ^'ege- table esseneos, as Almonds, Garlic, Ginger, Lavender, I'ei)pcr- mint, Sarsaparilla, and Vanilla, together witli varions herbs, Parsley, Sage, Mint, Basil, iraijorain. Savory, and Tlijine, bottled so as to preserve the original green colour. "07. Caeteb & Co., High Holborti.—i 18 sorts of ilower-secds, and 63 of vegetables, grasses, and agricultural plants. Uheso are arranged light and dark alternately, and produce a very good efl'eet ; whilst the upper portion of the case contains the name of the firm, ic, surroimded by oi°uainental grasses, and everlast- ings of various colours. 731. StTTTON & Sons, Reading. — A collection of agricultural and ornamental grasses, comprising 100 sorts, arranged according to theii- genera ; also cones, nuts, acorns, &o. ; and, occupying the upper portion of the case, dried specimens of ornamental and useful grasses. Among the cones were those of several rare Pinuses and Banksias, as well as the fruits of Adansonia digitata, or Monkey Bread ; Anona reticulata, or Custard Apple ; Achras sapota, or Sapodilla Plum ; -Egle Marmelos, or Maredoo ; Entada Fur.-ietha, a flat blade a yard long ; Moringa pterygo- sperma ; Lodicca sechellarum ; and the Sapucaia nut, or rather the large cup in which the so-called Sapucaia nuts of the shops are contained, and which are, properly speaking, the seeds. This large cup belongs to a species of Lecytliis, and is 7 inches or 8 inches long, about 5 inches in diameter, and is furnished with a kind of lid, which drops off when the cup falls, permitting the seeds to escape. The latter are now well-known articles of consumption, but the cup itself is said to be applied to a singular use in Guiana, that of catching monkeys, which is eflected as follows : — The cup is filled with sugar and placed on the ground, and the monkeys insert their paws to get at the sugar ; and on being startled, make off with the cup enclosing their paw. They are therefore unable to climb, and are, consequently, easily caught : hence the colonists have called the cups monkey-pots. In the upper portion of the case, there la a collection of dried grasses ; but, unfortunately, many of them are situated so far above the level of the eye, that it is difficult to see their characters. Messrs. Sutton, however, have bad to make the most of a limited space ; for, we are informed, that a collec- tion of 1000 kinds of agricultural, vegetable, and flower seeds which they had prepared could not be exhibited from want of space ; and it has, consequently, been set up at the Crystal Palace, where it occupies 500 square feet. Notwithstanding the above disadvantage, Messrs. Sutton have produced a highly creditable and interesting esliibition. 735. Webb, R., Reading. — A collection of 24 varieties of Filberts, including several of his own raising ; also Indian and Imperial Bottle Gourds. 739. Weight & Son, Great Bentley. — Seeds and dried speci- mens of grasses, such as Agrostis, Poa, Cynosurus, itc, and a few Ferns. 782. FoRTNUJT, Mason, & Co., Piecadilb/. — A large collection of preserved fruits, &c., both European and tropical, nuts of various kinds, &c. This and several similar exhibitions of pre- serves and pickles may be advantageously inspected by those who wisl\ to see what is an important branch of domestic economy well done. Class IV. contains a number of models of flowers in wax, many of which are exquisitelj moulded and coloured ; among these we may mention Miss Pierson, who sends a charming case of Eoses, and another containing Stephanotis floribunda. Orchids, Fuchsias, and Convolvuluses ; Mrs. Willes, who sends 12 cases, and Mrs. Trewolla. 925. Lahibekt, E., Tunbridge. — A Kentish bank of flowers in July. This is beautifully modelled ; the Forget-me-not is not quite so natural as it might be, but tlie Foxglove, the Convol- vuluses, and the Ferns are rendered true to nature. — AfSTiN, Dalston. — A large case of Japan and other Lilies, Passion-Flowers, &c., is also deserving of great praise. 929. Makepeace, E., Merton, and 916, Mrs. Stmons, Ifotting Sill, are likewise very creditable exhibitions of the same art. 1033. Adamson, E., gardener, Balcarres. — Three willow baskets for carrying fine fruit and flowers, designed and woven by himself. Very neat, small, cross-handled baskets of a kind which is not uncommon in Fifeshire. For carrying fruit we much doubt whether they would prove so efficient as the com- mon punnet, whilst they are not of a character which would adapt them for the drawing-room. The workmanship, however, is superior to that of most basket-makers. WM. Allen, Matilda. — Models in wax, showing the leaves, buds, blossoms, and seed-vessels of the Tea, Coffee, Flax, and Cotton plants as in a growing state. Bahsuam & Co., Kingston — Show Ferns, Caladiums, Begonias, ae!0us con^orva^orics, in whicli tlio most attractive objects of tlie vegetable kingdom will bo. displayed. The promoters of tlio new Company liuvo been cipgubvrly for- tvmate in obtaining |ios9ossion of the Coburg Gardens, aluiost the only piece of pround witliin the city boundary suited for such a purpose. Tlio progress of tlio city towards the soutb makes this situation peculiarly central and of easy access. The space aTsilable lor the Palace and Grounds comprises an area of no less than sixteen acres. — (Duilin AgricuHnral Meview.) NEW BOOKS. On the Tarious Contrivances hif tehicli JBriiish and Foreign Orchids are Ferlili.ied hy Insects, and on the Good Effects of Intercrossing. By CuAELES 1)arwix, M.4., F.R.S., &c. London : Slurray. JIant people objeeled (o llr. Darwin's theory " on the origin of species," and " blamed hiui for propounding tliis doctrine " in the absence of sullicieiit facts to establish what he believes to be " apparently a universal law of nature, that organic beings require an occasional cross with another individual; or, which is almost the same thing, that no hermaphrodite fertilises itself for a pei-petuity of generations." And this volume is written to prove that tlie learned author had not written what he could not have substantiated if he lia.l had sufficient space in his first volume. The reader, who fakes an interest in this subject, may con- gratulate Limsflf on the fortunate want of space in the first volume, for had Mr. Darwin at tempted then to bring forward his authorities from (lie bosom of nature, he would probably have confined his matter to his own personal knowledge of how fertilisation is effected among our British Orchids only, a branch of the subject which, although highly interesting as a contri- bution to practical botany, would be of much less value to the gardener and garden amateur tlian that which " the force of circumstances" induced Sir. Darwin to place before them in this volume. 3Ir. Darwin has included the whole order of Orchids in his marvellous grasp, and with his usual patience and research lie has not only shuwn tliat all the species, witli some few ex- ceptions, through the conipleiity of their parts of fructification, must be artificially feriihsed; but his examinations of these parts have enabled him to account satisfactorily for facts which had hitherto eluded all other botanists. As an instance, we refer to our extract relative to Catasetum tridentatum. llr. Darwin makes it self-evident that Orchids cannot be fertilised even by their own pollen without artificial assistance ; tliat moths and other maects are the natural agents in the work ; that few of the flowers can have their own pollen ; and that the natural contrivances for assisting fertilisation, and for preventing self-fertility, so to speak, are of vast variety, and of the most complicated construction. Parts and processes which have been liitherto considered useless, or as stumbling- blocks fo the student of botany, have been here explained by our author as necessary Djjpendnges for some share in the great aim and end of flowers— the fertility of the seeds. Here another and a very different student will find abundance of fertilising matter for the mind— find the whole secret of the apparatus by which he can fertilise his Orchids under his own roof and eye, and learu more clearly the botanical construction of the parts, from tlie woodcuts in the book, than from any other source, or all the source* we know put together. As a contribution of the very highest order to the practical attainment of seeding foreign Orchids, we would recommend the work, apart from all speculations about the origin and progress of the clothing of our planet. •' .Kt Torqu.-iy I watclied a number of tliesc flowers (Spiranthes autum- nalis) BrowinR togetlier for aboQt half an hour, and saw tlireo humble bees of two kinds visit them. I cr.nght ono and examined its proboscis ; on the superior lamina, some little way from the tip, two perfect pollinii were attached, and three other bo:it-fjrnied discs withont pollen : so that this bee had removed the pollinia from five flowers, and had probaldv left the pollen of three of tbem on the ?tii,'.;Ke] of other flowers. The nci t day 1 watched the same flowers for a (lu.irtor of on hour, and camrht another humble bee at work ; one perfect poUIniicn and four boat-formed discs ad- hered to Its proboscis, one on the top of the other, showing how exactlv the same part had each time touched the rostellum. I'Thc bees always alighte.-; at ths bottom of tlie spike, and, crawlmc spirally up it, sucked one flower after the other. I believe humble bees generally act thus when visiting a dense spike of flowers, as it is most con. venieut for tbem ; in the same manner as a woodpecker always climbs up a tree in search of insects. This seems a most insignificant observation ; but see the result, in the early morning, when the bee starts on her rounds, let us suppose that she alighted on the summit of the spike ; she would surely extract the polliniu from the uppermost and last-opened flowers; but when visiting the next sncccodlng flower, of which the labellum in all probability would ni)t as yet have moved from the column (for this is slowly and very gradually cH'ected), the pollen-masses would often bo bnished off her pioboscis and' be wasted. But Nature sufl'ers no such waste. The bee goes first to the lowest flower, and, crawling spirally up the spike, ettects nothing on the first spike which she vi-sits till she reaches the upper flowers, then she withdraws the pollinia ; she soon flies to another plant, and, alighting on the lowest and oUlcst flower, into which there will be a wide passage from the greater reflexion of the Idbellum, the pollinia will strike the protuberant stigma ; if the stigma of the lowest flower has already been fully fertilised, little or no pollen will be left on its dried surface; but on the next succeeding flower, of which the stigma is viscid, large sheets of pollen will be left. Then as soon as the bee arrives near the summit of the spike she will again withdraw fresh polUnia, will fly to the lower flowers on another plant, and fertilise them ; and thus, as she goes her rounds and adds to her store of honey, she will continually fertilise fresh flowers and perjictuato the race of our autumnal Spiranthes, which will yield honey to future generations of bees." "The position of the nntennie in Cat-ieetum tridentatum may be com- pared with that of a man with his left arm raised and bent so that his hand stands in front of his chest, and with bis right arm crossed lower down so that the fingers project just beyond his left side. In Catasetum callosum both arms are held lower down, and are extended symmetrically* In C. saccatum the left arm is bowed and held in front, as in the C. triden- tatum, but rather lower down ; whilst the right arm hangs down almost paralysed, with the hand turned a little outwards. In every case notice will be given in an admirable manner, when an insect visits the labellum, and the time lias at last arrived for the ejection of the pollinium, and for Us transportal to the female plant. "Catasetum tridentatum is interesting under another point of view- Botanists were astonished when Sir R. Schoniburgk* stated that he had seen three forms, believed to constitute three distinct genera— namely, Catasetum tridentatum, Monachanthus viridis, and Jlyanthus b.irbatus, all growing on the same plant. I.indley remarkedt that "such cases shake to the foundation all our ideas of the stability of genera and species." Sir R. Schomburgk affirms that he has seen hundreds of plants of the C. tri- dentatum in PZssequibo without ever finding one specimen with seeds,i but that he was surprised at the gigantic seed-vessels of the Monachanthus j and he correctly remarks that * here we have traces of sexual difference in Orchidcous flowers.' " From these several facts— namely, the shortness, smoothness, and narrowness of the ovarium, the shortness of the ovule-bearing cords, the state of the ovules themselves, the stigmatic surface not being viscid, the empty condition of the utriculi, and from Sir R. Schomburgk never having seen C. tridentatum producinL' seed in its native home, we may confidently look at this species, as well as the other two species of Cata- setum, as male plants." ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The May Meeting of the Entomological Society was weli attended, tlie President, F. Smith, Esq., being in the chair. George Robert Gray, Esq., the distinguished ornithologist of the British Museum, and Rev. Messrs. T. IT. Browne and A. Haward were elected members of the Society. The Presi- dent announced that the first part of the new series of the Society's "Transactions" was ready for distribution, and that it contained a general index to the previous series, a catalogue of which had been found to be a great desideratum. A vacancy in the Council, caused by the resignation of Dr. Knaggs, was announced, and that it was proposed to be filled up by the elec- tion of Mr. Stainton at the next meeting. Professor Westwood exhibited a box containing an extensive- series of illustrations of the natural history of various species of British insects which had been formed and recently presented to- the University Sluseum of Oxford by Mr. S. Stone, of Bright- hamptou. Amongst them were beautiful specimens of Acronycta Alui, one of which had been reared in February last ; several species of Beetles belonging to the genera Malachius, Dasytes, and Anaspis, reared from mined twigs, as well as various fossorial Hymenoptera obtained from similar situations ; the eggs, pupee> and imago of Volucella pellu?eus, reared as parasites in the nest of the common Wasp, as well as specimens of the AnomaloB Vesparum from the comb of the Wasp, some of which had re- mained three years before arriving at perfection ; likewise several • "Transactions of the Linniean Society," vol. xvii., p. 522. Another account by Dr. Lindley has appeared in the " Botanical Register," fol. 1951, of a distinct species of Myanthus and Slonachanthus appearing in the same scape : he alludes also to other cases. Some of the flowers were in an intermediate condition, which is not surprising, seeing that in dio-cious plants we sometimes have a partial resumption of the characters of both sexes. Mr. Rodgers, of Riverhill, informs me that he imported from Demerara a Myanthus, but that when It flowered a second time it was metamorphosed into a Catasetum. Dr. Carpenter ("Comp.-irative I'hytl- ology," 4th edit., p. 633), alludes to an analogous case which occurred at Bristol. -t The "Vegetable Kingdom," 1853, p. 178. . X Brongniart states ("Bull, de la Soc. Bot. de France," torn, ii., IS^S, p. 20) that M. Neumann, a skilful fertiliser of Orchids, couldnever sucoccd in fertilising Catasetum, 164 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COXIAGE GARDENER. [ May 27, 1862. galls formed by tlie midges of the genus Cecidomyia, &c. He likewise stated, with reference to the exhibition by Mr. Newman at the last meeting of the Society, of a female Liparis dispar which possessed the majority of the male characters, and which had been considered as unique of its kind, that Dr. Klug had published a figure of a nearly identical individual of the same species in a memoir on hermaphrodite insects in the " Proceed- ings" of tlie Friends of Natural History in Berlin, and which had been copied in Loudon's " Magazine of Natural History." Mr. F. Moore exhibited a beautiful cocoon formed of pale green silk from Japan, the perfect insect of which remained unknown, Mr. J. Lubbock, F.R.S., exhibited the curious larvfe of a species of Psocus, which covers itself with saud and dirt, par- ticles of which were even attached to the eyes by means of curious glandular hairs. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a bos of insects from Ovamps Land, South-western Africa, containing two apparently new species of Goliath Beetles, closely allied to G. Derbyana and Eudicella Smithii. Also a nest of a species of Trapdoor Spider f'Actinopus), from Affghanistan. General Sir John B. Hearsey exhibited a large collection of minute nocturnal Lepidoptera, which he had collected in India with the view of showing the great similarity which existed between many of the species and British insects ; some indeed being absolutely identical, as in the ease of the beautiful Deiopeia pulchella, an account of the apparition of which in immense numbers in his garden was related by the gallant General. Mr. George R. Waterliouse read a memoir on the genus Tychnis belonging to the family of the Weevils (Curculionidee), and describing eleven species found in this country, two of which were now for the first time announced as natives, Mr. Walton having only described nine in his Memoirs on this family. Mr. J. Lubbock read a memoir, accompanied by numerous anatomical illustrations, on the transformations of an anomalous Dipterous genus Lonchopteryx, &nd the true position of which had hitherto been doubtful. He had been so fortunate as to discover the oval-shaped flattened larvae under logs of wood during the past winter, and had reared the perfect insect Lon- chopteryx lutea), on the 11th of March last. The larva is remark- able for dilated lateral appendages, with four long seta? in front of the body, and two behind ; the latter protected the large terminal spiracle. These larvae were transformed to pupse, within the old larvae skin of which the form did not undergo any change, the pupae itself exhibiting no trace of limbs. From these con- siderations Mr. Lubboek inferred that its position was inter- mediate between the two great divisions ol Diptera. It may be remarked that Seaves are the Rushes of which rush- liglits, or rush candles are made. The sharp-pointed ends of the Seave are almost always, if not invariably, brown or withered. — OzJiOND. — {Ii'oles and Queries.) Me. James Alexandee, who was some years since head gardener to the Duke of Leinster, at Carton, from whence he went to manage his Grace's extensive farm known as the Heath Farm, near Athy ; and tlien, on the Marquis of Kddare going to reside there, went to fulfil the important duties of steward and gardener to his lordship at his beautiful residence, Kilkea Castle. Having recently resigned his engagement at Kilkea, and removed to the lands of Nurney Castle, which he has lately taken, he has been presented by the Marquis with a handsome and costly service of silver plate ; and also by the Marchioness of Kildare with a beautiful drawing-room timepiece of the richest workmanship. These are well-merited testimonials of the esteem in which Mr. Alexander is held by the noble donors for his long, usefiJ, and faithful services as general supermtendent at Kilkea Castle during the last eight years, he having been confidentially employed by the Duke of Leinster, at Carton, for fourteen years preceding. Mr. Alexander's departure from Kilkea is regretted sincerely by the numerous persons with whom he had any inter- course in business, and lie carries with him into his new sphere of action the good wishes, respect, and esteem of every individual of a large circle in Kilkea and the adjoining districts who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance. — {Leimter Express.) FotTE-BLADED Clovee. — The good fortune supposed to accrue to the finder of such rarities as a four-leaved Clover, a double- topped Ash (-leaf) or (and) a green-topped Seave, is expressed in the following couplet, heard at Scarborough : — *' With a four-leav'd Clover, double-topp'd Ash and green-topp'd Seave, You may go before the queen's daughter without aslving leave." WOEK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEN. Advantage should be taken of showery weather to transplant and earth-up all crops that require it, for if done when the soil around them is dry, the roots will not receive that benefit from rain which they otherwise would do. In pricking-out or trans- planting particular care should be taken to press the soil close to the roots of the plants, for if left hollow and loose about them drought will soon stop their growth, or probably cause them to perish. Wherever it is convenient to plant with a trowel it is far preferable to planting with a dibble, as with the latter the roots are either left hollow, or are crushed up together and rendered incapable of making free growth. Asparagus, the beds would be greatly benefited by liberal waterings with manure water from the stable or Melon-yard. Broccoli, prick out the Cape and late Cauliflowers, and keep all seedling crops of this sort well dusted with quicklime, or you will have to repine over the loss of them from slugs. Broad Beans, make another sowing of the Longpod, if they are much in request, and take off the tops of those in blossom. Cardoons, sow a late fuU crop ; plant out the early crop, if it has been sown in a seed-bed ; choose a rich piece of groimd for the purpose. It will not be advisable to plant largely of the first crops, as they soon run to seed. Coleiaort, sow the old English sort, and also Jerusalem Kale, both very useful for planting after Potatoes. Cucumbers, as they advance in growth under the hand-glasses peg them down ; water them in the morning when they require it ; but this should only be done when it is likely to be succeeded by a fine day. In pruning away any of the shoots or leaves, cut close to the main stem. This,'we are aware, is contrary to the practice of some good growers, nevertheless we believe it in no way injures the plants ; in fact, the wound heals quicker than if a piece of the stalk is allowed to remain on until it gradually rots away. Dwarf Kidney Beatis, sow for succession, and transplant those which have been forwarded, if not already done. Lettuce, make a sowing of two or three sorts, by this means the season of one sowing is prolonged. The Paris Cos is a very good summer sort. Feas, keep the surface well loosened amongst those just coming up ; earth-up and stake others as they become ready. Sea-kale, thin out the buds so as not to allow them to crowd each other, and water twice or thrice in the season with a weak solution of salt and water, which will benefit the plants, and dislodge snails and grubs. Two ounces of salt to a gallon of water will be sufficient. Tegetalle Marrows, plant out this very useful vegetable on a rich piece of ground, where there is plenty of room for it to grow. FLOWER GAHDEN. The past week has been all that could be desired for the busy operations connected witli this department. Verbenas and Petunias should now be turned out into their summer quarters if not already done. Peg down all the shoots after the planting of the beds. Strong plants of Phlox Drummondi to bo planted out, it is valuable for forming large masses. The Lobelias, Nierem- bergia gracilis and Campanula Loreyi are suitable for edgings to baskets. Plant out Dahlias into the flower-borders, fiU up the holes witli some good compost, and finish with staking each plant. The Pteonies, Phloxes, Delphiniums, and other tall herbaceous plants to be properly staked. Roll, mow and clip the edgings of grass lawns, and use the daisy-rake at intervals. Do not neglect to stir the ground after heavy battering rains. Thin out annuals, remove all decayed leaves and flower-stems. FEUIT GAEDEN. Continue to nail-in the young shoots of all kinds of fruit frees as they become sufliciently advanced, and keep the finger and thumb at work amongst superfluous ones. Give the Strawberry- beds a final stirring, and have some available material at hand for laying about them to prevent the fruit from being splashe d with grit during heavy rains. Keep a number of figure-four traps constantly set about the beds to catch mice, as in some places they are very troublesome in Strawberry-plantations. Keep the lateral shoots of Vines stopped at the first joint ; the practice of removing them entirely is not to be approved of. May 27, 1862. ] JOrBKAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 165 Wo should always endeavour to assist the operations of Nature as well as judiciously cheek overhiiurianee, and in this re»i>cct no tree is mora tractable than the A'^ine. STOVE. Cultivate with all expedition the various young slocli intended for blooming through the autumn and winter. The ICuphorbia jaequinia'Hora is a great favourite when planted three in a pot. The Gesnera elongata should not be forgotten, nor the Begonias manieata and incarnata. Some of the Justicias, Geissomorias, Ac., are worthy of attention for the same purpose. The Orchids require a vast amount of moisture in the atmosphere, and their blocks to be syringed frequently. GBEENH0U8E AND CONSKETATORY. Free ventilation, with plenty of moisture, will now bo neces- sary. Give every encouragement to the growth of the Azideaa intended for forcing early, watering them freely, especially if )iot- bound, with weak and clear liquid manure ; stopping unei|iuil or overluxuriant shoots witli the hand, in order to rentier tlie plants compact. The Camellias which have completed their growth to be cooled down, no artificial lieat should therefore be given them. If they are luxuriant in growth, a curtailment of water should be resorted to for a month, giving merely suincient to keep tliera from flagging. The present is a good time to sow Chinese Primroses for a winter supply ; got them potted-off early, and keep them shifted and growing in a eool frame where they can have plenty of air, and secure protection from heavy rains. Use a light, rich, loamy soil. W. Kkane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. Readers must now put up with short notes, as the mind gets a sort of racked what to do, and how to do it. What would many of our good old gardeners think if they again came amongst ua, and found that in addition to the usual crops in their houses, they were expected to turn out ever so many thousands of strong bedding plants every year ? They would then form an idea of the relief that the absence of the family for a week or two would give in clearing a shelf of Strawberry plants, or a pit of Dwarf Kidney Beans, and also the value of every spare sash of glass however old and crazy for helping on something or other. We did not prophesy right as to our work, especially bedding. The weather up the 20th was splendid, but now the glass is falling and threatening wet, and owing to the deluges of the week before we were unable to get the ground in good order as we expected, and we deferred bedding-out in consequence, though, if at all dry above head, we hope to turn out many things before the end of the week. KITCHEN GARDEN. Sowed succession garden Beans, Peas, Kidney Beans, Parsley, various Herbs, Turnips, Radishes, Spinach between Peas, Leeks, Onions for salads. Lettuces of kinds. Stirred the ground amongst Peas and Beans, staked the former according to their height. Watered CauliUower with diluted water from the dung- hill, and as dung is scarce depend upon this a good deal for good succulent vegetables. Run the hoe among Carrots, Onions, &e. Find that Parsnips have not done as they ought. Threw a little salt over Asparagus-beds, and would have made more plantations only got out of plants, not having so many as I expected. These plantations are best made when the one-year-old seedlings are 3 inches or 4 inches high ; but I would prefer planting wlien the plants were a foot in height, to planting before the buds began to move. In all stilHsh ground the best plan is to plant on the surface, and raise a ridge over the rows witli leaf mould and some sandy matter, and mulch with what is readiest, as short grass or muck in summer. EBTJIT GARDEN. Much the same as last week, in looking after insects, dis- budding, stopping, and thinning out the fruit, which we have not done half enough as yet. Prepared beds that had helped on bedding plants, &c., for Melons, by getting some heat below them. Grumbling for want of means will do good to no one. Some people with the dung of a stud of horses to go to, have yet nothing to get on with. Others with the dung of three or four beasts effect wonders. We are none of tliese wonderful folk ; but for hastening on anything with fermenting material wo must depend chiefly on tree leaves, and our supply was limited this season. Tho dung of three or four horses is less than a trille after getting Mnshroom-malerial out of it. How- ever, about this time we get vastly independent. Wo pass huge heaps of farmyard manure steaming away, with hardly a sem- blance of covetousncss or envy, and all through the mowing of tho lawn. Nothing is better for raising a strong heat, the need is to moderate it and keep it froni flaring up aad out all at once. Well, about this time we collect together old hay that had been used for protecting plants in winter and spring — this in the first case being chiefly secured from the first mowing of part of the lawn that does not come much in eight of the mansion, and which we allow to stand longer tlian the rest. To this we add old stubble, and litter that had been used for a similar purpose. To this we add about an equal proportion of short grass, and if the litter is at all wet, a cartload or two of tho dry litter that comes from the stable horses. Wo will suppose that the frame stood above a bed — Fay from 12 inches to 15 inches deep of dry leaves that have already done good service. Tho frame is moved, the leaves are whipped out, and a bed made of the litter and grass well mixed, so that the latter shall heat and be moderated by the former. In the last layer a few of the leaves are also added, the bed will now be— say 20 inches in height when fairly trodden, on this is placed about 8 inches of tho decayed or rather decaying leaves, so that the heat given olf will be sweet before reaching the roots. This is not all, the frames are shallow — some 10 inches in front, and 20 inches behind, so that care must be taken, both that steam shall not rise and also that it shall not enter, if linings should require to be given in the autumn from similar materials. Well, then, after securing this layer of leaves we build a wall of these leaves about 9 inches deep all round for the frame to stand upon, leaving the bed all that more shallow- inside. Fill that with soil, raise it 2 inches or 3 inches above the bottom of the frame, beat tho soil firmly round the sides, and in three or four days no better place could be found for planting out Melons, and getting one fine crop from them, if the season is at all propitious. To insure high success only one thing more is necessary. Insert some small round drain-tiles by which you can moisten the roots without wetting the surface as the fruit approaches maturity. In autumn and winter you will find that tho grass has helped to thoroughly decompose or burn out into good manure what otherwise would have been of little use. Wo are thus particular because many wish to grow Melons after their bedding plants, and many have inquired how they could bring their mowings to help in this and similar purposes. There is no danger provided a suflicient covering of sweet material is put over the grass and litter. Wherever there is a small lawn, a little bottom heat may thus be procured from spring to autumn. The lastingness of the heat will depend on the mixing and skill. When not so used, such mowings instead of polluting the atmosphere should be covered with the materials of the rubbish- heap, which will be much enriched in consequence. Beds less than half tho thickness mentioned above, with 3 inches of half-rotten leaves, 2 inches of leaf mould, and 2 inches of sandy loam and leaf mould, are just the places for pricking out many things for the flower garden in April, and onwards. Of course, we all might like sweet heated dung, or tan, or flax refuse, or spent hops, as being better for all such purposes ; but if these things are uncomeatable, as they often are, it will always be a better satisfaction to be able to say, " We made the most of the little means at our disposal," instead of doggedly saying, " It is no use trying, it can't be done." PIEASXJEE GARDEN. Our ground being heavy we have not yet worked it to please us for going a-head with planting bedding plants. Tho rains have delayed us. Most of our plants being in the ground m tem- porary pits, a few days make little difference, and we find that much depends on the ground being well aired and warmed by turning the heated surface down repeatedly. In other words, from digging in sunbeams. We have more faith in such pre- paration" than in early planting, and protecting in the beds. There is nothing wo dislike so much as potching the ground and planting such ground as ours when wet. It would not work kindly for the whole season afterwards, and besides what a sorry figure the men cut at the work I and how the walks and grass and everything else get du-ted and out of place. It is mueli better to put the steam on in a fine day. We expect to be in the thick of it by the end of the week, if the weather is pro- pitious.— R. F. ICG JOTJSNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAOE GARDENER. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *«* We request that no one wiU write prirately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Ofardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The JUitorsof the "Journal of SorticuUure, A-c," 162, Fleet Street, London., :E.C. We also request tliat correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on i-oultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or ttree questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Eow, aic the publishers of the book you mention. '™"°"<'8'=' ^ aternostei P^f.,Yn» <'"'^'=^;'^o>.■sK [PateU,i).~Yes. Wc think one of Riddell's winter ?vn,fh?.°^'"?, ""'.k^fPyt""- small greenhouse tolerably warm n t^e n e, or Writ. .^M Th'! ',';""! ? ?.'. '"^ •'"= '"" ^'""- "> P"*' ="1 ™°n "'"'^h i^ farthest from =1;?H\,h'"v,"- °'"":i»'''^" "^ y™ ^""l" "''^ '<"■ PelarKoniumV.,na Mil: and f, V V»lZi' ;•• ""■' """"",« ^'^'=' '■* '1"^ ^'"l f«>- ">■= Ami ,v IirbelMonna and foi Vallota purpurea, Mid botji of thera will keen better in a end nit ?o Tuftiv' te"S;"r,,??7'>n^ ^T- 1="' ™'' who'fl^ai'-.v'und" rsto'oThS V warm dv room •■,'!, , ''^''V''= '■° «™" 'I"' '^'"H""' ™'l'"- •'eKer in " a TdJio little air. ^' ^'"^^ '"^'"" '^ '"° '""'^" ^■''"""•' '»» "»'^" 'I'J-ness, failure of T, ^f ■"''?. (^" "« S«'>^cri',er).-We hove not heard of a general from cuttinif „„"S ti" '""■•. ^Ij reeomraend you to continue abstaining lin^rt ™; ^' ? * '° ^"'' "hunaance of house sewage or other stronc liquid manure twice a-week throughout the growing season. I no si oots nelf sting ' The^e" T';T- '"' f^l'^'' """' ""^y"" ™»^' Plan? afresh nfo'rlSy'irthJpfan'trai'I^dS "'"^ "^ ''"" "'"^'' ^""""'^ f"' ™'" ^^ •■fhrcT;tS'?«r,C';,'l'''.''n"';'>~'^^^''°"°.''™8 '• sunshine. Proaire a wide earthen pan .b^?!^ °'' .^<^'l-el'»s» that xnll go within it. and rest on the bottom aSd a ^^foT^J'"" P",'.*l'?' "•ill stand within the glass and above tlie i°S'of the ? ,Mffi '^ r ™' ? ""^'J'^"- '^l" ""' PO' I'"" '"11 °f potsherds, and upon Hen sandstone a^utn'' °' .™^ll P"='^^^ »f '">fy P^at, mixed with sma7pieces of sandstone, about the size of peas, to come up to tlie pot. Then take the them off niL'^.'h? """ '■= !,"" °' "''"'■''^ ■"■ '"'^'- ""I- ^"l> tl>e hand brush nn? anf^fiin, ^ prepared pot, set it in the pan, place the glass o xr the S»rtof ,f * "^ ''"k ?.^"'''^ ™l"' "^•<"'- Pl'»'='= '1"-- ^vhoIein the wannest ftni» LJ H "'"■''i '''"'''"'^ I' f™" ""^ S""- The small pieces ol tur and .tone can be easily separated, and the seedlings on each put into sm I no » without any danger of destroying them by the process of noltinT In M,e moist atmosphere of the Orchid-house, severarsp'ec^roffVrSwf come ip spontanconsly in the puts, baskets, au^l upon the blocks. These may be cai" - Sac'idim a^i,;''^T" f "'^y ^''^ 1"^ enough, and potted iirsmall pot^ z\ ^of 's'a^;r,;tfi i^^r.i^^i^-'weii.""'' ''-' ™"""' "'- ^"'' «"'- ^--^-" Gas T.iE TO Arrri! akd Pkar Trees (A. F. r.).-Paintine the vtcm.~\oM had belter confine yourself to four Vmes in your lG.leet greenhouse, and for your pimmsV the ft ^amburgh will be the best. We think that from such a s all house the piofals from sale of the fruit would be very limited. th'^r^'irrbe.n'f ti-^- S''-",'''' * """^ 5"™° ^P™"!''"' "P™ "'« 'Oil over ,h!. S?, , , -"^"^ ''"" I'l""^ mauure in wet weather. We do not thmk thfbn,^^ f "'■'"" "''"" '' "I"""" suano; but the sewage combining a we should add"afh,M"'""'^„'"' "V'" '' «""" " '"-'"l^"- "■ «■<> "^ed m-ine w e snouui add a pint to a gallon of water. if ^t,'""""''" ^"""^ IN ViKERY (fi. 7r.).-The Grapes will ripen very nicely earWin ti;'eaf?e?^oL''^t'i-''"*^'"™'^ "' ""■■ """ ^^^ «l™' "> '«)-The tree Ferns yon froS ^no , -^o'"'"' '." " ™'^'»™ of peat and loam, and in a temperature of T f ^,°.°°, ",' "'"'^''' "P '0 ^" ""'' **="■ ""<) S»' with sun heatinsumnier 10 established plants, if you have some imported ones, give plentv of heat' a moLst atmosphere, but little or no water until leaves and roots breik hen rot or tub, and grow and water freely. ' Pkoteotino Greenhouse Glass from Hail (ireiious) -If slout class be employed, 24 ozs. to the foot, it is rarely injured by 1 ailstones Canvass nffln. v" r'*; '='■' "'■'' "" '^'^'='='"''1 Protectiom The Karraert insurance Office, Norfolk Street, London, insure against injury by hairtones. Pear Elos.'^om not Friitfil IJ. M. 11'., Ken- Forest] -If vonr i,n,-,i„,. ta tl em '^l'" '"^'t' f ^""^ '°" '-^'^^l °<* f-' I' -o"l^- ha^e^en better s?v^ S' i T"' **'"» '^ P'''^''™' '•"= ■•oo's getting down. The excei- b loo, !,i„ve ""'^ ^' '"' '""''• *"" "■" oonstant driiSle and fog when S fin to «^"ZL'''!'''.*' '^f P»"™ "«^'''- ^™^ 1'T enough to ferfonS ts he seYci; fros of nl^''^' "'"""""^ ^T ''"'""S "t 'he "re even before b ooufd V Yon JiL , "1°'' '"".'•"'"g- The orchard-house will keep the ho°u°se\,^LfeTfST„rntan5'S7s,?Lrat'i^t?VwirtUVr/e oTenTreriro^wlariil'^™'' °'- "■'"'« ^""-'"^ g.^undtv^ran^d'd'i;!? rig^?t''lilgtaS'w^lw"n"Kt,?e'^^''''•7"^-^™'• f^a^smen told you quite cheScst^hMt ^liihln., 1 '^ free admission of air Is not attended to. The are chieVv ,ld fn fulf l^'lr t^" "'"^' ^^"^^ 'o "o so ; but that and 3rd3 burnir^*^! tlieresbrifl?!.?. ''"l";'"'' ""'' 'l""'^ '^ "0 complaint about mut" ir'n.kit Fn, n„ 1, f " '•"" ■"="■ ""'' *l'"<^' '' is easy to daub it with good cheJS rfass^f «, J '/"'f "' '■°" ''"f ""«• "^^'"1 »'" not ornamental, good Cheap glass at 2i(. per foot, ranging from 13 ozs. to ICi ounces oneht to be sufhcient. If you prefer 2I.ozs. it will cost from M tITw p^i t^t cut to the sizes you want if at all moderate-say 20 inches by 10 inches or 12 inches or so. If you wish finer glass, as all 3rds. 2nd,, o? 1st yon mu" pay aceordmgly. We think the common sheet, ranging from 2I 'to M per foot according to weight is quite good enough for your purpose. th^K ^TT ^^"^ Unfroitpul (P. P.,.-We advise your examining b^ , > , "f "!!'° "' ^"l '"SSest ; bnt from the abundance of bloom and moi! ,n e k '''t"<'"^e, we have doubts it the roots of the tree have enough of ^xt,'^,?,. , ''PPe'";''"^"^ are often produced from extreme dryness and be,, .. '™".'""0' ''»' 'l>e la'ter can hardly be the case with such a bed of sand N„,,i,.;ii ^^0 .f'sume your climate is not good enough for the Fitmaston enr,?,t,i'.i ^S" "n 1o Is to keep the roots near the surface so as to encouiage the making ol short-jointed wood, and mulch or cover the ground with t.lcs to keep It moist as well as warm. Are you sure that enough of moistm CIS not given.' Such cracking is produced by various causes, such aj a high dry temperature, and a deficiency of moisture at the roots ; and ihcn again by p cnty of moisture at the roots, considerable wamith, and s. dry cold atmosphere. In the one case the fruit swells too fast for the root- aetion, m the other it does not swell fast enough. FonciNG Sea.kale (/rffm).— Von would see much about Sea-kale forcing, and growing in 'Doings ot the last Week." We never grew it in pots; but 1 you have it in large pots and wish to keep it in them, you had better plunge them hail in the ground or more during the summer, leaving an open spaee below tli=, bottom of the pot to let water escape freely. The.e watered and mulched in summer would be ripened by Noveral,er, and the leaves removed • you could then take the pots into any dark place in successi, n, where there wiis a heat of from 50° to 5,>°. We should prefer phmting out now and taking up as wanted ; bnt provided the plants are well „ou,islied in summer with manure water, and at times with salt water-say a handful to five gallons, and keeping it off the leaves and crowns, we see nothing to prevent growing and forcing in pots. v duv PicACHES on Gl.ass-covered Wall (A Cotistatit SKiscnic ).-Tours is one of those puzzhng cases that even if we knew more we might not be able .0 decide. .Many of us have been disappointed this season with Peaches no^ stiinding as we expected alter such an autumn as the last. The early ones bad far loo little sun, and, though they set, many dropped, which showed the fecundation incomplete, as the young fruit when cut were black at lioart. fho only safety in dull weather is to keep the houses airy and cno. and the roots neither too wet nor too dry. We should almost suppose tli.it the roots had been in the one condition or the other. The only tiring you can do now is to lessen extra vigour by severe nipping in summer, and root-pruning il necessary eariy in autumn. In the late-house we would advise a severe thinning at once, and a careful examination of the soil; if dry below the fruit will be sure to drop. Ixstcrs ( ro»i /V(i«fc).— Your Cerastium tomentosum has been destroyed by the larvie or grubs of the com.rion daddy-longlegs, now full grown. Wait t .1 the perlect injects appear, and set ci'ildren to catch everv specimen, and then your plants will be sale iie.\t year.— W. ' PLANTi.-iG Perilla (/ir«-fl-J/,, Wsj-t op England (City of WtlUl. StetrardtS. I'itimin, Esq., Munor House, Taunton. Entries close May 1. May 2Sth find 29th. Hi:li. anh East lln)I^a of Yoekshibk. Sec, Mr. J. Hooton. Entries close May 14th. June 3id. Essex Agriculturai. Association. Sec, R. Emson, Sloiigh House, Ilalstead. Entiies close May loth. JuNB 4th and 5th. Beverley and East Riuino. Sec, Mr. Harry AdnmB Junk 12th, North Hants Agricultural Society. Sec.j Mr. II. Downs. Entries close May 2lst. ,Ii':*E 2Gth and 27th. Suffolk ("WoodbiBge}. Sec, Mr. J. Lodcr, jon. Entries close .Innc 5th. Ji'LY Srd, Pbkscot. 6Vc., Mr. James Beesley. Entries close Juno 21st. July 0:h. 10th, and 11th. Lkhds aku Wlst Ridino. Sees., G. Newton and J. AViule. Entries close June 21st. Septemekr 9tb. WonsLKY and .Vrmley (near Leeds). Sec, Mr. Robert Hoyle, Armlcy, near Leeds. DKCF.UBGR 1st, 2nd, Srd, and -iih. UiitMiiJouAM. Sec, John B. Lythall, 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. CRUELTY TO SITTING HENS. WotTLD you allow ine to draw Ihe attention of your pouUrj readers to an error of management, now quite too prevnlent among the breeders of valuable fancy poultry — viz., tlie jjer- mitting hens of great value to sit out two or even more sels of eggs in suecession, and so doing under the false impression that she obtains rest by incubation. I liave known several friends this present season, who have weakened beyond restoration specimens that would not have been disposed of for any pri^e, however great that might have been oll'ered for them, by per- mitting tliem to continue nesting for two months in succession, or even a longer period. It is quite foreign to my ideas to pre- vent hens (liowever valuable), sitting at all, for, contrariwise, I believe it most beneficial and restorative. It is prolonging un- naturally the fever always attendant on broodiness, that produces after-ill-consequences, and, most probably, paves the way to a consumiition tliat is altogether incurable. If whnt I have just written calls to reflection any poultry friend now committing tliis mistake in poultry-culture, before the effects are irremediable, it will fulfil the wish of — Edwaed Hewitt, Sjtarlcbroofi; Birmingham. CEOSS BETWEEN THE WILD AND DOMESTIC GOOSE. A C0E)tESPO^'I>E^'T of the Prairie Farmer, speaking of the hybrid between the wild and domestic Goose, says they frequently " pair like other Geese, and lay quite a number of eggs, yet their eggs will not hatch."' He has tried them repeatedly, but the eggs were always rotten at the expiration of four weeks — the period of iuevibalion for both the wild and common Goose. He says the mongrels yield more and belter feathers, and can be picked oftener in a year than common Geese ; that they are larger than either of the parent stocks; that they are stronger and hardier than the common Geese, smaller eaters, and more easily reared. In winter '* they sit on the snow and ice, and keep up their wild yells night and day." lie gives the testimony of his wife, that the eggs of these mongrel Geese "make better pancakes than any other eggs she lias tried." The editor of the Boston Cultivator calls attention to this fact, and says he has heard before that these mongrel Geese sometimes lay, but never heard of an instance of their eggs having hatched. C. N. Bement, in an article written for the Mural Annual and Borlicultural Directory for 1850, mentions the same fact. Speaking of the American wild Goose, he says : — "This bird by all foreign writers is called the Canada Goose. Most writers on poultry call it a variety of tlio common Goose ; but it ia no more a variety of Goose than the Swan, which it greatly resembles. Cuvier seems to doubt whether it is a Goose at all, and Fnys it cannot properly be separated from the true Swans. AVe once possessed a wild Gander that had liccn pinioned by a shot in the wing, which mated with a common domestic Goose, and we bred from them for more than ten years ; but their produce was not fruitful, although they laid eggs. The hybrids never showed any disposition to pair or mate with eitlier the wild or domestic Goose. They partake largely of the wild habits, and if their wings are not clipped spring and fall ^and more jiarficularly in the spring), they are very apt to fly «way and not leiam." —{Qertessee Farmer) BEE-KEEPING IN CORNWALL— SIZE OF HIVES, &c. Yesteud.vy (loth May), I had a fine swarm from a liivo which stands with two others at a distance from my liousc. I certainly did not expect a s^vanu, as the day, though fine, was windy, and such as I thought an old queen would not venture out in. I hived tlie swarm in a straw hivo with nine frames, similar to those used by "A Devonshise BiiE-KEiii'Eii." It is 13 inches by 1).V inches, and 9 inches in depth. I am much pleased with it, and think it will answer exceedingly well, though consti-ucted on a simple plan. I have no glass in it. In fact tlie space, threc-eiglUhs of an inch, allowed between t)ie top of the frame and the crown-board, gives such facility for inspection that there is no occasion for it to any one of moderate experience in the management of an apiary. I wished to have some three or four straw hives of the above description made for my swarms this season, but fear that one more is all I shall be able to get made — my man liaving so much other work to get through at this eeuson of the ye.ir. When or linary liives aro furnished with the Woodbury comb- bar, wnat distance should there be between the under part of the 1 bar and the floor-board ? I should imagine that the boxes should be something less than 9 inches in depth, so that the combs may fit without cutting into the Woodbury compound- frame. This is indeed an admirable contrivance. Is the Woodbury ton-framed hive too large for common black bees ? It strikes me that it is not ; as " B. & W.'s" hives, 13 by i 13 by 9 inches, will contain, unless I miscalculate, just as much as your present ones. I am having Woodbury comb-bars fitted into my common boxes and square straw liives, so that next spring they may be removed early into my new straw hives with compound-frames. — F. W. P. [Ordinary bar-hives, to interchange combs with frame-hives by means of the compound bar-frame, should be 8 inches deep inside. Tliis (allowing tlirec-quarters of an inch for bars and the space above them), leaves 71; inches below the bars, and will admit of free interchange of comb without any cutting whatever. Tlie Woodbury ten-framed hive is probably not too large for a strong stock of black bees, with a first-rate queen, in a good locality. It is besides always easy to contract it as much as you please, by a moveable partition on one or both sides fitting into tlie frame-notches.] LIGURIAN BEES— season IN STAFFORDSHIRE. I NOTICE in your Journal of the 20th inst., that Mr. Langstroth is of opinion that the Italian bee is much more irascible than our own indigenous species. This my own experience fully corro- borates, although the contrary has generally been affirmed. In performing operations wiili our own bees, I have seldom con- sidered it necessary to have any covering on the hands, which they very rarely sting unless actually pinched, provided that the operator abstains from flinching or making sudden or hasty movements ; but with the Italians it is far otherwise, as they attack the hands without hesitation, so that it is essential for them to be fully protected. My Italian stock, obtained last year from " A Devonshike Bee-eeepee," lias far outstripped my stocks of common bees ; and on the 19th May I determined to make an artificial swarm on the principle advocated in your Number of the 13tli by your valuable correspondent " B. & W.," and this I satisfactorily accomplished. Nearly half of the Italian bees remained in their old hive ; so that, with the accession of black bees belonging to the hive whose fite it now occupies, it is nearly as strong as before the operation, and will be in condition to give out a very strong second swarm when the young queens come to maturity. The new hive under the old queen is also well peopled, and will, I doubt not, do well. The driven bees were extremely angi-y, and for two hours or more attacked every one witliin a hundred yards of the hives, and are still rather apt to assault persons who approach close to their hive. I succeeded in catching the queen, which is a very fine, distinctly-coloured Italian, and so heavy that I think she would probably fall and be lost if she attempted to lead off a natural swarm. As the swarm is put into a different sized hive from the old 168 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Hay 27, 1862. one, I was obliged to drive the bees into a box the size of their hive, and then transfer them to the bar-and-frame-hive they now occupy. My black bees are three weeks earlier this season than last.— J. E. B. P.S. — The mortality this winter has far exceeded that of 1860-61 in tliis district (Wolverhampton). INOFFENSIVENESS OF LIGUEIAN AND FEROCITY OF GERMAN BEES. I MUSI dissent entirely from the statement made at the recent meeting of American bee-keepers to the eifect that the Ligurian is more irritable than the common species, and its sling more painful. On the contrary, I have niyself proved to demonstration, that the Ligurian bee is by no means an irascible insect, whilst two competent and impartial witnesses have already testified in the pages of The Journal of Hoeticultuee, to the fact that its sting is less poisonous than that of the black bee. The following story from the German " Bee Journal," certainly appears to bear out what was stated at the meeting regarding the ferocity of the ordinary black bee in Germany : — " One day last year a man named Menzel, somewhat above thirty years of age, a landlord in Tizbic, Bohemia, went among his bees in a drunken condition, when thousands of them attacked him and stung him to death In order to remove the corpse from the neighbourhood of the hives, the people endeavoured to hinder the flight of the bees by means of hand-syringes, and to keep themselves from their rage they had to fetch the bee-dresses which are used when depriving them of honey. Tlie bees would not even quit the corpse, and water had to be poured over it to drive them away. So irritated were they that poultry and other animals were not safe from tlieir rage ; dogs were howling with pain, whilst fowls and geeso flew screaming through the air." — A Devonshire Bbe-keepee. DZIEEZON'S REVIEW OF AN ENGLISH BOOE ABOUT BEES.* Neaelt three years ago there appeared a work on bees from the pen of Mr. James Samuelson, a well-known merchant in the town of Liverpool— a gentleman who, in addition to success in commercial pursuits, combines public spirit and scientific attain- ments of no mean order — forming the second part of a series in which the marvels of natural history were brought before the public in a popular and attractive form. Mr. Samnelson's little work has recently attained the honour of being translated and republished in Germany with the additional statement on the title-page that it is "for bee-keepers and naturahsts." In this new form it has come under the notice of Herr Dzierzon, the eminent German apiarian, who in the German " Bee Journal " says : — " Striking is the apposition on the title-page ' for bee- keepers and naturalists.' According to the index of the book the author seems to have written more for the friends of nature. Had the writer dedicated his book to admirers of bees in general, there would be something less striking in it ; but to be able to write for bee-keepers one must liimself be a practical bee-keeper, which I cannot believe the author to be How dangerous it is to write for bee-keejiers if the writer be not himself a tho- roughly practical apiarian is proved in many pages of this book." Herr Dzierzon then proceeds to point out the following erro- neous statements in Mr. Samuelson's work : — 1st. That the larva? or grubs are fed at first with honey, then, as the days of the young ones increase in number, with honey mixed with a certain quantity of bee-bread. 2nd. That the bees seize upon a worker larva and transfer it into a royal cell hastily constructed for the purpose. 3rd. That the eyes of bees enable them to seek out the appropriate cell in which to store their treasure ; while the reviewer remarks, " it is the sense of feeling which directs them, as they can do all in its usual order amidst absolute darkness." 4th. That if the drones driven out into the cold should attempt to return they are mercilessly slaughtered. 5th. That the matrons of the hive relieve the bees on their return home of the bee-bread. 6th. That the bees which accompany the queen fi-om cell to cell for the purpose of oviposition take care that she lays only one egg in each cell, or in case she should deposit more, as sometimes happens, they remove all but one and place t'.iem elsewhere. 7th. As soon as ' BumiU Creatures, Part II., The Soncy Bee. London: Van Voorst. the usual term of sixteen days has expired, and the guardians of one of the royal cells receive intimation by the movement within that a new monarch is about to make her appearance, the queen mother approaches also with the murderous intent of attacking and slaughtering her child as a rival, and foiled in this design she leaves the hive ; while Ilerr Dzierzon says, " it is known that the old mother leaves the hive witVi the first swarm when but one of the royal cells is covered and thelarvse begins to metamor- phose into a nymph." This list of errors appears quite formidable enough, but the reviewer has yet another crow to pluck with his author, who whilst giving in his adhesion to the truth of parthenogenesis cites one of Huber's experiments as proving Herr Dzierzon himself mistaken in believing that the queen bee has the power of layuig either worker or drone eggs at wUl. Upon this subject the reviewer, who was himself the first discoverer of parthenogenesis says — " Tlie author would not have fallen into the mistaken notion that the queen had certain periods for laying first one and then the other sort of eggs, and was not able to deviate from this procedure, if he as a clever practical bee-keeper knew what drone-breeding signifies, and when it generally commences in the normal state. It is known that drone-breeding is the first step towards increasing the species — i.e., to swarm, and that it begins and is continued when there is a feeling of prosperity and growing strength in the colony, but that even in a strong hive and in the best time the feeUng of prosperity may disappear, and a sense of anxiousness arise if the queen be deprived of her liberty to get unimpeded to every cell ; and that, therefore, the queen will bo far from having the intention to continue prepara- tions for swarming — i. e., to lay drone eggs, but that she will rather drop her eggs is apparent to every one who has penetrated the economy of the bee commonwealth. From this it may be seen that as correct practical management requires theoretical knowledge, so also only the most perfect practical knowledge can preserve one from errors and false inferences." "Whilst pointing out Mr. Samuelson's mistakes, his distinguised critic does full justice to his undoubted scientific attainments, and the review is written throughout in a fair and impartial spirit. — A Devon- SHIEE BeE-KEEPEK. "More Hay." — An old gentleman who was always bragging how folks used to work in his younger days, one day challenged his two sons to pitch on a load of hay as fast as he could load it. The challenge was accepted, the hay waggon driven round, and the trial commenced. For some time the old man held his own very creditably, calling out, "More hay! more hay !" Thicker and faster it came. The old man was nearly covered ; still he kept crying, " More hay ! more hay !" At length, struggling to keep on top of the ill-arranged heap, it began first to roll, then to slide, and at last off it went from the waggon, and the old man with it. " What are you down here for ?" cried the boys. " I came down after hay !" answered the old man, stoutly. OUR LETTER BOX. Game Bahtams [Amatern- de VolaiUe). — There ia no longer any necCEsity for specifying weights. In the days of Bantam clubs the maximum weights were I" ozs. for the cock, 14 ozs. for the hen. They are properly described when they are called Game fowls in miniature, and it would be fatal to all hope of success if they resemble the Sebright in anythiiiLr but diminutive size. These latter among their chief merits have double combs, drooping wings, and hen tails; either of these points would disqualify a Game Bantam. Diminutive size is very necessary to make a perfect bird; but it would be fatal to success if that one point were attained by the sacrifice of those properties of shape, carriage, colour, and hard feather, that are insisted upon in the Game classes. Floor of Hen-house {A Subscriber).— J^othXn^ can be worse for the floor of a hen-house than either bricks or cement ; they retain damp, and bruise the feet of the birds. Notbing is better than the earth covered 2 inches or 3 inches deep with sand. The surface of this can be raked free from excrements every morning Parrot Eating its Fkathkrs (C. 5. — Peaston. — We can recommend no other treatment than that we inserted in our last Journal in answer to. "Fanny Fekn." LONDON MARKETS.— May 26. POTJLTKT. There is still comparative dearth ; but indications are not wanting that a better supply is " looming in the iuture." Ducklings 3 0 to 3 6 Hares 0 0 „ 0 0 Rabbits 1 4 „ 1 5 Wild do 0 8 „ 0 9 Pigeons 0 8 „ 0 9 Large Fowls 4 6 to 5 6 „ 4 0 „ 2 0 „ 0 0 „ 6 n 3 Chickens 2 n Geese 0 0 Goslings 6 c Juno 3, 18G2. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 169 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day of M'nth 9 Day of Week, Td W Th F 6 SVH M JUNE 3-9, 1802. Adenandra fi'agiuns. Anthoccrcis viscosa. Antliyllis trag:acanthoides. Azaleas, many. Aphplexis hu;nili^, &c. WllIT SUM-'AY. Whit Monday. Weather near London ih 1861. Rain in Barometer. Thermom. Wind. 29.997— 19.90? 30.0]!1-30.0(H 29.939-29.9(17 29.997- 29.9:1 1 29.917—29.899 29.881-29.8(50 29.727-29.603 deg. dci?. 04-49 1 (17-45 I 71-40 I 59-4S 05-4(> I 01-40 00-49 X. N. W. N.E. N.E. N.E. N.E. InclicB. San Rises. Sun Sets. ■01 •01 •01 ■58 h. m. h. 49af3 6af8 48 48 47 47 4S 40 Moon Clock Rises Moon's after and Sets Age. Sun. m. h. m. B. 38 n 6 2 12 52 U 7 2 2 morn. J) 1 51 12 0 9 1 41 31 0 10 1 30 52 0 11 1 in 18 1 12 1 8 , Day of Year. 154 155 150 157 158 l.W l(iO Meteorology of the Week.— .\t Chiswick, from obpcrvationp during th:' last thirty-five years, the average highest and lowest temperatures of these days are 70.2' and 47. r respectively. The greatest heat, 90^, occurred on the 7th, in 181'J ; and the lowest cold, 33% on the Sth in 1830. During the period 137 days wore fine, and on 108 rain fell. THE CAMELLIA A.ND ITS CULTURE.— No. 0. VARIETIES. UIDED by what wo Lave heard verbally i and by letters from several coi'respond- ents, there seems to be considerable anx- iety to see the multi- tudinous list of va- rieties advertised in sale cataloo;ues, cut down by some one whose practical ex- perience can be de- pended upon, so that both gardeners and amateurs with limited accommodation could fix upon a dozen, or two dozen, or more varieties, according to their respective requirements, and not be so disappointed in the aggregate, as most of us, at least, occasionally happen to be after proving novelties with high-sounding names, and grand certificates of character. It is no part of our plan to inquire who are to blame for this questionable state of matters, for supposing we were ever so captiously inclined, ever so disappointed for the time being, we would hesitate before expressing an un- qualified condemnation on any given person or thing, because the longer we live, and the greater the range of our experience, the more fickle and sportive do some of the examples of the vegetable creation appear to our senses. Some of the varieties of Camellias arc not at all fixed in their character, and hence the origin of much disappointment and chagrin ; and although much can be done by the hand of the experienced cultivator towards reducing the more wayward of them, not only into a flowering state, but by careful attention to their habits into a tendency to produce flowers of the most desirable form. Albeit! the best prescription and the most careful practice often fail to obtain what, for want of a better name, comes under the category of chance, accident, and such like. There are now and again some beautiful individual examples of flowers or plants which have a greater ten- dency to produce blooms that possess in an imperfect degree the organs of fructification ; but these examples are somewhat rare. Of course, it is almost unnecessary to mention that all double and perfect flowers are but monsters, botanically speaking, and it is a wonderful and an interesting theme to watch, or, rather more correctly expressed, to note progressive development from the old single red, now and for a length of time, largely used as stocks to the more perfect flowers which adorn our green- houses and conservatories during the inclement portion of the year. Here are stamens surrounding the ovary and its adjuncts like little pedestals, clothed where the anthers containing the pollen ought to be, with petals of irregular form, and thus destitute, in so far as they are No. 62.— Vol. III., New Skrieb. individually concerned, of reproductive power ; but so long as the pistil and its adjuncts are perfect there are hopes of fructification bj' applying pollen from other varieties. From this strain varifties liave been produced possessing all the characteristics of first-rate flowers, even although subjected to the canon. of the llorist ; but by far the greater number revert to their normal form, and are thus retrogressive in their tendencies, and, unless for purposes of fructification, are worthless in the eyes of all amateurs and cultivat.ors. Of course, there are exceptions, the very best of which, speaking of those with petaloid stamens, is undoubtedly Chandler's elegans, a grand soft rose, large smooth outer petals, and the petaloid masses in the centre blotched with rose and white ; vigorous in habit, and an abundant bloomer. It thus differs from Chandlcri, Doncklcaari, tricolor, reticulata, and corallina, all of which, in large collections, it is desirable to cul- tivate both for decorative effcet and "breeding" pur- poses, in having its stamens clotlied in the manner above described, and is, therefore, difficult, although possessing a perfect ovary, to get to fructify. All the others are perfect, botanically speaking, and seed, by due attention to small matters, somewhat freely. The most worthless of all sorts are those entirely des- titute of the organs of fructification, and imperfect both in form and disposition of petal. Caryophylloides is one of the best of these, and could not be tolerated in any collection were it not for its variegated and blotched petals. Collettii, ColviUii, Franoofurtensis, Marquis of Exeter, Napoleon d'ltalie, Persio, Althaeseflora, Presse's Eclipse, Punctata, Bruceana, and Carbonaria, which is something like the colour and form of Hollyhock Memnon, are all of this east, and are good only for purposc^s of inarching better ones upon. Many others could be named, but these are a few that have obtained some notoriety. In naming a selection we shall be guided entirely by the fruits of our own experience, which must be some- what circumscribed. It is not enough, we opine, to pass an opinion upon the merits of individual flowers without knowing something of the general habit of the plants from which they are taken, else the characters ascribed to them, at all events for the benefit of small growers, must be taken only for what they are worth. The reports and awai'ds of the Floral Committee since its organisation are certainly entitled to tiie utmost con.'iideration, and may be reckoned, in general cases, as a safe guide to the purchaser ; at all events, any one may rest assured that anything that has passed their ordeal and obtained a first-class certificate, merited sucli a dignity at the time, however sportive its inclination might afterwards be. That Camellias are so there cannot be a doubt, for it is possible to exhibit Mathotiana, for instance, a variety of good substance and surpassing brilliancy, with flowers imbricated to the centre, and petals of good formation ; and it is also possible, and, indeed, very probable, that if you go and see it the following season, it may not have a single perfect flower. Grow the plant liberally and you may not have an individual bud upon it, although the No. 714.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Sebies. 170 JOUJiNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 3, 1862. plant may be of considerable size. And mayhap, if there were a few buds tiiey would be nearly as large, and infinitely more ugly tlian the ugliest crimson Pa)onia Rose growing in the flower- borders. In the first place we would submit what we have found to be twenty-four of the best decorative varieties — sorts, in facr, which can be depended upon, with ordinary care, to produce quantities of bloom year after year. Alba Plena, or old White, large, and full of petal?. Fimbviata, white, with fringed edges; more handsomely built than the oiiner. * Imbricata, carmine, beautifully blo'ched with white ; a gem when half expanded. Hendersoni, pnle rose, large and wtU-forincd jietal ; extra large flower. Saccoi Nova, rose, deeper in tinge and larger in petal than the ubove ; extra fine. ■ Henri Favre, rosy carmine, extra fine form, and abundant bloomer. This variety is ahnost witlioiit calyx, asd therefore remains a shorter tune in bloom tlian most other varieties. Lady Hume's Blush, or Fiavescens, creamy white, of great su^sta^ce, and a free bloomer. * Wilderi, rich clear rose, perfect-formed petal and flower; first-class in every respect if well trrown. Jubilee, whitish yiound, dotted and striped with rosy pink, fine-formed petal ; at its best when two-thirds expanded. * Reine des Fleurs, vivid orange scarlet, fine imbricated flower, exceed- ingly striking ; free in habit and blooming propensities. * Catkerine Longhi, carmine, occasionally striped with white; very fine flower. *'• Teutonia, -white ground with carmine stripes, very sportive in its character, Fometiraes coming half carmine ai:d half white ; fine-formed and cuopcd fiiiwer of good substance. * Valtevavedo, charming rose colour, large fine petal ; also a cupped tlower of the finest proportions. Feastii. pure white ground colour, with chance cerise stripes ; petals not so fine-formed, but n noble flower of great depth and size. Bothwelliana, carmine, petals not of so fine formation, but a noble flower of great depth ; free and constant. Duchess of Bucdeuch, rosy carmine, flowers very large; habit good, and a very free bloomer. Alba Imbricat;i (Low's), heautiful shade of wliite, handsome-formed flower, petals rather pointed; one of the very be^st for chastene.=3. Miniata, deep rose, fine-formeJ flower, ot medium ."ize, and an abundant bloomer. Piincssss Eacchiochi, brilliant carmine, good-formed petals; constant and distinct. * Duchess of Orleans, white ground, striped and flaked with carmine ; ■petals of the finest proportions, one of the very best flowers, but rather difficult to manage well from having a delicate constitution. * Sarah Frost, ruby red, occasionally striped with white down the centre of the petal ; fine form and habit. Candidissima, line frec-blooraing white, quite distinct in habit and character from its- compeers. * Archiduchesse Augusta, dull cerise ground colour, veined and shaded with blue; novel, distinct, and constant. Bcali. vivid scarlet, large fine petals, scarcely imbricated to the centre; but indispensable for colour, size, and its late-bloomiug propensities. We will now name fourteen of the best we hare proved, judged after the standard of the florist. Tiiese, mark you, in raany instance?, produce probably a sprinkling of first-rate blooms, which will stand the test of being individualised; al- though for decorative qualities they are nowliere (unless it be those of tliem above mentioned), alongside these beautiful new and old varieties for elFect. One does certainly incline to cater for tlie plants producing flowers with nice rounded petals, even although such of them may be but sparingly bloomed ; but tcU sne what would a collection of Camellias be without the old white Fioibriata, &c. Where quantities of bloom are in request, we must still fall bAck upon these and such-like varieties, and no jury of ladies in the country would agree to rob them of their high prestige ; nevertheless it may be taken for gi'anted that we are all optn to grow, prove, and report upon those that are ushered into the market without any sinister n-.otive ; to exalt those that merit it, if need be to the pinnacle of fame, and to be equally judicious in forming opinions upon those that turn out after repeated trials to be worthless. Meantime we give the names of twenty-four that have been some time in the market, which may be depended upon for individual blooms, although some of them may not be constant. Mrs. Abby Wilder, creamy white, occasionally striped with rose ; of first- rate excellence, botli as to form and quality. Cup of Beauty, white, striped with pink ; also extra fine. La Mtcstosa, fine cherry colour, blotched with white. Matho^i.'ina, crimson, extra large and of fine form ; very distinct. Llonteroni, white, slightly striped ; very fine form. Countess of Ellesmere, white, slightly striped with carmine ; fine. De la Reine, pure Avhite, pink striped ; good form and substance. Archiduchesse Marie, rich cerise, willi a well-detined band of white down the centre of each petal ; fvee bloomer. Guiardino FranchettJ, rose, blended with carmine; novel and fine. Elizabeth Herbert, salmon, richly marbled with rose; a great improve- ment on Admiral Nelson. Emelia Caraptoni, carmine, banded with white do^Ti the centre of the pet^l ; large and fine, Jenny Lmd, pure white, slightly marked vrith rose ; chaste and fine. Hubens, rich rose, good-sized flower, and of good form and substance. Stoiyi, rosy carmine, fine smooth petal, and good habit. These, along with those branded with an asterisk in the first selection, are those I have proved best, looked at in thia way. The next best twenty-four in our collection are the following: — Alexina, a pretty mottled liyht ground flower, of good-formed petals, showing the s'amens in tlie centre. Adrien la Brun, rose, imbricated to the centre ; good. Amabihs, i-ed, blotched with white ; small but symmetrical. CuswelHana, ruby, witli white stripe ; good flower. Cnmte de Paris, cerise ; large flower, but rather filrasy in the petal. Countess of Orkney, light ground, striped with cerise; not equal to what was expected of it. Due de Bretagne, large, rose colour; free both in Jiabit and as a bloomer. Halleyii, dull crimson ; a flower of fair proportions. Jncksoni, good bright crimson ; showy and distinct. Jeffersoni, bright scarlet, slightly striped, medium size ; good. Landrethii, fine pale rose ; free and good. Optima, crimson and wliite; good habit. Queen of Denmark, dullish crimson ; good formed petal, rather inconstant. Rubini, ruby red with white stripe; medium size and good form, fine late bloomer, but shy. Mrs. Carrick Biiclianan, fine-formed white ; good-sized petal, one of the best late bloomers of Scotch origin. Lady Belhaven. rich carmine ; extra fine substance, scarcely imbricated in the centre. Another of theWoodhall seedlings I believe. Tliomasini, after the style o! Henri Favre, but blotched with white ; veiy good form. Varischi, fine shell petal of shining rose colour, occanonally mottled with white. Lowii, good rose ; vig^orous liabit. Maiia Theresa, a fine Carnation-like flower ; extra fine habit. Pisani, good medium-sized white ; occasionally striped. Centifolia alba, pure wliite ; large and showy, a good flower. General Zaccjii, soft ros-^ blotched with white ; good late bloomer. Cruciata, rose blotcIiL'd with whitf ; one of the best carlies. — Jas. AlTDEESON, Meadoio Ban/c, UdcUngstone. THE ROYAL HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S AMERICAN PLANT SHOW.— Mat 30th. The opening-day of this magnificent Exhibition was heralded by a fall of the barometer, which portended no good to those who looked forward to spending a pleasant afternoon among the "Americans," here harmoniously assembled, to promenading the artistically laid-out grounds, and last, and, to the great bulk of the visitors at our horticultural exhibitions not least, listening to the admirable music of the Life Guards' band. The unfavourable presages of the barometer were not al- together unfulfilled, for the morning was ushered in by showers, whilst in the forenoon there fell a thick close rain ; but for- tunately, about one o'clock the weather began to clear, and though threatening clouds still floated about, the afternoon was tolerably fine. Of the Exhibition itself, which has been furnished by Messrs. Waterer & Godfrey, of Knap Hill, we can only speak in terms of the highest praise, both as regards the arrangement and the rich expanse of colour that is spread before the eye. On entering the large covered space where the Sliow is held, we see here a group of white, thei'e a bi-ilhant mass of crimson, deepening at this point to a blood red or purple, or changing at another to a yellow or orange ; while a roseate light seems to pervade the whole scene, which, brilliant as it is, is still not dazzling from the quiet green of the leaves peeping forth in places from amongst the clusters of bloom. The ground, which has been covered Qver with a kind of can- vass, is hollowed out in the middle so as to afford a better view, and is laid out iu beds of various shapes, harmonising with each other — some being circles, others more nearly approaching an oval in character, and gently curving outwards in place, and again inwards so as to take off the rectangular outline of the ground. The centre figure is composed of two circular beds facing the north entrance, with four others of less size forming a line across the tent, encompassed by four clumps larger than any of the rest. Elsewhere, the area is laid out in circles and small beds of suitable outline. The circles, which are mostly planted with standards, are in many cases raised considerably above the surface of the walk, and turfed over all but a small space round the stem ; they have thus a very neat appearance. Directly opposite the side entrance we met with a fine plant of Xalmia latilblia, and on the other side another of still larger size with a very thick stem, and certainly 12 feet high. Near this there was a splendid Uarclayanum, whose large trusses of crimson scarlet flowers wcreeonspipiious among all the rest from every pomt of view, and especially from a small stage which has been erected at the west end. J.ine 3, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORXICULTUaE AND COrXAGE GAKUE.VEK. ITl Of the m»iiy other fine vniieties the following are a few of the best : — ETprostiocuni, rosy lilac, everywhere forminR a dense ina?s of bloom, very line ; t'urrieanuni, very large llowcre, late, and very good; Brayannm, rosy scarlet, willi lighter eentre, glowing colour, and tine foliage ; Archimedes, biiglit rose, very brilliant; Album Elegan?, blush, with green spots; Miignnm Boniim, very large and showy, rosy lilae, spotteit ; Onslow- iannm, blush, yellow eye ; Nero, dark rosy purple, an excellent late sort ; Alarm, very distinct, carmine and white, very late ; Bylsianum, white and pink ; Concessuni, deep I'ose ; IVinee Albert, a very distinct dark sort with fine foliage ; A'andyck, rosy crimson ; Lord John lltissell, a beautifully spotted rose; Titian, deep rose, one of the prettiest; Vo'taire, vivid reddish- crimson ; and Purity, quite new, the best of all the whites, being pure white without any blush. Besides these, which are only a few of the most select, there were atrosanguineum, album grandi- floruni, Eoseuni varieties, especially pictum and grandillorum in fine bloom, as well as two fine beds of hardy Azaleas covered with yellow and orange bloom. In boies, Messrs. Waterer & Godfrey exhibited cut flowers of new hybrid Azaleas, as yet unnamed, with large flowers and fine coloitrs, ai\d liaving the advantage of flowering with the leaves ; also some very fine late-blooming Rhododendrons, with large Magnolia-like foliage. Of those which are named, Mrs. Holford is a very fine and distinct salmon pink ; Mrs. Milner, a fine rosy scarlet ; and Alexander Dancer, a rosy crimson with very large foliage, is particularly good ; and so is Ccelestinum, white, tinged with pale purple. W. II. Sargent is another kind, which on account of its fine foliage, truss, and colour may be considered one of the best. The only drawback to this otherwise unexceptionable exhibi- tion is the Qimsv nature of the canvass with which it is covered — not in one span, but in two ridges, meeting in a wooden gutter or trough above the central walk. The canvass just reaches the edge of this trough, which appears leaky besides, and the conse- quence is that during a shower of rain the water comes in the most just where it is wanted the least — above the heads of those passing along the principal walk, which bears unmistakeablc signs of a considerable inpouring of water at some no very dis- tant period. Outside, in the gardens, and faciug the International refresh- ment-room, a long border, gracefully sweeping outwards and again retreating at other parts, and taking for its centre the handsome fountains of Barbezat and Durenne, has been filled with. Rhododendrons, which produce an excellent effect, espe- cially when viewed from tlie Exhibition side. Elsewhere the larger beds, where not already occupied by Geraniums and other plants, have likewise been filled with Rhododendrons. In addition to tlic horticultural attractions which were offered to the visitors, we may mention that a concert was given in the conservatory by eminent foreign nrli.iles ; whilst the band of the First Life Guards under Mr. Waddell, and that of the Royal Artillery, enlivened the visitors with their best strains. The American Show, we may remark, will continue in perfec- tion for a fortnight, and is a sight wliich no one ought to miss. CRYSTAL PALACE FLOWER AND FEUIT SHOW.— May 24.Tn. By common consent what everybody says must be true, and everybody says there is no place for a flower show like the Crystal Palae;. All I can say is, that after being fifteen years on the circuit, and just as many on the woolsack, I have not seen a place yet one quarter so comfortable to judge, to examine, and to see flowers in their element, so to put it, as the Crystal Palace; all but the first show there, when all the light came on the flowers over the shoulders of the visitors — always a circum- stance to be avoided as much as possible. There was a grand improvement in the stages this time. Opposite the Handel orchestra there was a magnifiecnt pedestal, with a vase to match, placed in the very centre with "furnish- ing " plants in the vase and round the pedestal, done by the authorities solely for effect ; and right and left of this " centre piece," instead of running stages straigbtwise, the stages were made "pigeon-breasted," or half-moon-like, with the round side next the eye. The left-hand " breast" was just large enough to hold the two first-prize collections of stove and greenhouse plants, the finest plants of the kind in all the world ; and on the right "breast" were the next two collections of the same class. Then both sides of the great transept were lined with stmight stages full of the same description of plants. The four cort.ere of tlie transe]it were reserved for Azaltas — and such .Vzaleas! Then, under the llandd orchestra another "furnishing" arrangement of Crystal Palace piunis was set down as no elicit could excel. Verily, it that weddnigisto comcolfin the autumn in or near London, you must certainly employ Mr. Turner, of Slough, to do the furnishing of the flowers, as he did that of th« mock conservatory against the back wall of the arcades at South Kensington, or else get a leaf out of the Crystal Palui-e book on pigeon-breasted arrangements, grand vases, and ofi-hand setting to suit, which no one, not even the Misses March themselves, can better. The north and the south naves were set juat as you have seen them ever since Mr. Houghton took the book and the staff in hand, and both extended to the very ends of the crystal and bronze fountains. A better immediate effect is produced, of course, when the flowers are all seen at one view, as at South Kensington ; but effects in succession make variety, and also a more lasting impression of a good or a bad quality ; and when you add to all that the comfort of a morning's ramble among the choicest and ir.ost varied plants, in perfect secinity from ail weathers, the reasons are obvious why all give the palm to the Sydenham Shows. In the first-prize collection of sixteen Orchids, Mr. Milford had a fine specimen of Dendrobimn nobile, Cattleyu amethystma, two sorts of C. Mossia^, and a fineLycaste Skinneri. Mr. Woolley next, and his best were the three Dei.drobes — fimbriatum, densi- fiorum, and Paxtoni. Mr. Pct'd next with fair on the face of his collection, of which Calanthe veratrifolia was the oldest plant and Phaius Wallichi the best grown. In the next class of ten plants Mr. Milford was again first fiddle. Here his Lselia Brysiana could be examined, and it proved to be only a real good variety of Lselia purpm'ata, and all the rest were in Mr. Milford's best style. Mr. Lovcll, who was next, had the beet specimen of Cyrto- chilum stellatum that has yet been shown ; it was one ma^s of upright spikes densely set with cream-coloured flowers all in a bush. Mr. Penny and Mr. Wiggins followed with tens of good kinds and sizeable plants ; and Mr. Page had an extra in tliis class, and well deserved it, if only for his Cattleya Leopoldii, a grand, proud, purple-looking species of rare proportions. In the next class of six plants Mr. Milford was again the winner, and his extra kind in it wasCypripedium iin-sutissimum. Here he and Mr. Green were Merrimacing it, while Mr. Young was looking on, third best and with the only Sobralia ma- crantha that has been out yet this season ; and Mr. Bunney had an extra in the run, his best were the two white PhaLtnopses, and a very nice Oncidium piUchellum. Tall Cacti followed, and, of course, Mr. Green was first with all red ones ; and Mr. Waters next, all red but Ih.e one white crenatum — that is, Epiphyllum crenatum. Heaths were next, and they were much the same as those over the water. The largest Fern there came next, Cyath.ea meduUaris, from Mr. Lakcman ; then a host of huge plants of fine foliage^ Ferns and stove et-ceteras, of which the following were addiiiouj to the stoves at South Kensington : — Hoya bella, Vincas, Alia, mandaneriifolia; and these to the greenhouses — Ph-romaelegans Statics Holdfordi, and Kennedya inophylla, and if you put thoi two lots together you have what a long experience has proved to be the best month-of-May plants for the stove, for the green- house, and also for the heathery. Then, if we take llie June and Julv shows in the same way, we shall get at the root of all the best summer plants to be in the fashion — but not the beit, how- ever, for comfortable privacy. The next names I took as the most likely to be of the greatest use, were the newer Azaleas in the first-prize collection of Mr, Turner, of Slough. Mais, a fine orange ; Comte de Haiiiault, red anti well spotted in the throat ; Miltoni, Sir II. Havelock, Due de Brabant, and Perfection, with Grand Crimson, the deepest in colour ; while Dr. Livingstone, Model, and Petnnise- flora were of the same unusual tint of colour. Then some Roses, Cinerarias, and lots of things; and Burley's excellent strains of shrubby Calceolarias. His is the best breed of public Calceolarias yet out. Here, also, began the cut Roses in boxes, and I was cut to the quick by the very first of them. I was inside the barrier going against the strea'm of people, and a gentleman asked me the name of a yellow Rose in the last box to him and the first to me, and as bad luck would have it, ilr. Lane, the great Roso 172 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE A.ND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 3, 1862. monarch, was just up behind and heard me saying it was Cloth of Gold, as far as 1 could juf'gc, for I could see no name. At that instant I o.iiight tlie card of Mrs. Stodart in front of the stage, and, of course, I blushed like a maiden at being taken in a third time by tliat lady, and on this occasion in the presence of his majesty of Roses. Iler Koses are made of rice paper, and so are all she had there — as Cloves, Carnations, and Pieotees with which the florists have no chance, the artificial flov^'ers being much more after nature than some of their seedlings. Then followed a bed of Carter's bedding Fuchsia Meteor, and it is only when out of pots and out in the beds that the true tricolor Amaranth-like looks arc at their best. Tlie beautiful Coleus Verschaffelti for bedding-out against purple Spinach and Perillathis summer, was there also in the form best calculated for bedding — that is, stout, standing, and stinted for want of pot- room, and that is juntas the best bedders should beat the middle of May. The next was a pot specimen of Petunia inimitabiUs, the double variety, 5 feet in diameter, from Mr. Salter, gardener to A. Settens, Esq. ; then a large mass of novelties from Mr. Bull, of King's Eoad, Chelsea, who has come out and come it this season very strong indeed. Then the Messrs. Lee, who are the best growers of the best of all the Caladiums, the t^ueen's favourite — Caladium agyrites. Mr. Hally next, with lots of his Geranium seedlings, and one of them, the White Lady, is against the variegated doctors by hand entirely ; but anotln'r cross seedling Geranium, between Bijou and Mountain of Light, by the Messrs. Downie, Laird & Laing, is enough to check all ideas on the subject, save one, and you must guess it. The cross was here represented by two of the seedlings, witli the clearest white variegation yet obtained in Gera- niums, and more of it than in most of tliem, but the batch is what is unswallowable, every one of the seedlings of that cross came equally well maiked in variegation, and not a single i^laiii green or horseshoe leaf among them all. Now, Mr. " Old Shovs- MAN," and Mr. " Nickeeboe," it is just about the right time to bring out your ways ot making both ends meet if you can do it, and why, if you cannot, let us have no more words about it ; but I shall follow the fortunes of the cross in hand from the Messrs. Downie, Laird & Laing aforesaid. Then a fine lot of variegated and fine-leaved plants from Mr. Williams, of the Paradise Nursery, and lots of the varie- gated Scrophularia nodosa, which struck uie as being one of the very best flower-garden plants we have of that stamp, and now that I have got near to examine it I find it is ailogether a difl'ercnt thing from the old nodosa of that form ; but Mr. Williams has the two kmds, and you can judge, )ierhap,',, better than the Floral Committee, who might have mistaken the one for the other. At all events, I hold to my first opinion of it as recom- mended for Sir Joseph Paxt' u's garden last summer. Mr. Bunney had one of the newest plants there— newest to the shows I mean. It is a Melastomad of the same section as Medi- nilla, and called Phyllagathis rotundifolia, a very fiue-ribbed jnuple leaf after the way of CyanophvUum ; ai;d the Messrs. Jackson .and Stiindish were equaily ss full of fine things as they were at Soutli Kensington, where you will find their share of the space in my notes. 'J he fruit-stund was loaded with fine Grapes, Pine Apples, Peaches and Nectarines, and pot Strawberries. AJl the Black Grapes were along one side of the span-roofod-like stage, and the White Grapes on the otlier side ; and rare fruit, such as Musa and several varieties of Citrons from Mr. Young, who succeeded Mr. Scott at Leigh Park ; a fine bunch of Grapes in a No. 24-pot from Mr. Standish ; and a fine dish of Ureen Limes from the 0()en wall of J. Luscomb, Esq., of Combe Royal, Devon, who has been noted for his Orange, Lime, and Citrons for many a day. D. Beaton. FLOSISTS' FLOWERS. Yes! there can be no question about it; for comfort, inde- pendence, and facilities lor seeing, there is no place for an exhi- bition equal to the Crystal Palace. Nut that I agree with the observntions in last week's Joubnal or HouTicnLTUEE about the tents at Soi.th Kensington. The Botanic Society has for years held theirs in such structures, and I suppose' they are in healthy financial condition, and, taking one year with the other, I dare say a fair proportion of fine days would be ob- tained. The Royal Horticultural Society has, 1 fear, in the tent matter been penny wise and pound foolish. More wretched structures were never put up ; and the maker could not have had a better notice to all comers to avoid him for the future. It was certainly an odd sight to see a man running about with a spade to make holes to let the water run olf; and imsbrellas, macintoshes, and goloshes eagerly appreciated at a flower show. At the Crystal Palace all this was avoided, and for some sorts of flowers the atmosphere seemed well suited ; but the Geraniums and Roses, however, felt it, and the blooms of the former could be swept up in handfuls. Y'et withal, I believe both exhibitors and the public thoroughly appreciate the comfort of the Great Glass llouse and all it» accessories on such an occasion as this. The arrangements which have held good for tlie past two years have been altered, and the flowers were distributed according to the views entertained by Sir Joseph Pnxton : the passage was kept more clear, and a better opportunity for seeing the flowers given. Coming so soon after the Kensington Show, the plants, which in the main were sent by the same exhibitor-s, were of course very much those of which I gave some notes last week. In Azaleas Mr. Turner held the first place. His ten plants were the finest that were, we think, ever exhibited; in fact, as one of the Judges said, so good that it was impossible to say where better could come from. Tiiose which were dissimilar from his group of Wednesday were Alba Magna, Pra?stantissima, Sir C. Napier, Gem, Magnifica, Variegata, Gledstauesii, For- mosa, and Stanleyana, thus showing only two of his former group. He had, moreover, a very interestmg set of the newer kinds — viz., Salmonea albacincta, striped salmon rose, vei'y like Duo d'Aremberg figured in the Floral Magazine for June ; Comie de Hainault, very large ; Etoile de Uand, a beautiful variety, the salmon so disposed on the white as to make a per- fect star — in a large plant it will be a grand thing — its habit like variegata, from which it evidently comes ; Due de Brabant, salmon pink ; Murs, a fiery red, a seedling of Mr. Kinghorn'e, very tine; Perfection, large bright rose, spotted and veined with dark crimson ; Sir II. Havelock, bright salmon, a flower of great substance and smoothness ; Miltoni, rosy lilac, a fine flower. Mr. I very was second in this class. Some of his flowers the same as Mr. Turner's. He had besides Flower of the Day, large white, striped with rose occasionally ; Tricolor, a stripecl flower, but inconstant; Rosea Alba, rosy pink, white margin ; Leviathan, a very large white semidouble flower ; Gloire de Belgique, a white but rough ; and Rubens, large orange scarlet. Mr. Turner was third. President De Cloye, something like Etoile de Gaud ; and Leopold I., immense rosy crimson flower, were in the collection. In Pelargoniums there were very much the same plants as at Kensington. Mr. Turner's were A'estal, Festus, Prince of Wales (a fine dark-veined flower). Sunset, Fairest of the Fair, Rose Celestial, Eoseum, Beadsman, Sir Colin Campbell, and Desde- mcna. Mr. Dobson second, Messrs. Fraser third, and Mr. Eurley, of LunpsfieU, fourth. Amongst Amateurs Mr. Baily, of Sbardeloes, was first with Desdemona, Sanspareii, the Belle, Mr. Marnock, and Sir C Campbell. Mr. Shrimpton second. Mr. Turner's six Fancies were perfection. Nothing could be more exquisite tlian his plants of Modestum and Acme. He had besides Claudeana, Eoi des Fantasies, Madame Eougifere, and Lady Craven. Roses in Pots were the same as at Kingston, and the prizes in the same position. Mr. Lane first, and Mr. Wm. Paul second. But I was greatly surprised to find that no better attempt was made to show Koses in small pots; the only collection there being of a very mediocre character indeed. Calceolarias were shown in fine condition by Mr. Burley, of Limpsfield. His plants (which he told me had not been sliifted since last year), were the perfection of growth, and comprised Angustifolia Globosa, General Havelock, Primrose Perfection, Empereur, Lord Derby, and Model. Mr. Bousie was second with Howard, Jupiter, Morning Dewdrop, Canai-y, and Living- stone. A very good stand of Verbenas, and exceedingly well ai'ranged, was shown by Mr. II. Treen, of Rugby. It contained amongst others King of Verbenas, Mrs. IIarriso;^ (like Souvenir de I'Ex- position, but belter). Magnificent, Firefly, Apollo, Grand East- ern, Aureole (deep plum), and Fair Star. Pausies were small and indifferent. Several seedling Pelargoniums were exhibited by Mi'. Turner from Mr. Hoyle's, his own, and Mi-. Beck's "stud." The first prize was awarded to Royal Albert (lloyle), an immense rose- coloured flower, wiih a clear white throat, a free bloomer, and destined to make a fine exhibition plant ; Pelides (Beck), crimson June 3, 1862. ] JOUENAL OF IIOETICULXURE AND COTTAGE GABDBNER. 173 with a heavy blotcli, and spot on lower petals ; Rosy Bloomer (Beck), distinct rosy crimson, with purple shading ; Loveliness (Turner), light ground, spotted distinctly on lower petals. Cinerarias were in no way remarkable. Some eollcetions were indeed so from their excessively bad quality, and ought never to have been sent thei'C. Tlie same may be said of two collections of Pelargoniums which came from Sydenham, and were really an eyesore amidst the trophies of (loral art. Near them in Tulips JMr. Nor]nan had a nioo stand of very clean flowers, but it was too late this season for them. — 1)., Denl. PEACH TREES DYING— A ^yARNING. Tex years ago last autumn my employer, thinking that the south wall of the garden wliieh was bare of trees might be turned to good account, forthwitli began to make preparations. A goodly portion of the old soil was taken nwny to the depth of 3 feet, and the bottom he had paved witli tiles. A drain the whole length of the border was put in aliout '.) feet from the wall : new soil of a mellow loamy nature was added to fill up, and in this tlie trees were planted. For four or five years they bore moderately ; but at the end of that time a considerable curling of the ienf was noticed, and they began to show evident signs of decay. Each year matters got worse, till they ulti- mately succumbed to the influence of some secret agency, whicli, if yo\i are able to enlighten us upon, the information will be gratefully received. It was at this juncture the place eanie under my charge, and my first job was to renew this wall witli Peach trees. I examined the drain, which was in good running order, and the wall itself was limewashed. Again a great quantity of new soil was added, whicli was made up with sand, leaf mould, sifted cinder ashes, and good rotten dung. These were well mixed witli the old soil, and finally the roots of the trees were placed upon tlie ground level that they might not so soon get down to the bottom, which is of a stiff, cold, clayey nature. This is their second summer, and already the old symptoms of curling in the leaf are perceptible — indeed, in one instance I fear the tree will not survive the summer. — J. C. Cheke. [All along, the trees have been fed too well, and been allowed too deep a border. The summer has not been sufficient to ripen the wood. The frost injured them in winter, and lienco the leaf-eurling, &e. However, there are many places in which, if Peach trees are encouraged to grow large, they will not live abcve eight or ten years. You do not say where your place is. In general 20 inches to 2 1 inches of soil are ample ; and even then recourse must bo had to means for preventing the roots going down. The cinder ashes, and the leaf mould, and the rotten dnng were all mistiikes. Try your trees in the pure fresh loam, with a little leaf mould over the roots at planting ; and then if not strong enough add leaf mould and rotten dung as mulching. In fact, before you are sure what your climate will do, as svell as careful preparation of the soil, be satisfied with small trees with well-ripened wood instead of large luxuriant trees — say 10 feet along a wall instead of 20 feet or 40 feet. Wo would remove some of tlie rich soil now, and add fresh pure loam, and replant in October.] given to it by Projl, is, I must maintain, the right one for our use. 'I'he word as usetida variegata ! But enough. Let us rather see what the novelties were like, and take the advertisement list for the guide, and that itself is not free from the most amusing errors by the staflT of the Society ; but let us see. Sannienta repens from Messrs. Yeitch, is the first on the list in Class 22. This is an extremely pretty little trailing plant, very near a Cranberry plant in looks, with flowers like those of Mitraria coecinea, not quite so large, but of a brighter orange scarlet ; it is all but a Mitraria, is from Chili, and must be as hardy as a Myrtle, and one of the first water for a hangmg- basket. The next is Mj. Jackson's Clerodendron Thomsons, which will make a most conspicuous stove climber when it gets esta- blished, and when not in bloom you would take it lor Clero- dendron splendens. It seems to bloom as freely as Rhynco- spermum jasminoides. It bears clusters of flowers like splendens, and looks as if there were two crops of them ; one crop, the lower parts of the bunch white and stiff as ivory, the other deep crimson on the top of the white. The reason is, that all the calices are ivory white, and the five lobes of the calyx connive and meet at the points, and out from these come tlie crimson flowers, which arc more elegant in form tli'in those of splendens. The Doctor was wrong in supposing the calyx to bo inflated and five-angled, which it is not, only five-lobed, the lobes conniving as I have jnst said. Dendrobitim Salaccense, from Manilla, came from Messrs. Low & Co., of Clapton. When this is up to the right pitch it 174 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 3, 1862. will malce a most conspicuous specimen for a sliow. It has long wand-like shoots, as in miiny rarieties near to 1). nobile, anJ ou these come whorls of small orange scarlet flowers, somewhat bottle-brush fiishion, and fifty Buch shoots 2 feet or 3 feet in length, and all half covered in that way, would make some people stare. Ltelia Schilleriana is next, and is now pretty well known to all who take an interest in Orchids. It is marbled in the leaves as the old Cypripedium venustum, and the flowers are among the loveliest in its most lovely genus. Stenogaster mulUjlora comes next ; but do you happen to know the meaning of that name ? It is a polite way of getting over a most disagreeable idea, in the face of this generation. Forty years back nine-tenths of the mothers of young J''ngland were mere Stenogasters, were actually drawn together in the middle by tight lacing, and that is exactly the meaning of Steno- gaster ; and all the plants and flowers of all the Stenogasters we know of are more lor children than grown-up people, because tliey are such pretty little things. Xou might call this multi- flora a baby's Gloxinia. Then came two specimens, well set, of a new Calceolai-ia, from Chili. Not so very new, if you please, for it is only a more alpine form of C, plantaginca, which we had from a lower station thu'ty years back. The next novelties are in Class 23, new or rare tender plants not in flower, and Spkarogtjne latifolia is first, from the Messrs. Veitch, and well deserves to be. It has a splendid dark purple leaf, is Melastomad-like, and not unlike a young Cyanophylle magniBque, as tliey say abroad. Cihotium princeps is next, and is under the misfortune of being among the most beautiful of Ferns, of which there are now ten times more than are needed. Botanists have ruined Ferns, as florists have the Pelargonium— that is, outside their own circles. Then there were the Messrs. Veitch, Lee, Low, Jackson, and Bull, all in for a slice of the honour of having had Musa vittata from ICew Gardens; but Van Houtte took the wind out of our sails in having it first figured and named, although it was only the other day that it was sent to Kew by their own collector, from the west coast of Africa. At present it stands next to Alocaaia maororliiza in importance. Ficus Coopei-i, from the Exotic Nursery, is next. I never saw it before. It is a New South Wales plant, and the very best- looking Fig I have yet seen for a pot specimen. It would remind you of an Indiarubber plant if the leaves had been so thick and shining ; but they are not so, and are more purple in the veins and footstalks. Serissa faetida variegaia, from Mr. Bull, next. This is really the very prettiest variegated plant out of the many hundreds wliich were there. The old faetida is older than I am ; but I never saw this till now, and it took my fancy amazingly. Then came Class 24, which was left open for all comers with new plants, and first was Thujopsis Ireie-vireiis, a favourite second name with the Prince Salm Dyek. Ltete means laying it on thick as skin deep, and this Thujopsis is a good example of that kind of deep green: this genus, and that holding all the beautiful kinds of Eetinospora from Japan, include plants eminently beautiful, and represent the Cypresses of the western world. Ourisia coccinea. Chili, from the Exotic, next. If this had been a perpetual bloomer it would have made an extremely pretty flower-bed. It is a dwarf Figwort (Scrophularia), with soft spinachy leaves, and upright stalks clothed with Pentstemon-like blossoms, bright scarlet, and not so big as those of Pentstemon. The next is a species oi Dammara, from Japan, and if it will turn out hardy will be as valuable as an Araucaria. Then Poly- sfichum concavum, a fine Fern from Mr. Standish, who had some of his very finest Japan introductions there also. Then Biota pendula, a Weeping- Lhinese-Abor-Vitw-like thing. An Aucuba, from Japan, quite different in locks to your Aucubas, and as dark green as the leaf of a Phillyrea. Osmanthiis, the variegated Holly-like plants of Mr. Standish, and the Planera acuminata for the sides of the green drives in the English plantations, all from the rummaging of Mr. Fortune and young Mr. Veitch in Japan ; but not one-half of the plants that were now exhibited could have prizes as they had them last year. I do not think the Pinuses from Japan are worth much, but most of the other evergreens are most likely to be < f the very highest orJc-r for planting out, and if they prove hardy thev will certainly be most valuable additions. I like the Eetinusporas be inches long, and about lialf as much in width, coarsely toollied, shining and bright green above, glaucous, with fine down beneath. The acorns grow in compact spikes 3 iTiclies cr 4 inches long, and are small, roundish, downy, almost enclosed within the very deep tonientose, scaly cups. From the north of China. Introrluced by Mr. Fortune" in 1850. Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, who infoi-ms us, that after standing several years] it will be cut by frost, but not killed. Ilex cob>tta (Horned Holly). — Nat. Orel, Aqnifoh'ace.'c. Linn., Tctrandia Tetragjnia. — A fine hardy evergreen shrub, with oblong coriaceous deep green leaves, obtuse at the base, Syinp'.ocos iaponica. 2. Quercus scleroph.vlla. 3. Ilex cornuta. truncate at the apex, almost always furnished with three strong spines at the end, which in old plants sometimes turn up their ends, and assume the appearance of strong horns. The berries are large, in sessile axillary umbels. From the north of China. Introduced by Mr. Fortune in 1819. Flowers in spring. Mr. Standish, of Bagshot, says that it stood perfectly until the winter of 1860-61, when it was cut down to the ground, but is now growing again. 180 JOURNAL OF HOETICtJLTUBE AND COTTAGE aARDENEB. [ June 3, 1862. THE BIRMINGHAM EOSE SHOW. The prize list of a Eose show can scarcely be expected to aiTord much opportunity for crilicism; but we may notice that an attempt will be made to ascertain if a system of classification can be usefuUy introduced, so far as regards cupped and expanded Tarieties. At present we beliere notliing of tliis kind lias been done ; but there ia no reason why the experiment should not be tried. Tlie more perfect the mode of classification with regard to any exhibition, the more valuable will that exhibition become, as affording better means of comparison, illustrating the progress which has been made, and showing what remains to be accom- plished. The managers of our agricultural societies are well aware of this ; and one of the first objects of the founders of the Bingley Hall Shows was to introduce an improved classification of stock — an example which was soon followed by the Smithfield Club, and which was declared by one of our leading agricultural authorites to be an invaluable reformation. Hybrid Perpetuals, Teas, and Noisettes — cupped and expanded flowers— will never, probably, range themselves as distinctly as Herefords, Short Horns, and Devons, but at the same time it is well not to over- look a principle which has done so much good in other directions. Anotlier feature in the list is also worthy of notice — namely, that there is no restriction as to the numbers under which nia'sei-ynien or amateurs may exhibit in their respective ela?ses ; a nurseryman, for instance, may enter under one or all the numbers in the " A " and " C " divisions. Any limit to a particular number — as that exhibitors of ninety-six varieties should not show foity-eight, and so on — might, we think, have been considered objectionable at a show open to all cimers ; and, in fact, a sort of indirect attempt at handicapping which neither class of growers would require. It is explained " that by the term ' truss ' is meant one shoot cut from the wood of the current year's growth, and having a single or greater number of blooms and buds, as the case may be. Any addition to the truss as cut from the tree will disqualify." The Committee are also anxious to be favoured with miscel- laneous specimen plants in pots, and cut Roses, flowering shrubs, and herbaceous plants, made up in large bouquets to be placed in vases for the decoration of the hall. No prizes will be awarded for these ; but it is added that the names of the growers will be attached if desired. With regard to the exhibition of horticulturBl implements and garden ornaments, it is intended that it shall, as far as possible, include whatever is required in gardening operations, as the requisite tools used in manual labour ; garden cutlery ; wirework of all descriptions ; ornamental flower-pots ; edgings of different materials ; figures and vases, whether of metal, glass, porcelain, or other material, for the open garden, greenhouse, terraces, halls, or the decoration of rooms ; and ornaments to be used in combination with flowers for dinner-tables ; in fact, everything in whicli flowers are displayed for any purpose. Bee-hives, it is added, will also be admissiljle. This list is sufficiently compre- hensive ; and there can be no doubt that ample means exist for making this department one of very great interest to all lovers of a garden. Already, we understand, promises of contributions have been made both from this town and neighbourhood, and also from a distance ; and we hope that many of the beautiful productions of the Staffordshire Potteries, Worcester, Coalbrook- dale, and other places, will aid in making Hp tlie collection. This is tlie first attempt to establish an exhibition of this kind in Birmingham — occupring, perhaps, the best position of any town in the provinces for the purpose — and we trust that manufacturers generally will give their cordial assistance to the promoters. It will afford an admirable opportunity for displaying the products of skill and industry in connection with gardening operations, and garden and other ornaments, and is certainly deservuig of that hearty aid which shall not only make the first experiment a complete success, but give to Birmingiiam another annual exhi- bition which cannot fail to increase in value and importance from year to year. With regard to the ordhiary garden tools, we shall be glad to see these sent in large numbers ; every one must acknowledge how great a boon, both to the working gardener and amateur, has been, for instance, the introduction of the im- proved forks and spades ; carefully manufactured and fitted, with the much lighter weight properly distributed, work can be better done with infinitely less fatigue. A very fair and liberal arrangement has been made with regard to the issue of admission cards, subscribers of 10s. receiving five of these; of £1, ten; and of larger ^amounts in the same pro- portion ; the charge for admission until six o'clock on the first day having been fixed at 2s. 6d. The Honorary Secretaries, Mr. Hallam and Mr. Badger, are now prepared to forward or deliver these tickets in return for subscriptions. We are enabled to add, that many of the leading growers of Roses, amateurs and nui'serymen alike, speak most favourably of their prospects for the present season. The general opinion is that the time for holding the Show has been judiciously fixed, and that there will be a large and brilliant collection of flowers. CULTUEE OF OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM. This Pern is with me the most difficult to cultivate of any hardy Fern that has come under my care, not excepting Botryohium lunaria. Its cultivation is put down in books as a very easy matter ; but I would a^k those who say so. Have anv plants been raised from spores some distance from where the plants grow naturally ? I have found the spores vegetate freely where the plant grows wild ; but I have failed to propagate or raise plants from the same spore-cases, though under the same hygrometrical condition, and at the same temperature, with soil in tlie same condition, as far as my eyes and touch could judge. I tried the spores in the identical soil the parent luxuriated m, placing a pot in the open ground, plunged another in a cool greenhouse fernery, and a third in a stove fernery ; but all with- out resulting in the spores vegetating. Those pots were covered with bell-glasses, and fed with water from a saucer in the usual way for raising Ferns from spores. Here a thought struck me, "tliey wanted a free circulation of air, and not the close confined atmosphere of a bell-glass ;" but it turned out upon trial to be a complete failure. Foiled at every point to get the spores to vegetate, my atten- tion was next directed to the cultivation of the plant itself. Mr. Moore says "there is no difficulty in the inatler," and others assert it grows freely in stiff loamy soil, with the constant pre- sence of water to prevent drought ; but after maL'y futile attempts I found my plants merely existed for three years but did not thrive, and then died in a galloijing consumption. However, looking at the roots I found they were not dead, but in such a state of inactivity as to render the formation of fronds impossible. The crown was gone to all appearance, but the eye, aided by a microscope, discovered a very feeble central crown and a bud that required a high magnifying power to detect its presence. Plants in stiff loamy soil were potted, some placed in a cold frame, others in a greenhouse, and some in a stove ; but those efforts, perhaps unnatural, were of no avail, the plants became weaker every year, and finally ceased to grow. On examination the roots "were not dead — nevertheless very weak ; or, what would be more definite, blind at the crown. Well, those plants were bundled out, and after lying dormant for a couple of 3'ears they grew. Tliat Ophioglossum vulgatum has the power of remaining dormant for a considerable time without annual leaf or frond formation is a fact more than once confirmed to my knowledge. I have had plants that have remained dormant for three years, and then have grown when the treatment was changed. In 1858 we had a plant of Botrychium virginicum from a nursery- man in the south, which did well that year. In 1859 and 18(50 it remained dormant, and in 1861 it put forth its fronds and fructified beautifully ; but it seems its luxuriance in 1861 was only the final struggle for life, for the root decayed, and there was an end of the plant. Nature produced annually a fine clump of Ophioglossum on an old Asparagus-bed, where the fronds appeared about the same time as the Asparagus shoots. The first time it was observed was in 1858. Searching the lawn and the fields adjoining no trace of the Ophioglossum was to be found, neither in 18S8, 1859, nor 1860. Now, in 18(30 we dressed the lawn with rotten cowdung and soil in equal proportions, covering it about half an inch thick : of course that dressing was to alter the colour of the verdure, and to promote a thicker and better turf. In that respect it was a complete success, more grass came off' at the first mowing in 1860 than was collected in 1859, though 18G0 was a remarkably cold and wet spring ; and so luxuriantly did the grass grow that the mowing machine instead of superseding the scythe had to follow after it. Moreover, a run over with the machine was enough every ten days to keep the lawn in order prior to 1860 ; but in 1860 and 1861 a clip every four or five days was neces- sary J yet it was not so high as it was thick set, and after ten days' growth presented a staple that defied the machine. Lawn mixtures had been sown upon that lawn without result, except June 3, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULT0RE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 181 some £5 loss in tlirowing grass seeds upon soil tlisit could not support tlie comuionest grasses, and tliose of n country reninrk- nble for its nunibei' of sjiecies. Witlx tlio dressing of co^^'dung and soil was a fine sward, witlioiit the lawn mixture at all, and White Clover, &e. Mention is made of tlie lawn as we intend to say something ahout it again, and not to show how to im- prove a bad turf. In 1860 I scoured (he country round here, but could find no such thing as Ophiogrossuni vulgatum ; still my old friends in file Asparagus-bed were stronger than ever, some fronds rising 7 inches and 8 inches above the soil. Their fructifiration was more developed than I had seen before, and a dressing of salt materially invigorated (hem. On the 1.3tli of May, 1861, the lawn was full of tho Ophio- glossum, four or more standing on a couple of square inches. How had it got there? Had it come with tlie soil iu 1860, or were the roots already tlicre in a dormant condition waiting for a proper medium wherein to grow P That it was not there prior to 1860 tiiere cannot ho a doubt, as (he lawn was scanned minutely for J^aisics by one who has a keen eye, and some experience as a botanist. This year the plants made (hc'r appearance on the 10th of May, but iu a very weak state, and not half so plentifully as in the year before, tho fronds being little more than 2 inches in height; and very few indeed are producing fertile fronds, nothing but a sterile frond appearing on each jilant. Having been so unfortunate at cultivating Ophioglossums, I hailed its opjearance on the lawn as another starting-point for a new trial, because I could not bear to be defeated by such a common subject. Several plants were potted and divided equally, one for an out-door, another for a greenhouse fernery, and a third for a stove or intermediate-house ; for very few Ferns indeed reqnire a high temperature. All were kept well s.ipplied with water, even wl'.en dormant, and watered with a lavish hand when growing, which brought about something very singular. Heat is said to be the cause of plants commenc- ing to groiv, but of my Ophioglossums — those in the open ground appeared on the 10th of Slay, those in a greenhouse on the 21st; whilst those in the stove have not yet shown them- selves, and on examination I find they are only just starting from the crown, which will make them at least a month behind those in the open ground. Perhaps I may add all the plants are weaker than they were when removed, and all are barren- ironded. Accidentally my pets in the Asparagus-bed were doomed to destruction, as the veal occupant of the bed was in such a condi- tion from the wet season of 1800 that its destruction was deter- mmed on : this gave me an opportunity of examining the Ophio- glossums where I found them ; 10 inches below the sirrface were the roots, with shoots 3 inches long, and that ou the 10th of March. I left them there, and shall look for their re- appearance with no little interest. Taking a handful of the soil where those Ophioglossums luxuriated and squeezing it, water ran through the fingers, and the handful of soil was as sodden as a half-melted snowball. Here was the solution of the difficulty. Immediately an inch of rain fell upon one of the pots in the stove fernery, and the same every day for three weeks, when a remarkably strong plant of Ophioglossum vulgatum shot forth, distancing by two months its congeners, which have hitherto been living upon themselves : this explains the mystery about the other plants becoming so soon exhausted. Drought this plant cannot endure ; but that it will grow freely in heat I have no doubt, like Asplenium marinum, which has taken possession of a stone wall in a stove fernery liere, and grows far better there than in a cool house close by. I am informed that there is at Kew an Ophioglossum from Madeira, that has been cultivated so well there as to warrant a division of the original into fifty plants or more. That is just what I want to be able to do with Ophioglossum vulgatum, and any one that has done it and will let out the secret will much oblige me. — Geoeqe Abbey, Bradford. WOEK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. CoNTlNtTE to thin the crops that require it while they are small, and in all cases where practicable loosen the soil about them ; and if dry give (hem a good watering. It will greatly benefit them after disturbing their roots, and the soil beinc loose the effects will bo so much the greater. Stisil and Marjoram that were sown in beds (o be thinncd-out to about 6 inches plant from plant, liroad Beans, make another sowing towards the end of tho week, and top the most forward crop if not done. Callage, now is a good time to sow a little seed for autumn produce ; any of tlio small sorts should bo preferred for this sowing. CauUfowers, plant-out some from tho first sowing iu tho open ground ; a small quantity planted from two or three sowings will keep up a sueccssion better than the small stunted plants of very early sowings. Cucumbers, peg-down tho plants on ridges as they advance in growth, and when the hand-glasses will no longer contain them set them on three bricks placed edgeways, or on crotch sticks. When they require water give it to thorn milkwarm early in the day. Onions, after thinning loosen the soil between the rows, and if the weather is dry give them a thorough watering. Tlie thinnings of the bed to be planted out to be watered every evening, if the weather is dry, until they take fresh roothold : this to bo particularly attended to, as the roots when planted should be very near the surface. Peas, sow Knight's Dwarf Marrow as it is a good sort, and is longer in coming into bearing than many others. Badishes, make anotlier sowing of the various sorts. Saoot/s, plant-out some of the early-sown, tho dwarf sort to be planted at li foot apart in the row, the rows to be 2 feet apart ; tlie larger sorts to be 2 feet plant from plant, and tho rows 2i feet apart. Tomatoes, as they are usually placed under a south wall where they some- times receive but little benefit from a passing shower, they should be occasionally watered and kept mulched with short litter. Stop and nail-in the shoots as they advance iu growth. FLOWER GARDEN. The newly-bedded-out plants will require looking over, as with the best management failures will sometimes occur. Such failures to be made good, and the pegging-down, tying, and staking of everything requiring it to be attended to witliout delay. Sow hardy annuals to succeed the earliest. Those wliich are up to be thinned-out, so that not more than from three to four of some plants, and say six to eight of others be allowed to remain In a patch. Gather the seed of Auriculas as soon as tliC seed-vessels appear brown, and before they open. Continue to propagate Chrysanthemums by taking off the tops and striking them under a hand-glass in the common border, and cut back those intended for specimens into a proper shape. Those intended for cut blooms must not have any of the tops removed, however unsightly they may grow. The leaves of Crocuses to be (ied-up ; as soon as the foliage turns yellow tliey may be taken up. Take off the side shoots of Pansies, and strike them in the common border under a hand-glass. FRUIT GARDEN. Continue to pay attention to fruit trees ; nail-in the strong shoots of those against walls. Vines on walls require much attention to bring the fruit to perfection ; indeed, if proper attention is not paid them in stopping, regulating, and nailing- in the shoots, they are not worth retaining. STOVE. All rambling shoots of ordinary stove plants to be frequently stopped. Shift Clerodendrons, Erythrinas, Gloriosas, &c., and give liberal supphes of weak liquid manure. The Dendrobiums, -Erides, Saccolabiums, Vandas, Phalsenopses, Sarcanthus, So- bralia, &c., will require abundant and frequent waterings and syringings. The baskets of Stanhopeas, Gongoras, &c., to be thoroughly soaked where full of roots. GREENHOUSE AND CONSBRVATOEY. The principal part of the greenhouse plants may now be safely transferred to an out-of-door situation. Select, if possible, a shady situation, open to the east, and protected from high winds; the plants to stand on a bottom carefully prepared to exclude worms from getting into the pots. When the greenhouse or con- servatory is thus partially emptied, a portion of the more hardy stove plants may be introduced. Climbers will require attention to keep (he young shoots within proper bounds. Although the young wood may partially be allowed to ramble in its natural habit of growth, still it will require some attention to prevent confusion. Kennedyas may bo slightly cut back after blooming to produce a new growth ; water to be given liberally to the plants in the open borders of the conservatory. The Balsams and other annual plants grown for filling-up vacancies in the conser- vatory or greenhouse to be encouraged by frequent shifts, to be kept in bottom heat and near the glass ; the few early-formed flower-buds that appear to be picked olT, us it is advisable that 182 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ June 3, 1862. the plants should attain a considerable size before being allowed to bloom. Common and fancy Pelai-goniums for late blooming thrive best in cold pits, wliero they can be protected from heavy rains. Pot Fuchsias into their blooming pots if not done already. An abundance of air to be given to Japan Lihes. Keep a portion in the shade of a north wall for a succession of bloom. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEE. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Whiting this at tlie end of the month, there has been little done except work of routine, as watering Cauliflowers throwing up their heads with manure water, throwing as much salt among Asparagus-rows aswoukl just slightly whiten the ground, making a last sowing of garden Beans except a few in a sheltered place to come in late, pricking-off Cauliflower plants, sowing them and Lettuces in succession. The latter we mostly trans- plant from scarcity of room ; but when we have got enough of space we by far prefer sowing thinly in rows, and then thinning- out a foot apart as the best plan for obtaining large succulent Lettuces. The Paris Cos is a fine crisp summer Lettuce ; and now those who would as soon take poison as Lettuces in winter may enjoy them to the full in hot weather. Sowed also London Coleworts, and a few more Broccoli and other vegetable seeds, and made arrangements for planting out Vegetable Marrows and Gherkin Cucumbers. PLANTING. In planting with the dibber, the roots cannot be squeezed too hard, pi'ovided they are not hurt, and one stroke of the dibber after the hole is made, and the plant put in, held obliquely, taking some soil witli it, and brought firm up to the roots, is worth a score of fiddle-faddle strokes. We want some of the old gardeners back again to teach the minutia>. Go round and try the plants after planting, and ten to one you find the half of them hung. The slightest exertion with two fingers will bring them to you, and, perhaps, they have had some half a dozen of strokes of the dibber, or even more, and the affair bungled after all. Nothing but repeated waterings will cause such plants to grow. Let the straight line represent the hole made by the dibber, in which the roots are suspended, the dotted line the one obUque stroke of the dibber in planting, bring the dibber vertical at once, and the roots are held as in a vice, and one stroke more with the point of the dibber fills up all of the hole tliat is necessai^. Three moves of the dibber are thus sufBcient for planting in general, and are more effectual than a dozen, and after aU leaving the plants suspended (hung), without earth close to the roots. The only thing to be guarded against is not to crush tender roots, which will rarely be the case if the dibber takes from one-quarter inch to one-half inch of soil between the roots and its hard substance. I revert to the subject because not so long ago a gardener could not conceive what was the matter with a small frcsli-planted quarter of Cauliflowers. Every plant was liung with plenty of air round the roots. In planting with a trowel the roots should also be firmed, but not so much. If the plants have balls of earth the trowel or the spade must be used. When on this economical move, I may also mention another by which much valuable time is often lost. I mean the manu- facture of small sticks for tjing, now often wanted by the thousand. Those bought and made of deal are brought to a point by being planed all round. How often now do we see men whittling small twigs not much larger than straws up to the girth of their fingers in tlie same manner. If they had been bodkins for their wives and sweethearts they could not shave and whittle and scrape them more nicely. Now, it is essential that there should be a sharp point so that roots be injured as little as possible. But for all such purposes, two strokes of the knife, the first slice taking off half the point of the stick, and the next taking more than half of what is left sideways, leaves a point as good as twenty whittUngs. If at all large, a small cut may be necessary on the other side, but in this case two strong and one gentle stroke ought to be suflicient. FEUIT GABDEN. Thinned Peaches, stopped, tied to stud-nails, watered, giving a good soaking of manure water but not all at once, going 18 inches from the tree first, then in tlirce days or so 2 feet further, and in four days as much more. If at all dry a sudden drenching a over is apt to make the fruit drop. Watered Strawberries with manure water as it could be got, after stirring up the baked surface soil. Threw a little soot and ashes on some Gooseberry bushes that showed a few caterpillars, throwing it on with the hand below tlie bushes when they were damp. Have as yet seen no more. Perceive caterpillars getting on Cherry trees, which we have commenced picking and squeezing, and observe some black fly appearing on Slorello Cherries, which we will dip in tobacco water as soon as possible ; but the work and bother of getting out 'myriads of bedding plants, fill the hands full when they ought to be at liberty for general purposes. Eemoved a good many Strawberry-pots into cold pits out of houses .partly shaded, convinced that by having more air and light they will be firmer and higher flavoured at table. Set a thing in its place and keep it there until done with, will only do for quite-out-of-the-way places wlicre the gardener can wear his kid gloves and enjoy himself as a gentleman. There is notiiing wrong, quite the reverse, in the ambition that fosters self-respect, and respect for others whether above or below us ; but it would be well for many young gardeners to remember that they are servants, to dress like their fathers before them, and not to imitate their employers in afleeted gentility, or covering their faces with long hair so as to resemble an officer just come home from a Canadian winter. BEDDING. Plants in pots received their general routine ; but the most of the week has been taken up chiefly with bedding. The mania for this style is only rising, if I may judge from the communica- tions that reach me — comparing notes, soliciting advice, &c. — from parties chiefly that have some claim to set aside the excel- lent rule of our conductors not to write privately to any of us coadjutors. If the rule was much violated, of course answers would be out of the question ; and readers should recoUect that in sending at once to the ofiice they may have the benefit of the full consideration of many heads instead of one. Well, we have got about half through with our bedding, and the only tiling I feel a little timid about will be the Calceolarias. Tliough the cuttings were planted in October, the plants got too big and rather drawn for want of room to thin them ; but I dare say they will do pretty well. We generally change the planting of every part every yesr, and that saves using or having recourse to fresh soil to any extent. Last season we were rather artistic in our arrangements, some borders being a good deal in the style of the pattern given lately by Mr. Uhomson, of Atcherfield, whose arrangement of conservatories at Dyrham Park I had the privi- lege of recording. This season we are going back more to the old plainer styles, just for a change. These matters may not be of much importance to planters in general, who will individually prefer their own styles and systems. Two things we consider of more importance than mere early planting, or even very large plants, except for early blooming, and this we like to have and to cover the beds as soon as possible. As many are delaying their full work until the beginning of June, these two matters will not be yet too late. The first has been already referred to — the frequent turning of tlie ground so as to dig down the heated surface. Let this be done frequently, and the plants go at once into a sort of hotbed. The second is to give each plant a little fresh compost, which also shall be rich, light, and warm. The lightness is more necessary in our heavy soil. For that we generally depend on scrapings from the highway, clearings from the potting-bench, leaf mould riddled, mushroom-dung riddled ; and as that might neither be light enough, nor dry enough, nor warm enough, we add a considerable portion of charred rubbish burned, and half-burned earth in a hot state. We generally commence this heap a fortnight or so before planting-time. All the prunings are kept in a heap. Kiile-stalks, Brussels Sprouts, &c., are added ; all the turf parings from fresh rasing the beds, and walks, and other refuse. Earth is added, and fired, and looked after so that it may not blaze. "Wlien pretty well burned we take out a number of barrowloads for mixiug as wanted, and in this mixture, with half a handful or so to a plant, the roots run very freely in general. A cartload will do for a great many plants. When the plants are small we spread a little over the bed before planting, and scrape it to the roots with a trowel. When the plants are large a little is thrown round the roots as we go along. This practice is gradually lightening the ground. The only disadvantage is that the road scrapings and drift give a good many little weeds ; but as the beds would need stirring at any rate, we put up with this disadvantage for the counter- balancing advantage. We ourselves place much reliance for success on these two measures. — E. F. June 3, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 183 TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request th:it no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of tho "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing tlicy are subjected to luijustifiable trouble and expense. All communioationa should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the "Journal of HorticvUure, ^-c," 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promiHly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Florists' Fi.nwr.R3 (S. S. S.).— The Carnation and Picotcc were Nos. 4 and 5 in tlic Series. No. 1 is tlie Cinerariii, and is our No. 45 New Scries. Otlier ttowers will follow, but we cannot specify the oi'der In which they will apiicar. Myosotis .izonicA (B. IT.).— Your seedlincs of this spring will flower tliis summer. Wlicther or not they will live over the winter depends on where they are growins. Violets {('. //.). — 3tr. Beaton says that he is very sorry lie did not know whom to thank for the trouble of .sending the Violets. He received two little cuttinRS all but dead, and both died before they could be rooted. Tlio blue oue was a common sort ; the light one he never saw befure. Coco-i-NUT Fibre Refdse (A. B. S. .ff.).— The sample sent is tlio right kind. Tobacco (A Y'linig Beginner).— In our No. 4S, New Scries, you will find directions for drying the plants, and in No. 293, of otir First Series, a full account of the American mode of cultivating it. The blossoms witliout fiuit on your Vegetable Marrows arc tlic male blossoms. Bees and other insects will effect ail the needful fertilisation. Italian Tibkrosi: CtrLTVKE (Omicrod).— A cartload of book learninghus been written on this plant, and the whole put together is of no nse whatever, for the plant will not pay to be grown in this country. The " roots " grown in England would not be worth Is. the thousand, but grown in Itiily they fetch is. a-dozen. It is, therefore, needless to waste more paper and patience on Knglish-grown Tuberoses. The very same treatment as for pot Hyacinths or Narcissus will do for imported bulbs of the Tuberose, all but the lime of planting. From the 1st to the end of April is the right time to pot and start with. Like all bulbs tliat are partially or otherwise forced, the pot should be full of roots before extra heat is given. Tuberoses do very well under the stage of a greenhouse or in any dry warm room till the pots arc full of roots. Then some extra beat', but not much, will cause them to bloom sooner ; but with the same soil and treatment as a pot Geranium the Tuberoses will llower in the autumn, and by forcing slightly will bloom as early as the beginning of July. Makgles' Variegated Ger-vniuji {Amateur and I^ovice, Prr.ston). — Ves, the four leaves are four different sports, but ere the summer is over they will come to the usual two forms of the species, for that is now the only real wild species of Geranium that Is ijedded. The plain horse- shoe leaf is from the original wild species from the Cape. iNIangles' plant was a variegated sport from that wilding, which turn or sport became all but barren, although the parent is the most inveterate seeder in the whole family. That sport is, in its turn, a sport also, the wilding endeavouring to regain its original form and character Now, if you take a cutting of the green sport from Mangles' Variegated, and get a stock of plants from a bed then on strong clay land, that bed will beat in brilliancy a bed of Punch ; but on light land or poor soil it does not succeed. As to the flowers they will be about double the size, and twice the stoutness of those of Mangles' ^'ariegated, and will represent, at Preston, the true style of the Nosegay section, of which ladies who know all about flowers are so fond. All that we have seen proved twenty years back in the garden of the late Sir .\brahani Hume, at Wormleybury, near the I'.ose Nurseries of the Messrs. Pan', of Cheshunt and Walthani. The Hon. Capt. Cost held that garden then, Tho soil was '• brick earth," and the bed of the mother of Mangles' was, at the end of .August, the very gayest bed of Geranium of any sort or kind we li.ive ever seen. Your backwall greenhouse climber, of which you send a leaf, is a Lophospennum, but which depends on the colours of the flower. It will do no good in a pot unless you can plant it in a border. Send it back to your friend, but out of doors" is best for it, but like a Geranium it will not bear fi'ost. Layered Beanch op a Vinb ( ).— You may separate ti'om the parent in autumn, if upon examination you find that the layered portion has formed a good amount of roots. I>AMP ON Inside of Fern-glass ( ).— It is caused by the air in the room being cooler than tlie air inside the bell-glass. Covering llie glass with flannel will prevent the damp condensing at night on the glass. I>uring the day you must either keep the Ferns in a wanner room, or wipe the damp from off the inside of the glass. liooF OF Orchard-house [Ignoramus), — Y'ou have got more slope than a common garden frame, and the water does not pour into them as in yours it seems to do. In gla'£iug an orchard-house, we put the highest p^irt of the squares in the centre, alike for strength and to throw the water to the sides ; but we have no drip to speak of. Your laps are much the same as ours. We do not see why the panes do not touch at the sides — Ihere must be something wrong there in the glazing. We do not see any remedy unless reglazing or puit> ing the laps. You might try puttying the laps for 3 inches or 4 inches on each side at first. Vine Leavks Black-spotted {Barlff'shire).—See that your drainage is ail right. Do nut use much sulphur in the house, and add some quicltiime to the surface ot the border before rain. We should judge that Hie house had been kept rather close, and that there was too much moisture and organised matter in the soil. Seedling Pot.\to (S. A. Bni'ii/rce).— Your seedling Potatoes "Dnintrees Earliest," of last year's crop are large and hand.some. We have cooked the sample received, and we must acknowledge they arc very fine indeed, both in regard of flouriness and flavour. Peaches not Setting (/ifrm)-— The dull weather would be against the Peaches setting. Did you give abundance of air ? Wo knew a house where air was neglected on a briglit day, and every blossom fell. Of course the decay at the centre of the shoots Is so far unsatisfactory (l( it is decay) ; but if Ihc trees are heallliy, and making new wood outside, we do not think we would change the trees. Trees will bear well enough though the heart is all gone, it fresh growth continues outside. Orchids ( W. Jl/.).— There are not twelve Orchids, nor twelve stove plants of any kind except Cacti, that can be grown in a .Melon-house. Melons, when ripening, require to be keptquilo dry. The " Orchid Manual " by T. Appleby, can be had free by post for thirty-two penny possage stamps from our oflice. Pear Tree Unfrvitful (A. ?('.).— As you have root-pruned the tree, give a little rich mulching, and nip the points of the shoots. We expect next year you will have bloom-buds ; but root-pruning tells most favourably on young trees, and on trees very luxuriant. MrSHROO-MS UNDEB A GREENHOUSE STAGE (V. H. Tf.).— Mushl'OOms will grow there as well as in tlie cellar, or in a corner of tho stable, or wood shed: but whether you can grow them there, yon must be the best judge. All we can say is, we would not advise any one to attempt such a thing, it tlicre is good earth under the stand, plant climbers in it ; If not, dram it and mako a capit.il border for climbers. .STRIKING Heath Ccttisos (.1 Siibscrihrr).— This is a very good time to strike Heath cuttings, but they are struck all the year round. We would not advise yon to try them, even now, except by way of experiment and amusement ; for we fear that you will not rear one plant out of tilty Iroin tne Hrst 500 Heath cuttings you make. But look over "Heath cuttings in former Numbers, and think over the matter in your own mind ; and it you reouire more help here it is, and most welcome. Nothing is more amusing til in making cuttings and getting seedlings up, if one lost ninety-nine out of a hundred of them. Box-EDGiNG (M. F. S.).— We removed as much Box-edging in October, Njvember, December, January, and February as would reach from one end of a parisli to the farthest-off eml of the next to it ; and we are satisfled that not one blade of your Box was killed by the transplantmg, but with the salt alone. But the salt had an easier prey from the recent planting, ba.t will kill trees just as readily as tree Box, and it will kill dwarf Box much faster and sooner than any other edging of like subslance- We wouW never allow, upon any con.-ideration whatever, the use of salt, or of liquid manme to any but to the best practical hands. injure the young growth of the Ferns so early as thi^ you were to put ofl' the painting to the middle or enu „. ■•-«,.—-; 7 - . ,,,_. led all the doors and ventilators, and left theni so at niBit foi tbre Painting a Ferx-house (H. a).-Very likely the smell of paint w-onld injure th„ vnunp- e-i-owth of the Ferns so early as this in the season ; but 11 you w openeu an rue uuois aim vcutiin^vMo, «.... ....^ ....^... — - - " .™oii ,^f weeks, it would not only be very likely to save the Ferns froni the sroe 1 ot paint, but do them more good in less time than over they received m double the time since they were planted out. Geranium Waltham PET.-At the Royal Horticnltitral Society's recent exhibition at Kensington, this Geranium, raised by '■'■;"•' »"?!,""" .,t First-class Certificate awarded to it, and not a Second-class Certih.ate as stated in our report ; and as the difl'erence between the two amounts to tne difl-erence between a flrst-rate and a second-rate plant-a matter commer- daily of great importance, we readily correct this error. Sanders on the Vine (ffra/ics).— The new edition is now published, price 05. , , JoiNTLEss Tubular Boileb.— Mr. Ormson writes to inform us that his is the onlv one " commended " at the Horticultural Society s Garden show ot implements. The omission on onr part was unintentional. LioiiD Manure {J. C. 77<7/orf). -Soapsuds, &c., from the house, may mix with the drainage from the cow-house, and will be one of the nest 01 liquid manures. Do not u-e it too strong. Names of Plants (,/. D., Forfarshire].— \, Veronica hedericfolia ; 2 A Myosotis, indeterminable ; 3, Veronica arvensis ; 4, Arenaria serpyllitol.a , 5, Claytonia perfoliata. (H. if. 5.).-Nipliobolus lingua. ("■^"."""'T Clianthus paniceus. (A Roherison).-Th<: specimens were not niimbered. How can we refer to them ': Send fresh specimens and numbered, {.p. H. ±t.). —We paid 6il. for the caiTiage of your box. Upon receipt of six postage stamps we will publish the names. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS. June 3rd. Essex Agricultural Association. Sec, R. Emson, Slough Honse, IlaUtcad. Entries close May loth. m, •n-.rr.r Adams June 4ih and 5th. Beverley an u East IUuino. Sm., Mr. Harry Adams. June 12th, North Hants Agricultural Society. Sec, Mr. H. Down-. Entries close May 21st. , ., , „ »r t I,^rl.>r inn Junk 2(ith and 27th. Suffolk (-SVoodbridge;. Sec., Mr. J. Loder, jun. Entries close .lunc 5th. ^ . . , „ t..«o oiat July 3rd, Prescot. Sec, Mr. James Becslcy. Entries close •'"n^,;" • July 9th, 10th, and nth. Leeus and West Riding. Sees., 0. Newton and J. Wade. Entries close June 21st. , ,, ;.„^ ,,, Pobert Skptembkr 9th. WonsLEY and Armley (near Leeds). Sec, Mr. lioDeii Hoyle, Atmley, near Leeds. t„i,„ n T i-thall. December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Birmingham. Sec, John B. Lytnaii, 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. HULL POULTRY SHOW. The first Exhibition of poultry in connection with the Floral and Horticultural .Society at Hull, was held on ^\f'"^"';7 ''I™ Thursday last, Mav 28th and 2Utl., and as far as the ''■ '"^5 for poultry and Pigeons are concerned, was a most successful one. ie4 JOURXAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 3j 1862. The number of pens entered amounted to 253, many of tliem from some of tlie most noted exhibitors in the north ; and as a certain consequence in many of the classes for poultry, and more especially among Pigeons, the competition was very close indeed. Mr. Turner, of SliciJield, supplied the pens, and the birds showed to great advantage in them. They are far prefer- able to willow coops, not only in tliis respect, but also on account of the great economy of space, as they do not take up much more than half the room coops would occupy. The Show of botli poultry and rigeona was pronounced by competent judges to be the best ever held in the town 'of Hull ; and it is ouly due to those who had the management of the poultry department to say, that every pen of both poultry and Pigeons was carefully repacked and sent to the railway station before ten o'clock the same night. The following is the list of awards of the Judges : — Dorkings —First, SccothI, Tliird, and Fourth, H. W. P.. Berwick, Helms- lev. Highly Cominentled, H. Ilinisworth, I.upsct Hall, near Wakelield. Spanish.— First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, E.Teebay, Fulwood.near Preston. Third, J. Shorthose, Ntwcastlc-on-Tyne. Highly Commended, J. Di.xon, Bradford; T. B. Ste.ul, Leeds. CocHi.v-CniNA.— First, E. Smith, Manchester. Second, J. Shorthose, Ncwcastlc-on-Trne. Third, T. C. Trotter, Sutton. Highly Commended, H. W. R. Berwi'k, Helmsley ; E. Smith, Manchester; U. Yardley, .Market Hall, Birmingham. Game (black-breasted and other Fveds). — First and Second, H. Adams, Beverley. Third, G. K. Tate, Driifteld. Higlily Commended, \\. Boyes, Beverley; H. M. Julian, Beverley; J. Hodgkinson, HtiU ; H. Eeldon, Bradford. Game (any other varietv).— First and Second, H. Adams, Beverley. Third, O. W.' Langdale. Beverley. HAMKunous (Golden or Silver Pencilled). — First, 11. Beldon, Bradford. Second and Third, J. Dixon, Bradford. Highly Commended, S. Shaw, Mainland, Halifax. llAjiuuRGHs (Golden oi Silver Spangled).— First and Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Third, H. Beldon, Bradford. Highly Commended, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley; S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. Polish (any varietv).— First, Second, and Third, J. Di.-?on, North Park, Bradford. Any Other Di.-^tinct or Chops Br^ed.— First, S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax (Black Hamburghs). Second, G. K. Tate, Driffield (Malays). Third, R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston (Brahma Pootra). Highly Cora- mended, J. Dixon, Bradford; T. B. Stead, Leeds (Brahma Pootra). Chickens of 18C2.— First, H. Beldon, Bradford (Hamburghs). Second, R. D'Ewes, Knaresborou.2h (Cochin-China). Third, J. Dixon, Bradford. Baxtams (Gold or Silver Lttced).— Fir^t, E. Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds. Second, E. Yeardlev, Wisewood. Sheffield. Third, S. Shaw, Halifax. Bantams (Black or White).— First, Master G. H. Crosland, Wakelield. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Third, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield. Highly Commended, E. Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds ; J. Gawan, Beverley. Bantams (Game). — First, C. W. Brierley, Kochdale. Second, H. Taylor, Chesterfield. Third, J. Shorthose, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Highly Com- mended, T. G. Glenton, Hull; R. Voakes, Driffield; G. R. Tale, Driffield; E. Holdsworth, Leeds. (A very good class.) SWEEPSTAKES. Game Cocks.— First, G. R. Tate, Driffield. Second, H. Adams, Beverley. DoKKiNo Cocks. — Prize, Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Biggleswade, Beds. Spanish Cocks. — First, R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston. Second, Rev. E. Smith, North.uiiptorshire. Tiiird, T. P. Wood, .jun., Chestei field. Highlv Commended, \V. Houseman, Tadcaster ; E. Brown, Shelfield; Rev. E. Smith. Cochin-Cbina Cocks. — First, R. D'Ewcs, Knaresborough. Second, E. Smith, Manchester. Hamburgh Cocks. — Prize, H. A. Hudson, Ousecliffe, York. Game Bantam Cocks. — First, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield. Second, E. M. Stark, Hull. Highly Commended, T. Ripon, Beverley ; G. K. Tate, Driffield. B-Antam Cocks (any other variety). — Prize, E- Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds. Ducks (Aylesbury).— Fir.st, H. Beldon, Bradford. Second, G. R. Tate, Driffield. Ducks (Rouen).— First, G. P.. Tate, Driffield. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Third, S. Shaw, Halifax. (The cKss Highly Commended.) Ducks (Black East Indian).— First and Second, J. P.. Jessop, Hull. Ducks (any other variety).— First, S. Shaw, Halifax (a very beautiful pen of Carolinas). Second, Miss White, Beverley. Geese (anv variety).— First, G. R. Tate, DritHeld. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Third, J. R. Jessop, Hull. Turkevs (any variety).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, G. E. Tate, Driffield. Third, Lady F. Hawke, Womersley Park, near Pontcfract. Guinea Fowl (any variety).— First, 11. Meikin, Driffield. Second, H. Beldon, Bradford. Third, H. & G. Newton, Garforth, Yorkshire. Highly Commended, G. R. Tate, Driffield; K. Vo.ikcs, Driffield ; J. Dixon, Bradford, (.\ very good class. ) Pigeons.— Cnrriws.— First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, S. Shaw, Halifax. Third, G. Eobson, Hull. Highly Commended, W. Cannan ; A. L. Silvester, Birmingham; J. Firth, Dewsbu-.y. Almond Tttiiibltrs. — First, W. Cannan. Second, S. Shaw. Third, H. Yardley, Birmingham. Highly Commended, A. L. Silvester. Tumblers (any other variotv). — First and Second, W. Cannan. Third, R. & J. Bell, Beverley. Highly Commended, J. W. Edge, Birmingham ; S. Shaw. Fowters. — First, S. Eobson, Burton-Salmon. Second, H. Beldon, Bradford. Third, J. Crosland, jun., Wakefield. Highly Commended, S. Shaw. Jacobins, — First, S. Shaw. Second, F. Else, London. Third, T. EUrington, Beverley. Highly Commended, W. Cannan. Fantaih. — First, T. Rippon, Beverley. Second, W. Cannan. Third, H. Key, Be^'erlcy. Highly Commended. J. U. Jessop, Hull ; T. EUrington ; S. Shaw. Ti-umpcters.—Vunt, S. Shaw. Second, H. Key. Third, H. Y'ardley. Highly Commended, A. L. Silvester ; J. R. JeE?op ; E. Smith, Birmingham. ii«; 65. -First, S.Shaw. Second, E. Smith. Third, W. Cannan. Highly Commended, X, L, Silvester rKrii/s.— First, Master G. H. Crosland, Wakefield. Second, S. Shaw. Third, W. Cannan. Highly Commended, W. Catterson, Hull ; T. G. Glenton, Hull. (3i(7.?.— First and "Second, "W. Cannan. Third, II. Key. Highly Commended, F. E'se. Any otbcr Variety, — First, H. Beldon. Secontl, W. Lingard, Hull. Third, H. Y'ardley. Highly Commended, S. Shaw ; G. II. Crosland. Rabbits. — Best Pair for Longest Ears. — First, T. Rousby, Hull. Second, G. Jones, Birmingham. Ilest 2'nir for All Frcpcrtics'—Vnj.Q, T. Rousby. The Judges were, J. H. Smith, Esq., of Skelton Grange, York; and Samuel Bird, Esq., of Shipley. BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND POULTRY EXHIBITION. Mat 27Tn, 28ti[, akd 29th. One of the most successful poultry shows ever yet held by this Society was the one just concluded at Wells, Somerset. Considering the time of year as beiug that in which most of the best specimens are breeding, together with the well-known i'act that May is undoubtedly too early to hope for a very extensive show of chickens of the current year, the collecting together of three hundred pens of first-rate poultry must be esteemed most satisfactory. The numerous plate prizes unquestionably produce no small portion of this competition, and a perusal of the printed catalogue shows that the exhibitors are widely spread throughout most parts of the kingdom. The arrangements in the showyard admit of no improvements so far as scrupulous care and atten- tion to tlie wants of the poultry are considered ; but there is one regulation we hope to see modified on future occasions, as we feel confident it will secure the good opinions of all parties interested. It is this — by a regulation issued with the prize list it is enforced, that " all the specimens intended for exhibition must be in the showyard before 12 o'clock on the morning oi Monday, the 26th of May ; otherwise they will not be ad- mitted, &c." As a large number of the fowls belonging to the more distant competitors were not forthcoming at that lime, the permission was extended to the same ;ime the day following. Perhaps in the present case it was a wise policy to do so ; but as a permanent regulation it is open to much grave objection, being scarcely a fair treatment to those ownefs, who, in spite ol much personal discomfoit and exertion, contrived to get their pens on the ground in accordance to rule. A yQ':y simple alteration would accommodate nearly every oue, and leave disputation out of the question — viz., to receive poultry to some given hour on the Tuesday, and afterwards rigidly adhere to the time specified. It would without doubt much improve the amount of entries generally ; and likewise of ne- cessity add no small income to the revenue of the Society. Within our own personal knowledge not an inconsiderable mmiber of exhibitors refused "to enter at all, because 12 o'clock on Monday, as the latest date for arrival at Wells, absolutely necessitated the fowls being packed and sent off on the Sabbath, or at the best suggested an alternative of forwarding them on the Saturday, to be possibly delayed and neglected on the rails for some forty-eight hours, or even a longer period." As the future interests of the Society will enforce an alteration on this point, we will simply add, that to run the risk of sending valued fowls to be delayed throughout Sunday is hardly to be expected ; whilst the no less objectionable plan of packing and forwarding them on the Sabbath will be as universally admitted. The showyard was this year admirably chosen, the views being of the most rural and extended character, whilst an inspection of the venerable cathedral and some other public buildings afforded no little satisfaction to visitors. In Spanish fowls Mr. Bodbard, Mr. Fowler, and Mr. Martin were the successful ones. It does not by any means follow, how- ever, that thej' were the only individuals who exhibited good pens, for the class throughout was far better than ordinary. In Doriings all colours v.'ere admissible. In this class the palm was carried off by a very-well-shown pen of ''Greys" belonging to Mr. Wakefield, of Malvern Wells; the pens of Lady Julia Cornwallis taking second and third position, but evidently betraying want of condition from frequent exhibition. There were a few capital White Dorkings shown in this class. Mrs. Fookes easily secured both first and second prizes (with Buffs), in the Cocliiii class. Mr. Chase taking the third prize with a pen of excellent White ones. In the Game classes Mr. Fletcher, of Manchester, was the most successful exhibitor, although Mr. Archer, of Malvernj June 3, 1862. ] JOUllNAL OF HOfiTICDLTUBi: AND COITAGK OAUDKNiiK. 185 Mr. Harry Adams, of Bevorley, and some olhers ^n•e3^cd that gpntlcnian very closely. Mr. Charles" Ballanco stood ahead in Malays. His pen has wonderfully improved since the recent show at Taunton. Tl'.e Hambiirghs were first-rate, Mr. Josiali C'liunc showing the be4 Golden-spniigled ; Lady Juha Coruwaliis the best Silver- spangled ; and Mr. Martin sweeping away the prizes altogether for both Golden and Silver-pencilled oius. Messrs. Kay, I'ettat, and Eilwards, divided the pi-izea for Polands, the elassea being small but tlu' birds exci'ilent. The "Sweepstiikes for Cocks" brought but little competition, saying the Single Game Cock class, winch was keenly contested. In tiio class, a "sweep" tor Game i.'u/j/«i-is, H. D. liayley, Esq., sent a bird n perfect credit to any breeder. Uis Bantam's success in any competition would have been equally certain, as in the present one, where he stood without opponent of any kind ; but of his pecuniary winnings on this occasion the less is said the better. By rule the prize being the return simply of his own entry-money after deducting expenses. Ducks, Oeese, and Tiirkei/s mustered in numbers, and were really excellent, as were also the Peafowls and the Variety class generally. Tlie Piijeoits were, without doubt, a most excellent and inter- esting collection ; the Carriers, Powters, Hunts, Jacobins, Fan- tails, Owls, and Trumpeters being the most praiseworthy. It is very rarely we have visited a collection of these interesting varieties shown so well throughout. The most careful arrangements were provided for the prompt return of the poultry exhibited. Spaxish.— First, J. I!. ItodViard, Wrington, near Bristol. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesl)ur)-, Bucks. Third, J. Martin, dailies, Worcestei-. Highly Commended, R. Teebay, Fnlwood, near Treston. Commended, 11. Wright, London. DOKICING (Coloured or White).— First, C. II. Wakefield, Malvern Wells, Worcestershire. Second and Ihird, Lady J. Corn wallis, Linton Parli. Highly Commended, Mrs. H. Fookes, Whitechuich, Dorset ; W. Bromicy, BirminK-i ham; E. H. Garrard, Broadway, Worcestershire; Major A. S. Altham, Stoke St. Mary, Somerset. CocDiN-CniSA (Coloured or White).— First and Secoud, Mrs. H. Fookes, Whitechurcli, Dorset. Third. R. Chase, Birmingham- Highly Commended, Mrs. B. J. Fold, Countess Weir, Exeter; J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Com- mended, H. Tomlinson, Birmingham ; C. Fellon, Erdington, Birmingliam. Game (Whiles and Piles, Black"* and Brassy-winged).— First, J. Fletcher, Stonecliiugh, r.ear Manchester. Second, J. B. Weeks, Bromyard, Worcester. Third, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton, Devon. Highly Commended, W. Dawson, Selly Oak, near Birmingham. Ga>:e (Black-Breasted and other Reds).— First, J. Fletcher, Stonedough, near Manchester. Second, H. Adams, Beverley. Third, S. Matthews, Stowmarket. Suttolk. Highly Commended, S. Dupo, Bath; It. Cozens, Shepton Mallet, Somerset; Rev. G. S. Cniwys, Tiverton. Commeuded, T. Burcess, Jan., Whitechnrch, Salop; Rev. G. S. Cruwys. Game (Duckwinga and other Greys and Blues).— First, S. Dupe, Bath. Second, J. Fletcher. Stoneclough, near Manchester. Third, W. Dawson, Bimiinsham- Highly Commended, G. W. Langdale, Beverley. JIahv (Coloured or White).— First, C. Balance, Taunton. Second, J. Eumse-.-, The Grove, Hackney. Third, W. Uansfleld, jun., Dorset. HAMBtritGH (Golden or Silver-Pencilled).— First, Second, and Third, J. Martin, Claincs, Worcester. Commended, E. M. Dansey, Glonccstetshire. HAMBVHcn (Golden or Silver Spangledi.-First, J. 11. Chune, Coalbro'-^k- dale, Shropshire. Second, Lady J. Cornwallis, Staplehurst, Kent. Third, N. Marlor, Mandu'ster. Highly Commended, I. Diivies, Harboroe, near Bir- mingham ; W. Joshua, Cirencester ; T. L. Brown, Somerjet. PoiANDS (Black with White Crests).— First, G. Ray, Lyndhurst, Hants. Second, T P. Edwards, Lyndhurst, Hants. PoLASDS (Golden and Silver Spangled).— First and Second, Mrs. Pettat, Basing3toke,«Hampshire. Any Variety not Comprised in the Forementiosed Classes.— Firtt, P. P. Cother. Salisburv, Wilts (Pheasant Mal.iys). Second, Miss S. U. North- cote, Upton Pyne, near Exeter (White Spanish). Third, W. Manlicld, jun., Dorchester (Pamipless). Highly Commended, C. H. Waketield, Malvern Wells, WorecbtLishire (CrOve Caurs) ; R. Tecbay.lFulwood, near Pieston (Brahmas). Spanish Chickens (Black or WUite).—First and Second, J. R. Rodbard, Wrington. Dorking Chickens (any variety).— First, C. H. Wakefield, Malvern Wells, Worcestershire, t-econd. Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Loe, Bath. Highly Commended, J. K. Tombs, Langtord, Gloucestershire. Game Chickens (any variety).— First, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, Man- chester. Second, W. D. Bragintou, Bidefurd. Highly ComiRcnded, S. Dupe, Bath ; H. Adney, Lympstone, Devon. Commended, 11. Adney. Cochin-China Chickens (any variety). — First, G. Locke, Newport, Isle of Wight. Second, Mrs. Fookes, "WhitecUul'ch, Dorset. Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. SWEEPSTAKES. Game. — First, E. Archer, Miilvern. Second, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, near Manchester. Third, J. Camm, Farnsfield, Notts. Spanish.- First, J. R. Rodbaid, Wrington, Somerset. Second, II. Lane, Bristol. DoEKiNG. — First, Lady J. Cornwallis, Staplehurst, Kent. Second, J. G. A. Baker, Bi^igleswade, B^ds. Cochi.v-China.— First, P. Cartwrlght, Oswestry. Secoad, C. Fclton, Erdington near Birmingham. Game Bantam.— Priie, T. H. D. Baylcy, Bigglcsivade, Beds. Bantams (Gold Laced).- First. T. H. D. Bajloy, Bi.^glesivade, Beds. Second, P.ev. G. .S. Cruwys, Tiverton. Comir.cndcd, Rev. G. F. Ilodsor., Somerset. Bantams (Silver Laced).— Silver Cup ard First Pilzc, T. 11. D. Dajley, Biggleswade, Beds. Second, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton. Bantams (White ond Black).— First, T. H. D. Bayley, Biggleswade, Beds. Second, Rev. G. F. llodson, Som°r»et. Highly Commended, E. Huttor, Pudsey, Leeds ; Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Tiverton. Bantajis (any otlier variety).— First, J. Catnm, lainsficUI, N.;ttinghair. Second, W. .V. Deane, Blackloid, Devon, Highly Commended, T. H. D. Bayloy, Biggleswade, Beds; J. Catnm. Ducks (White Aylesbury). — First, ,J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Sceor.d, G. Hanks, Jlalincsbury, Wilts. Comuunded, J. K. Fowler; G. G. Barrett, Tiverton. DccKs (Black East Indian).— First, G. R. Edgell, P.rnndford Speke, near Exeter. Second, fihuor Altliam, Stoke St. Blary, Somerset. Ducks (Rouen).— First, .Mrs. J. N. GrcnviUe, Glastonbury, Somerset. Second, J, K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Ducks (any otlier variety).— Prize, T, II. D. Bayley, Biggleswade, Beds (Call). Geese.— First, W. Manfteld, Jan., Dorchester. Second, J. Iv. Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, Jtrs Fookes, Whitechurch, I)or.set. TuiiKEYS. — First, Mrs. Fookes, Whitechurch, Dorset. Second. R. Brand, Great Shcllord, Cambridgeshire. Highly Commended, Miss J. Milward, Newton St. Loe, Bath ; Mrs. J. N. Grenville, Glastonbury, Stimerset. Peafowls. —First, C. B.illance, Taunton. Second, U. Adney, Lymp- stone, Devon. Guinea Fowls.— Fitst, Jliss S. H. Northcote, Upton Pyue, Exeter. Second, W. D. Bragington, Devon. Caruiers. — First, Mjjor Hassard, Ililsea, near Portsmouth. Second, A. L. Silvester, Birminghaui. Highly Commended, .\. L. Sylvester; A. S. Altham, Stoke St. Mary, Somerset. Commended, Jlujor Hassard. TcMni,EKs (Almond). — Fir&t, withheld. Second, A. L. Sylvester, Bir- mingham. Tu.MELEus (Any other Variety).— First, S. Summerhayes, Taunton. Second, F. Else, Westbourne Grove, London. PoWTElts.- First, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Devon. Second, A. S. Altham, Stoke St. Mary, Somerset. Runts.— F'irsr, F. Key, Beverley. Second, E. Pigeon, Lympstone. Devon, Jacolins.- First, A. S. Altham, Stoke St. Mtry, Somerset. Second, S. Summerhayes, Taunton. Fantails.— First, A. S. Altham, Stoke St. Mary, Somerset. Second, F. Else, London. Owls.— First, A. S. Altham, Stoke St. Mary, Somerast. Second, VV. H. Beadon, Somerset. Trumpeters, — First, F. Else, London. Second, S. Summerhtiyes, Tjunton. liARDs. — Firi3t, A. S. Altham, Stoke St. .Mary, Somerset. Second, no competition, TuRBlTS. — First, F. Else, Westbourne Grove, London. Sccont), A. S* Altham, Stoke St. Mary, Somerset. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Devon ; J. Adney, CoUumpton ; S. Summerhayes. Taunton. Nuns. — First, unnamed. Second, N. Key, Beverley, Toiksliire. Dragoons. — First, E. Pigeon, Lympstone, Devon. Second, S. Summer- hayes, Taunton. Highly Commended, vV. L. Silvester, Birmingham; i J. F. Brand, Newton .\bbott, Devon; S. Summerhayes. ; Archangels.- First, S. Summerhayes, TLiuaton. Second, A. L. Syl- I vester, Birmingham, A.»iY OTHER New or Distin'ct Variety. — First, \v. H. Beadon, Cheddon Fitzpaine, near Taunton. Second, S. Suiumcrh.ayes, Taunton. The Judges were George Andrews, Esq., of Dorchester, and Edward Hewitt, Usq., of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, both of whom expressed themselves highly pleased with the Exhibition generally. RAISING YOUNG PIGEONS BY HAND. Having a young pair of Almond Tumblers just three weel»s old, which I am desirous of rearing by hand from tlie present time to enable the old ones to have the use of tlie nest again, there being no other unoccupied, I shall be much obliged by your telling me whether I might safely venture to feed them by hand on soaked peas or other food. The old ones, which 1 have recently purchased of Lady Winchester, still feed them well, but cannot go to nest again, as they would very soon do until they are removed ; and the season is getting late. — .Vlpued Heath. [As far as regards the young Almonds it would be much safer to shift them under a pair of common Pigeons, having young not quite so old, as feeders, than to attempt to feed them by hand. And as legards the old ones they would do much better if allowed to feed the young as long as they can than if caused to lay prematurely by removing the offspring. By forcing them, or as the fanciers term it by pumping them, the birds are weakened, and the eggs much more likely to be thin-shelled aud sterile.] CANAEY HENS SITTING "WITHOUT LAYING. Can any of your readers inform me if they have had hen Canaries which, after building, have sat without laying a single egg ? I have a White-spangled Lizzard which at the begin- ning of the season made her nest, and for a week sat without laying. I put some eggs under her which she kept for eight days, and would have hutched had I allowed her. After giving her a week's rest she had fresh materials for building ; but agam she is upon an eniptv but beautifully-built nest. She paired with a 186 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTrRE AND COTTAGE GARDENKE. [ June 3, 1862. Lizzard of tlie same kind. She is well, and eats lier seed, and egg, and bread, and green food. Strange to say, I Iiave a green hen which has acted in the same way, but brouglit up three young birds. — E.C. [Tlie hen, if old, is no doubt barren. Try her with anotlier eock bird, and if she be a young and valuable bird keep her till next breeding season, and then pair her with another. It occurs occasionally that a young bird will not lay the first season, although she may build and sit on the nest : this is owing some- times to being placed with a cock bird that is sickly or old and cares nothing about her. In such ease the lien (although she be not barren), if it be the first season of her being placed in with a male, will not lay. We know one or two instances in which a hen bird has laid only one egg, and others none at all, the first season, and built and sat on their nests; and during the forthcoming season on being paired with another cock have laid several eggs. In one case the hen became the mother of lliirteen birds and reared them all. Try a little hemp and maw seed in with the other food.] THE HOUDAN FOWL. If those who read this have ever read " Robert Jlacaire," we ask them whether the individual figured at the head of the page does not remind them of that worthy. His upright carriage, his impudence mingled with humour, his easy assurance, and the appearance of comfort that lurks around the mouth as it emerges, in one from the ample cravat, and in the other from the beard. Far be it from ua, however, to attribute to tlie Iloudan the vices that have made Robert Macaire famous; and, therefore, as the highest authority on the subject, we will allow II. Jacque to speak. "PEOPOETIONS AKD GENEEAt CnAlACTERISTICS. " Bodi/ rather round, com- pact, of ordinary proportions, short-legged, and standing firmly on strong feet; pectorals, thighs, legs, and wings well developed; large head; half topknot; whis- kers, beard, triple comb, trans- versal ; tlve toes on eacli foot ; spotted or splashed plumage, black, white, or yellow white in the adult— in chickens, black and white only. " An adult will weigh from 6 lbs. to 7 lbs. ; flesh abundant ; bones light, about an eiglith of the whole weight. " A chicken of this breed is put up to fatten at four months, and killed at four and a hulf months. If we take away from the weight of the carcase, the liver, gizzard, the flesh of the head, of the neck, and of the feet, indeed, all that constitute the giblets, which find a ready sale, being considered delicacies by some people, there will remain from 21- lbs. to 3 lbs. of solid compact meat. In tins breed the bones of the chicken may be calculated as being hardly an eighth part of the body, while in butcher's meat they weigh a quarter. " Comh. — Triple, transversal, composed of two elongated and rectangular flattened spirals, opening right and left like the leaves of a book, notched on the sides, and thick and fleshy. A third spiral springs up in the middle of the preceding ones, taking the form of an irregular strawberry, and the size of an elongated nut. Another small spiral detached from the others, and the size of a lentil, should appear above the beak between the two nostrils. "The ;ra»/e.s should be united to the comb by fleshy parts which form the face, surround the corners of the beak with apparent notches, and the eye with a naked lid. "The Ear-lobes short and hidden by whiskers. " The half Topknot thrown backward, and on the sides a few pointed feathers turning at the points, but sticking up in the air. "Face. — Naked, surrounded with whiskers formed of short- pointed and up-turning feathers. "Beard. — Begins under the beak between the wattles, joins the whiskers, and hangs down the neck ; wider at bottom than at top. " BeaJc. — Strong and rather hooked, black at its insertion, and yellowish at its extremity, depressed towards the beard, and dropping considerably at the corners. " Plnisio(jnomy of the Head. — Differing from many other species by several remarkable features ; the head and neck form rather an open angle, so that t!ie drooping beak is seen above it, and takes the appearance of a nose. " Comh. — The sqviare and flattened comb seems to be a fleshy forehead, the cheeks (in England, face) are surrounded with curling feathers which look like whiskers, the drooping corners of the beak resemble a mouth, and a cravat of feathers joined to the wattles simulates a beard ; the topknot is like a reugh head of hair, and the entire face at once suggests the idea of that of a mau. " Colour of Legs. — In adults, a leaden grey ; in chickens, blui?li and whitish grey, with rose-coloured spots. " Plumage. — It should invariably be composed of black, white, and ftraw-eolour; those fowls that have any mixture of red should be got rid of. " The plumage of the Houdan is of the variety called splashed or curl-papered. It is irregularly composed of feathers, sometimes black, sometimes white, sometimes black tipped with white, and sometimes white tipped with black. "THE HEN. " Bodg. — Weil set, appearing almost as large as that of the Juue 3, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 1S7 cock, firmly planted on strong legs ; breast, tliii;hs, legs, aiul I wings well developed ; large head ; demi or nliolo topknot ; I whiskers and beard very distinct ; rudimentary comb and wattles; five claws on each foot ; feathers of the abdomen very fluffy, ample, and pendant ; other feathers of ordinary length ; splashed plumage, black and white with violet and greenisli shades. " Physiognomy of the Hen,!. — When the topknot is very developed, the hen is unable to see in front or on either side; she can see only on the ground, because tlic fealliers cover not only the lid but the eye itself; this gives the bird a nervous motion at every noise it hears. It is only by close observation her eyes can be discovered at all." SKINS OF SILVER GEEY RABBITS. I EEAB in your pajier at tlic end of February last a very in- teresting account of the Silver Grey Rabbits, aiid my attention has been since drawn to the subject by a friend of mine showing me a mufl'made of the skins of that Rabbit, which he breeds in a confined state. A more handsome and elegant article I have seldom seen. My object in writing tliis letter is to ask whetlicr any of your readers can inform me why these skins are not made up in England as well as in Russia and China? They are surely much more beautiful tlian the dyed coarse-looking furs in common use. — Inquieeb. [We shall be glad of some information in answer to this in- quiry , for it does seem extraordinary that nearlv all are exported to Cliina and Russia.— Eds. J. op H.] ARTIFICIAL SWARMING. I HAVE one good stock of bees, but it is in a cottage-hive. It has flown drones a few days and is very full of bees. Is it possible to make an artificial swarm from it, or would vou let it come in the regular way, and if you would make an artificial swarm how could it be managed ? — J. W. [We cannot undertake to determine tlic point whether you had better trust to Nature for a swarm, or try artificial means. Should you decide upon making the experiment, the best way will be to operate in the middle of a fine day, when the queen and bees of your strong stock sliould be driven into an empty hive in the manner directed in pages 4.5 and 46 of " Bee-keeping for the Many. This must occupy the place of the old stock and vviU form a very strong swarm. The hive itself should take the place of another good stock, which must be removed to a new position. Tlie returning bees will enter it and raise a young queen from the brood left by their predecessors ] LIGURIAN BEES. HATIN& seen in The Jouhnal of IIoeticwltfre that Jfr. Woodbury was the person to apply to about the Ligurian bees, I took the liberty of doing so, requesting him to inform mc if he could warrant the safe carriage of a liivc this distance— upwards of 400 miles by rail. He seemed to have not the least doubt as to their safety, and he was kind enough to dispatch one to me on the 8th ult. at seven o'clock, A.M. It readied here the fol- lowing day at five o'clock, p.m., having been thirty-four liours on tlie way ; and no doubt it was examined with much interest. I could not help admiring the ingenious way it was made up for the journey, being in one of his own bar-hives. However, wlien I took off the shutter behind, and looked in through the glass, I saw that the bars had l)een moved out of their i)lace3 — tlie one lying up against the other. My other bees b'ing very busy, I did nothing to the Ligurians, but took off the under perforated zinc sliutler, and bound them on tho board, which allowed llicm to get out, when they seemed to enjoy themselves. I covered the hive up for tlie night to keep them warm. The following day being wet and cold, I could not toucli them till eleven o'clock : at lliat time it liad got clearer. Having shut down all my other hives that tlie Ligurians might not get into them wliile I was juitting tho bars into their places, and liaving taken off tlie upper board, the whole damage was seen. How- ever, I soon got the bars all into their places, and none of the combs had fallen out of tlie bars, Mr. Woodbury having had them securely fixed. I then screwed down the top board, and placed the hive iu its place, and they soon began to clear away the crumbs of the combs — a good sign that all was right. On the following day they were carrying as well as any of my own black ones, and are doing so still. They seem nothing the worse for the journey. With the exception of carrying out a few young bees, which seemed to be imperfect in some way, they have now ceased doing so. From the careful way Mr. Woodbury had them secured they must hare got very rough usage somewhere, as it seemed im- possible tlie bars could get out of place ; but I have no doubt Mr. Wocdbury will be able to remedy this in future. I was astonished at theii; quietness, they never attempted to sting me; I might have done anything I chose with them. My own black ones would not have allowed mo to do as much to them without letting me feel their stings. I have given the above account of the second colony of Ligu- rians in the East Lothian, that it may induce other apiarians to get a trial of the Ligurians ; they seem active, energetic colonists. — Ales. Siieaeek, Tester. P.S. — On the 21th I took off the cover of the box to see how they were getting on, and I was surprised to find tho hive had doubled in weight. They had filled two bars with combs, and other two nearly half, and the others are full of young brood. It is now by far the best hive I have, and I thought I had some good ones ; its progress is most extraordinary, far beyond what I could have expected. BEES DESERTING THEIR HIVES. What can be the reason of my bees leaving their hives ? I feel almost ready to abandon them altogether. I have been so repeatedly disappointed by them in this way only. For years past I have attributed their abandoning their homes, so well provided with everything required, to the age of the queen. I have nerer lost a stock from starvation or any other cause but (to me) this mysterious one. I always make up the full required weight early after the first or second week in August from loaf sugar and water only, boiled into as near as possible the con- sistence of honey ; and they seem to do well till the spring, but afterwards dwindle until there are none left. I have sometimes found the queen a poor little dried thing with a few bees ; sometimes I hare not found her at all. Once I found her dead, still hanging under the board ; but in each case the hive was left with honey, pollen, and much of the syrup which I had given some months previously, and I believe from some cause or other slightly changed. I have been in the habit of hiving my swarms into these hives. I will describe a case. Last summer I had one stock which swarmed, then afterwards gave a second swarm. In the autumn I fed all three well until they reached the weight mentioned by Mr. Taylor and otliers. I had no trouble, for they very readily appropriated the syrup. I think they bred well, and from each I hoped to have increased my stock. In the first warm weather after Christmas they worked, but as the spring advanced they seemed to decline. I turned up first the cast or second swarm, I sliouid say there were not a dozen bees iu it. ; next, the old stock (which too, be it remembered, had young queens in it last autumn), but this had shared nearly the same fate, and seems to grow worse daily ; and lastly, the first swarm (which had the old queen in it). This did not seem quite so bad, and may possibly have a little recovered, as I now and then see a bee go in laden with pollen. 188 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 3, 1862. Now, I know mine is not a solitary case, for although kept in a town thej have sometimes done well. I have known just the same thing happen to bees placed in the best possible situation for honey coUucting. AVheu I was in Oxfordshire some years back, the same complaint was made to me of bees kept at the Beat of Lord Churchill, in Cornbury Park. I have had bees by rail out of Oxfordshire, and out of Kent, which have done well for some time and then abandoned their hives as I have doscrioed, I have dwelt at large on this subject because I know so very many people are interested in it, and I hope you will allow sufficient space to have it well discussed. I can only guess at the cause myself. — E. Eaiebeothek. [We must know more of the cireumBtances before we offer an opinion. Have the bees been located in wooden or straw hives ? What are theu- dimensions, &o. ? How are they pro- tected from the Wi'ather and from extremes of temperature ? Do they appear to have suffered from internal moisture ? Are you much annoyed by smoke or ill smells ? Full information on all points must be afforded in order to enable us to suggest a remedy.] BEARING CALVES ON MILK AND LINSEED MEAL. No doubt hut the best and most proper food for tlie crJf is its own dam's milk ; for it is a true food, in which the comporients of nutrition are eo nicely balanced by the all-wise and beneficent Creator as to set at nought all human compositions ; but it is of so much value for human consumption that it becomes necessary to economise it and make imitations of it, though at a very humble distance ; and thus it is that science comes to our aid. Professor Johnston says, in his " Lectures on Agricultural Chemistry," " that while the calf is young, during the first two or three weeks, its bones and muscles chiefly grow. It requires the materials of these, therefore, more than lat ; and hence half the milk it gets at first may be skimmed, and a little beanmeal may be mixed with it to add more of the casein or curd, out of which the muscles are formed. The costive effects of the beanmeal are to be guarded against by occasional medicine, if required. In the next stage more fat is necessary, and in the third week, at latest, full milk should be given, and more milk than the mother eupplies, if the calf requires it ; or, instead of the cream, a less cosily kind of fat may be used. Oil-cake fiuely crushed, or linseed meal, or even linseed oil, may supply at a cheap rate the fat which, in the form of cream, sells for much money ; and instead of additional milk, beanmeal in large quantity may be tried, and if cautiously and skilfully used, the best effects on the size of the calf and the firmness of the veal may be anticipated." This scientific note from Professor Johnston has engaged the attention of many stock-masters in Ireland, and amongst the rest, Mr. C. Beamish, of Cork, who adopted it and brought it to a regular system on an extensive scale. His formula for compounding the mucilage is as follows : — Thirty quarts of boil- ing water are poured on three quarts of linseed meal and four quarts of beanmeal. It is then covered up close ; and in twenty- fom' hours added to thirty-one quarts of boiling water, then put on the fire, pouring it in slowiy, and stirring it constantly to prevent lumps, with a perforated wooden paddle, so as to produce perfect incorporation. After boiling thu'ty minutes, the prepared muci- lage or gruel is put by for use, and should be given blood or luke-warm to the calves, mixing it in small quantities at first with the milk, say one-fourth mueUage with three-fourths milk, progressively increasing it, so that by the end of a fortnight if, will be in equal parts ; by the end of the third week, one and a half mucilage to one part milk ; by the end of the fourth week the mucilage may be given in double the quantity of milk, and skim milk substituted for new milk ; and by the end of the sixth week, the mucilage will be gradually increased in the pro- portion of two and a half to one of milk, and from that on till the tenth week the milk may be gradually reduced, so that by that time they may be fed wholly on mucilage till they are fifteen or sixteen weeks old, when they may be weaned. During all this time, if too early in the season to put out the calves, they should be comfortably housed, well ventilated, and kept perfectly sweet and clean ; a little sweet hay tied in bundles and suspended, so that they may play with it and learn to nibble and eat it ; and a little pounded chalk, mixed with salt, given in troughs to lick at pleasure, which prevents acidity in the stomach, and the undue formation of cud ; small lumps of linseed cake shoiild also be given in other troughs, which they will soon learn to suck, if a little pains are taken to put a bit in their mouths after they have taken their meals of milk and mucilage. When housed it will be advisable to have a separate pen for each calf of suflieient size to walk about, so that they do not get into the habit of sucking each other and swallowing the hair, which, uniting with tlie curd by the regurgitating process going On in the stomach, forms round balls which are indigestible, and is the fertile cause of the death of many promising animals. The following scale of quantity of milk or milk and mucilage combined for each calf may be useful, but should be altered according to circumstances ;— For the first week the calf may get from three to four quarts daily ; for the second week, four to five quarts; the third and fourth weeks, five to seven quarts : fifth and sixth weeks, eight to ten quarts; six to eight weeks, fen to twelve quarts per day, and so on, increasing the quantity about one quart per week per calf till weaning time. Some parties do not give so much liquid food per day, but make it up by giving them finely-cut roots, dry oatmeal &e. ; but the animals are much too young for such food, thougli they may get the minced roots so as to train them into their use. Hay tea is an admirable thing also to mix with the mucilage and milk, as it contains a large amount of nutriment in a soluble form. In the summer time the calves may be left out on the grass, both day and night, in a fortnight after they are calved, and fed as already described thiy should be in the house ; but a warm sheltered paddock should be provided for them, and in wet weather they ^hould have access to a covered shed. — {Irish Farmer's Gazette.) Eldekeeert Catsup. — On evei-y pint of ripe elderberries stripped from the stalks pour a pint of boiling vinegar, and let it stand in a cool oren all night. Strain without pressing, and boil tlie liquor five minutes with half a teaspoonfui of salt. To every quart put half a pound of anchovies, half an ounce of mace, half an ounce of whole pepper, half an ounce of ginger, twelve cloves, and four eschaUots. Bottle when cold with the spices. OUR LETTER BOX. Keeping Poxxtht Profitably {Intemlinij Farmer). — You do not reqiilre good land foi- keepintj poultry. It should be a light soil, and th.it is not the bes*, geneially spenking, for farming purposes. As we told you before, the neighbourhood of a large common would be the best place. Such a one as Woking. We hare not the least doubt that poultry may be made profitable, and to play an important part in such a place as you describe, but v.'e still think it should be an adjunct only, and that it would be unwise to take a place tx it alone. Spangled HAMEur.aH Eggs Addled {Inquirer). — AVe cannot give an opinion upon the question whether any unfair treatment had been adopted, not having seen the eggs. There is no book devoted to the treatment of Ducks. Precocious Vvi lets.— I subjoin an account of some unusually precocious chickens for insertion in your Journal if you think it remarkable enough to give it a place. In November last one of my Dorking hens stole a nest behind some wood in our poultry-yard and about a week before Christmas brought out a brood of eight fine chickens. Six of these have survived the cold and incuisions of cats ; and on Easter-day one of them began to lay. Two others soon after followed her example, and are regularly giving ns eggs about every other day. They are very small— about the size of the speckled H.imbnrgh eggs ; but the fowls are not more than half grown, and are now only five months old.— Blackheath. Canaries (P. Shackleton). — We do not know who are the chief dealers in these birds at Norwich and London, much less the others "anywhere in the United Kingdom." Refer to the county directories. Black Currant Wine. — Ccsto will be much obliged by an approved recipe for making this wine. LONDON MAEKETS.-^JuNE 2. POULTRY. There is but one month of May in tbe year, and in LeadenhaU Market it is alone— no other is like it. It is generally the busiest month of the twelve —that in which the largest prices are made ; and it is the indicator on the dial-plate. It points out the direction that will be taken afterwards. There has been less trade in the month just passed than in any other known to the present generation. The supply has been unusually small ; and although it will now increase daily there is no prospect of any glut. Average prices may therefore be looked for. 5 0 to 5 S ,, 4 0 „ 2 0 „ 0 0 „ 3 6 0 G S 6 Ducklings 3 0 0 to 3 0 ,, 0 4 ,. 1 8 „ 0 8 „ 0 B .... 3 0 Chickens Geese 2 0 Rabbits Wild do. 1 0 5 9 Goslings 5 Pigeons 0 9 June 10, 1862. ] JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENBB. 189 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day of M'nth 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Day or Week. JUNE 10—16, 1862. Weathek XKIK London in 1861. Barometer. Thermom. Wind. W Th P 8 Sun M Whit "Tuesday. Embku Wekk. St. Barnahas. Beaufortia latifnlia. Bunksia firicifolia. BossisD.^ heterophyllu. TuiNiTY Sunday. CUanthus puniceuB. 39.938-29.767 30.062-30.026 30.127-3Oi)96 30.172-30.0S4 30.044—30.002 29.00I-29.!M1 30.010-30.002 deir. Aeg. 68-46 70-47 78-42 81-54 82— M 85-51 60-52 N.E. N.K. N.E. W. E. E. £. Kain in Incttes. •01 •58 •15 Run Kiscs. Sua Sets. m. h. m. h, 48af 3 ! 13af8 Moon Ui8ed Moon's and Sets A(;e. m. h. •M 1 37 2 rises 36 a 9 10 10 37 10 58 10 13 14 O 16 17 18 19 Clock after Day of Sun, Year. 0 50 0 44 0 32 0 20 0 7 ObefS 0 18 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 Metkorolooy or the Were. — At Chiawick, from observations during: th.^ last thirty-five years, the average hiirheat and lowest temperatures of these days are 71.9' and 48.7- respectively. The (treatest heat, 97 , occurred on the 16th, in 18,58 ; and the lowest cold, 30 ', on the 15th in 1850. During the period 141 days were flno, and on 104 rain fell. [ BEDDING PLANTS and GARDENING LESSONS mOM THE DERBY DAY. HERE are two ways in our practice, as a nation of gardeners, wliieh, if it will not be out of order, might be of some use to us, if they were put Tip ill comparison with the practice of some of those who prepare for the events of the Derby day at Epsom downs. The first of these practices makes an ex- perimental garden of nine-tenths of the best private gardens in the three kingdoms — makes a private trial of new bedding plants annu- ally, to see if they are what they have been represented, ere they are put out into the flower garden, which is more or less a public garden, as compared with the " back premises "—otherwise, the reserve garden. The stud-book shows the winners for the last many years — shows, also, which was nest and next, and which was not worth its keep ; the man who knows what is in that book, carries his own book with him in his hat, and without much ado he can tell what stage, or what degree a new plant will attain before it is out of the experimental ground ; and although he is judge and jury in the case, in the first instance he knows very well his decision will have no weight beyond his garden gate, unless it is pretty near the mark, and the public at large gain or lose exactly as he may be of the thick or thin-skinned judges. Still the proof is not yet a race all round, and a summer right through, in the face of all the world, must decide the issue. This season the poor man's best edging plant, the Cerastium tomentosiim, which needs no glass nor gar- deners, is to be run against by Cerastium BiehersteinU, from the Russian strain of Carter & Co., Bieberstein himself being one of the highest mettle, in botanical round-abouts, which Russia has yet reared, and, of course, glass is foreign to its nature. As far as table talk, and fable talk go, the two are on a par for the poor man's garden in every respect, save the great superiority in blood and breeding of Bierbersteinii, which qualities have been heralded and backed up by "Nickeeboe" only; and if all he has stated be true, the Russian Biebersteinii ought to, and will, carry the day. Having the whole private history of Bieberstein's Cerastium in my book, however, with the above limitation, I should not hesitate to venture a fortune on the first competition of the season between these two plants, and if you have a mind to follow suit the new one will not cost you more than the old one did at its &8t coming out, nor yet nearly so mueh. The best pure white-leaved plant now in use for flower No. 63.— Vol. III., New Semes. gardens is unquestionably the old Gnaphalium marga- rilaccum, the Antennaria margaritacea of newer naming. There is not une plant known to us which is more easily " made up " for use than this one, or more cheaply, or looks better when done well as I have seen it last year both here in our clergyman's garden and in Hampton Court Gardens, where it was first brought out by Mr. Donald, to whom we all owe so much for its use in bedding. It is a master plant for the front of Punch or of old Tom Thumbs, or for the backs of either of them in a young state without tying or training. It is also, by training, a most telling edging plant to many kinds of beds. The way to grow it is in the volumes of the last two years ; but now conies a rival to it, the Scrophu- laria something, which was brought out in Ireland in the garden of the Archbishop of Armagh. It strikes me, however, that all Ireland, and England also so far, are off the right scent with this plant. Mr. Donald, of the Hampton Court Gardens, is, perhaps, the very best British botanist among all our gardeners. He knows the name of every plant, and weed, and moss which grows in the British islands, and I believe he has dried specimens of every one of them in his herbarium. I have seen his Scfophularia nodosa variegata dead, dying, and in health, last autumn. I have seen, also, the same kind of plant exhibited by Mr. Williams, of the Paradise Nursery, at the May Show of the Royal Horticultural Society, and I have examined the Irish plant under that name which Mr. "Williams is now selling, and I am quite satisfied the two are as different in their habits and natures as any two plants can be in the same generic family. Which of them is nodosa I am not in a position to say, but they are not both nodosa certainly. Well, this nodosa, or not nodosa, is to serve Gnaphalium raargaritaceum by all accounts as Caraetacus served Marquis on the Derby-day. The Variegated Mint is booked to run in the same race, and Stachys lanata has been recently booked to run with them. But I protest against such arrangements as the putting of variegated plants, no matter how white they may be, against white plants with no variegation in ihera. The two Cerastiums are fair enough in for it, and so would Gnaphalium against Stachys ; and w-hen you come to think of it, you will see there is no real rivalship from the Irish Scrophularia, but against the Variegated Mint. Well, the Variegated Mint used to be 3 feet high in the Experimental Garden, and last year it was only 3 inches high in the new garden of the Royal Horticul- tural Society ; aU that was from the difi'erence in manage- ment, and the degrees of the difi'erence would run up at three-inch steps from 3 inches to 33 inches. Therefore, those who can and did grow the Mint, may use that Scrophularia for any of the rows of a nine-rowed ribbon, border. On this account, the race between the two will be more closely scanned than any of the others which are to come off this season ; and all 1 can say to guide the course and the judges, is, that in my judgment, the entry of nodosa in the stud-book has been as contrary to the rules of cross-breeders, as the attempts to set up natural white- No. 715.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Seeies. lao JOtrKNAl OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 10, 1862. leaved plants against whiteness from variegation, whether it be from sport, as they say, or from breeding, is contrary to the good plain common sense of ordinary people who are not easily led by crotchets. But although Staohys lanata, and the much whiter pearly Antennaria ought to be free for ever from the rivalship of va- riegated plants, they must stand the brunt of battles, and run the race with all comers of the natural cast of their own looks. And we shall witness another race of white and all-white plants this season, as well as of the two Cerastiums. There has not been much ado about the one which is to challenge Stachys and Co. The first I heard of it was from seeing it in the plant supplement of the Messrs. Carter, where it is recommended for six, or seven, or more ways of ribboning and bedding arrange- ments ; and seeing also that Stachys lanata was in the same list, and not having ever heard of such a name as Qnaphalium lanatum, the plant in question, I sent for a sample of it at once, and they sent me half a dozen of it, and it is as white all over as the pearly Antennaria, and seemingly quite as easy to manage. This, therefore, is the new racer against the wooUy and the pearly Antennaria and the swan-down Stachys ; and three better matched, to all appearance, have not hitherto been booked in one season. Whether Gnaphalium lanatum is rightly entered on the register admits of some doubt ; but as a good horse can never be of a bad colour, on the same principle a good bedding plant can never lose much by the naming. The last run of the season is to be between the purple plants for contrast. Coleiis Verscliaffeltii is to be tested against the Perilla and the purple Orach plant ; and if it stands to the opinion some people form of it, there will be no, or very little, difference in the trouble and expense of keeping up a stock of it from cuttings than has been hitherto experienced in procuring a supply of the other two from seeds. Speaking of seeds, one of the best flower-gardeners in the country holds to the opinion that the purple Orach should be sown on a certain day early in May, or at least within a week of a certain day. But my experience of it foi' the last three seasons is very different. On the 1st of June my seedling Orachs, from seeds self-sown the previous autumn, have been exactly as good and no better than seeds sown by hand in February, or March, or April. I have some now exactly in that condition, after thinking I had got rid of it in one border where it seeded in 1860. The border was fresh dug, and up it came like a weed after the seeds had been in it for two years, certainly. All the dif- ference I find is, that when the seeds come from a greater depth than an inch or so, the seedlings are not so easily transplanted as when they are got out of a row of shallow sowing, and from several turns I have seen with it, I should say the best plan for it and for ordinary people who are not high up in gardening, would be to sow it in rows or rings at the end of April where it was to grow, and not transplant it at all, only to sow thin and after a while to thin out the seedlings. The great point in managing it is to keep it constantly stopped in order to have fresh leaves, and to cut away tte old leaves as often as it is stopped. All of this takes up a great deal of time ; but, then, people who pride themselves in doing what others cannot afford to attempt, wiU not give up a thing for the mere expense of having it in first-rate style. The Perilla does not require, and needs no such trouble, care, or expense ; so that, properly putting it, the race will have to be run between the Perilla and M. Versohaffelt's Coleus. Although the Crystal Palace people do not keep more cats than will catch mice in the garden way, they are the most spirited of all our public bodies to allow of this kind of racing being tested ; and it was a great loss to the friends of purple Orach that no good seeds of it, or any seeds of it at all, could be had there last year, in order to show the great body of the people how to grow it properly. I saw a new move there of planting on the Rose Mount, the day of the flower show, which will please the ladies amazingly if I am not very much mistaken. It was only like the bursting of the bud, however, and flower-show-days are not the best days for everything, nor for catching at an idea just then start- ing into form, and I may have misunderstood the thing. The men were then all off after the great waterworks, and I could see no one to explain the new move to me ; but you shall soon hear all about it, if I must go on purpose to book the plan. The second part of our practice, which bears a comparison ■with the doings for the Derby day, is the race for seedling bed- ders ; and in this thing there is one most important feature, which, at a venture, I shall risk the opinion that not one out of one thousand has ever yet given it a thought. Have you ever had an idea that you yourself have been one of a very large com- pany with limited liability, for ever so long before parliament thought of such a thing ? You, or some member of your family, to my knowledge has been in that company ever since I have been a breeder ; but how long the company may have been at work before my day I never could make out. The company dealt with the breeders of bedding plants ever since the re- quirements of the bedding system demanded a change of subject. And, as at the Derby, it has often happened that the best subject at last was the one about which the least was said at the time it was ushered into the world, or when registered in the stud-book of the fancy, if you like that way of it better ; whilst the " favourite " went on to oblivion after the fuss and the first start. But the company being on the limited principle there was no more loss beyond what each of them ventured on that run, and perhaps not that ; and perhaps, also, the back wall or the pillars of the conservatory, or some part of some man's premises had been enriched at the risk which failed for the beds. But without that company there could be no breeders, no matter what the demand might be. Suppose all the world wanted ever- green climbing yellow Moss Perpetuals, or Hybrid Perpetual Roses, and would buy no more Roses till that strain was in the market, think you how many breeders of Roses would be at crossing just now, and then think how much better than all the world the said company have been, to bear individually their limited risks in order to keep the crosses on the move, and to enable them to improve step by step as the strains would admit of. Depend upon it the company will never come to a crash, and you may be equally certain the Derby day, the very day on which this is written, will gladden and disappoint the hearts and the wishes of each section of that company in its turn to the end of the chapter. And now, if only to keep up appearances, I am ready to back my own favourite of the season at any odds you please to name. Fifty or five hundred to one that Baron Ricasoh will win at our Derby in the strain of Baron Hugel. D. Beaton. CULTUEE OF MTOSOTIDIUM NOBILE. Some weeks since we received a note of inquiries relative to some points in the culture of this new " Forget-me-not." We sent the note to its most successful cultivator ; but totally dis- regarding the name, he not only forgot the note but lost it! Upon reminding him of his delinquency he sent us the follow- ing, and says that it answers the contents of the note. We print it, therefore, and hope we shall stand forgiven by our correspondent. " Myosotidium should be potted in a very rich porous soil, kept in a gentle heat from the middle of September until it flowers, about the end of February, when it should be kept at not less than 45° at night and in a moist air throughout its growth. As it deUghts in a moist atmosphere, so does it not like sunshine : therefore it should be kept in a cool shady place after it has done flowering." FLORISTS' FLOWERS, THEIK DISTINSUISHING CHAEACTEEISTICS, CTr-LTITATIGN, AND TAEIETrES.— NO. 7. THE TULIP. {Continued from page 141.) I WAS led into somewhat more than usual length in descanting upon the properties of the Tulip, and I was therefore unable to enter upon the two latter portions of my subject ; and this not from a peculiar predilection for the flower, for there are many florists' flowers which I infinitely prefer to it, but because of the many battles which have been and are being fought over it. The most recent one is not yet finished ; and whether the "Hardy" standard, or the "Glenny" standard, or the "Homer" standard should be taken, is, it would appear, a moot question. The cultivation of the Tulip has been so regularly laid down, and the precise manner and form in which the beds should bo planted has been so often given, that I cannot hope to add anythiag new for the information of the veteran grower ; it can June 10, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 191 be only of service to those who are novices, and who would desire to know how a few may bo grown. Unlike the Auricula, it has not been made the unhappy patient to swallow all sorts of odious messes, in the way of savoury compounds, to increase its growth or add beauty to its colourmg. To this, indeed, its own determined obstinacy has not a little contributed. It seems to say, " You may if you like. Try it. Oh, yes ! add sheep manure, or guano, or anything else that strikes your sagacity ; but see if I don't run if you do." And so one and all of its cultivators say, " Humour this obstinate fellow, and give Iiim good sound loam, and let him do what he can or likes." A Tulip-bed, we are told (and he would be indeed a ven- turesome man who would attempt to impugn the universal verdict), should be exactly 4 feet wide, and as long as may suit the convenience or the pocket of the grower. Mr. Groom's bed used, I think, to consist of 220 rows ; and one I saw last year at Sevenoaks was of the same length. Tlie bed should be raised a foot or more above the level of the garden, and enclosed either with slate or boards ; in fact, a box is formed on tlie surface of the ground, and the mould is filled in. The aspect selected should, if possible, be open, exposed to the sun, but sheltered as much as possible from violent winds. In my own little garden, where Boreas, and Euroclydon, and all the " rude winds that blow," seem to hold their tryst, I have been forced to be heterodox, and grow my thirty or forty rows without elevating the bed — at least I did so last year. This year I altered my practice, but the bloom has not been so good, and I intend to try next season to do as I did before. The bulbs are arranged in seven rows running the entire length of the bed, and the distance of the rows one from the other should be 6 inches, so that a bed of 20 feet in length will contain 280 bulbs. And as the flower-stems run up to various heights, the different sorts are arranged as to the position they should occupy in the bed. The tallest ones are placed in the centre, and are called fourth-row bulbs, leaving three on each side — iirst, second, and third rows ; the dwarfer varieties being placed next to the edge, and the height running up to the centre : thus a uni- formity is gained, which very materially adds to the beauty of their appearance. The bed should be regularly marked out at the distances named ; holes for the bulbs made with a blunt dibber and filled in with white sand, the bulb placed in tliis and then covered up. The point of the bulb ought then to be about 2 inches below the surface. The names of tlie flowers are reg ilarly entered in a book according to their rows, so that a reference to them is easy enough. Although the Tulip is very hardy — good Mr. Headley says as hardy as a Swedish Turnip— yet it will not flourish any more than a Turnip in aU weathers. Excessive wet or excessive drought are ahke injurious to it. The latter tliere is not much likelihood of in so " pluvious " a climate as ours ; but the past season has generally been a bad one for Tulips, owing to the exceeding wetness of the winter months. There should be provided some iron hoops to place over the bed, on which mats may be thrown during very heavy rains ; but this ought not to be left on one moment longer than necessary, as Tulips are impatient of confinement. As the flower-stems advance they should be tied to thin stakes, and whenever they show colour the awning should be put up. This where the collection is large is a tremendous affair — a sort of Aldershot hut ; for it has to be strongly built, remains a fixture, and is covered in both at top and sides with canvass. In itself it forms a most material item in the expense of growing Tulips, and is moreover a sad eyesore to a small garden ; in fact, a Tulip garden would be the very thing for one who desired neatness in his arrangements and could afford the room. Those who are more moderate in their pretensions will be contented with using such a covering as will protect these flowers, and be of a more temporary character. There is not a greater mistake made than the one which we oftentimes hear, that the bulk of the Tulips grown come from HoUand. That has long since ceased to be the case ; and the last thirty years have weeded out the old Dutch flowers to an alarming extent, and introduced those of English raisers. Take any well-known grower's catalogue, and the very few foreign names will at once show that " we have changed all that." We are told on the excellent authority of Mr. Slater, that of a catalogue pubhshed in 1829 by Mr. Thomas Butler (who was so eminent a grower that he thought it well to demand Is. ad- mittance to see his Tulip-bed in bloom), which contained 23G varieties, only thirty-three are now grown ; and since then the seedlings raised by Clark, Holmes, Strong, Laurence, Groom, Ifeadley, and others liavc quite revolutionised the catalogues. I lately liad the opportunity of seeing Mr. Turner's extensive and valuable collection, and took some notes of a few that then seemed to me the best ; and as I have written mainly for young florists or beginners, I will add now the names of those in their several classes with which any one may begin a small bed, being inexpensive and of vigorous constitution : — Alljion (Clark's) Bizarre (Bradley) Cato Crusader (Groom) Dulte of Devonshire (Dickson) Duke of Sutherland (Dickson) Dr. Horner (Groom) Fabius [Laurence) Garrick (Laurence) Ibrahim Pacha Lord n.iglan (somewhat coarse, and of late years {?oiDg back to tile breeder colour) Marshal Soult (Groom) Mr. F. Perkins (Groom) Omar Pacha (Groom) Pilot (Gibbons) Polyphemus ^Laurence) Royal Sovereign Vivid (Sanders) BTBLCEMENS. Alexander Magnus Addison BlcBraast Chellaston Beauty David Earl of Haddington General Bamoselde (.Akers) George Glenny Aglaia (Laurence) Baron Gesdoff Countess of Wilton Camise de Croix Clauriiana Duchess of Kent (Strong La Belle Nauuette Grace Darling Lord Denman (Abbott) Maid of Orleans (Gibbons) (iueen of Violets (Gibbons) Triomphe de Lisle Victoria Regina (apt to show a little green in the petals; when pure, very fine) Lady Stanley Madame Vestris (Laurence) Naomi (Headley) Ondine Ponceau Tres Blanc Triomphe Koyale -D., Deal. ENDIVE CULTURE. The precise period when this vegetable was first mtrodueed into cultivation in this country is not exactly known ; but it ranks higher in point of antiquity than many vegetables now extensively used. Most likely the Flemings to whom we owe many lessons in gardening were the first to supply us with this useful article, and it is reasonable to suppose that they them- selves received it from a district still more eastward. If our researches in the way of finding out its original abode were industriously carried out, we very likely might trace it to the sunny regions of Italy and Greece, and possibly to Egypt also ; but it is not necessary to do this. Sufllce it to say that it formed one of the items of a bill of fare in the reign of Queen Ehzabeth ; and an old writer of that period, Gerarde, gives as good a de- scription of its manageroent as can well be given at the present day. Gerarde advises the seed to be sown in July, and before winter sets in to take up the plants and let them lie in the sun or dry wind for two houi-s, and after tying-up the leaves with a string to plant in the ground again, bottom upwards. Now, antiquated as this practice may be, it is certainly not without its merits, and in soils that are free from worms it may be adopted with perfect propriety now. Those who have the means of obtaining dry peat frequently preserve Endive in this manner, and I have seen it thus treated in a cool shed ; sand instead of peat being the substance it was buried in, roots upwards. Sand, however, is objectionable, as it is liable to get inside, and is not easily removed, even by washing ; but this subject will be treated of further on. It is only fair to give the old cultivators every credit for the information they have given us, and wc need not go further into its history or origin, beyond remarking that its ancient popu- larity no doubt was enhanced by its being esteemed one of the best antidotes to scurvy. This, when the plant was first intro- duced, was a more formidable disease than now, and from coming into use in winter wlien salt meat formed a much greater proportion of the general food than it does at present, Endive no doubt, as well as other plants of its class, speedily became a favourite. At all events we may infer that its property of checking a disease so much dreaded at that time, led to the plant being welcomed to the gardens of all who had the means of cultivating it. Lettuce, and the means of wintering it in favourable situations in England having become better known, and popular taste pre- ferring it to Endive, the latter certainly does not now hold such 192 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ June 10, 1862. a high position at table as it once did. It may be said that the present century has witnessed a diminution in the popularity of Endiye ; still it is extensively grown ; but it is more for the tables of the affluent than as an accessory to the genf-ral store of the community at large. We will now proceed to treat of its cultivation as practised at the present day. Soil. AND Situation. — Like many other garden vegetables, Endive likes a rich generous soil and an open situation. Shade J9 objectionable, and the drip of trees is very bad. In the routine of crops it ought not to follow Lettuce, ntither ought it to succeed any of the Cabbage tribe if that can be avoided. If it has to succeed a crop of anything of the Cabbnge kind let the ground have a good manuring, and possibly a good result will follow. The same treatment may be observed if Peas, Carrots, or other crops have previously occupied the ground. The object being to obtain a quick growth, manuring is more especially necessary for crops tliat are intended for use in the autumn only. Those to stand the winter may be planted on a less rich soil, as the conditions necessary to obtfiin a fresh crisp growth are not those to enable the plant to withstand the hard weather of a severe winter. More shelter in the latter case is also required — in fact, a south border or some such favoured place should be selected, and the open deep-tilled squares or quarters of the kitchen garden for the autumn crops. Both of these crops are of course for use in what may properly be called winter, only the one comes into use before the other, and the supply is kept up by intervening plantations coming in as wanted. Time or Sownro. — Every ten days from the 20th of June to the Ist of August ; and a sowing of Batavian Endive may be made a week later than the last-named time. Usually, however, the dwarf hardy Lettuce of the Hammersmith Cabbage breed »re preferred to come into use in spring. Endive cannot boast of so many varieties as most other vegetables. A Green Curled and a White Curled form the general autumn and early winter crop ; and the plain-leaved variety, or Batavian, is more hardy, and usually planted to stand over the winter. In addition to these, some growers have affixed their names as having produced an improvement in the plant. A hardy useful sort by Mr. Eraser was much admired a few years ago. The White and Green Curled, however, differ so little on the whole that they may both be regarded as one to the small grower, and sowings of each may be made at the early periods indicated. If the weather is very hot and dry at the time of sowing, the beds should be on the north side of a wall ; or, what is still better, sow in an open exposure, and water and shade as directed in The Jouenal op Hobticuiture for Cab- bage and other seeds. If the seed is good it need not be sown too thickly ; no vegetable suffers more by being thick in the seed- beds than Endive. As the value and utility of the plant depend on the number of leaves arising from the collar, these cannot well be produced if the plant is closely packed up amongst others suffering equally with itself. Should circumstances, there- fore, prevent the bulb being planted out in the proper place at once, wlien getting tliick on the seed-bed, thin-out, for generally there will be a plentiful supply left for consumption. Pl.^ktino. — As before stated, an open piece of ground well manured is best for the main autumn crop, but the shelter of a north wall will be better for such as have to stand the winter. Bows about 18 inches apart, and the plants about 15 inches from each other in the row, will not be too much. Shallow drills drown with the hoe are advantageous for the plants, as these are then planted somewhat deeper ; and the leaves resting on the cool earth derive much benefit dui'ing the dry period we sometimes have in September or before. Watering need not be resorted to, except in peculiar cases where the ground is very dry, and the situation a sort of hot hungry sand. In the latter case water may be an advantage, and the more so if manure water be occasionally administered ; but where possible avoid systematic watering, as it induces the roots of the plants to remain near the surface in the expectation of that food artificially given to it at the stated time. Do not, however, let the plants suffer ; but a growth which mostly takes place in autumn when the nights are long and dews heavy rarely suffers for want of water. BiANcaiNa. — Many makeshifts are adopted for effecting this. The best thing is a common pantile ; but flower-pots and pans are often used, and sometimes slates or boards, the object being to exclude the light, without at the same time bruising the plant by tlie weight placed upon it, so as to cause it to decay and thus perish. It is also essential to have the plant dry at the time it is covered up, as extraneous moisture is hurtful to a plant undergoing a process which deprives it of much of its vitaUty. A few days generally suffice for blanching the requii-ed num- ber of plants, which must be selected as being the most forward in the plot, and showing symptoms of blanching themselves. So long as the weather keeps open the plants so treated in the open ground where they are growing are the best ; but when harder weather sets in another way must be adopted, and some should be taken up and stored away in any sheltered dry place where they can be had at all times. This subject brings us to the next point in the treatment of the plant. Peotectikg in Sevebe Winter Weather. — As abeady said, some protection is necessary when several days* frost may be expected in succession. For this purpose a dry, open shed, with one side perfectly open, is as good as anything. Plants which have been previously tied up on a dry day should be taken up with good balls, bedded in here tolerably thick, and, imless the weather be very severe, they will require very little other protection ; but if it does, it is easy to place some mats or straw over the plants. Batches of plants may be brought in as required, as it is advisable to have some under cover aU the winter. A frame with glazed lights is also a good place, and such pro- tections are often wanted for something else in winter; but a cold pit, whether of turf sides or brickwork, with wooden shutters instead of glazed lights, answers very well, and such a pit is very useful for other purposes. Sometimes a few thatched hurdles placed over the plants where they are growing will save them to a great extent, but not so well as where more pains are taken to exclude severe frosts. Many other contrivances for providing temporary shelter are likewise resorted to. Concluding Remarks. — The above means of protection are usually adopted with the Curled varieties, and the plain Bata- vian may be subjected to the like treatment ; but being very hardy, it also does pretty well out of doors. Where there is the accommodation of a frame and lights, or lights for a cold pit, or even only thatched hurdles or wooden shutters for the cold pit. Lettuce instead of Endive is often indulged with the space ; still Lettuce never blanches to such a true white colour, so that its appearance at table is not so good as Endive when in first-rate condition. However, the taste of the parties requiring the article will decide the respective claims of the two vegetables, both being useful and both deserving protection. A dish of finely-blanched Endive set round with slices of Bed Beet of the richest and best colour is of itself as ornamental aa many vases of flowers are at the dull period of Christmas. Some other adjuncts, as small salading, etc., help the general effect of a dish of salad ; but the pure whiteness of Endive and the Bed Beet contrast strongly together. Let, therefore. Endive have its due, and by-ond-by perhaps the hunters after novelties in the ornamental-plant way may turn their attention to this one, and give its present graceful foliage a variegated or other ornamental form. Though the poetic name of Fern cannot bo attached to it, possibly its attractive features may rival those of that popular family ; but this is apart from the duties of the kitchen gardener, and need not be entered into here. J. Eobson. AMMONIACAL LIQUOE A DESTEOYEE OF CATERPILLAES. I TRIED the following, eight days ago, as a last shift. I sent for a barrel of ammoniacal liquor from the gas-works. To every gallon of the liquor I put five gallons of water, and boiled it all together ; then I syringed my Gooseberry trees all over with the liquor as hot as I could boar my hand in it. The following evening I syringed with warm water, and am very rejoiced to say the trees were not only uninjured but looked refreshed and the caterpillars destroyed. I gave my Roses the same washing, and find them looking well after it. — T. C, Suddersfield. ["Upvtakds and Onwards" reported some time since that he had adopted this remedy successfully.] Steawbebeies. — The proper plan to follow with forced Strawberry plants is to plant them in rows 3 feet apart. This was the plan adopted here last summer, and I never have seen Juno 10, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTIAGB QABDENER. 193 anything bo magniOcant as the promise for tbi» eeason. As forced plants bear another crop the first season, in October it is as well to pinoli oil" the bloom. — SCKUXAToa. LASTREA V. LASTB^A-llHODODENDEON BOOTHII. I AM glad to sea you are converted to my notions as to the orthography of Lastroa. 1 Iiave rested solely upon the fact that Lasirea is the name Prcsl gave to tlu genus when he founded it. The fact which you mention of Bory having origuially written the word in the same way, and not LastraM, as he did after- wards, which fact, not having the books at hand to refer to, I had forgotten when I first wrote to you, I take, however, as a clincher to tlie argument. I must also t ike exception to Mr. Beaton's remark about the yellow Rliododendrou, so far as it implies a censure on me. I did not say anything about R. Boothii suiting his correspon- dent, or being the right shade of yellow for any particular object ; I merely said it was a yellow without the tawny shade, which is the fact. — Delta. [If wo said anything Justifying our correspondent in con- cluding that he might rejoieu in our conversion, we most cer- tainly expressed what is contrary to the fact. So far are we from repentance that we are har..Iened in our first conviction, that Lastras.^ is the authorisol orthography. Bory adopted it as what he considered the more correct spelling — a conclusion he came to two years after he had taken the name for a genus. Presl took the name from Bory, thouglt he included tmder it different species, and the etiquette of nomenclature decides that Bory's amended mode of spelling should be retained. If asked whether Lastrea or Lastreea is essentially most correct, wo reply we know of no grammatical rule against either, and if there is any rule which ought to govern that case we showed last week how botanists set all such rales at defiance.] CULTURE OF THE PINE APPLE. {Concluded from page 162.) INSECTS AND DISEASES. The insects that prey upon the Pine Apple are the white scale (Aspidiotus nerii), the mealy bug (Coccus adonidum), and the brown turtle scale (Coccus testudo). The first and second are the most injurious and most difficult to entii'ely banish from the plants and houses infested with it. The first adheres closely to the leaves, feeding upon them, the females seem lifeless and never move, though the males are more active, and to all appearance have wings to move about with. The females lay their eggs under their bodies, and then die, the scale protecting the eggs. The mealy bug is not so sluggish, it lays its egg< and then works a covering for them like a mealy woolly powder, which is im- pervious to water. I have seen Pine Apples infested with tliis insect so much that the fruit could not be sent to table till it was washed many times in warm water and brushed with a hard brash to clean the nasty-looking filth off the Applo and crown, thus spoiling, in a great measiire, the appearance and flavour of the fruit. It is almost omnivorous ; feeding upon, besides the Pine Apple, the Vine, the Orange, and almost all the plants inhabiting the stove, concealing itself in the soil of the pots, the bark of tlie sliruba, and crevices in the woodwork of the houses : hence, where it abounds much labour and persevering attention are requisite to entirely destroy it. Many operators think if they clean the plants once thoroughly they have rid the plants of these pests, but in a very few months they will, to their grief and astonishment, find the insects almost as numerous as ever : hence, they doubt the efficacy of the means used, and in despair the infected plants are destroyed, and tlie houses thrown open for a year in hopes that with a newly-painted house, and a set of fresh clean plants, the enemies will be completely eradicated, destroyed, and banished for ever. Yet if one pair escapes or is introduced on some new exotic, in the course of a few years even this so-called radical cure will be found to be fallacious. I have had Pine plants under my care as much infested with these insects as any I ever saw ; hut witlt untiring perseverance I was in time suceessful in clearing the plants entirely from them. The first step I took was to remove every plant out of the house, I then had all the old bark taken out and the walls of t!ie pit whitewashed with lime slacked with boiling water and laid on as hot as possible. To bo doubly sure I had this wliitewash- ing dono twice over, so that not a crack or a crevice escaped this, to insects, and even their c(.'ge, destructive fluid. All the other walls were treated in a similar manner. Then the wood- woi-k underwent a hard scrubbing with a stilf brush dipped continually in soft soap and water, and finally the floors wore flooded over with boiling water, brushed over, and afterwards mopped-up and dried. The house was then, to use a homely proverb, as clean as a now-scraped Carrot. The best season for tliis thorough cleansing is the month of May, because then the Pine plants can bo placed in a shed for a few days without sustaining uuicli injury. If, indeed, there are Vinos on the rafters that time will be inconvenient, and in such a case tlio cleaning can only he done when the Vmes can be turned out of doors, which in Pine-stoves generally can be managed by tho end of August. Before the Vines are brought in again th-^y should be pruned and washed over with the mixture de:?cribed below for tho Pines. Vv^liilst the whitewashing, &c., was in operation, the Pine plants were subjected to a similar dressing, only instead of hot lime and hot water they were thoroughly washed with the following mixture : — 1 lb. brown soap cut in small pieces, 1 lb. soft soap, J lb. flowers of sulphur, and half a gallon of tobacco water. The soaps were dissolved in boiling water till all was made liquid, then I added the sulpliur and tobacco water, and as much water as made the whole into five gallons. This mixture was boiled for about a quarter of an hour, and when it had cooled a little a pint of spirits of turpentine was poured into it, for 1 found if the spirit was boiled its strength partly evaporated. Previous to applying this medicated strong liquid I had every plant carefully looked over, and every visible insect rubbed oif cautiously, so as not to scratch or bruise the leaves, with a bast-mat brush made of bast cut into short lengths and tied tightly to a smooth stick about 18 inches long. Wh.en this was completed the mixture was applied with a small sponge tied also to a stick, and every part of the plant was thoroughly wetted. The sponge does not scratch the leaves as a hair brush would do. I have frequently found these insects on the roots of the Pine plants, and also in the soil : therefore, to be certain of getting rid of them entirely, I had the soil all shaken off the roots, and all dead roots cut off. The living roots were then dipped in the mixture in a tepid state, and wiien they T^ere dry I had them repotted in clean pots and fresh soil, and placed them in a warm room or house till the bed was ready to receive them. That bed was made of all fresh spent tanner's bark, or if leaves were used, altogether of leaves fresh from tho heap. Both (he tan and the leaves were duly prepared by being kept moderately diy and in a fermenting state at the time I used them. As soon as the pit was filled the plants were set upon the tan, and only half plunged for fear of its becoming too hot and scalding the i-oots. The house was then kept rather close, and a moist atmosphere kept up to start the Pme plants into fresh growth. They were not syringed for several days, to give the mixtvu-e fuU power on the insects. As stove plants are generally grown in the Pine-stoves, I subjected them also to this thorough cleansing, washing every hard-leaved one with the mixture. Soft-leaved plants I put under a hand-glass placed on a warm flue, and on the tlue within the hand-glass I set a saucer containing spirits of tur- pentine or spirits of wine. If this was not effectual the first time, I did it a second time, and that was certain to kill every insect. After this washing and steaming was done I treated the stove plants in a simdar -.vay to that adopted with the Pines — that is, I shook off as much of the old sod as I thought safe, aud re- potted every plant in fresh proper soil, using only very clean pots, and then I placed them in tho Pine-stove in the spot whore they had been before. As this somewhat severe treatment naturally gave them a check in their growth, tho roof of the house was shaded daily whenever ti;e sun was shining ; but the moist air and fre^h soil soon set them growing, and then less and less shade was given, and the Pine and stove plants were regularly syringed every warm evening. That syringing soon washed off the mixture, and then the plants looked fresh and green, and as healthy as. need be. Afterwards they were watched constantly, and if any insects showed themeelves they were instantly doiroyed. By this method I perfectly succeeded in clearing tlie plants ofinsecti 194 JOUEIfAL OF HOETIOULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. [ June 10, 1862. of every kind, and by a careful attention afterwards I prevented their re-appearance. Some writers liave strongly recommended the fumes arising from horsedung in a state of fermentation, as a destructive agent to use against the scale and bug on Pine plants. I have no doubt that agent will answer the purpose, and as ammonia is the main gas that escapes from, or is gener.ited by the manure, it seems probable to me that the ammoniacal gas liquor so abundantly obtained in our gas-works now-a-days, would be better than spirits of turpentine or wine to put amongst my mixture. It has been found destructive to many kinds of insects that prey upon our vegetables, and why should it not be equally destructive to such tenacious insects as infest tlie Pine Apple ? Worms sometimes prevail both in the pots and amongst the bark in the pit. These 1 effectually destroyed with lime water, which is made by pouring water upon imslacked lime, and allowing it to stand till it is quite clear. Woodlice and ants are also sometimes troublesome. Both feed upon the ripe fruit. The former may be destroyed by setting traps of Cabbage leaves laid on the tan ; and every morning have ready a pan filled with boiling water, and then lift up the leaves and pour on the woodlice the scalding liquid, which kills them instantly. Ants are more difficult: I used to lay fresh bones here and there, and go in of an evening, taking up the bones and throwing them into a vessel of hot water, which effectually finished them. A toad or two kept in the houses devour hundreds of these pests. By persevering in the above remedies the Pine-stoves may be kept clear of insects, and thus the plants kept in good health. Diseases. — The Pine Apple is never diseased, at least I have never observed any. M0NTHL1 TABLE OF TEMPEEATUEES. For the instruction of the amateur I append a monthly table of the average heat required for the Pino Apple. With Sun Niglit. Day January ... 65 . . 60 February ... 55 . . 60 JIarch 60 . . fiS April 60 . . 70 May 60 . , 75 June 65 . . 75 heat. 65 65 70 75 80 85 Kight. July 65 August 65 September 60 October 6ii November 55 December 55 With Sun Day. heat 75 75 70 65 60 EG Whenever the thermometer rises above these figures then give air, unless it is very frosty in the winter months. T. Appleby. DESTEOYING THE GOOSEBEEEY CATEEPILLAE. TnEKE has been, and still is, much said respecting the de- struction of the Gooseberry caterpillar. It is a universal plague to all gardeners, whether of the mansion or the cottage : there- fore, a knowledge of an eflectual mode of destroying it must be regarded as a great boon. WeU, when I found the pest on my bushes this spring, I referred to several volumes of The Cottage Gaedknee, and to the new series, and in Yol. XX. of The Cottage Gaedenee, page 23, I found a most effectual receipt, the efficiency of which has been proved by upwards of twenty years' experience. It is as follows :— Get a tub that will hold 25 gallons or 30 gallons, put into it 2 quarts of tar and 7 lbs. of common washing soda ; pour a few gallons of boiling water on it, stir it until the soda is dissolved, when the far will mix with and be held in solution by the water, then fill the tub with cold -water, and it is fit for use. Having mixed the solution I syringed the bushes affected by the caterpillars, which utterly destroyed them all. This is one amongst the many valuable hints I have received from your pubhcatiou.— J. Candlik, Gardener to C. Fkon, Esq., Thetford. DOTTGLAS Fie— Gum Trees.— It seems that the enormous length of the great flag-staff of Douglas Fir from Vancouver's Island, also noticed in last month's " Proceedings," is likely to prove an insurmountable obstacle to its ever reaching these shores. The last advices are to the effect that no vessel at Vancouver's Island was large enough to take it. An equally great curiosity as to length is, however, to be seen in tlie Western Middle Arcade, in a spar of a Gum tree, from Tasmania, 230 feet long, although it is infinitely inferior in value, and wants a great part of its interest from not being in one piece. It is only about half a foot square at its base, and extends the whole length of one of the lofty New Holland Gum trees, or Eucalypti, the top portion still retaining its bark ; and although its small diameter gives a most inadequate idea of the tree itself, still it serves to impress forcibly enough upon the mind what a tree of 230 feet in length really is. The species which has produced it is Eucalyptus viminahs, or tlie wliite swamp Gum. There are two other most amazing logs placed in the ante-garden as seats, also from Tasmania, the one 90 feet in length, 18 inches in breadth, and 6 inches deep, cut from the Eucalyptus globulus, or Blue Gum of Tasmania ; the other from the Eucalyptus giganteus, the stringy bark of that dependency, 80 feet in length, 18 inches broad, and 7 inches deep. There are three other immense planks from Western Australia not yet placed, also of the Eucalyptus, or Gum tree tribe, which, although not so long, are scarcely less startling from their breadth, one being 24 feet long, 3 feet broad, by 7 inches deep ; another, 28 feet long, 4i feet broad, 5^ feet deep ; and the third, 28 feet long, 3 feet 9 inches broad, by 5 inches deep. — {Moyal Horticultural Society's Proceedings.) ECONOMY OF FUEL. The importance of the heading which I have affixed to this communication will, I think, be acknowledged on all hands ; and more particularly by those who, in the pursuit of their horticultural tastes, find the item a heavy one. An idea has just struck me by which, I thint, a most important saving might be effected. In all furnaces, and more particularly the boiler furnaces employed in horticulture, a large amount of heat is absorbed by the brick setting, and to utilise that is the object of my idea. I would propose for that purpose the employment of a tubular boiler, such as Ormson's or Weeks', around which, at a sufficient distance to permit of free action to the fire, should pass an iron jacket ; and between this again and the brick setting a space of say 6 inches all round, constituting a hot-air chamber, to be employed on the Kiddean plan. — M. G. Cunningham. [We are obliged for your idea ; but so far as credit is con- cerned, we fear that what is good in the proposed plan is not new, and what is new is not so simple and economical as it seems. Boilers in general are expensive enough in themselves, but your iron jacket fitted to pass tightly and air-proof over pipes, &c., would pretty well be the expense of a second boiler. Anything like thin iron would be out of the question. It would soon warp and burn out, and where then would be the use of the chamber? In furnaces much used, even furnace-bars soon wear out. Those formed of tubes and holding water will, with fair treatment, last much longer than the common iron bars ; but it is questionable if a fire will burn bright so quickly over them. The heated air from such a jacket, when red hot or nearly so, would require much mollifying before it went among any plants whatever. We certainly should prefer a Polmaise or Kiddean furnace to the iron jacket. The more nonconducting the material surrounding a furnace-fire the better. When such substances as fire-brick or Welsh lump are used for containing a fire of any kind, from being slow conductors of heat they do not rapidly convey this away from the fuel, as is the case with iron and other quick conductors of heat : consequently the fire is more easily lighted, and, when once fairly burning, not so liable to go out as when surrounded by metal. Anotlier advantage resulting from the use of nonconducting substances round a fire U that when once red hot they insure, when the fire is getting low, a more perfect combustion of the fuel and gases than metal. Tredgold in his "Principles of Warming and Ventilating" recommends that the slowest conductors of heat should be used for setting boilers, and that no more metal should be used than is absolutely necessary. Engineers to economise heat employ a jacket of felt or other non- conducting materials for cylinders much exposed to the air. Why not, therefore, use a fire-brick jacket for the fire instead of an iron one, which is about the very worst that could be used ? The inter- position of a body of air between an inner and an outer casing would then be very good indeed ; but no such air should be allowed to pass into the atmosphere of the house. There is nothing new in having a chamber over and round the setting of a boiler, instead of letting that heat go to ameliorate the general atmosphere. To prevent the heat absorbed by the brickwork passing into the surrounding medium, Mr. Fish has also recommended isolat- ing it by an air-tight chamber some 6 inches wide. Most of the heat then that was absorbed by the brickwork in setting would June 10, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENEU. 1U5 be r8diat«d baolt again on the boiler, instead of being conducted to the surrounding earth or other medium. After all the loss of heat thus sustained is trifling in comparison to what passes through the chimney. It is here that the great robber of heat is to bo found. One great saving in a large boiler heating many Iiouses, arises from the fact that there is only one robber instead of many. No boiler can be so set as to prevent this loss altogether. The nearest approach to it is when a Hue is taken from the furnace to heat a separate part, or a separate house. Then a great portion of the heat will be absorbed before the smoke gets to the chimney. When the heated air after going round and round the boiler, or through it, and over it, and round it, goes then at once up a shaft, the most careful stoking and regulating of the damper will not prevent much heat escaping. Where fires are pitched on without much consideration, and dampers are left to take care of themselves, pretty well half the heat from the fuel goes to improve the temperature of the general Etmosphere. We should be glad if our ingenious correspondent would turn his attention to and devise a remedy for this huge loss. It was lately mentioned how by turning a small air-tap Mr. Beale knew at once if the supply-cistern were attended to. Placing the hand on the chimney or smoke-funnel of a hot-water apparatus, will furnisli in. its comparative coolness or warmth a test of the care exercised in firing and managing the damper.] SKIM.MIA JAPONICA UNFRUITFUL. Can you tell me the reason of Skimmia japonica not setting its berries ? I have about fifty healthy plants, which were loaded with bloom about the 15th of May, but it all fell without setting a berry. They have been planted two years, and are at the present time making vigorous growth. Twelve months ago they were loaded with berries, and, thinking they might weaken the plants, I took them oS', after which the plants grew with great vigour. — D. C. [The sama failure has happened with many plants this season, chiefly owing to the wet cloudy weather, and the blooms being too thick. Thinning might have prevented the dropping.] THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. (Continued from page 176.) 2071. Amies & Baefobd, FeterhorougTi. — The water ballast roller, of which we gave a favourable opinion in our report of the Royal Horticultural Society's Show, page 155. 2130. IIoKySBT, E., & Sons, Orantham. — Improved washing and wringing machine, substantially constructed and apparently very efBcieut in its action. The improvement principally con- sists in the introduction of a ribbed hollow bridge at the bottom of the oak box for containing the articles to be washed, by which means they are better inflated, prevented from becoming rolled up, and more efTectually rubbed. 21.56. MusQKATE, Bbothees, Ann Street, Belfast. — Iron piggery with iron feeding-trough. This is made entirely of iron, with an open back for placing against a wall ; the roof is of corrugated-iron, and arched, covering in a yard for the pigs, to which a good supply of air is admitted at the front and by lattice openings at the sides. The arrangement for filling the trough from the outside and emptying it of rain water, or for the purpose of cleaning, is excellent, insuring cleanliness and preventing waste. 2159. Nixes, W. G., 12, Solo Square.— KhleW a patent gar- den labels. Neat and apparently durable, consisting of a cast-iron frame in which the name is painted, and protected from the weather by a piece of glass. 2191. Tatlok, J., & Sons, Kensal Oreen. — Conservatory, toilers, and furnace-doors. The conservatory is of the span- roofed description, with upright sides and ends. Ample pro- vision is made for the admission of air, the whole of the side- sashes opening by a simple contrivance, and ventilation at top is effected by small moveable sashes on each side of the ridge, worked by a cord and pulley. Altogether it is a neat, plain, useful conservatory of no great size. Two boilers are shown j one is a modification of the common saddle kind, but with corrugated sides, and composed of two chambers, dividing the boiler horizontally in two ; the other is A tubular horizontal boiler having numerous small pipes at the eides of and above the fire, but principally the latter. 2193. Thompson, II. A., iejces.— Improved entrance gates. These are constructed of wood and iron, with cast-iron pillars, and no mortice or glue is employed. The whole is braced to- gether by iron bars— the top one an inch, the others half an inch in diameter ; and the edges of the woodwork being bevelled, the rain does not lodge upon it. They look much neater than the ordinary form of wooden gates, and appear peculiarly suit- able for park entrances. 2197. Ttler, H. & Co., Upper Whileeros-i Street.— OvaX tub garden engines of oak and galvanised iron on wheels, pail engines, and syringes of various sizes. 2198. Undebhill, W., Newport, Salop.— Qame and poultry fence, and tree guards. In these the upright wires pass through notches in horizontal straps of iron which extend lengthwise. They are remarkably cheap, and would very weU answer the pur- poses for which they are intended. 2200. Wabneb & Sons, Crescent, Cripplegate.— These well- known hydraulic engineers exliibit a variety of garden engines, syringes, pumps, watering-hose, and fountain jets of various patterns, all of which are well and solidly made. Wo also observed Spary's fumigator noticed last week; an improved water-barrow on cast-iron wheels, the suspended cistern of which is of galvanised iron, and capable of containing about thirty -five gallons of water ; and in another part of the building a double-action force pump mounted on wheels. This can be used for pumping water, distributing liquid manure, or as a small fire engine. It will throw a continuous stream of water to a considerable distance ; and the price being very low, it would be a valuable addition to any gentleman's house, even if useful for no other purpose than protection against fire. 2201. Weeks, J. & Co., King's Eoad, Chelsea.— Boilers, heating-stacks, and models of conservatories. The boilers are of the well-known powerful form seen in our advertising columns, consisting either of a double or single row of pipes accord- ing to size ; and the excellent appearance of the heating pedestal has been already noticed in our report of the Boyal Horticultural Society's Show. Of the models of horticultural buildings one is that of their own conservatory at Chelsea, with a number of other houses for various purposes, and the other represents a lofty curvilinear conservatory. 2208. Whitehead, J., Pres^n. — Brick-pressing machine. We mention this on account of the beautifully moulded bricks which it turns out, and which in building would present a very fine joint between the courses. The machine is in the form of a table on wheels, and has in its centre two mould- boxes, the bottoms of which are pistons, and a hinged lid serving to cover each alternately. A piece of clay is put into one of the mould-boxes, and the lid closed ; the man gives the wheel by which the pistons are worked a half turn ; the clay is pressed into the mould ; the lid is lifted, and the brick taken out. The same proceeding is repeated with the other mould-box, and so on alternately. It is stated that a man with two boys to feed the machine with clay and carry off the bricks as turned out can make 6000 bricks a-day, and that with a larger machine differing from this in the mode of feeding and delivery, double that quan- tity can be produced. 2025. Williamson, W. — Washing and wringing machines. These differ in principle from Hornsby's and other machines in the articles not being washed by a rotary or rocking motion of the receptacle itself, but by means of an open frame somewhat like louvre boarding. This, receiving an alternate backwards- and-forwards motion, and being jointed, a slight upwards-and- downwards one as well, squeezes and rubs the clothes, as far as we could judge, very effectually, and with but little exertion on the part of the person using the machine. It is made of various sizes differing somewhat in the arrangement of the moving power, and with or without rollers for squeezing the water out of the washed clothes. 2204. WiLLisoN, R., ^Z?oa.— Ventilator for vineries. It is stated that this apparatus was invented by Mr. W. Thomson, ol Dalkeith, and that it has been tested by him in a vinery with very satisfactory results. Every practical man is aware of the danger of admitting cold currents of air into hothouses, espe- cially those devoted to early forcing, in which at the same time a constant supply of fresh air is needed. To meet this difficulty the hot- water pipes in the front of the house are surrounded by a light iron or copper sheathing perforated on its upper surface with holes, a space being left between the pipe and slicathmg for the circulation of air. In connection with the sheathing a pipe provided vrith a regulatmg valve is carried to the outside of the 196 JOURNAL OF H0BTICULTt7RE AND COTTAaE &AEDENBR. [ June 10, 1862. houae; tlie air, being admitted though a grating at the extremity, passes between tlie sheathing and the hot-water pipe, and is, consequently, warmed in its progress before escaping by the per- forated holes of the casing. The idea is good and is deserving of trial, though we are not aware what the cost of tlie contrivance, which is to be patented, will be. 2405. Tayloe, J., JuK., Parliament Street. — Among other building contrivances are exhibited a coping of tiles for fruit-tree DvaUs, with the pieces readily joining into each other so as to form a continuous joint. These tUes might not only be used as a temporary shelter in spring, but also as a substitute for a regular coping. Their cost is not stated. The use of hollow-glazed tiles constituting a damp-proof course in buildings, as shown by this exhibition, is excellent. The tiles being open at both ends permit of a free passage of an- through the wall, and thus, no doubt, keep the part subjected to damp much drier than it otherwise would be ; whilst from the glazed material of which the tiles themselves are composed the ascent of damp is entirely prevented. The same exhibitor also shows an ornamental tile for permanent copiugs, which, if cheap and durable, will be useful; and a kitchen-garden drain and edging-tile in one, a gutter for the water being formed in the sole at the base of the upright portion. {To he contimied.) POETRAITS OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS. BoLBOPHYLLUji CUPEEUM (Copper-coloured BolbophjUum). — Kat. ord.j Orchidacea>. Linn., Gynaudria Monandria. Native of Manilla and Atraean. Flowers copper-coloured and smelling very like the root of Valerian. — (Botanical Magazine, t. 5316.) Ehododendbon polgens (Brilliant Rhododendron). — Nat. ord., Ericacete. Linn., Decandria Monoaynia. None of the Indian Rhododendrons can vie in colour with this. Br. Hooker aays it is the richest ornament of the Sikkini Himalaya, at elevations of from 12,000 feet to 14,000 feet. Flowers intensely crimson. Bloomed at Kewin AprU. — (Ibid., t. 5317.) PALisOT.i Babtebi (Mr. Barter's Palisota).^i\^a<. ord., Com- melynese. Linn., Triandria Monogynia. Found at Fernando Po in a grove of Oil-Palms. Colour of flowers there white, but in the stove at Kew they had a purplish tinge. It is almost stemless and herbaceous. — (Ibid., t. 5318.) Anthueiuji ScHEEZEElANirji (Scherzcr's Anthurium.) — Nat. ord., Orontiacete. Linn., Tetrandria Monogynia. Native of Guatemala and Costa Rica. Spadix and spathe brilliant scarlet. Bloomed at Kew in April. — (Ibid, t. 5319.) Obeodaphne 'califoenica (Californian Mountain-Laurel). — Nat. ord., Lauriuise. Linn., Enneandria Monogynia. " Fine evergreen and hardy tree, described by David Douglas as forming the greater part of the forests of California." The catnphor-like odour of these trees is so strong as to cause sneezing to those resting under their shade. The hunters make a tea of the leaves, which is stiinulatiug. — (Ibid., t. 5320.) EcniNOSTAOSYS PiNELiANA (Banded Echinostachys). — Nat. ord., Bromeliacea^. Linn., Hexandria Monogynia. Native of Rio Janeiro. Peduncle and bracts vivid crimson. The zebra- like stripes on the leaves are alluded to in the name " banded." {Ibid., t. 5321.) MnTisiA decuebens (Decurrent-leaved Mutisia). — Nat. ord., CompoeitiE. i!H»., Syngenesia Superflua. Native of the Andes of Cliili, sent to Messrs. Veitch & Son, o( Exeter and Chelsea, by their collector, Mr. Pearce. Flowers intensely orange. " As a hardy climbing evergreen this plant is a welcome addition to our gardens, irrespective of the interest attaching to its curious structiue. Its hardiness seems to be well established, inasmuch as it had vrithstood without the least injury the severe winter of 1860-61, at Exeter, where it had been subjected to 26° of frost ; and at Messrs. Veiteli & Son's, Combe Wood Nursery, Surrey, it has since stood unharmed through the last winter. It is stated to be a plant of easy cultivation. The specimen from which the flowers were obtained having been merely planted out in good SOU against a north-west wall, where it had made vigorous prowth, and had perfected many of its brilliant flowers." — {Florist and Nomologist for June.) DiANTHUs nrBEiDns mbltifloeus (Many-flowered Pink). — Flowers rosy, very fragrant, and numerous. It blooms freely and grows freely. In a greenhouse without heat it blooms in April. Raised bv Messrs. Hendersou, Wellington Road Nursery, St. John's Wond.— (ZJi(?.) Gerajjicm Miis. Pollock. — One of the zone-leaved varieties. Centre green, with next to it a crimson zone, and an outside one of bright yellow. — (Floral Magazine, Plate 101.) DoUBLE-FLOWEEED CHINESE Peimeose. — Two varieties of this double form, Delicata, white, tinged delicately with flesh- colour, and Mubra grandiflora, a deep crimson. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, nurserymen, Dulwich,had a first-class certificate awarded to them for the last-named by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.— (/iirf., 102.) Nemophila Elegant, a variety of N. discoidalis. Flowers deep purple or maroon, bordered conspicuously with white. Raised accidentally by Messrs. Charlwood & Cummings, Florists, Covent Garden. The Floral Committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society gave it a label of commendation, and it is mentioned in their " Proceedings " as " an annual desirable for general cul- tivation."—(/iirf, 103.) Azalea Due D'Aeembekg.^" Flowers of good form and substance, of a delicate salmon pink colour, with a broad distinct margin of white, and dashed with red. Upper petals at their base spotted with red." — {Ibid, 104.) PROTECTION OF SMALL BIRDS IN SWITZERLAND. I MXfST thank you and your correspondents for taking up the cause of the small birds so valiantly. It is indeed of national importance. Having resided for some years at Geneva, I know fuU well the direful effects of killing these useful protectors of the crops. The Genevese were just awakening to a sense of duty ; just finding out the use of them, aud imploring the people not to kill any more. Edicts in the name of Marc Viridet were ou all the walls warning the people ; not to much purpose I am afraid. — Paielin. [The names of the trees you mention, are Arauearia imbricata, and Sumach, Rhus coriaria.] THEORY OF COLOUR, AND THE INFLUENCE OF LIGHT ON VEGETABLES. (Continued from page 135.) We have already mentioned that colours depend wholly upon the reflection and absorption of light by the apparently- coloured object; but it should also be understood that this result depends upon the chemical constitution of the particular substance : hence the inquiry into the cause of vegetable colours becomes also a chemical one; and from certain well-known chemical laws these colours must have a definite constitution : therefore, when any change of colour takes place there must also be a chemical chauge of constitution. It was likewise mentioned that chlorophyllite, the green- colouring matter of plants, depends for its formation on the action of the solar rays. Many circumstances concur in leading us to this conclusion. Everybody has observed the difi'erence between a plant growing in the full enjoyment of light, and of one growing in some obscure corner where that agent is partially or totally excluded ; the former is of brilliant tints, the other of a pale sickly colour. It is, therefore, quite obvious that a plant kept always excluded from the light must have a dUTerenee in its composition. The function of the leaves and other green parts of vegetables is to absorb carbonic acid, and, with the aid of light and moisture, to appropriate its carbon. These processes are in continual operation ; they commence with the formation of the leaves, and do not cease with their perfect development. But when hght is absent, or, during night, the decomposition of carbonic acid does not proceed — nay, carbonic acid is emitted, and oxygen gas is absorbed. The effects of darkness upon some vegetables are very remark- able ; so much indeed is this the case that the most common plants have, when they have vegetated in the dark, deceived even the practical botanist. Professor Robinson mentions that iu visiting a coal-pit he found a plant with large white foliage, and which was quite new to him. It was left at the mouth of the pit for a few days, when the subterranean leaves died away, and common Tansy sprang from the root. From the facts already noticed it would appear that the green- colouring matter of vegetables depends upon a peculiar substance existing in the vegetable, not absolutely essential to the plant, Jane 10, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTaRB AND COTTAaB OARDENEE. 197 ■nor invariably present, and depending on circumstances, but which is at the same time best for the health and well-being of the plant. Though green is unquestionably the predominating colour in the vegetable kingdom, and exception to this i- found in that freok of Nature — variegation, this variegated form of leaf is particularly observable in the Geranium family, which is now so extensively employed in the present style of (lower gar- dening, producing a fine effect when judiciously arranged in combination with strong colours ; but all attempts to trace the cause of variegation to its origin have hitherto proved abortive. Several very interesting papers on this subject have appeared from time to time in the pages of this Journal — paper; fraught with instruction, and containing many useful liinta to future workers in the same Cold. By some the cause of variegation has been ascribed to disease ; but depend upon it, it is a mistake. As facts accumulate on our hands, the results of actual experiment, and the attentive and careful investigation of these facts as they are presented to us, the more iirmly are we convinced that disease is not the cause of variegation. The results of several attempts to produce variegation by artificial means — (in which I suc- ceeded to a certain extent, but the reeults were not sulUciently satisfactory to draw definite conclusions from, and I shall, there- fore, try again before saying anything of the means used to produce the diversity of colour in the leaves of plants) — from a number of facts elicited in these attempts, I am strongly inclined to believe that an appeal to chemistry would be a step in the right direction towards a solution of this perplexing problem. We may rest assured that there is more than one operating cause producing this discolouration of the leaf, but I cannot perceive that the disease tlieory is supported by a single fact. Is it not anomalous to suppose that diseased parents should be capable of producing a healthy offspring ? and yet numberless experiments prove this to be a fact. In my experiments I have always had a greater number of plain-leaved varieties from a cross between two variegated-leaved Geraniums tlian from one between Tom Thumb and a variegated-leaved one. Now, assuming disease to be the cause of variegation, one would expect the reverse of this to be the case — that by im- parting fresh life to a diseased plant by means of a healthy variety we should imagine that the disease would be at least mitigated, if not extinguished. From a batch of seedlings obtained from a cross between Hendersonii and the Countess of Warwick, both variegated varieties, three-fourths were as free irom variegation as Tom Thumb, and certainly quite as robust, some of them a good deal more so ; five more were slightly variegated — ^just enough variegation to swear by and no more, and even this entirely disappeared with one season's cultivation. Surely these facts bear strongly against disease being the cause of variegation in plants. In the animal kingdom certain diseases are hereditary in some families ; and it has been proved beyond a doubt that this peculiar form of disease will descend from one generation to another, stUI retaining its original character, fre- quently disappearing in one generation and breaking out again in the next or succeeding one in all its original virulence, making it evident that the taint had been communicated, and, though not showing itself, was still lurking in the system of the individual. Now, if we admit of any analogy between the diseases of plants and animals, it it not unreasonable to suppose that by crossing the progeny of diseased parents one with another, that the disease would become more apparent ; but in a majority of instances the reverse of this is the case. But after all that has been said, both for and against disease as being the cause of variegation in plants, they exhibit no symptoms of un- healtliiness in growth and habit, unless they are planted in poor soil, and otherwise maltreated. True, they are generally more dwarf than the plain-leaved sorts ; but we do not see how dwarfness of habit can be regarded as indicative of disease. In the animal world it is no uncommon thing to see several individual members of a family almost positive dwarfs compared with their parents, and they live in the full enjoyment of health and strength physically and mentally. — J, Dunn. (To be continued.') damage has been sustained by Messrs. Waterer & Godfrey's noble specimen plants, the replacing which with plants equally fine will probably take years to accomplish. On previous occasions we called attention to the insecure and altogether discreditable character of this tent, which caused us to fear a catastrophe such as (his. Wo trust that out of the evil which has occurred good may yet arise, and that the Society will altogether abandon the use of tents. RorAL HOETICTOTTJEAL SOCIETY'S AmeHICAN PlANT ShOW. — We regret to learn that this magnificent exhibition has been brought to an abrupt termination by the tent with which it was cavered being blown down by the late high winds. Much NOTES FEOM BURMAH. I AM delighted to tell you that I have shot a rhinoceros, I believe the only one that has been killed by any Kuropean either in the Manfabau or Tenasserim provinces. Some have been killed by Col. Fytche, our Commissioner at Moulmein ; but ho got his up the Irrawaddy river above Bassein. He is a most daring sportsman. He was out after elephants some time since, and came upon one very large one with tusks some 10 feet in length. He got up close to him, but rather behind him ; knelt down until he turned a little on one side ; when suddenly the elephant smelt him, and, raising his trunk, beat the bush close to the Colonel. The latter, not being enabled to shoot, the elephant caught him with his trunk, and sent him up some 30 feet among the boughs of some neighbouring trees, gun and all. This was considered rather a narrow escape, especially aa this particular elephant, which is said by the natives to be more than a hundred years old, is a very cool fellow. He waa one day eating a poor man's Sugar Canes, and the owner got a gun and went up into a house close to the Cane plantation on the outskirts of a village, and had a shot at him. But this only enraged the elephant, which entered the village and pulled down ten of the native huts. But about my rhinoceros. I went towards tbe sea-coast, about two-thirds down the river, and then to the right across the narrow strip of land, which is about seven miles in width, from the river to the sea. The first two days I was unsuccessful ; but on the third day I came upon some fresh tracks, snd heard the beasts on the hill above me. I ascended, and started them without getting a shot, but followed ; and soon one of the two hiding himself in some thick bushes about 30 yards away, I raised my rifle, and put the ball through the arteries of the neck, when he fell on the spot. He was a fine male, not quite full grown, biit very handsome. The Burmese danced round me and pulled me by the arm, saying they had never seen anything done so well before. He was 13 feet 6 inches in length, and the skin was as much as six men could carry, the head being a good load for two. This rhinoceros was of the one-horned species ; but we have the double-horned kind in the lower part of the provinces below Unequi. I am going out again after the rhinoceros as soon as the monsoon is well over and the jungle a little thinned by the fall of the leaf. The Burmans are very fond of the flesh of the rhinoceros, and use the blood as a specific in all diseases. I shot him through the neck, and hit both carotids, so that when we went up to him the blood was spouting out from both sides. Pieces of Bamboo were soon cut, and the blood collected for the lame, the halt, and the blind. I shot him on the side of a low range of hiUs, on the shady side of which they are generally found in the day, but go down to the swamps in tlie night to wallow in the mud. The single-horned is by far the handsomest of the two kinds of rhinoceros, the double not having the "coat of mail" skin, but one more resembling that of a bufi'alo. The horns are only attached to the skin, not to the bone as in other horned animals. I am considered a regular Gordon Gumming amongst the Bur- mese, and can get any number of them I require. I have not yet received the Eosc-cuttings. I want principally Perpetuals and some of the Tea-scented, as Devoniensis, a sulphur colour. I really think any cuttings would live in a small open-mouthed glass bottle, or in six pieces of glass fastened together, forming a miniature Ward's case. With a little mois- ture, put in a small wooden box and sent through the post, I think Fuchsia cuttings may also be tried as well as Roses. I am afraid you will think me very troublesome, but it iviil bo a very great success should they grow, as it has never, I think, been tried before. I find the Pink, Carnation, and I'icotee will do here. Some seeds of good or first-rate would be most accept- able. The latter is now grown with a white instead of a yellow ground. These would be much prized here. — B. H., Tavoy, Tenasserim Provinces. 198 JOTTENAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 10, 1863. DISCOVEEY OF MUSA VITTATA. In his report of the Eojal Horticultural Society's Exhibition, Mr. Beaton says Musa Tittata was introduced to Kew by their own collector ; but I see by the June Number of the " Proceed- ings " of the Society, just received, that this beautiful plant was " introduced by Mr. W. Acterman to the nursery of M. Van Houtte, of Ghent, from St. Thomas, a small island in the Gulf of Guinea," page 361. Who is right^ — Mr. Beaton, or the authority of the Royal Horticultural Society ? — K. [On referring this question to Mr. Beaton himself, he answers as follows :— "Perhaps we are both right, but the 'Proceedings' are certainly wrong in the statement. M. Van Houtte did intro- duce the plant to the Continent ; but before his collector was aware of its existence, there were a number of plants of it on the way home for Kew Gardens — the very plants I reported on from the different nurseries. I do not think this side of the question needs that I sliould give the information respecting the way both the collectors discovered Musa vittata, but I know it. I also know something of plant-collecting in many parts, and of the difficulty of having everything as it ought to be in ' Proceedings.' — D. Beatok."] KNOBS OK YUCCA EECUEVA. I HAVE some Yucca recurva that I wish to increase. One of them has had for two years past three large knobs showing through the ground, but as they do not break into leaf I feel inclined to take away the surrounding mould, and slightly pull them from the old stock, £illing-in with the fibre. — H. B. [Do not pull them off, but cut off clean if you can, and smear the part with charcoal-dust. Most likely these knobs if potted wUl give you a number of plants.] DESTKOYTNG MAKCHANTIA CONICA ON TUEF. The turf, say 40 feet square, in my suburban garden is over- grown with Marcbantia where always in the shade. Is there any mode of destroying it ? I have heard of wood ashes. — M. D. P. [We have little faith in the wood ashes unless you drained the ground, and that would take away what this Liverwort feeds on' — the stagnant moieture. If this were done, and the ground dressed with quicklime, we think you would get rid of the annoyance.] SAVING STEAWBEBEY PLANTS FEOM GEUBS. A coKEESrONBENT from Bolton-le-Moors complains that the "black hot" (or grub of the daddy-longlegs), is eating up his vegetables. I also find that I have a great quantity in my garden, for about three weeks ago I perceived the flower-stalks of my Strawberries falling down, half eaten off at the bottom. Upon removing the soil from about the roots of a plant I per- ceived a number of bots. I immediately procured some lime slaked to a fine powder and placed some round every plant, since which they have done hem no damage. — A. Q. Death op Mk. John Edwards. — By this event, which took place last week, the floricultural world has lost one who, both as a cultivator and a judge, held a very high position. I well remember paying him a visit when he resided at HoUoway, in the year 1847, and was much struck with the zeal and energy with which he had carried out his favourite pursuit. I believe he commenced as a florist about seven years before that as a grower of Pinks and Pansies ; but, like most of the fraternity, one thing led him on to another, and soon Tulips, Roses, Dahlias, Carnations and Picotees, and Auriculas were added. At one time Azaleas, Orchids, stove and greenhouse plants also received his attention ; but, alas ! that ever-spreading monster, our great metropoUs, coveted his garden, and then devoured it. His collection was sold, and villas occupied the once-blooming garden. He, however, continued a most valuable and active member of the various London horticidtural societies ; and for many years was the diligent and painstaking Secretary of the National Floricultural Society, until it became defunct, in con- sequence of the establishment, on a broad and liberal basis, of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. He also acted as judge at the metropolitan exhibitions in the department of florists' flowers ; and having been associated with him in that capacity, I have 'often been struck with the intuitive perception he seemed to have in looking over a number of stands, where the merit really was. Beyond this 1 knew but little of him personally ; but I have ever heard him spoken of as one whose opinion in his own special line few would gainsay^ — D., Deal. OXALIS ELEGANS (Elegant Wood-Sokkel) Nat. Ord., Oxahdaceoe. Linn., Decandria Pentagynia. — A very showy, half-hardy, tuberous-rooted perennial, with trifoUate leaves, the leaflets of which are deltoid, or sub-rhomboid, and glabrous. There are two varieties, in one of which the under side of the leaves is a purple tint, in the other green ; the latter has the flowers somewhat smaller, but brighter coloured than those of the other variety. The flower-scapes grow 9 inches o» a foot high, bearing an umbel of from six to ten flowers, of five broad, oval-clawed spreading petals, rose purple, with a very dark pui-ple eye ; in the smaller variety the blossoms are upwards of an inch across. These are likely to become valuable plants for the flower garden. Both varieties are from Columbia : Andes of Loxa, at an elevation of nearly 7000 feet. Introduced in 1848 by Messrs. Veitch & Son, of Chelsea and Exeter, tlirough their collector, Mr. W. Lobb. Flowers throughout summer and autumn. AECHITECTUEAL TEEEACES. BY n. NOEL HUMPHEETS, ESQ. I HAVE, in my last communication, shown how terraces may be produced at an exceedingly moderate expense, suitable to various styles of cottage and villa architecture, and it is on this moderate scale that suggestions for the formation of terraces wiU interest the greatest number ; but this most important feature of decorative gardening would be but imperfectly explained did we finish the series without alluding to terraces in their more palatial form, and in their noblest proportions. It is not always necessary to terrace effects, on the largest scale, that architectural decorations should be introduced ; for, by simple embankments, as suggested in our paper on cottage terraces, gardenesque fea- tures of a very noble character, and suited to residences of the Juno 10, 1863. j JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUBE AND COTXAGE GARDENER. 199 highest class, may be obtained. Tlie effects to bo produced near main terraces, by deep, massive Box-edginps, liavo been much neglected, and might bo revived with great clFeet ; but tliis feature must be cautiously used, and not carrier! too far, as, in tliat case, tlie attempts invariably sink into the meretricious — when, for instance, these cropped edgings are tortured into initial ciphers, or even enlire epigrams, as in some of the later Italian villas ; or to select a more modern instance, in the magnificent gardens of the late ICarl of Shrewsbury at Alton Towers — gardens reclaimed by art from land, which some years ago was no other than a barren waste — where, if my memory serves me correctly, a bust has been placed upon a marble column, in a conspicuous part of the ornamental gardens, at the base of which, the inge- nious and persevering spectator may decipher, in the cropped Box, the motto, "He made the desert smile,"* in honour of the late Earl of Shrewsbury, under whoso directions the improve- ments were effected. Such elaborate conceits are apt to make the spectator smile ; but they are not, as 1 have observed, with- out their precedent, for some of the finest of the Italian villas are disfigured by similar effusions, and to a much greater extent, of which several ridiculous and scarcely credible examples might be cited. Of the more architectural terrace, with its full complement of statuary, vases, fountains, &e., the villa Panfili Doria may be cited as an example. Of this magnificent specimen, the engrav- ing will convey a good general idea. As displaying the true feeling of the palatial terraces of the school, tlieso Italian villas are the safest, as they are the original models. I find in my Italian journal the following notes on these fine monuments of arcliitectural and gardcncsquo composition. The villas of the modern Romans merit the name of palaces, and form one of the most characteristic features of Italian scenery. Of those in the immediate vicinity of Home, that of the Borghesi family, which is the confiscated domain of the unfortunate Cenci, is tlie most important ; it is open to the public, and forms the Hyde Park of the Romans ; but neither Hyde Park, nor Kensington Gardens, nor (he Tuilleries, nor j \'er8ailles, can convey any idea of the peculiar cliarms of a Roman I villa. Tliere is a freshness of vegetation about the suburban delizie of Rome, that the neighbourhood of large towns always tarnishes, except in Italy. liut there, close under the walls of Rome, the Appenine Anemone, of various tints, brightly-coloured Scillas, the deep crimson Cyclamen, and many beautiful Orchids put forth their fragrant blossoms in early spring, as in the woody dells of the secluded country. The " sky-cleaving Cypress" shoots aloft its pointed or forked peak to a height equal to the Poplar of the north, and noble groves of Ilices, whose vast trunks spread above with groined branchwork into densely-matted foliage, form " A pillared shade "With echoing walks beneath." The peculiar character of the tufted heads of the Stone Pine?, too, grouping in picturesque masses with terraces, statues, and fountains, tend to invest Roman villas with a charm peculiarly their own. ,,... ; THE VIULA PANFILI DOIvIA. To return to the subject of our engraving. The villa Panfili Doria is next in importance to that of Borghesi among the villas near Rome ; but its somewhat greater distance, and unhealthy situation, cause it to be much less frequented. The palace itself is, on its exterior, almost entirely encrusted with antique alto- reliei'i, some of which are of the highest merit, and most exqui- site beauty. This is a luxury which cannot be imitated, except in Italy, where the sod still teems with the fragments of her ancient splendour, many of the finest of these relievi having been turned up in digging the foundation of the building. The whole of the composition of this palace and gardens — for the whole forms one harmonious design— is an excellent model for the careful examination of the modern student ; but the reduced dimensions of our engraving can convey but a very inadequate idea of the numerous and elaborate details. I find the following brief notices of one or two other villas in my journal, with which I shall conclude this article, which, though not strictly of a practical character, is yet, I think, cal- • I am not certain whether the vegetable literature may not be confined to initial cyphers, and ttic motto itseU* engraved on the ci'lumn ; if so, the ciphers serve the purpose of ilUietration equally well. culated to convey my opinion of the styles to be adopted in the higher class of terraces better than more mechanical definition. The villa Albani, perhaps, realises more than any other the dreams of the Italian villa that haunt the imagination before having seen Italy. It is chaste, and severely classic in its style, yet, withal, richly magnificent — a rare and difllcult combination. And to its intrinsic features the charms of position are super- added, the range of views from its marble terraces commanding the finest portions of the picturesque campagna, with its rugged lines of half-crumblmg aqueducts, and scattered groups of detached ruins. The gardens of the Borghesian villa, Mondragone, at Frascati, combine, to an unusual extent, the richness of immediately sur- rounding features with the result of art. The noblest views over the Appenine range, and the campagna, the latter extend- ing even to Rome, where the vast cupola of St. Peter's are seen describing a dim blue arch upon the hor'znu. The various and picturesque foreground offered by the rich marble terraces of Mondragone have not been overlooked by artists ; many distant views of Rome and of the ever-attractive campagna having been painted from this s^oL— (Gardener's Magazine of Botany.) 200 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 10, 1862. VINES IN A GLAZED COEHIDOK ENTRANCE. Tee entrance to my villa, now builcliiig, is through a glazed corridor (you can hardly call it a conservatory), the size being 29 feet in "length hy 6 feet 3 inches in width. The aspect of this is due south, and I think a few of the hardiest kinds of Yines, nicely trained to cover the roof, would have a pleasing efleet ; and likewise form a shade from the sun during the summer months. I do not care about the fruit so much as the efiect. If you approve of the plan would you put them into the front, and ao train them up the roof? or would they be better put on ' the back wall and trained on this, and then brought down the sloping glass roof? — A Stjbsceibee. [We have no doubt that Vines will answer admirably, and if you have pilasters or anything of that kind in front, the stems should go against them as well. We would in your cu-cum- stances not plant them against the back wall, as that might render the walls of the dining-room, &c., damp. We would prefer having tliera planted in front, and if the ground is well drained, and good soil used, there need be no eyesore, as you do not contemplate forcing. We would use six plants or so, and nothing would suit better than Black Ilamburghs ; or if you liked variety, say three of that and three of Royal Muscadine. We presume you have upriglit glass in front ; if not, and you did not like to break the ground there, two Vines may be planted at the entrance end, and they would soon go along the roof longitudinally. If the front is glass it would be best to plant in front ; if at the end, the roots of Vines in good soil will thrive well enough below the gi-avel of the drive.] WHY SMALL BIRDS SHOULD BE PROTECTED. I AM really gratified to find you are pleading a little in favour of the utility of small birds, and much wish also the feeling was as general as it should be. Perhaps, then, you will allow me a corner to give my experiences on the subject. For the last thirty years of my life my flower garden has been one of my chief hobbies ; and let me add, that the voluntary nesting therein of various small birds has greatly enhanced the pleasure as well as doubled its attractiveness to visitors, independently altogether of that far more important feature — their general utility. For the time named I have never been without several boxes pro- vided expressly for their accommodation, thus to induce their easily-attained nidiiication on my own premises. Whilst I am writing, a pair of Redstarts are feeding their young ones within sight of my breakfast-room window, and the hundreds of " daddy- longlegs " taken daily to their brood can scarcely be credited, save by witnessing it. From the earliest dawn to the last ray of evening they are continually taking supplies, not only of this most injurious insect during the time it remains a caterpillar, but also any description of butterfly or moth that is comeatable. Both the Redstarts and also the Grey Flycatcher have almost annually bred in these boxes, though from some unknown cause the latter have not even been seen iu tbie immediate neighbour- hood this summer. Both varieties of these insentile feeding birds are most amusing in their habits, and when they perceive they are not injured become, as incubation progresses, marvellously familiar. Their delight is to sit perched on a tall standard Rose, or any similar object that affords opportunity for a good look-out, and from this they dart at every insect that approaches. The chase of a butterfly is, perhaps, one of the most amusing of their habits, lasting in bright sunshine frequently for a minute or more, the butterfly dodging its heat incessantly, and the old birds re- peatedly stooping as hawks will do when in pursuit of their prey on the wing. The colours of the Redstart are under such circumstances seen to the greatest possible advantage. Gene- rally after captui-e, if by the male Redstart of any large insect, he wUl alight on the top or footboard of his nesting-box, place the still struggling fly under one foot, and sing a few notes of triumph before feeding his little ones. The Flycatchers are undoubtedly the more beneficial of the two, however, as being hy far the greatest feeders. The Robins almost always breed with me likewise ; but this season the Redstarts gained prior posses- sion of their favourite box, and the Robins, in extreme dudgeon, betook themselves to some adjacent Ivy ; for, most unusually, the Redstarts have even yet maintained the mastery all the season. Some twenty-three years back a pair of those very rare birds, the Spotted Flycatchers, built with me, and reared with success half a dozen young ones ; they proved far more active but much less confiding than the common Flycatcher. At that time I was collecting specimens for a small museum, still in my possession. After the Spotted FIjcat,chers had reared their young, the temptation to take the cock proved too strong for me, and he now stands preserved a silent monitor of reproof for an act I even then quickly regretted, and which I still view with like feelings. It is worthy of mention, that though several pairs came for a day or so the following spring — • most probably the old hen and her brood of the previous year — they passed on to safer quarters ; nor have I seen for many years a single living bird of this description. The boxes I use are about (i inches by 5 inches ; they are gabled, the one end having a hole to hang on a nail in the wall, the other being provided with a circular entrance about 2 inches in diameter. As the cats this year robbed me of a brood, to which by some alteration in the adjoining premises they unfortu- nately gained access, I purpose before another breeding-time to place on a single support square boxes to each hold four nests, to be placed in the open sulEeiently elevated to be above the leap of a cat, and have but little doubt they will soon be occupied, as for many years the Flycatchers bred within only a few inches of each other without any display of anger or unfriendliness ; a Robin also rearing its youug within a yard of the same spot, and simultaneously. The quantity of insects thus consumed by a single brood whilst yet unfledged is scarcely credible ; and the far-increased amount of sustenance they require for the several months they remain after leaving the nest must be even greater. I am well assured, also, that few individuals could be found who would not be in- terested m watching their movements ; and it should be borne in mind that no personal trouble is required : for the less the birds when resting are interfered with the better. An object of unusual interest to my late sister resulted from a Wren having built in the head of a tall standard Rose, a most unlikely spot certainly, being ulso close to a path ; yet the Wren carried out her purpose successfully, and the young ones proved very fami- liar up to winter time. Soite of my neighbours, who, at the outset, smiled at my hobby, are now following my example ; and our comparative freeness from blight I attribute almost exclusively to the increasing efforts of these little pets for hours prior to the generality of persons turning out to their gardening occupations. To those readers who can give this matter a fair trial in suit- able situations, I am sure the results will be both instructive and pleasurable. — Edwaed Hewitt, SjjarkbrooJc, Birmmgham. CUCUMBER MAGNOLIA (Magnolia acuminata). One of the most beautifid trees i". America is the Cucumber Magnolia, which grows abundantly in Knox Co., Ohio, in the neighbourhood of Mount Vernon. It is generally foimd on the higher lands along the ridges. It is t.'iU, of cone shape from the lower limbs to the top. The trunk is straight ; haik of dark ash colour. This tree bears a beautiful aromatic fruit, of deep scarlet red, oblong, from 4 inches to 6 inches long, 1 inch in diameter, which ripens about the 1st of September ; it opens its cells, and drops its seeds (which are about half the size of Per- simmon seed) late in October. The fruitlis considered an ex- cellent medicine, being a tonic, antiseptic, and stimulant, and is used successfully in cm'ing intermit tanfs. Perhaps this is one of the most beautiful trees on the continent. The fragrance of the fruit is delightful, equal to the Clove and other aromatic vai-ieties of the Islands. The leaves are as large OS your two hands, of heart shape. As an ornamental tree, this cannot be excelled. — J. Lloyd, in Valley Farmer (American). WORK FOR THE WEEK. EITCHEN GARDEN. Asparagus, to husband the strength of the grass for next year no more of the produce should be cut. Late and close cutting is one of the principal causes of weak grass. CauJiJlowers which are now forming to be watered and mulched with short litter, it will cause them to come close and compact ; the head when fully formed to be shaded from the sun by snapping the midrib of one of the leaves and bending it over the head. Celery, continue to plant successional crops into trenches ; take up the plants with as much earth about the roots as possible, and do June 10, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 201 not shorten any of tlio leaves. Immediately after planting give them a gooil soaking with water. Endive, make a sowing for llin main aiilnmn c-rop. Plant-out a few of the early-sowing, keep them watered if the weather is dry until they get roothold. Merhs, some of thciu will sliortly bo fit for drying, the best time for doing so is just as they are coming into llower. Lettuce, keep a quantity tiod-up for blaucliing. Make another sowing in drills where tliey are to remain. Potatoes, eartli-up tlie main crops in the garden immediately after the rain. Keep the ground between the rows loose. Spinach, sow a few rows for succession ; if the weather be dry water the drills before sowing, and again after covering them. FLOWEE aABDBX. There are two or three important points relating to the flower garden, whieliaro .sometimes wholly neglected, and at other times Tery inelEciently done. In the first place, the thinning of hardy annuals s'liould be more generally performed ; one of the chief causes of their remaining so short a time in flower may be traced to their being so thiek that it is quite impossible for them to branch out, and, consequently, they have only a llower or two at the end of each single spindling stem. The thinning of the flower-stems of herbaceous plants is also but very rarely done ; but it is a nect'ssary operation to insure good flowers. Staking is anotlier operation in which tliere is not suflicient pains taken, the numerous flower-stems of herbaceous plants, and the mode of tying tliem up, give them the resemblance of a green faggot set on end rather than a living plant. The different kinds of : climbing Roses to be carefully tied or nailed to prevent them | from being injui-ed by winds. Plant-out Dahlias, Salvias, Ten- week Stocks, Asters, Convolvuluses, Campanulas, Nolanas, Kaulfussias, Indian Pinks, &c., into borders or flower-beds, and likewise u few on roekwork. Pot a portion for planting- out into beds later in the season, to replace such as have gone out of bloom. Divide Campanula carpatica, and plant it for edgings or in borders in front of herbaceous plants. Poly- anthuses require a sliady situation, as hot weather is very pre- judicial to them. Early-planted beds would be much improved , by slightly hoeing them over to loosen the soil after the surface I is battered hard by the heavy rains which we have had lately. ' Mow grass lawns regularly during this growing weather. Clip edgings, and endeavour to render the whole neat in appearance. FEUIT GAKDEN. The leading shoots of Peaeh, Nectarine, and Apricot trees to be tacked-in, taking care to allow plenty of room in the shreds. When thinning-out superfluous shoots it is necessary to foresee what portions of wood will require to be removed at the winter pruning, and the most appropriate shoots to be accordinsjly reserved for succession and encouraged throughout the summer. If any shoots laid-iu for bearing have failed in producing, they may be gradually removed m order to aflbrd more space for suc- cessional young shoots. The shoots of Pears should not yet be cut back, otherwise the buds that ought to remain as such to form fruit-spurs will be induced to break into shoots. It is now a good time to scrub the stems of fruit trees infested with scale, for the young broods are issuing from their fastnesses and are as naked and tender as mites. STOVE. Continue to stimulate the plants, repot any that may again require it. Attend to the training and stopping of such as are making rapid growth, syringing every afternoon. As the weather continues changeable t;ike care that the young shoots do not get checked or injured by cold draughts, or scorched by sudden bursts of sunshine. GUEENHOtJSE AND CONSEEVATOET. Camellias after blooming to be placed in a little warmth to make wood and set their flower-buds. Do not allow them to suffer (or want of water. Indian Azaleas may also be similarly treated, llhododendrons under glass to be fully exposed to the sun for the production of good foliage and an abundance of buds. Keep the conserratory shaded during briglit sunshine, and cool to prolong the blooms of all plants introduced there. Keep down tlie green fly by fiimigation, the red spider by syring- ing, and the mealy bug with the finger and thumb. The thrips, one of the greatest enemies, may be subdued by constant spioking and occasional syringing with lime and soot water in a perfectly clear state, but this and all other insects when they once make their appearance must be followed up in right earnest until they are completely extirpated. FOnCING-riT. This pit may be profitably filled with many ornamental plants requiring the aid of additional warmth to bring them kindly into bloom. Among these may be named Balsams, Cockscombs, Hydrangeas, Gardenias, &c. The propagation of Geraniums, and other soflwooded plants, may be also carried on in the same place. riTS AND FKAMES. Shift specimen plants as often as they require it. Shade a little during the middle of the day if the sun is hot, and attend carefullv to watering. Give liquid mannie to such plants as have filled their pots with roots, but not too frequently; the liquid to bo clean and weak. Some caution is necessary, as plants are frequently injured, and even killed, by frequent appli- cations of strong liquid manure. Put in cuttings of choice greenhouse and herbaceous plants, that they may be rooted before the pits and frames are wanted for other purposes. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. EouTlNB in all departments much the same as before. KITCHKN GARDEN Took occasion of dripping weather to thin Carrots and Beet, the Parsnips having thinned themselves, thinned Onions, and where defective transplanted ; put others thickly in rows for salads, and pricked-ofl' others on hard ground with about an inch of friable stufl' on the surface, in order to get some button Onions, as when grown in the usual way our ground is too strong for buttons. In all such planting, when either large or small bulbs are wanted, no more should go in the ground than the true roots. If ilie base of the bulb is much inserted farewell to all good bulbing : hence transplanted Onions often bulb the best. Of course, for pickling Onions, they should be sown or pricked- out thick, and on heavy land the ground can scarcely be too poor for that purpose. Sowed Turnips and Radishes, and a fair breadth of late Peas, chiefly Marrowfats, of moderate height. Cleared out the remainder of the Kale, and most of the Broccoli- stalks to the burning and eharring-heap, as even the latter is of less value now, when Cauliflower is coming in, and Peas and Beans, somewhat accelerated, plentiful. Tuimed out more Cau- liflower, and pricked-out from seed-bed in order that the plants may be a good size before being moved to the quarter, as then- natural enemies are not uncommon this season, and soon make havoc of plants when small. Fresh regulated and pruned Cuciiinlers that had been bearing heavily. I am sorry to say that signs of gum .on the fruit are appearing, so will plant out again in fresh soil ere long, as soon as the successors are in full beai-ing. There are many modes of mitigating, but I must owe I have never obtained a perfect cure for tliis disease. Fresh soil is a good preventive, and in autumn and winter heath soil enriched with weak hquid manure will generally give a crop quite free of any malady. Although you may have plenty of fine fruit, it vexes one to see some with these gumming excretions when you feel you cannot eradicate it. If perceived at first, rubbed otF, and dusted with a powder consisting of equal parts of sulphur, lime, and charcoal dust, it will generally leave merely a dried-up mark behind it. So much for a palliative. Such fruit would be no use for an exhibition-table. When, however, there is some three or four times the show of fruit at a time that the plants can mature, if a few show any such affection, it is best to cut them off at once. For this and the curling of Cucumber leaves, with an unhealthy yellowish tinge along with it, and the yellowing of the points of Cucumbers, of which now I have some dozen complaints beside me, I know of nothing but such paUi- atives as the above, and a pure atmosphere, air back and front, soil in a sweet, healthy condition, not too drr, nor too wet, nor gorged with manurial matters, and, perhaps, most important of all, a temperature at night not much above 60", with a rise of from 10° to 20° from sunshine, also a gentle, yet not a high bottom heat. I have been as successful as most people with Cucumbers in the times that are past, and have seen very splendid crops : perhaps the very best for a small space was at Hatfield House, and there with the exception of a httle sweet dung and leaves to start them — say some 15 inches or 18 inches, the plants could have no bottom heat. But of this and other nuitters there I hope some day to give more details. I am thus discursive, perhaps, more than I ought to be ; but my old friend Mr. Keane, gives such excellent directions as to vfhat ought to. 202 JOUHNAL OP HORTICTTLTTJEE AUD COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 10, 1862. be done, that it would be pretty well lost space to do little but rewrite bis remarks. FEUIT GAEDEN. Much the same as last week. Gave some manure water to Straioberries, having as yet found no time to put straw or litter between tlie rows. Will, if possible, throw a little soot and lime between the rows, as that sends the slugs and worms a-field ; and it is so annoying, when gathering an extra fine specimen, to find it perforated by a slug-hole. When manure water rather etrong can be given in dripping weather, it acts most success- fully. If the weather is dry, it is a good plan to put it on care- fully with the spout of the watering-pot, and then foUow after- wards with clean water from the rose. This clears all impurity from the fruit and leaves. No good Strawberries can be got from ground that is parched dry. To have them in fine size and flavour, the ground must he moist, and the atmosphere clear, dry, and sunny. I notice the many nice bits about birds. I like them dearly, and they would be quite welcome to the smaller Strawberries, or even a few of the best ; but the rascals are never satisfied except with the largest, and these in general they merely bite, going from one best to another best, as a bee goes from flower to flower. Now I should be sorry to see the sootballs (sparrows), and far less the blackbirds and thrushes, anything like overmuch thinned; as, besides their eating the enemies of gardeners, they deserve some recompense for their delicious notes night and morning ; but still in many places, where game is rigidly preserved and no nests are ever taken, it is an easy matter to get too much of a good thing. If the preserv- ing of thrushes and sparrows goes on in the same ratio as the preservation of pheasants and hares, the time will come that whole gardens will require to be enclosed with nets at certain seasons, if anything is wanted from them for a gentleman's table. There are a vast number of places where nets now must be liberally used if the birds are to be confined to anything like a fair portion of the supplies — that is, if we wish to keep them as servants, and not to make them thoroughly our masters. INSECTS — LAITRELS. I read with much interest the chapters on insect-destroyers last week, by our friend Mr. Robson. At one time or other I have tried almost everything he mentions, and with varied euc?e3s. Just as in the case of Neal's Pastils, sometimes they killed everything, and at other times killed hardly anything. The same thing happens with smoking with the best shag tobacco. There seems to be much depending on the state of the insects, the state of the atmosphere, and the care of the operator. One insect-destroyer, however, Mr. Robson overlooks, which I have often used with effect, and I mention it because there are waggonloads of it at Linton, and few gardens are without it. Like other cures, however, its action has been precarious, some- times very effective, and sometimes not. I allude to the common Laurel leaves in winter, and young shoots at this season. A good barrowload of these shoots and leaves bruised between a mallet and stone and put into a small house, will often make short work of every insect in it, and leave a pleasant perfume behind, Uke a manufactory of custards. I often find that burn- ing such bruised material, provided the smoke that issues from them is cool, will kill green fly when the tobacco smoke has failed to do so. But just like tobacco and pastils, it will not always do so. As a wash from the syringe and garden engine, I consider laurel water next to good tobacco water for efficacy, and most of the stone-fruit trees like it as much as the insects dishke it. A good barrowload of shoots bruised, put into a barrel— say 18 gallons, covered over with 4 gallons or 6 gallons of boiling water, left covered up all night, the barrel filled up with common water in the morning, tlie liquor poured through a sieve into the engine and used directly will generally do good, and the expense is little where Laurels are plentiful. I by no means insinuate that it would be as eflTeotual as tobacco, but the latter so often fails that frequently a combination of remedies must be resorted to. Laurels and laurel water can generally be had easily enough. BEDDING. We are anything but finished as yet ; but there are two points on which information is asked — First, do these plants, trans- ferred to temporary beds instead of pots, do as well in the flower- ing beds, and look as well at first as those turned out of pots ? In many cases they will not look so well at first. Scarlet Gera- niums will be apt to lose some leaves from the check given from lifting and planting ; whilst those turned out of pots, if watered before planting, may be expected to go on without flagging or losing a leaf. If the ball was not at all reduced, those from pots will not grow so well as the others ultimately, as the roots from beini' loose will cater for themselves more freely. We put up then with a few yellow leaves on Scarlet Geraniums when first turned out of temporary beds, because we believe there will be little difference between the two in a fortnight, but that the advantage is rather with the former, and because the trouble of picking off a few yellow leaves is very little to tlie trouble of so much water- ing, if the plants are kept some months previously in pots. Then secondly, I am asked some dozen times this in purport, "How am I to water? copiously, slenderly, at root, or over- head ? " Now, this is too large a matter for a cursory note. But keep these things in mind. Every plant when turned out should have enough of water to moisten the roots, and but little more. When inclined to flag, a little more in the same way should be given ; a great deal would cool the soil by its attendant evaporation. To check that when the little is given, cover it up with dry sod, or draw a hoe through it shortly after to leave the surface loose. It is a mistake to deluge such plants now, if you wish active growth. In bright days after duU weather the leaves may flag from excessive evaporation, even when there is plenty of moisture at the roots. In that case shading would be best for a little time. The next best is what we have recourse to where shading cannot be thought about. Take the garden engine full of clean water, and set a man who can place his finger or tliumb on the nozzle, so that the discharge wUl resemble drizzhng mist rather than rain, and scatter it all over the foliage. So long as the leaves are dampish, the evapo- ration of moisture from within is arrested. In such cases, sur- face or leaf sprinkling often does more good tlian root-delug- ing, and at a twentieth part of the trouble. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *»* ^8 request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble aud expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the " Journal of BortimUure, cj'e.," 162, Fleet Street, London, JH.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poidtry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Seedling Pelargoniums at the Crystal Palace Show. — There was a mistake in the official prize list as first publislied. The necessary corrections are as follows. Second prize, Mr. J. Wij^gins, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., Wootton Cottase, Isleworth, *' Pelidcs." Third to the same for '* Rosy Blo:imer.'* Fourth, Mr. C. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, " Loveliness." Extirpating Daisies {A Subscriber). — Every attempt at ridding lawns of Daisies, save that of spudding them out, has failed. It takci three or four years to extirpate them entirely, aud very close and early mowing is the nest best help. Liquid Manure— Dove's Dung (A Subscriber, Manchester), — The soda in the Bo.rpsnds will increase rather than diminish their utility as a manure. One gallon of urine to eight gallons of your soapsuds will be quite strong enough. The dung of turtle doves, like that of pigeons, is very stimulating; 1 lb. of it to four gallons of water would be a good liquid manure Climbers for a Consebvatort {Anna, Norfolk).— To bloom in winter and spring: — Habrothamnus elegans, Maurandya semperfiorens. Fuchsia serratifolia, Kennedya Jlan-yattie, K. nigricans, Fuchsia microphylla. The Fuchsias are not climbers, but will answer the purpose and bloom. To bloom in summer : — Kennedya Comptoni;ina, Bignonia Ciiirere, Brachysem.i lati- folia, Jasminum odoratissimum, Tacsnuia pinnatistipula, Passiflora ccrralea- racemosa. The chapter you mention will probably be published in a volume. Nerine Fothergilli [W. W. B.). — As the leaves are green we wonld not lessen the supply of water for a month to come, and then gradually. Let the plant have all the sun possible. Propagating Weigela rosea {G. S.). — It is veiy easy. As soon as the bloom is "Well over look over your plants, and slip off some shoit shoots about 3 inches long, taking them close off to the older wood ; remove the leaves from the lower part, and insert the shoots in a well-drained shady place in sandy peat, and sand on \\w surface, placing a hand-light over them. They will soon strike if well managed. White Foxgloves [W. Ellioft).—YovLT white Foxgloves are the richest marked in the inside we have ever seen. The whole of the inside surface is as regularly marked with purple spots and blotches as the outside of a magpie's egg is. Prizes for Conservatort-tubs rW. S., BcUc-J'uc). — There are two exhibitions of them— one in June, the other in September. Crocus seed and June 10, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 203 Ilvacinth scBd should bo sown in October, and covered a quarter of an Inch deep, in a bed of light rich soil, in an open situation. . Tlio seedllnga will appear in tl\e spring. NAsres OF I'LAKTs {S. S. Woorl!atiils).—U la a Dnllchos, probably D. pnr- pvreus ; but the pods and seeds are necessary to enable us to speak dccldi-illy. (B. B. n.).—\. Pennyroyal; 2, Savory; 3, Buniet (Poterlura eaniruiaorba) ; 4. TarraKOn; 0, Slatice, probably latifolia, but not being in flower not certain ; (3, Clematis granditiora. London. Tarragon will endure the winter near POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS. Sec, Mr. H. Downs. June 12th, NonTii Hants Aoricultuual Society. Entries close May 21st. JcNE 26th and 27th. .Svpfolk (Woodbridge). Sec, Mr. J. Loder, jun. Entries close June 5th. Jui.v 3rd. Prescot. Sec, Mr. James Bcesley. Entries close June 21st. JvLV 9ih. loth, and lUh. Lf.kub ano West KinlNO. iS««., G. Newton and J. Wade. Knlries close June 21ftt. September 9th. Worsi.f.v and Aemley (near Leeds). S«., Mr. Robert Hoylc, Armley, near Leeds. December 1st. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Birmikoham. Sec, John B. LythalL, 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. THE HOUDAN HEN. {Continued from page 187.) Leg and Foot. — Strong, fleshy, and provided with five toes Uke the cock. Colour of the Leg. — Like that of the cock. Laying. — Abundant and precocious ; fine eggs. Incubation. — Ordinary. DESCRIPTION OF THB PICMAOE. The entire plumage composed of feathers of tlie ordinary proportions should be splashed — that is to say, irregularly mixed ; some feathers black, some white, some black and white, sometimes black at the quill and white at the end, and vice i'ei-sa ; but generally having on the back, shoulders, sides, and tail-coverts splashes more distinct and less mixed than on the thighs, belly, and topknot. The large tail and flight-feathers are also mixed with black, white, or spangled featliers, but it is better they should be entirely black. GENEEAI, CONSIDEEATIOXS OS THIS BEEED. It is one of the most beautiful breeds of poultry, and nothing can be richer than tlie appearance of a poultry-yard fuU of Houdans ; but their good qualities are far more remarkable than their beauty. Beside the small weight of their bonea, the quantity and fine grain of their flesh, their fecundity and pre- cocity are admirable. They attain their growth in four months — they fill out and fatten in an entire state. The pullets make magnificent poulardos, and of all breeds this one approaches nearer than any other to an equal weight between the sexes. The pullets lay early and abundantly ; the eggs are very white and large. The pullets lay in January. This is a rustic breed, and is easier to rear than any other indigenous fowl (in France) ; it is more sedentary, and less pre- datory than most others. Like all hens that are abundant and long layers they are but middling sitters ; nevertheless they perform this operation fairly, and are good mothers. THE BEVERLEY EXHIBITION OF POULTRY. It gives us great pleasure to state that this year's Exhibition of poultry has proved itself not only a far superior collec- tion, but the attendance has greatly exceeded that of any of the four preceding years. We in justice add, the Committee well deserve the success they have attained. It must be ad- mitted, also, that Beverley possesses a building in the Assembly Rooms, Norwood, equal to any in the kingdom, for the perfect accommodation of from five to seven liuudred pens. Tlie local attractions, also, are of no mean character, whether we consider the venerable Slinster or Saint Mary's Church, both marvellous piles of architecture, raised by the industry in accordance to the religious feelings of our forefathers in honour of Divinity. A most singularly quaint epitaph is attached outside Saint Mary's that called forth the attention of many strangers. It is re- markable rather for its abruptness than for any refinement of expression. It is surmounted by cross sworda, and wo append a copy of it verbatim. " Here two young Danish Souldlors lye. The one '.n quaiTell chanced to die ; The other's llend. by their own Law, With Sword was severed at one Blow. December 'J ird. 1G«9." Thus brief, it stands in excellent preservation, but without giving the curious reader any further account of either the names of the disputants, or the locality of the disturbance. Still, in all its primitive rudeness, this stone, by its veritable de- scription, bears favourable contrast to the eulogiums we so frequently see on the headstones in our graveyards of the present day, which in too many cases are surely more descriptive of wlia't we had desired the deceased should have been, than of their actual character when among us. Burton Bushes is another attraction of Beverley. It contains many thousand hawthorns, both red and white, which were just in perfection of blossom. The woodbines bo lavishly growing among these hawthorns were scarcely at maturity. A great boon to free-born Beverley men is this— that each has the prescrip- tive right of pasturage on this land of some fifteen hundred acres of excellent quality, for a horse during nine months in the year, for an outlay of 10s. only. But we must return to the Poultry Show. Game fowls were its great gun, nor have we for years past seen so excellent and praiseworthy a competition. Mr. Harry Adams, of Game fowl notoriety, obtained a lion's share of pre- miums, with birds of condition unsurpassable. It is reported that his stock is almost without limit as to numbers ; yet, even so, it is remarkable that never does a bird enter any of this gentleman's exhibition pens, that in other hands could be im- proved. Here lies the one great secret to success, a success so great, by-the-by, that we were informed eighty-eight prizes had fallen to his lot in one year at our public shows for Game fowls exclusively. The two additional silver medals, it will be seen, were gained by specimens from this gentleman's yard. The Beverley men seemed determined, if possible, to prevent Game prizes going out of the district. Mr. Julian's Game were also highly worthy of every praise. In sustaining condition, how- ever, Mr. Julian must cry second to Mr. Adams ; a leaf out of the latter competitor's books on this point would be invaluable to him, for it is but seldom we see better stock than Mr. Julian's. A Spanish class, such as is rarely witnessed, brought into position the pride of the yards respectively of Messrs. Bodbard, Brown, and Fowler. They were all of them triumphs of care- ful selection, and by their excellence alone placed three pens usually prizetakers among the highly commended only. Few breeds seemed so great favourites with visitors. The Dorking class was a goodly rival, as to perfection, to the foregoing. Seven highly commended pens evince the opinion of the Judges, independently of the jirizetakers. Several of these pens were claimed by the visitors. Cochins were reaUy first-rate ; and more particularly worthy of our notice were Mr. Dawson's pens (of Hopton Mirfield), of both White ones, and a lovely pen of Silver Cinnamons. They were universally admired. We must add Mr. Stretch's pen of Partridge-coloured ones were equally praiseworthy represen- tatives of that breed. We very rarely sec better classes than the two Spangled varieties of Hamburghs shown at Beverley ; but both kinds of Pencilled ones were absolutely inferior. Years may pass by before a better " variety " class meets the public than was here shown. Some especially useful farmyard crosses were also shown in a class expressly devoted to them. In Bantams, the Game breeds were the most perfect. In the class for Black or White Bantams, as faithful journalists we must expose the wilful deception practised by the owner of the pen awarded the first prize — viz., blacking the legs of the cock bird. It seems from what we afterwards heard, that only last week the same deceit was practised as successfully on two other judges at Hull by the same owner. The artifice at Hull was discovered from the after-fact that an experienced exhibitor claimed the birds " thinking them a bargain and all right ; " but, on liandling the cock on removal, he discovered the cheat practised, and consequently, very properly refused taking them ; but whether the party who by 'such disreputable acts had the prize awarded to him, then obtained it, we could not discover. At Beverley, however, the Judges on their own responsibility withheld the prize altogether, on the matter being exposed to them by a party who, knowing the afiair at HuU, had looked 204 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. i: June 10, 1862. lovwiird especially to its repetition at Beverley. There cannot bo a question that such tricksters (as is the common rule- of most societies), should be not only deprived of their present ill- gotten gains, but also precluded from competing at future meet- ings of the Society. It is the only reliable remedy, whilst none are to blame but the personal delinquent himself for so luckless an issue. The classes for pairs of Betis were decidedly successful. In the Ducks, the "variety" class was well stored with perfect East Indians, and specioiens as fine in feather as wild birds of both Mandarins and Carolinae. The I'igeoiis were as good as could be met with during a year's visits to poultry meetings— there was not a badly-repre- sented breed among the whole ; -whilst the "any variety " class tor these birds was so good that, at the desire of the Judges, two extra prizes were conferred. The Canaries and Mides were really first-rate specimens : a Goldfinch, the father of one of the Mules, was very remarkable for its singularity of colour. An involuntary shudder passed over us on our attention being drawn to a poor Goldfinch Mule, said to be purposely blinded to improve its song. We much regret to find— we had long indulged the fond hope, even yet it appears a delusion— that the days of punishment for witchcraft by popular outbreak, the uplitting of Magpies' tongues to make them talk, and lastly the blinding, and thus rendering liapless and solitary for life a poor, unoffending, cage-bred bird to im- prove its song, weie the grave misdoings of a period far bygone to our own, both as regards common humanity, and" also general information. We regret most fervently, however, thus to find it is not so ; and we consider the mode of operation oi darkening the eyes to improve ti^e song, by the use of e. heated knitting-needle, is so utterly inhuman, that surely our readers must almost universally endorse our opinions— at least, we feel absolute pity for the mind, if existing, so heartless as to be in- capable of so doing. The Beverley Committee were deserving of every praise for their courtesy and directions to all parties during tlie meeting, and also speedy attention to the removal of the birds at its close. The Show was open, under a revised rule, only one day, and the weather was most favourable ; nor do we hardly call to mind so great an attendance of the fair sex at a poultry exhibition as at this one. Game (Black-breasted or uther Reds).— First (also, tbe Society's Silver Medal for the best pen of Game fowls in Classes 1, 2, and 3), H. Adams, Beverley. Second and Tliird. H. M. Julian, Bcverlev. Higlily Commendeil, W. Boyes, Beverley; J. Can-.m, Famsfield (Black Kcds). Commended, H. Adams. Game (Dnckwings and other Greys).— First, H. Adams, Beverley. Second, G. W. Langdale, Lecltonfi.-U. 'Ihird, W. Dawson, Solly Oak, Birmingham. Highly Commended, S. Dupe, Everscreech. Commended, G. W. Langdale. Game (anv other variety).- First. W. Dawson, Selly Oak, BirminRham. Second, H. Adams Beverley. Third, J. VVoodhouse, sen., Bemptoo, (Black Game). Spanish.— First, J. E. Rodbard, Bristol. Second, E. Brown, Albert House, St. Philip-s Road, Sheffield. Third, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Com- mended. T. B. Stead, Leeds; J. Sliorthosc, Newcastle-on-Tyne ; J. Di.xon, Bradford. Commended, T. C. Trotter, Sutton, Hull. DoKKiNC— First and Third, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley. Second, E. Smith, Middlelon. Highly Commended, A. 0. Young, Driflield; Mrs. G. Boynton, Barmston ; H. W. B. Berwick ; Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland ; R. M. Stark, Hull ; H. Crossley, Broomfleld, Halifax ; J. W. George, Beeston Padge. Cochin-China (Buff, Lemon, and Cinnamonl.— First, \V. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield (Silver Cinnamon). Second, T. Stretch, Bootle, Liverpool (Buff); Third, C. Fclton, Erdington. Highly Commended, T. Stretch (Buff) ; E. Smith, Middleton (BuflTl. Commended, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley ; H. Yardley, Kiimingham (BuCF). ConmN-CniNA ;any other variety).— First, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield Second, T. Stretch, Bootle, Liverpool. Third, J. Shorthose, Newcastle' Highly Commended, T. Stretch. Commended, C. Felton, Erdington; E' Smith, Middleton. Hamedrgh (Golden-pencilled).— First, Mrs. G. Boynton, Barmston. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Highly Commended, H. Beldon, Bradford; T. Straker, Beverley. HAMBuKon (Silver-pencilled).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, S. Shaw, Stainland, Halifax. Hamborgh (Golden-spangled). — First, E. Tate. Driffield. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Highly Commended, Vi\ F. Entwhistle, Bradford; P.. Tate, DrifBeld ; H. V. B. Berwick, Helmsley. Hamboiioh (Silver-spangled).— First, H. Turner, Sheffield. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Hiahly Commended, R. Tate, Dnfflcld ; H. Carter, Upper- thong; J. Dixou, Bradford. Comm1, when it was granted by Henry HI. to Abel de St. Martin, who was indicted by Hugh de Vere of the neighbouring Castle of lledingham, for setting up a market prejuilicial to the Jiarl's market, but Abel producing the lloyal grant the matter was adjusted on his agreeing to pay the Earl the sum of half a mark yearly. The market, it appears by the ancient records, continued to be held on Cheping Kill till the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when it was removed to (he situation it last occupied in the centre of the town. The lordship of Hal- stead was held soon after the Conquest under Richard natural son of Richard Duke of Normandy, by a family mrnamed De Hausted, who in the reign of King Stephen or Henry II., sold the manor to Abel de St. Martin. It was afterwards conveyed to the \)e Bourchier family, one of whom Robert, Chancellor of England in the reign of Edward III., obtained a charter of the King for a court-leet and other privileges, anil founded a collegiate church for eight priests, procuring the Pope's license to appropriate it to tho church of Sible lledingham. He appears to have occupied a prominent position in the esteem of the Black Prince, for we find he had eighteen lordships in Essex, was chief justice of Ireland, and fought by the side of his King at the famous battle of Cressy, and m the following year went to Franco as an ambassador from the Court of England to treat with the French on the subject of proposals for peace. He occupied Stansted Hall, which he was permitted by Eoyal authority to convert into a castle, and many of his posterity acquired great tame in the wars with France. Sloe House was formerly a manor, which was given by tho Conqueror to Aubrey de Vere, and remained in that family a considerable time : it was afterwards made part cf the endowment of the chantry founded by Robert de Bourchier, and in time came into the possession of the Hunwiek family, and subsequently was pur- chased by Charles Hanbury, Esq , v/ho puUed down the old building and erected in its place tho present edifice, in the grounds around which the present Exhibition was held. The show of poultry, which was larger than in any preceding year, was exhibited, as usual, in the admirable pens invented by Mr. Joseph Cooke, of Colchester, and was a source of great attraction during the day. It included some very first-class birds, and the Dorkings were especially fine. The following is a list of the prizes awarded by the Judges : — Cochin China. — Firat and Second, C. Punchard, Haverhill. Dorking (Coloured).— First, G. Grisgs, Romford. Second, Lady J. Corn- wallis, Kent. Third, J. Frost. Commended, G. Griggs, Eomford ; W. G. Kaneon, Suffolk. Single Cock.— Prize, G. Griggs, Komford. Highly Commended, Mrs. Honeywood. Kelvedon. Commended, G. Griggs. Dorkings (White).— First and Second, H. Lingwcod, Suffolk. Spanish.— First, R. B. Postcns. Brentwood. Second, .T. H. Cuff, London. Third, J. H. Craigie. Chigwell. Commended, J. IT. Craigie; J. L.Lowndes, .\ylesbury ; J. H. Moore. Single Cock.— Prize, J. H. Craigie. G.UIE (White and Piles).— First, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Third, J. J. Hazell, Great Bromley. Game (Blackbreasted and oilier Reds).— First and Second, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Tliird, T. Hill, jun. [A First extra prize was awaided to Mr. E. Pettitt, Colchester, whose birds were not penned tliront^h an error on the part of the Secretary, which was not discovered till alter the award had been made by the Judnes, who reconiniended that an extra prize should afterwards be given to Mr. Pettitt, his birds being superior to those to w hich the first prize had been awarded.] Highly Commended, T. Hill, jun. Com- mended, J. J. Hazell. Game (Duckwing).- First, S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Second, W. P. Boghurst, Frating Abbey. Third, J. J. Hazell. G»me Cock (anv colour).— Prize. S. Matthew, Suffolk. Highly Com- mended, Rev. T. L."Fellowes, Acle, Norfolk. Commended, W. P. Boghnrst, Colchester. Hambdrgii (Goia-pencUled).— Second, Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Norfolk. (NO First Prize awarded). HAimnRGH (Silver-pencilled).— Commended, Rev. T. L. Fellowes. (No award of prize.) Hambubgh (Gold-spangled) Prize, Rev. T. L. Fellowes. riAMBUBon (Silver-spangled).— First. Lady J. Cornwallis, Kent. Second, Rev. T. L. Fellowes. Crmmended, .1. Cooke. Asr Other Brelb.— First, J. F. Chater, Braintree. First, J. H. Cral-ie. First, R. B. Postans. TtniKEY (Norfolk or Black).— First, G. B. Cant, Colchester. Turkeys (Coloured or Grey).— First, H. Kvershed, Halstead. Second, R. E. Sturgeon. TiRKEY Cock (any colonr).— Prize, H. F.vershed, Halstead. Geesk (F.mbden and White).— Prize, H. Everslied. Gkf.se (Toulouse and Grey).— First and Second. G. Cuwston. Udcks (Aylesbury).— First, W. p. Boghurst, Colchester. Second, iir T. Barrett-Lennard, Bart., Aveley. 206 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUaB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 10, 1862. Ducks (Ronen).— First and Second, C. Punchard, Haverhill. Highly i Commended, K. E. Sturgeon. DccKS (Any other bi eed). — H. J. Moore, Halstead. Judges, Kef. C. Hughes D'Aeth, Sible Hedingham ; and Mr. I Thomas Twose, Halstead. Referee, Mr. Vero W. Taylor, Sible Hediugham. Steward, Mr. W. A. Warwick, Colchester. — {Essex Qazette.) CEEVE CCEDE FOWLS. People are grown wiser since what was miecalled the Cochin mania. Then there was a rush to get some of the fowls regard- less of expense, and little pains were taken to as- certain purity or excel- ,- — '" lence in the specimens that were obtained. This year many good judges have decided that the Creve Cceur is worth en- ' couraging as a very use- ful variety. We are dis- posed toagrce with them, and therefore publish this week a short notice of it. We are indebted for much of the infor- mation to the excellent and careful work pub- lished in Paris by M. Jacque. That clever and painstaking gentleman thus describes the cock : " PEOPOItTIONS AND GE- NERAL CHAEACTEE- ISTICS. " Voluminous body, squarely built, short, well seated on solid legs ; back almost horizontal, and slanting but little towards the tail ; pec- torals, thighs, legs and wings well developed ; short limbs ; very large head ; topknot, whiskers and beard; doublecomb, shaped like horns ; wat- tles long and hanging down ; ear-lobes short and hidden ; four toea on each foot ; feathers of the abdomen long and thick ; large feathers of the wing ordinary length ; sickles and large sickles very long ; the plumage of the finest specimens quite black — in ordinary ones, partly white and partly yellow." Deportment. — Grave and proud. Weight. — For an adult, from 6i- lbs. to 8 lbs. Flesh. — Very abundant. Bones. — Very light, less tlian an eighth of the weight of the bird. We leave out some comparative statements, as we have to do only with one breed. To follow literally, would not be more useful in gaining information, than to be told by a person whose age we asked that he was just twenty-two months younger than his brother Tom, the latter individual being unknown to us. To continue. Topknot. — Well furnished, voluminous, heavy lancet-feathers falling all round the head in the best specimens. Crown-feathers erect, save some that fall forward. Whiskers.— \ ety thick. Beard. — Long, ample, and falling below the wattles. Comh. — Variable, but always forming Morns. — Sometimes parallel, straight, and ileshy ; sometimes joined at the base, slightly uneven, pointed and divided at the top ; sometimes uniting to these last appearances interior ramifications which give them the likeness of the horns of a young stag. Fhi/siognomy of the Mead. — Not unlike that of the Houdan ; the eyes are almost always hidden under the feathers of the topknot. The comb, when it is shaped like horns, gives to the face of a Creve Coeur the appearance of a devil. Flumar/e.— 'Entirely black, relieved by bronzed, blnish or greenish redections on the hackles, the saddle, the wings, the tail-coverts, the large and smaller sickle-fea- thers. The rest of the plumage is of a dead black, except those of the abdomen, which are of a brown black. The topknot generally be- comes white at the back after two orthree moult- ings. Many specimens have a good mixture of straw-colouredfeathers ; they are not less pure, and they breed black chickens, but they are less esteemed by ama- teurs. Hexs. — Well shaped square body, well de- fined, and being in some respects like Cochin- Chinas,both in bulk and appearance ; ample size, though low on the legs ; large head; varying top- knot, black in a pullet, whitish in a hen after til e second moult; beard- «d ; ear-lobes short and hidden ; comb and wat- tles short. Appearance. — Grave and heavy. Average Layers of very large eggs. Non-siiters. Food for this Breed. — Egg paste the first eight days. Barley-meal paste* to the end of two months. Tlien feed on grain all those fowls intended for breeders ; the others are fed on the paste till they are fattened. This is the way they are managed in Normandy. V, 'I (Jf? COMB — HORNS. * Grind or ratlier crush barley, to produce a tlour in wliich every pdlt of the grain is preserved. Put in a pail a quantity of water or skimmed milk, according to the quantity of the paste required. Experience will soon teach the necessary prooortions. Throw in liandfuls of meal, and rai.^; with the hand till all is tlioronghly wetted. Throw in more meal and m.inipulate again, so that there shall not be a dry morsel. Continue thus till a thick paste is formed. Thrust your fist through the paste, and turn it inside out. Keep on till it is firm, then roll it out, and powder the surface with a little dry meal. In an hour or two, it is dry enough to break; it can then be given to the fowls. They are fond of it. In Normandy, it is alivays made the day before it is required. It takes a slightly fermented flavour, which makes it more lelishing. June 10, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENEll. 207 DO BEES VARY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF GREAT BRITAIN? I SHOULD feel much obliged if the " DF.vONSiiiiit: Bee- KEEPEk" or any of your experieneed correspondents would have the kindness to state whether there is any sensiWe dill'erence between the bees kejit in different parts of Great Britain. Several years aj^o an observant naturalist and cler^ynian, as well as a gardener, wlio kept bees, asserted positively tliat there were certain breeds of bees which were smaller than others, and differed in their tempers. The clergyman also said that the wild bees of certain forests in Nottinghamshire were smaller than tlie common tame bees. M. Godson, a learned French naturalist, also says that in the soutli of France the bees are larger than elsewhere, and that in comparing different stocks sliglit differences in the colour of their hairs may be detected. I have also seen it stated that the bees in Normandy are smaller than in other parts of France. I liope that some experienced observers wlio have seen the bees of different parts of Britain will state how far there is any truth in the foregoing remarks. In the Number of your Journal publislied May 15, 18G0, Mr. Lowe gives a curious account of a new grey or light-coloured bee which he procured from a cottager. If this note should meet his eye I hope he will be so good as to report whether his new variety is still propagated by him. — Chakles Dakwin. [We insert this without expressing any opinion, because we wish to have answers from as many of our readers as have paid attention to the subject. We, as well as the well-known writer of the inquiry, will be greatly obliged by any observations upon the subject. — Eds. J. of H.] GREAT FECUNDITY AND PREMATURE DEATH OP A LIGURIAN QUEEN. " The old queen leads off the first swarm," is an aphorism enunciated in nearly every bee-book, and is certainly as trust- worthy an axiom as any that can be propounded for the guidance of apiarians. That even this universally accepted rule is, how- ever, not altogether without its exceptions, has just been proved to my complete satisfaction, or rather, I should say, to my com- plete dissatisfaction, since it has cost mo the life of a valuable Ligurian queen, besides destroying the hopes I entertained of obtaining a magnificent super of pure honeycomb. At the commencement of the season I set aside one of my strongest stocks with a beautiful Ligurian queen only one year old, for supering, with the view of proving what could be done with an undisturbed colony of Ligurians. Although the stock-box was a large one (14i inches square by 9 inches deep, with ten frames) the bees soon took full possession of a super 13 inches square by 7 inches deep, and when this became pretty well filled I raised it on anoliher of the same diameter and 6 inches deep, into which they soon extended their combs, and being in great numbers in wax-working festoons. All appeared going on well until to-day (4th June), when without the slightest premonitory symptoms an immense swarm suddenly issued about half-past twelve o'clock, filling the air in such numbers that they literally obscured the sun, at that time shining most brilliantly. After a little while I found them settled in two clusters on two different gooseberry bushes. Struck by this circumstance occurring with a first swarm, which ought, of course, to liave but one queen, and that the old one, I bethought me of examining the ground in front of the hive, and there to my great mortification I found the dead body of the royal mother of all these countless thousands. Although Ufe was perfectly extinct, she had evidently not been dead long, and now all became clear to me. In my mind's eye I witnessed the escape of a young princess from her waxen prison, next followed the duel, a Voutrance, ending in the death of the queen regnant, then came the probable escape of one or more young princesses, sisters of the victor, the confusion caused thereby culminating in the tumultuous issue of an enormous swarm. As it appeared possible that under these circumstances there might really be two queens present, I resolved upon treating the clusters as distinct swarms, and endeavouring to establish them as two independent colonies. With this view I shook the small- est into an empty box, and put it immediately in the old stock's place, removing the latter to a new position, and taking from it the super with the bees and combs which it contained. Into this super I shook the remaining large cluster of bees, and esta- blished it at once as a separate stock. About an hour after- wards T noticed that the Crst-hivcd swann and returning bees from the old stock api)eared by no means satisfied with their new habitation ; wliilst many stragglers were still hovering round the gooseberry bushes. This led me to a closer inspection of the latter, and upon one of them I found yet a third cluster of bees as large as a moderate-sized swavni. Bringing the box of dissatis- fied bees close to the liusli, and placing it upon a cloth spread under the cluster, I raised its front upon a («uple of blocks and swept down the overhanging mass. An immediate rush into the box was the residt, and in a short time I was enabled to return the hive to its place with a united and contented population. Many hundreds of bees still remaining on tlio cloth, I remem- bered the fact that bees from a second swarm* having only an unimpregnated queen will accept any fertile sovereign that may be oflered to them ; and having satisfied myself by a careful scru- tiny of the laggards tliat their queen had already sought refuge in the box, I at once availed myself of it by conveying them on the cloth to the side of a hive containing a magnificent Ligurian queen, which had for her subjects only a few young bees scarcely able to take wing. Gently raising the side of the hive upon a couple of wedges, I insinuated under it the edge of the cloth. An almost instantaneous vibration of the wings of the whole party soon proclaimed that they likewise had found a home, and a cordial fraternisation upon terms of mutual accommodation was the result. Being perfectly satisfied that the first-hived colony was now in possession of a queen, although I had not actually seen her, I turned my attention to those in the super. Not doubting from their behaviour that they had a queen either in esse or in posse, I was yet willing to obtain occular demonstration of the fact, and therefore proceeded to shift the bees with their combs into the hive they were intended permanently to occupy. On lifting them out I was astounded at the masses of sealed brood (mostly worker) which met my view. Six combs, 13 inches wide by 9 inches deep, were completely filled ; whilst hanging to their edges were royal cells in every stage of progress. Failing to detect a queen among the enormous number of bees which crowded the box, I first shook two or three clusters of the super- abundant population into a weak stock possessing only embryo queens, with the inhabitants of which they immediately frater- nised, and then cut out three fully-developed royal cells which I thought could well be spared for queen-rearing operations. The results of this unlooked-for swarm may be thus briefly summed up : — I have sufficient bees to form three strong colonies, besides some thousands spared to strengthen two weak stocks. Although I have failed in my attempt to obtain honey, I have again demonstrated the amazing fecundity of Ligurian queen bees. When it is borne in mind that this colony was in the outset by no means a particularly strong one, and that breeding did not commence in it until March was pretty far advanced, I think any one who peruses the foregoing simple statement of facts can scarcely fail to participate in the astonishment felt by — A Detonshiee Bee-eeepee. QUEEN BEES DESTROYED BY THEIR OWN WORKERS. In page 110 1 narrated my own exi^erionce of this phenomenon, and quoted a somewhat similar instance related by Herr Rothe. In a subsequent Number of the German " Bee Journal " the subject is referred to by Herr Wallbrecht, who says : — " JIuch lias already been written about the cliange of qaeens, and it may indeed very often happen when even the bee-master does not observe it. This is especially the case with the ' pudelmiitzen,' t or befl-shaped straw hives, which are not ctsily examined ; but in boxes with moveable combs it; not unfrequently happens. My fellow apiarian, Herr Rothe, ascribes such a revolution to the frequent disturbance of the stocl?, and believes this to be in most cases, if not always, the cause of hostile attacks upon queens by their own bees. But this is not my opinion. 1 am much more inclined to believe that when bees are disturbed they are the least liltely to thinic of Mltacliing their queen, but rather endeavour to protect their own property and sovereign to the utmost of tlieir power. We therefore observe how soon all the bees fill themselves with honey in order to secure as much as possible, and at last attack him hostilely that occasioned the riisturbancc. " The true motives of every imprisonment and ultimate destruction of the queen it would he very difHcult to discover ; but they may be weakness, exhausted fertility, and other causes. Last summer I lost a queen in a bos, without having disturbed it; and I think if this happens once it may occur * Although this was not a second swarm it possessed only an unimpregnated queen, the old queen havintt been destroyed as above related. + Literally " poodle-caps'," a kind of fur cup often made of the skin of a poodle doB. and which, fitting close to tlie head, presents a very exact type of the ordinarj- straw hive. These caps were formerly much worn In Germany, 208 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDKE AND COTTAaE GABDENEB. [ June 10, 1862. several times, and by chance also jii-it when the stock is examined. But the queen may easily be Itiiled darina: examinations of tlie stock, ov/in.c; to want of caution on tlie part of the examiner, eitliei" by falling from tlie combs, which may not unfreqiiently occur owinji to tile uiiwieldiness of a stout preffnant qncen, or by ciusliing or stitlinf;. For tliis reason the utmost; caution should always be observed durin;,' such operations. " When putting a stranse queen into a stoclt last summer, I found that she, because the bees pursued lif-r, flew into the air. I soon lo^t sight of her, and did not think of her retnniint;; but, after a few minutes, she c tme back and tlc.v a^am into the bos which remained open. Upon consideratinn this appeai"ed to me very natural, since every queen bee longs for her people, and a strange queen, which l*nows no other hive, flies back to the one she has left. How many, especially Italian que&ns, may have been lost in this manner ? It would undoubtedly have been the case here, if I had closed the hive immediately." I am myself disposed to coincide with Herr Rotlie that exa- mining bees has some effect in disposing them to attack their queen. I have often found young queens imprisoned upon opening their hivep, and in the case already referred to I have for some time usually found the unfortunate queen confined in a cluster of workers whenever I opened the hive, until at length she fell a victim to one of their attacks as before related. On the other hand, she may have shown signs of exhausted fertility, which were sufficiently apparent to her subjects, if not to myself. I received her from the continent in 1860, when I believed her to be young, but she might not really have been so, and in this case the bees may have adopted the best course for perpetuating the colony. That they have no inherent disposition to destroy their sovereign is evidenced by the fact that they have raised another fine Ligurian queen, which, having become impregnated, has commenced egg-laying. Although my recent examinations have been quite as frequent as during the reign of her predeces- sor, the bees have never on any occasion manifested the slightest disposition to molest their present sovereign. On one occasion I lost an Italian queen just received from the continent in tlie manner described by Herr Wallbreoht. Whilst attempting her introduction to a colony of British bees, she suddenly took wing, and I never saw her afterwards. — A Devonshiee Bee-keepee. GENEEALLY USEFUL MANAGEES. {Continued from page 12.) PIG-KEEPING. Having touched briefly on the management of the cow and the dairy, we must now say a few words respecting the skim milk and the buttermilk. Of course, a pig must be kept, fatted, and killed, and cured for the use of the family. But as there may not be sufficient wash to keep even one pig all the time, a large tub must be procured (at the oil merchant's, or where oil is used in manufactories such are often to be had cheap), and the milk is put in as it comes to hand, and when it is full, and a smaller one partly filled, then think about getting a pig. The size to get will depend upon the time of year you will be ready for it ; but it should be managed to have it ready to kill early in the new year, for an extra joint of pork will be very acceptable after the Christmas beef. Now, in selecting a suitable one, if you have any experience of the various breeds, and their propensity to fatten, you will requu-o but little advice ; but if not, it will be well to learn a little on the subject when opportunities offi;r, and not go to market altogether a novice, for a chief point to insure success is to get things suitable to your circumstances, not what may suit some one else in quite different circumstances. The chief aim will be to select a pig that will weigh about 200 lbs. when thoroughly fat. The hams must be thick, and they are the best size where it is requisite to dress only half a one at a time ; but when dressed whole the pig should be 40 lbs. or 50 lbs. less, still well fatted. Having purchased one to your satisfaction, and got it home, it is possible it will refuse to eat your stale food. If so, you must give it some fresh skim milk, and put about 2 ozs. of flowers of sulphur in, then let it get thoroughly hungry before you give it any more ; when you do mix a little of the stale" food with some fresh, and continue to put the fresh into the smaller tub, adding from the larger one as required, and with very little trouble you will find all going on to your satisfaction. After a time I make a point of giving it a few peas once or twice a-day, and continue so till it is fatted, with the addition of barleymeal to finish with. The sty should be swept out every morning, and if there is a boarded stage for the pig to lie on, so much the better. Covers must be kept on the tubs to keep the fowls out, or you will have them drowned. Respecting fowls you will learn from The Journal of Hobti- CULTtTEE all the information you will need in getting a stock of pullets for winter laying. We have only just commenced keeping fowls here, and I shall defer saying anything more on that point till I have tested our arrangements. The weather having been all that could be desired for getting out the bedding plants, the chief point of attraction will be hay- making. There is every prospect of an abundant crop. Haymaking is a very pleasant thing in fine weather (so sang Hood), even where there is a responsibility on yoiu" shoulders ; but, unfortunately, there is no dependance on the weather propliets for a continuance of it : therefore, most people that have the responsibility of it are desirous of getting it over as quick ns possible. There are people that make a point of commencing on a certain day without any regard to the season or the crop, but I am not of their number ; and I would say to all, Wait for a crop, and do not let the grass to mowers until you are ready (o begin ; if you do you must wait their time, and if the wciither is not very favourable the chances are that your hay will be badly made. My usual practice is, when there is a fair croji ou tlie ground, and I am not particular to a few days, either before a full crop or after it is ripe, to look after the weather, and as soon as I feel satisfied with the barometer, I then get it down as quick as possible, and when circumstances will admit, I try to get it cut on a Saturday, and let it lie in swath till Monday ; then if the weather is fine get it shaken abroad as soon as possible, and that is the moat important point in haymaking. Every cock should he well opened, and all the ground covered. It is better to take a little time and do it well the first time, as it will save time in the end, and not have to stop to open green cocks of grass when time is more precious, and the hay three parts made, or they will be left as they are put in the riot, to make the good hay mouldy. Some will scamper over a lot of grass in no time, and are contmually shaking and shaking from morning till night for days together, let the weather be what it may ; but without attempting to lay down any rules for haymaking, I will venture to say, that in nine cases out of ten that time is worse than tlirown away, for if the sun is scorching, the seeds and the best of the leaves will be left on the ground. After the first shaking about if the weather is anything like favourable, I have very little use for the pick till the hay is made, the hand-rake I consider the chief and best tool for haymaking, there is a knack is using it, and in proper hands one rake is worth three picks. It always leaves it light for the sun and air to go through it, and when pulled up into little light rollers in the evening the night air will season it, and forward it almost as much as the day, for it must be understood to make good and nutritious hay, it is by no means necessary to have all sunshine, a good dry air is of equal importance. Each individual must be guided by local ou-cumstances respecting the state of putting it together. Some grass when it is short and thick at the bottom will require more seasoning than when it is long and coarse, as the latter will not heat in the rick like the former, and is improved by a little warmth. Have some straw close at hand when the rick is made, in case of storms, for a heavy storm has spoiled many a weU-made hayrick. — The Docioe's Boy. Wisrs. — In an old thatch in this neighbourhood forty queen wasps were destroyed this season. Twenty-five queens have also been killed feeding on the sweet excrements of the black aphis, which infest a cheri-y tree on the north side of our garden wall, and still the wasps come apparently as abmidantly as ever. Now is the time to exterminate these pests, or all chance of ripe fruit must be given up. Orchards, fruit gardens, vineries, and orchard- houses, &c., in the vicinity of sixty-five wasps' nests are not a pleasant subject for contemplation. — SoBTJTATOE. OUE LETTEE BOX. Mr. ToMLiKSON's Cochin-China Fowls (FairpJai/).~\Ve see no breach of faith in selJiug now those bh'ds which were not sold at the previous auction. Nor do we think any one ought to buy birds merely on the sup- position that they are the seller's best birds. Every lot should be examined and valued according to its merits. RoupY Cock {Q. T. i.).— Wash his head daily two or three times with tepid water. Separate hira from the other fowls; feed him only on soft food, such 3.^ barleymeal, giving in it daily one grain of powdered sulphate of copper. Once a-day also .qrive him a feed of bread soaked in ale. Let him also have as much green food as he chooses to take. Apiarian Society (B. 5.)-— We believe it is defunct. *'How to Tann Two Acres Profitiibly. Including the Man;igement of the Cow and the Pig," will give the information you need about the dairy. Ton can have it tree by post from our office lor fourteen penny postage stamps. Juno 17, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 209 WEEKLY CALENDAR. °o7 M'nth Day of Week. JUNE 17—23, 1802. Weather near London in 18G1. Sun Rises. Sun Sets. Moon Clock Barometer. Thermom.l Wind. Rain in Inches. Rises Moon's before and Sets Age. Sun. Day o( Year. 17 13 19 20 21 22 23 To W Th F 8 Sun M Crotalarin elcgans. Lotus creticus. Sun's declin. 23° 26' n. QUEF.N ViCTOIlIA ACCFRSION. QuKEX Victoria Proclaijied. 1 SOPUAV AFTKR TRINITY. Fortulaca Thellusoui. 30,021-30.006 30.n.'>8-30.010 30.1110-30.000 29.887- 29.B09 29,918-29.813 29.902-29.722 29.749-29.063 do(C. deft. 81—44 82-56 89- 52 84-61 79—58 76-49 77-61 E. S.W. S.E. E. E. S.W. S.W. •46 •36 ■01 •02 m. h. 44ar3 44 3 44 3 44 3 44 3 45 3 45 3 m. h. 17af8 17 8 18 8 18 8 18 a 19 8 19 « m. h. 16 11 34 11 53 11 morn. 11 0 34 0 59 0 20 21 2^ ?^ 26 m. s. 0 31 0 43 0 50 1 9 1 22 1 35 1 48 108 169 170 171 172 173 174 Metkoholoot of the ■Wkek.— At Ohinwick, from observiitions during ths last thirty-flve years, the KTerage highest and lowest temperatures of these djysiire 72.7' nnd 4'.i.4- respectivdv. The ijreatest heat. 03'. occurred on the 19tllind22nd, in 1846; and the lowest cold, 30°, on the I'lllh in 1835. During the period 131 days were fine, and on 114 rain fell. GAEDENEKS' HOUES AND HOLIDAYS. .'i'l -^1 ^t^^^^^Si E your subscnb- era there must -Hf^JfJiti W^f^^M tie many who, '"^ '"*?:-', vlFlf^^ like myself, would be very ^^^-.i.'^WilSRWJIIIlC^; s'^i'.l to know *.' '''-'■f'jm^^^^^' what hours of &S;5i^^pifi-. i'^^fm^^^ work daily they ri£;ht to expect their gardeners to keep. Their working hours seem to me to be growing " small by degrees," judging by my own experience. I fancied, in this summer time, it would not be un- reasonable to expect a gardener to come to h\s work at six A.M. But often nearer seven than six do I see my man making his way from his cottage to his work ; cal- culating, no doubt, that his master may not be up so early, and so not know at what hour he makes his first appearance. Then, at eight to a minute, he will be off to breakfast, professing to return at half-past eight ; but he does not seem to think a quarter of an hour later in coming back to work of any moment. Then, again, at twelve home to dinner, returning at quarter to half-past one as it may happen. At five home to tea, coming back just to water his plants, and then finally off home at six to a minute. Now, the point I want to know is thi.'? : Ought not a gardener's day of work to averaye ten hours one day with another the year round P — say six to six in spring and autumn, less two hours for meals— viz., half an hour for breakfast, one hour dinner, half an hour tea. And seeing that for some months in the depth of winter the daylight necessarily limits a gardener's work to less than this, ought he not in all reason to work rather longer hours in the busy time when days are long ? — say some such hours as these : — November 1st to March 1st, half- past seven to five, leas only one hour to dinner, break- fasting before t-oming to work, and tea after leaving work — that is, eight houra and a half work for four months, or an hour and a half leas than his ten hours average. Then to compensate, say from May lat to September let, during the four months of long days and busy time, 6 to 7, work 1 hour. 7 to 7^, breakfast. 7Jlol2, work 4J hours. 12 to 1, dinner. 1 to 5, work 4 hours. 5 to 5^, tea. 5J to 74, work 2 hours. or eleven hours and a half work in all, being an hour and a half over the ten hours average ; and for the remaining months in spring and autumn ten hours work a-day. I wish you would, as they say, " ventilate " this sub- No. 61. — Vol. III., New Skuies, ject, and enable employers to fis on some rule of houra that would be fair both to master and men. Also, on another point some rule would be desirable. Ought a master to stop his gardener's wages for any holidays he may wish to take? Or if not, what amount of yearly holiday should a master allow without deduction of wage ? My man now and then aska for five or six days holiday at a time, and would think his master very hard if any wages were stopped for his absence. — R. W. [Unfortunately the subject is one to which no general rule will apply, just because gardening is something more than a mere mechanical art ; and the man who takes no more interest in his employment than merely passing over a certain number of hours — becoming, in fact, what the late Joseph Knight, Es(i., of Chelsea, would, with his telling irony, have called " a six-(5'clock man," never will do great things for himself or those who employ him. The subject, however, is of such importance, and gen- tlemen and brothers of the spade have asked my opinion on the matter so often privately, that I readily furnish, as you wish, a few general ideas, which, of course, coming from the gardener's point of view, may be counteracted by the opinions of the Editors and other gentlemen emploj'crs of labour. ■The first idea suggested, then, is the impossibility of coming to a general decision on such a subject with the one-sided view of the sketch given ; no mention being made of the remuneration, the distance of the cottage from the garden, the size and make-up of the garden, itself, farther than that there are plants to be attended to. Now, it must be a very small garden indeed, or one containing only the hardiest and commonest objects of culture, in which attention and supervision will not be required beyond all reasonable working hours ; and if the employer will insist at all harshly on punctuality to the minute, the gardener may tmhappily be led as dog- gedly to keep as strictly to his hours, and let things take their chance afterwards — a state of proceedings which could not long remain satisfactory to, or endurable by, either party. Again. I am not so biassed in standing up for my order as not fully to grant the right of every employer to decide upon the terms, the number of hours, &c., in which he is to be served. If he be wise he will stipulate for nothing that is unreasonable or contrary to general custom. So long as that agreement lasts, the servant, if he lays claim to honesty, is bound conscientiously to abide by it. If at all harsh or contrary to custom, it would be unreasonable and unnatural to suppose that a man would continue a day longer in such an employment than he could help himself to a better. Whenever mutual confidence and respect between an employer and servant are lost, it is best for both parties that the con- nection should cease. Without, therefore, endeavouring to establish a general rule, " K. W-" would act more wisely in making arrangements for himself. Thirdly. I have as great if not a greater dislike to want of punctuality as to time than oven " .E. W." For No. 710.— Vol. XXVI I f.. Old SKBiEg. 210 JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 17, 1862, all general work I should soon form a poor opinion of a man who came drawling to his labour at any time. From six to six in eummer I consider to be very reasonable hours. In large establishments it is customary to enforce punctuality to tl.e minute by sending those that are late back for a quarter of a day. Few things are more annoying than to stand at the tool- house and find men drawling in at different periods after the clock has striick. With men liaving families leniency may sometimes be shown with advantage. In the case of lads and young men no cure is so eifectual as sending them home for the day. If they are not lost to shame, they will sneak home by some back path to aT id the chaff and scorn of the village. So much for labourers and young gardeners. Whatever podtion the gardener of " R. W." occupies, there can be no hardship, when in health, in his being at the garden at six. If very irregular, and he has a man or men under him, they will soon trust (o and surpass him in his irregularity. It is rather amusing in such circumstances when asking for the gardener to be told with rather a meaning look, "It is not his time yet, sir." They soon know the times and seasons, and ore apt to act accordingly. There is much homely truth in the old adage, " It is the early bird that picks up the worms." Never- theless, a slight want of punctuality at far intervals should not he construed hastily into eye-service. A conscientious man, worth having, would soon make up for lost time in that respect. Besides, if driven info a corner, and his natural combativenesa not mollified by moral principle, he might easily keep working for ten hours, and do no more than he could do in five, or four if his heart was in his work in serving a kind master; or he might, if his cottage was any distance, claim the right of an M-tisan or a mechanic to consider the time spent in walking to his work as so much of the stipulated labour period. Beyond regular punctuality I have no faith in complicated agreements, but every faith and dependanee in mutual forbearance — kindness on the one hand and fidelity on the other. This leads me to say a few words more on the specific hours mentioned by " R. W." If the cottage is not close to the gar- den, half an hour is not enough for breakfast. I find that men can manage in that time, if they can walk from the garden into their rooms, and their coffee, &c., are previously all ready ; I believe that is the general time about London. When I was in the Exotic Nursery at Chelsea, in Mr. Knight's time, no one could be more particular as to punctualify ; but he allowed us either forty or forty-five minutes for breakfast, and I believe with advantage to himself, as there was time to walk back com- fortably from lodgings and commence work at once. As to the other contemplated arrangements for summer and winter, I can only say I should be liard-up before I would agree to them, and that I would break tliem the first opportunity I had for getting a better place. I should like to know more about the wages given before I could seethe justice of the compensation principle spoken of, and likewise to be assured that the gardener had not many things to attend to in overhours for which no compensation was given. Not but ihatl have often worked much later and earlier too than " R. W." contends for as compensation, but then I did it willingly, because the work wanted doing, and not because I -was under obligation to do so ; and, also, because I knew that if I wanted a day or two when I had got things pretty square, I had no more to do than say so, and, if going far, receive extra encouragement besides. Wi\j, under such circumstances a man would do pretty well a fair day's work in an evening if not too often repeated, or not too long continued. It would be un- natural to expect such a thmg from a mere six-o'clock-time- ■serving principle of action. Besides, there is a great error running through this compen- satory principle of getting a man to work from five a.m. to half- past seven p.m. in summer to make up for the short days of winter. " R. W." would treat the human worker as he would any other piece of machinery— whieli the longer it worked would produce themore. This cannot long be the case with human labour. The system may be so enervated with over-exertion that the longer the employment is continued, the less will be the profitable result. A spinning-jenny would do more at equal speed in twelve hours than in ten, and so would a man if the same speed were maintained tliroughout. To do so there must be an extra stimulus to exertion. A fillip must be given alike to the mental and physical system, and that if too frequently repeated will gradually lose its force, and there will be a wearing-out of physical power. As a general rule, we hold ten hours to be long enough for a man to work for an employer. The extra time spent in working is anything but all gain. Without a potent stimulus to extra exi'rtion, such as enthusiasm for his profession, the unpleasant- ness of seeing things out of order, the desire to gratify kind employers, or extra remuneration to supply extra sustenance, and encouragement for the extra wear and tear, the working the long hours will become a dawdling, drawling occupation. The man who will not do a good day's work in ten hours, will be less likely to do it in eighteen. Not long ago I saw a great number of men pretending to dig in a public park. They must have been filling out their time. Four good labourers used to the spade would have done more in the same time than any twenty of them. " R. W." should know that mere long hours is quite a different thing from having a great amount of work done. Without such stimuli as those referred to, the work will be dawdled. When these incentives are present, the gardener who feels a pride in his place will very often work extra time without being bound, and all the better, because he is not bound by agreement to do so. There are few gardens in which such extra work is not needed at cei tain seasons, and in which assistants and labourers are not required to do their share. If tliis is done on the mere com- pensation principle of making up for the short days of winter, the men will soon do no more in the long day than they would do in a short one. A gross injustice used to be perpetrated on many labouring men in gentlemen's and even noblemen's gardens, of causing them to work long hours without any extra remu- neration. One of the first of British gardeners told me not long ago, that it gnawed him to tlie bone to be obliged to send men to mow at half-past four in the morning all the summer over, because it had been the custom, and that without the smallest extra remuneration, and the wages the year round, ds. per week ! He candidly stated tliat his conscience would not aUoir him to look much after them in the afternoon, and his conviction, that if the raen in such circumstances had been allowed to go home an hour and a half earlier he would have got more work done. In such cases justice requires that extra hours should be extra paid for — that is, that a trifle more should be given for every such hour than the usual rate of the ten hours. Then, if not too long continued, the full value in labour will be returned. I say advisedly, if not too lo)ig continued. In this neighbourhood it is customary to work long hours in hay and corn harvest. In the latter, labourers, in general, receive double pay, or thereabouts. Men are often kept regularly em- ployed in winter, in order to retain tlieir services in summer. The long hours with such stimuli applied, permit of the work being done with fewer men, and the men employed are not only satisfied, but we escape the disagreeable necessity we otherwise should be under, of taking on men in summer when work is plentiful, and discharging them when work is scarce. But for this unpleasantness, a close observation of the results of long hours of labour, has convinced me that it would be more pro- fitable, and better for the man, to spend a part of the extra money in paying extra men, and lessening the hours of labour. With the encouragement generally given, the system works well enough, and could not be dispensed with, unless in unfortunate times when labour is superabundant, and the disadvantages are greatly counterbalanced, by the pleasure of not being under the painful necessity of parting with men just when out-door em- ployment is becoming scarce. On the score of economy, then, sound policy, and obtaining a fair daj's work for a fair day's pay, extra long hours are to be avoided, unless on special occasions, and for these occasions extra inducements ought to be presented. W^ithout more know- ledge of circumstances, I cannot say whether I think "R. W\" has any equitable right to the compensation in extra hours which he seeks. In most gardens of any extent, there is much work in winter not at all tempting, and sweltering in a hothouse, or digging in a quarter for ten hours in summer, will bring fatigue and lassitude with it. Besides, in most places in the shortest days there are duties to be attended to in overhours, of which employers in general know little. Often and often in a mild evening, to save fuel, we have lighted no fires, and yet by ten or eleven o'clock have had to turn out and set every fire agoing, and make up the furnaces, perhaps, at twelve or one o'clock; and, then, there is no end to things that need protection on an emergency. T called early in the morning at a large place this spring ; the frost had been severe, and the young men seeing what was coming, had turned out at eleven o'clock the previous night, and netted and covered all the wall trees ; thus securing June 17, 1862. ] JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 211 a crop that otherwise might hove been lost. It is just possible that "R. W.'s" gardener had been doing something of the same kind one of those mornings lie was seen coming rather late from his cottage. Circumstances thus totally alter eases. The compensation principle is a two-edged sword, and in the case of gardeners, in general, T lionesth- believe, so far as time is concerned, they would liave a claim against the employer. This, however, will make no excuse for laziness, indolence, or want of punctuality. Those are cases that must bo judged by themselves. I should be sorry to see advocated any such general rule as "R. W." recommends. I feel certain that among other evils it would destroy the good feeling and mutual confidence and trust that now exist, and (hat all such extra hours 6ti|)ulatcd for would be followed by worse than actual loss as to re.'nlts. A good man will need no such binding; an unprincipled man may obey it to the letter, and thoroughly break all such trammels by merely seeming to work. In one word, then, I agree with " R. W." in insisting on punctuality. 2\^othing can be well done without it. 1 cheerfully accord to him the right of deciding how and for how many hours he will be served. That is a matter entirely between himself and his servant. If beyond this he would farther appeal to my professional experience, and what little knowledge of human nature I have gained, I would just say. If resolved to make hours of labour depend on the season of the year, make up your mind to have also a clear defined schedule of remu- neration according to these hours. If at all liberal this will bring into play a stimulus to continued exertion. Without it, your long hours according to the bond will be a grievance to your servant, and sure to end in loss and disappointment to yourself. It would bo idle to attempt anything like a settled rule for holidays. Some employers are perfectly uneasy if 1 hey know their gardeners to be away for a day. Other employers like their gardeners to look about them, believing that they themselves will be benefited by the increased intelligence thus gained, and the stimulus to exertion thus obtained. Good gardeners are generally as reluctant to leave home often, as such employers are anxious they should go. Nothing shakes self-conceit and vanity out of a man so cilectually as seeing productions and arrangements superior to his own. If a gentleman wishes the most to be made of his garden, he ought to send his gardener, if at all comeatablc, to one metropolitan exhibition every year, and also to some celebrated gentlemau's garden. I say this the more, because gardeners, as a body, when they have a holiday, generally make a point to visit some gardens, and I must say that I have seldom looked in upon the smallest and the least pretending without gaining something by the visit. Still, the question as to payment for holidays is a question purely between employer and employed. Abstractedly considered, the workman has no right to wages for which he has not wrought. When he receives them it is as a favour rather than as a right ; but a favour which ever, in the case of a man worth having, will spur liim on to greater and renewed exertion. So well is this under- stood in mercantile establishments, as well as the necessitv of a little change of scene, to give a bolstering strength to the mental and physical system, that these holidays once a-year or so, are now becoming general, and when extra or common success has been achieved, a small douceur often accompanies the leave of absence, as well as the paying of the regular wages. In the case of gardeners engaged by the year, or, at any rate, not considered as mere daily or weekly servants, I have seldom known or heard of holidays being deducted from wages. If they were, a respect- able man looked upon it at once as a sign that his services were not appreciated, and would take the first opportunity to act accordingly. The number of these holidays must be a matter of arrange- ment. " Five or six days now and then" seems rather going a-head in holiday-making. A day or two now and tlien would be a more correct idea of the holidays that prevail. Once or twice, or, perhaps, thrice, in a long service, I may have had from a week to ten days to go long distances; but I have been at other times with only a part of two or three days from horns for a twelvemonth. There can be no regular rule on such a subject ; but if I wanted five or six days, common prudence would say. Do not let that be more than once a-year, or in two or three years. A day or part of a day at a time is a very dilferent aS'air from being away during tlie night. land many more have paid holiday visits, and hardly been a night from home for years. One thing more is of greater importance to the gardener. Let no such holidays be taken without t'.io knowledge and sanction of the employer. If I have to go out a few hours on business, 1 do not now think it worth whdo to mention it ; but 1 shoulil not go from home for a whole day without my em- ployer's knowledge. I have just the feeling that I could not enjoy myself in such circumstances ; and what is worth the having is worth the asking for. Some good gardeners !ia»o split on this rock ; they got above asking, and took as some- thing like a right what they ought to have received as a boon. After what has been said, I hope that "R. W." and other employers, instead of stopping wages for a moderate Iioliday, will not only pay the wages cheei'fully, but encourage industrious, liard-working men by slipping a present into their hands to defray their expenses to see a metropolitan flower show, and the Grand Exhibition, which I hope myself to behold before long. I must apologise for the crudeness of these remarks. There is little time just now for condensation and pohsh, whicli they no doubt want ; but, in their roughness, they may give an idea from the gardener's point of view ; and I feel sure the Editors wiil supplement deficiencies, and kindly show where the ideas arc unsound or unsuitable. R. FrsH. We placed our correspondent's letter in the hands of Mr. Fish, because we knew that however he might have a tendency to make things pleasant for the craft, of which he is so worthy s member, he has too sound a judgment to endeavour to have them pleasant by sacrificing the interests of employers. The result is good as we expected, and, as employers of gardeners ourselves, we need only add that we fully assent to all his state- ments. A gardener worthy of that name, when he accepts a situation knows, and resolves to give, the attention and labour it will require ; and he fully appreciates that at some seasons and on some days far more than the usual number of hours must be occupied in the garden over which he presides. If he did not attend to those extra duties — did not devote to our garden those needed extra hours — we Bho\:ld consider him not up to our estimate of a good gardener, and should supersede him. On the other hand, there are seasons and days when there is no need for even an attendance strictly for a daily ten hours, and we should consider ourselves harsh masters if we even com- mented upon an hour or two's unusual absence. We never deducted the wages of the days whicli we allowed to our gardeners for holidays, for the plain reason that we allowed the holidays because we thought our gardeners faithful and deserved as well as needed relaxation, and we, therefore, did not wish them to pay for what they deserved and needed. If a gar- dener asked for leave of absence so frequently, or for such long periods as we considered unnecessary, we should tell him so, and if he persisted in requiring them we should tell him that it must cause our separation. In conclusion, we are decidedly of opinion that the gardener who requires to be bound to an liour-measured service is un- worthy of the profession, and no employe- will be gratified by being served by him. So, on the other hand, the employer who thinks that every shilling of wages should have been preceded by twelvepence worth of labour is indeed a l^ard task-master, and must never expect that best of all service when the head, heart, and hand work in concert.] EOYAL HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.— June 11. As bad luck would have it, the tent for this Show collapsed and hung about in all directions ; and a gangway covered with canvass was carefully set up from the grand entrance to the interior of the wreck, signifying a wish that all the well-wishers of the Society might be led unawares to the scene of the disaster, in order the more^fuUy to be able to sympathise with the Council of the Society on their bad luck, under the very eyes and noses of representatives of all the people on the f ice of the earth who came to the International Grand Show in time to see the splendour of our span new garden in the months of May and June. Well, some did feel very sorry, and I was one of tliem ; some were delighted ; and some gave expressions to feelings, such as a generous foe would never entertain towards opjionents or rivals. But welcome be the day when no British gar.lcner shall exult in the fall or failure of any member of our family, much ■ less when more than one is in for it. Divided autliority is the bane of public or private enterprise ; and any number of men, zsa JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. [ June 17, 1862. from any eraft or profession, acting together instead of under one head, would be just as liable m our Council to have their schemes "gang alt aglec." In consequence of tlie tent-ruin, the Show iiad to be arranged all up the western arcades, through the most beautiful conser- Tatorj, and down along the eastern arcades to very near the end, and there never was a better show, and all that was wanting was nKire shelter for the plants. The day was disagreeable, battering, blustering, coaxing, tempting, hot, cold, wet, and dry by turns ; and a shocking spectacle it was to a gardener to see hundreds of plants in the eastern arcade, worth from £5 to £50 a-piece, knocked about and against each other juat as if they were by the seashore in a gale ; while the one-third of the price paid for those stupid and most ugly-looking tents would have paid for temporaries, ■which would render these arcades as comfortable as a drawing- room to visitors, and just as suitable for all sorts of plants as the conservatory is now for the stove and Orchid ones, and next day or the day after these temporaries could be entirely removed. Tlie Show was very little different from the May Show ; the grand Pelargoniums made up for what the Azaleas lacked of their May lustre; and the competition for the dessert and dinner- table decoration was so imposing as to embrace more than the same amount of the public attention which was given in May to the drawing-room and conservatory, decorations. But the ®ffect was singularly different. The grand improvement was in the dinner-decoralion services. I should think that from two dozen to thirty people competed for the distmction, and, with the exception of three of them, they were very well done indeed, and some of them very superiorly. The idea is most excellent ; but people who thoroughly under- stand it find such a difficulty in breaking through an old and original principle of the dessert-table, that none or hardly any bat amateurs have yet attempted to compete, and perhaps that is as well. Strangers, however, to the grand doings of our grandees in their territorial dining-rooms can yet get. no glimpse of it from these competitions. Not one of the "sets" of last year or of this has been set on dining-room principles — a fault which I wonder such lady Judges have not yet pointed out to the Society, and a fault which might easily be prevented. The diniug-table was, say 100 yards long, and if there were thirty competitors there would be ju3t ninety dishes, or thirty " ser- vices," which are never called dishes in dining-room language. Every two dishes of each of these thirty " services " were placed wrongways on the table at this Exhibition — tiiat is to say, were set down in the line of the run of the table, instead of across the iable. Ill high private dining arrangements, it is considered either vulgar, or evidence of a want of means, to put any fruit bigger than Cherries in the centre group at all. The bare bones of a private dessert are six dishes, and a centre of tliree, the middle one being the centre, and the other two the flanlcs, and these in- variably stand across the dining-toble. The "top" and "bottom" are the first and second best dishes of " bare bones," and the "four corners" are the next best, and must be in match pairs. That is the smallest dessert you can place within the letter of the law, and your " centre piece " U the ornamental part of it for Mowers, confections, and very fancy things, whicli the young of the party are sure to amuse themselves with ere all is finished ; but if the party is thought to be rather too many for the size of the dinner-table, the bottom of the flanks and centre may be borrowed, as it were, to hold your small fruit, which is seldom touched. But in more ordinary ways, I never could see why the "centre " should not hold, or do for all the fruit and flowers. But I hold it as being perfectly impossible for any one to " set up " fruit and flowers on a centre group, as in this competition, ■with any degree of confidence, or with much effect either, unless he is to know whether the centre is to be the whole dessert, or merely the ornamental part of it. The premier prize went last year and tliis on the supposition that the " centre " was at least the main seat of the dessert, which it never is, except at dinners on a very limited scale, or when a family sit down to enjoy a meal by themselves, which is as difl'erent from a dinner party as are a carriage bonnet and Prench gloves to a garden hat and gardening gloves. But I must talk about the plants. After the very much im- proved long row of competitions for the very liberal prizes from Sir Wentworth Dilke, the next lot was also on a long level table ill the centre of the space, and the first 17 yards of it were oc- cupied by the Messrs. Veitch's Japan plants in three rows ; then 16 yards of boxes of cut Eoses, in double rows, the one side Paul & Son, and the other side W. Paul, who had three other English seedlings. Hoses of his own rearing. The best of them a deep rosy crimson all in one shade, and called Multiflora, was marked a "bedding Rose," and if it really will bed it must stand next to a bed of Reynolds Hole, which took the fancy by surprise last summer in that conservatory, and in Mr. Stan- dish's contribution. The other two seedlings of Mr. W. Paul were quite as good to my eye as r.ine-tenths of the French seedlings. The next 12 yards of this centre table were wholly occupied by Mr. Standish's new Japanese plants. I heard him discoursing about Ilex Fortuni, which is not at all like an Ilex, being made into all sorts of topiary work in Japan, as the Yew is here, or has been, and that hedges of it closely kept will bear the weight of a Japanese to walk over it. I once walked as one in three abreast along the top of a Holly-hedge 16 feet high, not two miles out from Edinburgh, on the south side, but I forget the name of the place, and I wonder if that hedge be there now. That was in 1828, and the place was on the right-hand side as you would go to Hawthornden, for I went there to see the original Apple tree of that name the same day. Against the bact wall of the arcades in this part were stands of cut flowers of Ranunculuses, Verbenas, Rhododendrons, Pansies, Pinks, Pfeonies, and Delphiniums, the last two were very fine, from Mr.' Salter. After these, all the arrangements were against the back wall of the arcades, and against the back, centre, and ends of the consei-vatory in three broad steps, or stages, covered with green baize with canvass screening in front of tlie west side arcades ; but not so on the opposite side of the conservatory where the splendid groups suffered dreadfully from the blowing wind. The first of the back wall plants were two, a match pair, of the Mrs. Ferguson Petunia. They were 9 feet high and loaded with the gayest flowers you ever saw, every one of them striped with five purple bands ; and The Cottage Gardener of the autumn of 1860, is the godfather of the kind when no one else would hardly venture an opinion on the flowers. Mr. Williams next with heaps of variegated plants, and amongst them the Gnaplialium lanatum that is to run against Antennaria margaritacea ; also the second kind of variegated Scrophularia, called melifera. Then a very rich seedling single Petunia striped with purple more deeply than Mrs. Ferguson, and named Flower of the Day. I should like to be not only the godfather of this new Petunia, but to have been the raiser of it, for, depend upon it, no one who can afford to buy it, will long go without it next year, when it must come out. Here, also, stood lots of other new seedlings. Petunias from Mr. Bull ; Pelargoniums of great beauty, and a whole collection of them from Mr. Turner. Some very poor specimens of, seemingly, good seedling Tropreolums in the most wretched condition, and a very fine Delphinium bicolor grandiflorum, the latter from the Messrs. Downie, Laird, k Laing, a very good dwarf Scarlet Geranium, Adeline Patti, with large flowers, fi'om Mr. Macintosh, of Hammersmith. Then a most noble collection of fine-leaved and variegated plants from Messrs. Veitcli, of Exeter and Chelsea, occupying 20 yards, including grand specimens of the Alocasias, Caladiums, the new Fig plant, very much better than in May, grand Cyanophyls, and the best Erica depressa in that nursery no doubt. The next 24 yards were of Ferns, and fine-leaved plants from various growers. But the newest plant in thet part was an African Crinum, without the columnar stem of the Asiatic kinds and very near Crinum Forbesii, of the Eastern parts of Natal, but marked just like Ilippeastrum vittatum, with a deep band of purple up each segment of the perianth. There was no name to it, but a ticket teliing it was introduced in 1859 by Capt. Speke, from the centre African lake Victoria (?), and wa^ sent to the show by W. Speke, Esq., Jordans, Somersetshire. That Crinum and Forbesi, if we could get it, and the common longifolium of the Cape, would easily get up a race of Crinums as hardy and as varied in aspect as the Gladioli, and six times more florid and majestic in looks. But where is Lake Victoria in central Africa ? Does it mean the great waters of the Makololos above the great fulls of Victoria, beginning the Zambesi, or what ? If so, this Crinum will need Orchid-house treatment till it is crossed with the hardy race. Now, up a flight of steps, refreshment arcade, and then the grand curve to the west end of the conservatory, and it was in June 17, 18G2. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 213 that curve tliat grandeur reposed in comfort. But, first, the only colleetion of standard Rhododendrons tlicrc, Mr. Noble, of Bagshot, being the sender and snstainer ; then 1:2 yards of Roses, Calceolarias, and Heaths, and full (iO yards of the most splendidly-grown Pelargoniums ever staged liereaboufs or far away ; but I recollect when the oldest of them had, or was refused a certiCeate. Now for genealogies. How many of the 00 yards had first or second-class certificates when they were seedlings? and how many kinds which had first-class certificates since 1842, the date of the oldest Pelargonium there in my stud-book are now out of cultivation ? Who can answer that ? And now into the grand conservatory. I admire this house the more I see of it. It was a wise thmg not to have planted out in borders in it, yet it lacks the very best part of the fur- nishing of a conservatory for want of climbers. What a noble effect a right selection and direction of climbers would make in that house ! I would not care a fig for flowers, so much as for the living festoons of varied green which might run from side to side, suspension-bridge-like, above the feathers and features of the fairest flowers of our race. This beautiful house was magnificently " set." The first- prize collections of stove and greenhonse plants, and all of their like. The Orchids, too, and the Azaleas were there, as were many novelties, and the hosts of camp-followers you see at all the gi-eat London shows. There were 35 yards of Orchids, some very good specimens ; but tlie kinds and the looks of the plants not to be compared, for one moment, with the Orchids, the " morning Orchids" of ten and twelve years back. I have every one of them booked ; and of all the Heaths, stove plants and not stove plants, Vanda Batemanni from the Exotic Nursery, and Cattleya superba with two flowers on it from Mr. Chilman, were the two rarest to the shows which were there ; and there was also Dendrobium Falconeri the most delicate of the five-stemmed race from India, with flowers after the way and fashion of nobile. At the west end were many novelties from Messrs. Veitch, which stood the brunt of the Floral Committee, and some hybrid Orchids from the same, with one of which another botanical genus is knocked on tlie head. I allude to a robust- ooking seedling from Groodyera discolor, older than I am, and by the poUen of Anceetoehilus Lowi, so Goodyera must merge into the more euphonious name at last. A crossed Pitcher- plant, and several others were also shown ; but one from the Foi-brush Orchid, the .Erides Fieldingi, with afiine, shows the two to be too much of a sort for useful breeding. Lindleyana and Schroederi appear the two most likely to give a better third ; but it is most interesting to see and know that Mr. Dominy has really got into this secret of the Orchids, without the aid of moths, like Scintillaria maeroglossa which crosses them, sings over them, sucks them, and looks at you all the while. The little hard dark brown Mimulus cupreus was there, a really good thing ; and there was a freshly-potted Philadelphus hirsutus, very much in the way of the P. mexicanus, which Mr. Turner exhibited at the Azalea Show. I once had up a batch of crossed seedlings from mexicanus by the common old one, and they went for it in 1836 before I could flower them. Tliey and the Deutzias will yet make a fortune to some breeder, and this hirsutus is just the very sort of plant to vary and make good the strain. The pretty little yellow Oxalis valdivlanawas very pretty indeed, and Stenogaster speciosa in the same group would seem to offer temptations to cross some of them with Streptocarpus, if only to put with another genus. The most curious plants at the other end of the house were Alocasia zebrina, from Messrs. Yeitch, and cut specimens of the old Hand-plant of Mexico from C. Dorrien, Esq., Ashdean, Chichester. The long leaf-stems of that Alocasia are as the markings of a snake with plain green leaves ; and here stood under a glass a fine group of skeletonised leaves by Miss Kubergall, of Heath Farm, Old Brompton, and they were exquisitely prepared. The eastern arcades began with 17 yards of Azaleas, of which Constantia rosea was the darkest purple, Extranii next, and then the great mass of various sliades of orange scarlet, until they ran into rose and salmon tinted, of which one Feuella in Mr. Page's collection was the best example ; then 30 yards of huge foliage plants in great distress, followed by 39 yards of collections of stove and greenhouse plants ; the whole ended with 5 yards of the newer Azaleas, and a group of twenty-four fine dwarf hardy Ferns— a very select lot from Mr. Ivcry, of Dorking, who also with Mr. Turner, had another turn with these new Azaleas. 'Ihe fruit-stand was down arotlier flight of step', it was moderate this tiui^', and the best Black Grapes were from Mr. Henderson, of Trcntham, and the Ingram's Hardy Prolific Muscat from Mr. Standish was never seen to such advantage. D. Beatos. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. A TOtEE.tELT fine day, the height of the season, and the velal which for a time at any rate attaches to the Horticultural Society (which it is the thing to belong to), sufllced to bring together a very large concourse of the fashionable, sight-seeing, and gar- dening world to behold one of the largest and most interesting collections of plants ever brought together, but shown under disadvantages which nothing but the intrinsic merits of the plants themselves could have overcome. It is quite clear that, as at present laid out, tlie place is not suited for a flower show. The arcades are draughty and cold to a degree ; and when covered-in in the front, and the weather is cloudy, it is like looking at flowers in a vault. The arrangement certainly does not please ; and as a matter of taste I should think our French neighbours were not a little astonished to see how little we made of our vast materials. However, as I saw Mr. Beaton with pitying eye beholding the fine-foliaged plants in the eastern arcade blown about by the fierce south-west wind, I doubt not he will tell the world what he thought about it, and I shall go on to the florists' flowers, which, I rejoice to say, still attracted the larger number of admirers. Again the foliaged plants were passed by. The collections of stove and greenhouse plants were only favoured with a passing glance ; but whenever you heard a " Move on, if you please," from X 21, you might be certain that you had come on a box of Roses, a group of Azaleas, or a stand of Pelargoniums. Orchids will always attract their share of attention and were very fine, but with that exception the most popular subjects are florists' flowers. Pelargoniums were never finer — in fact, I question if Mr. Turner's were ever so fine as they were to-day. They were not only models of growth and masses of bloom, but there was a character about each individual flower which s'aowed how care- fully they had been attended to. In his twelve show plants were — Lord Clyde, a flower of great brilliancy of colour, orange scarlet, and of fine shape ; Fairest of the Fair ; Lady Canning ; Viola ; Desdemona ; Bacchus ; Etna, a fine rich scarlet ; Prince of Prussia, good white ; Rose Celestial ; Sir C. Campbell, and Candidate. Messrs. Dobson & Son, of Isleworth, were second j and had amongst their plants very fine specimens of Carlos, Governor General, and Sanspareil. Messrs. J. & J. Eraser were third ; and Mr. Burley, of Limpsfield, was fourth. He had a fresh variety, Virginie, very brilliant in colour but indifferent in form. Amongst Amateurs, Mr. Bailey, of Shardeloes, was first. Bianca, Sanspareil, Glowworm, Viola, Carlos, Duke of Cam- bridge, Lord Clyde, Desdemona, and Rosa Bonheur comprised his plants. In six Fancies, which were open to all, Mr. Turner was first, with admirable plants of Claudiana, Evening Star, Acme, Delicatum, Modestum, and Crimsoi) Pet. It would be im- possible, we think, to bring more perfect plants than those exhibited on this occasion. Messrs. Dobson & Son were second, Mr. Bailey third, Messrs. Eraser fourth, and Mrs. Hodgson had an extra prize. In Spotted Pelargoniums, Mr. Turner was also first. His plants were Mr. Mamock, Conspicxmm, Quillaume Severyns, Bertie, Bracelet, Beadsman, Rembrandt, King of Purples, and Osiris. Mr. Dobson second, Messrs. Eraser third. Azaleas were not so good as in May, nor was this to be expected ; but some very fine plants were staged, especially those of Mr. Turner's. They were, as usual, a mass of bloom, and admirably arranged. Centurion, Lateritia, Petunioeflora, lUustris nova, Stanleyana, Gledstanesii, Gem, Symmetry, and Sir C. Napier were the plants ; and although I fancied they looked as it they had been kept back a little too long, yet they were very fine. Messrs. Veitch & Son held the second place ; their plants were certainly fine. Magnificent, Iveryana, Coronata, Holfordi, Apollo, Barclayana, and Perryana were the best. One plant had unfortunately been left too long without water, and during the early part of the dav drooped very much. In the Amateur's class, Mr. Wbitbread, gardener to H. 2U JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUilB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 17, 1862. Colljer, Esq., of Darfford, was iirst with Keine des Beiges, Striata foruiosissima, Juliana, Extranii, Consolation, Chelsoni, Gledeta- nesii formosa. Conqueror, and Stanleyana. In the class of six Azaleas, sent out since 1857, Mr. Turner was again first. His plants were Etoile de Gand, Kinghorni, Chameleon, Magnet, President de Clayes, Comte de Hainault. I have before spoken of all these varieties, but Etoile de Gand was superior to anything I have yet seen in the same way ; the individual flowers were so fine, and the marking so very con- stant. In a few years more, when these new varieties come to be large plants and push aside the older ones, their effect in collections will be very striking. Eoses were shown both in pots and as out blooms, the former by Messrs. Lane and Wm. Paul, but not in such good condition as in May. Mr. Lane's comprised Paul Eicaut, Baronne Pre- vost, Coupe d'Hebe, Elise Mercojur, Madame Plantier, Souvenir de la Eeine d'Angleterre, and Queen. Some fine boxes of bloom were sent by Messrs. Paul & Son, of Clieshunt, Mr. Wm. Paul, Mr. C. Turner, of Slough, and the Eev. F. W. Eadclyfl'e, of Eushton. No prize was offered for them. Is the Society too poor? or will it never learn that these are the sort of things to encourage? Some of the blooms were exceedingly fine, but there was no means of comparing them. One box was up in the conservatory, and the other a long way down in the arcades ^in fact, in the Miscellaneous class there seemed inextricable confusion. The exhibitors were puzzled, the Judges were puzzled, and I am sure the public were puzzled. What " third jn-ize " meant no one knew. Seeing it on a box of Eoses, one naturally looked to see what had first, but that was not to be found. I thought Mr. Turner's the freshest-looking of the stand show. There were such fine blooms of Senateur Vaisse, General Jac- queminot, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Vicomtesse de Cazes, Ma- dame Furtado, Bacchus, Eugene Appert, Madam Bray, Madam Elvers, and Amiral Gravina. There were in the Messrs. Pauls' stand some new Eoses, of which more presently. Pinks were exhibited by Messrs. Turner, Bragg, and Williams, but here again no prizes were offered, being only " garden things!" Mr. Turner's stand, not as fine as usual, comprised Elcho, Adonis, Victory, Colc'liester, Cardinal, Mr. Hobbs, At- traction, Mrs. ICingsford (Jeans), New Criterion, Pride of Col- chester. Princess Alice, Helen, Minnie, Annie, Unique, and some seedlings. Mr. Shenton, of Hendon, had a very good box of Pansies ; and Mr. Salter, of Hammersmith, two fine boxes of Pseouies, very showy and varied in their colours. Two collections of Calceolarias were shown. Mr. Bousie, gardener to Lord Taunton, had well-grown and bloomed plants of Monarch, Lady C. Lascelles, Lily, Dewdrop, and Dr. Livingstone, and received first prize, though his flowers somewhat lacked variety, being nearly all shades of yellow, spotted with brown, &c. Mr. Burley was second : his plants were thinly bloomed and too formally tied, though the variety iu them was greater. They were Lady Havelock, Augustifolia superba, Prince of Wales, Little Dorrit, and King of Prussia. Seedhng florists' flowers, &c., were sent in in goodly numbers. So fine a bank of seedling Pelargoniums I never saw, but the arrangement was very bad ; they were put up so closely and so high, that it was impossible almost to get at anything to see it properly. My notes were taken under these difficulties, nor do I yet know how they stood before the Floral Committee ; for when I went again to look at them at three o'clock, there were no cards attached. Campus (Beck's), is a beautiful rose colour, with clear white throat ; a decided improvement on Rose Celestial. Monitor (Forster's), splendid spot, a purplish-crimson ground with very large, intense spot. Royalty (Forster's), a beautiful purple, clet,r white throat, and a decided novelty. Belle of the Ball (Forster's), is a beautiful painted flower, in the style of Princetta, with intense black upper petals, edged with fiery crimson. Censor (Forster's), a purphsh-crimson ; well- shaped flower. Illuminator (Forster's), a Lord-Clyde style of flower, of fine shape and size. Eegina Formosa (Beck's), a beautiful rosy crimson. Ferreus (Beck's), fine, smooth, round, scarlet flower. Prinee Albert (Hoyle's), a very large flower, but some- what rough. I was particularly struck with the advance made by Mr. Nye, Miss Forster's gardener, as he has got out of that cupped strain which used to spoil his flowers. Mr. Hoyle was a little behind his usual place. A fine Petunia, Flower of the Day, in the way of Madam Ferguson, was shown by Mr. Holland, gardener to G. W. Peake, Esq., Springrove. It is regularly marked on each petal, or segment of the flower, end with a much broader and brighter stripe thau Madam Ferguson. This has passed into the hands of Mr. B. S. Williams, of Paradise Nursery. A very dwarf bedding Calceolaria, called Qolden Dwarf, was exhibited by Mr. Watson, of the New Zealand Nursery, St. Albans, and is likely to prove an acquisition ; as is also a fine Delphinium, called Bicolor gratidiflorarn, exhibited by. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, and said by them to come true from seed. Some interesting seedling Eoses of English origin were shown, opening up the question whether we cannot rival our French friends. I know it is said that mildew will beat us, but surely it will be worth tryrag. Messrs. Paul & Son had a very nice and well-shaped H.P. Eose, apparently of the Lord Raglan type, with a shade of colour in it somewhat of the dark Bourbon. Eose, such as George Peabody, &c. I hope to see more of thia yet. Mr. Paul, jun., informed me that it came out of the same bed of seedlings as Beauty of Waltham. Mr. William Paul had Brilliant, a Bourbon Eose, an improvement on Sir J. Paxton, being higher in colour than that favourite flower. As an autumn climbing Eose it is a very desirable variety, and a branch of it shown at the same time clearly marks it as very vigorous. Then there was Multiflora, a very free-blooming seedling of General Jacqueminot, and, like its parent, too thin but pretty ;, Eobusta, a rosy crimson, as good as many of the French novel- ties (?) ; and " Wee Pet," small and somewhat rough. These are all interesting, as showing an advance into ground hitherto untrodden. Messrs. Veitch exhibited Mimulus cupreus, fully confirming, the opinion formed of it last year. The plants had been grown in the open air, aiid had been taken up and put into pons : they were consequently much deeper in colour and very dwarf. I think it will be a very useful plant. Then they had Nolana lanceolata, a hardy annual, with blue Convolvulus-looking flowers, and likely to be useful for vase-culture. Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son sent plants of their Zonale Geraniums — Mrs. Pollock, Sunset, Gold Leaf, Mrs. Miiford,. Glowworm, Gold Pheasant, and some seedlings, amongst which I detected, I fancy, Lucy Grieve, an improvement on Sunset. The growls that have been for some time sounding deep in the breast of the great public, have at last burst forth in a peal of thunder from the Times, suggesting an answer to the question,. Are not the gardens a complete failure ? Mr. Eyles, however^ is not the person on whom the blame rests — he cannot do impossibilities ; but I should not be at all surprised if this be not among the things which are tending to stop us in the extreme length to which the bedding-out system is running. The gardens will look well when everybody is out of town ; and as to the' " broken bottle " style, who can say a word for it except those dilettanti who want to play at gardening ? These are matters- which will occupy the public mind now that the ball is fairly set moving, and I hope with beneficial results to horticulture generally. — D., Deal. FEUIT. Althottgh the show of fruit, taken as a whole, was scarcely- so fine as we have seen at the same period in previous years, yet many of the specimens were very good, particularly the Pines,. Peaches, and Nectarines, and some of the Grapes, which, how- ever, in general, were not fully ripe. To no part of the Exhibition, if we except the dinner-table decorations, did the visitors crowd more constantly, and in none did they manifest a greater interest or linger longer than iu the fruit show. Indeed, many persons had to content themselves- with a mere glimpse, near approach to the tables being almost an impossibility — a gratifying evidence to the lover of fruits that the twofold claim of his favourites for utility and beauty com- bined is not neglected for the simply ornamental in leaves and flowers. In Pines, the first prize for the best Cayenne was withheld, and the second was taken by Mr. Bailey, gardener to T. T.. Drake, Esq., of Shardeloes; this was the only exhibition in Class A. In the open class for any other kind, Mr. Floud, gardener to R. Fothergill, Esq., Aberdare, took the first prize With a very handsome Queen, weighing 5 lbs. 2 ozs. ; and Mr. Barnes, of Bicton, was second with an excellent Queen, weighing 4 lbs. 1 oz. The third was taken by Mr. Speed, gardener to Sir E. Walker, Bury Hill, Mansfield, with a well-grown White Providence,, weighing 7 lbs. 6 ozs. June 17, 1863. j JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE ANB COTTAGE GARDENER. 21S Of Black Grapes thei-e was a largo disiilay, tlie Black Ham- burgh being the sort exhibited almost to the exclusion of every other. Many of the bunches were b.idly coloured, and others had the bloom rubbed off by bad packing, wliilst the fruit of a few, evidently new exhibitors, was set up in a very unskilfid manner. In one instance the bunches rested on a thin blue paper similar to that used by grocers, which had a very bad cll'ect. Mr. A. Henderson, of Xrcntham, exhibited three magnificent bunches, the berries being large and regular and covered with a fine bloom. These gained the first prize ; and from the same exhibitor were tln-ee more fine, well-coloured bundles, which would have also merited a prize if more than one could have been taken in a class by the same person. Mr. Clement, of East Baruet, came in second, his fruit being also very fine, even, and well coloured ; whilst the third award was given to Mr. Wortley, gardener to Admiral the Hon. P. Cary, Norwood ; his bunches, though not so large as the others, were very good, and the in- dividual berries were large. All the above were Black Ham- burghs, and good specimens of the same variety were also exhibited by Messrs. Tillyard, Stanmoro Priory ; Fleming, of Cliveden ; and Robson, of Linton Park, Staplehurst. There were several other exhibitors in the same class, but the bunches though in some cases of good size were either badly coloured, irregular, or with the bloom rubbed otT. In the next class. White Muscats, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Horwood, gardener to G. H. TurnbuU, Esq., Bromley, for three fine, well-shouldered bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, and he also exhibited a 12 lb. basket, but the berries though fine were unripe. The second prize was taken by Mr. Standish with the same kind, grown in the vineries mentioned at page 51, the berries being large and fine. Mr. Bmbery came in third ; both the bunches and the individual berries were large but not so regular as in the other two. Fine bunches were also exhibited by Mr. Clement. Those from Mr. Peed, Mr. Meckleuright, and Mr. Moylan were likewise good, but the berries were not perfectly ripe. Mr. D. Thomson, of Archerfield, N.B., showed Areherfield Early Muscat, a new form of the Muscat of Alexan- dria, but which is six weeks earlier than that variety. It was a large, broad-shouldered, and ovate-shaped bunch remarkably well set ; the berries of good size and perfectly ripe. It un- fortunately arrived too late, otherwise there is no doubt it would have received some very special notice from the Judges. In the class for any other White Grape, Mr. Wortley, Nor- wood, came in first for Diamond Drop, a pale-coloured Grape, with a light brown tinge next the sun. Mr. Alderson was second with R'lyal Muscadiue ; and Mr. Edwards, gardener to Lady Langdale, Eyewood, took the third prize with Boyal Muscadine. Peaches were exhibited by Mr. Henderson, of Trentliam, Mr. Durrant, and Mr. Boston, who were respectively first, second, and third ; those from the former were large and beautifully- coloured specimens of the Royal George, whilst Mr. Durrant's exhibition consisted of the Bellegarde, three out of the six fruits being well-coloured, the remainder not equally good. In Nectarines Mr. Allen, gardener to J. B. Glegg, Esq., Withington Hall, was first with a dish of beautifully-coloured Elruge ; and Mr. Henderson, of Trentham, obtained the second prize lor Yiolette Hative, which was also very fine ; indeed, there was very little difference in the merit of the two exhibitions. Mr. Horwood likewise exhibited a very good dish of the same kind, but not so well coloured ; and that from Mr. Moylan, though the fruit was well grown and some of it properly coloured, was not sufficiently ripe. In the class for Clierries, the only dishes exhibited were Black Tartarian from Mr. Henderson, of Trentham, and May Duke from Mr. Fleming, of Cliveden, who were respectively first and second. Strawberries, in single dishes. The successful competitors in this class were Mr. Smith, of Twickenham, who exhibited a dish of very handsome fruit of Sir Charles Napier, which took the first prize ; Mr. Widdowson, and Mr. Park, of Retford. In the next class, three dishes, Mr. B. Smith, Twickenham, was first with Sir C. Napier, British Queen, and Empress Eugenie, the former being large and very fine ; and Mr. Wid- dowson, who had also very good fruit, second. The first prize for green-flashed Melons was given to Mr. Meredith, for a hybrid Cashmere ; and the second to Mr. Mac- laren, for Golden Perfection, both being good specimens. In scarlet -fleshed, Kaile's Scarlet-fleshed, from Mr. Kaile, gardener to Earl Lovelace, Ripley, was first ; and Turner's Scarlet Gem, from Mr. Meredith, second. Vines in pots were well represented by Mr. Smith, of Syon, who exhibited two pots of the Black Hamburgh, forming a wide arch covered with fruit, and for which a first prize was awarded. Mr. Hutt, gardener (o Miss Burdctt Coutts, came in second with Sweetwater and Black Hamburgh ; the cnly other com- petitor was C. W. Alderson, Langley Lane, South Lambeth, who exhibited two plants thickly hung with bunches, but which were disqualified by the Judges, it having been found that the Vines were not bond fide grown in pots. The pLints were remark- ably well grown and luxuriant ; the bundles large and very numerous ; whilst the pots were unusually small for the size of the Vines. All these circumstances excited suspicion ; and, on turning a plant out of its pot, it was found that a shoot had been introduced through the hole in the bottom, and, though some adventitious roots had been formed, the Vines had evi- dently been nourished by the parent plant, tlie connection with which had been severed a short time previous to the Kxhibitiou. The prompt detection which this tiiscreditable expedient met with, will, it is to be hoped, deter others from imitating the example, should there indeed bo any so inclined. In the Miscellaneous class, Mr. Standish obtained a first prize for some fine bunches of Ingram's Hardy Prolific Muscat, a just recognition of its merits as one of our best new varieties. Dr. Trouneer came second for Black Hamburghs, grown on the roof of a house in Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, and which under the circumstances in which they were jiroduced were very good. These were arranged as a dinner-table decoration. A similar award was made to Mr. Lunt, Greenock, for a dish of Moorpark .Apricots; also to Mr. Henderson, Trentham, for Elton Cherries. Mr. R. Smith, of Twickenham, exhibited some pots of Sir Charles Napier Strawberry. Mr. Ross, Newbury, a dish of AVhite Marseilles Figs ; and Mr. Kaile, Raspberries in pots, all of whom received third prizes. Mr. Hall, gardener to Captain Tyrell, Fordhook, Ealing, ex- hibited three dishes of A)jples, two of them being the Bess Pool, the other French Crab, all of them sound and firm. From Mr. Smith, of Chertsey, came three rather small bunches of the Golden Hamburgh Grape ; and from J. Luscombe, Esq., Combe Royal, Devon, a dish of Limes grown on a south wall without glass or artificial heat, and with merely protection — the pro- tection of a reed covering at night aud in very severe weather. HORTICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, &c. The show of these differed Uttle in its general character from that on May 2l8t, of which it was for the most part merely a repe- tition, there being with but few exceptions the same exliibitors and tlie same articles, with only a slight increase in their numbers. This speaks Tery little for the enterprise of the manufacturers whom the Society has invited to come forward, and who have thus lost a good opportunity which might have turned greatly to their advantage. That the visitors evinced but httle interest in this " exhibition " cannot be wondered at — it was a failure. Horticulture, it is true, requires no massive engines working with giant strength and unerring certainty, impressing the be- holder by their movements with a feeling of awe — no complicated machinery that the breaking of a thread or the touch of an infant's hand will stop. And that the public should crowd to these can- not be a matter of surprise ; but when we find at the Inter- national Exhibition every machine, no matter what its purpose, receives its share of public attention, we are foiced to the con- clusion that it is not from lack of interest on the part of the public, but from the paucity of the display and the familiar nature of the articles shown that so little attention was paid to this part of the Society's Exhibition. Three kinds of boUers were exhibited — the tubular ones of Ormson and Weeks, and Monro's cannon form of several sizes, of both wrought and cast iron. Messrs. Weeks also exhibited their large heating pedestal and cast-iron funiace-doors, made to slide backwards and forwards so as to obviate the objection of warping with tlio heat, which hinged doors are almost sure to do. Mr. Ormson likewise exhibited furnace-doors of admirable construction. They are faced next the fire with firebrick, so that no loss of heat may take place in consequence of the con- duction of the metal, and instead of sliding they are provided with brass rollers which run on a bright case-liardened rod ; friction is thus reduced to a minimum, and they can, conse- quently, be moved with almost a touch. From the same ex- hibitor there was also an improved stop-valve, the shutter of which was drawn backwards or forwards by a screw working in a kind of female screw on the face. 216 JOURNAL OF HOETICULIURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ June 17, 1862. In addition to the boilers, Mr. Jones had a heating coil with an ornamental round case ; single, double, and triple valves for hot-water apparatus ; a number of excellent cast-iron vases, and a flower-pot stand of the same material. Mowing-machines were exhibited by Messrs. J. B. Brown and Co., of Cannon Street, who also had garden chairs, and some handsome cast-iron vases ; Green, of Leeds ; Eansome and Sims, of Ipswich ; and Ferrabee & Co., of Stroud. Amies & Barford's rollers were again shown, as well as Bants' tree-protectors, pendant basket, and galvanised Verbena-pegs ; Nixej's water-tubs, and Read's garden syringes and engines. Messrs. Barr & Sugden exhibited some pretty flower-pot covers for hiding common garden-pots in drawing-rooms ; they are made of card of various colours, and are coated with gelatine to prevent injury from moisture. Also flower and fruit gatherers including Gmelin's patent, which, from grasping the fruit between two Indiarubber discs, cannot bruise. They had in addition rustic terra cotta flower-pots, triple flower-vases, and Yeates' improved zinc tallies. Erom Mr. \V. Thomson, of Dalkeith, came his newly-invented hot-air ventilator, described at page 195 ; from Mr. W. P. Ayres, a panel in cement for conserTatory-tubs ; from Mr. Cul- lingford, garden netting of various kinds; wooden flower-sticks, tallies, and labels, from Mr. F. A. Haage, of Erfurt, which were remarkably cheap ; and lastly, seed-protectors, wire archways, flower-stands, and baskets, from Mr. Keynolds, of New Compton Street. There was also a model of Cranston's conservatory, with a sash showing the mode in which ventilation is effected. Nearly all the articles exhibited were commended either on this or on the former occasion. IMAGINARY FORMS IN FERN STEMS. Ifeak that I uselessly occupied your time and space in asking in which Fern the " sacred monogram " was imagined. I have since learned that the words used were " the initials of Jesus Christ printed there black as with ink." I have recently cut several roots of the Pteris, keeping the inside or grooved side of the stem uppermost, and making a sloping cut from right to left, and have occasionally, with the eye of laith, seen the letters " J. C." It is more like two J's back to back, but a speck near the top of the letter J can be fancied aa making it into a C. — M. D. P. VINES AND VINE-BORDERS. Much has been spoken and written on the formation of Tine- borders, and the application of heat to them ; and it may appear presumption in me to attempt to give anything new. This, however, I do not attempt to do. But still, I cannot help thinking that we have much to learn on these subjects, which shall be my apology for occupying your pages. I think nearly, if not quite, all are agreed that it is advantageous to have the temperature of the soil where the roots of the plants are growing, approximating somewhat to that in which the shoots are, especi- ally in cold damp climates, and in early forcing. We know that in the pot-culture of plants, generally speaking, they succeed best when the roots are in advance of the stem, or in a medium, where the shoots can be supplied from the i-oot, with the food suitable for the perfecting of the whole plant : if this be correct, which my experience leads me to think is the case, it follows that the general treatment of the Yine hitherto has not been that which it ought to be ; this would appear true, from the different modes that have been adopted to increase the temperature of the soil. The natural habit of the Yine, and our own reason, leads us to conclude that it is seldom treated as it ought to be. True, good Grapes have been, and will be, grown without any artificial heat to tlie soil ; but I think this no reason why those same Vines might not have been better, had the temperature of the soil been liigher tlian it was. Having to erect new vineries here, the drawing below is the plan which was adopted — it being the desire of my employer to heat the soil by some means or other, he being led to do so from his observations on the temperature of the soil when in India. To do so by means of hot dung thrown under brick arches was objectionable, from the amount of labour required to keep up anything like a steady heat. To cover the surface with dung was-still more objectionable, from its unsightliness, its bad effects on the border, and its being opposed to the well-known laws of the conduction and radiation of caloric. We were led to adopt the Caithness pavement, which is 2 inches thick, and in pieces from 3 feet to 4 feet square ; also moderately cheap. With this was constructed a chamber, 2 feet 6 inches high, with 9- inch brick pillars supporting the pavement, and heated with hot-water pipes from the same boiler which heats the houses. We have found it to exceed our most san- guine expectations. In the first place, we have a thorough drain- age, and the roots cannot by any means get into the bad soil below ; but tlie most important fact is, that the temperature of the soil in the chamber at 2 feet deep, is, at all times, 9° higher than that of a border of the same aspect, not chambered. When the frost has penetrated into the latter 9 inches, it has oikly reached 2 inches in the chambered border — that is, without any artificial heat being applied. The increase of 9° was quite unlooked for, when the border was chambered ; but being supplied with soil-thermometers, for the purpose of ascertaining the temperature of the soil in various parts in the garden, and in the farm, tliroughout the year, we had an opportunity of knowing the fact ; while, under other circumstances, it might not have been known. It also led his Lordship to cause to be chambered upwards of 300 square yards of wall-borders, for growing early vegetables, which, when made, indicated the same increase of temperature of the soil — viz., 9°. The question will naturally arise. Can the temperature of the soil be raised to any great extent, by the hot-water pipes, with a single mat covering the border to prevent radiation in any sort of weather, excepting rain ? We can raise the temperature of the soil from 50° up to 80° in eight or ten days, with a very email amount of fuel, much smaller than I could have imagined. By this mode of heating, I could keep the soil where the roots are at a temperature of 80°, wlaile the shoots would be at the freezing-point, by merely opening or shutting the valves of the hot-water pipes. In order to find out correctly what effect a quantity of fer- menting dung laid on the surface of a Vine-border not chambered would produce in raising the temperature of the soil at 1 foot 6 inches deep, on the 17th December, 1849 I covered the border 3 feet deep with good fermenting stable-dung and leaves, turn- June 17, 1862. ] JOURNAl OF nORTICULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 217 ing it oocasionally and adding to it. When the durg wag put on, the temperature of the 8oil was 40° ; on the 17th .Tanuary, 1850, it was 42'"; 17th February, 53°; 17th March, 53°; 17th April, 53° ; 17th May, 58°. 'Until the end of Mnrcli the temperature of tlie dung was from 70° to 90°, when it fell gradu- ally until the end of May, when it was taken off. On tlio l7th of June, by the heat of the sun, it had risen to GO" ; July 17tb, 63°. While that quantity of dung raised the temperature of the soil 13°, the chambered border stood till the l7th February (when the hot water was let on), at 49°, only 4° lower than the unchambered border with all the dung. From this it would appear that the dung has little effect in heating the soil. It only prevents radiation ; and a slight covering has nearly the same effect as a greater thickness of fermenting dung. This I have proved by experiments I have made. — A. Sheaeeb, Gardener to the Marquiis of Tweeddale, Yester. STOVE PLAJJTS. Thibaudia machak- THA (Large-flowered Xhi- baudia). — ^al. Ord., Vacciniaeetc. Linn., Oct- aadria Monogyuia. — A beautiful, but rather Btragghng evergrten stove shrub, with entire, smooth leaves on short thick footstalks. The flowers are extra-axillary, two or three together; the stalks thickened up- wards, and coloured red ; they are large, upwards of 3 inches long, and an inch in diameter, pendent, with a small pale yellow- calyx and flask-thaped five-angled porcelain-iike corolla, contracted at the mouth, with the narrow segments of the limb re- tiexed, and the stamens and style protruded ; the colour is "china white, yellow at the base and apex," the spaces between the angles marked with numerous distinct wavy red lines, generally taking the shape of the letter V. It is stated to be of easy cultivation, and to have flowered when not more than 2 feet high. Mr. Smith, of Kew, suggests that it will probably suc- ceed in a close warm greenhouse. From Kola mountain, Moulmein. Introduced by Mr. T. Lobb, collector for Messrs. Veitch, of Exeter and Chelsea. Flowers in winter. PlKIONE LAOEJfAEIA (Bottle Pleione).— ^^at. Ord., Orchidacese. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — A beautiful little epi- phytal stove plant, with flask-shaped pseudo- bulbs and lovely flowers issuing from a bract, which is hooded, acute, and much tapered at the base. The sepals and petals, which are linear- lanceolate and acute, are of a pretty rosy lilac colour, as is the exterior of the rounded, entire, emarginate, roUed-in lip, the inner surface of which at the margin is streaked with carmine on a white ground, and towards the centre is yellow, marked with five crested lines. From the Alps of India. Introduced by Messrs. Veitch's collector, Mr. T. Lobb, iu IHI'J. Flowers in autumn. "The secret of their successful cultivation in England lies iu keeping them cool and dry when at rest, and forcing them with heat, nioisture, and bright hght, as long as they are inclined to grow," — {Gar- deners' Magazine of Botany.) 2. Pleione lagenaria. 218 JOUBNAL OP HOETICTTLTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE. [ June 17, 1862. COCOA-NUT FIBRE EEFUSE FOE DRAINAGE. I HAVE used this witli the greatest satisfaction in many ways, but would safely recommend it as a safe material for drainage. Plants evidently delight in it from its being filled with roots at every change in repotting. This circumstance, as it appears to me, gives it a decided advantage over moss or potsherds, as their effects are simply mechanical ; whereas the fibre seems from aome peculiar quality to promote the growth of the roots, and, as a natural consequence, increased vigour in the plant. I watch the use of the fibre with much interest, and am trying some experiments, of which I hope to send you a favourable account. — Jonquil. BOUGAINVILLEA GLABRA AT THE EARL OF SEFTON'S. We have a fine plant of this most magnificent flower in full perfection. It has been in full beauty for the last tliree weeks, and will continue so for some time to come, which leads me to beUeve tliat its flowering will soon be as much a matter of cer- tainty as any other stove plant ; and when better known, it will doubtless become a universal favourite. There cannot be too much said in favour of this beautiful plant, as its colour forms quite an acquisition to our stoves ; and I am of opinion that it is too little known, and its culture too much neglected at present. The plant here seems quite at home, growing in a Cucumber- house, which has a span roof 30 feet by 12 feet, standing east and west or thereabouts. The pot in which this Bougainvillsea is growing is plunged in a small border at the west end of the house, there being no door at that end. In 1861, a small plant sent here in January, tlien no more than 6 inches high, had, by the end of November, completely covered the whole of the house, and from that time it received little or no water at the root, with the exception of a slight syringing now and then until the middle of March ; and since then it has had a good supply of water, as the temperature of the house has been kept much higher. The compost this plant is growing in here is two parts peat and one part of loam, with a little silver sand. — W. B., Croxteth Gardens, Liverpool, MR. R. S. YATES' NUESEET, SALE, NEAR MANCHESTEE. A EEPORT having reached me that Mr. Yates had a fine show of Khododendrons and hardy Azaleas in bloom, I was tempted to take a trip over to see. I was induced also to go there to inspect his hardy evergreen coniferous and other kinds of trees and shrubs, for the purpose of examining them to report the ^fleets of the ever-to-be-remembered hard frost of 18G0-61, and to note how such trees and shrubs, if any, had recovered from that severe ordeal, or had stood it uninjured. Entering the gate there is a carriage drive, and on each side broad borders planted with specimen ornamental evergreens. Here I missed the fine Deodars and Araucarias that I observed there in 1859. Only two had escaped, all the rest were quite dead; and on the lawn in front of the house the noble specimen of Deodar Cedar was quite dead also. This dead tree is still standing. It is upwards of 20 feet high, with a trunk 9 iuclies in diameter; hut, alas! not even the lowest branches had a green leaf aUve. It was left standing in the hope that it would grow again from the root ; but so far there is no such appear- ance. The Variegated Hollies, some of them 12 leet high, are very much injured, but they are pushing again pretty well ; but it will take several years before they entirely recover. Amidst all this desolation there is some comfort that all kinds of ever- greens are not destroyed. The green Hollies, of which there are many hundreds of fine specimens, are very little worse. The following were not injured in the least :— Cupressus Lawsoniana, (many hundreds of this very beautiful tree planted in long avenues have not even a leaf browned), I consider the best of the genus both on account of its perfect hardihood, and elegant habit. Wellingtonia gigantea, Picea Nordmanniana, P. nobilis (in cone), P. pinsupo, Pinus Benthamiana, P. insignis, P. Sabin- iana, P. excelsa, P. cembra, Tliujopsis borealis, T. gigantea. Thuja aurea, and some others of less note. Most of these are planted on each side of a broad grass walk or lawn kept beautifully mown. Any lover of beautiful rare hardy trees and shrubs would enjoy, as I did, the sight of so many specimens growing freely on each side of this smooth grass walk. At the far end of this walk tliere is a turn round on the right hand, which leads to the Ehododendron-tint, which is of this form. By entering at the south end the visitor has the oppor- tunity of walking up the ascent to the top of the mound, and A Walks. ' c Tlie Mount. B Steps cseending the ilount. 1 d Border.s. then the full view of the bloom of Rhododendrons is displayed before him. Every plant was full of flower, excepting a few of the later kinds. The show was truly splendid. The blooms were protected by a covering of Brittain's three-fold netting, which shaded them from the sun, kept the bees out, and sheltered them from heavy rains and strong winds. Mr. Yates remarked that this netting was better than any other covering he had tried, the wiud having less hold of it tlian either canvass or tiflany. As a summer protection for greenhouse plants such a tent is invaluable. He states, also, that witli care in taking it down olT the framework and putting it away quite dry in a dry room, it would last many years. He Cnus it of great service in protecting the rather tender varieties from frost. The varieties in bloom had been selected « ith great cere, the very best or most showy only being admitted into th'.s tent. To hold so many the tent is necessarily large. Where the mound is, it is mucli wider and more lofty than the avenue. The fol- lowing are such as struck me as being particularly good : — Let the reader understand that the collection under shelter contained a goodly number of the best hardy Azaleas as well as Bhododendrons. The briglit yellows of this tribe supphed a colour which the Rhododendron family does not contain. Album elegans, fine white, suffused with flesh colour. Atro-sanguineum, very dark ; free to bloom. Blandyanum, bright crimson ; fine form, good truss. Brayanum, rosy criason ; excellent. Cadmus, dark and fine ; a new variety. Elegantissima, lovely flesh colour, splendid trusses. Fastuosum plenum, a double variety, purplish-lilac ; extra well bloomed. John Waterer, brilliant carmine ; fine form. Juba, fine crimson, thickly marked with dark spots, fine com- pact truss, and excellent m form and substance. I consider this the finest dark variety in the collection. June 17, 1862. ] JOCKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTXAQ-E GARDENER. 219 Mra. John Watcror, rosy crimson ; very line. Pardoloton, purple Bhadetl with crimson. Seedling, a white variety, edged partially with light pink ; Tei7 good. Sohillerii, purple, witli darlt ehoeolate S])ot ; now, nnd very fine. Van Dyck, duik erimaon ; very good, almost as good as .Tuba. I might have swelled this list to a great extent, but the rest were either well-known sort.'), or not in llowor sulficicntly to enable one to judge of their merits. Leaving reluctantly this beautiful floral scene, I passed by several ranges of turi'-pits covered with glass. These pits now are filled wilh Strawberries ripening fast their fruit. The plants had bsen grown in pots in the usual way. When the pits were emptied of Iheir wiuter occupants they were filled with a slightly- fermenting material on which a suffieient thickness of soil was placed. Then the Strawberry plants were turned out of their pots, and planted in rows across the pit to ilower and fruit. This practice is a successful one. The fruit, from being near the glass ami on line days fully exposed, swells up very largo, and ripens well. Tliero is always a danger when Strawberries are forced in vineries or Peach-houses of tlieir harbouring and feeding that enemy, the red spider ; but by growing thom in pits, as they are grown hero, that pest is avoided. I found Mr. Yates busy planting-out his large collection of Gladiolus ; they are grown in pots first in frames, and as soon as all danger from trost is over they are planted in a fresh loamy soil freely manured with hotbed dung. Mr. Yates is a great lover of tiiese gay summer and autumn flowers, so much 60 that he plants thciu all out with liisown hands. He declared to me that he valued them so highly that he would not trust any one but himself to plant them out. From him I wended my way to the Orchid-houses, where I had a rich treat, so many Or-.-hids were in flower. I noticed especially Dendrobium Devonianum, two plants grown in baskets with seventeen and fifteen long spikes of their deli- cately beautifid fiowers, all expanded together ; Cattleya lobata, a fine plant with thirty-five large flowers; Burlingtonia ve- nusta, eleven spikes ; Calanthe veratrifolia, seventeen spikes ; Odontoglossum citrosmum, two fine spikes ; Dendrobium triadenium, two pots, ten spikes ; Ltelia cinnabarina, four spikes, holding twenty tlowers, very large and fine ; Dendrobium nobile, two large plants 3 feet across, with inn\imerable blooms. The East Indi.iu species are full of spikes, but not yet in bloom, cicepting two species of Saccolabium — namely, Saceolabium guttatum and S. rctusum, which were in fine bloom. I find Mr. Yates grows all the epiphytal Orchidefc in nothing but sphagnum moss well drained, and well they thrive in it. I could not help noticing what large numbers liere are grown of some species, especially Ccelogyne cristata. There are thirty large pots filled with this plant alone. Of Caluntlie vestito, upwards of a hundred pots, and many others in proportionate numbers- I was informed they were grown chiefly for bouquets in early spring. In the stove I observed a remarkable specimen of Caladium bicolor splendens. I measiu-ed one leaf, it was 23 inclies long and 15^ inches broad. There also was a nice specimen of Coleus VerschaiTeltii, which, being grown in a full light and close to the glass, was the densest dark-coloured that I liavo ever seen. There was not a particle of green visible. If tliis plant proves hardy enough for the open air it will banish the Perilla from our ribbon-borders. I also noticed an old bulbous plant seldom seen now, named Zephyranthes rosea. The pot was full of bulbs, aud had nearly a dozen largo rosy-coloured flowers expanded. From the houses I wunflered into the Fern-valley. The denizens here have gi-own into large specimens. Many hardy exotics, such as Osmunda speetabilis, O. cinnamomea, O. in- terrupta, Struthioptcris pensylvanica, Onoclea sensibilis, and others, have been added to the collection, and are now thriving well. I saw, also, several plants of that singularly beautiful hardy Fern, the Lastrtea filix-mas multifida, with fronds 2 feet and upwards long, every pinna being elegantly tasselled. In theFem-houso adjoining the inmates have made great progress ; the plants seem quite at home. I remember when I was here some two years ago, I noted a method of making specimens of evergreen Hollies by planting them out in rows as for small plants, a great distance from each other, giving each a quantity of good manure to encourage rapid growth. On viewing them now I find they have made, as I prognosticated, great progress. They are now very handsome, shapely plants, from 2V feet to 3 feet lugh, furnished with branches down to the ground. I should think ttiere is nearly half an aero of them. Such a method is worthy of imitation by any nurseryman that has space for them. T. ArrLKBT. "IT FOLLOWS THAT THE CAT MUST STAY AT HOME."— SlIAKESPERE. I Asr pleased that the Press has taken up the question as to the policy of destroying small birds. Since the severe winter of 1860, the numbers have considerably fallen off. Poison and schoolboys destroy many, but the bii'ds have other enemies than poisoners and schoolboys. I have watched the nests in my garden for these last three weeks, and have counted seven nests that the old birds have been taken off, or the young birds destroyed, by cats. In addition to the destruction of small birds, the mischief the cats do in the garden is immense. I consider that with their nocturnal squallings, and the injury they do, the cats are the greatest pests in this country. Surely it is not unreasonable to require the owners of such vermin to keep them at home. A goodly increase in the revenue may be made by taxing cats. — A Lover op Ploweks and Birds. UTILITY OF SMALL BIRDS. In several of the public prints, especially in the Times, there Iiave lately appeared very interesting letters on the destruction of small birds ; aud I would ask your numerous readers, country gentlemen, farmers, and others, to think this matter coolly over, and consider if there is not a great necessity for the preservation of these small birds, from the simple fact that where they have been exterminated, as in France, there has been such an inroad of caterpillars that they have been compelled to legislate for their preservation. Let us look at the case of the House Sparrow, perhaps the most destructive to the cereal crops of all the feathered race. Now, Bewick in his " British Birds " says, " It has been observed that a single pair of Sparrows during the time they are feeding their young will destroy about 4000 caterpillars weekly ; they likewise feed their young witli butterflies and other winged insects, each of which, if not destroyed in this manner, would be productive of several hundreds of caterpillars." In " White's Selbourne," in a note the Editor says, " A young Sparrow which I picked up in my garden, and ])laced in a cage for the purpose of ascertaining what food would be brought to it by its parents, was almost wholly fed on cockchafers." Lastly, I will quote Dr. Stanley, the late Bishop of Norwich, who states that " Sparrows feed their young thirty-six times in an hovu', which, calculating at the rate of fourteen hours a-day in the long days of spring and summer, gives 3500 times per week ; a number corroborated on the authority of another writer, who calculated the number of caterpillars destroyed in a week to be about 3400." I would add, supposing the Sparrow does much mischief in the harvest, which may be prevented by a few live scarers, does not this bird pay back a good percentage in the destruction of grubs and insects? — J. L. P., Hdgbaston. The FaibchiM) Sbemox. — The old church at St. James's Aldgate, on Whit-Tuesday evening wore a charming aspect, which was certainly not due to its architectural pretensions, nor to its ornate condition, for it is terribly out of repair. The charm lay in the pleasant smiling faces of the girls and boys who filled the pews, and in the bouquets of fiowers which they carried in their hands. They listened with fixed attention while the Rector (the Rev. W. Meynell Whittcmore) discoursed, according to annual custom, on a topic allied to " flowers." His text was Isaiah Ixi. 11, and his subject was "Beauty of Character, as illustrated by Floral References." The preacher duly admired a nosegay which some kind young friend hud placed in the pulpit, and requested his audience to notice how beautiful are the flowers which God has so bountifully scattered over the earth ; and then he bade them learn, (1.) that in every station of life it was quite possible for them to show beauty of character ; but ho was careful to state that mere external beauty must not be always regarded as an index of the state of the heart ; for (2.) a pretty face often hides a disagreeable aud injurious dLsposition. 220 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTXAaE GARDENER. [ June 17, 1S63. Then he went on to describe (3.) how fragrant is the memory of a beautiful character, like crushed and dried Rose- leaves, which preserve their pleasant odour ; and (1.) he assured his youthful hearers that, by Divine assistance, they would be able to produce spiritual beauty in other hearts, even under most vmfavourable circumstances. A pennyworth of seed would insure many pretty iiowers, and a penny tract might change a spiritual desert into a garden of the Lord. The assurance rests on promises such as the text. This delightful promise not only encourages our own efforts, but opens a glorious prospect of the whole world, filled and fragrant with the " beauty of holiness."— (CiVy Press.) AIB-EOOTS ON VINES. I QUITE coincide with Mr. Fish in considering that those roots are the effects of an over-moist and stagnant atmosphere. By this I do not mean to say that the vinery in question has not been properly aired, but what I mean is, that there is an absence of air-circulation, which is necessary to prevent roots protruding from the stems of A'ines growing in a high temperature and stagnant atmosphere. Every practical gardener knows that ventilation can only be properly effected by having the front Bashes to open either by a crank or by sliding right and left as in the old-faehioned Vine-houses. In such houses aired on his principle I never have seen air-roots appear, and I have in my own experience commenced forcing at the new year. ?for did we then disapprove of moisture, for these houses were engined at least once a-day and occasionally twice, as was formerly the practice. Although I do not use so much water now, I do not at all disapprove of humidity if not accompanied by defective ventilation. I have of late seen some of my neighbours' houses literally full of these roots, and as rancid inside as a dunghill. Now, this is entirely the result of bad ventilation. Opening ventila- tors at the top and front of the house is all that is wanted to prevent air-roots. — J. Reid. A PLEA FOR SPERGULA SAGINOIDES. Notwithstanding the up-hill work that the first suggestor of this valuable adjunct to our gardens had in bringing it before the public, it is fast gaining a reputation for itself ; and, if I am not deceived, the day is gradually approaching when Spergula will be hailed for small places and geometric gardens as an indispensable article. With me, S. saginoides has far surpassed my most sanguine expectations, and, where the soil is suitable, I should recommend it in preference to pilifera, as it preserves its bright green hue through all vicissitudes of damp, frost, or drought ; and, if I mistake not, its constitutional pro- perties enable it better to withstand the vicissitudes of an English winter, for with me it has withstood the last two winters unhurt, whilst pilifera has died at the rate of 30 per cent. Soil and situation, of course, have mucli to do with this, and expe- rience has taught me to pause ere I recommend either the one or the other for any particular soil ; in fact, I believe no one from reading a description of any soil can unhesitatingly recom- mend either plant, and, if any one could, I should receive the testimony in such an ungracious manner that I might be taken for one of those who look upon the recommendation as an intrusion, though I value the introduction as a boon to English gardens. Wkat I recommend is, that those who intend to adopt Spergula turf should choose a small piece of ground— a fair sample of the ■whole. Upon this plant out a little of each sort ; let it remain a summer and a winter, and then wUl they be able to judge from the results which is the more suitable to the soil. Such a process, of course, would only be necessary where it is in contemplation to use Spergula extensively. Far better will it be to advance thus cautiously than to run the risk of a failure of any magnitude ; one defeat of auy extent will do more in giving the plant a bad name, than its advocates could remove in twelve months by writing. It is not from any fear which I have that Spergula turf will not answer that I suggest this caution ; but it arises from a desire to see it receiving from those who intend to use it a fair and impartial trial. I confess that at first it was foreign to all my notions of utility, and it was not till I had tested it* merits that I banished those preconceived opinions for one more deserving and favour- able. A few seedlings of saginoides raised and planted out by me last May twelvemonth, have made a charming piece of turf; and some of them now measure 5 inclies across, and present to the feet a soft, verdant turf. The more I beat it the better it seems to enjoy itself; in fact, no amount of wear wiU ever hurt it, and if it were possible I should have no hesitation in planting the whole of White Hawk Down with S. saginoides, and then permitting the whole of tlie rWe volunteers to exercise upon it next Easter Monday, for S. saginoides would benefit from such a thorough trampling. To keep it assiduously weeded and continually rolled in the earlier stages of its growth is highly important, and a neglect of the latter is fatal to the natural habit of the plant. The one grave and only objection that has at all times been raised against it I am very pleased to sec is removed — I allude to tlie numerous small white flowers. The remarks which they drew from the writer who penned the notice of Messrs. Carter's nursery in these pages a week or two since, show that they are easily removed at pleasure. I have refrained from giving an opinion upon tliis point, but I never doubted the practicability ol it ; and I hail with pleasui'e this, to me, new piece of infor- mation, and I would advise those who still retain their old ideas upon Spergula turf to visit the above nursery, or some other spot where it is grown as it should be. An indifferently managed piece of turf, under the charge of individuals who, perhaps, still retain a spice of prejudice against it, is not the place to go and draw your conclusions. It is not to be expected that Spergula will meet with a general reception in largo places, because its adaptation for geometric purposes totally unfits it for the other, as it fails to harmonise with surrounding objects if used upou pleasure grounds of large extent ; but for villa-garden verges, and where well-defined margins are required, or where grass will not do well, Spergula will, with careful management, effect the desired end. — J. C. Claeke, Wakehirsf Place. BEAUTY AND UTILITY COMBINED. *' A Vine-clad home — sun-light without. Smile-light within." Theeb years ago I asked you the same question as a " SlTB- SCKIBEE." I built of stone a corridor 36 feet long, 6^ feet wide, 7 feet high in front, and 11 feet at back, due south aspect, forming a garden entrance, and means of communication between the drawing-room and inner hall. At your suggestion I planted in a narrow border at back Camellias alternating with choice climbers, the border being kept filled with plants flowering, in pots, from the greenhouse. In front were planted thirteen Vines for shade and beauty. The Tines which were left to Mr. Rivers for selection (the seven first have turned out Al), are — Black Hamburgh, Black Prince, Trentham Black, Muscat St. Lawrence, Chasselas Vibert, Champion Hamburgh, Prolific Sweetwater, White Malvasia, Royal Muscadine, and Madeira Muscat. They were planted in an outside border (partly under the gravel walk), in good turfy loaui with a sUght mixture of mortar rubbish. Nothing can exceed the health and luxuriance of the Vines, which having been for two years very slightly cropped, are this year allowed to bear as they will. The promise of fruit is very great, the bunches being both numerous and fine. They will be very much thinned, but I purpose to allow them all to stand. This corridor is in every way beautiful, always a pleasant object from the drawing-room, one window of which looks down it, and is, summer and winter, a pleasant lounge. There is ample ventilation from the liglits in front, which are glazed with large sheets of ordinary glass, the roof is formed of Hartley's rolled plate. Two inch.-s against the wall are found ample to carry off the heated air. In winter a small moveable stove of Brown and Green's answers to keep out the frost, and is re- moved in the early spring. The flowers keep in bloom much longer than in the greenhouse, and remain longer on the plant. Altogether, your suggestion has proved a success, for which I am much obliged. Whilst I am writing, may I offer a few remarks on economy of fuel ? I have built at various times a greenhouse 33 feet by 12 feet (7 feet in front, 12 feet at back), opening into which at one end is a small stove, to correspond with a smoking-room at Junel7, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 221 the other. Also, a propagating-houso, 25 feet by 11 ffct, mi'l a cool-!iou80 adjoining. Tho first thrt'o liavc i'lirtiaeea (with but small fireplaces), built of Grcbriek wilh fireclay joints, surrounded by a mass of brickwork enclosed in a chamber within tho house. In the greenhouse botli the fire and the flue for the greater part of tlie distance are below tlio level of the floor, in a chamber with gratings. In tho stove and propagating-hou«<.— Ventilators. The distinctive feature of these consists in the front of the ventilator, which is fixed, being closely perforated for a certain distance, then quite close for an equal distance, and so on alter- nately ; over this a plate with corresponding openings is made to slide backwards and forwards. AVhen it is desired to admit air, the openings of the two plates are made to coincide ; if the contrary is desired, the perforations are completely covered by the close portions of the slider. In our last week's report, it sliould have been stated that in Kistell's patent labels, exhibited by Nixey, the name is enamelled and hermeticaUy embodied with the cast-iron. Aloe About to Bloom. — In the conservatory of the Royal Horticultural Society may be seen the rare event of an Aloe coming into flower. As Fellows will remember, this is the plant which is said to flower only once in 100 years, and although this, like other exaggerations, is only half true, stiU the long period of its life which elapses before it flowers, and the very 222 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, [ June 17, 1862. rare occaeions on wliicli it has clone so in this country, render the specimen in the conservatory, now about to flower, an exceed- ingly interesting object. It has been presented to the Society by Mr. Nash, of Bury House, Edmonton, who has had it in his family for nearly half a century, and until this year it has never flowereil. Two years ago a companion plant, which liad been in possession of his family for the same period, at last ilowered. The present plant is sending up a splendid spike, which has been advancing at tlie rate of about 4 inches every day, and may be expected to burst its sheatli in the course of this month. — (Royal HorticuHural Society s Frocsedinffs.) WOEK FOE, THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Every vacant piece of ground should now be well filled- np with Broccoli, Cabbages, Kales, and Winter Greens. Aspa- ragus, this is a good time to apply salt to the beds, about one pound to a square yard isaulScient. If this stimulant is applied now, it will assist the roots to lay up a good store of organised matter for another season. The good effects of this kind of treatment will be perceived in the autumn by the plants retaining their gre3n colour longer than others not so treated, and in the spring bj increased size and productiveness, evidently showing that the longer the functions of the plants can be kept in action by the ap;ilication of stimulants, tlie greater the amount of or- ganised matter tliat will be stored up for the ensuing season. JBroad Beans, continue to top them as they advance, and keep them well gatliered as they become fit for table. Celeiy, the trenches for the main crops should now be prepared. For this pur- pose the spaces betweei\ the rows of Peas are very suitable ; the shade from the Peas will be beneficial to the Celery in its earliest stages, and the Peas will be entirely removed by the time they are likely to be injurious. Dwarf Kidney Beans, another sowing may be gnt-in for succession, and the advancing crops, both of these and Scarlet Runners, well thinned-out ; keep the soil about them well forkcd-up and pidverised. Experience goes far to prove that the fork is the best instrument that can he used amongst all wide open crops. Tomatoes, see that they are well thinned-out and nailed to the walls or fences. FLOWER GAEDEN. Examine all newly-planted things, and see that the soil is well closed around their stem.s. Use the hoe where requisite to break the surface crust. Attei>d to pegging and tying. Fill up all vacancies where there is a deiicicncy of stock. Annuals may be sown for that jmrpose. Roses may be budded, taking eyes from those trees which have been forced. The regulation, as far as is necessary, of wild creepers, such as Clematis, Honeysuckles, Hops, &c , about 6l>rubberie8 should be at once attended to. The rambling and irregular growth of shrubs to be pruned, and evergreens may now be layered. Tie-up whatever may require it. I'ipe and lay Pinks and Carnations. Stick Sweet Peas and Convolvulnses. Thin hardy annuals. Pot Clirysanthemums as they require, and put in more cuttings. Propagate herbaceous plants that are difficult of increase by divisions of the roots. If little besides Daisies arc growing on the lawn, they should be mown in the middle of the day when the flowers are fully expanded. FEUIT GAEDEN. Lay-in the shoots of Apricot and other wall trees while the ■wood is pliable. We have seldom seen so fine a development of wood on espalier trees. Advantage may be taken of the circum- stance to lay in an extra quantity, with a view to the ultimate removal of old unsightly wood. 'Stop and nail-in Vines. Thin Raspberry-suckers. STOVE. We must here repeat the advice so frequently given — to keep up by all means a sufficient amount of atmospheric moisture, increasing it with the increase of heat and liglit, and accom- panied with a gentle motion of the atmosphere. Syringe freely twice or thrice a-day, and give monung air freely. Some of the Orchids will now require a little assistance in the way of topping- up, and a watchful eye must be kept for insects. The Barkeria spectabilis, the Lyeastes, the Odontoglossum grande, Epiden- drum Skinneri, &e., will enjoy the greenhouse temperature with- out fire. GBEENHOtlSE AND CONSEETATOBT. Many plants will now be growing vigorously, and should be shifted as soon as they require more pot-room. Attention to be given daily to watering, syringing, stopping, shading, and turn- ing them to the light, and to allowing each sufficient space to deve- lope its increasing size aud beauty. It is only by sucli attentions tliat they can be expected to do well and give satisfaction. The general stock of greenhouse plants may now be readUy increased by cuttings. A lot of the best Scarlet Geraniums should be selected for blooming in the winter. These should be grown rapidly, and frequently stopped. Towards August they wiU become rather pot-bound ; they must not, liowever, be shifted, but merely hardened in a very exposed situation until the end of September, in order to get them sturdy and very short-jointed. Where Orange trees are kept in-doors, give abundance of air night and day, wash them frequently with the engine, using clean water, and damp the paths and floor often. Such of the Heaths and New Holland plants as are making their growth should be duly encouraged by frequent syringings and waterings, and liberal airings. Cinerarias and herbaceous Calceolarias that are now going out of bloom, and are not required for seeding, should be planted out on some good light soil in a cool shady • situation, where they may remain for a couple of months, to be parted and potted for next year's blooming. The plan is usefu} if it is desirable to retain the stock of any good sorts ; but plants from seeds sown no«f will grow more freely aud produce finer specimens under treatment common to both. The Balsams to be sprinkled overhead morning and evening in fine weather; when the last shift is given, they may be potted deeper as they emit roots from the stem. Although the Balsam is a thirsty subject, it requires a good drainage, as the least stagnation of water will rot the stem. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Weathee very uncertain, and work regulated accordingly. Rained pretty well on the 11th, and poured on the 12th without intermission, giving us abundance of moisture without any help from the water-pail. A poor look-out, though, for those who- have commenced liay-making. Besides staking Peas, sowing Turnips, thinning plants, the work has been of a routine character, such as planting, weeding walks, making sticks, wash- ing pots. In fact, we had been so busy outside, that we needed a day or two in the sheds, as a kind of change and rest, and to- get things ready for the fine days. After this the pot-washing always comes in as a stop-gap, as one of my rules is, never to allow a plant to be put in an old pot before it has been well scrubbed aud dried. Even such a thing as this needs looking after; for though strict orders are given to this effect, many men will give them a dry rub, and so use them, aud that for no reason but because tliey will not give themselves the trouble to see if they are properly clean, or just have as much objection to wet their fingers as a cat has to wet her paws, if such wetting can be avoided. FEUIT GAEDEN. Put a net over a bed of Strawberries just coming in, to keep the birds from them, though there are yet plenty under glass. AVenl over the Gooseberries again with soot and lime, where a few caterpillars had appeared. Commenced a second time with caterpillar and black fly on Cherries out of doors, using the fingers for the former, and a little tobacco water for the latter, intending to syringe heavily with lime and laurel water when the weather changes, and then with clear water to take away all marks from the fruit. I forgot to say that we pretty well finislied strawing and littering between tlie Strawberry-beds, as it is very annoying to have a particle of grit or mud on such fruit. The limeing and sooting have pretty well driven off slugs and ants, the latter of which are very trying at times. The straw used, chiefly, had been employed to thatch the exposed sides of brick pits during winter, which is more secure, neat, and every way better than dung-linings, when much heat is not required. The rest consisted of long litter from the stables well shaken, and the rains it has received will so wash it, that it will be quite clean for the fruit to lie upon. We have used short grass for the purpose, but we like the litter best, as in heavy rains the grass is apt to cling to the fruit, and, generally, there is no end to the crop of Daisies that come on tbe ground. "What an old- fashioned fogy you must be ! AVIiy not use lines, or boards, or tiles ? " Well, we have done so, and find, on the whole, nothing superior to the straw. In some weathers the tiles, for example, will suck the fruit until it is as dry and flavourless as a stick. No doubt they are an improvement on doing nothing. la Juiie 17, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nOllTICULTUKK AND COXl'AGE GAllDKiNEK. 223 vineries regulated shoots, thinned Grapes, and al tended to Melons, Fi{;s, &c. ; and in tlie orchard-house took oil' a great quantity of fruit, and still, we fear, left them thick enough. All the fruit taken off, as well as what slioots were too numerous, were bruised with a ninllel, some laurel leaves added, and boiling water (lOured over them, to make laurel or weak prussic acid tea ; this, well reduced, will be used to give a pood S3 rinsing. The fruit, when small, Peaches especially, make fine tarts, but we never found anybody that cared much for Nectarines when so used. Several cooks have told me that though they look well and taste well, they never could get rid of a certain grittincss in them. Speaking of this reminds mo that one of the most dcliglitful tarts I ever tasted was made of the thinnings of Grapes, when less than the smallest Peas; in fact, not larger than small shot. Hardly any one could make them out. They are verp nice them- selves," and also when a few small Gooseix-rries are added to them. When of this size there is nothing uneconomical in their use. When tlie berries are as large as Peas and onwards, there is little of the economical in their use, for there is no end to tlie sugar they require, and still the cry would bo " more." FLOWEB DEl'ABTMENT. In these wet days a good many plants of Begonias, Camellias, Fuchsias, ic., have been examined and sliifted. Balsams have had a large ehiit into blooming-pots, and been placed under a frame with abundance of air and a mild bottom heat. Tender annuals have been potted. Scarlet Geraniums have also been potted for late summer and autumn blooming. Those intended for winter should have an open space, and be allowed to bear no flowers. Nipped the points fi-om Chrysanthemums for the last time, or nearly so, intending to pot and train as soon as possible. It is a good |)lan to pot a few Salvia fulgens, &a , now, and also yellow Calceolarias, &c. Plant them out in rich soil, and raise and pot in September for winter and spring blooming. We hsve broken the back of our bedding now ; but still there is a good deal of making-up and finishing, especially edgings of beds and baskets, when the weatlier will permir. We are longer ui doing this work, not only because tliere is much to do, but from the necessity of securing all plants almost as soon as plai.ted. Before now, I have had the pleasure to see one half ef a bed all broken, and the other half nowhere, being all carried off by the wind. We use, for supporting, liiefly spruce and larch twigs and branches. The spruce requires to lie long enough to get rid of all its leaves. Some rough spruce sticks, or branchy twigs, we have had for at least five years, as the resin preserves them. These do not look pretty at all in the beds, though there is a degree of pleasure in seeing tliem nicely arranged ; but there is little of the ugly about them when you know the purpose they serve. No straight whittled sticks could ever have the same effect. The shoots after the first tying generally look after themselves, as they get interlaced among the smaller branches and twigs ; and, by the time the beds and borders are in their glory, there is nothing seen of the braces aud stays that keep them in their place. I may also mention what I consider another improvement this season. Mats are dear, and rubbishy into the bargain ; aud, in tying, some pieces are sure to be blowing about. Tliis season I have used balls of small cord. The ball is put into a small flower- pot, and is always beside the tyer ; and, after a little practice so as not to waste by cutting off more ends than is necessary to form the knot, I am convinced that the twine will not cost half •what the tying with matting did. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *«* ^0 request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the " Journal 0/ Horticulture, S(c.," 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot rejily privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Onion Ceop Desteoved {T. £. C).— Tlie decay in the bulbs is caused by tlie grab of the onion fly (Antliomyla cepamm). Yoa will find a fall de- scilpilon of it, and a drawinc ot the parent In "Tlie CotlaRo dardener's Dictionary." Tlie feni.iio inec-rt.s licr crk" within the leat-sheatlis of the Onion, closo to tlio uroiind. Slie continues to lay her orks from May to September, producinn several broods duvinK that period. The latest brood remains in the papa st.ite tluoaKli tlio winter, so that all old-decaying store Onions should be burnt up us sprinE advances. The best preventive of tliia grub is to sprinkle CHS-lirno between the rows of seodiini; Onlonp, its ftiines bcinc oft'ensivo to the tty. It may be well, also, to try fpreadiiiK powderod cbaixoul anionK them in a similar way, for the tly is said to deposit her eggs in this powder as readily as in the Onion plants. Insects {!■'. S„ Jluritlei:iftchl).—ThK specimens you encloseil were of the snake millipede iJittus tcrreslri.i). We incline to the opinion that they aro not the originators of the miscliief. A wound is made by slues or other cause, and then the millipede feeds on the dccajing part. There is no application we know 01 tliat would destroy the millipede without including the destruction of the plants. If you resolve to extirpate llic millipedes you must pare and burn the top li inches ol the surface of your garden. Pear Shoots asi> Peach Leaves ni.ioHTED (O. )'. J.).— They are both sutlering from one, or both, of two c luscs- sudden severe cold and the roots beini; in a wet or ungenial soil. Peach trees on an open wall, even with the most favourable soil, are liable to that thickening of the young shoots and blistering of the loaves. Our climate Is so very different from that of the Peach's native country, that except in warm spots the trees are liable to these attacks. SEEDtiNO Gloxinias (A. S.). — Keep them in the hotbed the whole summer, and first transplant them in lens or twelves round the sides of No. 48-pots, and keep ihem growing in heat as long as they are green. Then dry them, and ne.\t February put them singly into liO-sued pots, and probably they will tiower next summer ; but yon were two months too late in sowing them this spring, and that time can only be made up by good treatment Of course you have them growing in a very sandy peat. Habdt Exotic Febns (Fcrn-grotcerj.—V/e shall publish very soon a small volume on the cultivation of exotic Ferns, stove, greenhouse, and hardy. Destrotino Habdheads (Tf'. Zeires).— This weed, Centaurea nigra, is very tenacious of life, and one of the most troublesome tliat could have invaded your meadow. There is no way of extirpating it but by the Dock- iron to take it up by the roots, and the scythe to mow down the leaves as fast as they appear. Mowing SlAcniNES (P. E.).— Vfe believe that the silent movement answers. We cannot recommend one in preference to the others, for they all mow well if properly managed. Peach and Nectarine Elossosis Unfertile (A Subscriber, Z,). — It isjnsfc possible your fruit blossom was defective, though it seemed to set; but as it did set, we think it very likely that alter a period of dull weather, a bright day came, and tlie roots from being cut in autumn had nut been sufficiently watered. A slight shade in such circumstances for a few hours would have bsen desirable. Ventilatoes (^Dorset).— Yfe do not like yonr ventilating-boards fixed between the sashes, as they will obstruct the light. Why not make 15 inches or 18 inches of your hipped roof to open as a ventilator, and 1 foot at the posts in front the same way for front air ? and you may then place the sashes close to each other and fix them. The only other thing desirable would be a few holes at the bottom of the back wall to insure most thorough ventila- tion. We have not a doubt then of the Apricots doing well, more especially if you open the doors likewise, and the angle above them in extra hot days. There is no other peculiarity between them and Peaches except needing more air. We have no doubt the north border in your kitchen garden would do for Filberts, the bushes are not particular. We shall publish a paper before the autumn on their culture. Such a border would also be very useful for late small fruit, as Gooseberries, Currants, P.aspberrles, and Strawberries. CoB.EA scANDENs SEEDLINGS (7J. /. B.).— Tlio Cob^a 1.1 u beautlful thing, but just, because it is 'strong-growing and easy of cultivation, it is not met with so often as it ought to be. If you put your plants in good libry loam and a little leaf mould, into 12-inch or 15-inch pots, and treat them plenti. fully with water when dry, they will run a long space during the summer, and reward you with their large bt ll-fiowers from August and onwards. If these pots stand on the soil, the plants will need but little water in winter to keep tliem green ; if they stand on a shelf or stage, they will need more, in spring the plants may be pruned pretty freely to the main shoots, leaving a few buds of those that will dangle this autumn, and the fresh shoots pro- duced will bloom all the summer and autumn if the pots are top-dressed and manure water given, If planted out in a small border, the plant will pretty well take care of itself. The plant is eitlier annual biennial, or perennial, just as you choose to treat it. Expose it to frost the first winter, and it will be an annual ; do so or neglect it the second winter, and it will be biennial; treat it kindly, keep it from frost, and it is Ukely to live quite as long as yourself. One or more stout iron or wire rods are as good as anything for fastening it to. Insects in Greenhouse [A Suffolk Subscriber) .—Wr found no insects on the leaves. The Begonia leaves were quite healthy. On small leaves were signs of where thrips had been, and on the Fuchsia leaves were marks as if made by thrips and red spider. We would advise you to smoke the house with shag tobacco, taking care that the smoke is presented cool, and syringe well with sulphur water or laurel water next day. Vou may place the plants in any small, close case to be smoked. Use the syringe afterwards freely, and if you could daub the walls with sulphur, and keep a moist atmosphere, we think your plants will soon be all right. We regret you are so soon depressed. There is no good gardening by chance work. It demands constant, unintermitting attention. Were there no difficulties, there would be no chamis in success. If you dislike any of the above modes, sponge the leaves with weak glue or size water. FccHsiA spECTADiLts CoLTORE {Subscriber since IS.'iG). — There is not the slightest ditference required for the treatment of Fuchsia spectabilis from that of all the family. In 1838-9 and 1810 nine out ol ten growers were in the same fix with Fuchsia fulgens, and it is on record that some of the bc;>t gardeners considered Fuchsia fulgens .as pel ficlly beyond their art Iweiity- toui Tears back. Since then ..pectabilis has been exactly m the same category, and even at this day some of the exhibitors believe it to be un- cultivatable ; but rest it as you would fulgens, and grow it the same way as any other Fuchsia and you will succeed. 224 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. [ June 17, 18S2. Amehican Plant Leaves Cdhling and Dying [2i. B., natnmersmttJi). —We have seen many thousands of all sorts of Rhododendrons, and all other American plants going to ruin exactly as yours are going, and if yours are going from the same cause the sooner >ou let them go and have done ■with them, the sooner you will get rid ot one great trouble which you would never be able to overcome entirely. What we have seen was the effect of unmitigated chalk, and challi will never allow a Khododendron to do mucli good on it, not even if all the cood gardeners had nothing more to do than to attend to them. But at Hunimersmith and with Wimbledon peat you can hardly be exposed to much chalk, unless it be in tlie water, and you have, at the very least, given your Rhododendrons ten times too much water this season, and yet we should not be the least surprised to lind, on proper examination, that the plants are having the young leaves scorched for want of water. At all evems, the d-icay of the young leaves is the effect of a perfect want of action in the roots. The roots may have been poisoned by chalk water or soot water, or half killed for want of water, or else the plants are exposed to some poisonoue gas in the air from some bort ot manufactory, shaft, or furnace. To ascertain how it is, take up three of the plants from the three widest-off points of the beds or bordets, and see if the original peat you had with the roots is not as dry as Lundyfoot snuff. If those original balls became even half dry ribout the time of planting, all the water in the Thames would not save them as you served them. The only means of getting over the difficulty would be to Ult every one of the plants, ami to steep the balls for a whole night in the nearest pond or some other water ; then to replant them ; give of its consigiimentii. Jliich of till" light soil of Iliimpaliiro is lulTiiinibly adapted Cor pouUi'j ; its eontisuity to ijondon, and its railway accoinmodutioii should make it a compfilitor for somo of the many thousands spent by the metropolis on tlio delicaey of which we hive treated. Mr. Downes was a most able, painstaking, and courteous Secretary. Dorking. — First nnd Second. G. Grictrs, Romford. Highly Commended. 11. H. Allen, Evcley Houso. Liphook ; Mi-s. St. John, Oakley Cottage,* Basinestoke. Commended. Mrs. Pettiit, Ashe Itectory. Coc»TN-CniN.\.— Fu'st, Mrs. II. Fookes, Wliitcimicli, Blandford. Second, Mftjoi- F. C. Hiissard, Hilsea, Cosham, rortsmoutli. lliKlily Commended, A. Peters, Priory, Fratton, Portsmouth ; Mrs. St. .lohn, Oakley Cottaffe. Game. — First, s. Dupe. Kvcrcieoch, Ilath. Second. Mis.* C. L. Wyndham, Sutton Mandeville, Salisbury, ilijilily Commended, D. Tubt), Basingstoke; S. Dupe, Eyercreech. Bath. Poland.— First, Mrs. Fettatt. -Xsho Kectory. Second, T. P. Edwards, Lyndhurst. Hiirhly Commended, G. Ray, Ivy Cottage, Lyndhurst. Hambuugh. — First, T. L. Brown, Chardley f^reen. Chard. Second, XIrs. Pettatt, Ashe Kectory. Commended, Mrs. Pettalt ; W. Mantield, jua., Dorche.ster ; ,1. Cooke, Maitland Cottage, Colchester. TcnKEYs.— First. H. Matthews, Siierbome St. John. Second, W. Stanlield, Jan.. Dorchester. Highly Commended. Rev. T. Stevens, St. Andrew's College, BradfieUl. Commended, Mrs. P. Warren, Worting House. Geese.— First, W. Manfitld, Jan., Dorchester. Second, Mrs. II. Fookes, Whitchurch. Blandford. Mr. Baily, of London, was the Judge. DO BEES VAEY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF GREAT BRITAIN:- ARE LIGURIANS LARGEPv THAN C0.M1I0N BEES ? Mb. Dakwin's query as to whether there is any sensible variation in the size of bees kept in different localities, would probably be answered in the affirmative by nine out of every ten of our rustic bee-keepers. During the many years that I bave kept bees I have purchased a great number of swarms from cottagers, and have, in almost every instance, been assured that they were " a very fine sort," remarkable for being in some cases "larger," and in others "smaller" than usual, but invariably recommended as possessing every possible good quality. A some- what similar opinion was expressed in my hearing last autumn by a clergyman who resides about a mile from me. He prided himself not a little upon possessing a stock of bees which he had brought from Cornwall, and which he considered infinitely superior to any in Devonshire. U))on my pointing out that the queens of his old stock and second swarm had been hybridised by my Ligurian drones, he really appeared somewhat chagrined at this stain in the purity of his Gornish breed. The same idea is countenanced in the following quotation from Kees' "Encyclopjedia," article "Bee," which I find in the appendix to the English translation of Huber's invaluable work : — " The cultivation of the common honey bee, in the warmer countries of Europe, being an object of the utmost consequence to the farmer, every means that ingenuity could devise to improve the breed and management of these profitable creatures has been adopted, and witli success. They distinguish three kinds or varieties of the common bee (Aj)is mel/ifica). The first is large and of a deep brown colour ; the second is smaller and blackish ; those of the third sort, called the ' little Flemings,' or ' little Hollanders,' are much smaller than either, and of a fine glossy yellow colour. It is the latter that is very generally cultivated on the continent at this time." If it were not that " the little Flemings " are fltated to be "much smaller" than tlie others, I should have deemed them identical with the newly-introduced Ligurian bee. This latter is, however, certainly not smaller than the black species ; but, on the contrary, I "believe them (in common with nearly every one who has observed them), to be slightly longer than the ordinary British bee. Although the notion of there being difTerent sorts of the common honey bee is so widely and generally diffused, it may, I think, be fairly classed amopg what are generally termed " vulgar errors." After many years' observation of bees in numberless apiaries in this and the adjoining counties, as well as in a midland district (Warwickshire),! have come to the conclu- sion that there is really no substantial difference in bees of the common species (Apis melhfica). There are, undoubtedly, ac- cidental variations in size and colour, but these are often to be found in as marked a degree in different bees of the same hive, as in those of apiaries hundreds of miles distant from eacli other! The question of size might, it appears to me, be most readily determined by careful measurement of the cells of combs fabri- cated in distant localities, for if these are all the same size we may safely conclude that the bees themselves do not differ in tins respect. I have already satisfial myself that tlie cells made by Aoh Ligvslica, are identical m every way with tlioso fabri- cated by Apis mc/njira, and this seems to decide the point that the bees of both species must be of the same diameter. I have however, long entertained the idea tliat the breeding-cells of the former may be slightly longer than those of the latt°er, and that therefore t!ie scaled brood-combs may be thicker in order to alford room for the full developmenl of the insect. If tliis should, nulled, bo the case, it will conffrni most indisputably the impression that the Italians are really longer than the ordinary species. — A DEroNsiuiiE UEE-KEJirEn. I'.S.— Since writing the above I have measured the thickness of sealed brood-combs (the combs in both cases being nearly new), of A/iix meUifica and Aph Liyusfwa. The result is, as 1 anticipated, tliat the latter is very slightly thicker thaii the former, thus confirming my impression that "the Ligurian bee is rather longer than the ordinary species. Bees certainly vary in size, probably from two causes. First, There seems certainly to be found in various counties a species of hive bee less in size, and dilFerent in shape, and darker in colour, than the most common are. Secondly, Bees which have been bred in old stocks of seven or ten years standing, become smaller and more puny as the cells are lessened, in some decree, by a thickening in the interior, from being continued brood cells for too long a period. As to the difl'erence of the tempers of bees, I have found that proceed from being too roughly handled, and also from their being placed too far from the usual haunts of their owners many of whom visit them less frequently tlian they ought, and thus the bees become wilder. A gentleman who saw my bees last week infonned me that hia father had kept bees for a great many years in Suffolk, and that tiis bees were of a much smaller sort than those of some of his neighbours, and also that it was a well-known fact these alluded to were considered quite a novelty. Respecting wild bees in certain forests in Nottinghamshire, mentioned by Mr. Darwin, being smaller than the hive bees there are several species of small bees, nearly all solitary, which frequent Sherwood Forest, and most of these are smaller than hive bees. For an account of these I refer him to Mr. Frederick Smith's excellent work on "Hymenoptera," lately pubhshed, or to that learned book published neai-ly sixty years ago, by that venerable entomologist, the Rev. J. Kirby, entitled " Mono- graphia Apium Anglise," in which two publications Mr. Darwin will find nearly a hvmdred species of wild bees. The common Bombinatrices of a larger sort, are scarce in all the forests, because they are eaten when in a dormant state by the field, or rather forest, mice, which abound in all large woods. Many of the smaller species of wild bees are propagated by eggs (or larva-), so that they are not noticed by the mice. I should rather guess that the grey or light-coloured bees mentioned by Mr. Lowe in this Journal, may have a very newly- hatched swarm, which difl^er considerably, and are often of a leaden colour, but change afterwards. There is one fact quite apparent, that hive bees diflfer in colour a good deal, and the smaller they are in general their colour is darker.— H. W. Newman, Eillside, Cheltenham. F.S. — When at Dieppe some years ago, I observed no dif- ference in the size of the hive bees to those in England, and as to the Bombinatrices, I found the same species, about seven or eight varieties, precisely the same as in England. Bees of all sorts are abundant all through Normandy. I never was far south in France. COMPARATIVE MERITS OF LIGURIAN BEES- SWARMING IN A STORM. Some time ago sore remarks of mine were inserted in The JoCBNAL OF Hobtictjlture as to tlie inoflTensiveness of the Ligurian breed, and while my experience for some time after the receipt of them, and especially after their journey from Devon- shire (thanks to Mr. Woodbury's most expert packing), was the same as that of your correspondent Mr. Shearer, yet I am bound to say, on a more lengtliened acquaintance, I must endorse the testimony of the American apiarians, and of your correspondent at Wolverhampton, "J. E. B.," that they are generally, and espe- cially during the swarming season, much more prone to attack than the common black bee. When forming an artificial swarm, 226 JOUSNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 17, 1862. about three weeks since, I fount!, as did "J. E.B.,"that tliey rrade a "dead set" at mj hands and fingers, and though mj bands were defended by tliree thicknesses of leather gloves, I discovered how much I hnd calculated without my host as to what pro- teotion would be euffinient ; for the gloves were found full of stings, and my Hesh by no means scathless. I also find they will attack persons in the neighbourhood of the hives without any provocation whatever. I have sin e liad two natural swarms from them, and being from home, they were obliged to lie hived by whoever could be procured — different individuals, old cottage bee-keepers in both cases who have taken hundreds of swarms; botli were well stung in doing it. One of them said, " If ihat 's a sample of the foreigners we shan't stand no chance in case of a invasion." The other pronounced them " the most vicious animals he 'd ever meddled with in the shape o' bees." Still, prolonged acquaintance only confirms my opinion as to their general superiority over the black race, especially their fecundity, which the fact ot my having obtained one artificial and two natural swaims from one stock this season, all four doing well (and there is every prospect of as many more, from the state of the parent hive), abundantly proves. A little extra care will be more than a match for a tritling display of ferocity. A rare tlung occurred on Monday — a very wet, boisterous d;iT here. A hive of common bees threw off a fine swarm in the very mdst of a liailstorm, accompanied by a torrent of rain which liad lasted half an hour when they began to swarm, and continued at least that time after. The hive had been quietly working a super without any svmptom of swarming previously. G. F.B., ColneyEatch. BEES DESERTING THEIR HIVES. The case of your correspondent, Mr. Farebrother, is very singular, but nevertheless most disheartening, although from his statement it does appear an isolated instance. I have myself noticed the same decadency in this port, but no wliolesale instance has been brought under my observation for some years past. About ten years since I purcliased a couple of strong stocks in the spring of the year, being desirous of tenanting a new bencli made on an improved principle, and was in great expectation of eclipsing everybody in this part. Having another bench which I had contrived at the end of a coach-house to work thi-ough the wood, and w)iich pointed full south, giving me an exceUent opportunity of operating behind them; but I suppose I despised it because not grand enough. However, I was taught not to be deceived by appearances ; for things went on charm- ingly for a few months in my new bench, but in the autumn I noticed both swarms and old stocks thereon gradually dimin- ishing, whilst my other bees were proceeding vigorously. At first I condemned the construction of ray idol, then, I fastened on the ventilator, and threw open the doors behind and before. Presently I conjectured it was something about the wood with which the bench had been constructed ; and after fruitlessly searching about for a cause, in complete vexation and utter despair of ever doing any good with this new domicile or its tenants, I ultimately found the bench literally swarmed with the wax moth. Thought leads to investigation, and away I went to the old bench from whence I had translated the two stocks in the spring, and ascertained that the stocks there were infested with these plagues. At once I set to work with my own establisliment ; but ere the following spring arrived I found my enemy liad made such ravages and gained such a footing that hardly a bee was there ; not as in the case of damp, where lots of" putrid bees are found on the floor-boards, but downriglit desertion. There was in each hive honey tolerably plentiful, and in one instance a queen remaining with a few forlorn bees. I, there- fore, removed the hives altogether; and those which were worth it, cleaned out the combs, washed the interior and painted the exterior, and sent to tl.e rightabout what I conceived to be the originator of all the mischief. But it occurred to me I had not vanquished my enemy — that he might be lurking in the bench waiting for an opportunity to commence again his work of devastation ; and since I found my simple-constructed bench had far exceeded my expectation, and having an instinctive horror that a similar calamity might again befall me, I abandoned the idea of ever adapting it again for a bee-house, aud I suspect that the moth has something to do with Mr. Farebrother's complaint. Mr. Payne, in his "Bee-keeping for the Many," says that moths are by far the worst enemies bees have to contend with ; and with this opinion I quite coincide, because they proceed so stealthily to tin ir work that, before the bee-master becomes aware of the danger, these little vagabonds have insinuated themselves into every part of the hive. Payne also says " "Wat h cirefuUy for the moths." Huber, I tliink, speaks of the Sphynx atropos (death's-head moth), and says ther will harrass the bees without merey till they leave their habitation. One writer, I believe Huish, says, in a hive infested with moths the floor- board is marked with small red particles of wax. Mr. Farebrother's case exactly corresponds with my own ; and as it is one of great importance to the bee-keeping com- munity at large, perhaps we shall be favoured with the expe- rience of those interested in the subject. Our friend from Mount Eadfovd is the very person to unravel this mystery, I should like to have his notions on the subject. — Bak-hive. " TOLLING OR TITHING BEES. I SHOTTLD be glad if any of your correspondents would inform us whether this custom prevails anywhere in the present day. Nearly three centuries since it seems the profit on bees was watched pretty closely by the lords of manors, and I dare say more so by the clergy of the day, as the following extracts will show. " Warmincham, Manor JSUon* Temp. X2th ISUzabeth. — William Stanway hath taken up to his own use 2 Swarms of Bees, and had the benefit of one Swarm for five or Six Years, not making them known to the Bailiff. Witness, William Bateman." In and from the time of Queen Bess, and for many years subsequently, it appears to have been customary for lords of manors to receive advantages from the bees within their manors ; but I cannot discover to what extent they were tolled, whether after the same ratio as the clergy levied their vicarage tiends. Honey and wax were, it seems, titbeable at common right (Toller, 124-), the honey by measure or weight, and the wax by weight ; but no tithes were payable for the tenth swarm of bees, because they were considered fercB natural (Langford Case, 1 RoUes Abrid. 651, PI. 15 ; Barfoot v. Norton ; Croke in the time of Charles, 559; 1 Eagle and Xounge's Tithe Cases, 399). A modus of a hen called a " loak hen," in lieu of tithes of honey, &o., was established (Burslem v. Spencer, 2 Eagle and Younge, 65). A modus of one penny for a swarm of bees (Smith- son V. Dodson), of two pence for every hive of bees in lieu of tithes of honey and wax (Gould v. Pearce, 1 Eagle & Younge, 806), and of two pence in lieu of all tithes of bees, honey, and wax were established (Reynall v. Wells, 1 Eagle & Younge, 808). I have seen in some of our parish churches terriers, which are large black boards witli legibly written letters, placed generally in the church, giving a scale of titbeable articles, and amongst other things "a tithe on bees." I am, therefore, desirous of ascertaining whether such a custom is now known to exist ; and, if on record, whether the tithes were originally conceded by the monks to the lords or barons, or whether the lords or lords feudal surrendered their tiends to the monks. It was not very likely, from the rapacious character of the latter, they woidd without compulsion part with either their prerogative or their chattels, without being compelled (as I suspect they were), at the dissolution of the monasteries ; and, perhaps, at this period their property in tithes was indiscriminately distributed to laymen as well as to ministers of the reformed religion. — E. W. Jones, JS^antwlchy Cheshire. ^ * Sis miles N.E. of Crewe. Tlie principal proprietor the Right Hon. Lord Crewe. OUR LETTER BOX. Ga3ie Cocks for Exhibition {A Novice). — It is absolutely necessary for adult Game cocks to be dubbtd before they are exhibited. Failing; it, they aie disqualified. Chickens may be shown undubbed, but it is a disadvantage. Ch.^racteristics of Tube Aylesbury Ducks {Old Deer) .—hoxge size, especially breadth. Large head and bill. The latter should be lonff and broad. The colour of it a very delicate French white. The plumage should be entirely white. Yellow bill or any mixture of plumage are positive dis- qualifications. Short narrow bills and small size arise either from a cross or from deeeneracy. Supporting a Spanish Cock's Comb [Ignoramus).— In our opinion if the comb has not been disfigured by the means used to make it erect, it should not be considered a disadvantage. We do not, indeed, know how it is to be discovered. There was no prbcess by which the old lop-comb of the Spanish cock could be made upright. Tlie means that have been most suc- cessfully used are silver wires sup@ortiug it on each side, running through the tup, and fastened to the thick base. These leave no marks. June 24^ 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 227 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day of M'nth 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Day of Week, Tn W Th T B 8dm M JUNE 2-1—30, 18G2. Portulaca Gillicsii. Melaleucas. Metroi^ideros robUf*ta. Swainaonia gaU'Rifolia. [1838. Queen Victoria ConoNATum, 2 SOnDAY AFTEK TitlNlTY, Goodia pubesccns, &c. Weatokk NEAR LONIION IN 1861. Sun Sun Rain in Inches. Barometer. Thermom. Wind. Rises. Sets. deit. dcif. m. h. m. h. 29.827-29.777 77-63 a.w. ■10 45af8 19af8 29.79.5-29.G18 68-41 S.W. •15 45 S 19 8 29.625-29. 5';5 75-44 S.W. •05 4G 3 19 8 29.741-29.066 80-44 N. •03 46 3 19 8 29 813-29.687 79-55 W. •16 47 3 19 8 29.812—29.688 72-45 N.W. — 47 3 19 8 30.050-29.057 69-43 N.W. — 48 3 18 8 Moon Ri.sos Moon*fl md Sets Age. 30 1 10 2 57 2 sets 54 a 8 20 U 40 9 27 23 29 • 1 2 3 Clocli before Sun. m. s. 2 I 2 14 2 27 2 40 2 52 3 4 3 17 Day of Year. 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 Meteorology of the Week.— At Chiswicl!, from obsevrationA duvinff th3 last thirty-flvo years, the avir.igc biithosl and lo-icst temperatures of these d,iys arc 73.2 ' and 49.8^ respectively. The greatest heat, 93 ', oocun-ed on the 27th, in 1826 ; and tho lowest cold, 31 ', on the 24th m 1859. During Ihe period 147 days were fine, and on 98 rain fell. 'EYES AND NO EYES." HEN a cliild I was muck pleased witli a tale I read ill a book called "Kvcninss atHotae," the title of which was " Eyes aud no Eyes." As some of your readers may not have met with it, I may .say it represented two lads liavi]!!^ talien the same walk : one on return- ing declaring he had found it a dull part of the country, and had seen nothing to in- terest him, the other having been delighted with his walk, and having collected a budget of facts and spe- cimens. Ever since that time I have tried to educate my naturally-inferior powers of observation, and have been inclined to envy those who appear to see everything without efTort. Lately I have been impressed with the idea that many of these quick observers are not equally apt to draw correct deductions from what they see, and that a remark indicating a quick perception is often fol- lowed by one showing that no just inference has been drawn from the fact observed. I think if we were anxious for mutual improvement — that is, as anxious to impart knowledge as to gain it, these two classes, the observers and the reasoners, might render more assistance to each other. Suppose each of your readers were to carry a small memorandum-book, and when they met with any fact new to them, or for which they did not know how to account, they were to make a note of it, and, when opportunity served, send such notes to you, how useful such a proceeding would prove. A note in my own pocket-book, " Value of Geese," has caused you to be troubled with this communication. Have not many of your readers heard the remark from many intelligent farmers, " Oh, I hate geese. Nasty things, they dirty the grass, and cat all the best of the herbage." A very different estimate of their value has been forced upon me. Some years since a home field of rich pasture had turned into it for the first time a flock of geese. I soon after remarked that a space increasing in size around the stable-yard was divested of Buttercups ; and from its rich green appearance presented a striking contrast to the rest of the field, it struck me immediately that a goose-common was always green. Watching the geese, I saw them pull up the Buttercups and eat the roots, leaving the stalks on the grass. Having mentioned this to many farmers, I have never met with one who knew it before, though some have said they always thought geese healthy things amongst stock. The de- struction of so acrid a plant as Ranunculus acris must be desirable in a cow pasture, as it takes the room of good grasses, in addition to being- itself injurious. No. 65. — Vol. III., New Seeies. So much for note No. 1. Here is a second. " Why- do I so often find wood pigeons in an orchard quite close to a village? " They appear to be attracted by the Pilewort, Ficaria ranunculoides, growing under a hedge, as they have evidently been feeding on its roots. Per- haps this is known to every one, but as it is new tome I mention it, not caring that it exposes my previous ignorance. Here is another note — a single word, "Toad." This reminds me of an observation I made the other day. In a large house devoted to Cucuml)ers a number of toads had been placed to cat the woodlice. I saw one running past a toad which struck at it with its singular tongue. Though I have seen numbers taken, this was the first time I observed a toad fail to swallow one when it attempted to do so ; my surprise was much increased on finding the insect dead. How was this ? Was the stroke sufficient, or is there some power possessed by toads of killing instantaneously the insects on which they prey ? Does this account for their feeding on wasps and bees without inconvenience to themselves? Will some of your clever correspondents, able to im- part information on this subject, help me with answers to these questions P— J. B. Peabson, ChilwcU. EXAMPLES OF FLOWEB-BEDS.— No. 1. (with COtOUEED PIAN.) [Me. Fish in his description of Linton Park, published in Vol. XXIII. of our first series, gave particulars of the large central bed in its terrace garden. Of that with some slight alteration we now furnish a coloured plan, and at our request Mr. Kobson has furnished the follow- ing notes : — ] " The design here given, the one that was adopted in 1859, is not put forth as the best that could be made. On the contrary, I think that both before that time, and also since, we have had prettier patterns ; but it must not be understood by any means that much intricacy can bo introduced into figures inter- secting each other, and planted with bedding things that it is ad- visable not to meddle much wiili after planting time; but the space being large, more figuring nipy be given when judicionsly planted than is shown in the present drawing, and still a clear outline be kept of every part, groundwork as well. This can only be accomplished by limiling tlie planting to such things as require httle or no after-attention, raid whicli, by keeping a uni- form height, the same design started with is tlie same at the end of the season — even when looki d at obliquciy or almost hori- zontally. This, it is needless to say, is not the case when one class of plants overtops another, and consequently hides from view those behind it. These conditions disqualify many of the most popular ornaments of the p;iiti-rre, and the plants tliat I have hitherto used in this way, both before and since the accom- panying design was in existence, are only inerea.sed by the addi- tions of Variegated Geraniums (wliite and yellow edgid), Perilla nankinensis, and once or twice Verbena pulcliella as a ground ; but it is much less applicable Hint way than Lobelia, being so disposed to invade its neighbour's territory. I may, however, say that plants suited to a striped border are available here, No. 717.— Vol. XXyirr., old Sotim. 228 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ June 24, 1862. provided always that they be all of equal height at all periods of the season ; and I may here state that I hare not found any- thing more really useful for single lines, edgings, or stringwork than Alyesum variegatum. A scroll of tliis plant formed a pretty feature on a part of tlie groundwork of last yeai-'s design. Perilla is also very well adapted for that purpose, and this season we hare it worked into extensive use in this bed as well as in others. "In reference to the planting of the bed in question, in 1859, it is only fair to the readers of the Journal to point out wliere improvements could be made, by mentioning the results as well as the reason which led to the adoption of the plants indicated. " Trentham Hose Oeranium in the t!entre oval. This being a stronger grower than the surrounding plants became a little taller towards the end of the season. It was, however, adopted in consequence of not having a BufEcient quantity of the kind intended. " Verhena Ariosfo in the two large scrolls, deep plum colour, throws the Qowor well up to the top, and is less rambling than most Verbenas, though moi-e so than V. Purple King. " Lobelia speciosa, blue ; very good. " Trentham Rose Geranium in the two three-striped beds was Tom Thumb Geranium in 1859. " Calceolarin, yellow kinds, matching the Geranium in height. " Lohtflia speciosa, blue, in the two three-striped beds was Verbena Purple King in 1859. " The groundwork was intended to have been entirely Alyssum variegatum ; but lack of plants led to a white Verbena being partly substituted, the Alyssum being planted by the edges of everything, and tlie central space filled in with a white Verbena. But there is no comparison between the one and the other : the Alyssum being so much the whiter, besides commencing its duties as a «hite plant at once, and continuing so up to the time of the frost killing it ; whereas the Verbena is only really showy when in flower, and even then it is less effective than the Alyssum, "To the lovers of flower gardening who delight in a yearly change — and who is there that does not ? — the style of which the accompanying sketch is an example aflfords an endless oppor- tunity for change, as figures differing from each other may be introduced eacli year, and it is possible the number of plants BXiitable may also be increased ; but with those we have an excellent result may be obtained. The only thing I have to caution the inexperienced in such matters against is not to attempt too much, and avoid all complicated figures. The double scroll of the present example is quite as intricate as can be made to distinctly show itself ; only its great size enables that to be done. Generally speaking, simple circles look as well as any form ; and it may, perhaps, afford the student in such matters some guide to say that the design we have adopted this season (1862), is entirely composed of circles and parts of circles. A large six-lobed figure of rather more than semicircles meeting, with a circle in the middle of all, forms the central compartment, which, taken as a whole, is larger than No. 1 of the accompanying plan. Surrounding this are twelve cu'cles of three different sizes, the outer edge being composed of twenty lialf-circles or scollops with their convex sides inward. The easy simplicity of the design will, I beUeve, tell as advantageously as inytliing we have yet had. All the circles, scollops, and the bed itself are edged with Perilla, which is this season made to form the stringwork to the whole. Calceolaria Aurea Flori- bunda, Verbenas Purple King and Pulchella, and Geraniums Tom Thumb, Christina, Golden Circle, and a white-edged one called Shottisham Pet, are the plants used ; Lobelia and Alyssum being in this bed dispensed with this time, simply because they have on former years been so extensively used that a change was necessary. " Of the winter management of large beds like the one in question descriptions have at times been given in these pages, and at a future period a more explicit article on the subject and illustration may appear ; but anything short of a coloured plan fails to convey a true idea of what may be done in this way. Those, however, of our readers who have seen the embroidery at the Horticultural Gardens, Kensington, with its coloured gravels, &c., may have a just conception of the effect; only in our case, the work being simjily done to give effect in the dull winter months, it is not always so accurately executed. Lines of pebbles or broken stones of uniform size are adopted for the outline of the different figures, which in this case may be as elaborate as the taste of the designer may suggest ; for in the commanding position it is placed all its parts can be distinctly seen. Colouring matter an inch thick is then put on ; and I believe we have on one occasion begun and finished the bed in one day, and this in November, so that the labour is not a serious affair. But as this may possibly be treated of in detail hereafter, it is needless saying more now." SUMMER PEOPAGATION FOE THE FLOWEE GAEDEN. No sooner one meal is over in the kitchen and out of it than they begui to prepare for the next. And it is the same in every human employment. In shows and seasons, seeding or sowing, such above all others is the case ; and then it follows as the best thing one could do, or all of us could attempt, would be to begin to propagste or prepare for the next season, and prepare for it too in a different way, and with difterent materials if they can be had. But a man who does not do the best with what he has is not entitled to his share in the difi'erent ways or to different materials from what he already possesses ; or, at all events, the man is not the man "for a' that" who does not try and make both ends meet if it took the twelve months to do it. Before I finished my planting-out last week, I began put- ting in Rose-cuttings of Goant des Batailles and two or three mora like it for bedding purposes, as they say. There seems to be almost a universal desire that Hybrid Perpetual Roses could be 60 bedded as to harmonise more than most Roses can be made to do with the bulk of the bedding stuff. I recollect very well when Mr. Rivers "let out" the first Geant, he had an ordinary Frenchman to send out with it — Lafitte, or some such named Rose, after a banker of Paris — and both were to be bedders, but Lafitte I could not manage at all as such, wliile the Gcant did better than any Rose I ever tried out of the Chinas and Teas ; worked upon what stock so- ever, it would not bed one-half so evenly and of such uniform bloom, and two-year-old plants of it were the best. But then the soil was very bad for Roses, being on the chalk and so impregnated with that as to ruin every Rose on the Dog Rose stock in three years. Last year the most telling bedding new Rose was Reynolds Hole ; it is quite a lady's colour for a bright bed of rose-coloured Roses ; and this season Mr. William Paul's Multiflora bedder is just the gentleman's style of bedder — a bold, bouncing, high crimson in a rosy shade all over. Now, although I am content to plod on with Geant des Batailles, I mean to be in real earnest in advising all men and most women not to buy one morsel of these splendid bedding Ro8es_/(»" heading purposes except they be on their own roots. For any other purpose tlian the bedding, peoiJe may have them on Manetti and welcome for aught that I care, after having so carefully warned the unwary from paying through the nose for such Roses. But about the way to strike them. Why, there is no end to the ways of striking Roses ; but most things will easily root from now to the middle of August. Roses have two natures, as it were : they can he made to strike from cuttings as fast and as readily as Tom Thumbs in bottom heat partially confined in the lieight of summer, and they will remain in the open ground from October cuttings to the end of the following April, and then be not more rooted than you can now have them in one month from bottom heat. I have no bottom heat, however, for my Rose cuttings for bedding, nor do I think I would adopt it now if I could, for this reason — it would take up more of my time than would pay the cost of buying Roses on their own roots from a nursery ; but gardeners, now that their beds are filled, have more time than a pilgrim like me — at least, I used to have plenty of time and to spare for cuttings when I was in harness. The quickest way to strike a bargain, or a parcel of cuttings, is always the best way : and a mild moist bottom heat in a close cold pit that was lately, is the very best way to strike Rose cuttings in June, July, and August ; but whether it is the best way earlier or later in tlie season depends on circumstances. What is the best way for one man to strike his cuttings from the end of August to the last of May might be the worst plan for another to attempt. But we are all on the same level in that respect from the 10th of June to the 20th of August most cer- tainly : therefore, those of us who can spare the time to have a daily look after Rose cuttings in heat ought to have them in heat if they can afford to make a rery slight hotbed inside some- June 24, 1863. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE aABDENER. 229 thing or somewlioro wlileh could bo covered with saehc?, or even with hniid-glasBca. I have seen Rosi's struck under hand-lights, on and between the " hills " of ridged-out, Cucumbers forty yenrs ago, when there were no Perpetual or IFjbrid Perpetual Rosos to be had. Tlie way that is best for ma at present is a cold pit in whieli bedding plants were all the winter. I had the pots plunged all the winter in ono-third very lino screened coal ashes, and two-thirds of the cocoa-nut refuse to lessen the need of much watering ; and in this very stuff I fivrd that all manner of cuttings wdl root easier tlian by any other means within my reach, and hero I have put in the Rose cuttings. I daubed the inside of the lights with a wash of common whiteHing with a whitewash-brush to lessen the need for shadnig ; but in very sunny days I put on a mat in the middle of tlie day. There is no more over the cuttings than the common lights of the pit — three in that division ; and a hundred kinds of softwooded shrubs, such as Honeysuckles, Weigelas, Deulzias, Philadclphias, Forsythias, Lanlanns, Bou- vardias, Veronicas, and all such plants, will now strike in this pit with one-tenth of the attendance and care of a dung hotbed in the spring, and all may be done just like the Roses. A slight watering at tiic first, and a little damping with a very fine rose of an evening are all tliey need. Then in the open air I have begun with that lovely rose- coloured new Diantluis called Ilybridus multiflorus : this is a lovely Hybrid Perpetual bloomer, and there is no end of it for cut (lowers ; but, like Roses, it is not a very fit plant for bedding, only for the mixed border. After it Captain Trevor Clarke's Indian Pinks, the single and tlie double, both of the very highest style of " Indian Pinks " as they are ealled. Last year I had these to cut more like barley harvest tlian flowers, to give away for rooms and nosegays. They all came with me from cuttings, free as willows, under a common garden-pot; the first ten days any pot will do, after that I have a set of pots with the bottoms of them broken out all but a slight rim, and over the bottom I put a loose square of glass, and that is all. No hand- glasses were ever more lucky in hitting-o£f cuttings. But there are two plants in particular of which one can hardly get too many, and now is the best time of all the year round to put in and get up a stock of them. I allude to Aubrietia purpurea, and to the TariegateJ Arabis alpina. The Aubrietia grows here about Kingston and Surbiton just like a weed, and is one mass of bloom with every one who has it from the middle of April to near the enl cf May, and the variegated Arabis is the very best edging plant after Cerastium, if it is not belter than it. But there were many odds against it for the last two seasons about London. It was unfortunately propagated in tlie spring of the year, when it was natural for it to have been in flower ; and the consequence was a hungry set of skeleton plants, which would neither grow kindly nor could be pushed. June and July, and haiid-hghts or pots upside down, are the right way for it, and for Aubrietia to make tlorid and flourishing growth ; but the varie- gated Arabis does very well from November cuttings entirely in the open air. I did not lose one from a batch I put in about that time ; but June and July cuttings of it, to be finally planted about the end ol October, have made by far the finest plants with me. Then there are the Pentstemons and the Phloxes, which do exactly alike in June, July, and August, from cuttings got. from any parts of the plants, provided they are not of the flowering-portions; and if you turn a pot over a batch of either on a light border as I do, you will have plants which never had any forcing or fuss, and wliich will bloom the next season finer than some plants can do, till you do them yourself afresh after losing two years expecting they would come round to the proper pitch. But just like the spring-struck Arabis, and like the foolish notion of taking any cuttings from the flowering ' branches of such kinds, you never can get a kmdly plant of Phlox or Pentstemon if they come out of pent-up and stewing propagation ; you only get the strain or the breed, and so much vexation (or a luck-penny, if the propagation has not been as Bimple as I say, or, indeed, more simple still — say from bottom shoots next the soil where they are just beginning to root, and that is, perhaps, the best of all ways for a poor man, or a man that is not so. Where is there a more drawing-room plant than Centaurea candidissima ? with candle-light it is a silver ornament without being fro.-ted in any room in the house, and there is not one plant in the catalogue that will do better for turnin" out in summer. If I were a duke I would have the third orthe fourth row of my best ribbon-border planted with it from one end to the other, even if the border followed the carriage drive from tho London Lodge to the front door, if only to show them what a duke could do. In the third row would be my two-year-old plants ; and if they were three years full I would have thein in the fourth row, and after tliut cut them up in pieces for pro- pagation, except a dozen or so, which 1 would keep for vases on the terraces wliereverl could find a back of green to the view. These would soon be of the size of big Pino Apple plants, and I would have the centre twi.-ted out as for Pine Apples, of all the first main heads, or divisions cf each plant, till it assumed the appearance of a plant of " hen-and-chickens " fashion. 'J hen four of such splendid form, and such silvcr-hke tilings, I would winter in the front gallery, or even in the front hall, if I had no gallery for statuary and stately plants like this. The rest of my Candidissimas I would winter with my Punches and Tom Thumbs, just as I did last winter without any notions of the duke about them at all. In the spring I sliced off some of the side shoots, or half-suckers, as a gardener might sever a smooth-leaved Cayenne Pine pliint, stuck them in the ever- lasting cocoa stuff, and they rooted as fast as Yuccas or Pine Apples; but now in June is the thne to )iit them on the head and get them by the hundreds, twist out tho heart of the centre of so many plants, and the side shoots soon come tlii' kly. SUp these off Pink-p ping fashion, put them in like Heath cuttings and treat them as such for the first fourteen dajs, then into bottom heat with ihcm ; and before the middle of next August just begin to think how you are to winter so many of them; but they will do with Tom Ihumhs of the same age in the same soil, and with the same treatment from first to last. Last year the poor man's turn came first, and, of course, he is at it, or about setting to it already ; and were it not for fear of tempting him beyond his means, 1 would explain the Iwisting- out of tlie heart-bud of a Pine Apple. Have you seen the new shrubby Mimuluses, after the way of Diplacuscalifornicus, and the new Calceolaria I mentioned from the -Kxotic at the May show, which was the old but long-lost plantaginea, the very best of all the wild ones to cross with viscosissima and those in that section for a race cf genuine bedders, as I can tell, having worked that plant just thirty years since come next August, and yet being lust lor twenty- six years it is now the newest of the lot? P. Beaio:^. TEEATMENT of HAEDWOODED GEEENHOUSE PLANTS IN SUMMEE AND AUTUMN. I SHOULD be glad if you would give, in one of your next Numbers, a few simple hints about the best way of managing some hardwooded plants out of doors during thj summer and autumn that have flowered the previous spring in a greenhouse. I mean such plants as Camellias, Azaleas, Acacia armata, Coronilla, Genista fragrans, &c. I am proposing to place mine under a north wall about 7 feet high, the pots plunged to tho brim in sifted coal ashes, without any protection overhead. In such a situation, to what extent would they be likely to require watering in continued dry weather ? Would they be likely to need a supply in such case as often as every other day ? — Country CuitATi:. [Repeatedly instructions have been given on the above subject; but every one thinks that, however special or general ihese instruc- tions are, they cannot be quite suitable to his or her ease ; and, no doubt, in writing general directions we often recommend processes which many readers may not have the means of carry- ing out. In the present case, we shall suppose that the inquirer has little or no glass for such plants except his greenhouse ; and besides having such plants in bloom in winter, early spring, and early summer, he wishes to get them out of doors in summer and autumn, in order to have some more temporary flowering plants to make the house gay in the summer and autumn months. We have little faith in the indiscriminate turning-out of plants, when finished flowering, to be plung-'d in ashes against a north wall, and kept there until taken into tho house at the approach of winter, so far as free and early flower- ing is concerned. We have more confidence in such plants aa Camellias doing well in a north aspect, if kept there all the year round, and tlie plants protected from severe frost and the flower-buds from wet. No protection overhead in summer forms a part, however, of our correspondent's case, and this we must keep in mind ; though an awning of glass, or even of JOTTRNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ June 24, 1862. calico, or lace netting, or frigi domo would bo useful alike for moderating the force of the sun's rajs, and the lashing of heavy showers, witli pl™ty of air, however, all ro\md. The first thing, tlien, necessary to high success, is the setting aside one end of tlie house, or a part of it, as a growing depart- ment, the other end being kept to flowering plants — that is, so that the plants at that part of the end may be kept closer and in a moiater atmosphere than the general collection, and that to this part plants shall bo Ivon^lit as soon as they are cleared of their fading flowers, whicli process, too, will hare the tendency to bring on the different plants in succession. Keeping this in mind, we will take the plants in the order mentioned. 1st, CameUias. — Wlien done flowering remove all faded flowei's, take the plant or plants to tlie place or end spoken of. Keep it closer by giving less air. Use the f jringe freely to cause tlie shoots to elongate, giving no more water at the root than to keep them moderately moist. If the branches are open and thin, or the head too tall, you may now prune back pretty freely ; but if much cutting is required, that ought to be general, as the old stems will not break regularly if some young shoots are left to carry on the miming. Otherwise the stems will break as freely as a large Portugal or common Laurel when it is rather severely pruned-in. When such cutting-in is resorted to the stems must be kept more than ordinarily moist by dewing them often and slightly. When the young shoots are 3 inches or 4 inches h-'iig, eitlier after such cutting or o'herwise is the best time to examine the roots, drainage, ccc., and to give a larger pot wlien necessary, though Camellias will flourish long in the same pot, if of a fair size, and helped by a fresh top-dressing and manure waterings every year. Fresh sandy loam one part, and a third part of peat, sweet leaf mould, and sand, grow them well; but extra care must be bestowed on the drainage. When in this position tlie plants will be better if shaded from the brightest sun. As soon as the young shoots are formed more air and light should be admitted, and in a fortnight or so after- wards the plants may be moved to the north side of the wall you speak of, choosing a dull day for the operation, that no severe check be experienced. We will suppose tliis takes place in June and onwards. According as the plants are thus gradually for- warded will they form flower-buds, and come into bloom in succession in winter and spring. In such a position, as but little sun will ever play on the pots, we would prefer setting each pot on a slate to plunging them in ashes. There is more likelihood of the roots being saturated when so plunged than Buffering from dryness by the pots being exposed. If for saving a little watering you prefer the ctshcs, we would recommend setting the pot on two bricks, leaving an open space between them to let the water pass freely. Here they might want water once a- week in dull weather, and perhsjis every day when the atmosphere was dry and the sun powerful. A syringing \n the evening after hot days will re- fresh them. Such plants should have the pots scrubbed, a dusting of fresh compost placed on the surface of the ball, and the plants he placed in the conservatory • r greenhouse by the first week of October. 2nd, Azaleas. — These want a similar but still a rather more particular treatment. The routine of management will be much the same, only old plants do not bear cutting-in so freely. If when atter being kept rather close and moist the young shoots come away freely, care should be taken to see that they are nearly of equal strength, as the extra strong will rob the rest, and will most likely not be ripened enough to form flower-buds at their points. If ttie point is nipped o\\> \A\tn thes,i are 3 inthi^o or so in length, two or three will be produced instead of thj one strong shoot ; and thus the young growth on the plants will be equalised in strength, and there will be every likelihood of securing a good regular bloom. The tenderer kinds of Azaleas, with a longer continuance of the growing period as recommended for the Camellia, will do with out-door treatment in summer ; but they would bo more sure if kept under glass for most of the season. When by such means the young wood is regular, and some 2 inches or 3 inches in length, the syringing must be gradually discontinued, and the plants moved to where there will be more light and air, so that the growing process may be BO far arrested and the ripening process encouraged ; as before flower-buds in their incipieiicy begin to fot-m, which is known by the hardening of the points, tlie mere elongating process must be arrested. When thus treated for three weeks or so the Azaleas will be safe enough at first in front of the Rhododendrons, as they will not need so much shade as they ; but a sprinkling several times a-day with the syringe, if at all dry and hot, will do them pood. The plunging in the ashes we would in this position thoroughly avoid, unless the pot stood on two bricks, with a space between them below the main hole in the bottom of the pot, as anything like stagnant moisture is ruinous to Azaleas. Large plants in large pots will need no repotting for years if the drainage is all right, and top-dressings of very old sweet eowdung, mixed with peat and sand, and weak cool nianure-waterings when making fresh wood and swelling their ilower-buds, are given to them. When shifting into larger pots is necessary, sandy heath mould is the best compost, and a little very sweet and old leaf mould may be added. For small houses the shifts from one pot to another should not be large. For some of the stronger kinds a little sandy loam may be added. As a general rule it will be safest to use sandy heath soil, and assist by surfacings or manure-waterings. If when placed in the closer shady end of the house there are thrips or fly on them, they had better be smoked, or taken out of doors and well syringed at one time with weak tobacco water, and at another time with very weak glue or size water. In neither case should the syringings be allowed to get into the soil. A pieoo of cloth of some kind should cover the soil to prevent it. As said above, when the shoots ore browning and hardening, from elongation being arrested, will be the time to place them m front of the Camellias, in the manner already stated. By the middle of August it would be desirable to give them more sun, by moving them still farther from the Camellias, or placing (hem in another situation where they could get a good portion of the morning and evening sun. In this caee, provided such a preventive to soaking as the bricks is resorted to, the plunging the pots in ashes will be an advantage, as the roots will be kept healthy and cool, whilst the tops are exposed to a thoroughly ripening heat. The plants should be cleaned, washed, &c., and hoiised by the middle of October. 3rd. Acacia armata. — This plant, when young, thrives best in sandy peat and loam ; when old and established, it does best in stifTish loam with a little rotten dung. It flowers one season on the wood made and ripened in the last. If this wood is made at all regular, and fairly exposed to sun and air, there can be littU doubt of success following. The plant has one great enemy— a little white scale, and wlien once it gets ahead, so as to encrust the small leaves, cure and deliverance are hopeless. The only cure is to stump the plant in, leaving nothing but the main stem and some of the larger branches, or at least bits of them, and then to scrub the stems with a lather of soft soap and tobacco water, the latter not too strong, and leaving it on for twenty-four hours. Wash all oS with a sponge and warm water ; take the plant out of the pot ; remove a portion of the surface soil ; replace in a similar-sized pot, using fresh compost only for 2 inches or 3 inches at the top, so as to get rid of the insects and their eggs, and treat as the Camellias until fresh shoots are coming ali over, when you can decide at once on the shape of the future plant. This will suit another inquirer, whose plant can only be cultivated pleasingly by first undergoing such a process. If a few of these insects are appearing on the plant of a " CouNTiiT CruATE," he had better dip the plant in a weak solution of gum water, allow it to stand dry and in the shade for a couple of days and nights, and then shake it well ; pull dry hands through the branches, and then syringe it freely all tlirougli and round with water at 100°. The plant may be kept in the house a few days after this ; but, in general, it will be safe out of doors from June to the middle of October. The shady place will suit it best, but it will enjoy exposure to the full sun in September ; and, if at all warm, a cO|>ious watering every day. Ashes, or a sod laid against the pot, will keep the roots next the pot exposed to the sun from being scorelied-up ; in fact, the shady place became essential for many plants from the grcenhorise in summer — not so much because the sun was hurtful to their l.'aves and branches, quite the reverse, for the want of flowering was often owing to want of sunlight ; but just because we clever gardeners chose to forget that the tenderest roots in their natural soil are never, or rarely exposed to the parching, burning heat of a red pot exposed to direct sunlight. So far then, when such plants as Azaleas, Heaths, and Epacris are placed in the sun, some modification of our correspondent's covering for the pots is of far more importance than the mere saving of watering ; waterlogging, however, must be avoided. 4tir, Coronilla and Genista. — I need say little of these. If it is necessary to prune them in much, treat the old plants much the same as pruned-in CamelUas, until the young shoots are June 2J., 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF nOSTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. ask 4 inches oi- 5 inolies long. If not pruiied-iu much tlio plnnls will uiiiKo and rip -n tlioir wood sullU'ieiitly out of doors after June. The great tiling ia to cut away all clecayed llowcrs, stop any too-rampant shnot; syringe tliem well seveial times with BOap water and cli'au water alternately, using the former at night and the latter in the morning. A little sulphur wafer may go with the soap wat r, or you may have- both in Gishurst C'on\- pound, using one ounce to two gallons. The obj.'ct of this washing is to elear away and keep uway e\ery Visligc and egg of the red Bjiider, which d^'orly likes to nibble them, and cipi'cially the beautiful yellow Cytisus. For young )ilants a little Iwath eoil may be used with tliesandy loam, but as they get eslablished they do best in sandy loam wilh a little leuf mould. The free use of the syringe in summer is a first necessity for securing fine plants in winter and spring. They do best wlien jn-otectcd from the midday sun in summer, and when the pot is not exposed plungii>g is less needed. They should be housed before the end of October. So much for a few minutioe of sueeess. I regret I cannot follow tlicm up with simple directions as to how often such plants need watering. Were it possible, one .harm in gardening would bo dissolved — that which proceeds from the care anil attention our favourites constantly re([tu're, inasmu.-li as v^e soon cease to appreciate aright the greatest blessing.", if they involve no eare or unsiety on our part. We can do no more than tell our eo.rcspondcnt, jii?t to treat his plants in the liquid way, as wise p.^op!e treat themselves — that is, give them water when they are thirsty, and at no other time. — 11. Fisu.] affirm from our own experience wo could have it at scTenty miles from London at one-half of the price wc used to give for tlie loam and the i)eat we annually Ind from Epping Forest, because all the railroad Boards have agreed to carry it at the same rate as dnng in trnckloadj. A truck carries 4 tons of if, and tlic Company send it oil' from King.-»ton Station at the lalo of '30.«. a-truck, so that it would be an esccUent apcculation to some nurserymen far down in the cSluitry to have so many truckfuls of it in a season, and then to sell it at the same price a^ tlio Company charge liere for the small quantities in hags. Our friends, the florists, will find it the best stuff in the world to make composts with. Mr. Wood, our princi|ial stonemason in Kingston, and the oldest and best .Vuricula grower and fancier thereabouts, told us this season it v.-ns " prime st nil'" for Auricidue. Hut we would ask for the bUii-k old stull' (or all llori~ts' flowers, and use nothing with it but so much pure loam.— D. B. HARDY RHODODENDRONS IN POTS- COCGA-NUT FIBRE llEFUSli: FOR PEAT. In answer to " H. li." we have to observe that ths Khodo- dendrons would be better out of pots (in peat) all tlie summer, and to the very day in winter when you house or frame thorn for forcing or early ilowering — the only reason wo know of for potting tlie.ii at all. About having them iu the cocoa-nut fibre refuse, if any kind of Rhododendron, Heath, or Kalniia, or any other of those kinds of plants needing peat soil is once esta- blished in a pot, and the ball is full pf roots, it will never do to thrust it suddenly, or by slow degrees, into a mass or bod of the refuse ; for this is as loose as a heap of moss, and a heap or bed of it is always as damp as moss just taken out of water and squeezed. Then when a ball of peat needs watering, and is watered in a heap of the refuse, the water slips past the peat on all aides and runs into the refuse ; in ten days tlie ball is as dry as tinder, and no more watering would wet it again, until it is taken up and put into something which will hold w.der till the ball is most thoroughly soaked. We were con.iulti'd about the Ferns and other plants which are nov/ in the In- ternational Exliihition, growing in the cocoa-nut fibre refuse. They were boujhi of the Messrs. Jackson, of Kingston. The whole of tlie peul or other earth— or say the whole of the balls, having been shaken from the roots as much as could be done, they were set iu the refuse and then placed in tlis Exhibition. All that was done in less than twenty hours, which was giving the plants no chance at all ; yet they took to the refuse at onc-e, and they had very little, or indeed no attendance for the first tliree weeks — perhaps none yet. The way to have done them is this- they should have been partially shaken out of the balls at the beginning of April, then well watered, and the case or box should have been under glass ; they should liave had good garden management to the end of the month, and then been sent to tlie Exhibition. All the balls of all sorts of plants ought to be partially broken or loosened before putting them into the refuse, and peat balls much more so than compost balls. It has not yet been fully proved that American plants will do entirely in this stuff instead of peat ; but we took an opportunity last May to visit the works and the great refuse heaps for the first time, and we found upwards of thirty thousand tons of it as black as bog peat, and naturally heated to 70" at the bottom of the mass, say such as was from eight to twelve years old. Wo have no doubt whatever but all American plants would do in it as well, if not a vast deal better, than iu the best Wimbledon peat ; the only care would VAEIEGATION IN PELARGONIUMS. Now, Mr. Beaton, what would j'ou have me to say? Sfafeo the theory of variegation meet at both ends, eh ? Why, both ends are already met, as sure as you met with the "White Lady " at the Crystal Palace Sliow the other day. Really, it is by far too bad of you to put it about that she " is against all tlic variegated doctors by hand entirely," when all the while she had neither lot nor part in (he matter. Yes, Mr. Beaton, it is all very well lor you to throw the burden off' your own back ; but, mind you, I have my own opinion still. About these variegated seedlings from Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing, Did you say they were better than their parents, or was it that they were whiter ? H'm ! I thouglit so — exactly. Alike will always have a tendency to produce alike, and vihen any difference occurs it is sure to be either better or worse than the parents. I have proved this hundreds of times, and so have vou I am sure. Did 1 understand you to mean, that you would take lip this cross of Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing's, and follow its fortunes with a sure and certain hope that you will thereby gain a thorough knowledge of the original cause of varieg.ition ? Very well, I shall not follow vou. The truth of the matter is, pardon me for what I am about to say, I verily believe you are labouring under a grand mistake, endeavouring to solve a primary problem by secondary causes. Indeed you are. I am not at all sur].irised you have been puzzled to make both ends meet. Why, you never had but one, and that was the wrong one. The seedlings you have nionlioned are ilio very best proofs you possibly could have advanced to illustrate the transmission of the disease, which is a something ; but as regards the origin of the disease, why they prove nothing at all. When you and I last had a confab on variegation, I (old jou I wanted to get General PeHssier : now I have got it, and a b?auti- fnlly-niarked thing it is. I have also doctored one of my seedlings named after the place I live at, but too near Punch to keep. However, I have now obtained a variegated one from it. I have also got a variegated Ivy-leaf, the Scarlet variety, but I think it inferior to M.angles' : therefore, T will discard it. I believe the Ivy-lea', from the wiry nature of its stem, is the most dilficult to change of all the so-called Scarlet PelargoniuMS.— An Old SnowJiAN. NEW BOOK. The Fruit Manual ; containing the De.\cj'iptiotts and Siino'nifmes of the Fruits and Fruit Trees commo/ili/ met with in Vie Gardens and Orchards of Great Britain, with Selected Lists of those most tcorthii of Cullivation. By Robeut Hoao, LL.D., F.L.S. Second Edition. London: Journal of Uor- ticultiiro and Cottage Gardener Office. The rapid sale of the first elition of this useful work has enabled the auth^ir to produce another, which is a considerable improvement on its predecessor, inasmuch as the greater jiart of it has been rewritten and an opportunity afforded of correcting several mistakes that had crept in, and of introducing a great number of varieties that were not recorded in the firrt edition. Great additions have been made to the number of the .Vpiiles, the Grapes, the Plums, and the Strawberries, and all the novelties that have been discovered in the other classes of fruits since the be to see that the plants had not much peat about the roots at j publication of the first edition have been inirodueed into this, the time of planting, and that the stuff" was pressed together as j Numerous synonymes have been added, while others have been firm a.s man could make it. The refuse would come much corrected ; and it may be said that tliis second edition embraces cheaper than peat iu some parts of the country, and we can all the pomological inforinaliou up to the present lime. 833 JOFBNAl OF HOETICtrLTUBE ANB COTTAGE GARDENEE. [ June 24., 1862. FLOAVERTNG SOME SELECTED PLANTS AT A MOEE ACCEPTABLE SEASON THAN USUAL. I WILL presume tliat plants in flower are in gi'eater request at or about Christmas than many other periods, more especially some of those beautiful varieties which flower as a rule between June and October, several of which, if flowering at tlie above festive season, would be vastly more appreciated than when blooming amid all the gaffity of English gardens in sutnmer. I have this as my objent, and I will not in tliese short notes state anything beyond what I have proved, and which cannot be most easily practised by others. TALLOTA rURPUEEA. Prom June to September are the months in which this ex- ceedingly useful plant flowers ; but by the following treatment, than which nothing can be more simple, it has flowered from the first weet in November, having two fine five-flowered spikes in perfection on Christmas-day ; it is then excellent for standing in rooms, &e. In-doors it is as valuable a plant as any in culti- vation, and its value is enhanced fortyfold when in flower as above. To attain tliis, pot in May, studiously avoid letting the plants get too dry ; ieep them in a shady nlace until you find the roots have rambled into the fresh soil a little, then place them out in the open air under a Laurel or other shade, where they are effectually scre-ned from the sun, leaving tiieni in this position until September, wlien in all probability they will be just showing flower; if not, put ihem in the full sunshine, slightly diminish their usual allowance of water, and as soon as the spikes are shown replace them in their shady position. Leave them there initil you house your greenhouse plants, when they may also be taken in. When required to expand their flowers, give them a moderate temperature— such as the warm end of the greenhouse or the cool end of tlie stove. THE OEANGE TREE. It is rather unnsuol to have this plant in flower on Christ- mas-day, 80 I will explain the treatment by which I sucee.'ded in flowering one most profusely at that time. From the middle of December to the end of January, what better suited to an antique ebony basket on a British winter's day than this poetical plant, imparting the delicious perfume of its ivory-like blossoms through a whole suite of rooms ? It should receive the entire treatment of a Camellia, with one excep- tion. Place it in the warmest situation you can command during summer, in the warm corner beneath the south and east wall — in fact, imitate its native climate, accompanied with a suitable amount of air to keep the sun's rays from scorching it. During summer carefully take ott' all flowers and fruit, should there be such on it. The object chiefly in view should be to obtain a nice growth matured by the end of September to forward the embryo flowers upon the same as much as possible, avoiding everything likely to cavise it to grow or move perceptibly until a montli before you wish to have it in flower, when you should treat it as you would a white Azalea when forcing it. How ex- ceedingly well our French neighbours do the Orange ! I cannot see why they should bo so far in advance of us when I consider the warmth obtainable under a south wall in summer. Our object should be to ripen the wood more rather than to make so fine a growth. INTERMEDIATE STOCK. The use of this, as also of Ten- week and other Stocks in the spring is well known. By a very simple process the Interme- diate can be had in flower in perfection during the whole winter, with spikes as fine and plants as large as when out of doors at midsummer. Their nsefiihiess is indisputable as cut flowers for bouquets and house-decoration. Even in the conservatory they are very acceptable in the middle of winter. They should be sown in February or March, starred info showing bloom, whether single or double, in April. The single having been discarded, when properly hardened plant tliem out in a medium good border about a foot apart, to be eventually properly staked if necessary. As the flower shows during the whole of summer, cut it off. The plant becomes more bushy if those flowering shoots are cut home. In October the plants should be taken up, carefully potted, and placed under a north wall, where they must remain until they recover from the check received, wlicn they can be taken into the greenhouse. I find the Scarlet Intermediate does best. GESNEEA LONGIEOLIA. This useful plant maybe had in bloom during the whole of ■yrinter Q-iTeit a shift in the spring to induce it to make a nice growth. I prefer a young plant of two seasons' growth. The pot into wliicli it is shifted should be so sized as to cause it to well fill the pots with roots. Being pot-boimd will induce it to show profusely for flower in the autumn. Keep it in an even, moderate temperature until the first flowers open, then give it the smallest shift possible ; this will induce the whole of the flowers formed to open well. By the time the last are opening the second pot will become full of roots, and cause a succession of shoit profusely-flowering joints, which will give you a show in continuation. This plant does best when in flower in the coolest end of the stove, with an occasional syringing. When treated this way, and tied round a hollow phnt-trellis, it is a pretty object. IMPATIENS JEKDOKliE. This admirable variety of a very singular species can with very trifling trouble be had in flower at Christmas ; the principal features of the necessary treatment being not to dry it too hurriedly when it has done flowering, and not to start it quite so early as is usual after rest. When showing for flower , place it imder a north wall ; let it be carefully watered, and while iu this position, protected from draughts and heavy rains. When the weather proves too cold, or you conjecture it will be so, return it first to the greenhouse for a week, to be eventually replaced in the stove. POINSETTIA PULCHEEEIMA. This most useful plant flowers at a season too acceptable to req.iire any remarks on that head, yet it may be of use to some I'eaders of this Journal to know, that in preference to the original mode of growing large shajjeless plants, it may be easily propagated from the young growth previously to the same showing any signs of flowering. By judicious topping a trio is formed from a single stem. Arising thus from the pot the singidarly beautiful bracts upon a plant so grown, some 7 inches high and 12 inches in diameter, have a highly ornamental effect. Single cuttings so grown should be struck in GO-sized ])ofs, and only once shifted into 4S's, for flowering. If dwarf jilanfs are required, keep them studiously near the glass as you would young Balsams when you wish to grow them well, and give them the usual amount of air allowed to plants requiring a medium temperature. We cut the last beautiful liead of scarlet bracts to enliven a bouquet on the 14th of JIarch. This in a measure is attainable by striking suc- cissional cuttings, the latest struck blooming last. I have known it to be in perfection iu May. LUCULIA GEATIS3I5IA. One of the most elegant fragrant plants in cultivation. It requires no high temperature, indeed a temperate one is just that which suits it. Then why is it not more commonly grown? I am forced to admit that I believe it is absent because its little peculiarities arc not better known. Who can remember how it was once shown when the old Chiswiek was in its meridian of displays ? Does not the veteran Mr. Beaton bear in mind this plant as once shown there ? If so, no subject would interest us, the young beginners, more than a fidl description of the plant, accompanied with his experience in its treatment. Its usual time of flowering is about the same as that of the Vallota, if simply placed upon a pot turned bottom upwards under a north wall immediately after its flower-buds appear. Keep it there until the morning after the thermometer has registered 40° at ninht. Take it thence into a cool greenhouse; and when the first flower-bud begins to expand remove it into the cool end of the stove, and syringe freely. By this treatment it is possible to have it in flower in Decemfjer. Among its many peculiarities is its antipathy to the least restraint ; but I believe this is easily overcome if the plant is taken into training young. For soil, mixed with the best of maiden loam and sand, it has a great liking to charcoal in small pieces. — W. Eaeley, Die/swell. AwAEDS TOLAWN-MOWiNoMACniNES. — Referring tothe adver- tisement in your last publication of awards to Lawn-mowing Machines at the Eoyal Ilorticultural Society's Garden, we should wish your readers to know that there were no trials of the various machines exhibited. Our Shanks' Patent Lawn-mowing Machines were sent on the first day for exhibition only, and we intimated this to the Secretary of the Implement Committee. We also more than once distinctly refused on the first day of the Exhibition to allow our machines to be " tried " there on that occasion. We quite share in the very general opinion now entertained among those who have the best opportunities of judging, that these so- called public trials are, from their very nature, mere delusions, Juno 24, 18G2. ] JCUKNAL OF nORTICULTUlU': AND COriAGE GARDENER. 233 misleading rather than safi'ly directing tlio p\iblic. The practical experience of persons who have used tko several niacliinos, and know all aboul.their respective merits or defects, is, as coniinon sense must tell, by far the best and indeed the only safe guide. —J. B. Bkown & Co. EAm, SUNSHINE, AND THE WATERING-POT. Theue arc comparatively few people but arc more or less in- tei-estod in the weather. True, every one is not alike in his wants, but that does not imply that "he lacks an interest in it. A briekmakcr wants but few rainy day.i, while such days arc the harvest of the street shoeblacks and London cabmen, and in rural districts, millers, whose water power is inadequate to the demands on it, often enough wish for a wet da.. But my purpose is not to descant on the requirements of any ptirti- cular class, but to explain some of the anomalies we often hear of as to the effects of a very wet or a very dry season, on the crops of the same or dincreut districts, and to point out what seems to be the cause of these apparent contradictions. Taking, therefore, one of the most common circumstances, that of grass laud, let us aco the effects of wet and drought upon it. It cannot have escaped the notice of most people engaged in husbandry, that after a lengthened period of wet weather grass land very" quickly feels the effects of dry weather when it sets in, if even for a limited time, and if it be continued it soon burns up, as the phrase is. Now, there is every reason to believe that this is not owing to any want of moisture below — on the con- trary, there is a superabundance of that : hence the apparent puzzle, and examples ai-c common enough. Last year, for in- stance, presented several cases of this kind. The early part of summer was certainly not deficient of raiu. July was wetter than I ever remember that montli to have been before, and yet when dry weather did set in, the grass and other herbage soon showed signs of suffering, and I never saw the grounds at the Crystal Palace look so bad before, neither am I aware of ever witnessing any grounds suffering so much since the memorable hot summer of 182C, and that was dry from April up to autumn, with the •xception of some few thunder-showers. Tlie cause, therefore, of grass and othei herbage so quickly succumbing to drought after a lengthened period of wet, must be sought for from some other source than lack of moist m*e below ; and as the reason most likely occasioning this has a strong analogy to effects pro- duced by artificial watering, the case cannot be without interest to all classes of cultivators of the soil. ^.Ve all know that abundance of sunshine is ineompatable with fi'equent and heavy rain : hence, the latter cools the ground below its proper temperature. This is more especially the case in the subsoil, which, being deprived of its heat, is less inviting to the roots of plants, which are at the same time under no necessity to travel so deep for moisture, and consequently confine themselves to the few inches at top. The conlinueil saturation by rain also sours, or in some way renders the subsoil unfit for them. These causes united render the amoioit of surface moidd occupied by the growing crop n\uch smaller tliau usual, and, consequently, the same effects are produced when dry weather sets in as when a plant is compressed into a pot much too small for it. In common parlance, it burns quickly. This is the reason I give for it, and some other collateral ones might be added ; but these are certainly the primary ones. Let us, therefore, compare tliem with the effects produced by artificial watering, and mark the result. I remember when but a boy of hearing a discussion between two cottagers about watering their Onion-beds. 'Ihey were both painstaking, good managers, grew very large Gooseberries, and had Tulips, Pinks, and Auriculas that would pass muster very well at a show of the present day. One of these cottagers was watering his Onion-bed with a pail and hand-bowl with more liberality than discretion, and was urging the propriety of the other doing so also, when he was met by the answer, " Tliat if once begun it must be continued, and the ultimate benefit was questionable." Here, then, was a direct elucidation of the problem. " Watering by hand once begun must be continued," and, in a great mea>ure, the lapse of years has not airecled this law. The roots of the cottager's Onions that were watered nightly kept near the surface, aiul were fed by the liquid he supplied them with, and any accidental diminution of their daily food of course distressed them. More recent practice has told us tliat in crops like the Onion, systematic water- ing, except in special cases or situations, is bad ; and although I forgot which of the two cottagers produced tho better crop in the end, there is reason to believe that the one who did not water had tho better. A good depth of sweet, wcll-pulverisod soil will, in general, furnish better uiid ujoro suitable food for most plants than the contents of the well or pump, and I have traced the roots of Onion to tlio depth of upwards of 20 inches, and the crop was all that could be wished for. The laws, therefore, to be deduced from this stale of things are that mere surface wetting, is of much less consequcneo to vegetation than a healthy mediimi for tho roots to ramble in, that it rarely happens that established plants suller much from drought even in a dry season, where there is sullleient depth of healthy soil to suiiport them in ; and with this depth of nr.iterial they are less dependant on the casual wettings tho surface may get, and the result of a dry season wiU be more satisfactory than a wet one, even for such gross-feeding plants as require a great amount of liquid food. Notwithstanding all the benefits which science has been enabled to confer upon artificial husbandry, there are natural ell'eets wliicli we have but little ho|]e3 of imitating. When Natur-e works on her own accomit, she is so accommodating as to enable plants grown in an ordinary way to endure double the amount of moisture at one time which she supplies them with in another. The elevated districts of Derbyshire, West- moreland, and Wales, receive more than double the amount of rain that falls in Norfolk, and yet hay is made, and corn is ripened in both places ; certainly not so well iu the one as tho ■other, but it is done. Natural outlets arc made for the super- abundant moisture, and the soil if not more porous, is so arranged as to let the water run off. Corn will ripen under a great amount of rain-fall, and tho moralist may find a fit theme for a lengthened article. But the plain, dry facts of the matter that relate to gardening must be confined to less space ; and re- tracing our steps, let us see whether a dry season or a wet one affects us most, and in what way. I believe it will be generally acknowledged that the dry seasons we have — those, for instance, as only come once in a lifetime, affect but very little the most robust vegetation, such aa trees. Now and then we hear of one or more growing under circumstances foreign to its habits succumbing to the continued drought ; but these eases are rare, while in very many instances important benefits are derived from dry, hot seasons, the buds are well ripened, and an abundance of bloom of a kind likely to produce fruit the ensuing season is the result. Plants having a more ephemeral existence suffer more ; their wants are confined to the current season, and absorbing moisture in greater abun- dance exhausts the su]Dply sooner, and a more sttmted growth follows. It is, therefore, only to such plants that watering by hand is applicable, and this" should only be done when abso- lutely necessary; and such cases will be found much fewer than is generally svipposed, and by timing the duty to the periods Nature points out as being 'the most suitable, a better result will be arrived at. Quarters of Lettuces, Peas, and other things which on dry soils certainly do benefit by copious watering in dry weather, ought to have it administered to them on dull din s, or when it rains a little. A good watering at such a time will be more useful than at one of a contrary kind; but be sure to give as much at one time as will reach the bottom of the lowest root. Dribblets wetting the top only keep the roots there to be burnt up by every gleam of sunshine that acts on them ; and as we have sliown the grass field to burn up witli a little dry weaiher after a wet period, in consequence of its roots derivinj their nourishment from near the surface, in like manner vegetables and other things may be taught to do the same, and once then- artificial feed is stopped, bad consequences are sure to follow. — J. KOBSON. Gabdenee's Royal Benetolekt Instittition. — The Annual Dinner in aid of the funds of this Society will take place on Tbitrsday, the 26th inst., and we hope that the visitors now m the metropolis, in such unusual numbers, will increafc the num- ber of those who patronise this excellent Society. It is firmly established, and has received a small share of public support, but not in proportion to the calls made upon it. It is now affording relief to fifty-seven poor persons who would otlierwi-e be linger- ing out then- existence in the workhouse. The Committee an- nounce that the demands for assistance become more numerous year by year, and we would urge those who do not already aia the Society to add their names at once to its subscription list. 234 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Juuc 2i, 1862. ECONOMY OF FUEL. I AT once admit the force of your reasoning with respect to the iron jacket, and the adTisabihty of making it of brickwork instead, on the joint score of expense, liability to bum the air, and the more equal combustion insured by tlie heated brick ; but beyond this comes the passage — " No such air should be allowed to pass into the atmosphere of the house." Now, I submit that such an arrangement would constitute a Kiddean furnace, pure and simple. If my memory fails me not, Mr. Beaton, in describing the Kiddean system, likened the furnace to a small flower-pot inrerted, with a large one over it, the inter- vening space constituting the air-chamber. Now, if my projjosed plan would not be a literal carrying ont of that idea I am mis- taken altogether as to the principlesof Mr. Kidd's system. Again, with respect to the proposal of Mr. Fish, I cannot see the force of it, as were tlie air confined, the outer casing must absorb heat from it, and that heat be lost wliich a current passing through the chamber would carry with it. The task you set mo in the latter jiart of your remarks is indeed a puzzler, and could I accomplish it I should well deserve the title of "ingenious correspondent;" a little might, however, be accom- plished in that way by carrying tlie cliamber round the flue as far as tlie damper. It seems plain to mc that a furnace constructed in this way would effect as great an economy as a thing possibly could do ; for with a small extra amount of fuel the full advantages of a Kiddean and a hot-water appa- ratus would be gained from one fire, and that without loss. — M. G. Cdnninghaji. [Witli the exception of a slight error in the printing, we hold to the ideas expressed at page lb4. Your prominent idea to save fusl was the iron jiK'ktt. We urged reasons why, economically and otlicrwise, it would not answer, merely from our general knowledge, of course, and not from any particular knowledge of the effects of an iron jacket. We know something cf tlie effects of to king air from red-hot iron among plants, though well moist- ened oy various means beforehand. The case is dilferent when taken from bricks, because at the hottest the outside is never so hot as iron, and plenty of moisture before reaching the plants will neutralise to some extent its unkindly nature. We would not, tlierefore, exclude the heated air from such a chamber if suitably ameliorated before it entered among tender plants. Mr. Fish, to a limited extent, has recommended such chambers over and round boilers, csjiecially when set in sheds outside of the houses, for economising the heat and sending it into the houses, instead of allowing it to heat the shed or the external atmosphere. In such cases he so far act' on the Polmaise prin- ciple as to have one opening from the house into the bottom of the cliamber, and an opening at the top of the chamber mto the house, so that there is a constant rush of air through the cham- ber— the cool entering below and the heated coming out at the top. Even then, however, wlien a damper wa? freely used, the openings had to be shut at tinica to prevent unhealthy gases being thrust througli the brickwork. When there was plenty of draught given and a more free use of fuel there was no danger in this direction. This plan, however, has nothing of the novel in it; it is merely appropriating so much of the Polmaise or Kiddean idea, thougli we rather think these plans were adopted before tliere was much discussion about either. If, however, you substitute the brick for the iron jacket, so as to carry out literally Mr. Kidd's system, where is there any originahty ? You have also clearly misapprehended the writer in the other idea of a close chamber round the boiler. He evidently acts on the principle that though close confined air is not a perfect non- conductor of caloric, it is one of the best nonconductors, so that where such chambers exisf little heat is given out to the earth or brickwork round the boiler. By such means heat is accumu- lated about tlie boiler a id furnace instead of being freely dif- fused or conducted to tlie surrounding medium, be it air or earth, or brickwork. So far as bed is concerned there might be more economy in throwing it at once from an open secure cham- ber into the house ; but, on the other hand, by concentrating it more round the boiicr liy a close chamber, there would not be very great differenee in tliis respect, and then there would be the security that no heat would enter tlie house, except what ■was fltt.d for plants to bieathe in, instead of an atmosphere kiln-dried and robbed of its oxygen. All these contrivances, however, do not meet tlie great robber of lieat from any system of boiler-heating — that which goes up the chimney to the benefit of the general atmosphere. — R. F] WHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHORE. (^Continued from Vol. II., page G8.) CETjaTAOEA — (coniiniied.) ' The Common Suoke. Chab (Carcinus manas). — This is a very common species, and has a shell of somewhat greater breadth than length, covered with minute tuberclej. It has four flat triangular teeth on each anterior side. The anterior feet are pretty nearly of equal size, strong and smooth ; the claws both toothed. The remaining feet are compressed slightly, especially the last pair, and the terminating joints are, as in the last species^ adapted for swimming. Tlie ordinary colour of the common Sliore Crab is a blackish green, and a dull red underneath. The colour, however, is by no means constant, the young, indeed, being sometimes entirely white, with a solitary black spot in the centre of the shell. This creature, as its name implies, may be found on all our shores. It is, in fact, the commonest British species, scores and scores of tliem may be seen daily on every part of our coast. It is frequently left by the receding tide on sandy beaches, where if alarmed and failing to reach its natural place of refuge, it eitlier liides itself, or endeavours to do so, under a commodious stone, or buries itself entirely in the soft wet sand. For one or two interesting details toucliing these Crustacea, I shall again avail myself of Professor Bell's able work. " Its food consists principally of the fry of fish. Shrimps, and ether Crustacea ; but it will also feed upon dead fish, and almost any other animal substance. Indeed, the most common method of taking these Crabs at Poole, where numbers are caught by the fishermen's children, is by tying a mass of the intestines of either a fowl or of any fish to a line, and hanging it over the quay. The Crabs seize upon this bait and are drawn up in considerable numbers, Mr. Hailstone states that they attack Mussels, and that he once saw one carrving about on its claw a Mussel which had closed its sliell upon it. Tliey run with considerable rapidity and with an awkward sidelong gait, and they lurk in pools of water left by the tide, partially concealed in the sand, but with the anterior part of the carapace including the eyes exposed, so as to watch for the approach of their small living prey, on which they spring with great activity. They are, however, very timid and wary, and will not move if they discover that they are watched. They simulate death, if disturbed, as completely as do many coleop- terous insects." The Velvet Swimming Ciiab (Fortumis puler). — The shell of this species is about a fourth parl> broader than its length. The anterior portion is semicu'cular, and has five strong teeth on either side. The eyes are round and placed on short stalks. The anterior legs are very robust, the claws grooved longitudinally and furnished with strong teeth. The second, third, and fourth pairs of legs are alike, long, grooved, with a slender jiointed terminal joint. Whereas the fifth pair has the two last joints considerably flattened. The whole of the legs as well as the shell are covered with a thick shaggy hair, except on the raised portions, which are naked. The colours of the Velvet Swimming Crab during life are wonderfully bright and showy, but they spee.Mly fade after death. It exhibits a multitude of tints, the prevailing ones being a reddish-brown and a bright blue. It is found in large quantities ad along the south-western coast of England, generally lurking among the stones. It is very active and courageous, running away with great speed at the approach of an enemy ; but if it finds escape impossible, it turns at bay and ex^.ibits every inclina' tion to riecide the question by combat. The Arched-feonted Svpimming Ceab (.Vorttmiis arcuatus). The shell of this specimen is four-fifths as long as it is broad, and lias the surface grained. The front, as its name signifies, is arched, and the margin on either side of it has five teeth. The anterior feet very strong, with a sharp spine on the wrist. The claws are extremely powerful and furnished with a quantity of teeth. The rest of the feet are slight, the second pair shorter than the third and fourth, and the fifth pair is fringed with long hair. The colour of tliis Crab is a blackish-brown above ; beneath, the hue is much fainter and has a tinge of red. The colour of the legs much paler than that of the body. The Arched-fronted Swimming Crab may be found in most localities, more commonly, however, on the northern coast than any other. Professor Bell states that he has dredged it in Poole harbour, in the bays of Studland and Swanage, and plentifully at Bognor, all on the south coast. The general character of these animals may be summed up in the Professor's own words : JuiK-21, 18C1!. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICCLTURE AND COirAaE QARDliNEU. 235 — " Thoy are nctiTe, boU, swimming witli agility, and seizing with great sharpness, and pincliing severely vvitli their aeute claws. They are gregarious like most of tiieir congeners, antl I found them extremely abundant at Bognor, where they eonstaiitly infest the Prawu-pots, and, as the fishermen believe, keep tlie Prawns from tlie bait." The Cleanser Swimming Crab (Portunus ilepiirator). — The shell of this Crab is rather more broad than it is long, and the surface very uneven. It has three flat teeth on the front, of which the central one is the longest. On the side margins ontoriorly arc five triangular teeth. It has very large eyes filed on short stalks. The first pair of legs, which are rather unecpial, are beautifully carved ; the wrist furnished on the inner side with a sharp spine ; the claws are tuberculated. The second, tliird, and fourth pnu-s of legs are long and slender, the last ter- minating in a very sharp point. The fifth pair is flattened, the margins of the two first joints being ciliated, the terminal joint is flat, smooth, and oval. The young ones ore flesh-coloured, but those which have reached maturity are of a light reddish- brown colour. " This, species," says Professor Bell, " is not unfrequent on our coasts. During some necks spent at Bangor, near tlio entrance of Belfast Bay, in the autumn of IbSo, 1 found this to be the most common species of Crab thrown by the waves on the beach." This latter statement is on the autherity of Mr. Ball. Professor Bell himself has "dredged it in Stud- land Bay, in Dorsetshire," but did not find it " on the coasts of Sussex and Kent." He adds, however, on the authority of Mr. Hailstone, that " it is frequently cauglit at Hastings in the shrimping-net." It derives its name of Cleanser from the duty it performs of removing impurities from the sea. The Marbled Swimming Ceab (Porlunus marmoreiis). — The shell of this animal is slightly convex and granulated, smooth and naked. On the front it has tliree teeth, the central one the longest. On the margin on either side are five teeth, flat, sliarp, and triangular. The front feet strong, the claws furnished with tubercles, the moveable one being very much curved. The second, third, and fourth pairs of feet are slender and compressed, the last joint being curved and fringed on the under edge with liair. 'J he fiftli pair is fringed with hair on both edges, and the last joint is very smooth and oval. " Tiie colours of tliis species," remarks Professor Bell, " are exceedingly varied and beautiful, particularly in the males. Bull', light brown, deeper brown, and brownish-red, are arranged over the carapace in varied, but not always exactly symmetrical patterns. The only way in which these beautiful markings can be preserved is by raising the carapace, taking out the soft parts, and drying the specimens in a shady place in a brisk current of air. If they are put into spirit, the whole of the beauty of the colour is lost. The younger specimens do not possess these markings. They arc, as Dr. Leach has observed, of a plain brown colour, and much resemble the fry of Portunus dcpurator, from whiah tlu'y may be easily separated by their more considerable convexity." The Marbled Smmming Crab is said to bo common enough on the sandy shores of the southern coast of Devon, where it is frequently met with entangled in the nets of the fishermen, or cast up on the shore after a storm, and Professor Bell mentions having procured a specimen at Hastings. — W. (ZV* he continued.) THE AQUATIC PLANT CASE, OE PAELOUE AQUAEIUM. Some years since Mr. Warington communicated to the Chemi- cal Society the following interesting paper: — "This communication will consist of a detail of an experi- mental investigation which has been carried on for nearly the last twelve months, and which appears to illustrate, in a marked degree, that beautiful and wonderful provision which we see CTcrywhcro displayed throughout the animal and vegetable king- doms, whereby their continued existence and stabUity are so admirably sustained, and by which they are uiutually made to sub- serve, each for the other's nutriment, and even for its indispensable wants and vital existence. The experiment has refei'ence to the healthy life of fish preserved in a limited and confined portion of water. It was commenced in May, 1849, and the subjtcts chosen were two small gold fish. These were placed in a glass receiver of about twelve gallons capacity, having a cover of thin muslm stretdied over a stout copper wire bent into a circle, placed over its mouth, so as to exclude as much as possible tha sooty dust of the London nliiiosphere, without, at tlie same time, impi-ding the free passage of the atmospheric air. This r. eeivcr was about half filled with ordinary sprnig water, and sujiiiiied at the bottom with Bond and mud, tiigcther with loose stunts of limestone tufa from Matlock, and of sandstone; these were arranged so that the fish could get below them if they wished so to do. At the same time that the fish were placed in this miniature pond, if I may so term it, a small plant of the Vallisneria spiralis was introduced, its roots being inserted in the mud and sand, and covered by one of the loose stones so as to retain the plant ni its position. The Vallisneria spiralis is one ot those delicate aquatic plants generally selected by the micro- scopist for the exhibition of the circulation of the sap in plants ; it throws out an abundance of long strap-shaped leaves, of about a quarter of on inch in breadth, and from 1 foot to 3 feet in length. These leaves, whtn the sun shines on them, evolve a continued stream of oxygen gas, which rises in a current of minute bubbles, particularly from any part of the leaf which may have received an injury. "The materials being thus arranged, all appeared to goon well for a short time, until circumstances occurred wlueh in'ti- cated that another and very material agent was required to perfect the adjustment, and which, from my not having thought of it at the time of connnencing the experiment, had not been provided against. The circumstances 1 allude to arose from the decay of the leaves of the Vallisneria, which became yiUow from having lost their vitality, and began to decompose. 'J'hi-', by accumulation, rendered the water turbid, and caused a growtli of mucous or green slimy matter on the surface of the water, and on the sides of the receiver. If this had btcn allowed to increase, I conceive that the health of the fish must have suflered, and probably their vital functions have been destroyed. The removal of these decaying leaves from the water, therefore, became a point of paramount importance ; and, to eil'ect this, I had recoui-je to a very useful little scavenger, whose beneficial functions have been too much overlooked in the economy of animal life; I mean the water snnil, w'hose natural food is the very green slimy growth or mucus and decaying vegetable matter, which threatened to destroy the object which was wished to be obtained. Five or six of these creatures (tho Limnuea stagnaUs) were consequently introduced, and by their continued and rapid locomotion, and extraordinary voracity, they soon removed the cause of interference and restored the whole to a healthy state : tlius perfecting the balance between tho animal and vegetable inhabitants, and enabling both to perform their functions with health and energy. " So luxuriant was the growth of the Vallisneria under these circumstances, that by the autumn the one solitary plant tliat had been originally introduced hod thrown out very numerous offshoots and suckers, thus multiplying to the extent of upwards of thirty-five strong plants, and these threw up their long spiral flower-stems in all directions, so that, at one time, more than forty blossoms were counted lying on the surface of the water. " The fish have been lively, blight in colour, and appear very healthy ; and the snails also, judging from tlie enormous quantity of gelatinous masses of eggs which they have deposited on all parts of the receiver, as well as on the fragments of stone, appear to thrive wonderfully, and besides their functions iu sustaining the perfect adjustment of tlie series, afford a large quantity of food to the fish in the form of the young snails, which are devoured as soon as they exhibit signs of vitality and locomotion, and before their shell has become hardened. "Thus we have that admirable balance sustained between the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and that iu a liquid clement. The fish in its respiration consumes the oxygen held in solution by the water as atmospheric air, furnishes carbonic acid, feeds on the insects and young snails, and excretes material well adapted as a rich food to the plant, and well fitted for its luxu- riant growth. The plant, by its ns|)iration, conauracs the car- bonic acid produced by the fish, approjiriating the carbon to the construction of it; tissues and fibres, and liberates he oxygen in its gaseous state to sustain the healthy functions of the animal life, at the same time that it feeds on the rejected matter which has fulfilled its purposes in the nourishment of the fish and snail, and preserves tlie water constantly in a clean and healthy condition. While the slimy snail, finding its proper nutriment in the decomposing vegetable matter and minute con- fervoid growth, prevents their aceumulalion by removing them, and, by its vital powers, converts what would otherwise act as a 236 JOURNAL OP HOETICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEJR. [ June 24, 18G2. poison into a licli and fruitful nutriment, again to constitute a pabulum for the vegetable growth, while it also acts the im- portant part of a purveyor to its finny neighbours." In this way is the ecenomy of the animal and vegetable kingdoms wisely and beneficently adjusted, so that the vital functions of eacli are permanently maintained. The engraving represents an improvement on the original plan ; for the opportunity of presenting it we are indebted to Mr. War- ington, who has also kindly furnished the following additional observations founded on his now more lengthened experience : — " Since the reading of my paper before the Chemical Society, on March 4, 1850, respecting the miniature aquarium (Quarterly Journal of the Chemical Society, iii. 52), I have continued the investigations, introducing other water plants, and also three other varieties of water snail. But the principal alteration has been the construction of a better form of vessel for holding the water, as I found that the globular form of the glass receiver produced a distortion in the vision of tlie fish, besides being very inconvenient for observation. I have therefore adopted the form of vessel, of which a sketch is appended, having flat surface* of plate-glass at the back and front, the bottom and ends being formed of slate, and supplied with a loose plate of glass at tlie top to keep out dust and soot. To render the whole more orna- mental, as it was to stand in a sitting-room, some pieces of tufa, or sandstone, were attached to the ends by means of Roman cement, so as to form ledges and slopes rising from the water line, on wliich Mosses and Ferns, such as lujcuriate in an atmo- sphere loaded with moisture, could be grown. These materials are set in a stout, angiUar, zinc framework, and connected with a mixture of white-lead ground in oil, to which about an equal sin. \V-\IlINGTO.N S AQUARIUM. (juantity of red-lead is added. This arrangement I have found 10 answer all my expectations, aa it has been going on most flourishingly since January, 1851. The plants consist chiefly of Hymenophyllum tunbridgense, and H. Wilsoni, Trichomanes speciosum, Blechnum boreale, Adiantum capillus-Veneris, and several Mouses. The uhnlo of the interior can be viewed with the greatest ease, so that the natural habits of its living inhabi- tants can be watched and accurately noted in every particular. , ', " The rapid increase in the growth of the Vallisneria is very extraerdinary. As I have before mentioned, the plants of neces- sity get the whole of the rejected matter from the fish and snails for their nutriment, and in consequence of this great supply of food their propngation by runners is very rapid, so that I have found it necessary to v/eed out this vegetable member of the series, and thus prevent it from becoming too extended, as I conceived this would interfere with the health of the fish, inas- much as there would consequently be more decaying vegetable matter than the snails present could remove. It is true that this might be remedied by increasing the number ot snails which would no doubt eflect the object, but the increase in these two members of the arrangement must, in such a case, be con- tinually going on, so that the removal of the plant is the least troublesome course. Thus in the spring of 1850, twenty-eight healthy plants were weeded out ; and in the spring of 1851, thirty-five more were removed. The prolific growth of this plant may be further illustrated by the observation made during the last summer, on the rapid elongation of the silky, spiral, flower-stem, which was found by actual measurement to have increased in length 14 inches during twenty-four hours ; the total extent was 5 feet, and as soon as the flower expanded it- self the growth of the stem ceased altogether. At present I am attempting the same kind of arrangement with a confined por- tion of sea water, employing some of the green seaweeds as the vegetable members of the circle, and the common winkle or welk to represent the water snails." — {Gardeners' JUagazine of SotanyJ) Supplement to " THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,' June 24th, 1862. llcdson & Eon,] FLOWER GARDEN DESIGN FROM LINTON PARK. [Colour Printers. June 2i, 1SS2. ] JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 887 HARDY SAXE-GoTn.HA C0N5rrcFA (Conspicuous Saxc-Ootlin-a').— iW/. On!., Conirera\ Liiii)., MoiKrcia JfonQdelphia. — This pluiit, which has been named in honour of his Koyal lliijlniess tlie Prince Consort, is a very beautiful, hardy, evergreen tree, grow- ing 30 feet liigh, and in its foliage and habit of growth, re- sembling tlie comnion Yew tree. It is, in truth, intcrmediato between the Yew tribe and the coniferous plants, havnig, as Dr. Liadley has remarked, the male flowers of a Podocarp, the CONIFEES. female of a Dammar, the fruit of a Juniper, and the seed of a Dacrjdium. It is described as a tree of beautiful growth, and will, no doubt, rank as one of our most highly-vaUierl hardy evergreen trees affording also a useful timber. It inhabits the Andes of Patagonia, ascending from the summer snow-line to that of perpetual snow, and was introduced in 1849 by Messrs. Veiteh, of Exeter and Chelsea. FiTZ-KoYA PATAGONICA (I'atagonian Fitz-Roya). — Nat. Ord. SANE-OOTII-EA CONSnCUA. 2. FITZ-ROYA PATAGONICA, 3. AIIAICARIA COOKII. Coniferre. Linn., Mora?eia Polyandria. — This is a fine hardy j in 1819 by Messrs. Veiteh. Dr. Lindley remarks, that "Saxe- evergreen sub-antarclic tree, forming, when young, a graceful evergreen shrub, but growing to a magniSeent size (100 feet high, and 8 feet diameter) in its native regions. The leaves of young plants are spreading, linear acute, decussate, with two glaucous lines on the under side. When they become older, the leaves have the characler of triangular sessile closely imbricated scales. It is from the Andes of Patagonia, and was introduced Gothiea conspicua, Fitz-Roya patagonica, Liboeedrus tetragona, and Podocarpus nubicola, are, no doubt, the four most interest- ing conifers for this country after Araucaria imbricata, which South America produces." It is injured by severe wmters. AnAVCAHiA CooKll (Captain Cook's Araucaria).— i\'a<. Ord., Conifera'. Linn., Dicecia Polyandria.— This is a fine evergreen greenhouse tree, with the general appearance of tlie well-known JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAQE GAilDENES. [ Jutio 21, 1802. Avauparia excelsa, but diU'eriiig from that in having a more cona- pact habit wlien old, and in being less rigid and graceful wliile young, in the scales of the cone having a longer and more reflexed mucro, and in their gibbous, not wedge-shaped form ; the scales moreover do not terminate in a hard woodj truncated extremity, as in A. excelsa and A. Cunninghami, but are wholly surrounded by a thin vfing. It is naturally a very tall-growing narrow-branched tree, and has been compared to a factory chimney. A native of New Culedonia, whence it was introduced in 1S50 by Mr. C. Moore, Superintendent of the Sydney Botanic Garden, under the MS. name of A. Simpsoni. — {Oardeaers' Magazine of Botany.) BOX-EDGING DESTROYED BY SALT. YoTJ mistook my question about the Box-edging. It was aiot that it had been phmted in November, but that the edging had been clipped in that month, and was nearly all dead. Tlie gardener said it died from the salt })iit on the walks that it edged ; I said from clipping it in November ; as, wliere the Box had not been clipped, the salt had not aifected it. — R. F. S. [That alters the question, particularly in favour of our view — newly-clipped Box being much less liable to be hurt by salt ; and it is on a par, as to sound doctrine, to clip Box, Yew, and Privet in November and December, as to clip Thorn-hedges all over the kingdom in June and July. We have done botli ways to a great extent, and both ways answer perfectly, yet both are in diri'ct opposition to scientific rules 60-called.] THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. {Contmued from page 221.) In the classes devoted to architectural and building con- trivances, pottery, and glass, we find an assemblage of articles, si.ch OS bricks ol various shapes and materisls, drain and paving tiles, cements, mouldings, corrugated iron and zinc roofing, and samples of different kinds of horticultural gla's, &c. Messrs. F. & G. Rosher have garden edging-tiles of various designs in terra-cotta and artificial stone, prepared with an in- durating solution ; the colour of one kind, a dull red, is scarcely to our taste, and in some the design appears too ornate for general purposes. J. F. Howie, Hurlford Fireclay Works, has a garden vase suitable for small gardens, and remarkably cheap; also a poulfry- feeding trough, which %vill be found useful in prevei.ting waste. Kilner Brothers have edging-tiles of green and purple glass of the forms seen in our advertising columns, with the addition of a flat-topped kind. The pattern No. 2 is still, in our estimaiioii, the best which has been devised for garden purposes, assorting well with str.ight lines parallel to walls, and being simple and not overloaded with ornament, on which the eye is apt to dwell instead of en the plants, wliicli sliould constituie the principal feature in a garden, unless, indeed, this be of a highly architec- tural character. Messrs. Minton & Co., Sfoke-upon-Trent, show mnjolica garden seats of a barro' form, malachite and gold, white and orange, crimson and blue, &c. ; also costly flower-baskets of tlie same material. From Mr. Blashfield, Stamford, comes a largo collection of articles in terra-cotta, including busts, vases, and fountains, some of which are of extr.iordinary size, and, from the caie which has been taken in burning, remarkably fine specimens of this ware. We noticed here a very pretty flower-basket, a Mig- nonette-box emblematical of the four seasons, and terra-cotta paving-squares, which, as we were informed, being each subjtcte.i to a pressure of 25 tons, are nonabsorbent and very durable. Many thousands of these are laid down on Westminster Bridge. — Tjie Central Cottage Impeoyement Society, 37, Arun- del Street, which lias been instituted wiih the laudable object of providing better house-accommodation for the lubouritig classi s and improving their existing dwellings, exhibit the models of a pair ®f cottages which have been erected outside the buillin", designed more particularly to meet the wants of artisans. Tuey contain four rooms — a sitting-room 12 feet by 10 feet ; kitchen 12 feet by 9 feet, fitted-up with oven and boiler-range ; and two bedrooms— one 12 feet by 10 feet, the other 12 feet by 9 feet; in addition to which there are a store-closet under the stairs, and a washhouse Bi feet by 7i feet, with copper, fireclay oven, sink, and dresser. It will thus be seen that these cottages are very commodious and well calculated to meet the wants of the class they are intended for ; and, costing about £220 the pair, they would pay a good percentage on the capital invested. The Society has also published designs for fonr-roomed cottiges not quite so large nor provided with tlie same amount of con- veniences, which have been built for from £160 to £180 the pair. A comfortable dwelling with a piece of garden attached is conducive to the morality, health, and industry of its inmates, thus rendering them more valuable members of the community. When a man comes home from his day's labour ho requires rest, or at least change of employment, which is a kind of rest ; but where the number of rooms is inadequa'c the family is crowded together in the living apartment, in which at the same time various household operations are being carried on ; comfort is destroyed ; he cannot profitably occupy either mind or body ; he seelis recreation elsewheie, and becomes careless of home. On the other hand, where the labourer has a comfortable dwelling witli a piece of ground, lie can, after having recruited his strength, am> se himself in his garden, which becomes a savings-bank of labour, paying back good interest in the shape of various articles of necessity and luxury which would either have to be bought or done without. 2o87. Key, E. S., Sliarrington. — Models of cottages. One of these is similar to that erected in Hyde Park in 1851 ; the others would, doubtless, answer well for agriculuu'al labourers, costing from £120 to £180 the pair. Some of the bedrooms might be advantageously increased in size ; t hose in No. 3, 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet, are too small ; but one of those in No. 4 is 13 feet by 10 feet, which is very good ; but another -is only 11 feet by 6 feet : much, however, would depend on the height of the ceiling. In the iron and general hardware department there is but little of interest in a horticultural point of view. There are several exliibitions of galvanised and jiainted wire, forming arch- ways for training Roses and other plants upon, seed-protectors, flower-stands, baskets, &c., exhibiting a variety of designs, some of which are very elaborate. Very good specimens of this de- scription of work are shown by Reynolds, of New Compton Street; Geddes, of Manclicster ; Walk?r& Clark ; Richards and Co., Oxford Street ; and Harriet West, Euston Road. Spades and draining-tools, as used in ditTerent counties, are also shown in this class by Watkin & Co., Stourbridge. Among the cutlery and edge-tools, F. Parkes & Co., Birming- ham, show their steel forks, w liieh are now largely employed in the Loudon market gardens in-tcad of the spade in preparing the ground for certain crops ; also draining tools, spades, and bill-hooks. R. Thomas, of the same town, exhibits axes, hedge- shears, bill-h.'joks, lie. ; M. 1 uton, Driffield, hedge-pruning hooks of various forms, one of wliich has a V-shaped head, with which a branch can be cut by an upward thrust ; and Wald- row & Sons, Bellbronghtov, scithes as used in different parts of England, in Scotland, and the south of Ireland, only slight differences in the form and dimrusions existing betvveeu the dif- ferent kinds. From Gilpin & Co., Cannock, come hoes, Dutch and crane-necked, steel forks, liedgo-bille, axes, and edging-irons; and lastly, from Saynor & Cooke, of Sheffield, hedge and edging- shears, parrot- bills, pruning-shears, and garden knives. Among the latter are knives for pruning, budding, and grafting in great variety, and, doubtless, of excellent quality ; but what is singular, we did not notice among them a single pruning-knife with a fixed blade — a kind which is more useful and durable than an3' other where there is much pruning and where strong wood has to be cut out. 'J'his is the -e in cocoa-nut bbre r. fuse ; but we should employ hail light loam and half refuse mixed thoroughly together, and passed through a sieve altcrwarda. Orchids anh rL\NT-CASE3 (C. B.).~-Xo\\ must say what kind of Orchid^ you want— natives . C)-— We remember Hood's *' Ode to Mr. Vigors' perfectly well. It was not "a satire," but a good humoured jon d'esprit. Here it is, extracted from " The Comic .\nnaal :" — " What is your gardening volume?— like old Mawo's \ Containing rules lor cultivating brutes Like fruits, Through April, May, or June ; As thus— now rake your lions' manes, and prune Your tigers' claws ; About the middle of the month, if fair, Give your chameleons air ; Choose shady walls for owls ; Water your fowls. And plant your leopards in the sunniest spots; Earth up your beavers ; train your bears to climb ; Thin out your elephants about this time, Anc set some early kangaroos in pots; ^ In S'^me warm shelter'd place Preitare a hotbed for the boa race, Leaving them room to swe'l ; Prick nut your porcupines, and blanch your ermine; Stick up opossums ; trim your monkeys well ; And 'destroy all vermin.' " SPEitouL\ PiLiFKRA— Use op Old Tdrf [Bnrhif and Jnan).—k^ you aie so satisfied with the Spergula on your terrace, you are quite right iti your idea of flaying otF the coarse t,'ra?s of that piece of ground and hiving it all down in Spergula afrer a good trenching and a winter's frost. lint do not bum the rough sods ; that is a most wasteful g mien plan even if the surface were brick earth. Let the turf be cut rather tiiieker than for turfing; tlien pile it all up in a heap out behind the shrnb-i ; then let it rot and mellow ; and no loam will be better after a while for potting with. Tlie best loam we ever potted with was from a "bank" of surface clay, turf, and thistles, which wa^ thrown up and stood so for eighteen years at Cluygalc — the exact pi ice where the Claygate Pearmain Apple was found. The il ly there is the stiffest in En.glind, but it has ma le loam mellow as corn fluur ; and (t takes just half and half of very lotten cncoa-nut refuse to in ikc it Pine-Apple loam, and tit for racst plants when rightly reduce-1 : so von see the value of your rough turf But if you burn it there wi'l be no inoie goodness from it than from any burnt coranifn stuff. Pray do not disfiL'U'C the 1- ftet long and 5 feet wide of your beautiful Spergula by cutting it into little bit;; of beds with baby flowers in them. Such a piece of perfect Spergula will be of itself the gayest flower-bed you ever saw in the height of summer. MoLEWARp iG, P, Yorkshire). — This is commonly known in England a? the ilole. Yonr name is nearer the Anglo-Saxon name, dei ived in that language from Mold, earth, and wurpmi, to throw up. The mole lives upon worms and underground insects which it finds near tlie roots of plants. The only way to destroy moles is by trapping them. You may buy mole-traps of iron at the ironmongers, but one of wood and wire is usually employed. We will give a drawing of tliis next week. Farming Informatios (Inteiidiug Far»ier).— There is no such journal as you 'nquire about. No editor will undertake to teach you farming. Uay our •' How to Farm Two Acve^ and Make the Most of them " That with our " Poultry-Book fur tlie Many," will give you all the general informiition you need. As for buying stock, the best guide you could have would be a farmer near where you settle, ilake his acquaintance and ask his advice. Ants i.v Melon-bed f2^/aj-). —Placing a Httle guano round the sides of your Melon and Cucumber beds, or watering with weak guano water, an ounce to the gallon, will send all the ants off. We have found quicklime and fresh soot mixed together do much the same thing. Ants threaten to be mo-=t mischievous this year ; they are seizing the Strawberry-quarters in some places. The tall sucker of the American Blackberry should have its point nipped out, and it will most likely bear plentifully next season. Gklb on Cklkuy Leaves [J. C.).— They are the grubs of the Celery Fly (Tepliritia onopordinis). Unless very numerous they will not perceiitibly injure the plants. Pick off the leaves attacked and destroy them, or the grubs will give biith to flies and the mischief be increased. Tar for Destroving Gooseberry Caterpillars (Rebecca). — Neither Mr. Candlin, at page 194, nor the correspondent in Vol. XX., quoted by him, mentions whether they employed gas or archangel tar. We presume the latter. Beai'ty and Utility Combined.— *' In your last issue you print a very interesting letter from a correspondent signing himself ' L.' As he appears to be a real lover of gardening, and has succeeded so well with his small stoves with chainbers surrounding them, perhaps he would not ohjoL-t to show a novice his mode of proceeding, as I cannot understauil sufficient fro'n his description to enable me to construct such a system of heating.— B. West, 69, Old Broad Street." [Will " L." be so kind as to coramuoicate with our coiTespondent, who adds, that he woultl not mind travelling thirty or more miles to see tiiu pUn adopted by " L."] Vines Luxuriant but Unfruitful {R. W. P.).— We are afraid your surmises as to the roots are right, and, if so, lifting them would be the grand I remedy. This might not b" approved of In the case of sucli fine-looking Vinet. We arc also iloubffnl if your wool wan flo well ripened in buch cir- cuinNtanceH, Tho flrst iiaUi;itive is by hM'iccrs. &c., to prevent the waterings soaking the border. The next is, to open a drain 4 lect deep in front of It and All up with rubble. This will socnro dryness, and wc would advise you nextsea-on, lu your circumstances, to leave shoit rods on your Vines— say ■ f four t.i si.-c or more jtdnts on omcU ^ll0l^t, instead of spurring !>ack, and thim when you have selected your fruit you may prune more wh-.n the Vines are in leaf. If wc arc richt aa to the canscs, until tlie drains &c., take effect, you will bo more sure by the rod-system than by spur-pruning. Rose Prizes (T. Parsons).— W a have no right to interfere. Wc never make anv refi-rcnee to the society you tnentioa ; but if wo did, we should only say if an exhibitor f.dt aggrieved, hi irustoompl lin to the committee, E\RTUiN'n-iip T'oTATOKs (Ati Amaffl'ir'^.—'lt i* quite true that Mr. Keane in our Number of June lOth says, " I'.arth-up Potatoes immediately aftCr r.tiu ;" aotl that in tho "Garden Manual" the instructions given are, " Do not earth-up at all, as o irthing-uo dianni^he^ the crop one-fourth." ^*ith the author of tho latter we coincide in opinion. You can easily try tho cxperimen' ; carth-up some of your crop, and leave some unearthed. The re>uUs will show if tho laboar of carLliing-up iinot worse than thrown away. ErioTNiuM T.EuconoTRYs (Suhscriher, Z.).— It is a native of the Duppla Tlills, in north-eastern Bengal. It is a greenhouse evergrpen shrub, flowering in summer, and ripening its clusters of white, wax-like berries in autumn. A soil of equal part^ peat, sharp sand, and light loam will suit it. Reo Spider in Vinery (One in Distress).— X'i the Grapes are ripening, you can do no better thin keep the pith well watered daily, pnint the stems with clay and flowers of sulphur print, sprinkle some of the sulphur on the surface of the borders, and dmb soma of the sulphur p lint ou the Hue at the end farthest from ths Arc. If the air of the hnusc is impreg- nated with thf fumes of sulphur, without burning tho sulphur, they are fatal to red spider. Varieo\ted Rumrx (J. Shield). — Your Rumex obtusifolius, a wild British Djck. would bo as conspicuous in rockeries and the banks of the wilderness, as Alocasia macrorhiza Is in the stoves and show-rooms, for it is marked very much on the same model, and we think we have seen the like of it once with Mr. Salter, who. if he has not got it now, would probably give you a collection of tiae Cbrysaotheaiums for it. Double Pansy (/. 7').— This is a " Gool Gracious" Pansy a: last. Tiie very finest Pansy we have ever set an eye upon. Pray communicate Bom"e inforovitiou about how you got it for our r^jgis-er. It loa'ts ju^t as if tho Magpie Pansy (the Torenia-asiatica-like Pau^iy), was turned double, rind to double the size at one turn. It is as double as the most double Uanuneulu^, and is so heavy that four h'.o'.ms c»-;t Gd. through the post. Lr-t us know more about it, for it is a very strikingly beautiful liower. Preserving Grapes (IVest /Toj/sr).— The beat of all modes of preserving Grapes as long as possible in an mnhrivelled stite is to leave the bunches on the Vine, keeping the vinery drv and well ventilated. If they must be cut. bang them in a dark, dry, cold closet, suspending them by a string tie.i toth^ lowest end of the bunch, as the rcver.*ed position keeps the berries as much sepirated as possible. Mr. Thomp'On, of Dalkeith, a first anthoritv, cuts off the spur with the bunch, and thrusts the cut end into a tbick slie.' of Mmgold Wurtzel ; half a small Turnip might do as well. Whichever p'an is adopted they should be looked at almost daily, and each, bf^- ry cut nfF by the help of a pair of sharp-pointed scissors immediately any mould appears upon it. Vise and Fm Leives Brown-spotted (A Suhsrriher, Gt. Staughton). — If only a few of the leaves are hloteh'^d like those you enclose, the damage is occasioned by irregularities in the glass which, a'-ting as len-^es, concentrate the rays of the sun and scorch the leaver- The best remedy for this will be to paint ovc the in>*ide of the glass with a thin mixture of size, whitening, and a little prus-ian blue to give an agreeable tone to the cfdouring. If the blotching of the leaves is general, it is occasioned by the roots being defective: probably occasioned by_ the cxce.'^sivf-ly rich cooipost you employed. The remedy in that case will be to remove the compost as much as possible from about the roots, to mix It with an equal proportion of bricklayers' limy rubbish, and refill the border with that mixture. Xames of Plants f (7. R. 7?., Ovinoham].—\t is the Palraate-loaved Ivy, Hedera digitara. (C 72 , icff/s).- Fr.mciscea calycina in a stunted con- dition. It is a stove plant. {W. G. B.). -\, B-^tula alba lac'nia'a; 2, An- dromeda speciosa; 3. Lonicera Ledebouvii. (II. P.).— \, Spira-a aria;f\\\ do in your greenhouse. (Dnh]}7}).~-\inw basket plant is probab'y Scnecio mikanoides. but it was much crnsbKl. (CVi/ri/crrt*).— The leaf is from a Cra'^sula. proliably C. ar- liorea. (-£.'. JJ'.).— Dicsma ericoides. (Rev. li. Lmr/iT).— Peripluca grceca. POULTRY, BEE, and HOTJSEHOLBCHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS. .Tune 20th and 27th. Suffolk (Woodbridge). Sec.^ Mr. J. Lodcr, Jan. Entries close June 5th. .Iuly 3rd, Prkscot. Sec, Mr. James Beesley. Entries close June 21?t. July 9 h, lOtb, and 11th. Leeds and West Riding. Sees., G. Newton and J. Wade. Entries close June 2Ist. AuousT 2nd, 4th, and 5th. Sueffield. See..^ Mr. George Westeriioim, 40, tiueen Street. t /> i i inn Sept. 4th. Wakefield and West Riding. See.^ Mr. J. Crosianu, jun. Entries close August 23. , , p \t T>n.y.nwt SKPrEMBER9tb. WoRSLKY and Akmley ;near Leeds). *«., Mr. itooeri Hoyle, .•\rmley, near Leeds. „ t i t> t »-fi,«ii December Ist. 2nd, 3rd. and 4th. BiRMisronAM. Sec, John B. Lyman 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. £i2 JOTJilNAL OF HORTICtTLTUKE AND COTfAGE GARDENEE. [ June 21, 1862, POULTRY AND ITS PRODUCE. TnEBE was n tin c— and coniparcil vvit!] the ngc of a nation and civilisation, not so very long since — when to enjoy the luxury of a salad or a cauliflower it was nccesssry for the wealthy and the titled, and even for the Sovereign hereelf, to send an express to the coniintnt in ord:r to obtain it. Doubtless, the farmers of that day thoug'it it beneatli the dignity of their cloth to devote aviy portion of tlieir lime, attention, or land to so in- signiiieant and ignoble a spi-cies of produce. It might do very well for the poor people of France and llie Low Countries to fiddle-faddle tliemsrlvea about such trillin,? production?, but an Fnglish farmer had something more worthy of his ai ten! ion to look after than po' h^i-bs and lettuces, with their accompannnents. But that day is go;ic by, and these things are cultivated in old England with as much success and to as great iin extent as on tlie continent ; and any farmer has now only to step out at his back door in t!ie kitclun garden attached to every house in the country to supply hiir.self with whatever of culinary or other vegetables he delights i:;. There are, however, still articles of daily consumption, the production of which in I'higland is far fiom being commensurate with the consuuiptioii or with tlie capabilities of the soil, and for a large tupply of whioli we are indebted to our neighbours, the French aurl Eelgims, t:) an extent that will appear apocryphal to those who are not iiiiiiated into the history and mystery of the Board of Trade returns. We refer to poultry .".nd its jn'oduce, in the raising of whieli the British farmers are far behind then- neighbours. A stimulus, it is true, lias been given to this branch of rural economy the last ten years, but at present the " poultry mania," as it is justly teiraed, is chielly confined lo amat( ur breeders. In order to extend the " poultry mania" amongst the agricultural classes, or rather to induce them to pay greater attention to the business of rcnring and fattening fowls for tlio market, we will place before tliem the returns of the Board of Trade of the quantity of eggs and poultry imported ; the former for (he last ten years, whilsl the latte-, since the reduction of the duty not being inserted in the retiu'ns, -.ve can only give them for a limited period. With regard to eggs, then, the following are the average numbers per annum impoited since 1828, taking every five years : — AVEr.Ar,K anNUAV, IMPORT OF EGGS FEOJI 1823 to 1832 iiitlu ivc Gl, 431, 062 1833 10 1S37 GS.493,.5l6 1888tol84i 91,3iJi,732 1843 to 134/ 72,f.90,0ol lSJ8tolS52 103,120,221 18.53 to 13.57 147,342,219 1853tol8Gl 103,581,140 There has, therefore, been a gradual increase in the supply ever since 1828, with the (xcoptiun of the fom-th average; but to show tlic enormous ext-nt to which it has now reached, we may elate thot whereas in 18 13 the quantity imported was 70,415,931, in 1861 it reached 203,313,360. And, if we reckon iho cost price of these at kl. per dozen, their value is £2S2,370 lO.s. — upwards of a quarter niillion sterling for a species of produce that could witli the greatfst ease be raised at home. With regard to the poulli-y imported, there is reason to believe that it has increased in an equal propoi-tion. The returns have not noticed them since 185G, but for that and the two previous yeai-s the imports were in value as follows : — 1854 £38,870 1855 42,075 1856 48,230 So that the increase was about 25 per cent, on those three years, and has probably been quite in an equal proportion since, making up au aggregate amount for 1861 of fully £360,000 for poultry and eggs. Tlie number of eggs sent from Franco is not so surprising, ■when we take into account that every farmer has his basse-cour, or fowl-yard, the produce of which constitutes no inconsiderable item in the accounts of the year. M. de Lavergne, in comparing the produce of the United Kingdom with that of France, states, that while the poultry of tl-.e former amounts to only 20 million francs (£800,000), that ol I'le latter country amounts to 200 million francs (or £8,000,000 sterling) ; there is, therefore, a large margin left from the home consumption to be exported. That the farmers would find it to their interest to cultivate more sedulously this branch of rural economy there cannot be a doubt. In London there is always a demand. Like all other provisions, there are different periods for different prices, and here it is that poultry shows do much good in offering premiums for early maturity. If those who have facilities for rearing chickens would do so in January, or even in December, and bring them to market in a fat state in April, May, and June, they cannot fail to receive a remunerating price. Three pounds per dozen is a common value for fowls four months old. At this season, less than two guineas would be ridiculously low. There is a collateral advantage to the former in keeping a large stock of fowU. Ihe inferior grain could then be profitably con- su'ne i on the fas-m at a remunerating price, instead of being sub- ject to the fluctuations of the market. Nor is the dung that would be made an object of no account. It is certain that fowls' dung is cxceeding'y valuable, and where large numbers are kept a considerable quantity wouM be made in the year. For the present we leave the subject for the consideration of those whom It concerns, but may jKobably re:'ur to it on some future occa- sion.— {Marie Lane l£xpres^.) PIGEONS AT THE BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND EXHIBITION. TiiitEE liens belo iging to Mr. E. Smith, 18, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham, never appea"ed at all in the printed catalogue of the Bath an I West of England Society; and in the Judges' award-book are entered only by numbers in pencil : eonsequentlyj it is mo?t probable, they were post-entries at t'le last moment. To the Judges' it was never at all known to whom they belonged. The awards v,'ere as follow : — OyvLS. — Pen 2G3n, second prize. Tnu.Mi'ETEKS. — Highly Commended, pen 2G7a. NuKS.— Firs'" prize to pen 27Ua. Tliese were items waited for during twenty-four hou-s after the time speciiled for the entry of the birds, and left even then a confused jembie. This irregularity should be strictly guarded aga'nst". No pens should be admitted after the time for entering has passed. Prizes awarded to pens not in the catalogue create suspicion of undue favour. PnorosEii PoriTUY Snow at Sdefpield. — We see it is stated that tiie active Committee of a neio Society is at work, with a good pro-pect of success. They have secured au eligible site, and prop sc to hold the Exhibition during the summer. DO BEES VAEY IN DIFFEIJENT PAETS OF GE,EAT BPJTAIN? I itAVi! two hives at present in my garden on the same stand, 3 feet apart ; one a tramc-hive containing a strong swarm of fine yello V bees, lately hived in the neighbourhood of Ealing; the other a common straw hive, v.itli a year-old swarm of small black bees, from the neighbourhood of Woking. Both swarms are English bees, work vigorously, and do not interfere with each other, but vary in form, colour, and temper; the smaller bees being thicker, darker, and quieter than tlieir more taper, brilliant, and demonstrative neighbours. — SUKEET HlGIilANDEK. My atfenlion having been drawn to a communication in a recent Number of The Joukxal of Hoetiooltuee from Mr. Darwin, entitled " Do bees vary in diflerent parts of Great Britain ?" and, being solicited to give my views on the subject, I make the following remarks : — In the communication I made in your Journal, published May 15, 1860, to which Mr. Darwin refers, I announeed to the scientific world the curious and highly interesting fact that a peculiar variety of honey bee was then in my possession, so sen- sibly different in its appearance and colour from the ordinary bee as to be easily distinguished from it. I propagated this variety of bee both naturally and artificially, but owing to certain fatalities arising principally from the past two adverse seasons, the progeny from the original stock all died out but one, which is still in my possession ; but which, unfortunately, is not in the most flourishing condition. In the article referred to I gave a particular account of this bee, and of its peculiar characteristics. The colony was lodged in a Iluber-hirc, and therefore I had every facility of infernal examination. The queen was large and most brilliantly tinged . June 21, 1862. ] JOTIRNAL OF HOKTICULTURK AND COTTAGE OABDEMCR. 248 with a deep golden colour underneath and aroimd (lie abdomen, the sosmcnts of which were particularly distinct and wdUlcfiiif-d. The depth and brilliance of colour fir surpassed tl^at of any ordinary queo" ; wltile tlie pale thick downy hnirs wl.ich covered and surrounded tlic tliorax sliowcd very conspicuou^^ly. It was at once evident that the peculiarities of the common bee owed their origin to the very marked and distinctive eolonriuj,' of iheir queen. In the dro!ie the diflTcrenco was not so manifest. ] m*iy mention lliat this queen died a natural death in the autumn of 1S60, liavinsj been for some time pre\ious so languid and feeble aa to be scarce able to hold by the combs ; she was tluis in my possession fully three years. ITow old she was when she crtmo into my liands I cannot say, but I conjectured she liad been bred during the preceding snmmer. I regret I did not attempt to keep this variety of bee separate from my other hives. Owing to this circumstance, and perlmjis from other causes, tlio distinctive peculiarities becaine gradually less marlied, so tlnit in the stock now possessed, being the iliird generation, the dill'erencc, more especially of the working bee from the ordinary variety, is scarcely discernible. In the second generation oven the iiccn- liarities of appearance were sensibly altered, tliough any ordinary observer might at once distinguish the bee fr'om the common species. Indeed, I have repeatedly tested this by collecting a number of bees from ditt'ercnt hives on a honied leaf, along with the grey variety, and placing them at a distance from the apiary in one jiromiscnous crowd ; and have amused my friends by asking them to pick ont from amongst the hundreds tlius col- lected together the grey bses, which tjiey were at once enabled to do ; and by holding them on the point of the finger would see them Hy direct to tlieir hive. The bees of my present stock, wliicli is the third generation, are, as I have already stated, not much different from the ordinary bee ; and the curious circumstance is, that some are less marked than otliers, so that I 1 ave a ditR- culty in distinguishing some of lliera at all. A great number, however, still re'ain the traces, though faint, of the origimd colony. More especially is this the case with regard to the queen ; but the altered aspec' of both bees and queen is such that very little now remains of their former distinctive charac- teristics. I will not attempt here a solution as to the origin of this peculiar variety of bee. In the communication before U'.ade, I merely hinted at probabilities, and I am still unable to go beyond mere conjectures. Certainly it is the first and only instance I know of where a marked distinction was ever dis- covered in the bee cultivated in this country. This leads me, however, to Mr. Darwin's inquiry, "Do bees vary in difl'erent parts of Great Britain ?" This question I have no hesitation in answering in the negative, notwithstanding the observant Not- tinghamshire clergyman and learned French naturalist, referred to by Mr. Darwin, being of a contrary opinion. The black bee alluded to by the celebrated Huber is an instance of how far even renowned naturalists may be carried away and misled by merest trifles. We can scarcely excuse this celebrated observer, even on the score of want of sight ; though it is a great pallia- tive to have arrived at such absurd conclusions on this matter, eeeing that, according to liis own account, there was nothing apparently peculiar in the appearance of the queen which pro- duced the alleged monstrosities. The black bees, however, which have been thus immortalized by the great lluber, were nothing mere than superannuated bees whose downy hair had been rubbed off by hard labour and incessant toil — either in col- lecting from some particular plant, or else from the pressing and wrestling consequent on robbing and plundering some neighbour- ing h;ve. From both causes I have often seen the bees become perfectly black and glazed in appearance, and the downy hair almost entirely rubbed ofl'. By coming in contact with any glutin- ous or resinous substance the bees ore often thus altered in appearance, and such was the effect produced on my own bees (luring a particularly wai'm season, by iheir feeding U|ion the exudation of a resinous fluid from the larch, that great numbers became prematurely old-looking and glazed in appearance, with tattered wings and perfectly disabled. That bees of certain slocks diiTcr in size from bees of other stocks is a fact not to be disputed, and, also, that they occasionally differ in their tempers is likewise a fact which most apiarians have ample evidence of to their cost; but that these dilferenccs of size or temper are suflicient to stamp the bees exhibiting them as a distinct variety, is a proposition too absurd to be for one moment entertained. If such a rule were to be applied to animal life of a higher order, how preposterous the conclusions! | M. Godson, tho learned French naturalist before referred to, and the Nottinghamshire clergyman, should have known better, 'i'licy ph'inld know that queens differ greatly in size, that drones dill'cr greatly in size, and that bees difl'er greatly in size, and that these diflcrcnces are si'uply and solely owing to the difl'erent sized cells in which they are cradled and reared. I have seen queens and drones not much larger than CL>mmoa bees, and I liave seen common bees not half their natural size. But, apart altogether from extremes, there are marked differences as to size among all the three varieties. 1 had once a queen which was reared in a small royal cell, and a prolific queen she was too, though scarcely larger than a common bee. I could see no difl'crcnce, however, in the size of her prog' ny, and even if there should, that difference would, as in the case of bees reared in old comb, disappear with the removal of the cause, the death of the queen or the renewal of tho combs ; for it is not the common bees that perpetuate their peculiarities. To the queen alone belongs the function of propagating the species. So much for ■■/ize. Then as to temper. I have heard much of the amiable dispositions of some bees. "They are so gentle, my bees," said an apiarian to me, "they scarcely ever sling ; " but in an operation which I saw performed in the apiary of this same person we had ample testimony that these amiable bees could use their weapons like others of their race when occasion so required. The fact is, that the temper of tho bees of any slock is entirely influenced by its circumstances and conditions for the time beintr, so that we shall often find the bees of the same hive at one time irascible and furious, and at another time docile and peaceful. Cceferis paribus, I can always deal with a hive with greater freedom and less risk during tho early summer when the combs are full of brood, than with the same hive in the autumn, in the midst of heath, engaged principally in storing and amassing honey. On the wliolc, tlierofore, I am decidedly of opinion that no diflerence of climate or locality in Great Britain has any in- fluence or effect either upon the size, colour, or temper of the honey bee ; and that if any differences do exist in the size or temper of the inmates of any particular stock, they must be ascribed to those incidental causes, which being only temporary in themselves, cannot be perpetuated beyond a single generation, and cannot, therefore, constitute a claim to have such a colony exbibiting them designated as a distinct variety of the Apis met- lijtca. — J. Lowe, Hdinburgh. BEE SEASON IN NORTH LANCASHIRE. SiNCK my last communication to you the bee season in this district has been anything but favourable. The juonth of May was a very wet one ; but June up to this date (I3th), I think has been worse than the memorable one of 18G0. 'ihere have only been two days that rain has not fallen : therefore the swarming season has been impeded. Tho earliest swarm in this district May 15th (last year on the 27lh)i and there have been a few since in different parts. I had my first swarm the same as last year (.June 9th), and two swarms since. It is possible that I should have had one in May, but I made an artificial one on the 27th — my maiden effort at this game ; but I succeeded in obtaining a small one, enough for my purpose, as I can strengthen it to any excent at pleasure On the 25th of May I received, per rail, the same little box as last year, and upon it " Living Bees, with Care," of which I knew nothing. As might be expected, the lid was soon i-emoved, and to my sur; rise there was a number of Ligurians. Getting too late for a thorough inspection, matters rested as they were until the next morning, when, to my wondering eye, there issued forth a Ligurian queen bee. What can this mean ? Perhaps when the postman arrives he may have somefhing that will solve this mystery. And so it proved : a lelter froni your valuable correspondent, " A DEYONSHiiiE BEE-KEErEH," informing me that he had sent me a present, for which I thank him. As I have no great opinion of plaeine strange queens at the head of a stock where there is brood in all stage", I adoptod the plan as above. ITow this was accomplished some, perhaps, may want to know. For such inquirers I state it. I removed my earliest stock from its stmd, and placed an empty hive with the box at the top, se])nrated by perforated zinc. As the day was not a very good one I did not get enough, and they were not satisfied with their ado|ited mother, if they found her at aU, as they made to the hive adjoining ; so I 244 JOrENAIi OF nOKTICLLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [June 24, 1862. cleared the bees from this, and removed it also. But proceed- ings were no better ; so, as a last resource, I brought the Hrst stock to its old stand, and the bees soon made themselves at home. But this was but of short duration. As soon as they were settled I inverted an empty hive, and placed the stock upon it. Of course, this was not the nay to drii e them — that is, the- most fashionable way at present, but to use the magic fungus, as my great object was not to get the queen. ^ By this means I obtained a little swarm j and whilst in their stupor I put her Italian majesty to them. I adopted the same plan with the hybridised one last year, and both, I have no doubt, with perfect success. As my little ones have been bearing pollen every favourable opportunity since her introduction, I think she must have commenced lier duties immediately, as I had supplied the frames pretty liberally with comb ; but I have no intention of disturbing them at present for an ocular demonstration, as comb-building is going on favourably. — A Nobtd Laxcashibe Bee-keepeh. LA FL?JCHE FOV>'L. ElEM, strongly constituted body, standing proudly on long and sinewy legs and feet, appearing less than it really is, because the featliers are close ; all the muscular proportions well deve- loped ; black plumage. Of all the French breeds tlie La Fl^che cock is the tallest ; in many respects he is like th« Spanish, and, I believe, he_ is originally the result of a cross between the Spanish and Creve Coeur.* Others think this breed comes from the Breda, and it must be admitted they have many points in common. Their Siin is white, fine, transparent, and soft ; meat short, juicy, dehcate, and very easily fattened. The Topknot is formed of a little bunch of feathers, sometimes short and straight, sometimes rather longer and drooping. It rises from tlie crown of the head behind the comb. The comb is transversal and double. It assumes the form of horns leaning to the front, joined at the base, divided at top, sometimes smooth and pointed, sometimes ramified on the inner sides. A very small comb, likewise double, springs from the top of the nostrils, and stands in front of them. Although not much larger than a pea, this combliiici, which surmounts a small rising formed by the nostrils, contributes much to the remarkable and imique aspect of the head. • We are diBposed to think it is more likely to lie the result of a cross between the Spanish and Malay, The Wattles sl'.ould be very long and pendent. Ihe Mar-lobes should be very large, and meet under the neck ; they should be of a dead white, especially at the breeding season. Of all the breeds that jjossess the white ear, tliis has the largest except the Spanish. The tuft of small feathers that covers the ear itself should be black. The Kosfrils are very open and unique in their form ; they form, at their insertion, the rise from which springs the comb- ling. 'J he beak should be very strong, slightly curved, of a dull grey colour, and yellowish at the end. Pht/siognomi/ of the Head. — The La Fleche has a physiognomy peculiar to itself, and wliich is principally caused by the promi- nent monticule which forms his nostrils, and which is sur- mounted by the small comb. The prominence of the comb seems to increase the characteristic depression of the beak, and gives some likeness to a rhinoceros. The comb, divided into horns, suggests the Creve Coeur, and the large white deaf ear the Spanish. Colour of the Legs. — Slate blue, lighter or darker according to age, turning to a deeper leaden grey as the birds get older. Weight of the Fowls. — They may be eaten towards the age of five months; but, generally, they are not fattened till they are from seven to eight months old, when they are arrived at their full growth. The male is then called a virgin cock, and when June 21, 1SG2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. 2-15 his treatment, which should last a montli or six weeks, is linislicil ho will \vei;;li 8 lbs,, sometimes ruthei' ino.-e. A virgin cock iiot fatti'iieil will, at eight months, give from fi lbs. to 7 lbs. The wciglil, of the Ufsh naturally varies according to fatness. If in a normal state the bones form an eighth of the entire weight, they form a mneh smaller proportion when tlic bird is fattened. P/i^inaje.— Entirely black, excepting some small white feathers that are somcliines to be I'oniul in the crest that is on the head. Tlio neck feathers are long, fine, and ample, with green or violet lustre on them ; so ave the wing and the tail-coverts, all othevs ore black except those of the beily, which have a greyish tinire, Among the llight-featliera, which should be of a violet black green shaded, some white ones may often be found till after the first moult. (j,^ jg continued.) BEES DESERTING THEIR HIVES. I EinsR.vrE the first opportunity of replying to your kind inquiries respecting my bees, and I do so the more readily be- cause I know very many people are iiitereeted therein. If I write too much you can abridge anything you please. But first let me observe that I am rather an old bee-keeper, as my first stocks were kept on the old plan thirty years ago, near Woodstock, in Oxfordshire ; but the disasters to which I have referred occurred during the last few years. Living in a large town as I do, I should attribute my failure to my situa- tion, did I not know positively that the like has occurred to others in very dilTerent situations ; for example, a philosopher living at Perry Hill, Sydenham, in a very paradise for bees. If pure air, and " sylvan scene, with hill anil dale, and liquid lapse of murmuring streams " be advantages, indeed, he has everything but the " heather." He has, nevertheless, always lost his bees in the same way I have described, and, being unable to solve the problem of tleir exit, after again and again replenishing his apiary, has at last, with deep regret, given them up altogether. The same thing nearly has occurred to a gentleman living on Plumstead Common, not far from my house ; and this very day I met a friend from Bexlcy, in Kent, and inquired after his bees; he informed me that he intended purchasing no more, that bis number had dwindled down to one stock, and that was very weak indeed. All had left as I have described. Now, as to your first inquiry, I have used both boxes and straw hives. My boxes are made exactly, and, in every respect, like those recommended by Mr. Taylor, and all have bars alike ; the straw hives are the " common cottage," being those in which I have generally purchased my bees, and, as you know, they vary in Bhape and size in diflferent parts of the country. Second inquiry : I have them well protected in an excellent bee-house made of deal, not painted ; a zinc roof, close in front, but opening the whole length behind with shutters. This house will hold about twenty stocks, allowing them to be worked on the depriving plan ; but it stands in an elevated situation, yet it is protected from wind. It occurred to me that some- thing here might be unfavourable, and I removed them into my little garden, and placed them separately, thus : — I laid three or four bricks upon the ground, then on those I placed strips of board, on which I placed the floor-board, allowing a free circula- tion of air, still preventing any damp being conducted ; their top protection is pieces of old carpet covered with zinc ; their entrances are long, but sufficiently narrow to prevent a mouse from entering. Thirdly, I think they have not suffered from internal moisture, for I have sometimes ventilated and sometimes not. I have, however, kept them without ventilation for these two or three years. Fourthly, I am not annoyed with ill smells ; but in "Wool- wich, as in other towns, we have smoke enough, but one would think not to blow down so as to etfeot the bees ; nevertheless, in the Eoyal Arsenal, within a mile from my liouse, from tlie Government works volumes of smoke rise high from the tall chimneys. I have seen bees not one-hundredth part so well cared for as here, yet do ten times better, so far as swarming is concerned. I may be wrong, but it appears to me that the queen does not breed or continue to breed from some cause or other, and up to the present spring I have almost always attributed it to age, but now I know that this cannot be the case in every instance, neither can I conceive what becomes of the bees, for there are none dead in or about the hives. I do hope our Devonshire friend, as well as others, will afford na all the assistance they are able to give; and farther, T am sure that by giving us space in your truly valuable Journal, you will confer a great and last- iu"- benefit on a very great number of hee-kcepcrs through the Ciiuntry. — Edwd. Faikeiiotiii.r. [I have much pleasure in tendering to Mr. Fairbrother all the advice and assistance in my power, rCfiretting at the same time that my experience does not enable mo at once to suggest a certain remedy for the evils of which he complains. In the first place, it appears to me that ho is mistaken in sup- posing that his bees " desert " their hives. All his descriptions go rather to prove that the rate of increase during autumn and early spring does not keep pace with, nuich less overtake, the mortality, anil that a gradual dwindling away of t!ie population is the consequence. I have myself met with isolated instances of the same kind, although never to the extent related by Mr. Fairbrother ; but in every case the c.-iuse of the misfortune was cither at the time or afterwards sulllciently apparent. Although none of these appear completely identical with that under consideration, I will briefly relate tliein, in order to show what dilUrent causes may produce the same evil elfects. Some ten or a dozen years ago, before I was aware of the in- jurious results of fumigation upon bees, I made several attempts to establish stocks in autumn by fumigating condemned colonies, putting the inhabitants of two or three hives together, and endeavouring to keep them alive through the winter by copious supplies of artificial food. The result was exactly similar to the experience of Mr. Fairbrother. The bees survived until spring, and then dwindled away. Since I have attained the art of driving bees with facility, I have repeatedly tried the same ex- periment with the most complete success. About the same time I was asked to fumigate a weak stock in the autumn for a gentleman residing in an adjoining parish. Having cut out the combs and collected all the bees, I found they numbered less than 200. There was a miserable little abortion of a queen, and about a dozen specimens of worker- brood of all ages in m many different cells, but a fair quantity of honey. The hive in this case was a straw one with a flat top and large central aperture for supering. It had been worked on the depriving system ; and the combs being very old my im- pression at the time was, that swarming had been too long pre- vented, the queen had become superannuated, and that a failure in her breeding powers was the result. A third instance occurred in 1851 to one of my own stocks in a Taylor's amateur's bar-hive. Finding in the month of May that the bees diminished instead of increasing in number, I came to the conclusion that the queen had perished, and fumigated the remaining bees with the view of adding them to another colony. To my surprise I found a living queen and a small quantity of brood, but the hive itself was completely saturated by internal moisture, and altogether in a most unwholesome condition. At the present time such a state of ail'airs would be checked at the outset by shifting the combs and bees intoa dry box, but in the then state of my bee knowledge (albeit I commenced the pursuit eleven years previously), alti;ough I used bar-hives, so simple a matter as changing bees from one box to another appeared quite out of the question, and I have often watched a dwindling colony in a bar-hive for months together totally unable to decide whether the queen was alive or not, and utterly ignorant of the power I possessed, if I had known how to exercise it, of determining the point in a few minutes by an examination of every comb. The full development of the extraordinary breeding powers of the queen or mother bee is a point of the utmost importance in scicntiflc bee-keeping ; and yet it is one upon which few certain rules can be laid down. Feeding is usually one of the greatest stimulants which can be applied ; but even this may be overdone, for a more than snflicient supply will cause the bees to fill those cells with food which should be devoted to breeding, and the queen is often for this reason unable to find a sufficient number of empty cells in which to deposit her eggs. From what Mr. Fairbrotiier states it appears just possible that he may have erred in this direction. On the other hand, the insertion of an empty comb between the full brood-combs often appears to stimulate the queen to fill it with eggs immediately ; but the following instance shows that this, like most other thmgs, may be over- done :— One of my best colonies this spring was in a box with only eight frames. As the season advanced I thought a change to a larger hive would bo advantageous, and accordingly placed it in a box with ten frames, putting at the same time an empty 246 JOURNAL OF HOKTI CULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. [ June 24, 1862. comb in what tlie Germnns call the "brood-nest." Fintling after some time that the hive remained stationary, I examined it and dierovcred that the change appeared to have paralysed (eo to speak) i he breeding powers ol the queen. Slie hid con- fined her ovipositing to tlio combs on cue side of the empty one, and even there liad not laid so freely as I should have expected. Even when the offending comb was removed she failed to make up for lost time ; and as I tolerate no queens in my apiary that are not first-rate breeders, I ultimately did away with htr, although apparently a fine handsome queen not quite twelve montlis old. 1 have entered thus fully into my own experience of beea dwindling away in their liives from causes other than that of tlie loss of queens, not because I find myself able satisfactorily to account for Mr. Fairbrother's misfortunes, but because I think it may throw some liglit on the general principles upon whicli advice should be tendered. I have myself kept bees in the centre of the city of Exeter, and do not fancy the smoke, &c. of a large town a sufficient reason for so complete a failure. I have never snllVred any injury from the wax moth in in- habited hives, although sometimes this pest mates sad havoc in my store of empty combs. Were the wax-moth really the cause of all the mischief, as suggested by " Bak-hite," it could scarcely fail to have been detected on a post-mortem examination. If Mr. Fiiirbrother be not thoroughly discouraged, I should advise him to start afresh in his old bee-house (to which I can see nothing objsctioi able), with either bar-hives or frame-hives, and endeavour to attain sullicient skill in their manipulation to enable him to ascertain for himself at any time if there be any- thing wrong in their internal economy. If his wooden bar-hives are as I imagine, 13i inches square by 7 inches deep, with eight bars, have them remodelled to nine bars, seven-eighths of an incli wide by three-eighths of an inch thick, and deepen the box to 8 inches, leaving three-eighths of an inch space between the top of the bars and the crown-board. Let him be on his guard against the injurious effects of internal moisture, and when food is really requu'ed (and then only), administer it liberally, but not lavishly. I should recommend also a judicious combination of the swarming and depriving systems, never allowing a queen to degeueiate by oUl age, or a strong stock to destroy itself by over-swarming. With these precautions, and by neglecting no hints which his own observations and experience may furnish, I should liave every confidence in his ability to make bead against, and ultimately entirely avoid, the mysterious failures which appear to have attended his apiarian proceedings. Whilst regretting my inability to pronounce more decidedly as to the exact cause of his ill success, I may be permitted to hope that some among the many accomplished apiarian corre- spondents of the JoUKNAL OF noRTioCLTUKB may yet be able to throw a clearer light upon the subject than is in the power of — A Detonshike Bee-zeepee.] LYTHnni AS A Bee Pi ant.— A correspondent inquires of the Editors what specific name is given to a species of Lythrum gi-eedily sought after by the domestic bees. It is citlier, perliaps, Lythrum superbum or calicaria, as your inquirer is told that they never leave a single bloom as long as one is out. — W. T., Ifim- horney Dorset. ArsTEAHAN WiiD UoxET.— The bush around Adelong has this summer been remarkably prolific in honey, the wild bee appearing to increase in a much faster ratio than his domes- ticated brothei'. The number of liives captured, and the weight of their valuable contents, is really surprising. It is said that •ne party of Americans, well acquainted with the habits of this little industrious insect, and able to track them like genuine Kentucky bee-hunters, wlio are regular chppers at the business, are gathering their honey by the quarter-cask, and from this source indulging to its full measure their national weakness for sweet mor els. There are but few homes on the Adelong to which the labours of the bee have not this season contributed a welcome addition to their supply oi mmioi'ta.—{Wynyard Times) AilANiHirsI SiLEWOEM. — A note has been addressed to the Academy of Sciences by M. Guerin-Meneville on the progress of the cultivation of the Ailante (Ailanthus glandulosa), and of the breeding of the silkworm, introduced by him into France. It appears from M. Me'ncville's note that the tree and the silkworm will flourish in any country in Europe as well as in Africa, America, or Australia. By means of this precious importation M. MeneviUe asseris that France may obtain a textile matter superior to cotton. A hectare of land (21 acres) of the worst quality fc o be found in France planted with Ailante will produce the fourth year f 16 worth of cocoons — a produce equal to that of an equal breadth of land phnted with Mulberries in the best part of the south of France. — (Times.) VENOMOrs Cateepiilaes. — A most singular ease, perhaps the only one on record, of death caused by caterpillars occurred a few days ago in t\\; commune of Dardilly, near Lyons. A little boy, not more than eight years old, bed gone into a neighbour- ing wood in quest of birds' nests. Perceiving one on the top of a tree, he climbed up, but in so doing shook down an immense number of caterpillars, many of which fell on his shirt, his only upper garment, and soon covered his breast, which was bare, and penetrated to his arms and shoul 'ers. For a few minutes the child took no notice of this, but he soon felt such an itching sensation that he was compelled to get down again and run home for assistance. Upon examination his skin appeared covered with large red spots, which were soon followed by a general swelling, tiicn by fever, somnolency, and delirium ; and, notwithstanding all me deal care, death ensued in the coiu'se of a few hours. The kir.d of caterpillar which caused this disaster was the Bomb\x processionea of Reaumur, a very venomous species. Naturalists know that if a nest of these insects be touched, or only stirred up willi a stick, the person so doing, and remaining for some time near the spot, within reach of the emanations arising therefrom, will be attacked with a papulous eruption of a more or less confluent nature, which will last several days, and be attended with violent itching. Dr. Calmell, physician to the hospital of Charenton, had preserved a nest of these caterpillars in a large glass phial, which was not opened for upwards of ten years. At length, the phial being accidentally wanted, it was opened in the presence of several persons, who all caught the eruption. This strange property has even suggested to several members of the faculty the idea of using these caterpillars in cases in which it is required to subject the skin to a strong and permanent irritation. We may remark, in conclusion, that the number of caterpillars which infest the trees this year all over France is quite unprecedented — a circumstance which has called the attention of the authorities and of various learned societies to the question of protecting insectivorous birds, the only really efllcacious enemies of the caterpillar. — {OalignanVs Messenger.) OUR LETTER BOX. ToMOL-n ON Spanish Fowl's Ete (5. S. H.).—Yomv fowl has not the roup, as Spanisli are not subject to it. We shall be but poor comforters when we te:l you they seldom recover from the disCia'^e you mention. If the swelling becomes hard they never do. Your remedy is to puree very freely ■^'ith castor oil, a table-spoon iul at a time, and to bathe the face frequently with hot water. She should have no whole corn, a little meal, and plenty of lettuce to e;it. Baily, in Mount Street, publislies a work on "Pheasant- rearins." wliich is sent by po?t fir thirteen stamps. Spanish Cock's Comh Black— Prevf.kti.ng Soft Eggs ( ;. — Judging- from &uch symptoms, all your fowls are rather out of condition. The colour of the cock's comb may be the result of the changeable weather and of a chill. Th^ soft eg^s are unmistakeable evidence of bad condition, unless their yard or run lacks the necessary ingredients for making egg- shells. Throw diiwn a basketful of bricklayer's rubbish, mortar, old ceilmgs, itc, and they will find stuff for egg-shells. If they already have this, gave them food sparingly, and let them have plenty of lettuce. Falcon Hocks in Cochin-Cuinas {Cochin-hree(ler).~V!e never knew the time when falcon or vulture hocks were considered a beauty or desirable. We can only speak our own opinion, and th:tt is, if they are not a disquali- fication they ought tO be. AVe would not be mibunder.'^tood when we speak of falcon hocks. We do not mean slightly projecting feathers, but such as u-cd to be seen on the Ptarmigan fowls, and are still met with at times in the White Cochins. The original Cochins of all colours had no vulture hocks. Bee-hives at the International Exhibition {E, X).— They will be notictd before long. LONDON MAUZETS.— June 23. POTJLTKY. Indications are not wanting thut we approach the end of June. Small chickens are more pUntiful, and were it not thit the capacious crop of the International Exhibiiiunis cap;iliJc of receiving any number, we should have to chronicle a gre.it falUng-otf It acts now as Vaushall used to do formerly. 4 0 to 4 0 ., 3 9 ,, 2 0 „ 0 C „ 6 6 6 3 0 0 Ducklings 3 0 Chickens 1 . ... 0 5 Rabbits Wild do. 1 ... . 0 Goslings FigeoDS 0 0 to 3 0 „ 0 3 „ 1 8 ,, 0 » >. 0 July 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTURE AND COITAaE GARDENER. 24/r Day Day of of M'oth Week. 1 To 2 W 3 Th 4 F 5 B 6 Son 7 M JULY 1—7. 18G2. Abronia mellifern, &c. Abutilon striatum. Acmadenia tetr.iironn. Acronychia Cuniiinghami. Actinotus hpli.uUhi. 3 SUM'AY AFTint TrIMTV. Adenandra fragrans. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Weather nkail Lonx>on ih 1661. Barometer. Thcrmora.j Wind. f,"5o". 30.161-30.070 2^.020—20.910 20836-29.799 20.600-20.278 20.278-20.275 20.421—29.310 29.510-29.SC7 dcff. deff. 7S-6.'i 78-40 79-44 1 07-47 ' 71-4G 73-53 75-50 N. N.W. N.W. S. s.w. 8. w. ■12 •05 •86 ■04 Snti Rises. 40 at 3 50 3 Sun Beta. m. h. VIII 18af 8 17 8 17 8 17 8 IG 8 16 8 Moon I RiBCA I Moon's and Sets . Age. m. v. OalO 18 10 37 10 57 10 20 11 49 11 mom. 9 10 Clock before Sim. Day of Year. 182 183 184 185 186 1B7 183 MErsOKOLOOT OF TUB WEEK.— At Cluswiok, from obsirvations during tlie last thirty-five years, the avcr,ii;o hisbest and lowest temperatures of these days are 74.7= and 51.4' respeotively. The greatest heat, 97', occurred on the 5th, in 1S52 ; and the lowest cold, 36', on the 7th in 1860. During the period 146 days wore fine, and on 99 rain fell. KOYAL HOKTICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S NATIOiXAL ROSE SHOW. June 26th. SPLENDID day at last, the 26tli of the month beinp; the first really bit of summer we had, in June, about Loudon this season. A splendid Rose Show, too, and the first splendid exhibition of ladies' summer dresses which I have seen this season. The dresses came out luxuriantly at the Crystal Palace, on the first day of the grand Handel Fes- tival ; but what with the fathers, uncles, brothers, and foreigners, there was at least one and a half of them to every flounce. But here, as luck would have it, a thousand of the men went to the dog show that day, and a great many more of them went over to the cattle and farming show at Bat- tersea Part, and so many were absorbed at the Inter- national, that the real pink of the fashion only gathered about the Roses, but could not get a glimpse at them, so thty filled the garden, up and down, and all over, in flowing beauty. Altogether it was a grand sight ; the garden was gloriously green and gay, the bedding plants in exceedingly good bloom for so early a period ; the walks were all fresh done up, and the freshness of the waterworks, with the refreshing influence of their mur- muring waters " louping o'er the lins," had a magical effect in the heart of new London. After all. I prefer the cascade, in imitation of the "lin," or waterfall, to the spouting system of exhibiting water in motion ; but, perhaps, that only comes of early associations, and those who cannot get to see grand water- falls in nature, ought to enjoy it in the next grandest form in which it may be made to play a part iu their enjoyments, for water seems now as essential for the enjoyments of a great or public garden as music itself, and there is enough of both to be enjoyed in the new garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, and visitors did enjoy them that afternoon, although they could not see the Show. The Roses, like the ladies, were never more blooming, nor more fresh to look at either, or better placed for effect and for being judged, but they were four times too close together, and so occupied only one- fourth, or one-sixth rather, of the space in which they could be comfortably seen by so large a concourse of eager visitants, for of all the shows about London the florists carry off the palm for riveting the public attention with their Koses. All ideas of dresses, faces, shapes, and sizes of Self & Co., are completely out of book, before the Rose-stands, and you see nought for the moment but purple and pink note-books, and all note-takers and non- note-takers engaged as keenly, and with more earnest looks than at the gathering-in of the harvest. No. 66.— Vol. III., New Seeies. All the nursery collections, except those in pots, were set in one tent at the west end of the conservatory, and those of amateurs with the pot Roses were in a similar tent at the other end of the conservatory. Both tents spanned the walks in front of the arcades, and both were span-roofed, and with a high centre division down the middle of the flat stand on which the Roses stood, each side being sufliciently wide to hold two rows of boxes ; and there was an avenue made of moveable plants, along the centre of the conservatory, to communicate between the two tents, and along both sides of that avenue were four duplicate stands for showing Roses on, and most of them were filled with boxes of one kind, as Jules Mar- gottin, Paul Ricaut, with Madame this, and Madame that, and Madame Furtado fuller than both, or of one strain, as blush, buff and creamy Tea Roses, and of seed- lings and new comers. The nurserymen occupied 41 yards of length of double boxes twice told — that is, the two sides of the stage, or four times 44 yards for a single run of boxes. Now, had they been placed in single file along the arcades, a half a yard to be between box and box, I am quite satisfied there would not have been one inch too much room for all to get a thorough good sight of the Roses, as every- body there wanted to see them. The stand for the Amateurs' Roses was 32 yards long, and they occupied one whole side of it and one-half of the other side with a double row of boxes ; the other half of the 32 yards of that side was occupied with the col- lections of pot Roses, the best pot Roses that ever were shown in June, and they were iu the kind and style of growth which all amateurs and lovers of pot Roses in- doors ought to aim at, instead of the monster specimens which the giants of exhibitors bring out to prove their pluck — that is to say, these .June Roses were in No. 24- pots, and had from three to seven or eight perfect blooms on, and a few more coming. They were set in two rows, and Mr. Turner adopted a perfect novel way of setting in twos, which I will show you, and which I assure you had a very marked effect on the eye, before the place got crowded. The first name of each pair was in the front row, thus — G^n^ral Jacqueminot and President Baronne Prevost and Paul Ricaut Gdn^ral Jacqueminot and Duchess of Norfolk Then a summer Rose in the centre of the two lines Louise d'Autriohe and Jules Marcottin G6n6ral Jacqueminot in the centre Lady Franklin and Paul Ricaut Duchess of Orleans in the centre Comtesse dc Chabrillant and Jules Margottin Pio None, and a very light Rose GOnC'Tul Jacqueminot and Jules Margottin Paul Ricaut iu the centre General Jacqueminot and La Relne P'lu] Ricaut Anna Alesieff and Madame Zoutan Paul Ricaut Baronne de Prevost and Sombrcuil all in first-rate style of domestic comfort, as were the rest, though less elaborately set out. The Rose which made the greatest sensation amongst the leaders of the fancy, is one which was sent to the No. 718.— Vol. XXVIH., Old Seriss. 248 JOUSNAL OF HORXICULXUSE AND COIIAGE GARDENER. [ July 1, 1862. Eloral Committpfi late in tbe autumn two jeai'3 since, from the neighbourhood of Ipswich, from Robert Ward, Esq., Toxall Eoad, Ipswich — a Suffolk seedling, which he named John Hop- per, and there is not one Rose from France or far away tliat will excel it anywhere. It is a most splendid Rose, with a strong free habit, and a profuse manner of blooming, and in one Rose, OP in a cluster of them, there are three as distinct colours as if on purpose. A rich crimson, or rosy crimson face to the flower, the edges of the petals in a richer shade of carmine, and the ■whole of the back of the petal a lilacy violet tinge, that is both rich and lovely. I think I never set my eye on a more telling Rose ; the blending of the tints in that flower is a perfect charm for the eye. By the side of it stood another charmer in a very different way, a fine dwarf seedling bedding Calceolaria, of the Aurea fioribunda strain, from the Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing. As far as pot culture can tell a tale in this class of Calceolaria?, this will be the best at present of tliat strain. The following, in masses of one kind in a box, were particularly rich in looks : — Baronne Prevost, JiJes Margottin, General Jacqueminot, Charles Lawson, Anna de Diesbach, looking like a deep rose-coloured tree Pieony, or Moutan, Gloire de Vitry, two magnificent boxes of the grand dame, the Comtesse de Cha- brillant, and one of the best of all the French Roses, Senateur The collections from the Amateurs I grouped according to their colours, which, like the natural system of botany, is the best assistance (o the memory and to a knowledge of any parti- cular kind of Rose ; as, if yon only know but one Rose out of each group, it enables the mind's eye to perceive what the rest of them are most like. Beginning with the darkest, perhaps General Washington is one of the best. Cardinal Patrizzi and Empureur de Maroc, Ohl and Emperor Napoleon, are four of a class. Shakespere and Garibaldi the same, Triomphe des Beaux Arts and Francois Arago next, Triomphe de Lyon and Gustave - Coraux next, Ardoisee de Lyon and Leon des Combats, Tri- omphe de Paris, and Arthur de Sansal, with Prince Noir, the very daikest, are about the best way I could bring them in. The next darkest group begins with General Jacqueminot, Geant des Bat allies, Lord Raglan, Eugene Appert, Paul Ricaut, Grandissima (a Gallic Rose), Senateur Vaisse (fine), Victor Trouillard, Gloire de Santenay, Ornement des Jardins, Duke of Cambridge, and ends with Francois Premier. Red and rose- coloured is the next group, and Jules Margottin takes the lead in red, then Gloire de Vitry, Baronne Uallez, Charles Lawson (a double X), Victor Verdier (Pfeony fashion), Madame Furtado (a beauty), La Reine, La Fontaine, Pauline Lanzezeur (a double X), Pio Nono and Sir Joseph Paxton in contrast;; Gloire de France and Baronne Prevost ditto; La Ville de St. Denis, Anna AlexiefF, Chencdole, Eveque de Nimes (a very pecu- liar Rose), Anna de Diesbach (an open double X), General Castellane, Victor Verdier, Jacques Latitte, Paul Perras, Letitia, Comtesse de Chabrillant (double X), Souvenu- de Leveson Gower, Madame Knorr, William Griffith, Alphonse Karr, Comte de Beaufort, Alexandrine Bnchmetefl' (double X), and Madame Sclimidt. Light rose and blush kinds. Madame Angelina (a Bourbon), Madam Rivers, Virginal (a blush in all the collections), Felicite Bigeaux, Laura Raymond (a fine lilacy shade), Comtesse de Lacepedc, Queen Victoria (all a blush), Juno, Madame Vidot, General Pelissier (lilacy), Caroline de Sansal, Madame Duchere, Auguste Mie, Imperatrice Eugenie, Joan of Arc, and Lselia, finer than the first day it appeared in St. James' Hall, a very beautiful Rose. The pure whites were only in summer and Tea Roses. But, recollect, all these are only a selection from private growers ; the trade will come in for a turn at the Crystal Palace, and by put- ting the two lists together with the interval of time we may get at the most showy of the season. Some said General Jacqueminot did not grow well on its own roots, but give it plenty of cocoa-mit refuse (not cocoa-fibre refuse), and no maniu-e for two years, and, perhaps, hke mine, it would beat all that was there, and have a point or two to spare, as mine certainly would on its own free roots in that stuff, with no other help. There were lots of fine-foUaged plants. Ferns, and others from Mr. Bull ; and Serissa foetida variegata, as it should be, among the rest. Also three specimen plants of the pale yellow-leaved Geraniums Golden Fleece and Cloth of Gold ; and another from Mr. Chilvers, gardener to F. G, E. Jervoise, Esq., Herriard Park, down in Hampshire, where that breed first originated ; but I could not see Mr. Chilvers — a well-known gardener once in Surbiton — to learn about the way he got the disease into or out of such healthy-looking variegation. The Good Gracious double Pansy was sent in the name of Messrs. Carter & Co., and had a first-class certificate from a flying quorum of the Floral Committee, for they all seemed on the wing ; but besides the sub-Committee, who were appointed to do the honours of the summer shows, there were the Chair- man, J. J. Blandy, Esq. ; the Rev. J. Dix, wlio takes the chair in turns ; the Secretary, Mr. Moore, and a lot more of us, and we were imanimous on the award. Many ladies also seconded our resolve ; and you may expect it next spring as cheap as it ia good. But I have not yet had its genealogy farther than it is a Devonian. D. Beaton. The 26th of June is early enough, too early indeed, for any season almost ; and in a cold, dull, and dreary one, such as this has been, the wonder is, that although most of the exhibitors complained that their Roses were not in bloom, so many were collected together on this day. Many well-known names were altogether absent, and many exhibited in fewer numbers than ordinarily. In the Nurserymen's Stand of 48 there was but one exhibitor, and even his were adjudged only to be worthy of a second prize ; but then the very coolness of the season had contributed to give a character to the blooms such as they could not have had in a hotter one. Some varieties were shown with a colour they never had before, and even that old and weU- established favourite. General Jacqueminot, eclipsed himself. Shall I not, then, best satisfy the wishes of such Rose-fanciers as were not present, if I first speak of what I regarded as the most noticeable things in the Exhibition, and then give the more ordinary details of the Roses in some of the winning-stands ? What of the new Roses ? will, I know, be the first question. Is there anything good ? Will it be a Senateur- Vaisse year, or not ? From what I saw to-day, although I think it to be next to impossible to judge of the quality of a Rose the first year it is received from France, cut and hacked about it, as it is for buds and grafts, I thmk one may safely say, that there is a vast amount of rubbish — some Roses that it is a disgrace to have sent out, others which promise well, and others decidedly good. But, and let it be well trumpeted forth, the best new Rose in tbe Exhibition came fi-om our dear old country — a seedling raised by Mr. Ward, of the Bosery, Ipswich. It was the admiration of all who saw the box of it that the owner had there. Crowds of Rose-fanciers were around it all day, and heartily congratu- lated the raiser. It is called John Hopper, and is a cross between Madame Vidot and Jules Margottin, of a lovely crimson, with a lilac hue over it, something like Pauline Lanzezeur, but much brighter and fuller. It received a First-class Certificate from the Sub-Committee of the Floral Committee, and a first prize as a seedling, and it deserved it well. It is of very vigorous habit, and a most prolific bloomer. New Roses were shown by Messrs. Cranston, Fraser, Cant, Paul & Son, and Keynes. I?aul & Son were first. The really new Roses — that is, of 1862, in their collection, were their own seedling Lord Clyde, Wilhelm Pfizer, Mademoiselle Julie Daran, vermilion red, a pretty thing; Paul Feral, rough and bad; and Louise Darzins, apparently a good wliite. Mr. Cant was second with Roses of the year before, none of those of 1862 being, I believe, amongst them. Mr. Cranston was third with Charles Lefevre, a bright purplish-red flower of large size, and apparently of good quality ; Comtesse de Seguier, worth nothing ; Eugene Dubois, if possible worse than Reine des Violettes ; Maurice Bernardiu, an extremely gotd Rose, dark crimson, something of a Senatour-Vaisse look about it ; Due de Rohan, very fine, a double Jacqueminot it seemed to me, and shaded like its parent ; Francois Lacharme, purplish-carmine, dying badly I fear, but very double, and of fine form, foliage good ; Gloire de Chatillon, very bad ; Eugene Bourcier, dark shaded ; Souvenir de Mons. Rousseau ; I fear there could not have been much afl'ection towards poor M. Rousseau by the raiser, for it is a rough, bad, coarse flower ; La Brillante, a finely-shaped, transparent, carmine Rose, of good quaUty, blooming freely, and of vigorous growth. Messrs. Fraser were fourth. Vicomte Vigier, promises to be good ; Triomphe de Caen may be a good dark of the Due de Cazes style ; Alexandre Dumas is a very dark plum and crimson Rose of peculiar hue, not shown very double, but it may improve on this (many of the most pro- mismg Roses have not yet been shown) ; Madam Charles Wood, Juiy 1, lR(i2. ] JOURNAL OF nOKXICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 219 H. Boutin, Mareolial Yailknt, &c. Gloiro de Bordeaux, one of " Lartcy et fils' " new Tens, raised from Gloiro do Dijo-i, promises well, and niny bo equal to the gaseonading account given of it ; tlie inside of the petals is white, and the outside bright rose, and it is very vigorous in habit. In one of Mr. Cant's boxes there was a bloom of Comtesse Ceeile de Chabrillant, whicli was a perfect gem. It was regu- larly and beautifully striped with small narrow bands in each petal. It was tile most exquisite thing fluit could bo imagined. It was, of course, only a ehanco sport. By-tlie-by, T luinted after Mr. Cranston for an hour and a half, but covdd not find him, as I wanted him very much to " eat Iiis leek " about Triomplie d'Amions. There were soTiie perfectly mottled blooms of it shown in Messrs. Pauls' collection of pot Roses, which fully bore out all that I said about it. These pot Roses of Mr. Paul's and Mr. Charles Turner's were to my poor ideas the very models of what pot Roses ought to be : I think (but it may be want of taste), they are as far to be preferred to those giants of pyramids shown in the earlier part of the season as were the Fuchsias the other day at the Botanic to the ordinary type of Fuchsia-showing. They contnincd, too, some very good Roses. Messrs. Pauls', which obtained the prize, were Victor Verdier, General Jac- queminot, Dr. Brotonueaii, I'Elegante, Triomphe de I'Expo- sition, Anna de Diesbach, Baronne Provost, Francjois Premier, Viscomtesse de Casos, General Jacqueminot, Duchess of Suther- land, Mademoise'lc Louise Carique, BuflTon, Jules Margottin, Madame Boll, Baronne Prevosf, Leon des Combats, Gloire de Santenay, Catherine Guillot, and Triomphe de Lyons. Mr. Turner had President (very fine). General Jacqueminot, Paul Ricaut, Baronne Prevost, Duchess of Norfolk, Jules Margottin, Criscella, Louise d'Autriche, Paul Ricaut, Lady Franklin, Due d'Orleans, Comtesse Ceeile de Chabrillant, Pius IX., La Reine, Madame de Trottiere, Anna Alexieff, and Sombreuil. lu the Amateurs' Class Mr. Hedge, of Colchester, carried off every first prize, and certainly his flowers were models of growth. In 48's, single truss, there was hardly an indifferent, and certainly not a bad Rose. Oderic Vital, Pius IX., Madame Rivers, Jules Margottin, Comte de Paris, Eugene Appert (very fine), Louise Magnan, Prince Regent, Madame Eravy, Madame Boll, Juno, Senatour Vaisse (a splendid bloom). Coupe d'Hebe, Letitia, Devoniensis, General Jacqueminot, La Reine, La Fon- taine, Caroline de Sansal, Bizarre Marbree, Jaune of Smith, Do- minic D:iran, Madame Hector Jacquin, Charles Lawson, Clara Sylvain, Comtesse Ceeile de Chabrillant, Madame Vidot, Souve- nir de la Reine de I'Angleterre, La Ville de St. Denis, Vignerol, Lord Raglan, Pauline Lanzezeur, Prinoesse Helene, Matlmrin Regnier, General Washington, Baronne Prevost, Anna de Dies- bach, Madame Knorr, General Simpson, Reine Victoria (large Tea), Gloire de Dijon, Mr. Griffith, and Madame da Cambaceres were all in fine condition. Mr. \Vm. Corp was second ; Mr. Worthington, third ; and Mr. HolUngworth, fourth. His 24's were, if possible, still fiiner, comprising Comtesse Ceeile do Chabrillant, Adam, Jules Margottin, Paul Ricaut, Lord Raglan, Mrs. Rivers, La Ville de St. Denis, Juno, Bizarre Marbree, Alexandrine Bachmeteff, Aurora, Letitia, Madame Kuorr, Souvenir dc la Reine d'Angleterre, Coupe d'Hebe, Madame Hardy, La Fontaine, Queen Victoria, General Jacque- minot, Gloire de Dijon, Baronne Prevost, Madame Vidot, and Reine Victoria. In 18's and 12's, Mr. Hedge was again first. To give the names of his flowers is but to repeat over again the list of the above names, and the prize list will give the names of the other successful competitors. Amongst Nurserymen there was a very sharp contest, and here one must say a word as to collections of 96 Hoses, 3 trusses of each— i.e., 288 Roses in each collection. It is, I believe, utterly impossible that so large a number can be staged witliout some bad Roses being amongst them ; and when, as in the present case, seven stands were entered, it was almost work enough for the Judges without anything else, for they had tlius 201H Roses to adjudicate upon. I hope some day that either trebles will be dispensed with, or that fewer varieties will be required. Mr. Francis, of Hertford, occupied the first place, and Mr. Mitchell, of Piltsdown, second. His Roses were Catherine Guillot, Princesse Mathilde (very good), Madame Hector Jacquin, Souvenir de Comte Cavourfdark and good), Louise Darzins (white), Madame de Lamoriciere, Triomphe de Paris, Fran(;ois I., Comtesse Ceeile de Chabrillant, Adelaide Fontaine, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Madame Laffay, Duo de Magenta (fine Ten), Madame Vigneron (coarse). Duchess of Norfolk, Pa'.dine Lanzezeur, Oderic Vital, Vicomtesse de Cazee, Crested Moss, Ilomere, Due do Cazes, Leonise Moire, Louise de Savoie, JIadamo Van Houtte, Baronne Prevost, Buffon, Clement Marot, Jtarlame Knnrr, Souvenir d'Elise Varden (fine Tea), Orncment des Jardins Gloiro do Santenay, Comte de Nan- teuil, Comte de Paris, I;eou des Combats, Madame Domage, Senateur A'aisse, Baron Wassaener, Eveque de Nimes, Madame Selimidt (coarse), Devoniensis, Louis XIV., Norma, Amabilis, La Brillantc (very bright), Charles Lefevre, Aususte Vacher, Agatoide, Triomphe de Rennes (very fine), Arcliduke Charles, Madame Damazin, Prairie do Terro Noire, Jules Margottin, Triomplie des Beaux Arts, Narcissc, Dr. Bretoniieau, Madam Rivers, Darzins, and Narcisse, Alexandrine Bachmeteff, Lord Raglan, Victor Verdier, La A'iUe de St. Denis, Klise Sauvage, and Gloire de Bordeaux. Mr. W. Paul was third, and Mr. Keynes fourth. In the Class of 18 trebles there was but one stand, and that only deemed worthy of a second prize. In the Class of 2-1. trebles Mr. Cant took first with the beet stand to my mind in the Exhibition. His Roses were Victor Verdier, Eugene Appert, General Jacqueminot, William Griffiths. Prince Leon, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Devonier.sis, Paul Ricaut, Col. de Rougemont, Pauline Lanzezeur, Louis XIV., Anna de Diesbach, Duke of Cambridge, Coupe d'Hebe, Madame Vidot, Triomphe de Paris, Clement Marot, Baronne I'revost, Victor Trouillard, IMathurin Regnier, Jules Margottin, Rubens, Souve- nir d'un Ami, and Madame Boll. Some of the Roses in the stand were models of growth. Such Victor Trouillards I never saw before. Mr. Francis was second, and Mr. Keynes third. In 21 singles Mr. Keynes, of Salisbury, was first with Anna de Diesbach, Victor Verdier, Pauline Lanzezeur, Wm. Qrillitb, La Reine, Duchesso d'Orleans, Comte de Nanteuil, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Paul Ricaut, Jules Margottin, General Jacque- minot, Madame Knorr, Prince Leon, Charles Lawson, Gloire de Vitry, Madame Vigneron, Senateur Vaisse, Madame Boll, Caro- line de Sansal, Comtesse Ceeile de Chabrillant, Louis Peronny, Madame Vidot, La Fontaine, and La Ville de St. Denis. Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, was second with a fine box of Lord Raglan, Duchesse d'Orleans, Baronne Prevost, Souvenir de la Maliraison, Jules Margottin, Madame Masson, La Ville de St. Denis, Senateur Vaisse (a magnificent bloom). Queen Victoria, Comtesse de Chabrill.ant, Anna Alexieff, General Jacqueminot, Leon des Combats, Charles Lawson, &c. There was not that competition for the classes for single blooms, boxes of blooms, &c., that I should have expected. For a box of 12 blooms of Senateur Vaisse Mr. Keynes obtained the first jirize, and no one can doubt the extreme value of this noble flower; and although Gloire de Santenay has by some been preferred to it, I think it must liold the premier place. In 12 blooms of any other kind Mr. Hedge was first with a fine box of Charles Lawson. Mr. Francis second with Madame Boll. Mr. Keynes third with Anna de Diesbach ; and Mr Eraser fourth with Comtesse de Chabrillant. In bouquets of G sorts Mr. Keynes was first, Mr. Francis second, and Mr. Cranston third. Teas were pretty good, but by themselves are hardly attractive enough owing to want of colour. We must not omit to mention a very nice box of blooms of Reynolds Hole shown by Mr. Standish ; although, owing to the earlincss of the Show, it was not seen in as good condition as it will be. As I hope to see some other shows next week, I must wait until they are over to give my notions upon the subject in its general aspect, while I know Mr. Beaton will not fail to give us his views of the decorative aspect of the Exhibition. The day was fine, and a numerous and fashionable attendance filled the grounds. — D., Deal. NEW KOSES. As the admirers of the " queen of flowers " are now busy with their note-books, and seeking reliable information about the new Roses now blooming for the first time under an open British sky, I presume the following notes (made from personal ob- servation of the several varieties while blooming here), may not be unacceptable : — H.P. Souvenir de M. Eosseaf d'Angebs (Fargcton). — Brilliant clouded crimson ; colour rich and efl'ectivc; flowers large, well formed, full, and of good quslity; good foliage and moderately robust habit. A handsome aud useful flower. 250 JOURNAL OF HORTICOLTITEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [July 1,1862. H.P. ViTXCiiN (Verdier et Fi]j). — Rich Telvety plum or dark purplish-maroon; colour fine, distinct, and very striking; petals shell-shaped and of p;ood substance ; flowers finely formed and double, in the way of General Jacqueminot, but ajjparently not quite full when expanded ; habit moderate. A fine, distinct, and novel flower. n.P. CoMTESSE DE SEatriEE (Samson). — Reddish-crimson, sufl'ueed with violet ; flowers of good size, full, and well formed ; rich foliage and free habit. H.P. Monte Chhisto (Fontaine). — Rich dart reddish-crim- son ; colour fine; petals ot good substance; flowers large, full, and well formed ; habit moderate. An attractive Rose, some- what after Madame Masson. At present I am only in a position to speak of the above, but shall be happy to contimia the list as iar as I may be able. — W. W., Nurseries, King's Acre, near Hereford. CULTUEE OF THE PEACH AND NECTAEINE. It may seem superfluous to write upon the culture of the Peach and Nectarine, because so many cultivators have already given their experience on the subject. Now I have been a grower of these fruits for nearly half a century, and during that long time I have studied the various causes of success, and, what is equally important, the causes of failure ; and the result of my reflections leads me to the conclusion that there are several points of culture that the writers on this subject have either entirely overlooked or have not civen sufficient importance. I have come to the determination, therefore, of writing a few notes on their culture ; and in so doing, I ehaU endeavour to treat fully of everything necessary to be done in order to grow healthy long-lived trees that will produce annually a fair crop of fruit. I attempt this with all due deference to those who have gone before me, and shall not in order to set up myself as a critic dwell upon, or even mention, where I think they are mistaken or not explicit enough to be understood by the tyro in Peach-culture. I know of late years it has been the fashion to decry the hardi- hood of these fruits in this country. Now that glass is cheap every unsuccessful grower says the Peach should be in all cases covered with glass to insure a crop. I would ask sucli. Are you prepared to prove that the climate of this country is more severe than it was thirty or forty years ago ? Unless that can be proved, I opine that, with proper care and close attention to a proper course of culture from making the border to the ripening of the first crop of fruit, tho trees bearing these delicious fruits can be grown as successfully now as our older gardeners grew them fifty years ago. It is true when unfavourable seasons occur unprotected trees will sufier ; but in such seasons the skill, attention, and forethought of a good gardener will be brought into play to overcome the uiitoward weather ; and success in such seasons shows the difierence of skill. Any careless culti- vator can have a crop of fruit in warm summers, provided the preceding one has been warm also to ripen the wood of his Peach trees. But that is not sufficient for the owner ; he wants fruit every year, and if he has provided all things necessary he ought to have his want supplied. 'I'h2 question now arises. What is required in order to succeed with moderate attention in cultivating the Peach in this country without the aid of glass ? The first thing is a proper situation. Formerly a great notion was entertained by our gardeners, or planners of gardens, that a low sheltered situation was the very best for a garden. That mistaken idea is, I think, now entirely exploded. A low situation, instead of being the best, is the worst for a fruit garden. 'i\ie most careless observer must have remarked that tender plants sufltr earliest from frost, bolh in the spring and autumn, in low grounds; whilst on moderately high land the slight frost has no eifect on them. Many an autumn eve we see heavy mists on low grounds, whUst higher land is quite clear of them. The reason of this is that cold air is heavier than warm air, and therefore it sinks down by its grtvity and shows itself as mist, displacing the warmer ; and when the cold is so intense as to reach the freezing-point, vegetation sufi'ers. These patent facts lead to the conclusion that a fruit garden should be placed on a moderately-elevated platform. Even an elevation of .50 feet or 100 feet above the bottom of a valley would be desirable. I might give many instances of places where the gardens are placed in low situations, where such fruits as the Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot often fail Iti yielding fruit. Suflicient for my purpose it is to mention Chatsworth, TVorsley Hall, Trentham, and the old garden now removed at Welbeck. In such places where the gardens are still continued it has been found necessary to cover the Peach walls with glass, in order first to ripen the wood, and secondly to ripen the fruit : this covering of glass is not adopted for tho purpose of forcing the fruit into early maturity, but is used merely as a protection against early and late frost. In a properly-elevated situation the glass as a protective agent may be dispensed with. From the above remarks I think it will be seen, that in order to succeed in Peach-culture against walls without glass, it is desirable — nay, absolutely necessary, to place the garden, where possible, in a moderately-elevated situation. If there are higher grounds on the north, north-east, and north-west sides of the garden, and those hills are planted with forest trees to shelter the garden from tho winds blowing from these quarters you have the best situation imaginable, not only for fruit-tree walls, but; for every other production expected from a garden. Let every one, then, who has the forming of new gardens study over the above remarks, and, if possible, choose such a site for the fruit and kitchen garden. Soil. — The next most important agent for the production of the fruits. Peaches and Nectarines, is the soil. This includes drainage, subsoil, and surface soil. In the coui'se of my expe- rience 1 have observed that all stone fruit, without any excep- tion, thrive best and are most fruitful in calcareous soUs. In the limestone districts of Yorkshire the Peach trees against walls, where properly attended to, are healthy and fruitful ; and round the town of Sherborne where limestone abounds, that excellent preserving Plum, the Winesour, grows in the hedges and bears profusely, and also the Damson Plum is still more common. Almost every cottage has its garden hedge formed of these excellent fruits. I mention these as a proof of my maxim that stone-fruits thrive best in the limestone diitricts, where the sub- soil is formed entirely of that material. Tlie garden at Womersley Hall, the seat of Lord Hawke, has a subsoil of limestone. There I served part of my apprenticeship to gardening, and there the Peach trees lived to a great age and bore fruit plentifully. Also near there is Byram Hall, the seat of Sir John Ramsden, and the garden is also similar to Womersley as to its soil. In that garden twenty years ago there was the finest Peach wall in the kingdom. I forget the length, but it was considerable, and eight trees completely covered it, not a sickly branch to be seen ; they were trained in what was termed the Seymour method, which I shall describe presently. Well, what does all this amount to? Why, that whoever has the opportunity should form his Peach-borders with soil containing calcareous matters. Let me, however, begin at the beginning. Supposing it is determined to make a Peach-border, either m a new garden or an old one, begin first by excavating the soil ; the necessary width for ordinary walls need not exceed 12 feet. In general, as a useful rule, let the border be the same width as the wall is high. Then as to depth, 18 inches to 20 inches will be amply sufficient. The width being set out, then cut a main drain deeper than the bottom of tlie border : this main drain should be built with bricks laid flat and covered with flags the exact size of the drain. It should be placed at the side of the border the farthest from the wall, then form transverse drains across the border. If the subsoil is wet these cross drains should only be 10 feet apart ; if moderately dry, then 12 feet or even 15 feet apart would do. Lay earthen tiles at the bottom, connecting them with the main drain in front : of course these cross-drains should have a gentle fall to carry ofi' the superfluous water ; next fill up the drain above the tiles with open rubble or scoriae that has had the smaller particles sifted out of it. Then, if it can possibly be procured, lay all over the border a layer of broken unburnt limestone. If this, however, cannot be obtained, then instead cover the bottom of the border with brickends mixed with rough pieces of Ume rubbish. This completes the drainage. — T. Appleby. (To he continued.) Chloeide oe LiiTE AS AN I>-SECTicrDE. — Dingler's "Poly- technisches Journal " says, that sprinkling beds of vegetables with even a weak solution of this salt efiectually preserves them from caterpillars, butterflies, mordella, slugs, &c. It has the same effect when sprinkled on the foliage of fruit trees. A paste of one part of powdered chloride of lime, and one-half part of some fatty matter, placed in a narrow band round the trunk of Jnly 1, 18G2. ] JOtJKNAI; OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. 251 the tree, prevents insects from creeping up it. It has ever been noticed that rats anil mice quit places in which a rjuantit}' uf clilorido of lime has been spread. — {Pra'iHe Farmer.) PEACH AND NECTARINE TREES FAILING. The leaves of the reach and Nectarine trees hero ore withered, and most of last year's wood is quite dead. Tbe trees were planted about six vears ago by my predecessor, who tied all the wood that {^rew on lliem each vear. They did not bear much fruit since they -n-ero planted. The border is a strong still' clay, and neurly level. — S. 11. 1). P.S. — Some of the trees are 3 feot deep in the border. [We suspect tbe trees were done for by the severe frost of 1S60 and 1861, and have been languishing since. We like to see every gardener do the best he can, but we have no eympatliy ■with any one dwelling on the deScieneies and shortcomings of his predecessor. We hope in this respect our brethren of the spade will become more noble-minded. There can be no question that such rellcoting is a professional shortcoming which resj eet- able men should guard against. If all the wood made was tied- in, we should form an idea of a faggot rather than of a bearing Peach tree. The winter, the stiff clay, and the deep planting are sufficient to account for the failure. You do not mean the stems of the trees being 2 feet deep in the border ? if so, they cannot thrive. Even the roots would be rather deep in such soil. A fresh border made at times would be the thing, and good drainage. If last year's wood is dead, the trees must be far gone. If, however, wood is breaking pretty regularly, we would, by stopping extra strong shoots and regulating the others, get what wood we could in good position, if it was determined to keep the trees, and raise them an;l plant in light sandy soil, in mounds, in the beginning of October. A little shading in bright days will insure the perfecting and ripening of the wood. If the trees are too far gone, light loamy soil should be got in readiness ; and if renewing tlie whole border would be too much, plant the young trees on raised stations, drain the border, and add a little fresh soil every year. If the frout jjart of the border is well trenched and ridged after draining and limed, it will get hghter ; but the roots should be kept well up.] CAUSING VARIEGATION. In answer to " An Old Showman's " first question, page 2.31, What would I have him to say ? I did not want him to say one syllable, but rather to show us how to make a plain-leaved Geranium into a variegated Geranium by some sleight-of-hand way, by which he said it could be done, and I think he said that he could do it. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing's variegated seedhngs are not to put an old man like me off the scent, nor will chaff avail a fox before my hounds ; he shall be run to earth, or to tlie very roots of his brush if he does not double about too cunningly. But to make the thing more easy than talking about it, I shall assume that my own view of it is perfectly wrong, and of no avail; and I again invite "An Old Showman," and those others who have given free opinions on the point, to tell us how to do the thing in their way, to begin afresh, but, at the same time, each of them to give us one sample of their view of the question, which sample we may prove ourselves b3' direct experiment. Anything of that sort, that cannot be proved by experiment, and come out tbe same way three times running, is not worth one straw more than the prophesy of Thomas the Rhymer, if even one-half so good. In one word, tell me how to "doctor" one out of one hundred of my own seedlings so as to "disease" it; and if I eau do it, and do it once and again, you sliall have an Arabian pony this time. — D. Beaton. Mean Tebipeeatube op the Am.— The Academy of Sciences has received a communication from M. Eecquerel, siiowing that there exists a va*t difference between the temperature of the atmosphere close to the ground, and that measured at an altitude of from 60 feet to 70 feet above it. The soil, its nature, colour, and the objects which cover it, all influence the temperature within the above limits. It had long been observed that vegeta- tion varies according to height, and that certain plants which cannot be cultivated iu the valleys will thrive very well on the tops of the adjoining hills. Often also frost will injure tho (lower of the Vine, and respect that of tlie Almond tree close by, which grows at a greater altitude. M. Martins, Director of the Botanical Garden at MontpcUier, has observed that Laurel, Fig, and OUve trees die away in the lower parts of his garden, but are spared a few metres higher up, though in both cases protected by the same contrivances. JI. Beequerel states that tho mean temperature of the air at the Garden of Plants during the year 18G1 increased regularly from 1 mitre to Sli metres above tlie soil, and this eirenmstauee has prompted him to endeavour to lis the altitude of wliich the temperature repre- sents the real overage at a given spot. He has remarked the curious fact that at six o'ldock a..m. all the year round the tem- perature is the same at any altitude not exceeding 21 metres ; six o'clock A.M. is, therefore, a critical period of the day, the temperature of which must stand iu a certain relation to that of the month or year, and this relation he expresses by certain co- eflicients which vary according to the different seasons, and reach their maximum in summt-r and their minimum in winter. These co-efficients and the mean temperature at six a.m. will determine the temperature of the air at a given hour and altitude. A FEW DAYS IN IRELAND.— No. 24. HAM WOOD. This picturesque residence of Charles W. Hamiltcn, Esq., is about twelve miles west of Dublin, some four miles from the station of Clonsella, on the Midland and Great Western Rail- way, and a mile and a half from the village of Dunbeyne. On calling on an afternoon at the seed warehouse of the Messrs. Dickson, Hogg, & Robertson, we were much taken with fine specimens of the white Globe Pomeranian Turnip, wliich seemed individually to be more than a stone in weight ; and Mr. Robert- son, as the seedsman, somewhat exultingly inquired if we could show a better sample in England. These Turnips from the farm of Mr. Hamilton added an additional incentive to visit Ham Wood, though there were plenty of reasons beforehand^such as the report generally diffused, that Mr. Hamilton was the most extensive breeder and tho most successful exhibitor of the Shrop- shire sheep in the country, that his own place was a little model of neatness, suitability, and comp ictness, combined with a stem regard to economy ; the question. Will such improvements pay ? never for a moment being lost sight of, to gratify any mere whim or hobby. And that thus from practice, as well as extended observation, he was well qualified for giving counsel to the noble- men and gentlemen for whom he acts as agent and friendly adviger, so that the improvements that are cairied on so exten- sively shall not only be substantial but remunerative. Add to all these that Mr. Hamilton is an enthusiastic gardener, as these pages already testify, fond of new things, without forgetting or losing reUsh for flowers and fruits that are old ; and that his entliusiasm is shared in by his excellent gardener, Mr. Langdon, between whom and his employer we can fancy many of these conversations about fresh arrangements and new combinations that leave such pleasant impressions behind them, and do so much to make toil a pleasure. The expectations cherished were fully realised ; and at the risk of being somewhat egotistical, we may be allowed to mention that on entering the nice library the first thing that rivetted our attention, and holding a pro- minent post of honour, was the whole of The Cottage Gak- DENEii, from the first to the last finished volume neatly bound. Gardening being chiefly our theme, to it we will first direct attention. As far as we recollect, the house well sheltered and seeming to stand in a level country, is somewhere about 300 feet above the level of the sea. The best rooms face the south, and the flower garden is placed on this front, a broad walk acting as a terrace, the west side being Hanked with tine Hollies and other evergreens, and the east with similar plants extending to a pinetum. The offices and kitchen garden are to the north and west of the mansion, and little or nothuig is seen of them from the ornamental front. Mr. Hamilton, well knowing the effect thus produced, took us to the upper principal rooms that we might look down upon the weU-iilled flower garden, and perhaps witii the excep- tion that the centre was rather dull, ami the beds there rather crowded, the uneommonncss of the grouping of the clumps and roominess of the whole, with plenty of grass t) give relief, pro- duced a very pleasing eU'eot. Tho wet spason in Ireland wa* much against flower gardening, and had a tendency to render the blue Lobelias somewhat grassy in tlieir appearance ; but the 252 JOUENAL OF HOETICTJLTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [July 1, 1862. generality of the beds were as bright in the middle of Sep- tember as if they had enjoyed the dry weather and the bright sun we were privileged with in Hertfordshire. Mr. Hamilton, thanks no doubt to Mr. Robertson, thanks in part to The Cottage Gaedenek, treated us so much less as a risiting gardener than an old friend, that there was no end to the comparing of notes and the free interchange of ideas on aU gardening matters ; and especially on everything connected with flower gardening. We found that in one thing, the shading of colour, and the mixing of shades, closely allied to each other, Mr. Hamilton had more experience and a finer eye for effect than we could boast of. On the other hand, we imagined we had clearer perceptions of contrast, and the importance of relative heights in forming groups, a matter often much neglected. The various plans that were decided upon as improvements, and all good, and yet laid aside for something more novel, if not really better, could not be detailed in a single article, and with illustrations not in a whole Number. We must content ourselves with a sliglit criticism of some of the prominent features in last year's planting, and also iii that which has been decided on and planted for the present year. In looking from the upper rooms of the house, the whole was very pleasing ; when looked at from the walk, there was rather too much levelness, and want of relief-points to the eye. In our first engraving, fy. 1, the centre of the group was the only lofty object, in the shape of a column of Ivy with a vase at its top ; and the principal part of the circle was devoted to a j rustic seat round the column. This gave a dull appearance to the centre, and the seat would have been better at the south side of the garden, shaded from the sun. The seat has now j been changed into a raised bed round the Ivy column, and is i to be filled with Tom Thumb Scarlet Tropseolum, which wEl come in well with the other planting, and serve to drape the up- right circumference. The two other circles in a line, marked 17, were filled with the low Baron Hugel Geranium — a good com- panion and contrast to the base of the four shells that were filled with C'erastium. This season, these circles are to be appropriated to tall pyramidal Fuchsias with an edging, and we are sure they will give relief ; and if 3, or some of the circles beyond had also been pyramidal, the effect would have been good from the walk or the grass, though not so striking from the higher windows. The figures marked 4, 4, with distinct and shaded colours of Verbenas were beautifully done, and so were the shaded Geraniums in Nos. 5, 5. @ (S) ^, ^ u« The four sheils in the centre, marked 2, are the most promi- nent features in the garden, and have cost the greatest amount of consideration from the proprietor. In 1861, though finely bloomed, the shells did not seem to be quite satisfactory. First, there seemed a want of balance as to sides, and a balance as to size and height. The first would be deemed a desirable thing by those who hate uniformity and balancing, and who, for the sake of variety, woald have every clump in a geometrical plan different. We think, however, this variety often leads to con- fusion and sameness. Any one can estimate tlie value of balancing, and see the uniformity in making 3 the central colour ; then diflijrent colours, but either the same, or the same shade in 2 and 4, and then others complementary or contrasting to those in 1 and 5. If these five separate beds in the one shell are the same in height so much the better ; if not, 3 should be the highest, 2 and 4 next, and 1 and 5 lowest. If great variety was the object, then there might be three lines of colour in No. 3, and so of all the others, the outer lines of each division shading or contrasting with each other. Thus there might easily be three or nine distinct colours in each shell, and a narrow band might go round the whole of a distinct colour as the setting of the jewel case — such, for instance, as Variegated Mint, Cerastium, Cineraria maritima, Gnaphalium lauatum, &c. The shells having been filled as follows, readers will judge for themselves as to balancing and lieight : — The circular end Cerastium, too low, and not good enough for the position. No. 1, Lobelia speciosa ; 2, yellow Calceolaria ; 3, Commander-in-Chief Geranium ; 4, Countess of Warwick ditto ; 5, Shrubland Bose Petunia. Then, again, the planting and management of these supposed shells were not so artistic as to carry out the leading idea. The shell was divided into five long beds, but there was no seen division between them ; nor was there any, but four small irre- gular pathways were left at the' wide end, alike to separate the colours there, and permit, we presimie, of ench bed being regu- lated. This latter was not indispensable, as Mr. Eobson's huge beds can testify. However, if a marked division was to be seen, it should have been in straight lines of Box or other material. We should have preferred showing no divisions at all, filling up the whole shell, showing merely the volutes at the circumference or wide end, and depending entirely on marking the five divisions by the straight lines of contrasted colour touching each other, and yet kept quite distinct. In carrying out such an idea, and the planting the shells separately or in pairs, either opposite each other or on the cross system, Mr. Hamilton thought of many modes which would have been very beautiful on the balancing system, whether each shell consisted of three or of nine colours. A happy thought, July 1, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OB nORTICULTUBB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 233 liowcver, struck liiiii— that this season he would plant the shells in cross bands, those baiitU being t-urvcd to bo in accordance with the volutes of tlie wide end of the shell. The bea\ity and interest of these curveil lines will be seen just in proi)ortion as the plants shall be trained to oeeupy the sharp angles in ouch curve. Without that a curved straight circular line would have the same eli'ect. As shown, the figure is more artistic. In either case much of the interest will deptud on the training, and that, again, in choosing plants that will Ht into each other not onlv as respects coloiu*, but height. Many combinations were under review, some, wo think, better than those decided on j but they had to be given up for want of the sufficient number of plants, &c. In all of them the cu'cular end of the shell was made more telling, and ot a more iiniform height with the bed than last year, and in most cases a low edging surrounded the whole shell. As good examples of arrangement of Mr. iramilton's, not, however, carried out, we may instance the shells Nos. 1 and i, in cut 2. In both the base of the shell was to bo fdled with crimson Geraniums of a dwarf character, such :i3 Ncwhi, and a border round that, and all round tl\e shell of Golden Chain Geranium, which would give a brightening, charming effect to the whole, and make the bands of Lobelia a brighter blue by being separated by the yellow leaves from the grass. The Ageralum nanum, and the I'crilla, would be the only things that would need much training. The planting was to bo as follows : — 1, Imperial Crimson ; 2, border- ing Golden Chain ; 3, band of Golden Chain ; 4, Agcratum, dwarf; 5, Rose Queen Geranium; 0, I'erilla; 7, Cerise unique Geranium ; 8, A'ariegated Geranium ; 'J, Lobelia speciosa ; 2, Golden Chain baud. In jig. 2 — 1, is Geranium Newlii, and the plants are repeated, i except 5 was to be Geranium Christine, and 7, Commander-in- Chief. No. 3 in the above represents one of a pair of shells as planted this season. No. 1 circle. Imperial Crimson Geranium ; 2, band of blue Lobelia ; 3, band of Crimson Imperial Geranium con- tinued ; 4, Golden Chain Geranium ; 5, Ageratum nanum ; C, Christine Geranium ; 7, Perilla ; 8, Commander-in-Chief Geranium ; 9, Countess of Warwick ; 10, Blue Lobelia. The match bed has Newlii for Imperial Crimson, and Mangles' Variegated for Countess of Warwick. No. 4 is one of the other pair of beds, or shells, and is thus planted — 1, Hackness Geranium ; 2, Seneeio, new crimson ; 3, Golden Cliain; 4, Brilliant Geranium; 5, Perilla ; G, Age- ratum nanum ; 7, Trentham Rose Geranium ; 8, Flower of the Day Geranium ; 9, Lobelia speciosa ; 10, border of Variegated Alyssum. Mr. Hamilton has promised to tell us how he likes the plant- ing ullimately decided on. For the present, though we some- times place the blue Lobelia against grass, we are seldom satisfied with it, as it wants a bright season to make it bright enough. We prefer much the edging of No. 4, even though it gives some trouble, as we expect the Alyssum wdl in cutting, as it will grow stronger than the Lobelia, but it will stand any amount of cutting or pegging. In another year we should expect the number of bauds to be lessened. We wiU now glance at the general planting shown opposite. The pair 3 are planted in three bands— centre Perilla, next Yellow Calceolarias, outside Lobelia speciosa ; 4, 4, Verbenas, chiefly shaded, but the broad corners divided into distinct colours; 5, 5, shaded Scarlet Geraniums ; G, 6, Yellow Calceolaria, with broad band of Purple King A'ci-bena ; 7, Prince's Feather, and Love-Ues-bleeding ; 8, 8, crescents, raised beds, elevated by stakes of Larch of equal size, and thus forming by their eleva- tion alone a fine feature in the background. These are planted with Scarlet Dahlia in the centre, a band of Verbena venosa, and an edging of Cerastium tomeutosum all round at the top of the stakes intended to hang over and drape them. We are sure this will have a fine effect in winter, early spring when in bloom, and all the season through. The stakes meanwhile might be covered with Sedums or Ivy. For such elevated telling beds Punch Geranium might have been better than the Dahlia, though the latter, if early, wiU look well. 9, 9, Salvia patens for centre, and surrounded with Verbena venosa and ^ •"'legated Alyssum mixed, which we are sure will be charming ;_ 10, 10, Gazania splendens ; 11, Spitfire Geranium ; 12, Beaton s btella, more appreciated in Ireland than even iu England ; 13, Lady Plymouth Geranium ; 14, Beaton's Variegated Nosegay ; lo, 15, 254 JOXraNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 1, 1862. Mrs. Miller Geraiiiam ; 16, a nice finish for the place, wiien -we saw it, radiant with Trentham Rose Geranium, this season it is supplied -with little circles inside filled with Lobelia, and various colours of dwarfish Geraniums ; -whilst all the spaces between the circles, and round the outsides of them are to be carpeted with Cerastium tomentosum. Two years ago we did a good deal in this ground-colour-carpeting style, and we prophesy that this bed will not be the only one at Ham Wood. It is hardly necessary to mention any little differences on the other side of tlie garden. What pleased us greatly, was not only the general success, but the deep inter?st taken in the arrangement of each bed. We do hope that this will be truly an exhibition year at Ham Wood, and that the pleasure from success will repay the thought and labour involTcd. R. Fish. PRUNING CLIMBING VEEANDAH PLANTS. Should not a Honeysuckle and Jasmine, growing up a trellis under a verandah, be pruned at some time of the year, to prevent their running up and making a quantity of new wood above the trellis without blooming ? — Notice. [When a climber of any kind, indoors, or under a verandah, or in the open air, puts forth strong young wood above or beyond the trellis or limits of the space allowed for that plant, and this new wood does not bloom like the tops of your Honey- suckle and Jasmine, pruning does more harm than good, because pruning will only and in every one instance aggravate the evil — that is, pruning a " proud " plant under the conditions is the most sure and the most certain way of keeping it from blossom- ing. Your Honeysuckle and your Jasmine would load the air all round your house with their fragrance, if you could give each of tliem five or six times more room than they now have, and then train over that space all the medium-sized shoots, each of them made in a season ; cutting clean out every puny little shoot as soon as it was from 4 inches to 6 inches long, and also stopping every gross shoot that was much bigger than the rest when it was 4, inches or 6 inches long, getting two ordinary shoots from the cut part instead of one extraordinary shoot without stopping ; and any shoot that was large, or little, or middling, if it crowded that part of the plant, to be cut clean out from the branch as soon as one saw the crowding. But, as in this little island we have not room for one-tenth of the climbers with which we are charmed, and whereas we cannot afford sufficient space for the tithe of them, our people have invented a process which hinders most plants from growing away so fast ; and unless you can afford more or rather much more room for your Honeysuckle and Jasmine, you must have recourse to that process which consists of baring the roots all round and 2 feet from the stem, and then severing every large root and one-half of the medium-sized roots just as the top shoots have been servi'd above, only that the cutting-away of the large and larger roots is done 2 feet from the stem, and all the very little roots are left to provide for the tops till the cut roots make new ones to help them. But, like bleeding, it needs to be repeated occasionally, or as often as proud growths con- tinue.] SUMMER PRUNING OF GRAPE 'VTiNES. At a meeting of the Grape and Wine-Growers' Association of Northern Ohio, on the 21th ult., Charles Carpenter, of Kelley's Island, gave the following as his method of summer-pruning ; — " The many directions given for summer-pruning Grape Vines are enough to bewilder the novice, if not those of some expe- rience, and I hope, in attempting to elucidate, I shall not further mystify the subject. As a general rule, prune as little in summer as you can, and not let the Vines get so thick as to cause any of the leaves in the thickest places to turn yellow, or deprive the fruit of plenty o'" light and air. The winter pruning should be more severe than is usually done. The vineyard culture, where 40 or 45 superficial feet of land are allowed to a Vine, from thirty to forty eyes to a Vine for bearing are plenty for most varieties. Never leave over one bud or joint per surface foot of land where the soil is favourable ; and where it is unfavourable, the Vines should be planted further apart, and a less number of eyes for a given surface left. " Now, if tlie winter pruning has been properly done, but little will be necessary in summer, and should commence early by removing water sprouts, superfluous buds ; and whenever from short-jointed canes, or too close training of them, there will evidently be too dense a mass when grown, thin out a part. " As soon as the fruit is set, select the shoots for the next year's bearing, which should be grown on spurs on the lower part of the stock, and trained as much as practicable aside from the fruit and above it, and have the laterals picked out for 3 feet or 4 feet, so as to have a clean cane for next year, and keep the Vine open near the fruit. Beyond this remove no laterals, nor stop the ends of their canes. " Some of the fruit-bearing shoots, particularly those near the ends of the canes, will incline to make too much growth ; these may be stopped at from three to six leaves from the last cluster of fruit. Of the fruit-bearing shoots, except those near the ends of the cane, but few will need stopping, if there is a full crop of fruit, and proper attention is given to tying-up so as to keep the growth spread and open. Always endeavour to prevent growth by stopping ends and removing buds, rather than to cut away after the growth is made. " In all summer pruning and tying-up, care should be taken that fruit grown in the shade should not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun. If the shade under which it has been growing is removed, it will surely be injured, if not spoiled. " The best Grapes are always grown in the shade of the foliage- They require light and circulation of an-. Those grown under the direct rays of the sun are smaller, harder pulped, and inferior to those grown where they have considerable protection." — (Frairie Farmer.) THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW AT BATTERSEA PARK. It is impossible to speak in too high terms of this truly grand national display of what must ever prove the primary source of the riches of a nation — its agricultural products. In no other country have these been so fully developed as in Britain; in none has ingenuity of invention been combined with such an amount of mechanical skill in constructing means for reducing the soil to subjection ; and in none, too, do the great mass of the people take so lively an interest in farming matters. Select- ing a spot within sight of the Houses of Parliament and of the International Exhibition, this great and useful Society has succeeded in gathering together, from all parts of the country, a more extensive and varied collection of stock aud implements' than has ever before been seen ; and what redounds scarcely less to the Society's credit, the whole is arranged and classified in such an admirable manner, that any article in the catalogue, however small, can at once be found. The Show has proved a complete success, both Suancially and as a means of giving a just idea of the present advanced state of British agriculture, both to foreigners and our own countrymen. In the miscellaneous department Messrs. Lawson & Son exhibit a most extensive and interesting collection of cereals and grasses, including all the principal varieties both ornamental and useful, accompanied with samples of their seeds, as well as those of agricultural roots. Occupying the centre of the stand there are in pots upwards of 140 of the beet nnd rarest species and varieties of Conifers, among which were several of the new Japanese kinds, such as Sciadopitys, Retinospora obtusa, pisifera, &c. They have also wax models of various kinds of Peas, Beans, and Eohl Rabi. Turnips would likewise have been shown in the same way could room have been spared for the large number of varieties which had been prepared. Some fine stalks et a new kind of Rhubarb, called the Scottish Champion, which is said to be greatly superior to the Victoria in every respect, were also shown ; and numerous coloured plates from the " Pinetum Britannicum," and " Jardin Fruitier du Museum" were hung in different parts of the stand. Messrs. Gibbs & Co., of Half Moon Street, had likewise an extensive collection of seeds of various kinds, and dried specimens of cereals and grasses, together with roots of Red and Yellow Globe, Long Red, and Long Yellow Mangold, White Belgian Carrots, and Kohl Rabi in a remarkably good state of preserva- tion for this advanced period of the season. Messrs. Carter & Co. had also a good exhibition of seeds of grasses, roots, &c., with numerous specimens of the former and coloured rejjresentations of the latter, as well as growing samples- in pots. But as striking a feature as any was a large box or tray of Spergula pilifera in beautiful verdure, which, when we visited Sydenham a few weeks ago, hid been recently planted for tho purpose of exhibition here. Julj' 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTIAGE aARDENER. 255 Among the implements, lawn-mowers were present in great force and variety from the usual c^hihitors, but differing nothing from tliojio wliich have been ah'eady frequently noticetl in our pages. In one machine the eogs, apparently for silent, easy working, were of brass ; and Green, of Leeds, had a new kind of chain, tlie outside links of which were made to come down like a llange over the cog wheel, which they were intended to clasp so as to prevent slipping off. Garden rollers came from the same exhibitor. Amies & Barford, and several others. Garden chairs were also to be seen in great variety ; a number of excellent ones being exhibited by Messrs, J. B. Brown & Co , from wliom there were, in addition, several very ornamental cast-iron vases. Seats and chairs of good construction were also shown by Picksley & Sims ; Barnards, of Norwicli ; Dray and Co. ; Mapplebeck & Lowe ; Haywood, of Derby, and some others. Reynolds, of Now Compton Street, has one of jron, the bottom wrought in imitation of cane j and a good assort- ment of wire baskets, trellises, flower-stands, &e., similar to those shown at the International and Royal Horticultural Society's •exhibitions. In hot-water apparatus, the only contribution worthy of note was from Wood & Tomlinson, of Altrincham, consisting of two tubular boilers — the one of a horizontal, the other of an upright description. The principal peculiarity of these is the form of the tubes, which are scooped out on four sides, and rounded at the corners, so as to expose » greater surface to the action of the fire. The firebars are hollow ; in the horizontal boiler, cylindrical ; and in the upright one, of the regular furnace-bar shape J and in both cases the return passes in at the bottom by a syphon bend. They are said to bo very economical of fuel, and powerful in their action. Messrs. Warner & Sons have a fine display of hydraulic appa- ratus of various kinds, including pumps, garden-engines, &c., •which demand no particular description here. We also saw a water and liquid-manure distributor from Mr. Baker, of Compton, near Newbury, consisting of an iron barrel containing 180 gallons, mounted on wheels, and which is light, neat, well-fitted for the purpose for which it is intended, and very cheap. It would prove useful for watering approach-roads and extensive lawns. From the Hurlford Fireclay Works were several garden vases of that material, combining an excellent appearance with a very trifling cost, and which would just meet the wants of the large class of persons having small villa gardens admitting of such decorations. There were also wall copings, paving tiles, and garden-bordering of various descriptions, some of the latter being ^f a very good design, but ugly colour, together with feeding- troughs for cattle and poultry and numerous other articles of an agricultural character. The St. Pancras Ironwork Company have a specimen of Scott's glass walls, already noticed fully in a report of the International Exhibition. Sir Joseph Paxton's watering-pot is shown by Thomason, of Hounslow, and garden netting by Cullingford ; besides wliich there arc numerous exhibitions of wire-fencing, and various kinds of ironwork, which need no particular mention here. THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. (Continued from page 239.) Of meteorological instruments there is a goodly display, con- tributed by Negretti & Zambra, Adie, and other eminent makers ; but it is unnecessary to enter into descriptions of such familiar instruments as barometers, thermometers, and hygrometers, the principles on which these are constructed, and their mode of action, being well known, whilst as to their comparative accuracy no opinion can be formed by mere inspection from the outside of a glass-case. To do more would require lengtliened trial and careful comparison in a place much less subject to Tibration than the galleries of the Exhibition building. As a barometer adapted for scientific observation, or, in fact, any purpose, the standard instrument of Negretti & Zambra is certainly one of the best, and it is procurable at a cost little ex- ceeding that of the imperfect wheel barometer, which, if not made with extraordinary care, is liable to derangement, and is useless except as a " weather-glass." In Negretti's instniment the scale terminates in an ivory point, which, when a reading has to be made, is brought down to the surface of the mercury in the cistern by working a tangent screw. As soon as the ivory point and its reflection just touch each other, the vernier is ad- justed to the top of the mercury in the tube, and the height of a column of mercury equivalent in weight to the pressure of the atmosphere is read off to a five-hundredth of an inch, subject to correction for the capillary action of the tube and the expansion of the mercury by heat. It will thus be seen thnt no correction has to be made for capacity of cistern as in instruments with fixed scales, which is an advantage, by saving calculation ; but it is doublful to us whotlier this advantage is not more than counterbalanced by the necessity of making two adjustments — tliat of the ivory point to the surface of the merciiry in the cistern, and that of the vernier to the surface of I ho mercury in the tube. These two adjustments cannot take place simul- taneously, and in the interval, however short, which may elapse between the two a change may take place in the pressure of the air ; tlie ivory point and its shadow might be no longer in contact, and, consequently, the true height of the mercury in the tube at that particular moment of observation would not be read off. The same exhibitors have also a standard maximimi ther- mometer, which has been found to act very well. Instead of the extreme highest temperature being marked by an index pushed forward by the mercury, as on Rutherford's principle, a piece of glass or enamel is introduced into the bend of the tube next the bulb, and which acting as a valve permits tlie mercury to flow past it when the temperature increases, but does not allow it to return when it becomes colder. Thus the extremity of the mercury in the tube always marks the highest temperature. To readjust the instrument, it is merely necessary to lower the bulb end. Without venturing any opinion on the merits of the instrument as compared with those on Rutherford's principle, which are also exhibited, we may state that they have been tried at Kew, Greenwich, and other places, and that they have given great satisfaction. In connection with the subject of self-registering thermometers we may state our regret that so few reliable observations on maxima and minima temperatures have been kept ; for such are far more useful both to the horticultm-ist and the meteorologist than the readings of the ordinary thermometer made at a par- ticular time, and actually involve less trouble. To be told that the mean temperature of a place is — say 50°, will afibrd but little idea of the vicissitudes of temperature to which vege- tation is there exposed ; but if known that in winter the ther- mometer stands frequently at zero, in summer at 1(10°, that the day temperature of certain months is so much, that the night temperature is so much, a tolerable approximation may be made to the true character of the climate, and productions of that par- ticular spot. We also noticed in other cases what were termed agricultural barometers, shown " merely as weather-glasses," by which we presume no great accuracy was implied, and some of which would cost half as much at least as a really good instrument. Adie, of London, exhibits an ingenious self- registering barometer, the invention of Admiral Sir A, Milne, which by a clock and float working an arm to which is attached a pencil, traces on a diagram lines indicating the height of the barometer at par- ticular hours ; and from R. Adie, of Liverpool, we find a con- servatory hygrometer, in which the warping of a slip of wood is made to indicate the moisture or dryness of the air on a scale beginning at very damp, and ending at scorching. The principle of this, however, is not novel. Before quitting the British portion of the Exhibition, we must notice the large case exhibited by the Liverpool Committee of Imports. It contains samples of all tlie varied importations which are made through that great commercial centre, com- prising cottons, wools, bread-stuBs, sugars, teas (from the com- monest to the finest), coffee, rice, arrowroot, spices, drugs, gums, minerals, dye-stuffs, &c., together with specimens of 180 sorts of wood. Most of the articles exhibited are accompanied by a com- parative statement of the quantities imported during the last ten years, and an account of the sources from which these supplies were drawn, and the uses to which they are pnt. We have now briefly reviewed the Exhibition in the British department, but from the immense number of articles displayed, and the additions and changes of position whieli have from time to time taken place, several have no doubt escaped our notice. To any of such that merit particular notice we shall revert on a future occasion, and we shall now proceed to examine the colonial departments, which, though less rich in examples of manufac- turing skill, are particularly interesting by the raw products which are there displayed in profusion. i_To be continued.) 256 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTtmE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 1, 1862. DESTEUCTION OF SMALL BIRDS— A PLEA FOE THE SPARROW-SHOOTEES. A Kentish farmer, in the South Hastern Gazette, sajs, " Having noticed in your paper some account of the ravages of caterpillars, &e., attributed to the destruction of small birds, I should like to state my opinion on the subject. I am now using a farm where, I am ashamed to say, there are thousands of Sparrows and other small birds. There are also as many cater- pillars and different kinds of insects as in any part of Kent ; and but for the constant use of soot and water X should have had my fruit trees entirely stripped both of leaves and fruit. I am informed by many large fruit-growers that small birds are their greatest pests, and they have to thread their Gooseberry trees to keep them off in January, as well as to employ a man to shoot them. " As an agriculturist and fruit-grower myself, I believe the way of farming in this country is to grub up all the hedgerows, and thus do away in a great measure with birds, and also with rats and mice. As to moles, I should very much like any one who speaks iu favour of them to have twenty in his garden, so that he might understand the nature of them. A farmer must not depend on moles to destroy the wireworm ; that must be done by ploughing and good cidtivation." [The above, sent to us by a correspondent, we insert because both sides should be heard, and because the above is a fair ex- ample of what the slayers of small birds say. Perhaps more in- conclusive reasoners could not be encountered. Admit that there are many small birds on the farm alluded to, and many cater- pillars too, yet even " A Kentish Farmer " could not believe that there would not have been more caterpillars if there had been fewer small birds, in the face of the fact that small birds feed their young ones on caterpillars? Some caterpillars there are which birds will not touch ; and others which they will not touch when grown large — but that does not refute the demon- strated truth that they collect such caterpillars as those which feed upon the Apple and Pear blossoms. There is but oi)e course sanctioned by common sense — scare the birds from the ripening corn and fruit, and let them live to help the cultivator in destroying insects at other seasons of the year. — Eds. J. OF H.] HARDY FLOWERING PLANTS. Beebebis aueahuacensis (Aiirahuacan Barlerri)). Nat. Ord., Berberidacese. Zinn., Hexandria Monogynia. A half-hardy, sub-evergreen shrub, with straight, erect branches, hearing leaves of two kinds — the lower ones cordate, with a long petiole ; the xipper ones obovate, elliptical, tapering to tlie base, coriaceous, wavy, with a few marginal spiny teeth near the end, and very glaucous on the under surface. The flowers are a very deep yellow, drooping, and grow in compact racemes. From New Grenada, near the village of Aurahuaco-Taquina, in the Sierra Nevada, 9000 feet above the sea, near the snow-line. In- troduced to Belgium in 1847. Flowers in summer. Pentstemon cordipolius (Heart-leaved Fentstemon,) . Nat. Ord., Scrophulariaceft. Linn., Didynamia Angiospermia. A pretty half-shrubby hardy plant of spreading habit, having downy stems. The leaves are small, green, shining, cordate- serrate. The flowers grow in large, leafy, one-sided panicles at fk2^ the end of the shoots ; the calyx is covered with glandidar hairs ; the corolla nearly an incli and a half long, the tube almost cylindrical, the upper lip straight, the lower lip three-parted ;. colour, a " rich dull red.'' Suitable for rock, hanks, or against a wall. From California, mountains of Santa Cruz. Introduced in 1848. Flowers from June to October. THE CONSTRUCTION AND HEATING OF GARDEN WALLS. No horticultural erection is so generally met with as garden^ walls, and nothing so frequently shows the want of proper care. Walls may be built either of brick or stone, as is most convenient in the locality. Bricks are generally preferred, but their supe- riority in radiating heat is not so great as to be worth ineurrmg extra expense, for stones make a wall fit for all purposes re- quired, if care he taken by the masons to make proper joints, and they are not permitted to fill up with large seams of mortar, which fall out the fu'st winter, leaving crevices capacious enough to shelter an army of insects, sufiicient to eat all the fruit. The objects of a garden wall are specifically twofold : first, protection from radiation during the absence of the sun, by which excessive cold is avoided. Dr. Wells' experiment on dew illustrates this. A thermometer, protected by a handkerchief held horizontally,, was found, by repeated experiments, to be from 4° to 6° higher than one openly exposed on a grass plot. This is the con- servative power of the garden wall, and it is one of great im- portance; for the greatest radiation takes place during calm, clear nights, and may be so much in excess as to produce frost ten months in the year in our climate. The second object of the garden wall is accelerating vegetation, by increasing the tem- perature of the atmosphere in which the tree grows. When the wall is heated by the rays of the sun, it, in common with all heated bodies, radiates its caloric in ratio to the square of its distance : thus, if at 1 foot from the wall we have the power of 1°, at 1 inch we have a power of 144°. The reflection of all the unabsorbed rays of the sun, impinging on the surface of the July 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 257 wall, increases tlio temperature of the atmosphere considerably. Tiiis power I will term forcing. That it may be as oflleient as circumstances will admit of, the coping must only project 2 inches over the top of the wall, that it may not prevent the rays of the sun falling on the trees, but at tlic same time he Bu'lllcient to protect them from rectilinear radiation by night. Scale ot t^et. I t I I I t= t i 5 t s c SECTION OP A nOT-AIE STOTE CHAMBEE, AND FLCES TOE HEATING A GABDEN WALL. ff. Furnace. 6, First iron pliitp on which the fire acts. c. Second iron pl:ite. rf, Brick arch. e, Air-holes, opening into the hot-air chamber. /, Hot-air chamber. «7, Fine, communicatinor between hot-air chamber and flue A, /i, Ac. A, Flues in the interior of the wall. V, Door to slide open when it is desirable to accelerate the circulation of the air. ft, Soot-door and damper. U Door for removing dust from the bo'tom of the hot-air chamber, The heating apparatus, beinp placed below the ground level of the wall to be heated, is, as much as is practicable, situated at the lowest point of the ground level of the wall. The furnace i» bricked (>», n\) that a supply of the coal may be coked, thereby reducing the consumption of fuel, and lessening the attendance requisite. The air in contact with the plates i, r. being expanded by heat, will flow into the chamber/, coming into contact with colder air there, it will acquire a rotatory motion, retaining a tendency to ascend in ratio to its rarefaction, and in consonance with which tendency, it will fiow along the flues h, as indicated by the arrows. AVhen the heated air is found to circulate sluggishly, in consequence of its peculiar electric condition, sliding open the door i, will accelerate its cir- culation- Ti:e conservative power is often aided by canvass, nets, straw, or Spruce Fir branches. Of these, canvass spread by night, and removed by day, is the best for increasing tlie forcing power, which is imperatively necessary; for Peaches and Nectarines, in cold, cloudy seasons, when they make late growth, are badly ripened — that is, they are unproductive nest year, which often ends in the lotal destruction of the tree by canker. If the wall is flued, and fire heat is introduced by smoke, these ilues are un- fortunately found in practice too difhcidt to clean, and, conse- quently, draw badly when damp or foul, from their great length and necessarily lortuous course. Hot-water pipes have been used with better elleet ; but the expense in procuring and fixing them has prevented their use in a general \\ay. The method of heating that I recommend, with hot air, is one which may be eil'ectedat no more expense than flues ; and, how- ever doubtful may be the propriety of introducing air, deteriorated by passing over a highly heated sui'face, for the supply of animal and vegetable organisation, in this case it can be productive of no evil, being merely introduced into the interior of the wall. In height, the nail should not be under 8 feet, from the ground level to the coping ; but 10 feet will be found the most useful height for general purposes. Where the area of the garden is ilat, the appearance is much improved by raising the wall, on the north fide, a foot or two higher, carrying tlie rise round the north-east and north-west angles, and finishing with a cavatto or turret, in character with the architecture of the place. Not that I would recommend too much architectural display, to which fitness and propriety are frequently sacrificed by architects and builders ; but the style of architecture adopted in the mansion, ought to pervade its appenilngcs, or a bizarre and mean apiJeai'oncc will be the result. Tims, on the simplest i)lan, the garden doors should be stipported by a couple of pilasters or pillars engaged. But where Gothic architecture is adopted, a buttress may be made to support each angle, adding both to the beauty and utility of the wall. A coping is essential to the preservation of the wall from the effects of weather, at the same time it much improves its ap- pearance. One of the most simple and eillcient that I have seen is used by Mr. Walker, Preskilly Gardens, Petubrokeshire : this is made of slate flags, a couple of inches thick, bevelled ofl' to three-quarters of an inch at the edges, and projecting 2 inches on each side. These projections, as before stated, greatly enhance the conservative power of the wall. Training is gene- rally eifeoted by nailing with shreds, but is attended with this evil — the wall, after a few years, becomes so full of holes, that destructive insects, such as earwigs and woodlice, find ample shelter therein. It has, therefore, been attempted to remedy the evil by fitting wires along the face of the wall, on which the trees are trained. Unfortunately, in this case, a space intervenes betwixt the trees and the wall, where the heated au- escapes at the small angle of divergence, in consequence of the greater lightness, caused by the rareflcatiou of the air, while the constant flowing-in of the "denser and colder air to supply the place of that escaped, produces a current which completely destroys tho forcing power of the wall. I, therefore, come to the conclusion, that the only eligible mode o( training trees, on an open wall, is by nails and shreds. For the purpose of destroying the larvai of insects, I mix quicklime, as for whitewash, adding an equal quantity of soot, so as to make a thick wash. With tliis I wash over the walls and trees every winter, at the time when I unnail and train them. This, with attention to pointing the walls with good cement, when they require if, will keep them in good order. — P. Walkee. — {Gardeners' Magazine of Botany.) A MOLE TEAP. A PIECE of half-inch board, 6 inches long by 4 inches wide, through whicli four holes are bored near the four corners, and one in the middle. A piece of half-inch hoop-pole is spht, the ends pointed a little, and so bent as to fit in and appear as the two pieces marked A, A. Another forked piece, of the same or smaller material, is cut, and one end round-pointed, so as to fit in the central hole of the main part of the trap, as E; C is a piece of stout twine, to which are attached pieces of very fine copper wire D, D. Each of these two sides of wire is double, and is, wlien the trap is set, opened out and led along inside the wooden loops A, A ; E is a common wooden peg, of which four are necessary to set the trap ; their use is simply to keep the board to the ground, against the upward force of the bent spring stake r. The trap is set level with the ground, in a "run" of the mole, taking care to disturb the run only enough to allow the loops A, A to enter it. A mole passing through the run, has to go through the loops, and in its passage has to scratch away the fork B, when the struig c is allowed to be forced upwards by the sjjring F, drawing up, at the same time, the wires i), r, between wliich and the board the mole is caught. Sloles are far less suspicious of these wooileu traps than thoy are of cast-iron ones. The chief art is in choosing the "runs" m which to set the traps. In soft ground, a mole would as soon make a new run 258 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. [ July 1, 1862. as use an old one ; but as they usually return to banks and dry places to rest, a " run " through hard ground, between their resting-places and their "hunting-grounds," generally makes sure work of them. "I LOVE THE BIRDS, BUT I LOVE THE CHEEEIES TOO." As you are taking up the cause of the poor little birds, and as many would preserve all the cock and hen Sparrows in the country, I thought I would give your readers the benefit of nearly four years' experience — that is, if there be any benefit, on this truly interesting subject. " Live and let live " is undoubtedly of Divine origin ; but then, again, all creatures are given to man for his use, and if he will only employ sense and not temper he will seldom go far wrong. These were my ideas, and are now, when I first came here — one of the most beautiful spots in Surrey ; and in order that the remarks which follow may be fully understood, I will in part describe the place — ray house and grounds. We are a mile from the village, no house nearer than 500 yards. On three sides of my grounds there is a high plantation and shrubbery, on which during the season you can always find from six to ten nests. I have never disturbed them, and unless the Jays, the Cuckoo, Night Hawk, or some such enemy pay them a visit, they always hatch out and fly. At different times I have taken a nest of young birds about four or five days old, have put it into a wire cage so that the old ones could feed their brood, and have seen with pleasure the immense quantity of wireworms, slugs, grubs, &c., brought in. I say "immense;" for on some days we have found at the bottom of the cage as much as a quart pot would hold, and these were the insects that the old birds could not put into the young ones' mouths. Now, if we take the average of one dropped for two swallowed, we see how much a single pair do. On another occasion I sat and watched a Wren feed her nestlings. Every minute she came in with some insect. In a quarter of an hour that I watched she had first a spotted white moth, then a small butterfly, then a dark grub, then some kind of fly, then came a small worm or cuterpillar. I could not tell which. 02" she went again, and again some insect. How long I should liave sat watching I cannot say, as I was called in to " my grub." So often have I seen birds catch insects that I thought they, the birds, were an unqualified good. Even the tale of the Swallow eating bees I did not believe, for I have seen a bee chase a Swallow, not uiit) of the white-tailed fellows, but those that have two long feathers in the tail, as you may see at times a small bird chase a Hawk. Cock Sparrows became friends. Now so much for the good birds do. I have now in my garden a great many G-ooseberry and Currant trees stripped of their leaves by the caterpillar. I have also plenty of Sparrows' nests ; but Sparrows must be like human beings — when they have plenty they care not for that for wliic'.i, if only given in part, they would hop for joy. Never a caterpillar will they eat ; but as soon as a Pea-pod swells, or one side of a Strawberry ripens, at that they go. The Blackbirds are as bad. I have driven out four at one time from a small bed of Straw- berries, 17?r yards by 6 yards. All this year I never have had a ripe whole Strawberry ; I get plenty of halves and bits. Now, the birds will not eat the caterpillar. Up to the present time I let the birds have the first crop of all tliey chose to take; but I have now such a stock of birds, that it will be all first crop and no second for me. I have not a Raspberry. They even eat the ripe side of the berry, and wait till the other side ripens, and then come again ; and as these chaps come at two in the morn- ing, even Mr. Fisli, who could never have been " a six o'clock man," would not match them. Now, what are we to do ? "Live and let live?" Do the birds follow this golden rule? Wasps, I believe, kill more caterpillars than birds. Can you, and the combined talent of 162, Fleet Street, help us ? Will " D. B." give us his aid ? " D., Deal," will say, " Birds are not florists' flowers ;" and the " Devonshiee Bee-eekpeb " cannot be expected to interfere. The only conclusion I can come to, is to have a machine that will fire a gun every hour, half-hour, or quarter-hour, or even every two hours, and to put it in the garden. Will this do ? I have taken into my confidence a working clockmaker, and we got out a thing that would "shoot-ofT; " but as he has not time to work for me, and not knovring another mechanic, I will give you the plan as well as I can on paper, and if any of your readers liare a mind (o fry, I will aid. The cost will not be more than £1 or 30s. We first took eight pieces of stout iron gas-pipe, inch bore, and 3 inches long ; fixed this on to a wheel, and there we stopped work, but not thought. However, this piping was to have had a gun-nipple screwed on to one end, whicli end was, of course, to be closed by a smith making it hot and welding it together ; then we were to have a clock movement to turn the wheel round, and, at certain times, a spring was to let fly a hammer which would fire off a barrel. The movement would be similar to the striking movement ; the whole to work with a cord and pulley ; also a pendulum as a clock, and by raising or lowering the ball on the pendulum, the rate of movement would set going the machine in half-quarter or eighth time. In short, it was a "hybrid" between a revolver and a Dutch clock, or a cross between a Yankee and a Dutchman. My practical friend said there was " no difficulty in making it, but that he had so much to do that he could not make the toy." Well, if it was made would it scare the birds ? They soon become familiar with all kinds of guys, and build in old coats, hats, &c. Tell me, you learned men of Fleet Street, can I have fi-uit, and Peas, and also birds ? — X. [Nothing more easy. One or two live old women or old men for scarers, during the Pea and small fruit season, will save the crops and the birds at the same time. Boys and girls cannot be trusted implicitly ; and the best wax figure from Madame Tassaud's would soon be a rest instead of a terror to the winged marauders. — Eds. J. of H.] ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The June Meeting of the Entomological Society was presided over by the President, who announced that it had been made a special one, in order to proceed with the election of a Member of the Council in the place of Dr. Knaggs, resigned, when Mr. Stainton was unanimously elected. Among the donations re- ceived since the last Meeting was the very excellent memoir on the late Professor Henslow, by the Rev. Leonard Jenyns, just published, a truly worthy record of a good man. A copy of the fine work, by Jacquelin du Val, on tlie " Genera of European Coleoptera" was also on the table purchased by the Society. A note was read by Mr. Barton, of Lymington, on the sudden appearance of a yellowish dust on the leaves of plants in his garden, which he thought might be the eggs or excrement of insects, but was pronounced by several botanists present to be the pollen of coniferous trees. Professor Westwood exhibited a dry collodion plate, commu- nicated by Mr. Ormerod, on the coating of which, composed of gelatine, collodion, nitrate of silver, and tannin, considerable devastation had been committed by Blatta orientalis, the common Cockroach, the action of the jaws being visible in several places. The Professor also mentioned other instances of insects attacking chemical preparations. Mr. Waterhouse exhibited two small but rare British Beetles, Scraptia nigricans (Stephens), taken on rotten Oaks, and Tri- chonyx aulcioollis belonging to the family Pselaphidee, both taken in the neighbourhood of London. Mr. Reading exhibited Pentarthrum Huttoni (Wollaston), taken at Plymouth in a cask made of birch staves with hazel hoops. Mr. W. F. Kirby exhibited a very rare and beautiful Moth from India, Brahmsea Hearseii, white ; and Parnassius clarius from Asiatic Russia. And he read a paper on the specific difference between Colias Boothii and C. Hecla; also, a description ofCono- nympha Mandave, a new species from Polish Ukraine. The President exhibited specimens of a very remai'kable species of Ant from Mexico, Myrmecocystus mexicanus, the abdomen of which is very large and inflated, and which secretes a kind of honey sold in the market of Mexico, and which makes an agree- able liquor. A somewhat similar kind of Ant liad been sent from Borneo by Mr. Wallace, which the President had described under the name of Cremalogaster inflatus. In this species, how- ever, the honey-Hke secretion is discharged from the metathorax and not from the abdomen as in the Mexican species. A paper by Mr. E. Newman was read, entitled "Tarieties versus Hybrids," in opposition to Mr. Faraday's paper read at the May Meeting, and which Mr. Newman appears entirely to have misunderstood, supposing Mr. Faraday to have maintained July 1, 18Ga. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULXnEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 259 that I'eniarkablo varieties occasionally obserTed were hybrids bettveen distiuct species, instead of being the produce of two varieties of the one and the same species ; llr. !Faraday con- tending that wliore bolh parents belonged to the same variety, or to tlie type of the speciea, t)ie progeny would follow the parents. Experiment and direct observation of facts could aloue prove or disprove this assertion. Professor AVestwood gave an account of the diireront collec- tions of insects and insect produce contained in the International Exliibition, and which were of two kinds — those consisting of geographical coUectioTis of insects from dill'eront localities, and those containing illustrations of the habits or economic applica- tion of iubcctc. In tiie former series were especially to be noticed tlic collections from Guiana (containing a new species of Paussus), Adelaide, and Natal ; and m the latter the illustrations of silk-producing Moths formed by Mi-. F. Moore (in the Indian dopartmeut), and by M. Giu-rin-Mcnevillo (in the French de- partment), tile latter containing illustrations of the now Japan AilanthuB SUknorm ; and a remarkable collection of specimens illustrating tlie insects injurious to agriculture, horticulture, timber, ike., in the Kronch department. Mr. Waterhouse read a paper entitled, " Observations upon the Nomenciatiu-e adopted in the recently-published Catalogue of Hritisli Coleoptera, in opposition to the Remarks of Dr. Schaum contained iu a paper entitled ' On the restoration of Obsolete Names in Euiomology.' " This controversy is of general interest, as it involves the propriety of taking up the eailiest-published name of a species which may have happened to have been over- looked by subsequent dcacribers or monographers. THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF MAURITIUS. I KATE never yet seen anything to compare with the floral glory of this island, eitlier in tlie beauty and abundance of the dowers, or in their astonishing gorgeousness. I have seen others as fragrant and delicate, but none so rich in tints and colours, and none of such magniKceut proportions. It seems, indeed, that every form of vegetable life liore is ambitious to be a iiower, and is a iiower, from the tiny plant, and Vine, and dwarf shrubs, up to the tall bushes and stately trees. The roadsides, even in the wildest and most rural districts, are bordered with beautiful forms of vegetable life ; and when you leave the road you plunge into tlie wilderness of (lowering plants, through which it is bard to make your way ; and the mean bamboo huts of Coolie, Indian, and Malay labourers and apprentices, as they are called, who by words :)f misrepresentation and fraud are imported here to the number of twelve thousand a-;car, and having worked for almost nothing, are in the end cheated out of even that, are fairly | embowered in flowers, and perfumed with what is sweeter than incense. I cannot give the names of the different flowers, wild and cultivated, wliich adorn the island, nor would the character of tliem be. understood fi'oin the name if it were given, since a great part are indigenous to this island or others iu this intertropical latitude. I will mei'ely state in illustration, that no less than one hundred and fifty varieties of the Rose are cultivated in this little island. i I had visited the botanical garden at Cape Town on the Cape of Good Hope, and seen much to admire, though it covers only half a dozen acres, but which are covered with a forest of all the ] rare trees of Southern Africa, with its plants and flowers. Erom j what I was told by gantlemen of Port Louis, I could not doubt [ of a higher gratiflcation from a visit to the botanical garden of Mauritius, far more ample in its dimensions, and in which a great part of the vegetable and floral wonders of the tropics had | been collected, while the Government had made more liberal I outlays in preserving and adorning it, and the Superintendent, | wiiose life had been devoted to it, was celebrated for his good taste as well as for his care and fidelity. It was, therefore, with pleasure that I received a poKte invitation from a gentleman to accompany him in his own carriage in a drive to the garden, which is eight miles distant from Port Louis, and in the neigh- bourhood of the reputed graves of Paul and Virginia. So bright and early we were on our way, resolved on making the most of the day. Tlio road iay through a charming part of the island, being in a high state of cultivation, and crowded like a bee-hive with the difierent-coloured races who make the labourers. The island is ju^t within the tropics, and therefore luxuriates and blossoms in an everlasting summer. Ilcrc fields wave with the tallest and rankest corn, a young forest at least 15 feet or 18 feet liigh. Some fields are ripe for liarvest, the long pendent cars glittering in the sun ; others arc densely crowded with juicy green stalks in the stages of adolescent Ufo, while in other directions arc seen young crops shooting up from the naked soil. Thus cro]i succeeds to crop in uninterrupted succession, the one almost taking hold of the other, and pushing it along to find room for itself. There are some immense fields of sugar cane, some estates or plantations embracing from three thousand to four thousand acres ; thus a dense forest is annually created and annually destroyed, into which the eye cannot pene- trate— one great jungle for wild beasts, did any live upon the island. Here and there heavy dark piles of buildings are seen rising in the centres of the plautitions, with their chimneys shooting up above the rank vegetation and oven the trees. These are the sugar mills of the estates, and are generally propelled by steam. Back from the road at a small distance, and always embowered among the trees and flowering shrubs, may be seen, in the luxuriance of the foliage, the fine houses of the planters, which are approached through high gateways and over smooth and wide carriage-ways, and fine pathways lined with shrubbery and flowers. Palms, Palmettoes, Bananas, Aloes, some of them 30 feet high, the Cocoa, the Shaddock, and other luxuriant trees, with tall, straight, and graceful shafts, border each side of the road wherever you go. Amidst this array of natural beauty, which no art or ex- penditure in our country can equal, are seen and encountered crowds of the degraded coloured races on the roads in a con- tinual stream, going and returning in all directions, bareheaded, barefooted, barelegged, and often utterly bare, except the small domain covered by a rag about the loins. Mingling sights of natural beauty and human misery and degradation I At length we approached a village called Pamplemousses, from a fruit-bearing tree growing in the vicinity in great abun- dance, and which is also known by the name of Shaddock. Here is a wilderness of the most luxuriant vegetation which the eye cannot pierce, and above which it can hardly rise. Three or four roads centre here in an open area, in the middle of which rises a large stone Catholic church. A short distance from the church is the Botanical Garden. Twice we called at the house of Mr. Duncan, the Superintendent, to obtain his assistance as our guide and cicerone^ but without success, as he, too, had gone to his church to participate in the services of the occasion. Near to the house I observed a picturesque little lake, the work of art and taste, over which a flock of ducks were sailing and sporting, apparently sympathising with the spirit of the day. Not bo, however, with their predecessors, if not their progenitors, as I afterwards learnt, and whose tragic history I must give your American readers. Mr. Duncan had stocked his tiny lake with a large number of beautiful ducks, and which, in addition to "personal beauty," had other attractions for Mr. Duncan, their owner and master. At length, to his deep regret and sore amazement, he observed a rapid diminution in their number ; for as he and his children gazed upon their gambols upon the water, strangely to him one plunged beneath it, and, though it was not in gxtrgite vasio, it never rose again ! Unable to account for BO strange a disappearance of his pets, he at last resolved to di'ain his pond, when at once the mystery was solved, for at the bottom of tlie lake lay a monster eel, which might almost be taken for a veritable sea-serpent. There he lay, splashing, and twisting, and wriggling in the mud and water, and decidedly uncomlbrtable in his position and prospects. He was not leas than 8 feet long, with a corresponding circumference, in whose capacious maw was found the last of the extinct flock of ducks. The monster was slaughtered, the waters turned back, and the ducks flouri.shed again. At length we (bund the botanical garden — a grand forest rather than a garden, and in territory a good sized farm, instead of a small plot of ground merely sufficient for a few vegetables aud flowers ; for the botanical garden of Mauritius covers not less than forty acres. I entered the gateway ; I walked the magnificent avenue ; and, stretching my eye along as far as it could reach, stood silent, amazed, and wondering, in the un- known, unimagined, and undescribed wilderness of vegetable and floral glory before me. To study it, to comprehend it, to describe it, was altogether out of the question, and I could only wander here and there as fancy and accident directed, and gaze, and enjoy, and, when weary, sit down upon some grassy mound, or by the side of the bank of a little lake, or under the shadow of some magnificent Palm. Wide gravelled roads run from one end to the other, crossed by others at right angles, while walk* 260 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 1, 1862. are opened here aud there bordered with flowers and over- shadowed by trees, while bizarre pathways steal around the lakes and into the wilderness of trees and shrubbery, which it was almost perilous to follow. Small artificial lakes are constructed with admirable taste by letting in the water of a brook which runs through the grounds, and tiny islands again are constructed in the lakes, trees shooting up from bank and centre, and giving all the appearance of natui-e. The principal roads, or walks rather, for carriages and horses are not permitted to enter, are lined by tall and graceful Palms, planted at regular distances, which, as seen from end to lend, resemble the rows of pillars in an ancient church or an old heathen temple. Nothing could be grander, while there was added all the freshness of life and the truth of nature. In some of the walks, whose width is most ample, the luxuriant branches, spreading out 40 feet or 50 feet high from the naked trunks, reached across the way, and inter- twining twigs and foliage made a vast and beautiful arch, which no art can equal. The sun could not penetrate it, the heat in Tain sought to pour itself upon the earth ; it was midnight beneatli at noon, and cool aud moist within the burning tropics. Such flowers, so large and so fragrant, and of such tints and colours! I plucked some, and carefully preserved them, and yet they have faded and all their glory is gone. Such shrubbery, all covered and bending with flowers! Then "the Traveller's Tree" was pointed out, of which I had never read or else had forgotten, which a kind and wise Providence had provided for this burning climate, and which, with a small gash, gushes out with delicious water. And there is the Dragon Tree, which sends out blood by a light incision in the bark, and you feel guilty as though you had killed a human being. Port Louis, April, 1862.— {Boston Traveller.) WOEK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. The weather is now most favourable for planting-out good breadths of various sorts of vegetables for autumn, winter, and spring use. Broad Beans, a few Mazagans may yet be put in, which will produce late in the season if the weather prove favourable. Broccoli, Cape and Grange's may now be planted where the early Peas have been gathered, and also the Walcheren Cauliflower, which may be made to aUbrd a supply from the end of October till Januaiy. Cabbage, sow a little more seed imme- diately if the sowing recommended last month has failed. Cher- vil, another sowing to be made for succession. Dwarf Kidney Beans, make the last principal sowing. Earth-up the advancing crops. Endive, continue to plant-out a few about once a-fort- night to keep up a succession. Another sowing to be made. Leeks, transplant ; they are the better for being earthed-up hke Celery to the depth of 6 inches. Barslei/, make a sowing now to insure strong plants before winter. Peas, earth-up and stick advancing crops. A few more may yet be sown, which will come into bearing if the autumn weather prove favourable. Top the tall varieties, as they are growing very rampant this season from the prevailing moisture. Continue to sow Lettuces, Radishes, and Salads of all sorts, according to the consumption. Tomatoes, keep them nailed to the walls or wooden fences ; thin also or stop their shoots frequently, as they require all the sun pos- sible to produce good crops of fruit in our climate. Vegetable Marrows, these plants will require a pretty liberal supply of water during the contmuance of dry weather. Stop the main shoots to cause them to throw-out laterals. Hoe in dry weather between all crojis in rows, if they are not mulched with short grass or litter, to kill weeds and to loosen the soil around the plants. FLOWEE GAEDEN. Attend to the greenhouse plants now placed out of doors. See that the worms do not effect an entrance into the pots. Attend to the routine of tying, stopping, &e., as we may pre- sume the prmcipal planting-out for the season is now over. The usual routine of pegging-down plants intended to be kept dwarf, tying others up, and keeping the surface of the beds free from weeds until it is covered by the growing plants, will require frequent attention. The Roses to be well staked, the shoots disbudded and stopped, and the roots mulched or supplied with liquid manure according to the state of the weather. Budding to be commenced on all stocks from which the bark will rise freely ; and such as are more sluggish in their circulation to be excited by a copious supply of liquid manure. Carnations and Picotees to be layered : this is done by cutting through the second or third joint, bringing the knife about half an inch up the centre of the shoot, making a tongue ; the small portion of stem beyond the joint is cut back to it, and when pegged-down in the soil, which sjioidd be fine and light, it will soon emit roots. These plants require a good supply of water during the time they are in bloom ; but it is necessary to be cautious in not overdoing it, for if too much is given they will assume a sickly appearance. If any of the pods appear likely to burst on one side they must be eased by slitting each division of the cup with a thin piece of ivory sharpened at the point. FEUIT GAEDEN. Vines on the open walls still require rubbing off' the useless shoots, naUing-in those that are useful, and thinning the Grapes. Currants and Gooseberries require all the watery useless shoots to be thinned-out. STOVE. As many of the principal plants of this house wiU now be in the conservatory, advantage should be taken of their absence to encourage the plants for winter blooming — sucli as Aphclandras, Begonias, Eranthemums, Euphorbias, &c.; and a batch of Achi- menes picta and Gesnera zebrina should be started for the same purpose. GEEENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOET. Should these structures require repairs or cleaning, the stock may be removed with greater safety at this than at any period ; it is injudicious to leave the completion of such work until late in the season. Proceed with propagating such things as are required, and attend to Violets and Pinks for autumn potting. Roses and other plants in pots to have liquid manure occa- sionally, as also Lily of the Valley. All plants which have done blooming to be cut-in and vegetated preparatory to starting for new growth, and remove the decayed flowers and seed-pods before they exhaust the energies of the plant by perfecting their seed. PITS AND FEAMES. Stock for autumn and winter blooming will now require some care to get it sufEciently forward to be useful at the proper time. Chinese Primroses, especially the double varieties, if at all back- ward, should now be placed in a cold frame, and shaded from the sun, when they will be found to make satisfactory progress. Cinerarias for early blooming sliould also be potted and started at once, choosing the strongest suckers for the purpose, and placing them in a close shady frame until they have been rooted. Examine young specimens that were potted early in the season, and shift at once such as require more pot-room. W. Kkane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. As soon as the weather cleared up have been busy hoeing-up weeds, and in other cases where thick, pointing them in. It saves much labour to cut them up and leave them on the ground, when they are not more than 1 inch or a little more in height. A sunny day then soon does for them. Threw a little salt among Asparagus. Earthed-up Cauliflowers to prevent the wind knocking them about. Staked Peas after forking-up the ground near the rows, alike to let in air and keep the moisture from too freely evaporating ; will mulch with short grass if hot weather sets in, and give them a little manure water besides. I notice that a good many of the cut-up sets from Sea-lcale that had been forced have rotted tliis season, showing that, in all cases, and especially in wet seasons, it is safest to stick the roots thickly m sandy soil, and plant only after they break, as already inti- mated. Those from unforced roots are more sure, and the smaller roots, between the size of a quill and the little finger, are the surest of all. On the whole, however, I like seedlings best, and wliere much is wanted a piece should now be selected for seed, and the otlier flower-heads cut away, otherwise the crowns will be inferior. Find plenty of pieces coining up in the ground from small roots left when the crop was taken up for forcing, which seems to show that roots much forced are not so much to be depended on. Sowed Feas, which, with the exception of a few of the earliest in July, will be the last for the season. Find that this season that good Pea, Dickson's Favourite, sown with- out any helj) has only been three days or so behind the Early Frame, and in quahty and bearing there is no comparison. We shall not get a fii'st-rate Marrow fit for table until July. Earthed- up some Potatoes on the sides of a raised bank, which were planted July 1, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTC'RE AND COTTAGE GARDJiNBE. 201 eliiillow on acoount of tlio weather being damp, and the soil -n-ct. I notice answers to correspondents, as to Jlr. Keane advising to earth-up, and the not earthing-up being followed by a greater crop. I could not say tliero was tlio diirerenee of a fourtli there spoken of; but there was so much difference tliat in fine, dry, liglit soil we coiUd plant from G inches to 8 inclies dee]!, and not eartli-up at all. But in still', wet soil wo would plant more shallow, and carth-up, and for two reasons. ITirst, If not earthed-up the Potatoes get so near tlio 8\irface as to be greened, aud thus are unfit for table, whatever tlieir quantity ; and, secondly, in such wet seasons as this, the rain instead of sinking into tliem, is taken past them, especially if (here is any dicline. I notice some planted on the tops of ridges, with trendies l)etween them, as lately recommended by a correspondent ; and tliougli tliey show for a largo crop, a alight earthing hero and there will be required, in order to cover tliose that are cropping out to the surface. In wet seasons, too, those on the flat are more subject to the disease, so far as I have noticed. I say this nuieh as confirmatory of tho principle, that cireumstauees often sliow reasons for altering treatment. Both plans are right according to these circumstances. Gardeners must often do the best with what they have ; it is no use being contented with saying that such and such treatment would make the land better, and be ii saving of labour afterwards. All right to say so, and get it if possible ; but not to get careless aud inconsiderate when it is not done.* FfiUIT GAKDEN. Proceeded with regulating fruit trees ; protecting from birds ; syringing in houses— as orchard-houses, night and morning — to keep off the red spider, and watered with manure water as needed. So tar ae our little experience goes, feel convinced that much may be done with fruit trees in pots in small places, and where a little labour is not grudged, llad some small Cherry trees in March sent from a nursery in a bundle without a particle of earth about the roots, and from two of these, the Imperatriee Eugenie have had a dozen of nice dishes since the beginning of June. One out of the dozen is sickly, threatens to go, but will get hospital treatment. Some others have not given us any fruit, but most have ripened. Will ripen a few to tell us what they are, and if true to name. Of course they had a little more care than being merely jammed into a pot. I feel sanguine that next season they will produce heavily. They are under glass, with abundance of air night aud day, tlie pots partly plunged in the earth, and I incline to keep them there. Would Mr. Kivers or others of more experience tell if it would be an advantage to place them out of doors in the autumn, and how and when ? The leaves are large and fine on the stopped shoots, and I think fruit-buds are ab-eady forming. MELONS. So many try Melons after their bedding plants, that, to save room, I will here answer a number of inquiries as to treatment. In a fine season most of those generally grown will ripen well if strong plants are turned out in stifliBh loam after the middle of June with the protection of glass only, as in hot days little air need be given if the heat is not above HO". The seasons are so uncertain, however, that it is preferable to use a little bottom heat, such as from grass and litter if it can be got. In such a case there is little necessity for the material being sweet, if you cover all over with from 15 inches to 18 inches of soil, and that 8oil is 15 mches from the glass. Now, in the case of beginners, I would advise using two or three plants to a light instead of one, as the management is more simple, aud you are likely to get the fruit set more equally. From six to eight fruit in a liglit 7 feet by l feet is a good crop. If the kind is a pocket Melon of course you can have quantity accordingly. Now as to stopping and training. We have had a good deal of trouble from new comers not understanding our plan, and stop- ping and nipping the shoots as they would do a Cucumber : I win, therefore, try and make my simple plan as clear as pos- sible. It is based on a series of facts or, rather, observations. First, that in general the Melon bears most freely on the third shoots that the plants make ; secondly, that the fruit swells most freely when the plants are strong, before these show fruit ; thirdly, that once a fruit seta and swells on a plant it is almost use- • ^Ve quite agree with Mr. Fish, th.it where the tuhers are so nciir the surface as to be exposed to the light, it is desirable to draw over them a little earth, not more than an inch deep. Whether earthing-up is more needed on a heavy scil we do not know, as we never had to grow Potatoes on a soil so unsnited for them; but as Mr. Fish says it is so, our readers may safely accept so good an authority.— Eds. less to try and get another fruit to set and swell before that first fruit is ripe. Now then for the simplicities if possible. Tliere is a seedling Melon plant a few inches in height, and growing up, upright as a young Oak : that is tho primary shoot ; but as we neither eat the shoot, nor use it for timber, we pinch the top terminal bud out. This will cause a shoot to come from the base of every leaf left ; these are the secondary shoots. To make matters simple, we sliall only keep two of these ; though if a plant was to fill a liglit we would prefer four or six. Well, we select two, and all the others, wlicn an eighth of an inch long or so, wo nip out clean from the axil of the leaf wilh the point of a penknife. The two little incipient shoots left, will soon begin to grow rapidly. Tli--' plant is turned out into the middle of the beJ, and we train one of these secondary shoots to tho back, and the otlier to the front, no stopping of these shoots yet, mind ; but as they grow, nip out the bud in the axil of each leaf, but not hurling a leaf, to the length of 15 inches or 18 inches from the collar of the plant. This prevents the third, or tertiary shoots coming until the plants are strong. Then nip out the point of the secondary shoot, leaving about four joints, from the disbudded part and the stopped point. From each of tliese joints the tertiary shoots will come, and will gene- rally show fruit at the first joint ; stop at the joint immediately above, and treat in the usual way. By this mode little pruning is necessary ; the plants arc strong before they are allowed to show fruit ; the fruit comes into bloom on the plant almost all at once ; and, if too many set, it is easy to thin them out. I believe that tliose who try this mode will give up tho everlasting stopping, and treating Melons much as they would do Cucum- bers. If people were to be paid for novelty now-a-days I might expect some patent of reward, as I believe the plan waa originally my own. Lately in some contemporaries I have noticed it advocated ; but it is many years since I practised it and recommended it. If I can learn a better and more regular and simple mode, I shall be glad to hear of it. ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. Much the same as last week. Mowed lawn ; switched part with daisy-knife, with which a man can do four times as much as he could do whh a scvthe, and with half or less than that of labour. Regulated and planted rough rockery ground. Uoed all the flower-beds we could get at, to break the crust and destroy the weeds, keeping all rakes locked up. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *^* We request tliat no one wiU write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solety to ITie Editors of the "Journal of SorticuUure, S;c.," 162, Fleet Street, London, lE.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poidtry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answ-ered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separata communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Camellia Cdlture (/. .V.).— See page 220 of the cuiTent volume. If the wood is made, and tbe buds formed, give them mote light in the greenhouse, abundance of water, and give them more Vight out of doors, if removed there. The drymg-up will not do at all, it is apt to make buds drop, as well as elongate. Perhaps you do not comprehend the exact state of your plants. Melons Failixg Off (X P., J/KnU).— We question if there is anything to correct. Nature is doing what you should have done in the thinning way. Twelve ^voA, fair-sized fruit are enough for such a pit, 12 feet by 6 feet. We presume your heat is sun heat, if not, from CS" to 70° is hot enough at night. If more, leave a little air on to reduce it. In fact, a little air at all times will help ynu, especially in such heat. Dapuse Leaves Decaying (A Cheshire Subscriber).— Sach leaves will always be found on Daphnes, on g:owing afresh, lor like other evergreens they then shed a few of their older leaves. If there are many such, it shows tlie plants have been too dry and cold, or, what is more likely, have been waterlogged on swampy soil from deficient drainage. If so. examine the roots, and if the soil is bad and swampy, drain well, put in a smaller pot, using sandy heath soil and Bbry loam, and set the plants where you can keep them close, shade from bright sun, and syringe the heads frequently. As they break and grow inure to more air and sun by degrees. CELEEr Roots (B. IF.).— We never trim them, but move each plant with a trowel. Tlie avoidance of any check to the growth of the l'">"" '' ""? necessity in growing fine, crisp Celery. The Bianthuses you mention are both haidv. 262 JOUKNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COITAG-E GARDENER. [ July 1, 1862. Chloride of Lime {J. S. S. W.). —You will see an extract in our paper to-day relative to the strength of the solution for killing insects. Warington's Aquahium (i. L. 5.).— The ghips is fixed into Uie zinc by the white and red lead mixture. Zinc has no injuriou-^ effect upon fish, nor has either white or red lead after It has become diy and hard. To make assurance doubly sure, yon could varnish over the metal and the white or red lead before puttin^^ in any water. Gardeneks' HooesCIF^. T. F.).— \Ye do not see an) thing iu your com- munication but what Jlr. Fish has said. Mildewed Roses [J. A. P.). — We fear the mildew has progressed too far to be much subdued by Uowers of sulphur. Mulch the surface of the soil about the roots and give liquid manure freely two or three times a-week, and not too strong. If you adopt this precaution earner next year you will not he troubled with mildew, probably. The lierberisjaponica is likely to do better now it is less shaded. Vine Leaves Rough on Under Surface (D. Moubrat/). — It is not a disease, but a consequence of the excessive activity of the roots. These planted inside the house in a border soil of " 2 feet deep of i ich loam, cow- dung, and half-inch bones," supply sap to the leaves faster than the latter can expand, the parenchyma of the leaf consequently swells, and acquires the ■warty appearance so frequent in suth cases. It will not injure the Vine, and as the organic refuse in the border will decrease annually, sn will this appearance in the leaf. A little less water to the roots, and a little more moisture in the air of tiie house will also diminish it. Ice-house [A Novice). — There are about twenty communications on this subject in our last volume, giving directions for making ice-houses and ico-stacks. We have not a single new buggeotion to make. Rose "John Hopper" (i?. Ward, the Rosurij, Ipswich). — We consider this to he a first-rate Hose, of magnificent habit, raised, as you say. between Madame Vidot and Jules Margottin, it bears traces of both pjrents, and somewhat resembles Pauline Laazezeur. It is, however, much fuller, of a different shade of colour, and more cupped in shape. We consider you veiy fortunate in having produced so fine an English Rose. Let the Floral Cum'- mittee see it. Ants and Nettles in Grass (Ants aiid Xet ties). —T^ie ants can be de- stroyed and driven away by perseveringly sprinkling gas lime over their haunts. The Nettles can only be destroyed by forking-out the roots, and mowing-off the tops as fast as they appear. Pond or Cesspool Mud (Jtiem).— Mixed with loam it may be employed without any fear for forming your teiTace-border ; in fact, it would be an enricher, and would well suit Roses. Excrescences on "White Thorn {W. ^nr?oio).— We have seen similar excrescences before, but have been unable to determine either their nature or cause. However, though they appear on tlie bushes one year, it is not certain that tlu-y will do so in the year following. Insects (S. C). — The caterpillars sent as infesting the Apple trees, were dead when they reached us. We can only, therefore, conjecture that they were the larva; of the Winter Jloth (Cheimatobia brumata), which had gnawed round the stem of the flowers. A solution of hellebore (1 lb. to 4 gallons of water) will kill them.— W. Out-of-doors Fernery {M. Z>.).— This idea, the design, and the execution of it are all in the right direction ; but the principal part— the really prac- tical part— is not touched upon, and whether Ferns will live there or not no one can tell, or even guess from the data given. If the roots of the plantation are not excluded entirely from running into the newly-loosed soil in the made banks, they will occupy every inch of it before this time next year, and no Fern Irss strong than Osmunda rcgalis will do the least good in it, and the more cocoa stuff is pat into and over the soil for the Ferns, the more greedily the roots of Elms, Oaks, Ashes, and other trees will run through and t]irotiglt it, and the less fit it Mill be to sustain a fernery. But suppose no tree roots can get into the banks ot this fernery, no place could be more suitable for growing a choice collection of Fenis, and no stuff is one-half so good for mixing with tlie native soil for Ferns as the cocoa-nut- fit) re refuse fresh from the mills. The mat-manufactories do not have it all. The oldut it is the better to mix wiMi sandy soil, and the newer it is tlie better for heavy lands, and tlae age makes no difference lor Ferns. The best an-ange- ment would be to keep all the low-growing Ferns down near the bottom, and to have all the kinds in each genus kept together, the medium-sized next, and iu the same way, and the commonest and t'lllest all along the top. and you will find all the kinds fully described by Mr. Appleby in former Volumes. Muscat Grapes Spotted {T. Z*. B".].— The roots are not sufficiently active to supply the sap required for your very vigorously growing and well- loaded Vines. Remove the soil from over the roots and substitute for it some light loam mixed with a little well-rotted dung, all warmed to about 90°, and water with weak liquid manure of the same temperature. If the roots are outside, cover with a tarpaulin at night and during cold or wet weather, but uncover during bright sunshine. Iron Window Casements (ir'D COXIAGE OARDENEB. 2C5 THE PRESENT SEASON FOE BEES. In the neiglibourhoocl of Exeter, and I believe iti Pevou generally, the season for bec9 is about the worst, up to this period, ever Uiionii. Towards the close of May, we had a week or ten days of very good honey-gathering weather ; but, since then, bees" have been living on their stores. A hive, which on Juno 5th possessed a considerable (luuntity of sealed honey, I found on the 22nd in a starving condition — bees King about in hundreds, attempting to kill their drones, but almost too weak to accomplish it. A bottle of food was supplied them, and taken up in a few hour?, to their very evident improvement. The queen is a Ligurian, substituted for the lawful head of the colony — a miserably small black (jucen, which was at least four years old. The new queen bad tilled a great portion of the combs witli eggs, most of which had shrivelled up from the incapacity of the bees to hatch them out. I should say that the hive is a nnicomb, with a large population and many scaled royal cells, which were commenced prior to the introduction of the new queen, and have been giadually matured since. The bees deserted the upper combs, where this quantity of abortive brood and eggs is situated, and congregated towards the lower part of the hive, even clustering outside. Kept in the country at some miles distance fcom my own home, I was unable to "see what was going on; but those who noticed it attributed the cause to the probability of a swarm benig about to be thrown of!'. It was not until I was able to see for myself that the true cause was suspected. A number of dead and dying bees on the ground ; a small cluster of very weak ones outside ; the upper combs nearly deserted ; the queen travelling in a very apathetic manner over the lower ones ; the royal cells but scantily guarded by the workers, and apparently unnoticed by the queen ; all presented a picture lamentably dillerent from that which I had seen on my last inspection of the hive. The bees in the apiary, more immediately under my own eye, had been liberally fed some days before, with manifest advantage. With respect to artificial queen-raising, the season is sadly against us, and herein I am sure "A DEVOUSniKE Bee-keepee" will fully agree with me. Some hives, in which I commenced raising artificial queens on Jlay 16th, have as yet remained queenless ; numbers of cells having proved abortive, or the queens being lost during their usual flights in search of drones. The reports from Kingsbridge, further south, generally a fine honey district, have been even more lamentable, and it would appear as if the bees had had a hard struggle for bare existence. Swarms are few and far between, and working in a super — a thing unheard of. Here we had some rare work done in supers for a short time, though much of the honey has been since gradually removed, all work being suspended, so that we have not had so great cause to complain as our Kingsbridge friends. Should the weather now become settled, we have a chance of picking up a little, and supers pretty well furnished with combs may be completed ; but, on the whole, I fear it will prove one of the worst seasons we have known for ten years past. — S. Bkvan Fox, Hxeter. SWAEM NOT WORKING— WAX-MOTHS. I HAVK a Bwarm which has now remained for a fortnight hanging on to the side of the hive, exactly in the position which they took the day they were hived (June 8th). During this time they do not appear to have moved. For the first week I left them to themselves, but this week I have fed them a little with honey and sugar in hopes of rousing them, and thinking also that they would become weak ; and since doing so a few bees appear to go out for food, but I can see no signs of comb- making. Ought they to be fed or not ? And in what way can you account for this sluggishness ? The next hive has nearly filled a large glass during the time that this swarm has been sleeping away the days, so that the weather will not account for it. Can you also tell me what is the best plan for getting rid of moths in hives ? — M. H. [You cannot do better than continue feeding, as the recent unfavourable weather may have had something to do with such unusual idleness. ShoxUd this not set matters right, there is probably something wrong with the queen, and in this case adding a small swarm to the beea already in the hive will prove an etfectual remedy. With either bar or frame-hiyes the wax-moth is readily extir- pated by examining every comb separately, and cutting-out any damaged portions, which the bees at tliis season will readily replace. In common hives no remedy can, wo believe, bo applied by the apiarian ; but tlie probability is that tlie bees themselves, if strong and vigorous, will succeed in expelling the intruders.] DEATH OF A QUEEN-HYBRID BEES— AND BEES AS CHEMISTS. I SEND a dead queen which I should like " A Devonshire Bee-keei'er" to dissect, as I think from her appearance she is a virgin. As she led off my best swarm on the i;)th of June, she sliouUI, of course, have been an old one ; but may have been a similar case to that of your Devonshire correspondent on the 4th. I am anxious to know, as on the 15th at five o'clock the bees became very uneasy ; so umch so, that I was satisfied there was something wrong with the queen or queens. My first thought was that she had taken flight on the 15th and got destroyed, and then that it might be a similar case to the one above referred to — that two had issued with the swarm. Of course these were only thoughts, as time proved ; for, on Monday morning (16tb) at seven o'clock, they brought her majesty from the hive, dead, and then commenced the return of the bees to the parent stock, where they were well received. I kept a few to strengthen an artificial swarm, with wliich they united peace- ably. Jlany say that bees will not return to the parent stock after leaving with a swarm, but this case proves the contrary. They bore pollen up to noon on the 15th ; and, on examining the guide-combs which they had secured and added to a little, I found five cells full, and every available cell full of honey and syrup. The result of the investigation will greatly oblige, as it may upset some of our preconceived notions. I also enclose a few crystals from the hive mentioned in page 37, which I should be glad to have examined. I have had three swarms ; and, as the weather is likely to take up (we had the first summer day since the first of the month yesterday, and to-day, the 17th, splendid), I expect them every day for a fortnight to come. I am looking for Mr. R.'s Italians every day, and shall very much like to see " the cloth of gold " upon a bush myself, as it is very likely I shall do if at home. I saw them yesterday, and there are now some splendid young ones coming out. Tlie hybrids * vary much. The first that made their appear- ance I could not see any difference in, and then a fortnight after came some very good marked ones, and so on at intervals since. — A Noetu Lancashiee Bee-keepee. [The box had been opened before it reached me, and all the crystals had disappeared. Fortunately, the dead queen, which appeared to have been a fine one, remained behind. I dissected out and examined her spermatheca, and found that she had been impregnated, so that there can be no doubt of her being the old queen. The cause of her death can only be guessed at. It does not appear that any eggs were deposited in the cells, which would probably have been the case had she been uninjured, and I should therefore surmise her death to have arisen from some accidental injury received in hiving, but not immediately fatal. I shall be glad to receive some of the sugar crystals from the hive to which you allude. It will be more satisfactory if they are accompanied by a few crystals of the same syrup before it was supplied to the bees. Both of these shall then be subjected to examination and comparison under the microscope, and the result reported by — A Devonshiee Bee-ksepeb.] DRONE INFLUENCE. In the Number of the Journal for October Sth, ISGl, my friend Mr. Woodbury related a very remarkable instance, in which a young black queen was impregnated by one of his Ligurian drones, at the distance of two miles in a direct line from his apiary. He also stated that he had preserved her life and given her to me to place at the head of a colony, to see what would be the result. This I succeeded in eU'ecting, and a rare breeder she has proved herself. Some time since I removed more than half of the brood-combs from the hive (a large ten- framed one) : subsequently, every comb, save a newly-formed • These are the offspring of a black queen bee which I presented to the writer last autumn, and which had been Imprepiattd in an apiary a mile distant by my Ligurian drones.— A Detossbibe Bke-keetbu. 266 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK. [ JiJy 1, 1862. one, was taken away, and all the bees, an immense number, eliaken off to form a swarm to begin the world anew. A large proportion of the bees were very decidedly marked witli the distinguishing Liguriau signs. Some few could not be told apai-t from those bred by a true Italian mother ; while still many thousands were iu noways different from common bees. Here is a proof of the same queen giving birth to bees of three different shades of colour, and it is remarkable that we can often perceive this tendeuc}' evtn with first-class Liguriau mothers. While engaged in depriving the bees aforesaid of their combe, I was curious to see the queen. I found her no different in appearance from ordinary black queens, although a remarkably large one. Her drones do not in any way differ from common drones, which may be accepted as a proof of the correctness of the theory of the doctrine of parthenogenesis by its advocates. — S. Eevan Fox, Mxeter. "WHO FIEST ASCEETAINED TEE SEX OF THE QUEEN BEE ?"— (Quekist.) In" reply to the above pithy letter we will give all the infor- mation we possess. Aristotle says that the Sasileus of the bees is the parent of its own kind and of the working bees, but that the working bees generate drones. It is right, he also observes, that the Basileus (which by some was called the mother), should remain within the hive without labouring, being made for the multi- plication of the species {Hist. Animalium, 1. v., c. 21 ; De Gene- ratione Animalium, 1. iii., c. 10.) This opinion has been enter- tained by some moderns, among whom were Riem of the Pala- tinate Apiarian Society, and Wilhelmi of the Lusatian Apiarian Society. But being a point not now under our consideration, we pass on to remark that it is evident tliat Aristotle considered the Basileus of the hive is a female ; and though Basileia would more decidedly have been synonymous with our word queen, yet Basileus may be interpreted by our word monarch, and include one of the female sex. Pliny, on the contrary, leans to the Opinion that the sovereign bee, "usually called (he king," is the only male iu the hive, all the other bees being females {Nat. Hist., 1. xi., c. 16). Varro, Palladius, and Columella speak of the sovereign bee merely as " tlie king ;" and Yirgil does the same, but adds that bees gather their voung from leaves and sweet herbs I Thomas Hyll, in his "Profitable Instruction of the Perfite Ordering of Bees," published during 157D, only speaks of " the king " of the bees ; but the work is r. mere compilation from other writers, ranging from Aristotle down to Hierouimus Carduus. Butler in his "Eeminiue Monarohie," published in 1634, asserts that " Season and sense agreeing do show that the honey bees are the females, by whom the bees of both sexes (Brst the females and then the males), are bred." In the same work he speaks of the queen " bringing forth many princes," so that it is evident that he thought lier progeny were all royal. In " The Ordering of Bees — by the late unparallellcd ex- perience of John Levett, Gent.," edited in 1634- by Gervase Markham, it is said, " The master bees breed or spat in their liouscs (the royal cells), as the other bees do in their combs or cells." Richard Remnant inclined to the same opinion. Writing in 1637 " A Discourse or Historic of Bees," he there says, " The lesser bees are the females. Whether the queens blow (lay the eggs producing) the queens I am not very certain, but I take it to be so." In Cromwell's time it whs not i^olitic to discourse even of insects having either a king or a queen, so a work was published in 1655 entitled " The Reformed Commomoealth of Bees !" Its contents are a strange medley, and the only allusion to the production of these insects is in a detail of some experi- ments by a Mr. Carew, to show that they can be bred out of a dead calf! Samuel Purchas, in his "Theatre of Political Plying Insects," published iu 1657, concludes that the working bees are females, producing workers and drones, and the queen only queens. Susdfu p'.iblished in 1670 his " Further Di3Covery of Bees," in wliich he maintains that "The king bee is a male and the only male in cveiry colony." John Gedde in his 'Hew Discovery of an Excellent Method of Bee-houses," pubhshed in 1675, does not allude to the subject; and Worlidge in his "Apiarium, or a Discourse of Bees," in 1686, avoids the question, leaving such topics, as ho says, "to the judgement of the most experienced and ingenious Butler." It is curious that from the time of Aristotle down to the end of the 17th century at which we have now arrived in due chronological order — that is, during a period of 2000 years, no naturalist had examined practically this subject, and that Aris- totle was nearer to the truth tbau any of his successors. The time had now arrived when men of science ceased from surmising, and addressed themselves to examining. M. Reaumur examined bees anatomically ; and in 1742 an- nounced as the result of his researches that " the sole office of a queeu bee is to produce a numerous progeny." But he had been anticipated m this discovery ; for Swammerdam in his "History of Insects," published in 1669, states, "From one female, which is the only one of that sex in the whole hive, arc produced all the three kinds of bees in nearly the following proportion : — 10 to 14 females (queens), some thousands of the labouring bees, and some hundred males." Schirach, however, was the naturalist who most especially devoted himself to the study of the bee, and in liis " Histoire Naturelle de la Reine des Abeilles," published in 1770, he observes, " The queen is of the feminine gender, and is the mother of the whole race of bees." He describes the two- branched form of her ovary, and the many thousands of eggs it contains. He states decidedly that the eggs are fertUe with- out access of the male to her, and he details how artificial swarms may be made. Warder, from whom we should have expected better know- ledge, for he was a physician, is the last writer on bees who clung to old opin'ons on this subject ; for in his " The True Amazons, or Monarchy of Bees," pubhshed in 1720, he states that all the working bees are females, and that the queen pro- duces only a royal progeny. Other practical bee-keepers assented to Swammerdam's dis- covery. Thus Tliorley says in Ms " Melissclogia, or the Female Monarchy," published in 1744, " Without the queen they cannot breed;" and he is, like Schirach, a decided advocate of parthenogenesis. John Mills, F.B.S., &c., in hb "Essay on the Management of Bees," published in 1766, says, " A hive of bees cannot subsist without a queen, as she alone produces their numerous posterity ;" and Thomas WUdman, in his " Treatise on the Management of Bees," pubhshed in 1768, observes, "What is commonly called the king ia really a female, and the mother of all the bees." In fact, we know of no writer since that has maintained a contrary doctrine ; and as he is the discoverer of a truth who proves it to be true, Swammerdam, we think, was the discoverer of the sex of the queen bee and that she is the sole mother of bees. OUR LETTEE BOX. Ear-lobes of Game Bantams [F. C. ^.).— There is do objection to their ear-lobes beintr white. Some judges prefer it. For example, in almost all Black RedB with yellow legs, the ear-lobe is a mixture of white, red, and yellow, the latter colour forming: a bright edge to the lobe. Eggs Retaining Powek to be Hatched (A Young Beginner hi the Fault rg Line). — We have the information from one who has tried the ex- periment, that few eg;:s will hatch when six weeks old, and that none can be I'elied upon after the fourth wetk. The fresher the eggs the strtnger the chickens. Much depends upon the mode of keeping the eggs ; laid upon their sides on bran, with the small end pointing rather downwards is the best position. Wark each egg with the date ot the day on which it was laid, and put eggs of nearly sirailui' age under a hen for hatching. This renders the hatching more, likely to be simultaneous; as the older the egg the longer before tlie chicken attains strength to break the shell. "Weight of Eggs (D. F. ff.).— The average weight of the eggs of the breeds you mention is as follows; — Dorking {Coloured), 2^ ozs. ; Rouen Ducks, 3^ ozs. ; Game, 2.j ozs. ; Golden- spang led Hamburgb^ If oz, ; Malay, 2h ozs. ; Spanish, Z^ ozs. Damson Wine {Lex).— You will find a recipe in our paper to-day. LONDON MARKETS.- POULTRY. -June 30. We have Dothini? fresh to remark on the state of the market. Ducklings 3 0 to 3 Lar^e Fowls 4 3 0 to 4 0 „ 3 9 „ 2 0 „ 0 0 „ 6 6 Chickens Geese 1 0 3 n Goslings 5 0 Hares 0 Rabbits 1 ■VVilddo 0 Pigeons 0 0 4 6 „ 0 9 8 „ 0 9 July 8, 18G2. ] JOURNAL 0 F HORTICULTUKE AND COTTA WEEKLY CALENDAR. GE G. iRDEJ fER. 269 Day of M'mb Day of Week. JULY 8-lJ, 18C2. WEATnUn KEAtt L0M)0N I.v 1861. Sun Rises. ^loon Sun Rises Sets, and Sets Moon's Age. Clock before Sun. D..y of Year. Barometer. Thermoni. Wind. Rain in Inches. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 To W Th F S Sira M Adcsmia uspalhitcnsi?, &c. Ageratums. Aloe dcprcssa, &c. Alomin ageraloides. Alona oblusa, &c. 4 Sunday after Tuikity. Alstromeria aurca. 22.711—29 630 2il.8ti3-20.823 2'J.!I15-29.80G •.■9.912-29.;47 29.664-29.555 29.521-29.435 29.005-29.514 defcrecfl. 75—45 78-48 75-40 74-41 81—57 81-55 78-63 S.W. N.W. N.W. N.W. S: S. s. •05 •02 •01 •06 •14 •OS m. h. 54ar3 55 3 50 3 67 3 58 3 IV 1 4 m. h. 15af8 It 8 14 8 13 8 12 8 11 8 10 8 m. h. 27 0 17 1 23 2 rifles 36 a 8 0 0 20 9 11 12 13 10 17 m. p. 4 42 4 51 5 0 5 8 5 10 5 23 5 30 180 190 191 192 193 lot 193 Metkoroloov op the Wfkk.— At Chiswick, from observations tluriog the last thirty-five years, the average 1 Igheit nnd In tempenitures of these diijs nre 71 8" ami 81. r respectively. The (-reatcst heat, 93i^ occurred oa the 14th, in 1817 ; and tl.e lo.vost cold, on the IHb, in 1S5G During the period 1.33 days were tine, and on 02 rain fell. •*!■.■ t THE CAMELLIA AND ITS CULTUEE.— No. 7. KOPAGATION. —Propagation and enc^rafting may bo con- Ridcred twin sisters, although in the general acceptation of the terms in a gardening sense, the one signifies simple multi- plication, the other compound addition. The former method is resorted to to perpetuate genera and species, to supply the demands made upon any given establishment, and to promote progressive variation ; whereas the latter is com- pound in its nature and auxiliary in its tendencies. It is practised not only because it is a stimulant for the time being to the well-favoured, tender scion of pro- bably a long line of illustrious ancestors, but because the stock with whose lifeblood it is commingled is generally selected as one of the hardiest of its congeners, and, con- sequently, imparts a constitution to its weaker associate scarcely inferior to its own. Well, then, in the first place, all Camellias are propa- gated either by seed, cuttings, grafting or layers ; and then, generally speaking, the better sorts and the seedlings, if they turn out to be any way meritorious, are grafted in a variety of ways on these stocks before they are sent out to the market. So that all our fine varieties from the old white upwards undergo a twofold process, which, para- doxical as it may appear at first sight, in this ease fully ■warrants the terms of affinity above prescribed. There is first the striking of any given number of stocks from cuttings, and, next, the grafting the desired and de- sirable varieties thereon before tliey generally fall into the hands of the amateur and gardening public as market- able commodities. Had we not entered so fully into details concerning this interesting tribe of plants, it might have scarcely been advisable to go into the modus operandi of propagation and grafting, as it more concerns the nurserymen than the gardener or amateur. A ?ev; pounds at any time judiciously spent will furnish the buyer with probably a better style of plants, and very likely 'at much less cost in the aggregate than trusting to his own efforts at successful mauipxilation. Besides, in the great majority of cases, including even some of our large garden esta- blishments, there are not the same facilities for successful propagation, in all its phases, as there are in places that lay themselves out expressly for the purpose. Do not let the reader mistake me, however. I am not attempting to mystify the art, for most things are simplg enough when any one knows how to do it, and this forms no ex- ception to the general rule, and sometimes cost is only a secondary object, especially to the amateur, who loves to while away a spare hour at any pet project ; besides, the gratification I had almost said is bewitching, at know- ing that this lieautiful variety of Camellia was grafted or inarched with his own hands, under his own eye, and in No. 67.— Vol. III., New Sbbie?; his own estate, however circumscribed the latter may be. That idea just recalls to my recollection an incident in the history of my own life, where a gentleman «Iiom I served a short time, contiguous to one of the great com- mercial towns in the West Hiding of Yorkshire, had such an idea of the produce of his own garden, that go wherever lie might to dine out, he found no vegetables so svi-cet and nutritious as his own. Of course, I, as an interested party, reserved my opinion ; but a great many people living under the influence of a pure atmosphere will doubt the correctness of his taste, ivhcn 1 tell them that I was never able to out a single vegetable, or pull a single fruit, that was not more or less coated and. " burked " with smoke. I remember perusing an article some three or four years ago, translated from the French. Ey whom, or in what locality of the Continent the article emanated from, I cannot now positively say, but it was to the effect that the finer varieties of Camellias, including the old nhite, would not propagate from cuttings. This is decidedly a mistake. It was contrary to my experience at the time, and after-years have only fortified what was then my opinion. Albeit, there are some varieties that are not ss easily propagated in this way as others, and the old white is one of them, which may account for the false theory, if it might be dignified as such, promulgated. I and others whom I know, and very possibly many others whom I do not know, have propagated the finer sorts, aye, even from four-year-old wood, although if any one wishes to be in the highest degree successful, he had better select the wood of the previous season, which is coii.'folidated sulli- ciently to maintain the balancing power until the inserted extremity begins to callus, and thus pave the way for the emission of roots. Cuttings from 6 inches to ij inches long cut smooth across below the latent eye at the base of the leaf, and the leaves in turn for — say 3 inches up- wards stripped off, and inserted in well-drained pots with, a littly fibry matter over the potsherds, and filled after- wards with pure sand, will root freely, especially if they can be placed in an intermediate stove-house, with a little bottom heat. They will require to be covered with either bell-glass, hand-light, or frame, just to meet the require- ments of the several interested parties. To keep them air-tight for a series of days or weeks, as is occasionally the case, is fraught with no good results. Every careful observer knows that the moisture accumulates to such a great degree in these shut-up laboratories, that even to the succulent leaves of these plants, which, by the way, from their constitution withstand the raaximura degree, it may do no small injury. Ventilation is necessary, and must be regulated according as circumstances require. The day, the position of the cuttings, and the tempe- rature of the house, shoidd all be considered. In most eases between the hours of six and nine in the morning is the best time, for absorption goes on rapidly during night, evaporation during day ; but the cutting cannot with- stand the fatigue of the heat of the day, and is thus shut up to keep good the life blood it had when cut from its parent. But I have been reading the novice a very nice No. 719.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Series. 268 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTIAGK GARDENEK. [ July 8, 1862. lesson about the propagation of these flue varieties, and I am now going to tell liim that unless in some special cases, it is of little use propagating them in this way at all. The same lesson, however, is equally applicable to stocis, although they will root with much less altt-ntion, and almost by the simplest means conceivable, so that the advice may be useful after all. As was suggested above, to engender and promote a healthy and vigorous constitution, and at the same time accelerate the growth of choice varieties, they had better be grafted upon stoclis, or if the stocks are large, and the possessor wishes to get up Cue sorts as quickly as possible, then they must be inarched or grafted by approach. To dabble away with cuttings, unless it be of such sorts as Chandlerii clegans, or Centifolia alba, which are as vigorous as the best stocks that have come imder my coguisance, is simply wasting a season or two, not to speak of the delicacy of their constitution as compared with the original etock. Layering is not much resorted to in this country ; but in France, Belgium, and Italy, we are told, where climate is favour- able, the stocks are planted out into beds of peaty earth and Band, in some cases in the open air, but more frequently into pits or frames, cut down the one season, and tlie voung shoots layer«l the next, they are generally sufficiently rooted in the autumn to be fevered from the stools, parted, and the following year used for grafting. There is no doubt, however, in our estimation, that good cuttings properly managed would super- sede, in point of economy, the above practice, as they come away very rapidly, and occupy much lees space than is requisite for layering. 'J lie fact is, that we have inserted cuttings in the autumn, parted them olf the following spring, and engrafted them with fine sorts, which in turn required about from six to eight weeks t® form a perfect union, and they grew with a vigour and rampancy unknown to these hard, hidebound, ayered stocks. We have practised several methods with more or less success, among which might be mentioned what is called crown-grafting --viz., cutting down an old plant and inserting two or three scions at equal distances round its cu-cumference, which is, in point of economy, one of the very worst methods you could'hit upon. Inarching is the proper and by far the test method to make the most of a plant from five years old and upwards. For plants younger than this age almost any mctliod which fertility of resource can conceive, is sure to be successful, provided the ■wound upon the stock and the wound upon the scion fit each other's component parts, so that the cuter rind of the one may embrace the outer rind of the other as nicely as possible. This being firmly secured with malting, all that is requisite to observe 19 to keep the plants as close, or air-tight, as possible, always recollecting to let off superfluous moisture at the proper time, until the cambiiun oozing out from both wounds becomes solidi- fied and organised, which will be, sooner or later, according to the state of the stock and scion, temperature of the house, and skill brought to bear uj)on their needs. Supposing any amateur may have half a dozen of good, healthy stocks to manipulate upon, we woidd advise that the whole of them be beheaded about 6 inches above the pot, putting the tops in as cuttings if he has a mind. The best time to condtict such i;n operation would be from February up to the time the plants are making fresh growths. There will very likely be half a dozen sorts in his collection that he lias a par- ticular regard for, and these, of course, will be the varieties from which the scions are taken. The stocks, in the first place, should be cut smooth horizontally, just above a leaf-bud. The scions should in like manner be cut off from their parents im- mediately below the leaf-bud, and the leaves in either case retained, so that when the two wounded surfaces aie joined to- gether there is less chance of failures, for the continuity of the sa]) goes on, so to speak, unchecked, being reciprocated by the solitary leaf at the extremity in either case ; whereas if the mani- pulator made the incisions upon the smooth wood of both stock and scion, and bandaged them together, it is possible that no union might be effected. These incisions spoken of should be made in a sloping direction, about li inch long, with a sharp kuife, and any leaves but the lower one that are in the way of the bandaging should be cut off, and the modus operandi thereafter is the same as suggested in the preceding paragraph. It is a good plan to cover the bandaging with a little sphagniun, this being a capital hygrometer for the novice, and accelerating the union of stock and scion. There is no quicker, easier, or more successful method than this for getting up vigorous plants to begin with; and a corresponding state of things only requires to be main- tained to make any one in a high degree successful as a Camellia- cultivator. Particular stress must be laid upon grafting by approach or marching, for it is an operation which every Camellia-grower within the circle of my knowledge resorts to. There are always some varieties that do not altogether suit the taste of the possessor, and these are marked out for inarching other favourites thereon. The greatest novice in the art cannot fail to reduce this into suc- cessful practice if the admirable gift of patience can be added to his other virtues. The union must be thoroughly eflfected before one endeavours to cut the connection, else the" labour of more than one season is given for nought. So long as the stock with its, probably, numerous branches remains not cut down, the loss IS not so great, although the scion when severed from its parent withers away ; but patience for six, or even twelve months if necessary, will insure a perfect union. In the case of small branches put upon stocks equally small, two months in a mode- rately warm house will be sufficient j but in the case of branches, probably, nearly an inch in diameter, inarched on strong leading stems, which is generally the case, a far greater amount of time is required. Much depends upon the neatness of the operation, the caution displayed when cutting down the stock (for often a haggling knife will cause an accidental slip against the scion, and at once sever the connection), and the vigour of the plants. To say that this stock, or that variety, you wish to propagate should be laised in pots so high, or be sunk so low, would be trilling with the space of this admirably conducted Journal. Everyone is fertile enough in expedients to suggest and carry into execu- tion his or her own requirements. The nearer the pot, in general, that any one can effect a union with the stock the better, as it the more discourages the emission of suckers, which, of course, are not wanted. By far the best method we have ever attempted for effecting union to a nicety, is by using a carpenter's gouge, which hollows out the alburnum of the stock without disturbing a greater surface of outer bark than is requisite. All that it is necessary to do to the variety intended to be propagated, is to cut out the outer and inner bark to fit the cavity, and then you have stock and scion, so to speak, dovetailed together, thus promoting the object desired in a far more scientific manner than any other method we have ever practised. Propagation from seed is a work of years, and well repays the amount of attention required to bring it to a successful issue. It is by working away in this direction that horticulture is in the greatest degree advanced, and there is really little to complain of, or cavil at, as to what has been already ettected. Such varieties as tliose we have, in a previous paper, alluded to, as well iis Countess of Derby, Laviuia Maggi, Bonomiana, and some others are practical examples of what is doing, and speak well for what is likely to be done in the same direction. It is well, however, to keep the " ball rolling " to incite the sympathies, the energies, and the skill of other growers in this direction, as there is a wide field before every one of us and no favour. Plodding minds are ever on the qui rioe, and resources are as astonishing as their methods are elaborate. Much can be done by skilful manipula- tion. A great deal is effected without it. Donckelaari and Corallina are the only two varieties which we have obtained seeds from, sometimes without manipulation, and occasionally vice versa. Pods after formation require from six to ten months to perfect the seed, which is generally in pairs, sometimes solitary, but we never obtained more than two seeds from one pod. They are of irregular oval form, and are perfectly black when ripe. We have sown some almost as soon as coming from the pod. A little bottom heat induces quicker germination. Peat and sand in equal proportions does its duty well, the grower requiring not to overwater the seeds, else they will fail to ger- minate, as was the case in one or two instances with ourselves. A good, moist medium, and stove heat in February, will germi- nate the seeds in autumn. — J. A ndebson, Meadotv Bank, lidding- stone. THE KOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.— July 2nd. A GOOD day for the haymakers about London, threatening in the morning to keep them to their staff, and in the afternoon a strong, rushing, gusting wind sufficient to drive the dews of June right out of their hayricks, and leave them sweet as Clover. And a mighty rush it did make, again, in the eastern arcades, July P, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 2G9 where the most luxuriantly gorgeous fiiie-foliaged plants that ever were staged were exposed, fierce as in June, to tlie elements " of all the ails tlic, wind can blaw." The lowest 50 yards at that side, with only one stranger, were full of the most "select plants with remarkable foliage or varie- gation, which puts tlio do-jtrine of disease in such rare and beau- tifully luxuriant markings right heels over head. The most luxuriant smoolh-leave 1 Cayenne at Windsor, Trentliam, or Dalkeith, is not more healthy in looks, or bigger in bulk of pro- portions, than the deeply variegated Pine Apple in fruit in that collection from the Exotic Nursery. On towards tlie conservatory the next 44 yards were full of collections of stove and greenhouse plants, without a single stranger at all among them. Then, what tlie amateurs had for their Hoses the week before did for the fruit on this occasion, and the most remarkable " fruit " there was a dish of Love Apples. That was coming it too strong in botany for a dessert for decent folks, and was simply ridiculous. The Nux vomica is just as good a " fruit " as the Tomatoes ; and unless it be the smell of Garlic, or of ripe Tomatoes, I can think of no other " fruit " that would be more likely to drive a party not only out of the dining-room, but right away from the mansion, as that Nut and those Apples. 1 wonder what the wedding party from Osborne thought of it. Among all the plants on the east side of the conservatory there were only two with the names wrongly spelt— the two plants of the old Helichrysum proliferum, and one Dipladenia. The former is now called Phivnocoma, there it was Phaneccoma and Phanicoma, and Pipladena for Dipladenia. The only wrong spelling I noticed on the west side was Iledaroraa macrostigia for macrostegia — only another name for crinoline, a large covering. The only stranger among the fine-foliaged plants was from Mr. Smith, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland. It was named Duranta Bjumgardi, with little difference, however, if any, from the variegated form of Duranta Plumieri ; and it struck me that Baumgardi was only a German name for that plant. Among the greenhouse plants there was a fine specimen of Mirbelia Meisneri, which one seldom sees at an exhibition. All the rest of them were as familiar as " How do you do." The Orchids occupied the one-half of the back part of the conservatory, and Tanda Lowii was the rarest of them. You know the tricolor, and teres, and the Batemanii run of Vandas : this was a fourth and a new form in the genus — long, hanging- down racemes from the top of a noble growth, exactly as the pack-of-hounds racemes come from the bottom of Gongoras. The flowers come along the whole length of the hanging chain, and there were twenty of them on this plant all open but one or two, and all fresh but the two top ones. They are exactly of the same colour as those of the richest Gongoras, and about four times the size. It was in the collection of the Messrs. Veitch, one of the richest collections of the family the firm ever staged, and the most few in generic numbers, which was a particular feature all over the Show ; -Erides, Saccolabiums, Yandas, and Cattlej as, comprising nine-tenths of all that were there. Dendrobium, only two sorts ; Ltelia, only purpurea ; Anguloa, only Clowesii ; Cypripeds, three sorts, of which grandiflora the rarest to the shows ; Phalajnopsls, the three sorts, but Schilleri not in bloom ; Oncids, four sorts, three puny ones, and one ampliatum major in blopm, from the May show ; while of Cattleya there were Mossia;, libiata, superba, crispa, Leopoldi, in almost all the best lots ; then there were yErides affine, odoratum, and roseum, and major, Blumei, Lobbi, cornutum, Lindleyi, nobile (a fine creamy kind), raaculosum, speciosa, Fieldingii or Fox-brush, and Larpentae ; and of .Saccolabiums, Blumei, and Blumei major, guttatum, and Holfordiana. Yanda Lowii was the only Orchid at which the wedding party from Osborne looked particularly, and of them only the Princesses took the least notice of the Orchids ; but the Princess Charles of Hesse did not miss a plant out of all the popular kinds. The Princess Anna of Iljsse did not seem quite so fond of plants, but Her Highness was the second European lady who first smelt the grandest new flower that was at the Show, which is a most mag- nificent new Lily from .Japan, among tUe rarest novelties from the Exotic Nursery. The Princess Charles was the first lady in Europe who smelt that flower in public, and she seemed de- lighted with the fragrance, and with the size and beauty of the flower. You may depend upon it, the Princess Cliarles of Hesse is as fond of flowers as any lady in England, and she was the only one of the whole party who looked at them as a gar- dener would. As luck would have it, the Fuchsias were never one-quarter so fine or so numerous at any of our shows as on that day, and the Princesses admired them as much as anylliing at the Sbow. I did not sec how they seemed about our fruit-tent ; but some- how or other the fruit does not look nearly so well at the new garden as we used to have it at Cliiswick, and you will see by the prize lists the winners are not all in tho usual run. I never saw so many new things at one show — that is, newish, for most plants are old with us up here before you can make out what they are like down with you ; and if you had been there, my word for it, you would see, even among tho Japanese novelties, many plants of which no one ever yet gave you the least hint. There was a Fcrn-liaved Oak in each of the Japanese collections — that from the Exotic, and that from the Bagshot of Mr. Standisli, also a Fern-leaved Ma)ile, both from Yeddo. Tho white Lapageria rosea is out at last. I told you of it, if you recollect, five or fix years back as being up with Mr. Low at Clapton. It was here from the Exotic, however, and with two flowers open right over the sensation Lily, which was the flower of the day. In the first phce, this Lily is more of a Tulip shape towards the bottom, and moie like a flower-vase in the top than any Lily you ever saw ; from the edge of the vase the segments curve back or reflex very much ; the ground colour all over and under is light ; there is a deep broad band of yellow up from the very bottom to near the top of each division or segment in the centre ; and the whole face of the flower is as regularly studded with prominent pink processes as the drum of a musical box, and quite as far raised from the surface of the flower. The plant whiuh produces all that is of very genteel and slender make at present, and there are more tl:au forty kinds of new Lilies from Japan, and some of them are said to eclipse even this one. But I shall take a lot of the novelties just as they stood. Helechnium macropliyllum from M. A'erscliaflfelt would put you in mind of a young vigorous sucker of a Paulownia imperialis. Tlien tlie said" Fern-leaved O.ik and Maple from Yeddo, Zebra- stemmed Caladium and a most beautiful new Zebra Dracrona, all from the Exotic Nursery. Phyllanthus rotundifolius in bloom from the Messrs. Jackson, of Kingston. A cream-coloured Dendrobium from Moulmein, with a yellow eye, from the Messrs. Low. A large blush Cattleya, with yellow down the lip, from the same firm. Some new Tyda^as fron Mr. Bull. Anthurium Sclierzerianum, the queerest thing you ever saw — from the top of a slender flower-stalk hung down a crimson flap-like spathe, like a piece of Morocco leatlier, and above it, twisted up, an inch and a half of crimson pigtail, and that was all the flower ; but where the botany of it was goodness knows, unless it was in the pigtail twi-t of the spur or sparlix. It was from the gardenel^ of tho King of Hanover. Then the new Khodanthes from Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich. The little pale purple sweet Calceolaria in the habit of arachnoides is now C. suavis ; and Chamtebalia foliolosa is one of the prettiest of the finc-foliagfd plants, and like some Selaginella. A curious Vaccinium, '.i ith inllated grey pen- dulous flowers; the Bornean Plocostemma llsianthus and Gesnera refulgens, the darkest leaf of the G. zebrina race, all from Messrs. Yeitch's Exotic Nursery. Three plants of Retinospora retusa from Sir. Bull. A large mass of Antcctochils and Orchids from Mr. AVilliams. Then a most capital thing, a lot of window- sill flower-boxes in full bloom ; and none was ever better done than the first-prize one from the Messrs. Yeitch, which was in the true cottage style, thus : — Three rows, the back row of mixed Calceolarias, .Stocks, and Fuchsias ; then a row of Varie- gated Geraniums and a fringe of blue Lobelia. In another window-box the plants were just as far wrong, behig Ferns and foUies all over, even for tlie inside of a cottage window, but I shall not mention the exlubitor's name. Then a fine lot of fine-leaved Begonias, without one of the Rex race among them ; and next, the grand Disa grandiflora, with flower-stems stronger than for Japan Lilies, from J. C Leach, Esq., of Claphara Park. One little plant that has been fifteen months In water, and out in the open air since the middle of last April was in bloom, and throwing-up the first side- sucker over the rim of the pot. A shallow bed of the cocoa-nut refuse by the side of a pond, which would supply the roots with constant moisture from May to October, and protection being given from frost by some slight covering, would make this splendid plant grow and bloom like a Disa magnifica to a certainty. Then, a large Goodyera, like the cross at tlie June show, was named Yeitchi ; then a lot of little plants of bedding Geraniums from Mr. Mcintosh, of Uammersmitli. But I 270 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ July 8, 1862. Bliall propose to the Floral Committee, at our very first meetiig, that all new bedding planta whatever be exhibited in boxes, like the window-boxes aforesaid, and only in May, June, July, snd August, or else not to call them bedding plants. Wlio will give a ten-pound note for the first start, in three prizes of £5, £3, and £2 for seedlings not more than twelve montl]S out, or if never out at all to be all the better ? The boxes to be not less than 18 inches long, 9 inches wide, and never more than 6 inches deep, but any length to a yard would do. There is no other certain way of judging of a new bedding plant ; and ladies or their gardeners must help us at these shows, to decide the merits. Then an Alberli-like new Heath, from the Clapton Jfursery, with four very large double Petunias ; and a host of single Petunias and fine-leaved yilants from Mr. Bull, reached along that side of the long tent. The other side was filled with the two large collections of Japane=e plants. That from Messrs. Veitch was edged with their new Amaranth. There was a fresh new Lonicera reticulata in the Japan collection of Mr. Standish, the very best of the Japan plants to my eye. It has the leaf of our own larger Periwinkle, when veined or reticulated with golden network ; and the Euonymus radicana variegata in the Messrs. Veitch*s Japan collection is my next favourite, for an edging plant in-dooi's or out. Then & silvery white variegated Hemerocallis in the same collection next ; and there was a silver variegated Tradescantia, with the habit of a Torenia, which will make one of the best hanging- basket plants. I am not sure if I should not be proud of a hedge of the golden variegated Privet from Japan as well ; and it strikes me, moreover, that one by one I should be tempted to buy them all, if I could aflbrd the "siller" and the room. The top of this side was full of cut Boses, Verbenas, Pinks, Picotees, and Pansics, and with them I am quits satisfied. The Fuchsias were the pride of this Shov. If there was a bad one among them all, it was a great deal better than tke best Fuchsia I ever saw staged. Yovi never saw anything like it. It was that Disa grandillora that must have opened the ball, for tlie first, the second, and the third prizes went straight on to Claplmm Park, where the Disa found the first home in England. Madame Cornelissen and Rose of Castille were the two best whites in two distinct strains, Madame having on a crimscn crinoline reflesed. By-the-by, they say it was from our retlexed Fuchsias the ladies took their notion of tuckiug-up to soe the petticoat ; and Madame Cornelissen is, therefore, strictly in the fashion, as well as in the first rank of reflexed Fuchsias. But have you seen Maria Cornelissen and Mrs. Scott, two Merrimacs for such as Madame Cornelissen is ? I have them both, as well as Madame and the rest of the cream of the flock ; but, after seeing the Fuchsias in this competition, I must hold my tongue to them. The plants in the first- prize collection were not more than one-half so tall as some of them. It was the natural stylo of growth in which they were trained which gained them the day, and here is how it was. Catherine Ilayes, not over 5 feet high, but about as much through, and the tops of the bottom shoots flowering to within 4 inches of the ground, all round the pot, and not the slightest sigu of training about them. Prince Alfred, Isa Craig, Madame Cornelissen, Rose of Castille, and Wiltshire Lass were the rest in the first collection. The second-prize collection was more fat, much taller, and bigger every way, but not a quarter so nature-like ; and the third prize collection was of medium-sized Fuchsias. Madame Cornelissen and Rose of Gastille were in almost all the collections. One of the latter, a magnificent plant from 10 feet to 12 feet high, in a collection from the Messrs. Lee was, without exception, the best bloom of Fuchsia I ever saw. The next best I had myself two or tliree times on Ricartoni, but then it was in a rich border, and growing against a conservatory wall. Stove and greenhouse plants in collections filled the rest in the west arcades, after the Pelargoniums and Fuchsias. Hoya billa was the only stove plant not out in June. Lower down the western arcades were two collections of orchard-house plants from the Messrs. Lane & Son, one of them being different Plums, the other all the sorts of pot fruits ; and there was a large and a well-grown collection of fruit trees in pots, from the Society's garden, from Apples and Pears to the best Peach in the book ; and down there was the battle for the Ferns. Mr. Ivery and the Messrs. Veitch were beaten out and out at last by a gar-dencr — Mr. Lavey, gardener to E. A. De Grave, Esq., Feteham, near Leitherhead. He had a span new Surrey Fern there which you must have, if ' ou have only two others out of all England. It is an extra form of our Athyrium filix-foemina, the most sportive Fern nearest to Epsom Downs, and called Fieldia-, after Miss Field, who first found it in Ashurst Park, near Tunbridge Wells. Mr. Ivery had a whole edging ot it from seeds, and he has a thousand of them without the least variation, and is selling them cheap as Verbenas, at least his fore- man ofiered it to me at so much per dozen, as if I were a Fern man. Mr. Lavey had another new sport Britieh Fern, from Lastrea filix-mas, found by Miss BoUaud, of Fetcham Park, in their own woods. This is named after Miss Holland. Mr. Lavey is a British botanist as well, for he had a very large collection of cut wild flowers there from all parts within his reach, and where he could not go he sent his wife or his first- born for a posy of some good thing, and he had a prize for the lot and likewise for Lycopods in pots. I knew a gardener's daughter, twelve miles out of Perth, on the way to Dunkeld, who knew the names of all the plants in the British Flora, but this is the first time I ever heard of a gardener's wife going out botanising in the country. Mr. App'.eby, the foreman to Messrs. Ivery, is my authority for that wife, and for the prize of Miss Field's Fern, and for my beautiful specimen of it, the very finest Fern, now in my herbarium, and the very first. D. Beatok. FRUIT. The show of fruit was good, but not equal in quantity to that brought forward in some previous years, when we have seen a himdred Pine Apples staged. Many of the exhibitions, too, were deficient in flavour — a circumstance doubtless attributable to the cold sunless weather which has prevailed throughout the season. The gardener can produce any amount of heat requisite for growth in size, but he cannot create light, which is essential for the proper maturation of his fruit ; and, consequently, when grown under disadvantageous conditions in this respect, it will prove more or less watery and insipid as well as deficient in colour. The only two collections of Grapes came from Mr. Standish and Mr. Henderson, of Trentham. The former received the first prize, his exhibition comprising not only the best old varieties, such as the Black Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, Chasselas Musque, Royal Muscadine, Frontignana, Sweetwater, Charles- worih Tokay, &c. ; but also Gros Bleu, Early Saumur Frontig- nan. General Marmora, Muscat Troveren, Ingram's Hardy Pro- lific Muscat, Duo de MalakoS", Gros Colman, Long noir Durant, Sarbelle Frontignan, and several others, either entirely new or but rarely seen in this country, and making in all twenty-five varieties. Mr. Henderson, who was second, had excellent bunches of the Black, Golden, and Victoria Hamburgh, Tren- tham Black, and Chasselas Musque. In the next Class, collections of fruits, there were likewise only two competitors, Mr. Tillyard, gardener to J. Kelk, Esq., Stan- raore Priory, and Mr. Henderson ; the former receiving the first, the latter the second prize. Mr. Tillyard had three Pines, two Queens, and a Providence, Black Hamburgh, and Muscat Grapes, two kinds of Melons, Elton and Black Tartarian Cherries, a very fine dish of Green Gage Plums, Violette Hative Peaches, and Nectarines ; four sorts of Strawberries, and very good Fastolff R.ispberries. Mr. Hen- derson showed Trentham Black, Golden Hamburgh and Black Hamburgh Grapes, Black Eagle, and Bigarreau Cherries, in both of which respects he had a superiority over Mr. Tillyard ; whilst his Peaches, consisting of the Royal George, Violette Haiive, and Magnum Bonum varieties, with Violette Hative and Murry Nectarines were equally good ; but his Pines, being two Montserrats, were not considered so good. He also had Trentham Hybrid Melons, two sorts of Strawberries, and some very good Jeflerson ami Victoria Plums. In Pines, the first prize for Queens was taken by Mr. TUlyard, with one weighing li lbs. ; the second by Mr. Bwye, gardener to R. Crawshay, Esq., Cy farthfa Castle, which weighed 3 lbs. 7 ozb. ; and the third from Mr. Young, gardener to C. Bailey, Esq., Aberdare, was 3 lbs. 13 ozs., but not so well grown and ripened as the preceding, and it had also a larger crown. [n the nc-ct Class, Mr. Allen, gardener to J. B. Glegg, Esq , Withington Hall, received the first prize for a Providence weighing 74 lbs. Mr. Ruffett, gardener to Lord Palmerston, waa second, with a good fruit of the same kind, weighing 6i lbs. Of Black Hamburghs there were several very fine bunches, the best being from Mr. Henderson ; Mr. Fetch, gardener to K. Barron, Esq., Chesterfield, and Mr. Jackson, Taxhall^ Hall, were second and third, with very good exhibitions of the'same kind. July 8, 18(52. ] JOURNAL OF 3I0BTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDHNER. 271 In other vni'ietics, tlirce largo buni'hca of Black Prince weigliins; more than 7 lbs. were shown by Mr. Hill, of ICcclc Hull, and obtained a first prize ; Trenthom lilaok, very fine, from Mr. Henderson, cnnie next ; and llr. Brooks, gardener to J. Lee, Esq., Uillington, was third with three good bnnchcs of Black Prince, bnt the bloom was rubbed. JIusciits wore not sufficiently ripe ; the best were from Mr. Beck, Tedworth ; Mr. Ilorwood, gardener to G. TunduiU, Ksq., Bromley; and Mr. Standish. the latter obtained the first prize in the next class for Chasselas Musquo, Mr. .Vllen being second. Among Peaclies and Nectarines many dislies were very tine, besides those which obtained prizes. Mr. Rawbone, gardener to C. Campbell, Esq., 8toke-upon-Trent, was first in tlnve dishes with Royal George, Grosse Mignonne, and Violctic Hative. Mr. MaclcUan second. Of single dishes there were seventeen in competition. Mr. Snow, of Wrest I'ark, was first, the variety shcnvii being the Tiolette Hative. Tlit.-re were also several fine exhibitions of the Royal George, Grosse Mignonne, and Bellegarde ; as well as of Nectarines, such as the Violette lliVtivc, Elruge, and Pitmas- ton, the best coming from Mr. Rutland, Mr. Ilorwood, and Mr. Allen. Altogether 12 single dishes of this fruit were shown. In the Class for three dishes Mr. Tegg was the only exhibitor. Strawberries were in some instances very fine, notwithstanding the \mfdvourable nature of the season, which has rendered the crop of those out of doors almost a failure near London. Mr. Turner, of Slough, exhibited a collection of nearly forty sorts, and reeeired the first prize for four dishes, and an equal first for collections. Mr. Widdowson, Chorley Wood House, had also a first pi ize for his collection ; and Mr. Lydiard, of Bath- easton, obtained the third award in this class, and the second for four dishes. There were some very good Melons, especially those of the Bromhara Hall breed. Mr. Weir and Mr. Eaile had Scarlet Gem, taking the first and second prizes in that class ; and in Green-fleshed, Oscar from Mr. Kailo and Golden Perfection from Mr. Maclellan were the best two. Tiiere was also a hybrid from Mr. Meredith with very delicate flesh, but rather too far gone, which received an equal second ; and a similar award was made to Mr. Tegg. A'ines in pots were shown by Mr. Smith at Syon, Mr. Stan- dish, and Mr. McPherson : those from the former being very good examples of this mode of culture. Some very good Figs were shown in the Miscellaneous Class by Mr. Ruffett and llr. Cross ; and large wcU-i ipened Tomatoes fo.'ced in pots by Mr. G. Smitli, Liscard Hall. The only eoUections of fruit trees in pots were from Messrs, Lane, of Great Berkhampstead, and from the Society's garden at Chiswiek, the latter being very well grown, but, of course, not for competition. THE CRYSTAL PALACE EOSE SHOW. It is impossible to convey by words a just idea of tlie superb display of Roses which was brought together at the Crystal Palace on Saturday last. The Exhibition occupied one-half of the long nave, extending in a double row of stands along the centre, the interval between which was filled with Draefenas, Ferns, &c., and, notwithstanding the length of the line thus formed, so great was the interest taken by the nuintrous visitors, and especially the ladies, that a near approach to the tables was almost impossible — in fact, the only period of freedom which we enjoyed was during M. Blondin's performances. The stands came almost exclusively from southern growers, and comprised admirably-grown blooms of all the leading varieties, among which Senateur Vaisse Lord Raglan, Souvenir de la Malmaison, General Jacqueminot, and Jules Margotlin were everywliore conspicuous. In the Nurserymen's Classes for 96 and 48 varieties the chief honours were, in both cases, carried off by ilr. Cant, of Col- chester. In single trusses of 24 varieties Mr. Turner was first with a magnificent stand ; that from Mr. Cant, which was also very fine, coming in second. The best 12 trusses ciime from Mr. Francis, of Hertford ; and in the succeeding class for 24 varieties, 3 trusses each, he was equally successful, notwith- standing a close competition from Mr. Keynes and Mr. W. Paul, who had botli admirable exliibitions. In the Amateur's Classes were numerous stands of great excellence, only a few exhibitions falling below the standard of merit. Mr. J. T. Hedge was first in the three classes for 36, 21', and 18 varieties in single trusses; Mr. J. Hollingwortli, Mr. Grant, and Mr. A. MoiTat being respectively su-ond. Mr. S. Dobrec, of Wellington, and Jtr. Corp, of Milford, Salisbury, gained the first and second prizes for 12 varieties ; and in the same class there were several other Very good stands. Tlie best collection of new Roses was shown by Mr. Cant, wlio had Madame Furtado, Belle de Bourg-Ia-Rcinn, Admiral Nelson, America, John AVaterer, Victor A''erdiL-r, Senateur Vaisse, Madams Boll, Triomiihe de Lyor,Madam Standish, General Zachargersky, Baron Gonella, Eugenie Lebrun, and some others. Messrs. Paul, who were second, had also a fine display of new kinds; and from the same firm there came a good collection in pots. Orchard-house trees in pots were shown by Messrs. Lane and Son ; double Sweet Williams by Mr. Jarinuin ; and several baskets of artifici'il Roses by Adeock & Co., of Princes Street, Cavendish Square, sj life-like that they would almost deceive any one. Annexed is a list of the awards on the occasion; GROWEIIS, FOP. S.\LE. Class 1.— 08 Vakieties, 0.\e Tross op each.— First, \fr. B. I!. Cint, St. John's Street Nursery, Colclietter. Seconil, Ui\ J. Mitctiell, Piitdown Nursery, Maresfleld, Sussex. Third, Messrs. Paul ^ Son, Old Nursteries^ Ches-hunt. Fourth, Mr. W. Paid Nurseries, Waliham Cross. Fifta, Mr. J. Cratiston, King's Acre Nursery. Estra, Mr. J. Ke' nes, Salisliury. Class 2.-48 VARiETits, One TRtss op each.— First, Mr. B. R. Cant, St. Joiin's Street Nursery, Colchester. Second, Mr. C. Turner, Uoy.il Nur- series, Slough. Third, Mr. J. Keynes, S;ili?hui-y. Fourth, ^Ir. J. Cran- ston, King's .-icre Nuretry, near Hereford. Fifth, Mr. E. Tiley, Bath. Class 3.-24 Varieties, O.-^e Truss of each. — Fir.^t, Mr. C. Turner, Itoyai Nurseries, Slough. Second, Mr. B. R. Cant, St. John's Street Nursery, Colchester. Third, Jlr. R. Laing, Twickenham. Fourth, Messrs. Paul uad Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. Fifth, Mr. E. P. Francis, Nurseries, Hert- ford. Extra, Mr. .1. Keynes, Salishury. Class 4. — 12 Varieties, o.ne Truss of each.— First, Mr. E. P. Francis, Nurseries, Hertford. Sc-con;!, Mr. B. R. Cant, St. John's Street Nurseries, Colchester. Third, Jlr. J. Kcvnes, Salisbury. Fourth, Mr. C. Turner, Slough. Fifth, Mr. O. Clarke, Nursery, Streath.nu Place, B:ix'on Hill. Class 5.-24 Varieties, Three T'RUssts op each. — First, Mr. E. P. Francis, Nurseries Hertford. Second, Mr. J. Keynes, Salisbury. Taird, Mr. \V. P;uil, Nurseries, Wiilthan Cross. Fourth, hlv. B. It. Canr, St. John's Street Nurseries, Colchester. Fifth, Mr. G. Tiley, Nurserymua, Bath. Extra, Mr. R. Laing, Twiekenham. AMATEURS. Class 6.— 3S Vaeieties, O.ne Tnesi of each.— Fiivt, Mr. J. T. Hedge, Reed Hall, Colche ter. Second, Mr. J. Hollingworth, Maidstone. Third, Mr. A. Moffatt. Easton Lodge, Duniuow, Essex, Fourth, Mr. H. Grant, Cleve House, Midfoid, Bath. Fifth, Mr. \V. Corp. Milford, Salisbury. Extra, Mr. G. M'urtlev, gardener to Admiral the Hon. P. Carv, Norwood; Mr. T. Laxtoc, Stamford ; Mr. Terry, Wailes Mill, Toungsbary. , Class 7. — 24 Varieties One Truss of each.— First, Mr. J. T. Hedge Reed Hall, Colchester. Second.Mr. H. Grant. Cleve House, Midford, Bath. Third, Mr. J. Hollingworth, Maidstone. Fourth, Jlr. A. MofTatt, Eattoli Lodge, Duninow, Es-ex. Fifth, Jlr. W. Corp, Jlilford, Salisbury. Extra, Mr. J. Dcanis; Mr. J. Churchfield. Class 8. — 18 Varieties, One Truss or each.— First, Jlr. J, T. Hedge, Reed Hall, Colchester. Second, Mr. A. Moif.it, Easton Lodge, Dunmow, Essex. Third, Mr. J. Bristow, gardener to G. Orme, Esq., South Farm Mansion, Broadwater, Suss?x. Fourth, JIi. \V. Corp. Millord, Salisbury. Fifth, Jlr. J. Dennis, gardener to H. S. Hayward, Esq , Hurst Greca, Sussex. Extra. Mr. J. Hollingworth, Maidstone. Class 9.— 12 Varieties, One Truss op each.- First, Mr. S. Dobree. ^Vel- lington, Somerset. Second, Jlr. W. Corp, Jlilford, Salisbury. Third, Mr. J. T. Hedge, Reed Hall, Coichcster. Fourth, Mr. John Cranwell, gardener to R. Pulling. Esq., Penge. Filth, Mr. J. IJristow, gardener to G. Orme, Esq., South Farm JIansion, liioadwaler, Sussex. Extra, Mr. H. Ilodson, gardener to — Ilardcastle, Esq., Park Place, Lextoii, Essex. OPEN TO ALL. jVfW l:oses of WHO and ISGl. Class 10. — For tde Best Collection, one Truss op each \'ariett.-t- Fiist, Mr. B. R. Cant, St. John's Street Nursery, Colchester. Second* Jlcssrs. Paul iS: Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshuiit. Third, Mr. J. Cranstrtn, King's Acre Nursery, near llereforil Extra, Mr. J. Mitchell, Piltdown Nurseries, Mare.^held, Susses. Class 11.— 30 TRUssfcs of Roses, various, Exhibited in a Vase or other Orkakental Stand, Suitadle for Table Decoration. — First, .Mr. C. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. Secon.i, Jlr. K. P. Francis, Nurseries, Hertford. Third, Jlr. T. Varney, Weston Viha, Upper Norwood. Roses in Pots. Class 12.-10 Roses, 10 Varieties, in Pots not exceeding 13 Inches IN diameter.— (No compeiititm.) Class 13. — For the Best Collectio.^ of Roses, in Pots of ant Size.-^ First, Jlessrs. Paul & Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. MEETING OF WOEKINGMEN-BOTANISTS. In the manufacturing districts there is "a goodly number of men who earn their bread amidst the whirl of wheels the noise of the forging hammer, and in the midst of cireuln^tance9 which in tliemselves are enough to distract man's mind from the beauties of nature; yet they find time to become, not only well versed in botany, but to have a good knowledge of entomology and of other natural sciences. They have their meetings periodi- cally in their diti'erent localities, to which tliey bring their speci- mens for examination and for the information of others. For the last five years those who study botany have made a 272 JOTTJINAL OF HOEXICULTCEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 1862. practice of meeting once a-year in some central place, so that tlie plants indigenous to a district some fifty or sixty miles in diameter are brought together. This year the meeting is at Ashton-under- Lyne, on Sunday, July 13th, and from two to three hundred working men are expected to be there from various parts of Lancashire, Yoriishire, Cheshire, and Derbysliire. Tlie custom of meeting on a Sunday was established when the hours of labour in our mills were very long, and Sunday was the chief time that the operatives had for mental imjjrovement. The above meeting will be in the Odd Fellows' Hall, at two o'clock, P.M. — J. H. [We willingly insert this announcement, and shall be glad if our correspondent will send us a report of the Meeting, with the names of the rarer plants exhibited. We shall be glad if he will send us his address, as we may wish to write to him. We think these most praiseworthy men will see the propriety of now changing their day of meeting. — Eds. J. OF H.] VINE PEOM THE ELYSIAN FIELDS. A Suhscriher requests advice as to the cultivation of a Vine brought from the vineyard near Naples, which occupies the site of the old Elysian Fields of Virgil. It is the common Vine of the country, and the soil is dry there. On being brought to England in November, 1860, it was planted against a south wall in one of the midland counties, but soon gave no sign of life in any part of it. Yet, in May, 1802, a shoot from the root came up, which is now 9 inches high and appears to be the only part alive. How can it be encouraged to grow ? Does it require the shelter of glass in thi* c'imite? Will it bear removal? Or can any particular trealmeut be advised to insure its flourishing? [We think the lop of your Vine was killed by the frost. Part underground had so far escaped as to be growing now. Though the soil was dry in its native climate, there is no saying where the roots went in search of moisture. We have little hopes of your plant succeeding well in a midland county unless the place is sheltered and warm ; but there will be no doubt of its growing. The difficulty will be to get the wood ripened enough to be fruitful. For this jnirpose you must encourage moderate instead of strong rampant growth. It would, no doubt, be improved if under glass, with or without artificial heat. It may easily be moved and replanted in the autumn when the leaves are falling. If you refer to the page in which this answer io gTven, and tell us what you decide upon doing, then we will publish the details of how you should proceed.] seasons. When mixed spread out as thin as possible to get it well frosted and sunned, and when it is quite dry in July or August run a roller over it, and then give it another frosting and summering, and see if it does not do anything you require. — D. Beaton. SULPHUR vEHsus RED SPIDER. In your answers to correspondents you say that tlie air of a house impregnated with fumes of sulphur, without burning the sulphur, is fatal to red spider. Have you proved this by ex- periment? I have repeatedly placed a pan of sulphur on a warm flue, strewed leaves covered with red spider on the surface, covered the whole with a bell-glass, and found that the insects were alive and lively after an exposure to the fumes for twenty-four hours, the leaves in the meantime being dried to chips.- E.T., Solihull. [We have proved the matter often, but as stated in " Doings of the Week " lately, what will kill insects at one time will not do so at another ; but, at any rate, this is one of the most effectual means we know. Are you sure the sulphur did give off its fumes? We have smoked a place with burning sulphur when we wished to kill everything alive in it ; but though the vast majority of all living things were dead, we found some young tlirips and red spiders hatched after the burning ; and though some lizards and a prized toad or two were killed when we opened the place, we found a robin chirruping, though how he escaped we never knew. If fumes of sulphur and moisture will not destroy red spider, and if fairly got a-head, it will not do so without continued applications. Prevention is better than cure. Are you sure the insects were red spider?] COCOA-NUT EIBRE REFUSE GENERALLY USEFUL AS A MANURE. Foe the last seven jears I have been telling how good I found the cocoa-nut fibre refuse for all plants, and when I suggested it the other dny as a good speculation for nurserymen to get truck- loads of it down into the provinces, I was certain it would be much better for all kinds of soil, and pay better than guano. That I am quite sure of ; hut I did not expect to be asked pri- vately how to use it, as I am in a letter from " F. D." I said at least a hundred times the way I did use it, but the best way to use it is probably not yet discovered. Indeed, the best of us do not know yet one-fourth of its value; but I put it only higher in importance than guano. Although sixty years of agel expect to live to see it coming in shiploads from Ceylon and other places, after the farmers have exhausted the supply of it in Europe. There is not a kind of soil but it will improve. The very stilTest clay, if you drain the water from it, might be ren- dered as mellow by it as to do for potting Cinerarias in, or Ferns, or any plant ; and the sand of the desert is not so dry but it will cool and moisten it, and keep it so if it is well covered with it. For all market-garden plants, and for Asparagus in parti- cular, I have full testimonials that nothing can excel it. Mv own garden, which was a poor black sand, is now one of the most fertile in Surrey — by mixing two parts of the stuff to one part of the black sand to the depth of 18 inches ; but I liave it mixed twice that depth. Use it like leaf mould, or in lieu of peat, mulch and mix with it all manner of soils ; sift it and put half an inch of it over all your grass land, and it will give such a "bottom" as it nevei had before. The rankest clay in England could be made intc potting loam by mixing twice its bulk of the refuse with it in two THE BIRMINGHAM ROSE SHOW. A Rose Show in Birmingham ? Anything so poetical in so matter-of-fact, practical, smoky a melropolia of iron os Birming- ham ? Yes, truly, and what is more, a Show which in point of beauty of arrangement, excellence of flowers, and general cha- racter, may vie with anj that have been as yet held in honour of the queen of flowers. I have seen all the Eose shows, been deafened at the Hanover Square Kooms, squeezed at St. James's Hall, pushed about at Kensington, and enjoyed the Crystal Palace with all its charms ; but I have not seen one which afforded me more real pleasure than the Birmingham one, projected, I be- lieve, by the staff of the Midland Counties Herald, and adopted at once by the Rev. Eeynolds Hole, who waived his own pro|ject of a Midland Show in order to give greater eflect to this efl'ort. And so, when from this centre of England went forth the procla- mation, it was no wonder that from fifteen different counties should have come up a bevy of fair maidens and gallant knights to show their allegiance to her floral majesty. " Well, but was it a good Show ?" was the first question I was saluted with at Kensington the following day (where, according to the admii-able wisdom that arranges tlie proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society in the very height of the Rose season, not a single prize was ofl'ered for Ro-es, and this though the Society took £800 at the doors on the days of the Eose Show ! They, of course, could not ailord it, and made amends to the floral world by giving a prize for a fresh-water aquarium !) Y'es, it was a capital Show, and the Roses were finer, especially those of the nurserymen, than at Kensington on the 11th. ^ Nor were the Koses the only things that were good. So beautiful a collection of electro-plated flower-stands, parian vases, and glass stands for flowers 1 never saw collected together. Garden implements, too, of all kinds were there, wire baskets and terra cotta stands, all catalogued and priced, so that any one could at once ascertain the important information what each article would cost ; and when to this one has to add that courtesy and kindness (not snubbing and high-and-mightiness, as in more fashionable locaUties), marked all concerned, it is not to be wondered at that I felt the enjoyment of being there to be a great one j nor was it without some feelings of hearty thankfulness either. Two and thirty years had elapsed since I was in Birmingham before ; and one could not look back on the many years during which one had " been led," without being grateful to Him to whose care and love all was due. And who were the successful competitors? Amongst amateurs, our trusty and well-beloved brother the Rev. Eeynolds Hole; July 8, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HOBXICULTURE AND COTTAGE OABDENER. 273 and amongst nurserymen, our excellent and clever friends, Mr. Cant, of Colchester, and Mr. Turner, of Slough, were the prin- cipal ones, and beautiful tlieir (lowers were. The Birmingham folks have adopted some plans new in exe- cution, if not in idea, and they are, wo think, well worthy of imitation. Tliey have abolished tlio (to my mind) absurdly large class of 'JG trebles, and made it 9G singles. They offered, also, prizes for the best G blooms of any now Bose ; and also (though this is more questionable), for G blooms of expanded, and the same of cupped Roses. There is the difficulty in the latter case of deciding which a Bose belongs to, some being cupped in a young state, and ex})anded when old. Then it was a good thought to offer a prize for hand-bouquets of Roses ; and altogether their jilan displayed great judgment and taste, and reflected great credit on all concerned. The taste of the Committee, Secretaries, and of Messrs. Hole and Perry, on whom a good deal of it devolved, being no light one ; it will not be so heavy another year, when things are in better working order. Mr. Cranston took the first prize for the best G blooms of a new Bose of 185y-60-Gl with Madame Furtado, which were magnitleent blooms ; and Mr. Keynes second, with Senateur Vaisse. Three of these wei-e very fine, the other three not quite open enough. In stands of 24 varieties of new Roses of 1859-60-61 Messrs. Paul & Son, of the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were first, with James Dickson 1861, a forcing Bose ; Madame Boll, too apt to show a green eye ; Prairie de Terre Noire ; Lord Canning, seedling, pink flower, likely to be good ; General Washington ; President ; Victor Verdier ; Mr. Pierson, will not do ; Madame Pauline Villot, good ; Mademoiselle Bonnaire ; George Pea- body ; Alexandrine de Belfroy ; Lord Clyde, scabby ; Belle de Bourg-la-Beine ; Madame Charles Crapelet, excellent ; Catherine Guillot ; Mademoiselle Julie Darzins, 1861, very good ; Agatoide ; Senateur Vaisse ; Louise Darzins, ISGl, a pretty white ; Mademoiselle Eugenie Verdier ; 'William PCtzer 1861, good ; and Madame Furtado. Mr. Cant's were Framjois Lacharme, 1861, large and excellent ; Parmentier ; Eugene Appert, very good ; Marguerite Appert ; L'Enfant Trouve, very good Tea; Victor Verdier; Madame Furtado; Louis XIV. good; Eegulus ; Triomphe des Bagatelles; Amiral Gravina ; Modele de Perfection, good Bourbon; Vainqueur de Solferino ; Comte de Beaufort ; Baron Gonella ; Celine Forestier, good Noisette; Madame Boll; Rubens; Marquise deFoucault; and Princesse Mathilde. In the Nurserymen's Class of 96, Mr. Cant held the first place with a beautiful eoUeetion of Roses. Some of the indi- ridual blooms I have never seen excelled, if indeed equalled. There was one bloom of Colonel de Bougemont which was a perfect model : it was large without being faint, and most regularly formed. I mention this because I am afraid that the desire to have large blooms is leading to a deterioration in cha- racter and colour. Ilis flowers were Senateur Vaisse, Bougere, Marquise de Foucault, Princesse Mathilde, Vioomtesse de Cazes, Madame Furtado, Eugene Verdier, Madame Boll (a very fine bloom), Triomphe de Paris, Gloire de Vitry, Madam Slan- dish, Mathurin Regnier, Victor Verdier, Adelaide Fontaine, Celine Forestier, La Ville de St. Denis, ICean, Madame Trcdeaux, Souvenir de le Leveson Gower, Lamartine, Comtesse Ceoile de Chabrillant, Anna AlexiefT, Baron Gonella, Prince Leon, Regulus, Madame William, Vainqueur de Solferino, Col. de Rougemont, General Jacqueminot, Devoniensis, Pauline Lanzezeur, Anna de Diesbach, Geant des Batailles, Madame Vidot, Jules Margottin, Adam, Lord Baglan, Caroline de Sansal, Baronne Hallez, Mare- chal Beaugard, Triomphe de Lyon, Madame KnoiT, Francois Laeharme (one of the new Roses, and likely to be a good one), Pauline Leborte, General Forey, Niphetos, Baronne Prevost, Madame Bravy, General Simpson, Souvenir d'un Ami, Madame de Cambaeeres, Empereur de Maroc, La Fontaine, Triomphe de Rennes, Madame Pierson, William Grifllths, George Peabody, America, Model of Perfection, Victor Emmanuel, JiUie Mansais, Etendard des Amateurs, Comtesse de Labothe, Victor Trouil- lard (a wonderfully fine bloom), Duke of Cambridge, Oderic Vital, Eugene Appert, Rubens, Belle de Bourg-la-Beine, Due de Cazes, Solfatcrre, Bobert de Brie (very dull), Madame de St. Joseph, Franrois Premier, Coupe d'Hebe, Louis XIV., BufFon, Comte de Nanteuil, Evequo de Nimes, Bellonie, Comte de Beaufort, General Zachargcrsky, and Mrs. Bosanquet. The eecond was awarded to Messrs. Paul & Son, of the Old Nur- series, Cheshunt. In the Class of 48'8 three trusses, there were some Snely- bloomed specimens in the boxes of Mr. Francis, of Hertford, who was first, and Mr. Keynes, of Salisbury, who received the second prize. In 2'1'9, three trusses of each variety, Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, was first, and Mr. Cant, of Colchester, second. In 21 varieties, single truss, Mr. Turner was again first. His varieties were La Reine, Victor Verdier, Boule de Nanteuil, Duchesso d'Orleans, Senateur Vaisse, Souvenir de la Molmaison, Madame Charles Crapelet, Gloire de Dijon, General Jacqueminot, Anna Alexieff, Jules Margottin, Madame Willermoz, William Griffith, Comtesse Cecile de Chabrillant, Lord Raglan, La Ville de St. Denis, Paul Ricaut, Victor Trouillard, Lamartine, Louis XIV., Madame Boll, Madame Hector Jacquin, Narcisse, and Madame Furtado. Mr. Keynes was a worthy second. In tlie Amateur's Class of 48' s, the Rev. Reynolds Hole was first — no slight testimony to the zeal and skill of a connoisseur, who lost 1000 out of 1200 Roses in the winter of 1860-61. He had some fine blooms, especially his Cardinal Patrizzi, which was in finer condition than I ever saw it. Ho had besides La Ville de St. Denis, Madame Vidot, Devoniensis, Anna de Dies- bach, Prince de la Moskowa, Joseph Vernet, Comtesse CecUe de Chabrillant, Madame Hector Jacquin, Victor Verdier, Mathurin Regnier, EvSque de Nimes, Dr. Bretonneau, Louise Peronny, Paul Bicaut, Comte de Nanteuil, Jules Margottin, Souvenir d'un Ami, Duchesse de CambaciireB, Gregoire BourdUlon (a fairish Rose, very like Qeant), Oderic Vital, Baronne de Hes- keren, Celine Forestier, Reynolds Hole (very bright lively pink), Chateubriand, Madame Knorr, Madame Boll, Madame Bravy (Tea), Eugene Appert (very fine). Due de Cambridge, Andre Desportes (a good purplish-rose). Caroline de Sansal, Noemi, Fran9ois Arago, Charles Lawson, Geant des Batailles, Gloire de Dijon, Due de Cazes, Coupe d'H 8, 1SC2. ] JOFKNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE OABDENER. 275 else except t-lie one thing ehielly interesting to mo as a small farmer." Well, wq know more about such matters than Turuip- growing by the many acres. However, we may state that the large field "of Turnips was a sight worth going to see : the crop was so regular and level throughout, as if no allowance could be given for a single miss or blank. There was a peculiarity also in the mode of cultivatio:; wliich we observed here as well as at Lough Crew and Woodstock. The rows were much the same as to distance from each other — from 27 inches to 'M inches ; but the bulbs were mncli closer to each other in the rows than generally prevails on this side of the water. These huge, clean, well-shaped globes almost touched each other ; and when taken up to be pitted or given at once to the young sheep (the lambs of that spring looking at a distance like two-year-olds), the Turnips thoroughly covered the ground. That grovmd, what- ever its texl uro naturally, was as fine and clean as an Onion-bed, and was to be sown directly. The largest of these white Pome- ranian Turnips weighed 19 lbs. Wo liave it in our note-book, that from weighing small portions of the crop the average weight was computed to be 60 tons per acre, and that the Swedes sweUing fast would average 10 tons. Mr. Hamilton, however, has no faith in such averages, and the result of weighing every cartload exactly was 35i tons to the statute acre. An acre of Swedes, including two headlands and a narrow farm rood in the measurement, gave 31 tons to the statute acre, every load being carefully weighed. There was not a weed to be seen in the field, and no" harbour for such in the fences round it. We regret -we did not inquire the minuti;e of culture ; but for the sake of many small and amateur farmers who feel a sort of patriarchal pleasure in attending to and making the most of their few acres of a farm, we hope that Mr. Hamilton will furnish such readers with a few practical hints on the subject. One secret, no doubt, consists in the goodness of the manure used — not poor washed material, the good properties of which have been conveyed to the nearest ditch or rivulet. The farm and domestic ofliees close to the mansion are a nice combination of the suitable, the convenient, and the economical. The recep- tacles for keeping and preparing food are so placed as to econo- mise time and labour. Xo steam power is used ; as, more horses than are required for the farm being kept, occasion is taken, when not wanted otherwise, to use them for working the necessary machinery in grinding, threshing, bruising, and cutting. The stalls of the byres and stables are elevated sufficiently to permit of a shallow waterproof gutter behind, so that all the rich manurial liquid shall be conveyed at once to suitable tanks. There is nothing of the ferme ornee about such buildings, but there is tlie greatest cleanliness and attention to the health of the cattle combined with tlie economical. The whole of the manure from the buildings is taken to a yard, nicely mixed, and trodden ; and if too dry to undergo a very slow decomposition, it is turned over in wet days, and the rich pure liquid manure added to it as necessary. Why do this in a wet day ? Because the men will be in the dry, as the dungyard is all covered with a shed-roof, so that no rain shall deteriorate the manurial mate- rial. Contrast such a mode with that which too often obtains in England amid all our boasted improvements, where the rains that would naturally fall upon the dungyard and from all the sheds and buildings surrounding it, are allowed to soak and percolate through the manure, until, when thrown together, it is little better than mere decomposed litter, and fitted to act upon the land more as a mechanical than an enriching agency. The waterproofed ehidding-roofs are quite a feature at Ham Wood ; and though in the places of rich gentlemen and noble- men we would like to see such sheds and buildings covered with slate, kc, we have no doubt that many will be indebted to Mr. Hamilton for the hint how to make such sheds, so as to be somewhat lasting and combine the great requisites of efficiency and economy. We saw all the corn under these sheds ; and we understand, that since we were there Mr. Hamilton has resolved to do away with all thatching of ricks and substitute sheds, as being in a few years by far the more economical, besides being in every way more neat, serviceable, and convenient. Some sheds we saw had been standing from eight to ten years, and seemed as sound as the day they were put up. The shed in which the com was placed was GO feet long, 20 feet wide, and 20 feet high. The flooring of this, consisting of strong pieces of wood, was placed about 18 inches above the ground, supported in the middle chiefly by short posts of wood fixed in the ground, and standing up to that height, and having their tops covered with a piece of tin or iron projecting 2 inches or 3 inches all round, so that neither mouse nor rot could get up into the corn. These usually called "baulks," supported the rough flooring. The stout outside posts supporting the building had a piece of the same material nailed on, beat or bevcllfd, so as to project in the same way. Our neighbour, Mr. Ross, who superintends the splendid farm at Luton Park, ha? nuicli more substantial build- ings for a similar purpose, but for keeping out rats and mice similar pieces of zinc or plate-iron are fa»ten(d all round the posts for some 18 inches deep, without any )irojectiou, and he thinks they are quite as efficient in preventing the destruction of victuals. This by the way, only any such system does show something more of carefulness than building stacks on the ground, and letting rats and mice devour what ought to be care- fully saved as human food. The roofing, however, is the chief thing we have to specify. The ridge-board and rafters are managed in the usual way. On these rafters the boards are nailed, placing them close, edge to edge, the boards being about tliree-eighths of an inch in thick- ness ; in other words, five boards are cut out of a batten or plank 2 inches thick. On this board roofing stout unbleached double-width calico is stretched, and tacked neatly, covered over with gas tar, which soaks through the wood, and when that coating is dry a second coating is given, and when wet a pretty liberal dusting of rough sand or dry road drift thrown over it. There seemed to be no comparison between neatness, lastingnees, and efficiency between this mode and such plans as asphalting at Id. per foot. The whole cost for this shed, 60 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 20 feet in height, was .€25. The rafters, roofing, &c., ready sawed, cost £22 16*., and the calico, gas tar, &c., about £2 4s. Since then 10 feet have been added to the length, and other two sheds adjoining to it buUt, each 70 feet long ; so that there is now a space enclosed by waterproofed roofs of 70 feet by GO feet, and the whole will cost about £70. These latter have been erected in addition to the usual labour on the farm. Those who pay for thatching similar spaces every year, and put a value on the straw so used, will be able to judge how soon such sheds will pay the cost of thatching, whilst the damp, unseemly litter will be all got rid of, and the expense of canvass in wet weather avoided. We forget in how many years, we think six or eight, Mr. Hamilton deems it advisable to give a fresh coat of tar, but which at Id. per gallon, or so, involves little expense but the labour of putting it on. All straw and hay will now be thus stored at Ham Wood. The few pleasant hours we spent at Ham Wood not only tended to show the truth of the old adage that " short accounts hisure long friendships," but demonstrated a principle of still greater importance — that a man of activity and perseverance may prove a thorough philanthropist, in elevating and improving the condition of his countrymen, and yet never be insensible to tlie charm of having a good balance ou the right side of the ledger. K. FiSH. A PLAN OF A DUTCH GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE. The subjoined plan is a modification of the ground plan of the Dutch greenhouse and garden at Eedlaaf, and aflbrds many facilities, not only for the production of eflfect, but also for a great diversity and choice of plants. The chief interest, and indeed beauty, of these kinds of gardens is peculiarly intiinsic. They possess no features by which they can be moulded into a combination with natural scenery, and, therefore, are only appropriate as accompaniments to architec- tural embellisliment, or to be placed in some warm secluded nook, where the boundary (to be presently remarked upon) may legitimately form a portion of the general eeenei-y, without ofi'ending the taste by placing the extreme artificial in juxta- position with the purely natural. The form of the boundary, marked in the plan No. 1, must be determined by circumstances. If only a square plot is to be operated upon, and the exterior is of no moment, it may be a border bounded by a conservative wall for choice climbing plants and Koscs ; or, if room will serve, it may be a low wall with iron palisadmg, and the border planted with evergreen and deciduous shrubs; but, if it is placed in any part where a formal boundary is inadmissible, I would have it formed of Azaleas, Andromedas, lUiododeudrons, and other American plants in combination. 'I'lie interior hne being of course quite straiglit, the exterior may be varied in a 276 JOURNAL OF HORXICULTUaE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. [ July 8, 1862. multitude of ways by indentations and projectioBS, so as to appear part of a general design, and in keeping with surrounding scenery. In order to assist the effect of this boundary, it would be as well to throw up a mound of earth suited to the growth of American ])lant6, and by planting some large specimens on the top, some of which should be standards, and fiUing up the inter- mediate spaces down to the ground leyel with evergreens and deciduous shrubs intermixed, an appearance will be produced which it would take many years to arrive at, if the plants were all started from a level suiface. Near the interior line of the outside border I have placed crosses (+) at intervals where the taste of many persons might lead them to approve of a plan which would produce a unique and fine effect — viz., to plant at each + a strong-growing climb- ing Bose, to be trained up a pole 12 feet high, and when they reach the top to be guided across by means of a strong wire, so as to meet each other ; they would thus form a beautiful living festoon. Near this interior line also, the Chinese Pceonia Moutan, and varieties, should be liberally distributed ; a sheltered situa- tion of the kind suits them well. The beds, No. 2, may be filled with choice herbaceous plants, to be assisted during summer with plants from the greenhouses and pits. Double 'White Bockets are very conspicuous in such a situation in spring, so also are the herbaceous Phloxes in summer. Conspicuous showy plants of such kinds will require a certain degree of uniformity in the arrangement to be in keeping with the artificial character of the garden. No coarse or common plants should be admitted. The interior octagonal portion of the plan (No. 3) may be de- voted to bedding plants in masses, in the summer and autumn. No. 4, Beds of hardy Fuchsias. No. 5, Beds of Eoses. A PLAN OP A DVTCH GARDEN AND onEENHOUSE, No. 6, Choice plants from stores, with some ornamental trellises covered wilh Lophospermum, Maurandya, Tropffiolum, ! and other rapid-growing creepers during the summer, and Hyacinths in spring. No. 7, Bright dwarf Scarlet Geraniums in summer. Turban Eanunculus in spring. No. 8, The greenhouse. This, of course, as well as the whole plan, may be varied and modified so as to suit particular circum- stances : as, for instance, instead of a greenhouse the garden might be formed in front of a cottage ornee. Taste will easily suggest a different arrangement, only the style must not be de- parted from, and neither circles nor curvilinear figures admitted. No. 9 Affords an excellent situation for a smaU architectural temple, where seats may be arranged, or it may be formed of rustic woodwork, and covered with Eoses, &c. In a garden arranged according to the above routine, there will be, except in severe frost and snow, some objects of interest in flower all the year round ; whilst, at certain times of the year the effect will be truly gorgeous. Lastly, with regard to the formation of the walks and borders, I must observe that the walks here are formed of paving-bricks laid flat, and the edges with a smaller brick set up end-way&, and it affords a dry and comfortable walk all the year roimd, which is a great desideratum ; but they may be formed with gravel and edged with Box or slate, or whatever the taste may fancy, except grass, which, in such a situation, would be as iu- appropriate as it would be difficult and troublesome to keep neat.— J. Cox, gardener to W. Wells, Esq., Redleaf. — (Gar- deners' Magazine of Botany.) July 8, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 277 Bejama coakctata (Close-beaded Bejaria). — Kat. oi-d., Ericaccffi. Zinn, DoJecandria Monogynia. — A beautiful balf- bardy evergreen slu-ub, tbe brandies of wbicb are sbaggy with spreading liairs. Tbe leaves are oval-acute, on short stalks, closely imbricated, glaucous beneath. The floTfers are in close terminal corymbs ; the petals, seven or eight in number, erect, nearly parallel— that is, not spreading ; the colour, deep crim- son. From the Andes of New Grenada, and the mountains of Peru. Introduced about 1818, by Mr. Purdie. Flowers about May. 1. Bejaria co?.rctata. Bryanthus erectus. 3. Hypoeyrta gracilis. Betanthcs ebectfs (Upright Bryanth). — Kai. ord., Eri- cacese. Linn., Octandria Monogynia. — A charming little hardy Bhrub, more impatient of heat and dry air than of cold. It forms a compact dwarf bush, with erect much-branched stems, bearing linear-obtuse, obscurely-serrated leaves, and flowers, eight or ten altogether in corymbs from the ends of the branehlets. The flowers are campanulate, resembling miniature Kalmias, of a delicate pink or flesh colour ; very pretty indeed. It is said to be a hybrid between Ehodothamnus (Rhododendron) Chamac- cistus, and Pbyllodoce taxifolia (Menziesia cccrulea) ; and Dr. Lindley thinks it may be a cross betweei these plants, though he would rather refer its origin to the P. empetriformis (M. em- petriformis). The north side of walls where the sun never shines, and low, but tliorouglily-drained places, suit this and allied plants; better still, damp, cold, shaded pita in which the air I remains always damp. A garden hybrid, obtained by Mr. Cun- I ningham, of Edinburgh. Flowers in spring.! _* V.'- ^ — I Htpocteta gracilis (Slender Hypoeyrta ).—Nat. ord., Ges- neracere. Linn., Didynamia Angiospermia.— A pretty creepmg I stove plant, with branched purplish-brown stems, rootmg from below the insertion of the leaves. The leaves are opposite, an inch ; long, thick, fleshv, ovate, on short petioles ; dark green above, paler and often blotched with red beneath. The flowers grow ! singly or in pairs, on short red peduncles, from the axils ; the co- ' rolla is rather large, between funnel-shaped and bell-shaped, with a curved tube ; creamy white, spotted with orange on the under side of the tube within ; the hmb consisting of five nearly equal, rounded segments. According to Dr. Lindley, this is, probably, an AUoplectus. From the Organ Mountains otBrazil. Introduced before 1850 by Messrs. BackboHse, of York. Flowers in spring. DESTRUCTION OF RED SPIDER BY VAPOUR OP SPIRIT OF TURPENTINE. Having read in the CoHage Gardener's Dictionary (an ex- cellent and cheap publication, by the way, that I would recom- mend to every amateur in gardening), that "the vapour of spirit of turpentine is soid to be as efl'ectual as sulphur" in destroying red spider, and having destroyed some plants in applying it, I send you an account of the means I used, in the hope that you will publish my failure for the warning of novices like myself, and at the same time give some instructions how it should be applied if really a useful agent in tha destruction of that gar- deners' pest — the red spider. The plants I operated upon were six plants of Thunbergia — two of them large plants in flower in 5-inch pots, the others small plants in 4-inch pots, and one Brugmansia in a 10-inch pot, These I put at night in a box 32 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, and with them three small pieces of cotton wool, each about the size of a pigeon's egg, saturated with about a debsert-spoonful of spirits of turpentine, and covering the whole over with waterproof oiled calico, thus making the box almost air-tight, left them until morning. On first uncovering them they seemed but Uttle injured, except that the leaves ol the Brugmansia drooped considerably. I syringed the whole to help to get rid of the red spider, and in the afternoon found the plants all dead, the leaves looking as if they had been dried with considerable heat. They had been carefully shaded, «o tliat 1 278 JOURNAL OF HORTICULXURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 1862. attribute tlie loss of the plants entirely to the effect of the spirits of turpentine. As I had applied the remedy once before with considerable effect in destroying red spider, and without the loss of my plants, with this difference — thit in the other ease the spirit of turpentine was in an ojjen saucer, and not nearly so much was evaporated as from the cotton wool, I write you these particulars in the hope that you will point out what was the probable ca\ise of my failure, and give some hints on tlie appli- cation of this remedy for red spider, as I have proved that it is efficacious in the destruction of this pest, and think my failure arose from my want of slsilfulnesa or judgment in applying the remedy. — Country Cueate. [We have no personal experience of the use of the fumes of spirit of turpentine as an insect-slayer ; but it is very erident that the fumigation was too strong and too long continued. The evaporation from tlie saucer was quite rapid enough. Much must depend, however, upon the temperature. We shall be obliged by reports of experiments upon this subject. — Eds. J. OF H.] GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. The Annual Dinner in connection with this Institution was celebrated on Thursday, the 26th ult., at the London Tavern, under the able presidency of Sir Arthur Duller, M.P., who was supported by a considerable number of gentlemen, amongst whom were the Rev. J. M. Bellew, E. Wrench, Esq. (Treasurer), — Wodehouse, Esq., Morgan O'Connell, Esq., Messrs. Oram, W. S. Barton, C. A. North, W. N. de Matton, R. Marnock, G. Childs, E. Ledger. After the usual loyal toasts, the Chairman proposed the toast of the evening — " Success and Prosperity to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution." To appreciate, he said, thoroughly the progress that had been made within the last few years, even in the science and practice of gardening in this country, were indeed a task of difficulty. For himself, he must say that, in endeavouring to do so, he could not but feel that it was a great advantage to him having been abroad for many years ; because on his return he remembered well the astonishment he felt at the advancement he found in the practice of which he spoke. Wherever he went, whether to a county, a house, or to a cottage in some country village, there were palpable evidences of pro- gress in the business of gardening. Gardens had sprung up, too, in busy cities, and even many lodging-house windows in dark, dismal, dingy streets, possessed floral decorations which were in other times considered but the fair products of the greenhouse. Fruits, too, which in his time had been deemed but small and insipid, had now become of enormous size and of the most delicious flavour. Indeed, it almost sefmed as though Flora and Pomona had again come amongst thorn, and had again taken into tlieir own hands the culture of tlie earth. These vast results, as they could bear witness, were the results of the untiring energy, industry, and ingenuity of those liard- working classes, the poorer and worn-out members of which it was the object of this very Institution to assist. Whilst tli se wlio sought to carry on this excellent work recognised and en- joyed the fruits of their success, they should ever bear in mind and endeavour to alleviate illness, which might often be the result of the means exercised towards the achievement of that success. In many cases the poor gardener had but little indeed to set aside out of his scant recources towards provision for the infirmities of age. And, in addition to this, they nnist not forget to wliat risks lie was subject in going from heated atmo- •spheres into cold — say, for instance, from the pinery rr the greenliouse, into, it might be, frost and snow, or rain. He (the Chairman) believed that King Rheumatism had more subjects amongst gardeners than amongst almost any other class of the •community. In aid of such sufferers, then, he had on the present occasion to appeal. It was for such that this Institu- tion was founded ; and he was proud to add, and rejoiced in- deed to say, that in cases where sympathy and help was needed it was administered both with integrity and discretion. Refer- ring to the report which liad been placed in his hands, and to which he would beg to call their attention as a very gratifying ■document, of which even Parliament might be proud on account of the clear and intelligible figures in its balance-sheet and of its unmistakeable surplus, he would add that, hovfcver agreeable it was, more money was yet wanted. It still appealed to the benevolence of the public for support. As it was customary, therefore, on such occasions as this to embrace any opportunity of indulging in any exuberance of generosity which the circum- stances which accompanied the occasion might inspire, lists had been provided, and which would be handed round, in which the names of any gentlemen who so wished it might be recorded. The process of subscribing they would find extremely simple. There was a column on the left for the name of the subscriber ; columns next to that on the right for his adtlress, &c. ; and further still to the right, columns in which persons so disposed might put down certain figures representing money, for which the officer duly appointed to that business would call in due course. If any gentleman present felt so nervous that he had not the courage to do so at the present moment, he (the Chairman) might reasonably suggest that a glass or two more of wine, which was said to have an effect on the human eye, might perhaps render his the brighter, and he might thus see more clearly his way to do that which he had the pleasure to suggest. Seriously, however, he could not sit down without adverting to a paragraph in the Report to which he had referred, and which ran as follows : — *' Your Committee notice witti pleasure tliat year by year they continue to receive tlie patronage of gentlemen interested in horticulture ; but at the same time they regret that the class of persons for whose benefit the Society liaa been specially formed, should respond in such a lukewarm manner. Your Committee find that among the gardening world there are a great many whose names ought to be in the list, and to whom the amount ol an annual subscription would scarcely I'e felt ; and they are sure that many more gentlemen would become donor.s to the Society were lliey to see the names of their gardeners on the list of subscribers. The Committee earnestly appeal to gardeners holding good situations to support this Society; they would then be assisting their poorer brethren, and at the same time laying by for themselves a small provision In tlie hour of distress and need, if over- taken by misfortunes, to which all are alike exposed." With these remarks he would leave the toast he had already named in their hands. The Chairman sat down amidst loud cheering, and the toast was duly honoured with " three times three." The other toasts were the " Secretary," the " Treasurer," "Literature and Art," the "Seed and Nursei-y Trade," the " Stewards," and the "Ladies." The sum subscribed during the evening amounled to £200. THE PLAGUE OF SLUGS, AND HOW TO REMEDY IT. The destruction of plants in fields and gardens by grubs, slugs, and insects of all kinds this season has considerably ex- ceeded the average loss from this cause, aiul drawn the attention of agriculturists and gardeners to the subject. There have always been partial and local attacks both of grub and insects, but the complaint this year is general, and may even be callecl national. From all quarters the cry is still, " Xhey come, they come;" and though the ravages which have been already chronicled are, of course, merely a tithe of the actual loss, yet they are sufficient to make us view the subject with all the seriousness which it deserves. Some seasons are prolific of insect and animal life, just as they are of vegetable life. This year the wet and moisture seem to have been favoia-able to the development of slugs and grub. There is little doubt that the open winter also fostered, if it did not stimulate, the propagation of insects of all kinds. A keen black frost, or even one with a sprinkling of snow, would have thinned the insect ranks materi- ally. There was no frost, however, of any great severity, and the principal assistance in keeping the insect tribe within due bounds was to be expected from the feathered race. Unfortu- nately, however, birds of all kinds, from rooka and magpies down to sparrows, are scarce, and they seem destined to become scarcer. The country is almost as bereft of birds as the town. The fashion among boys for collecting eggs, and the wholesale destruction of rooks and other large as well as small birds, has reduced the feathered race to such a degree that the hedgerows and forest glades are all but deserted. Indeed, with the exception of the lark and the house-sparrow, there is scarcely any bird to be seen. Birds which used to be quite common twenty, end even ten years ago, are now seldom to be met with, and it is only too evident that they arc dying out altogether. The balance of power between the feathered race and the insect tribe has suffered an infraction, and as Nature never allows her laws to be broken with impunity, we are now reaping the fruits of our own wanton acts. In these circumstances it is scarcely to be wondered at that the slugs and snails have it very much their own way. July 8, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICULTrRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 279 Witli tliis i-npiilly dcn-easing list of the fera natui-ir, it lins been found beiioGciarto supplement it with domestic fowls. Tliis, of course, cnn only bo done to a very limited extent, but, so far us gardens are concerned, the system is quite practicable. Indeed, our own experience this season, as well as tliat of a n\nnber of others, is quite conclusive on the subject, and f,'"c3 far to prove that the ravages of insects are to be attributed more to the \yant of birds than to anything else. Last summer a kind friend presented us with a pair of chickens, a cock and a hen — beauti- ful spangled Ifaniburghs. Having an eye to the flower parterres in particular, and to the amenity of the grounds iu general, we must confess that we looked somewhat askance upon tho gift, and nishcd that our friend's generosity had taken another shape. However, tliere they were ; and as our motto is, " Live and let live," they were permitted to go about, and soon became general favourites with every one except Punch, the terrier, whose jealous spirit would " brook no rivals near his throne." "Tliey grew in beauty side by side," and, as they were neither addicted to scraping or burrowing, they had the run of the garden for the whole season. Ihrougliout tho winter and spring they have been almost constantly in it, and, with the exception of walking over a llower-plot or an Onion-bed, they have done no damage. The result of the experiment is tliat there is scarcely a slug or snail to be seen in tlio garden ; and all those who have adopted the same plan are rejoicing in an almost complete immunity from tho plague which has eaten up their neighbours' plants. Broods of ducklings have also been introduced into several gardens for the same purpose. They do not scrape, are keen on the hunt for slugs, and very few escape them. Those who have not made the trial may be apt to suppose that the cure is worse than the disease, and may incline rather to " suffer the ills they have, than flee to others that they know not of." This, however, is not the case ; and, if farther proof were required, it might be enough to state that in several instances there is only a garden wall between the healthy and luxuriant plants preserved by means of the chickens and those eaten and destroyed by the un- checked slug. The lesson to be learned from the whole matter is the preservation of our small birds, and it is to be hoped that it will not be lost upon "The rude, unfeelin' gantc ■\Vha teir the nestlins e'er they flee," stirring up the eggs, or waging indiscriminate war upon the old birds. — Scottish Fanner. IMPROVEMENT OF COTTAGES. On the Est all i.sJi meat and JIanagement of Cottage Improvement Societies. By W. A. GuEENHllL, M.D., Oxon. London : Longman & Co. So entirely convinced are we that one of the most ciEcient agenti in improving the condition of the labouring classes, both morally and physically, is by improving their dwellings, that we hail this and every other effort to promote that improvement with much heartiness. It is true that such societies as Dr. Greenhill tcaclies "the proper management" of, restrict their exertions chiefly to town cottages ; but these cannot be improved without a lesson being taught to the owners and builders of country cottages : therefore, we are very willing to give our aid to the promotion of such societies, and recommend all who wish to establish one to read this pamphlet. WOEK FOR TEE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Take advantage ot dry weather to eradicate the weeds which may have spnnig up during the late rains, and where the soil is not sutTieiently dry for hoeing, hand- weeding should be adopted. Carrots^ make a suiall sowing, if they are in request, for drawing early. Cehry, the main crops to be got out without delay, tl\e plants to be well supplied with soft water, and shaded for a few days if necessary. The early crops to be liberally supplied with liquid manure, and tlie sod about them to be frequently stirred with a fork, but the moulding of them up to be postponed until they have nearly attained their full growth. Onions^ sow a few for drawing young; the Tripoli answers best for that purpose. Fotatoes, t\ie spaces between the rows of early sorts to be forked- xip, and planted witli crops of Brussels Sprouts, Kales, and Cole- worts. Turnips, keep up good sueeessional sowings, of which a large breadth miy now be got in. Bear in mind that charrred refuse suits them well, and that dried wood ashes sprinkled on them when they are wet is a good preventive against the ily. FtOWl^B OABUEN. Fill up vacancies caused by tho removal of bulbs or carly- llowering annuals, with German Asters, Stocks, Zinnias, or any otlier such plants in reserve. Decayed blooms to be removed from Perpetual Roses, and the young wood cleansed from insects. Continue to propagate Picotces, Phiks, and Pansies ; clip Box- edgings in cloudy weather, bud Roses, roll and mow lawns, and follow up assiduously the extirpation of weeds. Proceed with pegging and otherwise training young plants as they advance. See that Dahlias, Hollyhocks, and the tall-growing hcrbaceoua plants are properly secured to stakes as they grow. FRUIT GARDEN. The principal operations here will consist in keeping the young wood of wall-fruit trees constantly nailed-in, the laterals from the young wood of Peaches and Nectarines to be spurred down to tho first joint, which spurs will often produce fruit, but do not trust to tho laterals for filling up the walls, as they seldom get B\illiciently ripened to produce good fruit. A considerable portion of the young wood of Gooseberries and Currants to be spm-red- in at this season, which will both increase their productiveness and the size of the fruit. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Shading to be used sparingly except on bright days, as during dull, unsettled weather plants require all the light that conser- vatories (the roofs of which are generally shaded by twniers) afford. The plants in the greenhouse should now be carefidly looked over for the purpose of affording such of them as may require it a final shift for the season j by shifting them now th& plants will accumulate before winter a sufficient mass of roots to support them through that trying season. Allow conser- vatory border plants the full advantage of favourable weather, that a compact, hardy habit may be produced. Regulate the shoots of Passifloras and other climbers, repressing irregularities of growth, and giving, where necessary, support by judicious tying, and sufficient supplies of water to the roots. Continue Epacrises under glass till their growth is complete, but more air and light should be allowed them, increasing them as the wood gets firmer. Towards the end of the month they may be placed out of doors in an open situation, but where they can be pro- tected from heavy rains. The last batch of Achimenes may now be potted and placed in a cold frame for a last show of bloom. Balsams, Thunbergias, &c., for decorating the conservatory for the next two mouths, should be finally potted in light, rich soil. Keep down red spider by frequent applications of the syringe. BrugmaD6ias,Nerium3, and similar plants of vigorous habit should be frequently assisted with manure water. Intioduce Liliuin lancifolium, L. eximium, and a few of the more forward GladioU, and other Cape bulbs, to supply the places of the Pelargoniums, &e., now on the decline. Leschenaultias should be carefully examined for green fly, and smoked at once, if at all infested, and the flowers to be picked off the young plants as they appear. PITS AND FRAMES. Chinese Primulas, especially the double varieties, if at all backward, should be placed in a close frame, shaded from th& sun, where they will make rapid progress, especially if the pots stand upon a slight bottom heat. Cinerarias for early blooming should also be potted and started at once, choosing the strongest suckers and placing them in a close, shady frame till rooted. The general stock here will now be growing freely,, and should be frequently examined to see that they do not suffer through any neglect in watering. Young specimens of hard- wooded plants should be carefully trained, keeping the shoots- neatly tied-out or pegged-down in order to secure close, compact foundations, upon obtaining which future success will, in a grtat) measure, depend, W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Sowed Lettuce seed and Endive, this being early enough for the Utter, unless where Endive is preferred to Lettuces. Planted out Lettuces against the north slope of a bank, and others on tlie level ground, to succeed each other ; watered those nearly fit for use to nuke them crisp, as though the weather has been diUl and showery, there have been no rains to reach the roots to any extent. Watered young Cauliflowers, and planted out more. 2f0 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 8, 1862. and will prick out young ditto, that the plants maj be some size before planting, and also to enable the ground to bo cleared of other vegetables. As stated before, would always prefer sowing Lettuce thin, and allowing them to attain maturity where sown, but that would take more ground than I could well spare at a time. Hoed all Onions, Carrots, &c., once more, as shortly there will be no room for the hoe, and hand-weeding is a miserable affair. Planted out some beds of Celery, fine stout plants, mostly two or three rows in a bed. These would have been out before, but could not get the ground earlier. The plants though large from being pricked out some 3 inches apart, in loose earth and leaf mould, rise with large balls, and never feel the removal. As to curtailing leaves or roots as used to be done in the days of old, that is now out of the question, but the bottom of each plant should be carefully examined, and every vestige of a sucker-like appendage carefully removed. It is much easier doing it now than after the plants are growing freely in the beds, and if not done, instead of having one nice, solid plant of Celery, you will have a principal one in the centre, and ever so many smaller ones all round, disputing tlie pre-eminence with the central one, and of no use but to be cut away when the Celery plant is wanted for use. A little leaf mould, or very rotten hotbed dung are the best manures for Celery that you wish to be presented 'at table crisp and sweet. If size is the object, you may give dressings of guano or superphosphate of lime, and if the rotten dung ia scarce, a little of the latter may be used to give extra strength ; but, as a general rule. Celery thus rendered extra luxuriant is deficient in sweetness and crispuess. Find to my sorrow that Potatoes lately so healthy showed signs of withering in some places, after a few sunny day3,_and though they had been planted shallow, found on examination that the stem below the ground was quite gone, the withered skin only remaining, and on looking carefully found numbers of Julus complanatus, one of the snake millepedes. It is doubted whether these do anything to a plant but feed upon its previously decayed parts. If they cause decay I feel a little doubtful what remedy to apply, believing that lime or ammoniacal liquid from the gas worts, if it destroyed the insects, would also be liable to hurt the crop. It is quite a new mode here of interference with this crop, and I attribute it partly to the fact, that from close and constant cropping tlie ground had not received the exposure and aeration it ought to have done. With the exception of Carrot ground, ic, I can give a great portion of mine no such treat. I should feel disposed to ridge such ground in winter, and dress it with lime, and a little of the refuse lime from gas works. On pulling up a Cucumber plant, we found the heart nibbled with a harder gentleman of some- thing of the same nature, but which had not hurt the plants much, and, therefore, could scarcely be the cause of a curl and brownish blotches in tlio leaves .igain making its appearance, after I flattered myself I had got rid of that, and also a gummy secretion which troubled me for two years, as, until just now, the Cucumbers have borne well, and "looked healthy. A two- light box strong and healthy, which along with others I meant to succeed these older ones, is also showing yellow points at the end of the fruit, without any apparent cause. For many years we found it easier to get plenty of Cucumbers, with less trouble, than a good early supply of Turnips ; but for three seasons there have been times in which I could scarcely get the necessary supply, and after a number of experiments, I am forced, in answer to many complaints on this subject, to say I know of no remedy but fresh air, fresh soil, sweet and rather light, and planting frequently, so as always to have younger plants to fall back upon. It is true, these plants have been grown in pits and lights, with light merely above them, and the season, as a whole, has been very deficient in light and sun, but in many places the plants grow as healthy as ever, whilst in other places they can scarcely be made to grow at all. To make more certain I procured seed from a distance, and of people who had plants from me, some have done well, and others not so well. In span- roofed Cucumber-houses I hardly know an instance of such diseases manifesting themselves. FRUIT GARDEN. Much the same as last week. Have had and still have a good supply of British Queen Slraiolerry in pots under glass, and in this dripi'ing weather they are far superior in flavour to any we have had as yet out of doors. Few Queens, however, are yet ripe with us in the ojien air, and if the weather does not change, I do not hope they will at all equal those in pots which have come in as change with Keens' for the last month. Hit upon two dry days to gather lots for preserving, and among these a good portion of Culliill's Black Prince, which is much hke^ for that purpose, it is so firm and hard when not over-ripe. OKNAMEKTAL DEP.iETMEjrT. Proceeded with shifting Fuchsias, some hardwooded plants, chiefly, however, encouraging their growth. Potted Geraniums for autumn blooming. Balsams, Browallias, Amaranths, Feather Cockscombs, &c. Cut down large plants that bloomed early, as variegated Geraniums. Syringed such plants as Cytisus, Genista, &c. Watered everything as required, and in the flower garden chose a dull day to give all the plants, and especially Calceo- larias, a good drop of water at their bottom, the skills of showeri doing nothing but refresh the foliage. Calceolarias arc a mass of bloom, but the ground is too cold to enable us to say thesama of Geraniums, &c., though showing what they would do with a little more warmth. The small weeds have come so much that we were obliged to hoe again, using three-inch Dutch hoes, which permit of a good workman stirring the ground amongst the beds. A few sunny days would prevent much use of the hoe, as the ground would be so covered that the weeds could hardly get light to grow. Finished planting borders and out-of-the-way corners pretty well for the season, and filled a number of vases, set out of doors, that used to be placed in glass-covered veran- dahs. AVhen so used these vases and verandahs, were as the very apple of my eye, and exhibited a very artistic and unique style of gardening. All the higher vases, some of them with their pedestals 6 feet and more in height, were filled with large, lofty, flowering plants, and creepers depending all round them. One part of this verandah connected with the librai*y, was an elegant lofty structure, glass all in front, and a hipped-roof of Hartley's fluted patent, so that a leaf was never burned. The other part was merely glass in front, 10 feet in height, and a circular zinc roof, and acted as the approach to the other, altogether some 150 feet in length. These overlooking a sunk Italian garden, had (from their uncommonness, not a red pot being seen, and each vase being a little picture in itself), a very striking effect, and there was a pleasure in getting up fine showy plants to occupy them. But it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and my worthy employer giving full credit for their beauty, &e., came to the conclusion of having them all removed, as though the sight was very pleasing to a visitor, the scent and the damp, and the necessary attendance became too much when presented to a person every day, and every hour of the day. I mention this just to show that gardeners must not expect to have everything their own way. That I was vexed at such a style of gai'dening being abandoned is no doubt true, but I could also see there was much force in my employer's objections, the seeing plants at a time being very different from having them damp, and their scent thrust on you whenever you opened the door of the sitting-room, or hearing tlie rattling of blinds, or the squirting of a syringe, when reading some very interesting part of a book. The veran- dah for the present will be transferred into a sort of corridor, furnished with seats, and if plants are to be banished, might be made ornamental in an artistic point of view. — B. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to tlie depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to Tie Editors of the "Journal of Horticulture, S^-e.," 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Plants in Rooms {J. R. Ti'/rf/fj/).— No plants, except Cactuses and otlier succulent-leAvcd species, can be kept long in vigouv in a dining-room or drawing-room. The air is too dry for them ; and the only reason why they decline sooner if the room is lighted u-ifh gas is because the gas gives out more heat than a lamp or candles, and consequently dries the air more and faster. This is taking for granted that the room is properly ventilated. The only way to keep plants vigorous for a protracted time is in a plant case. The air in that is kept moist by evaporation being checked. July 8, 18C2. ] JOURNAL OF IIORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENEE. 281 X'akious (A ao-a-head Doctor's Bo;/).— Your i)laiits potted now in 9 incli pots will bloom better if not potted aKiiln, and will looli better too. Give them manure water, and pet tliem to tlio Eieenlionae in a fortniclit or throe weeks. Talie all the flowers off the Balsams, pot into i)-incli or 10-incli puts, in rich soil. Kive liberal waterins, and pot again If you like. Keep the Bowei-s olT till Aucust. You will do wilh the Scarlet Ceraniums. Belter atop and prevent flowcrioK for two or three weeks. Any sort will do ; and they will stand either out of doors or as much heat as you like, provided they have sun and air. Calceolarias will bo of no use except shrubby ones. The best is all fancy, the Krowlh » ill be the tliinu. Verbenas may still be potted and do flrst-i'ate. They have two months to do well in. The lurtcost flowera are best lor pots. Kidney Beans and Turnips would come in if sown now. It is too late lor Teas to do any gooil that would bo wc.rlh showing. Were we to enter fully Into nil your questions it would rcquiro a little volume, and then we could merely repeat former instructions. SDMJtER-riltlNlNO OUASGE ,1ND LP.MOS TllEES (.J. S).— Plucll back tllC strong shoots, so as to induce from them two or throe weaker ones. If only a few and they are not wanted, cut them out altogether, and tho strength will be taken by the other and weaker shoots. Cherries Falling (,1. J!.).— Cherries usually set multitudinously, and fortunately thin themselves— that is, they fall oft" because the tree dors not supply sufficient sap for the growth of all. If they all renuilned, and by a supernatural esortlon the tree su-stained Ihom to ripeness, it would probably never recover from the consequent exhaustion. Pond Mud (.1 Constant Suhscriher, Mii(I).—V!e answered a precisely similar question last week. You must not add lime to the mixture if tlio terrace is to be planted with Rhododendrons or other American shrubs. For other evergreens you may add a bushel of lime to each single horse-cartload. Dissolving Bones (Qni;).— The mode v iih oil of vitriol (sulphuric acid), is as (ollows:— On a small scale, 6 lbs. bone-dust, 3 lbs. oil of vitriol, 1 ; lb. water. Sprinkle the water on the bones first, and then add the vitriol. Be carefnl, for it is very corrosive. Use a cask large enough to hold twice the quantity. As much ashes or water may be mixed with the dissolved bones OS will enable you to sprinkle it over the plot of ground regularly. The above quantity of oil of vitriol would bo enough for IPO square yards. If you purchase ihe sulphuric acid in large quantities, you may obtain it for three half-pence per pound. We advise you to try to reduce the bones to powder as the Americans do, by putting a layer of bones broken small, and a Layer of potash allernately in a cask. Henfrcy's " Rudiments of Botany " is the best book for a beginner. The other author you name disgusts by his dry technicality. Works on Ferns (H/irrij A.).— A volume is now going to press, which, with Johnson's "British Ferns" will give you full information relative to the species and culture of both exotic and nallve Ferns. Eabth-ndts, ,tc. (.1/., SI. 7irs).— The gonlleman you referred to obtained a supply at the time— thanks all the same. If you mix the old sawdust with litae, if it is well decayed, the grubs, &c., will be destroyed. It will form a good manure tor your Strawberries, and the Potatoes in a heavy soil. As the Wild Strawberry thrives in the peaty soil you mention, ii may do as a dressing for your cultivated Strawberries: but we would try it on a row or two before using it generally. Peat is not considered a good soil for Straw- berries. Huits or Wliorts is a common name for the Whortleberry. Grcbs in CownuNO (C. E. X«cosl.— .Mix it thoroughly wilh freshly- slacked lime, one part by measure of lime to two parts of the dung. Before adding it to the other ingredients fake care yciu do not overfeed your green- house plants, for then >ou will have more foliage than flowers. Grapes Spotted ( IF. C -B. JV'cirnrA).— The answer we gave at page 2G2, last week, relative to spotting in Muscat Grapes is applicable to your case, inactivity in the roots is the usual cause of spotting. Cape Goosererry Cultcke (Xorwich Z.). — There are several kinds of Pbysalis called Cape Gooseberry, but all requiring much the same treatment as Tomatoes. If we knew the kind you mean we would give y u a full statement of its management The "treatment of the common kind was giren fully four or five years back, when the truit was exliibited before the Horticultural Society, both in Regent Street and Willis's Rooms. Carrots and Parsnips (F.^ Eifchiii).—\yc presume that "(he grub" attacking yonrCairots and Paisnips is the wireworm. It is the larvai of the click beetle (Elater). Gas lime mixed with the soil is said to protect the crop, and that growing white Mustard drives them away. We have no faith in those remedies unless they are obnoxious to the parent insects, and prevent them depositing Ihc'reggs in the soil. Shrubby Calceolarias (Andrew). — Many varieties have been of late raised very much in the style of yours, and their value would entirely depend on their habit if they were dwarf— i.e., about 9 inches or a foot high, and stout in the stem and floriferous ; they migtit be desirable, but they must have these qualities to be at all thought of now. Roses not Thriving {B. ^.).— Your Roses from the market came out of a forcing-house, and the sudden change chilled them; but they will get over it though you put them in the wrong stuff— coco.% fibre refuse. It is the refuse from the ci-ushing of the nut shells which is the real stuff, and in which our Roses luxuriate without any other assistance lor the last two years. To make .it more plain to you, we may observe that every Rose in the catalogue, if it is on its own roots, is Just as easy to grow and to bloom in a greenhouse as any of the new Fuchsias; and the very same kind of soil, the same si/.fd pots, the same quantity of water (weak and strong), and the same quantify of air and sunlight will do for all Fuchsias and for all Roses. The only difference is, that Roses are more liable to flies and smut than Fuchsia* ; but so they are out of doors, and there is no better remedy than dipping the tops into a basinful of very moderately strong tobacco tea. Aspabagus-reds (A Suhscriber^ Z>«j/orrf).— Sprinkle salt over them once a-month during all the growing mouths, from March to October, about a pound to 4 square yards. Draw a trench about, 3 inches deep between each two rows of the plants, and fill it with strong liquid manure once a-week during the same period: this Is o-'r own mode of culture, and by this, and avoiding the old atrocious system of digging the pathways between the beds, we have grown the finest Asparagus possible. We put about 1 inch deep of thoroughly-decaycd manure over the surface in autumn when the seed stems are cut down, but eschew the old mode of burying the crowns deeply with earth. We let the shoots rise fully G Indies high before we cut them wTERS on CaorpERS. — First, F. Else, Bayswater, London. Second, D. Thwaites, Rock ierry. Commended, R. M. Brocklebanll , Aigburth, near Llverpoo' ; H. Y'ardley, Bii-mingham. TiivMPETEns.— First, F. F;ise, Bayswater. Second, F. ICay, Beverley. Highly Commended, D. Thwaites, Rock Ferry. Commended, D. riiwaitcs. jAccmi.ts.— First, 1). Walker, Liverpool. .Second, D. Thwaites, Rock Ferry. Highly Commended, R. M. Brocklebank, Aigburth, Liverpool. .\NY OTHER Nkw OB DISTINCT Vaiiiety. —First, A, S. Bretherton, Hamilton Sijuare, Birkcnlioad. Si-coud, J. W. Edge, Ashton New Town, Birmingham. Highly Commended, .Miss M. Sergenson, Huyton {White Doves); T. I). Walker, Liverpool; Lady ICmma Talbot, Knowsley (Brown Shields;. ]Cdward Hewitt, Esq., of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, as on many previous years, otliciated as poultry Judge. MOETALITY AMONG CANAEIES. I WAS formerly vei-y successful in rearing mules from the Goldfinch and Canary, and latterly have been anxious to get a breed from the BuUHnch hen and Goldliuoh cock ; but having for two successive seasons lost my Bullfinches, I venture to ask your opinion as to the cause, or the experience of any of your readers on the subject would bo appreciated. Last year in April, a young cock Canary paired -with a hen Bullfinch ; she laid two soft eggs and died on her nest. Some montlis later, another hen of the same species mated with a Goldfinch, when she suddenly sickened and died without laying. This spring I had a Goldfinch hen, two years old, which would have pau'ed with a cock Canary, but he showed no wish to do so, and I then gave her a cock Goldfinch. They soon paired, and 80 beautiful were they that I had intended exhibiting them at a bird show ; but the hen suddenly became bloated and short-breathed, and in a fortnight died. The cock was then put up with a Bullfinch hen, and in about three weeks she took to a ready-made nest, laid one egg, which the Goldfinch unfortunately destroyed, and then another (now under a Canary hen), but immediately after this, much to my mortification, she sickened, and the day after died. They had plenty of groundsel and watercress, but do you think tlie egg and bread-crumbs, which they ate of very freely, was the cause ? I gave each of them two drops of sweet oil, hut it did no good. As I sell my young birds for a local charity, this disappointment has much vexed me. With the Canary I have been very successful this year, though indeed among my disasters I must mention, as a warning to others, that a large slug destroyed four fine young Cinnamons of a few days old. They disappeared out of the nest all but one, which was left there without his head. On taking down the cage we found a huge slug as large as a finger. — E. C. [The most probable, and perhaps the only cause that we can assign for your birds djing so suddenly, i- that they were in too high condition, caused by being fed on too much fattening and oily food, such as hempseed, rape, and Haxseed. Finches, and especially Bullfinches, are very fund of hemp, which should be given sparingly, as, unless the birds have plenty of room to exercise, they soon get fat upon it, the result of which is apo- plexy, or, in case of sudden fright, blood to the head. Apoplexy, if taken in time, may be relieved by cutting the toenail until it bleeds. Egg and bread alone would not kill the birds, although too much egg is not good for old birds.] BIRDS AND BEES. I AM happy to say we are smothered with small birds, for the more the merrier, as they are the best friends we have got here, and we adopt the modes I described in 1851 to protect our small fruit. My bees are going on very well — that is, as well as the weather i^oes, not making honey very fast, though I have some fair-filled glasses of honeycomb ; and I have made a great improvement for the bees to ascend thither, which I will take the first oppor- tunity to acquaint you -with. — Ui'Waeds and Okwaeds, Tfood- stock. Caution. — A person namedW.G.Kidgway, writing from "Ber- wick Lodge" and "Berwick Brewery," near Jlanchester, lately obtained some valuable Rabbits from me, promising to remit the amount on receipt of the goods. Deceived by the printed headings of his letters I complied with his request, mid now find that he is well known. I trust you will protect your advertisers by publishing this. — T. C. [We have repeatedly warned our readers not to part with live stock to unknown app'licants without prepayment.— Ed3.] 284 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [July 8, 1862. DO BEES CONVERT SUGAR INTO HONEY? Befoke complying with " A Detonshiee Bee-keeper's" request to test by the saccliarometer the contents of the honey- bag of a bee, in No. GO of The Jofenal or Hokticultuee, page 147, 1 waited, thinking others might suggest some other test. None ]iaving done so, I will now inform your readers of the result of the trial. I first took some honey I had by me and prepared it, and put it into the saccharometer-tube, when it clearly indicated uncrys- tallisable sugar. I then made some loaf-sugar syrup, put it into another tube, and it gave just the reverse, showing it to be crystallisable sugar. I then poured a little of the same syrup on the landing-board of a hive in the morning as the bees were leaving the hive, and as soon as one fil'ed itself and was about to return into the hive, it was killed, and the honey-bag taken out and broken into a little water, and applied to the saccliarometer, when I am boimd to confess, notwitlistanding I imagined the change would have taken place, it had not done so, as it still indicated crystallisable sugar. I must own, however, that the instrument acted in the same manner with the broken honey- bag as it did when I tried the treacle, showing there was both crystallieable and uncrystallisable sugar present ; and I am still of the opinion that when put into the bell the change has taken place. But liow to prove that remains the difficulty. I might have kept the bees for a time after being filled, still I thought they would immediately go and empty their honey-hags at once, and, therefore, I did not try it in that way. I repeated the experiments on two different occasions, and both with the sarre results, along with a neighbour, who is a great apiarian, and who takes great interest in the matter, and who is likewise of opinion that when the syrup of sugar is laid in the comb it is changed into honey. I shall be very willing to try any experiment your corre- Bpondents may suggest. I confess I do not see my way to how we are to succeed in getting, for certain, from the comb that same syrup they have just been fed with, so that there can be no cavil about it. But I have hopes that your correspondent " A Devonshiee Bee-eeepee," will be able to suggest some plan wherein it may be tested ; or if he aud one of his opponents to the theory agre.) on any plan and send down the heney to me (three drops in a small phial of water are sufficient), I will put it to the test; and if they have any doubts as to the correctness of the instrument, or myself, if they send the same quantity of the sugar-syrup, of honey, and one phial of pure water, end mark the phials in numbers, or otherwise, that they may be distinguished, I will detect them when it is utterly impossible to do so by the taste. — Alex. Sheaeee, Tester Gardens. DO BEES VARY? Like Colonel Newman, I have often been assured when pur- chasing swarms that the bees were of a better sort than ordinary. Generally, the recommendation urged in their favour has been that the bees are smaller and more active than the larger and more lazy " varmints " of their neighbours. To argue them out of their fond belief I have never attempted, knowing that my labour would have been in vain ; but that there is any difference in the ordinary English hive bee, further than may be seen in any apiary or single colony, I do not for a moment believe. I have been an ardent apiarian, and a tolerably close observer of the species, for nearly twenty years, four of which were spent in Ireland, and have never met with an instance in which there was any difference of colour or size, further than an accidental or a merely temporary one. Occasionally the bees of a hive would appear both of a lighter grey colour and of a smaller size than those of the other stocks; but in a very short period the peculiarity disappeared. To theorise, I should imagine that the stock had lost its queen, and between that time and the exit from their cells of the young bees bred by the young successor of the defunct queen (a period of nearly two months), a great proportion of the old bees had disappeared : consequently, the majority of the foragers were of a light colour compared with the rest of the apiary. That old combs are the cause of a difference in the size of bees I think can hardly be disputed. Many years since I had a singular proof of the influence the dimensions of cells exercise in this respect. The bees and some of the combs were transferred from a straw hive into a glass globe, of the peculiar form drawn by Wildman or Thorley, and which had been used as a honey-glass sixty years ago. There was no aper- ture in the top of the bell and no cross-stick, or other support to the combs was supplied. The combs rested on the floor-board, aud the bees built upwards to the top of the glass ; hut they were never able to reach it so as to make their work adhere. Want of ventilation, and consequent great heat, caused the combs to collapse and sink downwards as fast as they were car- ried upwards. To live at all, the poor bees were obliged to gnaw away the wax at the bottom, which at length bore the appear- ance of an almost solid mass, perforated with passages for com- munication with the upper portion of the hive. But the most singular result of all was, that in time a number of most dimi- nutive bees made their appearance. I am sure I do not go too far in asserting them to have been no larger than a good-sized liouse fly ; they appeared perfectly formed, and ran to and fro on the alighting-board. I do not now remember seeing any of them take wing, and in a few days they had all disapjieared, probably being found incapacitated to perform the duties expected of properly-constituted bees. AVe know how great an influence the capacity of the cell exercises witli respect to the size of drones. Until my atten- tion was more particularly drawn to the subject within the lasft year or two, I had no idea of the numbers of drones which are bred in worker-cells. Thanks to the introduction of the ItaUan (or as I still like to call them, the Ligurian bees), I have learnt within the last two years from actual experience respecting the artificial rearing of queens, and the scientific manipulations which arise theiefrom, much more than in my whole previous career. Drones so small issue from the worker-cells as to appear quite pigmies in comparison with their more-fuUy-developed brethren. In transferring brood-combs from common bees into liives of Ligurians, where it is desired that no common black drones sliould exist in the apiary, it is requisite to keep a sharp eye on the cells whose projecting caps indicate the presence of embryo drones within, and destroy them all. Their position and size may easily cause the operator to overlook them. — S. Betan Fox, Exeter. A BEE-KEEPER'S PERPLEXITIES. In the spring of 1S60 I bought a swarm of bees, which I kept through the severe winter of 1860-61 on a slielf in my coach- house, feeding in the spring by an inverted bottle, as taught in your journal. My neighbours, old bee-keepers, lost nearly all their stocks that winter. I had a good swarm on the 11th of June, and a flight on the 19th ; the former hived themselves in a very old skep in a neighbouring garden, the latter I hived in a box with three drawers as supers, patented by King, of Cam- bridge. In the autumn of 1861, my swarm in the old skep seemed so weak, and suffered so much from robbers, that I fancied it had no queen ; 1 therefore fumigated with fungus, took the honey, and, as I could find no queen, added them to the parent stock. I liad therefore two very good stocks to keep through the winter of 1861-62. I bought this spring one of Neighbour's cottage-hives, and a Woodbury comb-bar box. Now, here I come to a difficulty. Early in the spring I let the bees in King's box into two of the drawers (one filled with comb last; autumn), hoping to prevent swarming; but no, that box sent! out two strong swarms early in May, since which they have done nothing. They seem to have no life or energy. Now, did I go the right way to prevent a swarm? and, if so, why did it fail? Would you advise me to add a swarm which I expect daily to this King's box ? I ordered this spring some shallow, flat-topped straw hives and small straw supers, and requested the maker to get me a swarm in one. I got these home by the middle of May, the super alread)' on the hive. The swarm seemed weak, the bees much smaller and rather more grey than my own. Last week I raised this super, and, instead of finding it still empty as I ex- pected, it was quite full, so I took it oft' rejoicing in so rich a harvest ; but to my surprise it was entirely full of brood in various stages, and I could see what I believe, from the drawing in Tajlor's "Manual," to be a partially constructed royal cell. It was like an egf;-shell cut across about three-parts down, and hanging from, the side of a comb. I immediately replaced the- super, and now the whole hive is so full of bees that for several days they have been hanging out in a great bunch, even remain- ing there during rain, so that one day a few were drowned. Why did these bees breed in the super instead of storing in it ? Is it» July 8, 1862.] JOURNAL OF irORTICULTUnE AND COITAGE GARHENER. 265 because it was put on too soon ? Sliall I leave tlicin to their own dovices, or (ry to drive? I would liavo done this before, but did not know how to fix tlio super safely to the hive wlien I turned tlicm over. Yet again, I observe in your Journal of June 24, in i-eplying to Ednd. Fairbrotl\er, "A' Devonsiuhk BEK-xEErEK" talks of the injvirious elTects of fumigating, and of the facility with which he drives and shifts bees witliout it. Will he in pity ex- plain the manijiulation to a beginner? Last week I parlieularly wanted some lioney. A BU))er was full of brood only, and, as my bar-box (a second swarm of this year from King's box), seemed quilefnl!, I determined to try and extract the two out- side bars. Enveloped in a bee-dress and buckskin glove.*, and armed with a fumigator, I lioldly removed the lid of tlio box and got the honey ; but I made an awful mess of it, my knife was too largo to cut the end-combs clean away, and when I began to lift the bar the comb separated in the middle. I then bad to remove a second comb and put my hand down and lifted out the broken comb as well as I could, getting my gloves stuck full of stings, three or four of which went through and made my hands twice loo big, besides drowning several bees in the honey that escai)ed, and making that hire so savage that I can- not go anywhere near them without getting stung, though before I could walk among them as I liked. I do not much mind llie pain, which I feel I deserve for my awkwardness ; but it is a nuisance lo have one eye or other peiiodically closed, and, worst of all, my workmen, who began to think some of the new dodges really might be better than their old plan of burning every autumn, will soon turn to their evil ways unless I can triumph over my present dillieulties. Cue question more ; I cannot get the bees to work in bell-glasses. I have tried, awkwardly enough, to put in guide-combs, and one glass I have smeared with melted beeswax to give theni a hold ; but they do not seem tolikeit.— A. \V. B. [We are not acquainted with the construction of King's hives, bit you appear to have gone the rii^lit way to prevent swarming by giving additional room. Whi/ you failed is a far more dilEcnlt question, and one which we believe no apiarian can answer viith certainty. The fact is there is very often, espe- cially in seasons like the present, so strong a disposition in bees to swarm, that no amount of cai-e in affording room and venti- lating will BufRce to prevent it. All you can now do is to accept circumstances, which you cannot control, until you attain sullicient skill in your turn to play the tyrant, as pointed out in the reply to "A Disappointed Bee-keeper" in another column. If the queen be dead iti your King's hive, by all means add a swarm ; if not, your doing so may produce a fatal quarrel. But how, you will probably ask, am I to ascertain this important point beforehand? This is just what we cannot tell you. If the hive has either bars or frames there will, of course, be no difficulty in deciding ; but, if not, you must form your own opinion from external appearances, and act upon it whether right or wrong. The small super was put on too soon, and the bees, therefore, commenced by building combs in it, which the queen at once filled with eggs. Had the honey season been a good one, you might probably by this time remove the super full of honey, and the combs be not very much the worse for having had brood in them. Perhaps in two or three weeks you may yet be able to do this, but the probability would be much increased by feeding regularly in the meantime. We should be inclined to adopt this plan (giving the room which appears to be required by pi.\cing an cko under the hive), in preference to driving. We have .'ubmitted your letter to "A Devonshire Bee- keeper," who says, " 'A. W. B. ' does not appear to have done 80 mv.oli amias for a first attempt. He obtained what he wanted, which is a great point, but he appears to have mortally oHended his bees. Ilad the matter been managed more adroitly tliey would have manifested a much more forgiving spirit. Premising first that in speaking of the injurious elfects of fumigation, 1 meant only when it is pushed so far as to produce insensibility. I will briefly describe how ho should amend his proceedings in future. Let him by all means envelope himself with a bee-dress and arm himself with his lighted fumigator, but in mercy to him- self and his bees, exchange his buckskin for Indiarubber gloves, such as are worn by photographers, and take with him a sop for Cerberus in the shape of some sweetened water. Commence proceedings by slightly raidng the crown-board at the back and blowing under it two or three good whiffs of smoke. Then close it down and wait a minule or two whilst the bees arc filling them- selves with honey. Next lift it boldly oil' and stand it safely on one side so as not to {'rush any bees which may adhere to it, and liberally sprinkle the interstices between the exposed bars with sweetened water. Should the bees take this in good part with- out commencing an attack the operation may be at once pro- ceeded with ; but if their pugnaci'y bo not quite subdued, a second subsidy of sweets should be accorded them, and the crown-board replaced for a few minutes to give time for their acceptance of the proUered bribe. All these manipulations are based upon the fact, that when bees are alarmed they immediately fill themselves with honey or such other sweets as may be at hand, and that if we can once induce them to do this they become OS inofl'ensive as house flies. No provocation short of absolute cru.shing will induce them to sting. Your correspondent will do well to provide himself with a bent knife adapted for severing the side-attachments of the combs; but much belter if he adopts frame-hives in which there are no side-attachments to sever." With regard to bell-glasses, we can only recommend you to insert decoy-combs in such manner as you find most convenient. If filled with honey they — i.e., the combs, may prove more at- tractive ; but, after all bees will seldom work with freedom in bell-glasses. Why not try glazed bar-supers such as were de- scribed by Mr. Woodbury in page 7-1 ? In conclusion, we would warn you and bee-keepera generally against over-deprivation in so bad a season as the present.] EXCESSIVE SWAEMING. Will you inform me if any remedy can bo applied to make bees collect honey, instead of incessantly swarming. I have been a bee-keeper three years, and have never tasted or gathered any honey yet. I have tried Taylor's amateur's bar-hive. Neigh- bour's cottage and Stewarton hives, but all with the same result. All goes on well for three or four weeks after a swarm is hived, then jvist as the hive is overflowing, and room necessary, caps put on, and beautiful comb made, all is spoiled by swarming One hive swarmed on the 30th of April, and four or five swarras have since left it. It is now a perfect wreck, with not a particle of honey remaining. A swarm of this season (double, as two swarms issued together from two hives on the 21)th of May), have filled a box and a 10-inch glass with comb and honey ; and just before the combs are sealed all work is suspended, the honey taken by the bees about to swarm, and the business of the season ruined. I have tried shading the hives, giving additional room, &c., and I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that all the books tell us of caps, supers, and bell-glasses is " bosh," and that the old straw hive and burning the bees is the only way to secure having any honey. I am quite sure that I speak the experience of all or most amateurs. As to cutting the queen out after fumigating with the pipe and tube, there is such a certainty of injuring the bees by the smoke and small particles of the puff-ball which are blown into the hive that I do not think it desirable to try this plan. — A Disappointed Bee-keeper. [Your stocks appear to have been ruined by over-prosperity, their hives also being probably too small for the locality, which seems to be a first-rate one. We are perfectly aware that when bees are disposed to swaim no increase in the size of their domicile will at all times prevent it ; but much may be done by the good management which is best attained by practice and experience. It is too late in the day to doubt that large har- vests of first-rate honey may often be obtained in supers, whether of wood or glass,* although bees will sometimes thwart the intentions of the apiarian by perversely swarming in the moat provoking manner. We know of but one way of avoiding these occasional disappointments, and that is by adoiiting frame-hives and bar-supers, as recommended by Mr. Woodbury in page 73, endeavouring at the same time to attain suflleient skill in their manipulation to enable jou to gain a thorough insight into their internal economy. When this facility has once been attained, the rest is comparatively easy. Drone-breeding may be curtailed by diminishing the combs in which it can be effected ; and during the filhng of a super the disposition to swarm may be nipped in the bud by the excision of queen-cells, without having * Sle.^srs. Neighbour & Sons show some very handsome fnpers in their stjll at the f.eat International Exhibition. Thej- arc from tlio apiary oi our correspondent, " A DEVoNsuinE Bee-kcepek," and are the tirst worked in England by Ligurian bees. 286 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE aABDENER. [ Julv 8, 1862. recourse to fumigalion. Even if an unlooked-for swarm should make its appearance, either the young queen or tlie old one may be removed at your option, and the swarm returned to its hive after cutting out all the royal cells whicli it contains. If none of these have been overlooked, no second issue will probably take place ; or if it does, sufficient time will have elapsed to ad- mit of the completion of the super. The same means are equally efTectual in preventing a strong stock from destroying itself by over-swarming.] A CHAPTER OF WELL-SETTLED FACTS. 1. All stocks of bees should be kept strong in numbers. — A well garrisoned city may defy assault. 2. A moderate increase of swarms will keep them strong, and secure the largest yield of honey. — As tlie calves are raised at the cost of butter and cheese, so bees are multiplied at the expense of honey. 3. Bees filled with honey are not inclined to sting. — As the robber's knife is stayed by your purse, so bees are bribed with proffered sweets. 4. In natural swarming bees till themselves with honey. — Emigrants to a new country carry their treasures along as capital to begin with. 5. Bees alarmed with smoke or otherwise, instinctively seize upon their stores, — The householder at the cry of fire secures ■what he can. 6. Tliere should be no communication between occupied hives, allowing the bees of one to pass directly into the other. — " No house is large enough for two families." I. A snarm of bees destitute of a queen fast dwindles away j and, unless supplied witli one, soon perishes either by robbers or moths. — A country without a government, a farm without an owner. 8. Swarms having combs iusulEciently protected by bees, furmsh a retreat for " millers " * and food for worms. — Un- guarded treasures invite thieves. 9. An excess of drones should be avoided by discouraging the construction of the cells that produce them. — Drones are the "dead heads" of the hive — the useless males in the farmer's lierds. 10. The building of drone-comb may, to a great extent, be prevented — first, by securing the construction of new combs in hives containing young queens ; and, second, by placing frames to be filled, in other hives, near the centre. — " An ounce of pre- vention is better than a pound of cure." II. Queens are most economically reared in small swarms. — Wlio would employ ten men to do what one could do better ? 12. Small swarms, if united in the fall, winter more safely and consume less honey. — " In union there is strength." 13. Bees of colonies containing fertile and unfertile queens, should not be put together without first " breaking them up" — i.e., inducing them to fill with honey, and destroying the un- fertile queen. 14. Natural swarming, always uncertain and perplexing, ex- poses the bee-keeper to much loss of time and money ; while artificial swarming, securing at all times the pi-esence of a worker- laying queen, doing away with aU watching and loss by flight to the woods, is both sure and economical. — Uletcalf's {American) Key to Bee-Tceeping. garb ; his coat, which I have often patted, as it hung so beauti- fully around him bore 110 funereal hue — it was a bright fawn — but who shall say tliere was no real mourning in the heart of that dog when ho reads this canine reminiscence to a close ? The remains of his old mistress being deposited in her grave, the earth was turned in, and all but one of the mourners departed to then' homes ; they returned to their varied avoealions ; he found one on the spot ; it was the cooley dog, who stretched himself upon the grave, the guardian of the manes of his mistress. There kept he his post, in sunshine and in storm, by night and by day ; and, gentle as he was, it perhaps would not have been well unguardedly to have invaded the privacy of that spot. He just vi.'sited his home and ate the food given him, and was away to his post again on tiie grave of the poor old woman, who had won his heart by long acquaintance, and a crust of bread. Months liad elapsed since her death, but when last I heard of the noble cooley, lie was yet the guardian of the grave of his mittiess. That dog drew many an emotion from my heart. So fust a friend for so few favours, and I so failing a servant of " the Erie ;d who sticketh closer than a brother," whose mercies have indeed been fur and infinitely more to me, in any moment of time, than the whole burden of those dispensed by that erring woman to her dog. — {Eeo. li. W. Vanderkisie.) A Noble Austealian Dog. — The dingo, or wild dog of Australia, although he has none of the nobleness of eye and gesture of the beautiful cooley terrier, nor attains generally to his size, is yet a dog far from being unlike him in general outline and feature. But the dingo in his wild state, and the domesti- cated cooley, are as unlike as Nero and Howard. I well re- member a beautiful cooley at Bong Bong ; he was the property of an aged couple, and his old mistress, who was sadly addicted to intemperance, fell a victim to this awfully besetting sin. She was bedridden ; and smoke being observed to issue from her dwelling, parties ran, and discovered that, in crawling to the fire to hght her pipe, some articles of apparel had become ignited. She never rallied ; and a day or two afterwards a few neighbours assembled to follow her remains to the pretty little graveyard of Bong Bong. One followed in the train who wore no mourning * Anglic^, wax-mo'.lis, OUR LETTER BOX. Dorking Fowls {A Stihscrihrr, Eslingto7i).~Yo\i have hatched very fiood chicken, mcapurement and weight are both Rood. When joi fret these two last qualities you need not be so particular about colour. From the feathers sent, the match pullets appear perfect in that raspect. Had we to choose or describe, we should like the cock darker on the breast ; but it is necessary to say no painstaking will insure the colour of chickens, and it is also notorious he larg^est and best birds are not, cenerally, perfect in colour. This fact has causei the institution of Silver Grey classes, where colour is the chief point. Your birds will not do to exhibit in these, but they bid fair to stand well for open competition. Fowls losing theer Feathers (P. W. 7*.).— It is possible, but not pro- b.ible, as you suggest, that they may be moulting-, but we rather incline to think that the loss of feathers arises from a fevered state occasioned by overstimulating food. Cease altogether from feeding: with maize, and g:ive them very little barley, but as much of the barleymeal and boiled potatoes as they will ent without wasting any. We would also give each of them a table-spoonful of castor oil. You say they have plenty of green foo-1, but if it is in the form of Cabbage leaves do not let them have any more ; for uncooked Cabbase leayes are acrid and stimulating. Let the fowls have as much of Lettuce leaves and grass as they choose to eat. Traveluno-baskets for Fowls {A Debtor). — We have always been advocates for roiuid baskets closed round, and made of wickerwork ; they should be 35 inches high, 18 inches in diameter for a single cock, '2i inches for a pen of three birds. If any alteration, rather larger in the latter case. The top to be covered with stout canvass. YuLTUttE Hocks in Cochin-China Fowls (.Idem). — Vulture hocks do not disquiilify, but they are not desirable, and experience will tell most breeders th:it it is easier to perpetuate defects than merits in a strain. We advise all amateurs to avoid them as much as possible. Carolina Ducks— Spanish Pullets* Combs (A. E"., Cnhic).—\ye do not know ^^'he^e you can buy the eggs of the Carolina Duck. They are not very difficult to rear, but ihey require a good deal of attention. It is not necessary to feed Spuni&h pullets on meat to induce growth of comb. It will always be developed when they first begin to lay, and it is passible to have too much of it. No amount of food of any kind v.'iU make an up- right comb fall over; It is a defect, and the bird should be got rid of. Keeping 1'oultry and Pigs ^Columbus). — They may be advantageously kept at the same time. The same land wonld do for them. Cows are no* very liable to lose their hoofa unless kept many together and closely con- fined. Of course you can buy corn, &c., of farmers near where you settle. The advertisement would be '2s. Gd., or 3s. Gd., or more, according to length. Judging from your que-ti' ns, you must know more about the subject than jou seem to do now before you will be able to keep your family upon the produce of pigs, poultry, and a cow, though it is all simple enough. RucK-woRK j\Iap of THE ^VoRLD. — J. McD. intcnds copying a map of the world in rockwork, size 3 feet by 2 feet, having a sheet of glass for a foundation, and to rfpre?ent the ocean he will first paste a map of the world on the glass, and then edge round the land part of it with a knife, rubbing away that part which represents water. His chief diftlculty is this— he wishes to represent the different vegetation of different parts of the earth. AVe can get a chemical substance to represent snow. Moss would do to represent palms. How is he to represent grain, tea, and dif- ferent other plants which would require to be represented 1 Sand will re- present deserts. J. McD. hits got a phytographical map of the distri- bution of plants. He could do it by having numbers with a reference, but he does not want numbers. Killing Moths and Butteuflies (/. (Sf.).— For an entomological collec- tion no mode of killing them is so immediate and non-damaging as putting them into a glass pickle-jiir, tightly closed, in which jar some laurel leaves, previously bruised with a hammer, have been put, and covered over with a thin layer of cotton. The fumes of prussic acid emitted by the leaves are rapidly fatal, and all the quicker if the glass jar is put into a dark place. It is desirable to have a ghiss jar, because the effects maybe readily ascer- tained. It it is kept closed, the liurel leaves do not require renewing very frequently Put in enough to emit a strong fume. July 13, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 2S7 WEEKLY CALENDAR. 1 WEATnrn near London in 1861. ' ' 1 Day Day lloon Cl.ick nf of JULY 15-21, 18G2. Rain in Inches. Sun Sun 1 Rises Moon's b'-I'ore Day of wmh Wecli. Barometer. Thcrraom. Wind. Rises, Sets, land Sets Age. Sun. Year. degrees. m. h. m. h.i m. h, | ni. s. l.'i Tu Amellus lychnitie. 29.621—29 553 77—50 W. •02 2af4 Oaf 8 39 9 18 5 37 196 16 W Anacampseros nngustifol'a. 29.7I4-29.G11 72-42 s.w. — 3 4 8 8 59 9 ! 19 5 43 197 17 Th Anomiitheca cruenfa. 29.881-29.787 74—55 s.w. — 4 4 7 8 17 10 , 20 5 4S 198 18 F Anthencum pilosum, &c. 29.750— 29.G30 73-62 s.w. — 5 4 0 8 38 10 ( 5 53 199 19 S Neriuai eplcndens. 29.688—29.640 74-67 s.w. •02 7 4 5 8 2 U I 22 5 68 200 2u Sun 5 Sunday aftkr Tkinity. 29.668-29.648 77-52 .'S.w. •10 6 4 1 4 8 32 11 23 G 1 201 21 M Sun's declin. 20° 30' n. 29.749-29.082 73-52 s.w. •03 9 4 3 8 morn, j 24 6 5 202 Mktkorologv op tbe "Week.— At Chiswick, from observations durjnf- the last thirty-live years, the average hitches t i.M.l 1.) wc-t temperatures of these days are Ti.i" and 61.1' respectively. The Rreatest hc-at, 91 ', occurred on the ISth, in 1859 ; and the lowest cold, 3U\ j on the 13 th, in 1851. During the period 127 days were fine, and on 118 ram fell. THE FRUIT-EOOM. AMONGST tbe various appendages to a garden an efllcieut fruit- room is certainly not the least important, yet such a room we seldom see. Generally some back shed is fitted up with shelves in a very rougli manner, and on these the winter Apples and Pears are laid, more or less thick as the crop may have been. In too many instances they are obliged to be laid too thick for their keeping well ; as they are likely to be all wanted, there is no alternative but to place them so, if the space be too limited for their being kept more thinly. Although we all know that good-keeping fruit will remain sound a considerable time, even when sub- jected to this treatment, there is no doubt but it would keep much longer if allowed more room from the first, and those instances in which fruits have been kept for long periods will be found to be where plenty of space was accorded them ; some other conditions seem necessary for the well-keeping of fruit, and it will be advisable to point out a few of these individually. Wliatever may bo the reputation of a certain variety of fruit for keeping purposes, there is no question but its merits that way are influenced by the situation in which it is grown, as well as the period at which it is gathered, and the condition of the atmosphere at the time. By way of exemplifying these three conditions it will be as well to take a very common case to point them out, and though there may be some diflference of opinion on the habits and qualification of the variety given as an example, there is certainly none that has a wider re- putation. I, therefore, by way of pointing out the con- ditions necessary to enable a fruit to keep as long a period as possible in a sound condition, will take the Kibston Pippin Apple as an example, not on account of its long-keeping capabilities — on the contrary, it is only an indifferent one in that respect ; but by it we may learn the laws that govern other fruits as well. In very many districts the Eibston Pippin Apple has ceased to be cultivated as a profitable fruit ; the trees thriving indifferently for a very few years, eltlier die off or linger on a wretched existence, the dead branches almost equalling the live ones in number. Though there is generally a fair proportion of blossom each season, what fruit there is can seldom be cla.ss^d higher tlian second, or, perhaps, third-rate. Now, these fruits have, in many of them, the germs of decay before they are gathered from the tree ; black specks near the eye, or, in some cases, near the other end, turn into a mass of decay of a peculiarly bitter quality, differing widely from the ordinary "rot," by which most other fruits are carried off more quickly, but not less surely, than by this black bitter spot of the Ribston. No. 68.— Vol. IIL, New SEBiBSi Whatever may be the different opinions regarding this, it seems pretty generally admitted tliat it is mostly due to the diseased condition of the tree on which it grows, or. perhaps, the worn-out constitution of the variety. Whether this be so or not (and tlicre seems every reason to believe it is so), certain it is that a very large proportion of the Eibston Pippin Apples that are grown, fall a victim to this black spot, which, by being of an intense bitter, disqualifies this Apple IVoin mixing with others for making cider, which the decay in other fruits does not necessarily do, as they are not so bitter. Now, this bitter principle is, doubtless, imparled to the fruit by the decaying process it goes throu:,;h diflering from the same conditions by which other fruits become decayed ami rotten; and whether the chemical change which takes place in the Eibston Pippin has its origin in the imperfect condition of the fruit at the time it is gathered, and the latent seeds of this disease be en- gendered then or afterwards, certain it is that a very great proportion of the fruit of this variety falls a victim to this disease. Though some situations favouring the better development of the fruit may render them less liable to it than in others, still it is reasonable to suppose that those places now in a great measure exempt will eventually become diseased like the rest, and the Kibstoa Pippin Apple will become a matter of history. The purpose is not now to prognosticate this, but to point out what conditions are necessary to preserve what healthy fruit there may be as long as it is possible to do so. No one who has visited a fruit-room ia the warm days of September, when there was a quantity of fruit all ripening into that mellow condition which betokens per- fection, but must have been struck by the odour which ia emitted from them. This odour, it is needless to say, must be as hijrtful to the well-keeping of fruits as anything can be — -say, for instance, a quantity of Williams' Boa Chretien Pear all ripening at once into the condition fit for table, and in a day or two all will be in a stage beyond this, .and become a mass of juice which it is difficult to handle without bursting them. Now, I always look on a mass of this kind as the most dangerous to a fruit-room ; and as all early fruits ripen in warmer weather than other kinds do, they ought to be furnished with a degree of ventilation almost amounting to complete exposure, in order that the odour emitted by ripening fruit, wliich very quickly takes a decaying turn, m.iy not contaminate the rest. Fruit at that time ought also to be kept thin- But to return to the Eibston Pippin. It often happens that these have to be gathered when the fruit-room is more or less occupied by fruits in the condition spoken of; and if the weather be warm at the time, as the whole of October was the past season, the fruit is impelled onward to a condition fit for table much earlier than they otherwise would be if kept cooler ; and what is, perhaps, as bad, the infectious character of the atmosphere they are in hastens on decay some time before ripeness or mellowness has done its part: hence fruits that ouglit to be in perfection in January arc ready by the end of November, not Eibston Pippin Apples only, but g^T.-: No. 720.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Si:r.iES. — _' 288 JOUilNAL OP HOETICtTLTUfiE AND COTrAGE GARDENER. [ July 15, 1862. all other kinds of fniils as well. This is one of the reasons why fruits in certain seasons keep longer and better than they do in others — the simple fact they are not ready to gather until cold tveather insures their keeping, as more fruit generally perishes in November than in December and January, and no amount of mere cleanliness and core of removing diseased fruit can com- pens ,to for the crowded condition of the fruit-room in the early autumn months, when the weather at the same time is of a kind that favours " forcing," which it certainly does when it is warm at the periods sjjoksn of. Now, as the Eibston Pippin cannot be preserved under cir- cumstances as described, let us suppose an opposite case — a backward unkindly season like that of 1860, when there was no lack of fruits generally ; the fine autumn of the year before securing sufficient bloom, but the multitude of fruits only re- sulted in each being very small, and the unfavourable season did not mature them with that degree of perfection so requisite in good fruit ; hence we had a quantity of half-perfected fruits, presenting little but a thick tough skin, and a core quite as large as usual. Some of these fruits possibly might keep longer than was ever known before ; as they contained so little saccharine matter, there was scarcely anything within them to engender decay : hence a sort of withering or shrivelling- up instead of the usual spot and rot wliich consume the better class of fruits. From the above it will be seen that warmth favours decay by forwarding the fruits and thereby hastening on the period of their existence ; so in like manner cold encourages preservation by retarding the natural ripening of the fruit, and when it has approached that condition it tends to keep it from advancing further. But this unnatural state of things has its disadvan- tages. Eruits so treated are never good. Pears may be kept in an ice-house to a period much beyond that of their usual keeping time ; but the flavour is gone. The same may be said of summer fruits, as Strawberries, Peaches, and the like, which have been so tried frequently. We may therefore learn from this that Nature cannot be so far outraged as is here shown with impunity. There exists a proper time for sucli fruits to be had in perfection, and to retard them much beyond it only produces an arlirle much diminished in its most important qualities. From this we therefore learn that an ice-house is not a suitable jjlace to preserve fruit intended for table, although it may become a very good medium to preserve some that it may be desirable to keep from motives of curiosity for as lengthened a period as possible. Some other conditions are also necessary to the well keeping of fruit, as will be shown. Wlienever a quantity of fruit is piled up in a heap, it be- gins what in common language is called " to sweat." This sweating brings out an oily substance to the outside. Sweating will also occur without the fruit being so closely piled up as spoken of, but it is more slow ; and if it be thinly on a shelf it is in its most legitimate way. This sweating coats the skin with a sort of varnish, which resists the action of the atmosphere, and certainly promotes the keeping qualities of the fruit. This Tarnish ought not to be removed by any means, handling being one of the certain ways to do so. Let the fruit, therefore, be placed at first singly on the shelves, and little else will be wanted but looking over them and picking out decayed ones ; and the place being kept cool and well ventilated, there is a tolerable certainty of their keeping well, other things also being favour- able. As every one is agreed that perfect cleanliness and sweetne?s ore indispensable requisites in a fruit-room, the situation ought to be so chosen as to insure these as far as external circum- stances will do so, but a full soutliern exposure is not good. The best friiit-room I ever remember to have seen was at Knowslsr, the princely seat of the Earl of Derby, the internal fittings bein^' so good ; broad slielves surrounded the building, and in tlie centre a tier of shelves with drawers in the bottom compartment, the whole affording ample space to get round, and the shelves not too crowded. I forget the means of venti- lation, but believe it was ample. Some other useful fruit-rooms tliat I have seen are lean-to against the north wall of a garden, the great defect in these being the want of ventilation which, in part at least, ouglit to be at top, and is rarely thought of in a lean-to shed. The sides being low, the exhalation from fruit cannot well bo all carried off tliem ; it is better, therefore, to leave an opening at top to allow it to escape, otherwise the fact of being behind a wall is an advantage rather than other- wise, and more so if it be isolated, and not form part of a series of buildings, as by that means end ventilation could be more easily accomplished. I have also seen a very useful fruit-room half underground ; but tliis is only advisable on a dry, gravelly, or sandy soil. I have also seen one under the shade of a tree, not in a dense wood (which ia bad), and it answered very well. The main thing to stipulate for is plenty of space and ventilation, and to use the latter on all occasions, except, perhaps, in damp, warm weather, and the probability is that fruit will keep as long as it is required to do. A Kentish farmer stores his Apples away in the oast kiln, than which nothing cm be more airy ; and although the large quantity they often have compels them to lay them thicker than they otherwise would, they often contrive to keep Nonpareil and Golden Knob Apples in a good condition till March, and French Crabs still longer. But enough has already been said on this subject. J. RoBSON. CRYSTAL PALACE EOSE SHOW. Another grand opportunity for proving that there is no place like home, all shows being more at home at the Crystal Palaoe than anywhere else. All judges and reporters say the same, and all the mothers of England with all their grown-up families ditto. And such Roses ! but they were too high set by 10 inches or 12 inches for me and most like me in height. Whether it be that the authorities arc getting higher in the world themselves, or of higher notions, I do not know ; but this 1 do know, that I got a creak in my neck and a cold for having had to strain on a stretch of full four hours so far back oif the centre of gravity as threw me oif the balance for the next week, and, therefore, had more time at home to prepare the most useful report I ever made of Roses. But what ladies want, and, indeed, the great body of the people want, is a man like Mr. William Paul, the raiser of the Beauty of Waltham Rose, to take a season's selection, and class them as I have been endeavouring to do from merely see- ing so many of them in one day, and to make two classes of my third class — that is, to bring in all the best rose-coloured Roses, as the Cabbage Rose, into one of them, and the red or reddish- crimson into the other. Then, if one had to plant ever so many kinds of Roses in long rows, or in beds of any shape, he could put the kinds in after what you might call their natural affinity — that is, shade the colours from pure white to the Black Prince himself, without one break in the affinity of tints, if they have such a property. Then you would get the eflect in full of all the Rose can give. EiTect is the last thing thought of at a Rose show, because they muddle all the colours together in mixtures — " for the sake of variety," as they say j but I never could see the variety yet in a florist-setting. The greatest truth about Roses on that occasion was that nine-tenths of all new Roses now are dark, or very dark ; and as England is on the eve of breeding her own Roses, and some for exportation as well, it is high time to give up breeding from any darker than General Jacqueminot. We have too many first-class dark Roses already, and too few of the Madame Furtado style and colour and of Baronne Prevost, the two nearest to the two oldest of our dear old Roses — the crim- son Moss and the Cabbage Rose. Madame Furtado, with the accent on the u, or first syllable, is the very best of all the Roses in that old tint of colour ; and if you could get it to seed here, and mind both sides of the line in the crossing — that is, the best light and white Roses to cross it with, and the best of the reda as well, you would soon have what the Frenchmen will never strive to furnish you with — all the shades of our summer Roses reproduced in Perpetuals, and of improved forms and textures to the bargain. To that it must come at last, or else we shall get into one circle of dark Roses from which it will not be easy by-and-by to extricate the breeder — a repetition, in fact, of the failure of fifty years back in running the gold, the silver, and the brass out of the wild breed of Geraniums, for then they were all Geraniums, compelling the breeder to Tun his course in a ring of bronze from which he cannot now help himself out. Just look at the number of my first and second groups of dark Roses from one show, and then say if all the shows were in one, and all the dark Roses in it, what a bulk they would make, and who could buy them ; or if they did buy them, of what use could so many kinds be to most people. One could tell the best Rose of all those, or the best six, or best dozen, and one could divide them into three distinct shades also ; but all that would be of no practical use, as I could only do it from what was before me, and not from practice in growing them. Madame Furtado, shaped like Baronne Prevost, and a much deeper red, July 15, 1862. ] JOTTENAL OF HORTICTJLTURE A\D COTTAGE GARDENER. 289 is a firet-cla!9 Rose in this group ; so is Charles Lavrson, Ma- dame Crapelet, Jules Margottin, Pftuline Lanzezeur, and many more of them. A lot of t^iem on their own roots in half day and half cocoa-nut refuse, with 2 inches of old cowdung put over the border in April, and then covered like one of Sir Josepli Paxton's Vine-borders with an inch or 2 inches of fresh cocoa- nut refuse, would give a fair representation of a bed of tree Pteonies — say Baronne de Heckeren, Prince Imperial, La Fon- taine, Madame Cliai-les Crapelet, A'ictor Verdier, Anna do Diesbach, Louise Peronny, Uuchcsse d'Orleans, and Gloire de Vitry, all of which were more or less rising into open centres just like Moutans in one or otlicr of the collections. Another bed might be planted to represent Sally Brass in Koses ; I mean such as Evcque de Nimes, with hard rigid hearts and bare puckered faces, firm as brass itself — say Evcque de Nimes, Agatoide, Frani;ois Premirr, General Simpson, Victor Trouillard, Madame Boll, and I'Etendard des Amateurs. Whether a liberal or shortcommons-fare would make these assume the same kind of face as Eveque de Nimes I do not know ; but they assume more or less of a family cast of countenance. One of Triomphe d' Amiens, [in Mr. Keynes' collection of 96, was as striped and as mottled as a Picotee ; one in Mr. Cant's collection was more minutely picoteed ; and Mr. Laing, of Twickenham, had a General Jacqueminot striped and mottled differently from Triomphe d' Amiens. Mr. Cant must have made a good liarvest of the Tea Rose, which was long lost, and for which we of the Floral Committ«e could not supply the proper name, so he named it himself. The Foundling, " I'Enfant Trouv(?," and his lucky neighbour, J. T. Hedge, Esq., who swept the rosy race all round the course, did good justice to the darling restored. He had a large bunch of it with full-open, half-open, and uot-open (lowers, in his 3C-kinds collection, and just opening in the 24-kind collection, and I would push the harvest home to all the mothers in England, alongside of the tea- caddy, for it is just as sweet, and it has the cream in itself. What more could they want, except, perhajns, to know that Mr. Cant has fish to his Tea Roses, and feeds the rest of his Koses on sprats ? One of the Judges told me so, and told me, also, that he, the said Judge, feeds his own Roses on star fish, and it is a hundred to one if Mr. Hedge does not give sprats, star fish, and sturgeon to his Roses, and that may be how he gets off ■with all the prizes ; and if you had seen his Baronne Prevost, his Adam, his magnificent Lselia, his La Fontaine, his Charles Lawsou, his Gloire de Dijon, and his Louise Darzins, the newest and the whitest of all the Perpetuals, the chances are that you, too, would put fish for Koses, and so would I — but I would mix then* with four times their bulk of this cocoa stufi', fresh from the mill, and put in mulching, to bring up the roots into a natural hotbed, moist as Melons, quite near to the surface. But never woidd I give a morsel of fish to a Rose stock. Dog or Manetti. In front of that mass of Roses I would plant the following : — Madame Vidot and Mrs. Rivers, to see if they be different ; also Mdlle. Bonnaire and Mdlle. Therese Appert, with William Griffith, and Queen of Denmark, and outside them none but pure whites, which I would select frcftn the Noisettes and Teas for a change, and because the new whitest Perpetual, Louise Darzins, is too strong a grower for an outside row. That arrangement would throw the best, or, at least, my own selection of the very light Hoses at that Show, into a bed or group by themselves, and, of course, it would include Madame Vidot, Mrs. Rivers, W. Griflith, Queen of Denuiark, and Therese Appert. I object altogether to catalogue the word Mademoiselle at all in England, for two reasons — it is too long, and the nymph may have been given in marriage ere the Rose is ripe to show in England : therefore, I would say Therese Appert till I could call her Madame something. Alphabetical list of the darkest Roses, or Class I. : — IS, Mrs. Dombrain (1862) 19, Oriftanime de St. Louis 20, Ptaiiie de Terre Noire 21, Prince de Noire 22, Prince de Moskoira 23, Princessp Mathilde 24, Ilebccca 2.^, Ro!.ine Parron 2G, Souvenir de Lady Cardley (1862) 27, Triomphe des Beaux Arts 28, Triomphe dc Lyon 29, Triomphe de Paris 30, Victor Emmanuel 31, Victor Trouillard 32, Victor Verdier 3S, Wilhelm Pfitzer 1, .\bd-el-Kader 2, Arthur de .Sansal 3, Cardinal I'alrizzi 4, Dr. Bretonncau 5, Due de Cazes 6, Empereur de Maroc 7, Francois Arago S, Frani-oiB Louvat (1862) 9, Franeois I'reniler 10, George Peatwdy (Bourbon) 11, Gloire de Santenuy 12, Jean Bart 13, Leonie Moise 14, Louis XI v. 15, Lord Clyde (1RC2) 16, Lord Raglan 17, Marie Portemer Oriflamme de St, Louis is the connecting link between the darkest and next dark Roses, being a shade d.eper than General Jacqueminot; but, after all that had been expected of it, the Gein'ral is much the hett<"r of the two. The four Roses of 1802 in this class are the best four of this season in that shade, looking at them like a gardener, and this is how they stood nlphabetically : — Francois Louvat, Mr. Garnston, which is one ot the very best of all his novelties ; Lord Clyde, Paul & Son, their own seedling, the best of the very dark Roses yet raised in England ; Mrs. Dombrain, from Mr. Standish, a fine, foreign, dark-shaded purple Rose ; and Souvenir de Lady Cardley, fi'om Mr. Mitchell, which is seemingly a very good dark Rose, with a shade of purple in it as in Mrs. Dombrain. Wilhelm Pfitzer is in the way of the Gallic Rose Olil No. 2. Prnirie de Terre Noire was the darkest of all this lot ; and Rosine Parron, Abd-cl-Kader, and Oriflamme de St. Louis were the lightest of them, and some of them were quite dilierent from the catalogue description. When the same name appears in two lists it shows how the tint varies with age. The next darkest Roses begin with General Jacqueminot, Scnateur Vaisse, Gloire de Santenay, and Beauty of Waltham, all of them first-rate, but for reference they are placed in alphabetical order : — 12, Madame Boutin (1862), very good 13, Madame Mafson 14, .Madame Pierson (fine) 15, MarMial Vaillant (1862), line 16, Ornement des Jardius i;, Paul Iticaut 18, Rosinc Parron 19, Scnateur Vaisse 20, Souvinir de Levcson Cower 21, Tvioniphe de I'E.xpobition 1, Abd-el-Kader 2, Baronne Hallez 3, Beauty of Waltham (1862) 4, Dr. Berthet (Bourbon) 5, Eugene Appert (), Frani^ois Arago 7, Francis I. 8, G(!n(5ral .Tacqueminot 9, Gloire de Fr.ince 10, Gloire de Santenay 11, Louis XIV. The championship of these lies between Scnateur Vaisse and Gloire de Santenay, two of the very best Koses we have. The third class "consists of iO of the best ot the light crimsons, red, and rose coloured, running into various shade.^ but all of them, or any number of them, might be planted in front of any of tlie dark Koses as above, 21, La Fontaine 22, La Rcine 23, La Ville do St, Denis 24, Lielia 25, L'Etcntard des Amateurs, like a ciinison Evcque de Nimes 26, Lord Nelson 27, Madame Boll, very large 23, Madame Crapelet, fine 29, M.idame Domage 30, Madame Furtado 31, >tadamc Hector Jacquin 32, Madame Pauline Villot 33, .Mathurin Kegnier 34, Pauline Lanzezeur 35, Prince Imperial, like a Cabbage Rose and a rosy I'ffiony 36, Prince Leon 37, Reine dc la C;»*!, fine 38, Reine des Fleurs 39, Triomphe d'Aleni;on 40, Victor Trouillard red Agatoide, fine Alexandrine BaclmietefT Alphonse Karr Anna Alesieft" .\nna de DicsDach Anni'ie Baronne de Heckeren, Pa?ony-liUe Baronne Gonella Belle de Bourg-Ia-Reine Charles Lawson Colonel de Rougemont Due d'Osun-i, a deep red Baronne Prevo&t Duchess of Sutherland Duke of Caniliridge Evcque de Ninics Fvdn(,"ois Premier General Biea General Castellane 9, General Sim(:soa 0, Jules Margottin Very light and blush Roses. Auguste Mil* Arinide Caroline de Sansal Conitesse de Chahrillant Duchess of Orleans Eugf^'uie Verdier (Mdlle.) GC'neral Peiissier Gloire de Vitry, was lavender tint Mesdauics Boll, Vidot. and Rivers Madame Vigneron Matliurin Regnier and Malmaison Rose Queen Victoria Therese Appert Virginal W llliam Griffith Here will be seen how changeable some Roses are, as Madame Boll, Armide, and two or three more in these lists. Among the light Tea Roses the best were Madame Halphin, Madame Damaizin, Madam Williams, Barbot, Gloire de Bordeaux, and d'un Ami. There was but one example of Cloth of Gold, but Gloire de Dijon was all over the place, and there were several Celine Foiestiers. Madame Falcot was of the Elise Sauvagc tint of yellow, and both were very fine there ; also, Narcisse, a fine yellow ; Souvenir d'Elise Varden, a very large beautiful blush Tea ; Archimede, fine salmon tint ; Gloire de Bordeaux will turn out a very fine deep blush Tea ; Niphetos and Sorabreiid were the two whitest 'ieas; Lamarque and Mailam Hardy being still the best white Roses at shows ; and Triomphe de Rennes seems, after all, to be the most certain yellow among Noisettes, and the favourite after Gloire de Dijon from among the Teas. Were it not that nine hundred and nine'y-nne ladies out 'illiam Grifllths, Madame Boll, Baronne Hallez, Clement Marot, Baron Gonella, Clotli of Gold, Gloire de Vitry, Victor Verdier, Madame Da- mazin, George Peabody, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Franijois Lacharme, Mrs. Elvers, Eugene Appert, General Castellane, La Eeine, Seedling Admiral Nelson, Madame Furtado, Senateur Vaisse, Comtesse Cfecile de Chabrillant, Empereur de Maroc, Madame Hector Jacquin, Comto do Paris, Jules Margottin, Madame Willermoz, Souvenir de Leveson Gower, Madame A'idot, General Jacqueminot, Prince Leon, Vaiuqueur de Sol- ferino. General Forey, Mathurin Eegnier, Duchess of Norfolk, Elise Sauvage, Anna de Diesbach, Triomphe des Bagatelles, Mademoiselle Eugenie Verdier, Colonel de Eougemont, Charles Lawson, Duke of Cambridge, Madame Falcot, Victor Emmanuel, EuSbn, Comtesse de la Bathe, Louise Pei-onny, Prince Eegent, L.Tlia, Darzins, Comtesse de Kergoley, Comte de Nanteuil, Bou- gere. Belle de Bourg-la-Eeine, Goubault, Madame Pierson, Ma- demoiselle Pauline Villot, Celine Forestier, Madame de Camba- ceres, Madame Standish, Paul Eicaut, Vicomtesse de Cazes, and Amelia Lemaine (Galliea). In 48'e Mr. Cant was also first. His stand contained Com- tesse Cecile de Chabrillant, Engene Appeit, Triomphe d' Amiens, Madame Knorr, Louis XIV., Admiial Nelson, Mathurin Eegnier, Eubens, Senateur Vaisse, Devouiensis, Victor Verdier, Gloire de Dijon, Etendard des Amateurs, Madame Furtado, Madame Boll, Comtesse de la Bathe, Lord Eaglan, Pauline Lanzezeur, Victor Trouillard, Madame Tredeaux, Aiiguste Mie, Empereur de Maroc, Caroline de Sansal, SouTenir d'un Ami, Anna de Diesbach, Vicomtesse de Cazes, Baron Gonella, Madame Willermoz, Souvenir de Leveson Gower, Madam Eivers, Duke of Cambridge, Louise Peronny, General Jacqueminot, Eegent, Triomphe de Paris, Madame Vidot, ETcque de Nimes, and General Castellane. In the Class of 21 singles, Mr. Charles Turner, of the Eoyal Nurseries, Slough, exhibited an admirable box, containing Com- tesse Ce'cile de Chabrillant, Mrs. Eivers, Louis XIV., Due d'Or- leans, Nipbetos, Louise Peronny, Senateur Voisse, Madame de Cambaeeres, Francois Arago, Victor Verdier, Baronne Prevost, July 15, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDFNICR. 291 Madame Hector Jiuquin, Lord Ragl.iu, JIadame Charles Cra- pelet, La Keine, Mailniiie Boll, Cu'iu'irttl Jacqueminot, Jules Margottin, IJoulo de Saiitcuil, Souvenir de la llf.lmaisoii, Ciloire dc Dijon, Anna Alexieff, and Jfiidainc Furtado. And here iny note-taking came to an untimely end. 'Jlie barriers were removed at twelve o'clock, and on cuRcr crowd of Koae admirers and growers rushed in. For a wliilc I stood my ground ; hut it was not a pleasant thing to hear, " AVill, it certainly adds to the efTect very much to have two or three people standing between you and the flowers, don't you think BO?" "Oil, I suppose he is one of the bigwigs, who is not restrained by any rules of politeness." I therefore bent a timely retreat ; and as I had to leave before M. TSlondin's performances commenced, wlien the stages were comparatively clear, could not obtain any of the names in the Amateurs' Class ; but I liave little doubt they were very much the same flowers tliat the growers for sale exl.ibitcd, Mr. Hedge holding the P.rst place. As tlicre was a large attendance I hope the liberality of the managers was rewarded. Of the cxeeUent clinractcr of the arrangements it is impossible to speak too liighly; and when I add tliat Mr. Houghton's usual kindness, activity, and polilcnes-i were put in requisition to make all concerned comfortable, it would bo needless to add that everything went off smoothly, and that the character of this annual gathering was fully main- tained.— D., Deal. CULTURE OF THE PEACH AND NECTARINE. {Continued from pafjc 250.) SoV {continued). — These trees require, in order to produce healthy, fruitful, and long-lived specimens, a strong pure loamy soil of an adhesive cliaraeter, such as an upland good pasture would furnish. Take it ofl" in turves about 3 inches tliick, and cart it home near to the garden. Lay it in a long heap, and when suflicient is procured commence at one end to chop it into small pieces, and wliilst that is going on mix it thorouglily with some old lime rubbish, unless you are so fortunately situated as to obtain the turf from a pasture on a limestone basis, then the lime rubbish will not be needed. Wliilst the chopping and mixing process is going on procure some thinner turves, and with tliem cover the drainage grass side downwards. This will prevent the finer particles of the soil from falling into and choking up the drainage. When that is done lay some boards or planks, and wheel in the soil to one end, forming the border with a very gentle slope to rather more than the full height to allow for settling. From 18 inches to 2 feet will be ample dipth. If the garden is situated on a level country, I would advise the border to be raised a foot higher tlian the general level ; but if the garden is on a gentle eniinenee, as recommended ni ray last paper, then it maybe nearly level with the rest of the garden. It will be observed that I make no mention of dung as a com- ponent part of the soil. It is a great mistake (o put any manure of any kind in a Peach-border. It is injurious to the trees in many ways, the worst being in inducing young trees to make what gardeners call water- shoots, or, as the French term them, gourmands or gluttons. Such shoots not only rob the rest of their due mitriment, but, also, they seldom in our climate get duly ripened, and then become diseased, ulcerated, and gummy. If, however, in process of time the border become exhausted, then it will be proper in the autumn to lay on the surface a mulching of rotten dung. The autumn and wir.ter rains will wash down the soluble enriching qualities of the dung sufll- ciently, so as to give fresh food to the trees. As to the time of making the border, I would advise the end of July and through August. The weather then is generally dry, and tlie soil is, of course, dry also. By doing it thus early the grass plants will perish all but those on the surface, and they may be killed also by digging the border over two or three times before the winter sets in. Varieties of Soil. — The only successful adaptation of a dififercnt kind of soil to the above that ever came under my notice oc- curred in the gardens at Wheatley Hall, near Doncaster, the seat of Sir W. B. Cooke, Bart., where I spent part of my apprentice- ship. The natural soil there is of a light sandy nature, which, though excellent with plenty of manure for vegetable crops, was found not to be favourable for Peach culture. The river Don runs thi-ough th,' estate and deposits a close, compact sedi- ment. This is called " warp soil." A sufEcieut quantity of this warp was collected, laid in heaps, and when in a proper mellow condition the Pench-bordei's were made of it without any other ingredient. 'J lie then gardener was a Mr. B. M mn. lie ha»i been ciiief tlico foi* a quarter of a century, and used this warp soil with the best cil'eet. The trees grew well in it, producing just the right kind of hcaltliy wood, and bore excellent fruit annually. It is true the walls were lluod, and we used canvass screens to protect tlio blossom from late spring frosts, and in wet summers the fires were lighted to heat the walls and ripen the wood ; but tliesc protective n. ensures had been a luptrd before wlien the natural soil formed the borders and were not found (H'ectual to keep the trees in health. Whoever, then, has such t soil conveniently placed near to his garden, may make his bordere of it without any fear of failure. Choice of Plants. — -This is an iinpr)rtant part of the b\i8ines6. When time of coming into hearing is not Ihoiuditol much account, then maiden plants — that is, trees a year old might b.^ jirererrcd, the cultivator then has the mode of li-aining from the beginning under his own cave ; bu I certainly would prefer tr.'CS that have been trained in the nursery thri-e years. I sliould, however, take tlie precaution of visiting the nursery early in i1m autumn and choosing the best-trained and most healthy trees, then and there putting a mark upon them. This ])h\n is the best and most satisfactory both to the buyer and seller. Then as soon af the leaves fall the trees sliould be carefully taken up, the ro'^ts packed in moist moss, and the trees so packed as to travel safely lo their destination. Thus packed both at ihc root and the top, they would in these railroad days come to hand in good con- dition. Directly thoy arrive, let them be carefully unpacked ami planted as soon as possible. If the roots should have become dry, I would dip thcin in water thickened with fine soil. T!ie (piestion now arises, At what distance should tliey be planted from each other against the wall ? Some writers say 15 feet, and some as much as 2i feet. These are, however, extremes, the first being too close and the other too wide apa'-t. The nicth'ura is the best. Eighteen feet is the distance I recommend. The best trees I know in existence now are at that distJince. If, liow- ever, the walls are low — that is, only 0 feet or less high, then the trees may be planted nearer to each other, as the angles of the shoots will bring them soon to the top of such a wad; but if 12 feet high, then my 18 feet will be a fair equable distance. As it will take several years before the trees will meet, standard- trained trees might be planted between thoecially when swarming. Can Mr. Fox, or any of your bee-keepers say, should the weather change, what flowers they will be able to get honey from ? as I observe mine are able to get plenty of pollen, but very little honey, and I do not observe anything now left but the white clover, and, as "An Old Bee-keepee" remarked the other day, if we should have a bad ling (heather) season, it will be all up with the bees. — A. W. [M. Hermann's queens were certainly not always to be de- pended upon. I should say that the one which breeds the yel- lowest workers is probably pure, the other impregnated by a blact drone. The variation in the colour of bees bred by the best July 15, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF UOKTICrLTURE AND COTIAGE GA-RDENER. 305 Ligurian queens is often voi-y rcmarlsivblo ; but with regard to the drones it must be remembered tluit the first cross does not affect tliem, so tliat n hybridised yellow iiuccn may possibly breed even better drones than one wliieh has had a true Italian impregnation. I believe what is left of the white clover and heather when within reach, is nearly all the pasturage that now remains for our bees.— A DEVONsniitE Eee-keei'EI!.] BEES IN JAMAICA INCEEASE THE SIZE AND SUBSTANCE OF THEIR CELLS. I iM very much obliged to your fcveral correspondents for their information in regard to the supposed dillerencrs in the bees of Britain. Possibly some few of your readers may be in- terested in the following case : — The luvc bee was introduced many years ago into Jamaica. Having sern it stated that the cells were larger, I procured (tlu-ough tlie kindness of Mr. R. Hill, of Spanish Town), some bees and comb. Tlie bees liave been carefnlly examined by Mr. F. Smith, of the British Museum, and pronounced to be the common species. I also secured the bind and front legs, the antenna' and jaws of worker bees from Jamaica and my own stock, and could detect no trace of dif- ference in size or other character. But here comes the remark- able point — the diameter of tlie cells is conspicuously greater in about the proportion of GO to 51 or 52 tliau in our English combs. The wax seems tougher, and the walls, I think, are thicker. The cells in parts of the comb were much elongated, and the whole hive contained a great quantity of honey. It certainly appears as if the instinct of the bee had become modi- fied in relation to its new, hot, and rich home. But it seems to me an astonishing fact that the cells should have been made larger witliout a corresponding increase in the size of the body of the arcliitect.— CnAELES Daewi>', Down, Bromletj, Kent. [The extra thickness and toughness of the wax employed by the bees in the torrid climate of Jamaica render the combs better capable of resisting the heat. The increased size of the brood-cells would better protect the larva; from the same exces- sive heat by interposing a wider air-filled space between them and the walls of the cells ; for air is one of tlie worst conductors of heat. If such be the true explanations of the changes adopted by the bees, they are additional instances of instinct approaching closely to the confines of reason. — Eds.] BEES AS CHEMISTS. I AM very mucli obliged to Mr. Shearer for his kind attempt to prove what we both believe — viz., that simple syrup is changed by bees before it is stored in their combs, although I am by no means surprised at the result. I really see no better test of the truth of our opinions than that which I have offered more than once, and which I now beg to repeat. I have some simple syrup in cooib, made and stored by bees so late last autumn that all honey-gathering was over at the time, and this I am willing to submit to the Editors of The Jocbxal of Uorticuliuee, or such other tribunal as they may point out. If this is not satisfactory to our opponents, I submit that the burden of proof lies with them. Supposing them to be right, and that bees always store their food unchanged, what can be easier than to produce a bit of sealed comb in which simple syrup may be found unaltered ? But this has not yet been done, all hough I ofi'ered a good stock of Ligurian bees to any one who could efl'ect it, and I am well assured that it cannot be done. A few weeks ago "A Noeth Lancashiee Bee-keepee" sent me a hit of comb in which were what he considered to be crystals ; but these turned out to be only candied particles such as are constantly to be found in true honey, and from which tliey did not differ in any respect when examined under the microscope. The plain fact tliat no one can produce simple syrup which has been stored by bees in the same state in which it was given to them, appears to me quite sufEcient evidence of the correct- ness of the opinions expressed upon this subject by — A Deton- sniEK Bee-keepee. [We think our friend is rather unreasonable. The proof is required from those who maintain the affirmative ; and the only conclusive proof, we think, would be to hive, in a hive already combed, a ewarm — an artificial one for example — and to confine the swarm in a light room or greenhouse entirely witli- out plants, but with a full supply of sugar syrup, and nothing cl,«c. If tlio bees converted tliat syrup into honey, the problem would be solved. Btr. Shearer's experiment merely shows that the bee, by the act of swallowing the syrup, does not convert tlie su^ar into honey. It would have been more conclusive if he had allowed the bee' to fly about in an empty room for an hour before he emptied its honey-bag.— Eds. J. oe H.] NON-IRA-SCIBILITY OF LIGURIAN BEES- FUMIGATION— BEES LEAVING THEIR HIVE. I THINE the Americans are wrong when they say the Ligurian are more irascible than the black bees. I suppose they judge the bees bv themselves, as I believe the two mixed are very irascible, as I nearly always find the bees that come at me are the black ones. I consider the Ligurians are superior to the black ; they are prettier, more prohfic, and are quicker in find- ing out honey pastures. I have a queen I got from JI. Her- mann that swarmed four times in five days. Tlie swarms are very fair and doing well, although we have had bad weather in this part (South Durham) ; and I observe the bees have not been able to make much honey, and very many swarms have gone back to tlieir parent hives from starvation. Two of last year's swarms (black bees) I took the bees from the other day did not appear to have a quarter of a pound of honey each. I have, therefore, been feeding my hives. Fumigation. — Not being so expert with bees as " A Devon- sniEE Bee-keepee," I have generally adopted it as the only way to get the queen from a hive or a swarm, and if not over- done, do not see that it injures the bees, and certainly seems to be the only plan of joining without fighting. I have a hive of Ligurians to which the black bees were ailded now nearly two years since by fumigation. I observe many black bees among them, and, therefore, am of opinion that bees live much longer than six months ; and those bees do not appear to have suffered from the fumigation. Bees Deseeting Hives I think may arise from many causes. I had two last-year's swarms that appeared doing well early this spring ; but as the weather got warmer I did not see so many about, and when I looked found only three or four bees in one, and in tlie other not more than a dozen or so, but did not see a queen in either. The bees from one I am almost certain joined the next hive ; but what became of the bees from the other I do not know. I also had a hive that had swarmed t>ice last year, and had when brought from the moors 36 lbs. of honey, and was well off for bees in the beginning of the season ; but I observed some of the Ligurians found it out, and robbed it : consequently nearly all the bees went with the robbers. About a month since I fumigated it, to see if there was a queen, when I found only about a handful of bees, and after taking out some of the comb observed the queen at the very top of the hive (straw), I therefore returned the bees, and at ten a.m. removed the next hive on another board, and placed this one on its board, since whicli it seems to be doing well. I have found a great deal of honey candied in three or four hives this last winter ; what can be the cause of this ? I do not find the Ligurians attack more at swarming than the black ones ; but should the weather be windy and wet I think both will do so. — A. W. [You are mistaken with regard to the longevity of bees. The existing black ones have either strayed from other hives, or are bred by the Ligurian queen. Honey candies by exposure to cold.] LIGURIAN BEES IN AMERICA. It will be perceived from the following advertisement which we copy I'rom the Frairie Farmer, that Ligurian queen bees fetch high prices on the other side of the Atlantic : — " Italian Queen Bees. — We guarantee the purity of all queens, bred by us, and their safe arrival at any express oflice. Price for a queen of a beautiful colour in a small box with a few workers lO.OOdols.,* or 5.00 dols. when not warranted to be iupregnated by an Italian drone. Ministers of the Gospel are entitled to use ' Langstroth's Moveable Comb Hive' without charge, and can have warranted queens for 5.00 dole.— L. L. Lanosteoth & Son, Oxford, Butler County, Ohio." • £2 Is. id. sterling 306 JOITRNAL OF HOETICULTTJRE AKD COTTAGE GAUDENEB. [ My 15, 1862. THE CEOW AISD TEE FAEMEE— A EABLE. *'Eeom a forthcoming volume of Fables of iEsop and others, done into modern veree, and with copious illuetrations drawn from the life by able artiste, and the speeches of the several animals, birdp, and reptiles, rendered from the ancient short- hand of one who was familiar with their several tongues." The Crow is walking all over the field As if he were counting how much it will jield; He's as clear at his eaf^e as if it were known That that very bip field and the f;rain were his own ! And there isn't a blade, and tliere ien't a fhoot That he doesn't inRpect from the tip to the root. And -p hen he finds one that he thinks locking ill. He goes at it and digg it right up with his bilk And wherever he turns up a little green ehoot, He gobbles up something he finds at the roof, And he marches along with atatisfied look. As much as to say " l^tn a vrry good rook /" The Farmer is strolling all over his land. With his dog at his heels and his stick in his hand, All at once he pulls up and he comes to a btand. Then he walks very fast, and he looks in a rage, And he'll do for the crow, that he will, he'll engage ! He is all in a pet, In a fume and a fret. At the corn he Fees pull'd ; And he spreads out a net, And it happens just so That he catches the Ciow, And he holds him quite tight, And he won't let him go ! And he calls hiiTJ " a thief, and declares that a peck He, has pulled of his oats, and he'll twist off his neck!" And that instant he's going his fui y to wreck, The Crow can do nothing the murder to check. *' He declares and protests. Not ihe oats but the pests, He has pick'd from the roots AVhere they lay in their nests ! And it's never the grain that he preys on at all,* But the worms and the grubs be they ever so small. And he knows by the way The blades droop and decay, 'XS'here these ruinous swarmp, Gnaw the roots in the lay ! "What he looks for and kills, eats, hunts up, and stubs — But he can't get believed— ar-? the worms and the grubs. And but for the Crow So fast they would grow. They'd be millions of millions, And no grain to mow ! And yet for his labour, and watching, and use, "Why the bert that he meets with are blows and abuse ! He can't think how the Farmer can be so obtuse." The Crow is hanging the coin among He argued in vain, and hisneck it was wrung; And the Fanner he's getting a poor little yield, Of very small oats from his very large field ! He looks at the reapers, he looks at the sheaves. He pulls up the stubbles, and see? and believes; For he finds that the worms have been at it amain. And have cut at the roots ere he cut at the grain, And he feels very bad, and he doesn't quite know How it is, but he can't bear to look at the Crow, MORAl, "Watching the crops from day to day, The birds on preying insects prey ! Grubs, worms, that else in endless swarai, Would strip ihe Farvicr a?}d the Farm, They slay and keep the crops from harm. The bird may pick some random grains, But earns them fairly for its paiHe, A7id bushels /till iho foriner ffnins ! The French their birds have shot and eat, And find in wonderment complete They've neither fruit, nor oats, nor wheat 1 Do nothing on suspicion merely, Investigate each matter clearly. Or, blundering, you'll repent it dearly, — {Western Times.) EoWAN WoLP. Epsom Eaces. — The course at Epeom is in the midst of down3, intersected by three hilla in parallel hnes : in (he vales between these hills the champions entered the list. Several of the spectators came in coaches, which, without the least bustle or dispute about precedency, were arranged in three or four lines, on the first of tl:o?e hills ; and, on the top of all, was a scaf- foldmg for the judges who were to decree the prize. The scaf- folding was the goal which bounded the race, and the starting- post was at the head of the outer vale ot the second hill : four horses starting from thence ran in this vale about the lengtli of a mile, turned rormd by the next hill, to the height of the start- ing-post, and at length reached the hill, on which stands the scaffolding, where he that came in first was declared the victor. The prize is not adjudged till after three heats ; and to him only who has won two cut of three. If he be so successful as to win the two first, the third is dispensed with, which was what hap- pened at the r.ice wlicre I was a spectator. There are I'eithcr lists nor barriers at these races : the horses run in the midst of tlie crowd, who leave only a space sufiicient for them to pass through ; at the same time encouraging them by gestures and loud shouts. The victor, when he has arrived at the goal, finds it a diCicult matter to disengage himself from the crowd, who congratulate, caress, and embrace him, with an cfiiision of heart which it is not easy to form an idea of without having seen it. The deference to the victors is not confined to these transient homages. All the hotises of country gentlemen, all the inns, are lined with pictures of horses, painted or engraved, in various attitudes of strength or agility, with an account of the victories they have won, their names, those of the jockeys by whom they were trained— in fine, tiiose of the noblemen to whom they belong, and from whom they met with all the care and tender treatment that favourite children can expect from a parent. So great was the crowd, which covered the place where the horses ran, that I could not see them, except upon the ridge of the second hill. They kept upon the full stretch, without rising or darting forward, and appeared to me to resemble wooden horses that had been fixed in full stretch upon the rim of a great horizontal circle, moving round upon its axis, with the utmost rapidity iinoginabk'. In order to cut tlie nir, the groom, who is almost totally inclhied upon the neck of the horf-e, holds the handle of the whip fixed before him, or shakes it before his mouth. liefore the race begins, the jockey, the saddle, and whole fur- niture of the horse, are weighed in the presence of the judges; and care ia taken that all the horses admitted to run be equally loaded, — {Notes on England hy a Frenchman a Century ago.) OUR LETTER BOX. Plumage of SrLvnn GitEv Dokkings (71 R.).--The cock of the Silver Grey Doiking should have perfectly black breaf-t and tail light, almost white hackle and saddle. The slightest deviation from the former is fatal to success. The hen should have grey feathers with white shafts, save an the breast, which should be robin or salmon, and the hackle -which should be distinctly striped with Mack and white. We dare not say that any spreading of the redbreast (0 the outer part of the wing should be a disqualification, but it is a diaiidvantage. Noise in Throats of Chickens (^.)-— The guttural noise in breathing, and the endeavour to remove sometliing from their throats, indicates that there is something in their win.lpipes ; aud that something, probibly, is the parasitic annats which constitute gapt-s. If the birds yawn much, there is no doubt about it. Inhaling the vapovy of spirit ot turpentine, and taking tonics, such as sulphate of iron in t!ie water, arc the best appliances. Eggs of La Fllche Fowl [A Cuftaf/et).— There are Bone of the eggs or fowls for sale at present in England. There will be some advertised in our columns in the autumn. Hives {Mrs. I>fnt).— U you write to Messrs. N'-'ishbour, High Holbom, they will send you a list of pricis. You had better leave the bees in the old- fiishioned hive, and put their swarms next year into the hives you prefer. pAKROTs (jE. i). S.). — We know of no book devoted to treating of the manapenient of Parrots. All that is neceesary tJ be said would not fill two pages. rESTRCCTivE Cat (A. A, A.).—As its owner knows its propensity to steal Pigeons, tfcc, and drives it out of his own house, you need have no compunction in destroying it, though you have no legal right to dn sti. We should kill it and bury it without any hesitation. It you can prove the cat killed your biids. you could recover their value from the owner of the cat by suinff him in the county court. Of course you would have to prove the ownership. Kendeking Hat Uneatable.— At this time, straw in this neighbourhood is worth full as much as hay; and having to find beddiiig for six horses regularly, being in stable at nights, but not having to find food for them, I find it very expensive to purchase straw. Having a quantity of a rough kind of hay which I wanted to use for bedding, but which I am prevented from doing because the horses cat a considerable quantity of it when put under them, what could be done to the hay to niuke it so that the hoi-ses would not eat it?— Wm. ■\VATKI^s. [Why not sell the hay and buy straw with the money obtained for it ? We know of no harmless, cheap mode of rendering the hav uneatable. Eds.] LONDON MARKET.— July 14. POULTRY. The supply gradually increases, and at last is equal to the demand. There iS a trifling diminution in price, and as the former must increase while the jatter diminishes, we shall soon note a greater change. Larpe Fowls 3 3 1 0 6 to 4 0 „ 3 ^ "? 0 „ 0 0 „6 0 6 3 0 6 I>uckling3 2 0 0 to 3 0 „ 0 4 ,, 1 8 „ 0 8 „0 0 n 1 s Geese Wild do 0 9 Goslings 6 Pigeons 0 9 July 22, 1862. ] JOnRNAI; OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 30r Day of M'nlU Day of 1 Week., JULY 22—28, 1862. Tu W Tu F S Son M WEEKLY CALENDAR. Weathilk nk\r Lonkon in laci. Barometer. Thermom. Wind, i^ehe". Niirembcrgia gracilis, Ac. 29 743—29 587 rslclium &itleynnum. I 29.737—29.589 Tecoma ca|)en»i8. [1797.] 29.823—29.060 St. Jamkm. 1>>). Camuuiuoe BOllN,' :.'9. 064-29. 551 Tropteolum percsrinum, &c. | 29.664-29.484 6 Sunday AriKii 'Iuinity. , 29.735 Chirouia tetragona, Sec. . 29.960' 29.654 •29.783 degree*. 74—45 71-54 69-56 68—58 72-41 71-44 74-39 s.w. •04 s.w. •01 s. •12 s.w. •13 w. •29 s.w. •20 w. •01 Sun Riacs. 11 af4 Sun Sete. Moon j KiBes I Moon's and Sets, Age. I Clock ' bi'fore Day of Sun, Year. m. h. 2af8 0 S C8 7 56 7 55 7 63 7 8 0 52 0 4C 1 46 2 sets 47 a 7 7 8 23 i6 27 28 • 1 2 m. s. 6 8 6 10 6 12 C 13 6 IS 6 13 6 13 203 204 205 200 207 208 209 Mkteokolooy OP THE WKF.K.-At Chiswiclt, from observations during the last thitty-flve years the average highest and lowest temperatures of these days are 74 0° and 61.8» respectively. The grcite.t heat, 92". occurred on the 251h, in 1844 ; and the lowest cold, H', on the 25to, in 1S60. During the period 138 days were fine, and on 107 rain fell. THE KENSINGTON GARDEN OF THE EOYAL HORTICULTUllAL SOCIETY. ORTICULTUEE is losing nothing in popular estima- tion in our own day. In whatever quarter of our seagirt home we survey, there seems no lack of spirit to promote its growth — no power at work, if such there may be, that at all can influence or propagate a retrogressive tendency. Happily its progress keeps pace with the age we live in ; and al- though it is absolutely and only a study of Nature and the best methods by which Nature can be aided, we have as much reason (or gratulation, at all events, as those that are pursuing kindred arts. Even since the dawn of the present century, or the most palmy days of Mawe, Abercromby, and Speechley, to say nothing of the genius and practical skill of Kuight, for he was a man far in advance of his day, much has been effected, which is due in a high degree to tlie enterprise, not of botanists al- together, else we would pay homage to that illustrious Swede who organised a system out of chaotic confusion, as well as to Jussieu and Decandolle, who each wrought hard to found the system which takes precedence in our own day, and which Lindley and Aruott, living authors, have so ably sustained. But it is due to those men who were sent out, in a commercial point of view, to ransack tlie earth, to wander over paths where the foot of civilisation had in many cases never trod, for the numerous novelties which grace the conservatories and parterres of the affluent both in this and other European countries, and which time after time have justly e.xcited the admiration of foreigners in particular, for the skill brought to bear upon their successful cul- tivation as exhibited here. What a wonderful and interesting addition has recently been made by the indomitable perseverance of Mr. Fortune, who has hitherto figured so largely in adding to the European lierbarium, as well as by the youthful but enterprising Mr. Veitch, who was only two years absent from this country, and sent home so valuable a collection from China and Japan of plants likely to stand the test of our northern climate. Nor has there been any lack of skill at home. Hybrid- isers have set judiciously to work, and have met with their rew.ird. The florist has had certain forms turned out with compasses as the summit of perfection for him to imitate, and has laboured hard until he has almost attained what by some was considered an impossibility. Skilful crossing and reproduction from seed have wrought out a wonderlul reformation. The rarest plants are sent and brought from afar to be cultivated and bloomed here, scarcely inferior to the cvcellence they attain in their Ko. 69.— Vol. III., New SEBiESi native wilds. The taste for flower gardening is im- mensely on the increase, and thousands of plants are bedded out in the parterres of the noble and the wealthy for every ten treated in the same way a quarter of a century ago. Fruit-houses, instead of covering square yards, are now covering acres in proportion, and still the extension is on the increase. Such are tlie advantages surrounding the pfltli of all devoted to gardening. Now, the Koyal Horticultural Society was inaugurated under the highest and most distinguished patronage, and can still boast of an illustrious roll of names, from our sovereign Queen, and a long list of noble peers and wealthy squires, down to numbers of those who make horticulture their study and their profession. It is to be expected, then, that, availing itself of the advantages we have specified, all the operations of that Society are to be conducted on a superior scale ; that the gardens are to be w orthy of the high patronage which they bear ; that flower gardening and the present fashionable style of floral decoration, which is so captivating the public mind at the present time, should be aptly re- presented ; that the landscape should be so planned as to offer to the practical gardener in charge the best and most suitable groundwork to display skill and taste in arrangement, in order to produce striking effect, and, what is sure to follow, a pleasing sensation on the part of the visitors who pay their mite, many of them all the while believing that they are promenading the best style of gardens that it is possible for the horticultural mind to conceive ; that, in short, it should convey to the minds of the numerous body of gardeners who go up from all parts of the country to see it, a largeness of design and a method of execution w hich they would be eager to copy. But what is the fact? What is the opinion of the best- informed of those who have seen the Garden for the first time while visiting the great world's fair? " I am very much disappointed with the Kensington Garden," says one, " there is really nothing in it worthy the high name it bears." "The Kensington Garden" say more than one, " is admirably adapted for being one of the great ' tea gardens ' of England." " Nesfield's plan is a sham and delusion on terra finna ; it only looks well on paper," says another very respectable authority. " T)ie flower- beds are so small on the sunk panels of grass ; besides, they are completely lost amongst so much grass and water, that they have only a partial effect." Indeed, we did not hear a single complimentai'}' remark, barring that it was " kept in good order." We were very much pleased with the fountains, especially those spouting out cascade fashion, wliicli was novel and refreshing to the promenader, tempering the sun heat reflected from the noble conservatorj' and those immense domes and other glass coverings of the Inter- national building ; but we also were vcr^' much dis- appointed with the plan as a whole, as completely un- suitcd to the great requirements of an immense sight- seeing population. Nobody expects to see a botanical collection. It 18 avowedly not a botanical garden. Everybody expects to No. 721.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Sxitirs. sas JOURNAL OF HORTICtTLTtJRE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ July 22, 1862. see a great floral display. As at present laid out that ia simply impossible. A great proportion of grass is well enough ; a good proportion of water in tlie shape of fountains is indispensable ; iout a great display of bedding-out plants arranged on a scientific ])lan, and of some magnitude, so far as length and breadth are foncerned, is quite as indispensable. Nothing pleases the sight- seeing public better. You deprive them of walking upon the grass as a matter of necessity, but you certainly ought to give Miem something that the naked eye can rest upon in the shape »f flowers, without having recourse to their eye-glasses. Justice ?omi«ls us to say that the beds were well iiUed, and while we write will be full of bloom. The fault is not in the carrying-out oJthe plan, but in the plan itself Very few gardeners will dispute that a chain-border on either Side the walk from the main entrance up to the conservatory well filled would have a far more gorgeous effect than aU these detached plans in the sunk panels, or those elaborate devices in Box filled with " broken bottles," sands of various colours, &c., which have called forth hostile criticism already. In fact, a simple border 12 feet wide on either side running the whole length, or the whol* breadth, or both, planted in straight lines with telling colours, would have a very grand effect. If we be correct in our notions, we aver that flower gardening peoper is not so n;iuch a nibbling out of geometrical figures be- fore planting as it is the proper disposition of plants in circles, squares, and parallelograms in an artistic point of view in the act of planting. Anybody can see that you will gain by this method, for you cau alter your plan every year. Some may suggest that this would be all very well for summer decoration ; but what of winter and spring? We say that such gardens as that of the Royal Horticultural Society can have fur- nishing for both wiuter and spring, and can be arranged to have quile as artistic a finish. Look, again, at those miserable lines of Portugal Laurels, and ilwse forlorn groups of Limes which are pining away a wretched existence. Deodars and some others of the Conifera> are doing little better. It is clear that the Laurels will not thrive. Rho- d-odendrons would do very much better. These stunted-looking Limes for decency's sake should be thrown out, and if the Council are determined to perpetuate the group, why not get 30ung vigorous trees ? "Wellingtonia, Cupressus Lawsoni, Thu- fopsis borealis, Thuja gigautea, and some of these hardy and ornamental " denizens " are likely to do well if introduced ; so also are Irish Yews. Why not introduce some of these, how- ever small, whicli are likely to maintain the character of being ?iealthy ? Far better to do this than to be laughed at, not only Hy those who know what horticulture is, but by those whose knowledge of it is somewhat circumscribed. — Jas. Andeesok, Meadow Bank, Z^ddingstone. BEDDING-OUT AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE IN 1862. Thkse notes were taken at intervals during the rehearsal and the three days of the glorious Handel festival. The great range of beds, along the centre of the grand terrace walk between the two chain-patterns in the sunk panels, is in two divisions, the main centre walk from the Palace cutting it into halves. Each half begins and ends with a circular bed Rt'eet through, and there are ten of them in each half of the range, and also ten oblong beds 6 feet wide and 18 feet long, alternating with the circles — that is to say, there are forty beds in all ; and all the circles have standard plants iu the centre, as Rhododendrons, and the Umbrella Acacia, plant for plant, and two Cedars in each division. All the circles are planted alike with Pui-ple King Verbena, edged with variegated Alyssum ; the oblong beds are also all alike in the ridge-and-furrow, or double style of ribbon stripes — that is, a centre of three rows of the Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium, then two rows of Christine on each side of the centre, and two rows of Tropa?olum elegans on the outsides ; or say a broad stripe of deep scarlet along the whole centre, with a less broad band of rose on each side, and the edges in equal breadth of orange, with a contrast circle of dark purple inter- vening at every 20 or 22 feet of the distance, or thereabouts, by allowing for the space of grass between the beds. Ihe Rhododendrons in the four corner beds, in the sunk panels at cither end of the grand terrace, have been removed ; the beds being now, as at the beginning, filled with bedding plants (and wer X yT the filling ie the same iu all of them), will be more gay than they have yet been. These beds are true angle-beds ; they fit the angle of two ^— «v. walks, and both ends of tha beds are ( ) ( N. in tliis form. \ ^ ^•^^"—^^ J They are edged aU round with Flower of the Day, then yellow Calceolaria. The circular ends have Christine Gera- nium after the Calceolaria, and in the middle of Christine comes the Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium ; but in the rest of the centre, be- tween the circular ends, the Cottage Maid Scarlet Geranium is planted with Cerise Unique between it and the Calceo- larias. The shape of the beds is unique, and the planting not less SO; and it only wants an oval-shaped group of Christine in the centre, as represented in the dotted oval, to correspond with the two ends, to make these corner beds not only wholly unique iu the planting but perfect of their kind. Even as they are, and not yet in full bloom for telling the pattern, I could see thousands standing over them, and others looking at them out from tlie gallery above the colonnade more earnestly than even I saw on the grand terrace arrangement. The chain pattern this season, is edged all round with varie- gated Alyssum, and the yard links between the beds are also all in Alyssum — the most aristocratic touch in all England very probably. I must get the number of the hundreds of yards in those edgings, and the number of the thousands of plants it took to fill them and the links. The rest of the chain is in scarlet and yellow as usual. From the corners of the chain-pattern panels, next the centre of the terrace, there is a run of neutral beds to each end. The oblongs have been all along in Rhododendrons edged with the best of all the dwarf China Roses, Cramoisie Superieur, and the circles in bedders. Here is where you may always look for the newest things and all the titbits of the establishment, because there is no law that can be violated or made good iu whatever kind or manner such isolated beds are planted. Let us, then, have them one by one from the very west end of the terrace. No. 1 is Unique Geranium in the centre ; two rows of St. Clare, a pale flower of a variegated Geranium ; one row of Baron Hugel, and the outer edge of Lobelia speciosa — a very pretty bed indeed in any part of the three kingdoms ; and when the Italian Ricasoli comes nest year in the place of the Austrian Baron Hugel, it strikes me you could hardly better it in most places. No. 2, Nosegay FothergiUi or Purple Nosegay for centre ; Richmond Gem all round it ; and then an edging of the variegated Prince of Orange, which first originated in a "sport" on an old plant that had been some years planted in a border, and trained against the back wall of a greenhouse, a mile or more out of Ipswich, when I was at Shrubland Park. No, 3 you have probably never seen. It is of the Carmine Nosegay, for the first time there ; and is rounded by a band of Blush Minimum, which must be a wonderful favourite, for they have it in aU ways, and that is the only garden in England where it is grown, for it is not a poor man's plant. These are edged with a double row of the Golden Chain, the plants being very young, and not over 3 inches high. No. 4 is of the old Ignesceus major, now called Scarlet Unique ; one row of Shottesham Pet variegated Geranium round it, with an edging of Lobelia speciosa. No. 5, Miss Jago Nosegay, Blush Minimum round it, and two rows of Golden Chain outside. These finish the west side of the grand terrace arrangement j and the five corresponding beds on the east side are a little different — thus : No. 1, Carmine Nosegay, Blush Minimum, and Golden Chain. No. 2, Sliakspeare Scarlet Geranium, with Nosegay footstalks to the trusses ; Princess Alice Geranium round it ; and the pink Lateripes (Ivy-leaf) mixed with the Lobelia speciosa for edging. No. 3, Spitfire, a Horseshoe Scarlet; Blush Minimum; two rows Golden Chain, mixed with the original scarlet Verbena Melindres. No. 4, a seedling Horseshoe raised at the Crystal Palace ; one row of Blush Minimum ; two rows of Ci'imsou Minimum, the best of that race ; and one row or edging of very young plants of Al'ua variegated Geranium. Here you see Crimson Minimum, which is twice the size of Blush Minimum, is yet planted in front of it ; also Alma, which is as big as the two Minimums put together, is yet an edging to them. That is how people who are not burdened with "sillar" ought to manage. It is quite manageable to have a bed of double Daisies edged with Punch, raise the bed well to the centre, and make Punch in little bits of cuttings in April. July 22, 1862. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 309 The half circle or sweep of the Araucarias in the very centre of the gi-ont terrace, reads dift'erently iVoiu nny of the ctlior arrangements, a fact wliich has puzzled pome good gardeners. Tliat half circle is cut in two by the main centre wall;, and eneh side of the half circle, right and left of tlie centre walk, i> as it should be, a duplicate of tlio other, on both sides of the circular walk ; therefore, the beds do not read in duplicates across tlie circular walk, but right and left of the renfro walk ; and wo take the outs'de or the upper part of the sweep first from the lower corner. There are seven oblong beds in each half of the sweep, with pedestals and statues between, and one set of the seven beds will give the contents of the corresponding number. No. 1, Slirubland Rose Petunia all over, and an edging all round of a new Lobelia. No. 2, Golden Chain and .Vlnia variegated Gera- nium, plant for plant, and all mixed with Iniperalrieo Eugenie, a low-spreading striped Verbena, which heightens the f fleet wonderfully. No. 3, Commeliua ctelestis all over, and tlie edging as before. No. 4. is the centre or key bed, having tlu'ce beds on each side of it. This is full oil over with Petunia Inimitablo (double), the very gayest of all the double kinds indoors, and now we shall see wliat it will turn out in beds. No. 5, Verbena Lord Kaglan. No. 0, Calceolaria amplexicaulis ; and No. 7, a very good new cross seedling Tropwolum, raised at the Crystal Palace, between elegans and Triomphe de ITyris — only one good seedling out of a large batch. Now, both sides and the two ends of all these seven beds are edged with the same new Lobelias, and the seven corresponding beds on the other side of the centre are edged like them ; and the Lobelia seedlings, with which the whole are edged, are the most telling and at the same time the most lovely edging plants on the face of this earth. You never saw them unless you have been there; but happen what will, jou must have them nest year if you be within a tliousand miles of our shores. I have ordered my own share of them already. Sir ■ Joseph Paxton who has seen as many good plants as most people, says he never saw a Lobelia more lovely to look at than one of them, or a more beautiful combination of colours ; and certainly t never did, nor did I expect to see such a combination of colours in the family. One is a Nemopliila insignis transfigured into a Lobelia speeiosa, but with the flowers twice as big as tliose of speciosa, the habit about the same, or, perhaps, the new one is a little more free, which makes it all the better. If it were an Orchid, I would say the upper sepals were of Nemopliila tint, and the labellum or flat front part of the flower is white as the driven enow, and is edged all round with the tint in the sepals, the pecidiar blue blending imperceptibly into the unusual expansion of white on the lip of a Lobelia.* The Araucaria side of the sweep is tiuis planted. All the Araucaria beds of raised mounds are ns last year, Cerastium top and bottom of the slope, and Lobelia speciosa covering the slope. The pedestal-beds, seven on each side of the centre walk, liave all Flower of the Day for edging on the inner side, and on the outside ; and between the two rows of this variegated favourite in the first bed is Trentham Rose Geranium ; No. 2, Cottage Maid, a Horseshoe Scarlet ; No. 3, Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium, and so on alternately to the other end of the sweep or half c rcle. The centre walk down through this half circle has two pedestal beds on each side ; two of them are with the old purple Nosegay, and two with Cottage Maid. Then we have only the eardrop- like beds pending on the bank at each end of this terrace. These drop-beds hang from the points of reversed festoons of variegated Holly. In the bow of the festoons is first, next tlie Holly, yeUow Calceolaria, then a row of Crystal Palace Scarlet, and an edging of Mangles', which comes down round each of the drop-beds, which beds are planted as the bounds of the festoons on each side of them, with the addition of a fat edging of the spring blue Oentiana acanlis, which does remarkably well on this strong soil. From this upper terrace is the best place to read tlie arrange- ment on both sides of the main centre walk down from it to the basin between you and the water-temples, and here it is. Seven circular beds and seven oblong beds on either side. All the oblong beds are alike, and all the circles the same, but different from the planting of the long ones. Down the centre of all the oblongs are three rows of the Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium, then two rows of yellow Calceolaria on each tide of the centre, then two rows of double white Pyrethrum, and two rows of Purple King Verbena for edging. All the seven circles have Purple Nosegay in the centre, Cerise LTnique round it, and the new • This variety is to be called Paxtoniana, and one with a pure white ront GordoniAna. seedling Tropicolum next, then an edging of the variegated Alyssum. All the beds round the centre basin are much in the same way ; but the dwarf Rhododendron Wilsoni has been removed from the two large circles west of the centre of the basin, and all the bedding Di'.hlias arc to bo set there in place of the Rhododendron. This, and the end panel-beds of thu upper terrace, may be taken as putting the best foot foremost in honour of the International I'lxhibition, which is fast gathering grist to the Palace mill. On the sides of the secondary walks down from the terrace the borders were gay with common Pinks, Cloves and Picotces, Delphiniums, and all manner of old- fashioned flowers coming on to succeed each other to the end of the season. The Perilla and the Oracli have got out of favour at the Crystal Palace, but they are going to try their luek in the race with Vcrschafl'elt's Coleus. 1 saw a large batch of Perilla in tlifi propagating department, to be ready to run to if needs be, for a second start. The Rose Mount ought to haro a chapter for itself this season, were it not that we have irons enough in tfre fire already. There is where the new style of planting in festoom is after the patent for tucking up ladies' dresses in bad weather. The six divisions round the top part of the Mount, above the Roses, are planted in that style, each division being a duplicate of the last all round ; and in each of the six divisions there are ton festoons, and five kinds of plants to make thorn, besides a regular edging all round the bottom and ends. At the top of the slope are three rows of Crystal X'alace Scarlet Geranium in ten festoons— thus ---_ - -- — , then two rows cl' the double white Pyrethrum to follow suit, two rows of Christine next, two rows of Purple King follow, then two rows of Tropa:- oluui elegans, and the edging all of Mangles'. The triangles, which the form of the festoons leaves below the last run of them, are filled up with Lobelia speciosa. The efTeot of this elaborate work will be surprisingly good, but I refrain from prejudging effect till the autumn. They teK me that scores may be seen every season with this Journal in hand going round and round the garden reading off all the beds and particulars as soon as they appeal-, wh'ch must be a gooo way for gathering nations to many. All we want is a few acres of ground laid out and planted in the composition style, which no one can see in any of our public gar- dens round London, except the few ileabitcs of it in our new garden at South Kensington. On the Rose Mount and on the norlii- eastside of it you wiU see another new edging — the Gnaphalium lanatum as they call it, but it will come in first-rate style at any call. It is quite as good but not a whit better than Antennaria margaritacea, the finest silvery plant I ever saw in a flower-bed,; but being the poor man's plant, the rich may like this Gnapha- lium better ; for it wiU require about the same expense as Ver- benas, comes quite as free from cutting?, and is more easily kept in winter, and less liable to insects. There are many yards of it as an edging to one of the largest V-beds, or corner beds, round the Mount on the notth-cast side; but it will do in rows and lines, and to be allowed to grow to a foot or more in height. The proper name of a very old plant, like the age of » horse, cannot be known without l;oking at the flower as you would at the mouth of the horse ; and the bother of the botany of this plant is, that one cannot catch at a flower with all this propagation. I expect the name is older than I am, and to be dif- ferent, that it is one of Masson's plants sent to Kew from tlit Cape of Good Hope, unless you can show it up in another light. I have it at home, and can tell to a shade that it will soon be as much used as Cerastium ; also that there is no flaw or failure in the expectations about Cerastium Biebersteinii. We begin the beds round and round the great circle girting the Rose Mount from the raiiway entrance at the bottom of the colonnade, and the right-hand walk from there up the Rose Mount will be our No. 1 walk, there being six of them leading up in gentle curves from the circumference walk. The nature or natural run of these up-walks, as one might say, allows of but one corner bed to each walk, which i« of a long T-sbape ; the rest are all circles in pairs np the hill, and along, shigly, by the upper side of the main walk all round. We begin with the V-bed of walk No. 1. It was planted all over in the spring with Delphinium formosum, and at bedding time with the Cottage Maid Geranium, edged with Flo«cr of the Day; oppo- site is a circle bed of Petunia niagniCea, edged with nhite Ver- benas ; then a pair of circles, one on each side the walk ; and one is with Lobelia speciosa mixed with Dandy Geranium, with on edging of the same Lobelia. The opposite or lowest side bed i» 310 JOUBKAIi OF HORTICULTUSE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 22, 1862. of Purple King Verbena mixed witli variegated Alyssum, with B Purple King edging. Tlu top pair 's in Tropjeoliims — the one with elegans, the fellow to it with Triomplie de Hjr's, edged, the former with Alyssum, and the other with Mangles'. From this, the first walk, we go toward-s the Crystal Palace, and the first side bed is a Nosegay Lord Palmerston, edged with Blush Minimum; the second is Unique Geranium, edged with Alma; and the third is with Sidonia Geranium, edged with the golden- oaf I\'y-leaf Geranium. The next is the corner bed to the second walk, with Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium in the centi-e, two rows of Christine next, and then two rows of Purple King. Opposite is a circle of Nosegay Geranium, edged with two rows of a goad new green- house perpetual Geranium, after the look and fashion of Lady Flora Hastings, but much stiffer, and seemingly a very good light bfdder. The next is a pair up the walk, the pet pair of the Mount, the one Lady Plymouth Geranium mixed with the striped Yerbenn Empress Eugenie, and edged with Golden Chain; the other with Verbena Melindres in place of Iraperatrice. Tlie to;") bed to this walk is Crimson Minimum Geranium, edged with Baron Huge] tliis year, and next year with Baron Eieasoli. Then comes a corner bed on the way to the upper terrace ; and then turn round to the east for the third walk up to the Mount. That corner bed is like No. 1 — Delphinium, and Punch in [Jaee of Cottage Maid. The next is the corner bed for the third walk, a very long corner it is. This is of the Fothergilli Nosegay, surrounded with brown and yellow Calceolaria, within the edging. There are two circles opposite this long corner bed. One, Tropseolum elegans, edged with variegated Alyssum, and one with Verbena venosa mixed with Lantanas. The next up the third walk ia a pair, one with Sidonia, edged with Black Prince Geranium, which is of the Citriodorum race, the other with Rubens Geranium, edged with Harkaway. Tiie top is a pair also ; one, Defiance Verbena, the other with Purple King ditto, and both edged with a white Verbena. From the third to the fourth walk ore three beds, the Br*t of them Gaines' yellow Calceolaria, and two rows of Brilliant Gera- nium. Tliis they reckon the best yellow Calceolaria for the whole garden. The second bed is Ignescens Superb, edged with Cuphea strigillosa that was ; and the third is of Guzania splen- dens. Then the fourth walk ; and the corner bed to it is also a very large one, and is entirely of two of the oldest plants in the garden, and two of the newest bedders there. We shall say 60 feet of edging of the Gnaphalium lanatum aforesaid, and the whole bed of Commelina cu-lestis, prepared particularly for bedding. The bed opposite is of three dwaif Verbenas mixed — thus, Melindres, Imperatrice, and Ilendersoni, an old crimson, and it is edged with Melindres. The next pair up the walk is one with Trentham Rose Geranium, edged with Baron Hugel ; the other with Miss Vernon Nosegay, edged with Shrubland Pet. The upper pair are — one, Shottesham Pet variegated Gera- nium, edged with Imperatrice Verbena ; the otiier Alma, edged with Verbena pulchella. Uhen between this and the ilfih walk on the very south side of the Mount are five beds along the walk : 1, is of Triomphe de Hyris Tropseolum, edged with Mangles' ; 2, with Heliotrope, edged with Nieremtergia gracilis ; 3, China Rose ; 4, a scarlet seedling Geranium of tlieir own, and two rows of Fairy Nymph variegated Geranium for edging; and the fifth, a purple-streaked Petunia, edged with Verbena venosa. We now come to the fifth walk. The corner bed of it is of Tren- tham 1-io-e, and two rows of Aurea Floribunda Calceolaria, edged with Purple King Verbena. The bed opposite is rose-scented Geranium mixed with Defiance Veibena, and edged with Me- lindre.'-. The next a psiir, one of which is of Gazauia splendens, edged with Gnaphalium lanatum; the other is of Tom Thumb Tr( pseolum, edged with Gnaphalium lanatum again ; and the top pair are thus — one. Crimson Minimum Nosegay Geranium, edged with the crimson Ivy-leaf ditto; the other. Brilliant Geranium, edged with the lilac Ivy-leaf. From the flf.h to the sixth and last walk, are four beds— thus, 1, Verbena Great Eastern, edged with Verbena Hendersoni ; 2, Attraction Gera- nium, edged with a seedling Verbena ; 3, Camden Hero, a dark Calceolaria, mixed with Verbena Seymouriana ; and 4, Gflzania s]dendens. The corner bed of the .sixth walk is of Calceolaria amplcxicaulis, edged with two rows of Brilliant Geranium ; the opposite is of the old crimson variegated Geranium, edged with the golden Ivy-leaf Geranium. The next up this walk is a single bed of Fuchsia Queen of Hanover, edged with Fuchsia Globosa, mixed with Verbena Melindres. The next is a pair : one of which is mixed Nosegays, Blush Minimums, and a row of Fair Helen Geranium ; the other, Priucess Alice Geranium, edged with lilac Ivy-leaf Geranium ; and the top pair are — one, Julia, a varie- gated Geranium, edged with lilac Imperatrice Eugenie Verbena ; the other. Alma variegated Geranium, edged with the true Ve bena pulchella, the one so called above being Sabina. Three more beds from this to the first walk finish the circle. The first is Gaines' Yellow Calceolaria, they say the best sort of the integrifolia race, edged with Sidonia Geranium ; the second. Crimson Ivy-leaf Geranium, edged with the dwarf Pink Ivy-leaf Lateripes ; the last, TropsBolum elegans, edged with Tom Thumb Tropaiolum. The broad hank above the Roses is planted all round the Mount on the same plan, which is all the rows or kinds of plants in festoons instead of straight lines as formerly ; and there are ten festoons in each line of every division — that is to say, sixty festoons in the top row of plants all round, and the rest; of the rows the same number. The plants are thus : — three rows of the Crystal Palace Scarlet Geranium at the top ; then two rows of the double white Pyrethrum ; after that two rows of Christine Geranium, two rows of Purple King Verbena, two rows of Tropa!olum elegans, and an edging of Mangle^'. The triangles left below the last row of festoons are filled with Lobelia speciosa. The top of the Mount is edged all round within the arcades with a narrow border of Musk Mimulue and Mignonette. The six sunk beds are in three match pair.^ — tbu?, one opposite pair with the centre of Calceolaria amplexicaulis, two rows of Crystal Palace Scarlet, and two rows of Cerastium for edging; the second pair has Cottage Maid for centre. Cerise Unique Geranium next, then Gaines' Yellow Calceolaria, edged with Mangles' ; the last pair, of Fothergilli or Purple Nosegay Gera- nium, Ignescens Superb ditto, and Alyssum for the edging. The four circles for the four guy-ropes holding the flagstaff are of Cottage Maid in the centre, Trentham Rose round it, Ignescens Superb next, then Alma and Flower of the Day, and edged with Lobelia speciosa. The China Rose which does so well at the Crystal Palace in beds, and in edgings to Rhododendron-beds, is remarkably good for tliat purpose, and it ought to be brought out again by some one on the authority of these gardens as the best of all the Chinas, being even superior to Fabrier. I believe it to be the old Cramoisie Superieur which is sold in every Rose nursery ; but you see it nowhere about London, except at the Crystal Palace. They are getting up a host of Tritoma uvaria to bloom in the water-basins, and the Orange trees have been saved from entire destruction by gas at last. In May, 1861, you would not buy a score of those which stood out of doors in the back ground for firewood — they were a perfect wreck; but now, having got an Orange-house for themselves, a very good manager to look after them, and one-third of cocoa-nut refu.«e in their fresh compost, they are looking far better than I expected to find them — in fact, they are just renewing thtir age, as it were, and by-and-by they will be the pride of the place entirely. D. Beaiok. CULTIJEE OF THE PEACH AND NECTARINE. {Continued from paga 292.) Training. — There are only two methods of tiaining the Peach tree that are worthy of notice. The first is the one generally followed, and is named the fan method, from the main branches spreading out in a similar manner to the ribs of a fan ; the second is a modification of it, and was invented by Mr. M. Sey- mour, gardener at Carlton Hall, near Snaitli, in Yorkshire. Good fruit has been produced by both of these modes of training. In the course of my gardening life I have practised both methods, and must confess that I give the prefe:ence to Seymour's plan. 'J he first may be described as havhig the young shoots on both sides of the main shoots ; and the other — that is, Seymour's, has the young shoots only on the upper side. It is necessary to mention that the Peach and Nectarine bear their fruits on the shoots made the previous year : hence it is needful to train- in annuallf young shoots to bear fruit the following year. This being understood, the cultivator will have to determine, at the lime of planting, which of the above methods he will follow. Trained Peach trees from a nursery have generally five shoots. .Tu'y 2l', T8f)2. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 311 Now, if cither method be adoptcil, the trees slioulil bo pruned in the latter end uf February or beginning of March, and trained with one shoot for a leailer and tlie others horizontally, two on each side, t!ien every bud or nearly so will break; and the trees may then, by disbudding the useless or fupiriiuous sliools, and trainnig the remaiuder in, bo furnished with well-placed leading branches and bearing shoots. The cultivator ehouUl study the figure the trees are to assume when the wall is covered with them, and lay-in branches accordingly to effect that pur- pose. In tho second year, if all has gone on well, the trees will be again pruned at tho same season, and the year's shoots trained- in fan-form ; and so the miinagenK'nt in regard to pruning and training must be followed up till tho trees cover the walls. If, however, the cuhirator sliould choose to adopt my favourite mode of training, then he will proceed from the first to prune and train-in tho shoots only which are produced upon the upper side of eieli branch, lie will find this the most symme- trical, and, at the same time, the most simple and most easily understood of any mode of training. The summer pruning and training commences almost as soon as the liuds break. The grand object is to obtain shoots for bearing the year following. In any mode of training, the young shoots should be retained that are placed near to the base of the shoot that is bearing fruit ; all others should be rubbed off at once— they only, if left on any time, rob the really useful ones of nutriment, and crowd them unnecessarily : there- fore I say, Off with them at once. If the leading 8"lioot of tlie bearing branch is too vigorous, nip otf tho end, leaving a sufficient number of leaves to draw up the sap. AVell-maiiaged trees should never present a crowded appearance of shoots in summer, and no part of the tree should have any shoots ^tn■uger than tho rest ; should any such appear, their vigour sliould be arrested by stopping, though I always consider that a misfortune. I like to see every young shoot of equal strength. A young shoot in the right place may appear in early summer weak and unpromising ; but, if all the rest that are useless are removed, the shoots in the riglit place will quickly gain strerigth. Let tho cultivator never run away with the idea that, by retaining a greater numher of young shoots, he is thereby multipljing the chances of leaving frtdtful brandies. It is often a fatal and always a mistaken notion. Adhere to the rule that a few shoots well ripened are far more sure to produce good fruit than when a larger number arc crowded in between the main branches. Should any of tho trees grow too strong, and make long, watery shoots, the best way to check such is to lift them up early in the autumn and replant them ; that will be sure to moderate their growih, and cause them to produce more kindly wood. In performing this operation, great care must be taken not to injure or mutilate the roots. Open a trench at the very extremity of the roots and undermine them carefully, picking out the soil from amongst them with a three-pronged fork ; replant the tree immediately exactly the same depth it was before, unless by some means or other too much soil had accumulated above the roots ; then plant them shallower — that is, cover the roots with a less thickness of soil. Nailing.^Whe e that mode of fastening the branches to the wall is followed, the operator must be exceedingly caivful not to wound them with the hammer-head. Sometimes the hammer will slip oif the nail-head and hit the branch instead, abrasing the bark at least, and thereby often bringing on a gummy state. To prevent such a misfortune, he shouhl always place his fingers round the nail, and hit them instead of the shoot. However, in many good gardens, they have had the walls wired 6 inches or 8 inches apart, and the shoots are tied to these wires. This, in some respects is a better plan, because the ties do not harbour insects like the common cloth shreds, and there is no danger of bruising tho shoots witli tho hammer. But there is another danger, and that is, if the shoots are tied-in tight at first, the shoots swell and increase in thickness and become strani^led at that part : hence, at pruning time they are apt to breik at that part, and thus disappoint the hope of fruit Irom such branches. Let the grower then be aware of this evil, and watch over the ties ; and when they' are approach- ing to being too tight cut them loose, and re-tie them more loosely. As scon in summer as the young shoots have grown long enough, let them he secured to the wall to prevent them being blown off by the wind. This is of consequence, as after the eupertluous shoots are rubbed off, the loss of any branch required is dilTieult to bo repaired : therefore, secure such shoots ag soon as they can bo handled, placo them in tho most open spiice, so that every leaf may have its full share of light, yet not shade the fruit-bearing shoots. I consid. r here and there a part of the wad even should be unsliaded, to gather heat from tho rays of the sun ; that heat helps to ripen the fruit and tlio wood also. T. Appleby. (To he coniiaued.) LILIUM AUKATUM AT THE ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY. This, the grandest of all Lilies, may now be seen in full per- fection at the above estabhshment, and all who wish to form a just idea of this magnificent flower should sec it. Tlie flower isboine upon a purple stem about 'A feet high, and the thickness of a goose-quill ; and in shape it forms a wide- mouthed shallow bell 10 inches in diameter, the six divisions of which tho perianth is composed being about 2^ inches across at the widest, curled back at the point, towards which their outline is undulating. The colour is snow white, thinly but regularly strewn with oblong purple dots and markings ; and a broad band of golden yellow runs down the centre of each division nearly to the base, where the purple markings become elevated above the surface into short bristles. The stamens have reddish-brown anthers which tremble with the breath, and projecting beyond these is the dull purple stigma ; the wdiole forming a conspicuous and elegant centre. In addition to its beauty, the flower possesses a powerful but delightful fragrance, partaking of that of tlie Orange blossom and the Honeysuckle. The leaves are naiTow-lanceolate, acute-pointed, and of a verjr dark green. We were informed by Mr. J. G. Veitch that he found the plant growing wild on the hills in the midlnid provinces of Japan, and in places where from 11° to 16° of frost occur in winter : there is, therefore, every piobability of its standing out of doors with us. To the same gentleman we are also indebted for the following information: — "The flowering season is July and Angust, at which time it is common in situations exposed to the sun. It grows 1 \ foot to 2 feet high, and is remarkable for the size and fragrance of the flowers. Tha roots are boiled by the Japanese and eaten like Potatoes, and in flavour they resemble the Chestnut." On another plant there is a bud 6.V inches long, which will shortly open, and there are indications of others firming in the axils of the leaves, so that it is probable that the flowering maj not be merely terminal. We may mention that there are also in flower just now the beautiful white Lapageria, a lovely companion to the well-known rosea ; and the curious Anthiirium Scherzerianum, with its bright scarlet shield, not unlike a Roman standard surmounted by a crook. The collection of curiosities, woods, cones, &o., to whieh we alluded in a former report, is now arranged in a large room, and is open to public inspection. RAISING FUCHSIAS FROM CUTTINGS- DATURA AHBOREA CULTURE. OuB answer to an inquiry from "II. F.," must depend on your taste and the natural habit of the Fuchsia. Fine large plants for this season arc best obtained from cuttings stiuek last year, and grown on slowly all the winter. Some kinds of Fuchsia are naturatly bushy, and look best when trained to one shoot, which as it grows throws out side shoots thick enough. With such a habit there is no necessity for stopping. If instead of a single stem you W'^uld prefer several stems in tlie bu»h form, then stopping wli:n a few inches high should be resorted to. Most growers frequently stop the side shoots several times in order to produce density of sprigs. In such case early blooming is less thought of than a dense mass of flowers at one time. Again. Whatever style of growth be approved of, whether single central stem or the bush form, some Fuehsias are natu- rally so long-jointed and lanky in their growth as to require ' slopping frequently to make them massive, and, therefore, the I circumstances of the plant mutt regulate the operations iustead 312; JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. [ July 22, 1862. of any unvaried rule. In general, plants trained to a Bingle stem, and all tlie otliers radiating from it in tlie form of a cone, ■widest at bottom, will look best and be most artistic. As to Datura arborea, tbe elioots 7 inches to 8 inches long at the top of a four-feet stem ought to bloom freely, and will do 30 if tlie wood from which they came was well hardened in the sun last autumn. The picking-out of the points of these shoots will not prevent them flowering if there are Dovver-buds formed on them ; but, provided flower-buds are formed, it wdl lessen tlie amount of flowering, as tlie fresh shoots thrown out will not blow this season, and the flower-buds that formed as the original shoot lengthened, would, of course, be lost. We are presuming that these seven-inch shoots are of that season's growth. If so, and these shoots are well hardened this summer and autumn, every bud you leave on these shoots will throw out flowering- ghools next season. You may thus without stopping now have half a dozen or a dozen of shoots next year, and flowering too if you treat them well. GRAPE VINES ON TRELLISES. The first season a trellis is not absolutely required beyond a temporary support to keep the Tiue off the ground ; still, it is not objectionable, in most instances, to have it erected at once, and it should always be done before the roots extend too much, 60 as not to interfere in setting the stakes or posts for general t»uppCT(i, as no good can come in displacing or bruising them in the operation. It will be required early in the second season's growth, and a few months gained never come amiss. We shall not speak at any length, or describe the practice with some, of using stake supports. We have never seen it giving good satis- faction in this climate, and it usually has been abandoned, so far as my observation goes. A trellis G feet high is sufficient, usually constructed by setting posts at either end of the row of Tines, with one between each of the Vines planted; upon this nail strips of board li inch wide, and 15 inches apart from the bottom upwards. This makes a cheap trellis, both in first cost and durability. It is better to set posts as above, omitting every alternate one except at the ends, taking pains to select such timber as will prove most durable. Work them down to a neat and tasty size (4 inches to C inches), facing one side, except for the end ones, which may be round. A man's habits in taste are easily read about the grapeiy, and nothing contributes more to the well-being and appearance of a garden than a hglit, airy, and durable trellis. Number eight wire, di-awn horizontally the aame distance apart as though of wood, and attached to the posts by passing through tliem at the ends, and fastened to the others by staples formed from pieces of the same wire, but not so tight but that the wire can play horizontally, will be found much more durable ; and where the extended trellis is wished, upon which to train long, horizontal arms of the Vine, as good, if not the best mode of construction. In short seasons, change- able climate and frosty lo- cations, something more is often desirable than the immoveable support upon whio'i, the Vine once at- tached, it must remain till fall, or with much difficulty he removed. It is not uii- frequently the case that a frosty night, late in spring, cuts off the tops of the Vine ; and again in early fall, just as we are ready to jatlier the luscious fruit, nearly covered with bloom, unlucky Jack Frost makes our acquaintance, and ga- thers to his fireside that which was our own choos- sng. Under such a state of things, and having been robbed of one of Pomona's best gifts, ■we constructed a treUis which met the emergency, and saved a erop from the frost in 1859. The fi^'ure will illustrate it. It consists of two posts 3 feet long, set in the ground upon ■^^^ either side of the A'ine, and G feet apart equal distances there- from, with 6 inches above the ground, and pin-holes near the tops for attaching the frame, which is made of two-by-four scantling, G feet long, with corresponding pin-holes ; or what is preferable, use strap hinges for attachments, and then, when the frame is erected, it will rest upon the posts, and not on the pins. Upon the scantling fasten cross-bars half an inch thick by 2 inches wide, embattened their thickness in the frame. The whole tapers to 3 feet at the top, which is supported by a moveable lever or part to any height required, and may be as readily changed from a horizontal position for eovering-up to an upright position for sunning, as the blade of a knife may be opened and shut upon its handle. The bars being placec. upon alternate sides, the Vines can be passed between them, thus needing no other support by twines or otherwise. In this arrangement the Vines require no removal for winter ; simply lower the frame, or upon an occasion, if frosty at night, lower in the same manner, covering ■with blankets, &c. The heat passing from the earth's surface at this season of the year wiU be re- tained in the covering, and thus a crop or feast of good things is saved for the stomach's sake. — O. S. Willey, Madison, Wis- consin.— (Prairie Farmer.) SEEDLING ORANGE TREE NOT FRCTITFUL. I HAVE an Orange tree which has been raised from a pip planted about sixteen years ago, when I was a child. It has grown to be a large tree, but has never had any fruit on it. We have now a greenhouse, and as I am very anxious for it to thrive, can you tell me whether it will require grafting, and what kind of soil to put to it ? — A New Be&innee. [You certainly have had great patience. It is seldom such. Orange trees are good for anything, except as stocks for grafting choice kinds upon. We would advise trying it another year in the greenhouse, where tlie wood will get well ripened, as it may probably bloom next season. If it did not do so, then it might be either cut down and two or more grafts placed on the stem in April or May, or the wliole head might be grafted wilh different approved kinds. It will be advisable to keep the place hotter, moister, warmer, and more shady than usual until the grafts are growing freely. Sandy loam, a little heath mould, and a little leaf mould or rotten dung, will grow the plant well.] STAMFORD FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL FETE. The Exhibition was arranged in six spacious marquees, pro- vided by Mr. Aitken, of Peterborough, the snow white sides of which stood out in happy relief to the rich verdant carpet underfoot. The tents were erected at the east end of the show- yard, and the ground surrounding them was ornamented with specimens of terra cotta. Flags of various colours were flying in almost every direction, and a more animated scene we have seldom witnessed. The showyard was fitted up by Mr. J. T. Jeffs, of Stamford. Mr. Wilson, silversmith, of Stamford, exliibited in a tent con- tiguous to the above a splendid assortment of cups, goblets, salvers, and trays (the total value of which was about £300), from which the winners of the plate prizes, in both agriculture and horticulture, made their selection. The cups were richly chased, and those intended for the agricultural prizes contained appropriate devices. The silver and bronze medals distributed by the Ilorticultural Society were very handsome. In the centre of the obverse are the borough arms, encircled by Laurel and other leaves, around which is the inscription "Stamford Horticultural Society ;" on the reverse is a wreath of fruit and flowers exquisitely designed. The attendance was very large, and included the elite of the town and neighbourhood. The weather altogether was favour- able, and when old Sol began liis accustomed diurnal round he smiled upon as lovely creation as has been seen since the days of Adam. It was hot enough, we thhik, for reasonable beings ; and, as for brightness, had we not abundance of it in the broad daylight, the masses of gay flowers, and the equally varied and dazzling costumes of the ladies ? We have reserved, of ■ourse, for special mention, the smiling faces which beamed 'rom beneath the most miscellaneous assortment of bonnets ever brought together. JuJv 22, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF IIORXICULTCJIIE AND COXIAQE QAKDJiNKE. 313 Tlie great atlniction of Ilia Sliow was the lent foi- Eoses ; tlio collection wi\8 really magnificent, and the delicious fragrance ■n-hich was emitted on entering was snrpassingly exquisite. It would be tedious, and perhaps invidious, to embark in a detailed criticism of the merits of this collection of flowers, where by far the great majority deserved commendation. The next attraction to the Roses were the stove and green- house plants, and the fohnge plants. In the latter, John Torkington, Esq., exhibited some splendid specimens which included the CyanophylUim magnificum, Caladium lielleymeii, C. Chantini, Alocasia metallion, Tandanus javanicus variegatu", Cissus porpliyrophyllus. Mr. Brown, jnn., of Stamford, also exhibited a very handsome specimen of the Alocasia metal- ■liea. The Fuchsias, Begonias, and Achimenes were deserving of favourible notice, and the specimens exhibited by the Mar- chioness of Exeter were really magnificent. The Cockscombs were not inferior in merit. We noticed a very beautiful show of exotic Orchids, which, from their admirable arrangement and the beautiful variety of their foliage, were the "lions" of the tent they occupied. Tlio eliow of Verbenas was fair, but we observed nothing particularly striking in their general character. There was a very excellent show of Ferns, amongst which we Tioticed one with a silver leaf, belonging to John Torkington, Esq., which was very beautiful, and a very handsome one ex- hibited by S. Sharp, Esq., of Dallington Ilall, Nortliampton. Great credit is due to Mr. James llolah, gardener to Mr. Torkington, for producing such a fine show of foliage plants. There was not a large display of fruit, owing probably to the backwardness of the season. The specimens shown by the Marquis of Exeter were particularly good, and deservedly attracted a great deal of attention. The contest for the cottagers' prizes, which is to us one of -the most interesting departments of a horticultural show, was very spirited. .^W.iRD OF PRIZES.— (Open to All.) Cla.ss 1.— Twelve Stove and Greenhouse Plants in Bloom.— First, a Silver ■Cup, A. Turner, Ksq., Leicester. Second, Wood & Ingram, Huntinsdnn. Class 2. — Six Stove and Greenhouse Plants.— First, T. Almey, Oakham. Second, — Walters, Oakliam. Class 3.— Twelve Fine Foliage and Variegated Plants.— First, J. Torking- ton, Esq. Second P.. L. Bevan, Esq., Bvixworth, Northampton. Third, A. Turner, Esq., Leicester. Class 4.— Sis Vine Foliage and Variegated Plants.— First, R. Brown, ■\Vothorpe. Second, T. Almey, Oakham. Third, — Walters, Oakham. Class 5.— Twelve Exotic Ferns.— First, Y\. L. Bev.an, Esq., Brixworth. Second, S. Shai-p, Esq., D'iUington Hall, Northampton. Third, T. .\lmey, Oakham. Class 6.— Six Exotic Ferns.- First, — Walters, Oakham. Second, R. ■Brown, Wothorpe. Class 7.— Six Exotic Orchids. — None exhibited. Class 8.— Twelve Pelargoniums (including French or Spotted).— First, — Walters, Oakham. Second, Messrs. Wood & Ingram, Huntingdon. Class 9.— Six Pelargoniums (Fancy). — First, — Walters, Oakham. Second, Messrs. Wood Class 72.— Twenty Potatoes (not Kidney).— First, J. Islip. Second, G. Abbot. , „ ^^ Class 73.— Twelve Verbenas.— First, T. Pagett, Esq. Second, R. Thomp- c'lass 74.— Bouquet for the Hand.- First, R. P. Voules, Esq., Uffington. Class 75.— Glass of Honey in the Comb, free from Brood —Firs', Rev. E. Holmes, Wakerley. OPEN TO AMATEURS ONLY. Class 76.— Four Stove and Greenhouse Plants.- First, W. L. Hopkia- son, Esq., M.D., Stamford. „ „ „ Class 77.— Four Fuchsias.- First, W. L. Hopkmson, Esq , M.D. Second, J. Swan, Stamford. Class 78.— Four Verbenas.— First, J. Islip, Stamtord. Second, J. Swan. Class 79.— Four Petunias.— First, J. Ishp. Class 80.— Four Balsams.— First, J. Islip. Class 81. —Six Cut Verbenas.- First, J. Swau. Second, W. Sells, Ufiington. , ^ „ Class 82.— Six Cut German Stocks.- First, J. Islip. Second, J. Swan. Class 83.— Collection of Cut Flowers.— First, J. Swan. Second, J. Islip. Class 84.— Basket of Fruit.— First, J. Islip. Class 85.— Basket of Vegetables.— First, G. Abbott. Second, J. Islip. Class 86.— Basket of Salad.— First, J. Islip. Class 87.— Brace of Cucumbers.— First, Mr. Calthorpe. Class 88,— Melon for Flavour.— First. J. Swan. Class 89.— Bouquet for the Hand.— First, T. G. West, Dallington. Second, W. Sells. CUT ROSES. Class 90.— Forty-eight Varieties (Open).— First, A Silver Cup, Paul and Son, Cheshunt Nurseries. Second, E. Francis, Hertford. Third, B. K. Cant, Colchester. , ^ ,, Class 91 —Twenty-four Varieties (Dealers only). —First, W. Draycott. Second, S. Walters. Third, G. Battley, Rugby, , , r- . Class 93.— Twenty-four Varieties (Gardeners and Amateurs only).— rirsi, a Silver Cup, Rev. S. R. Hole. Second, H. Thorneycroft. Third, A. Mofl'att, Dunmow, Essex. Highly Commended, W. Corp ; J. " att. Class 93.— Twelve V.arieties (Gardeners only).— First, Rev. !.. K. Hoie. Second, C. C. Round, Esq., Colchester. Third, H. Thorneycroft, Esq- Class 94. -Twelve Varieties (Amateurs only |. -First, a 8''V." '-"J'' " • Corp. Second, J. Hepworth, Leicester. Third, J. .swan. Commended, ^CUi"ss95'-Su"varieties (Amateurs only).-Fir.st, "^j;- .Co'P- . f eeond, J. Hepworth. Third, T. H. Burroughes, Esq., ketton Hall. Extra prize, J. Fryer, Esq. Commended, J. Swan. .« , p- _* d„..i .,„.( Class 96.-Twelve Varieties Tea-scented Roses (Open).-First, Paul and Son. Second, B. R. C^nt. .„ ,, ,,^ , ,?■ -i o i> r-.,,,^ Class 97.-Twelve Trusses of Cloth of Gold (Opcn).-First, B. R. Cant. 314 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUBE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [Julj 22, 1862. Clasfi 98. — Twelve Triisses of Seuatcur Vaisse (Open).— First, E. P, Francis. Second, K. R. Cant. Class 99.— Twelve Ti'u.'iscs of any other kind (Open).— First, B. K.Cant. Second, S. Wal'ers, Trowbridtje. Recommended lOr Prize, T. DraycuU. Class 100 —Best Collection of New Roses (Open).- First, S. Walters. Second, B. H. Cant. — {Lincolnshire Express.) OECHIDACEOUS PLANTS. Select OrclihJaceous Flants. By Eobeht Wabner, F.R.H.S. The Notes on Culture hy B. S. Williams, Author of the " Orchid-groiver's Manualy^ and *' Hints on the Cultivation of Ferns.^* Assisted by some of the best growers. London : Lovell Reeve & Co. This work promises to be exceilent in every respect. The portraits of the Orchids in tlie first Number just published arc of life-size, aiul truthfully drawn and coloured. They are four in number — PhaliPnopeia Schilleriana, Cattleya amethystoglossa, Vanda insignis, and Cattleya Warscewiczii delicafa. The work will embrace only tliose Orchids which are most beautiful and recently acquired, whether they be species or varieties, and thus will include " real gems of the Orcltid-house, which arc rather ignored by tliose who look at the subject from a purely scientific point of view." Yet tlu-re is enough of scientific description given in language intelligible to every reader sufficient to confirm him in his identifying tiie plant, which he may do, however, by the portraits, without any such aid. The directions for cul- tivating the Orchids pourtrayed are also full and good. In fact the work, juflging from the specimen, will be such as might be expected from the authors, they being one of the largest amateur proprietors, and one of the best practical cultivators of Orchids in our times. We will extract a portion of what is stated relative to rHAL.T-NOPSIS SCHILLERIANA. "This magnificent addition to our cnllectiona of Orchidaceous Plants has been introduced to this counfry by ourselves during the past year from Manilla, and has proved to be one of the finest of the whole race. Several plants have blossomed duiinjx the spring of the present year, and divers of Ihera have shown cunsideriible difference in the colour as well as in the size and shape of tlieir flowers, though all have been tine and ornamental in character. The iilant has indeed already sufficiently shown ils free-growing and free-blooioing hiibit, three vigorous specimens having been flowered by J. Day, Esq., of Tottenham, and others by E. M'Morland, Esq., of Haveratock Hill, by J. A. Turner, E?q., of Manchester, by ourselves, and by other growers : all these having been imported since April, 1861. It has, in fact, every good quality which can be desired in such a plant, and we have no hesitation in asserting that it will prove to be one of the most charming Orchids in cultivation. Not only are the leaves handsomely variegated, hut the flowers are large, sho^y, and fragrant, as well as distinct from all others, and thty continue in beauty for a Jong period. It is, moreover, a capital exhibition plant, as is proved Uy its having travelled ^vithout injury to Belgium, as well as to one of the spring meetings of the Royal Horticul- tural Society at South Kensington, at which l;itter place we exhibited in bloom the first example which flowered in England. This specimen, though imported so recently, bore sixteen perfect blossoms on the scape at one time, and they all continued in good condition more than eight weeks, a peculiarity which will make it a more useful plant for exhibiting than even the older ipecies. "This Phahenopsis is of compact growth, and attaches itself by means of flat roots, which have a white frosted appearance. It bears remarkably handsome variegated foliage, which, as shown by the imported specimens, Bometiraes reaches fiom 12 to 15 inches in len-th, and 3 to 4 inches in breadth. These leaves are similar in loira and size to those of Phalaenoisis granditlora, of a daik green colour, and marked with in-egular transverse bands and blotches of while. The flower-spikes are produced from the axils of the leaves, and in their native country are over 3 feet long, and more branched than in the other kinds. Mr. Williams has a dried specimen which has borne more than a hundred blossoms. In the plant now before us, the flowers are 3 inches across, and arranged in two rows along the spike; the sepals and petals of a beautiful liglit pinkish-mauve, passing almost to white at the edge, and the lip of the same colour, with darker purple spots, yellow tow;irds the base, and there spotted with reddish-bro«n. *' The accompanying illustration was taken from a plant which bloomed with Mr. Williams, at the raradi&e Nursery, Hollo\^ay. "The plants require the heat of the "East-India house," with a good supply of moisture during the growing season. In Manilla they are found growing on the branches ot trees, in moist tbady places, where the tempe- ratuie is high ; and to grow them to anything like perfection, the clim.-.te in which they grow naturally ought to be imitated as nearly as possible. They are of easy culture, and if properly attended to seldom get out of health. Unlike many of the Orchids, the plants of this genus have no thick fleshy pseudobulbs to support them, and they consequently require a larger supply of nourishment to cause them to grow to perfection. This mu>t be afforded by supplying them freely with moifturc at the root during their growing season ; in fact, tliey should never be allowed to get dry, for if so they are apt to shrivel, and then olten become disfigured by losing tlieir lower leaves. The beauty of the plunt consists as much in having perfect healthy foliage, as in producing good flowers, "The growing season extends from March to the end of October, during which time the temperature by day sliould range fiom G6° to 75°, or it may be allowed to rise to 80^ or more by sun heat, provided the house is shaded from the sun's rays. The night temperature should range irom 65° to 70" during March and April ; afterwards it may be allowed to rise a few degrees higher. During the resting season, from the end of October to February, the temperature should range from €0" to 65° by nigfat, and about C5" or a little more by day. When these data are exceeded, it is desirable to admit a little fresh air, and this should be admitted close to the hot-.-ater pipes, so that it may be warmed as it enters the house. A little water should be thrown about on fine days, but this should always be done in the morning^ so that the house may be dry agaiu by evening. " These plants are grown in different ways, some persons placing them on blocks, some in pots, and some in baskets. We find them to succeed well under each of these modes of treatment; but they require more moisture to I'e applied to tlie roots wlien fixcl on blocks, and if ihcy are grown in pots, they must have more drainage than when put in b;iskct8. The best plan of draining is to turn a smaller pot upside down in the bottom oi that intended for ihe plant, and then to fill in around this to within about 2 inches of the rim, with po;sherils, broken into pieces of about 2 inches square. Above this Ihe pot is to be filled up with sphagnum moss, mixed with a few small potsherds, the plant being so placed as to be elevated 3 inches above the rim ; it must also be kept well above the moss. The successful culture of these plants, as well as of all other Orchids, depends upon good drainage. When grown on blocks, they should be placed on a good-sized one, so that there may be surface enough for the roots to cling to. In fixing them, first put a little live t^phagnum moss iigainst the block, and thtin tie tlie plant to- it with copper wire. The blocks should be hung up to the roof of the house^ but should not be place^I too near the glass, in order that they may not be affected by tlie cold ; this should be guarded against, especially during the winter, at which season Orchids frequently sustain injury in this way. "It the plants sliould get into an unhealthy condition, the best course is to turn them out of the pots or baskets in which they are growing, to shake the material off the roots, to wash them with clean water, cutting away all the decayed parts, and then to place them on blocks of wood, with a little sphagnum moss. They niufit have a good supply of moisture at the roots, liud should be placed at the wannest end of the house, and v/here they will not receive too Diuch liglit. With this treatment they will soon begin to rout and improve in appearance. They must be kept jierfcctly cleau from insects, especially the thrips, which soon disfigures the foliage if it is allowed to increase. This troublesome pe.'-t is best kept under by frtquently washing the leaves with a sponge and clean tepid water, or by fumigating the house- with tobacco smoke, which .should be applied with grent care. "The species of Phalienopsis are difficult to propa^rate. Sometimes they ■will produce young plants on the old flower-stems; such plants should be- left on till they are well rooted, and should then be placed each on a small block. All the kinds occasionally produce pLmts in tliat way. Sometime* they throw out &ide-growths, which can be tiken ott" when well rooted ; and when the plants get large they may be cut in two, so that roots are attached to each portion. They are best cut when just beginning to grow, and the divided plant should not be allowed to flower until it is well established." REPOBT ON THE VARIETIES OF KALE, OE BORECOLE, Grown in the Garden at Chiswick During the Season of 1861-62. By Robert Hogg, LL.D., F.L.S., Secretary to the Fruit CommMee. {Continued from fnge 293.) Cdkled Kale, Tall . . . Coopee & Bolton. This is what is known by the names of 'lull Green Borecole, German Greens, Tall Si o'ch Kale, and bj theFreneli Chou frise vert Grand du Nord. The plant grows 2.\ feet high, and pro- duces a great quantity of dark green curled leaves. In thft spring it throws out a large supply of shoots, whieh are much esteemed as a culinary vegetable CuiiLED Kale, Dwaiif . . . Coopee & Bolton. Chou frise vert a pied court . , ViLMOElH & Co. Dwarf green Curled Kale . . Lee. The Dwarf Curled Kale is in every respect similar to the Tali Curled, with the only exception that it is of a dwarfer growth, and not more than 18 inches in height. Egyptian Kale .... Coopee & Bolton. This is very distinct from either Buda or Jerusalem Kale.. Tlie stem is very short, being not more than G inches long, and in spring it throws out numerous long, etout, succulent shoots, from a toot to 15 inches long. The leaves are sinuated, coarsely serrated, and jjlaited on the margin. It is very hardy and very productive, perhaps the best of all the sprouting Kales. Heading Kale .... Cahter & Co. German cabbaging Oreens . . Leb. Hearting Kale .... COOPEB & Co. This is a variety of Curled Kale, which forms a close head on the summit of the stalk. The leaves are exactly the same as those of Curled Kale, and the plant grons from a foot to 18 inches high. It is a very valuable winter green. Jerusalem Kale . ... Coopee & Bolton. The habit of growth is exactly similar to Egyptian Kale. It has the same short stock, which is only about 6 inches long, or even less in some instances, and it throws out in spring a pro- fusion of long, stout, succulent shoots. But it is readily dis- tinguished from Egyptian by its more deeply tinuatcd leaves, whieh are crisped or curled on the margin somewhat in the same way as in Scotch Kale. The very young and partially developed leaves are tinged with purple on llie margin, and clothed on both sui'faces with etifl' bristly [ ubescenee — very hardy, and very productive. July 23, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 31S MELvn.i.K's vAT!ii:«ATEr> Kale . CoorEB & Bolton. MeliuHes new triple curled varie- '^ DiCttsoN and t/alid Kale ... J Sons, Chester. The Taivotiea raistd by Mr. Molvillo aru a decided improve- nieiit on the old variegated Gorinan Kales, and are more curli^l and ornamental. Tliey consist of almost every imagniary coloui' and shade of eoloiir, and arc more or less variegated. In eomo the disk of the leaves is while, and the mar;iins fringed witli green, red, or purple. In others the disk is green, red, or purple, and the margins while ; while others are variously blotched or veined. As ornamental plants for autumn or winter decoration they are very desirable ; and for garnishing thoy arc very valuable. When cooked carefully, some of them preserve their natural colours, and are equally as ornamental and useful on the table as they are iu the garden. Millbr's K.iLE .... CoorEn & Bolton. In the habit of growth and general appearance this is the same as Bnda, but it is so very tender only a few plants of it stood the winter. VlLMOBIN & Co. Palm Kale "J Chou Palmier J The stem is from 2 feet to 2i feet high, clothed with large oblong-obovate winged leaves, of a dark green colour, which curve gracefully upwards and outwards much in the way of feathers in the Prince of Wales' crest, and the whole plant in this state has the appearance of a miniature Palm. In the spring it throws out a great mass of long slender shoots, which speedily run into bloom, and render the plant of little value as a winter green. In this state it entirely loses its ornamental character, but in autumn and during the winter it is an object of great beauty, and might be advantageously introduced as a prominent feature in a winter garden, or as a plant for a vase in architectural gardens. As a winter green it is quite worthless. Bagged Jack .... CoorER & Bolton. The growth of this is similar to that of Egyptian, having the ■short stock and long succulent shoots, but it differs from both that variety and Jerusalem in having the leaves very deeply laciniated, and the segments either trifid or multifid. The young leaves are not hairy, as is the case in Jerusalem Kale. This ia remarkably hardy and very productive. Red Kale Cooper & Bolton. Chou f rise rouge grand . . Yilmokin & Co. Stem 2 feet to 2i feet high, sending out in spring a great pro- fusion of shoots from the bottom to the top, of a dark purple colour. The leaves are like those of Scotch Kale, but purple. This is a first-rate and very productive Kale, and exceedingly hard v. PROTECT YOUfi FEUIT AND SPARE THEJ;^ BIRDS. If an ornithologist and gardener, though only an ama'eur, but an admirer both of fruit and flowers as well as a sincere friend to the feathered race, might be allowed to trespass on the good nature of the Editors, and the patience of the readers of The Jottrnal of Horticulture, in making a few remarks on the present engrossing topic, " Birds versus Fruit," he would gladly avail himsrlf of their kindness. Haviag for many years advocated the protection of our birds among neighbouring farmers and gardeners, though I fear witli but indifferent succss, it has been with no small interest that I have from time to time read the various articles on the subject in your columns, and none with more than the very able and explicit remarks made both by " G." and Mr. George Abbey, in No. 68. The latter especially, as the opinons of a practical gardener. As I sit writing, this 16th day of July, a pair of Sparrows are feeding their young in tlie window-sill above my head. Not near a smoky town however, " with two hundred ehimnies emitting their suffocating fumes unrestrained by smoke-consuming ap- paratus, where there are not so many vegetables and fruit for the Sparrows to eat ;" but in a lovely country with a pure ejc- hilirating air, in the midst of sunshine and plenty, a kitchen garden close at hand, with Currants, Raspberries, Strawberries, and Peas now in atiundance. Well ! and what then ? Here comes the cock bird to answer for himself There he is sitting on the window-rail with his peculiar 8elf-satis6ed chirp, und a fine, large, green caterpillar curled over his bill. I have not long to wait. Here comes his mate with a large yc'lowitli grub, tliey give a note of recogniiion, first one dives through a chink in tl:o wall, and then the other. A number of small voires are heard proceeding from the said chink, a couple of dark objects suddenly dart past the window. There, they are ofi' again on another oaterpillur hunt, and so it goes on from morn- ing to night. All our small birds are equally busy. The amount of good they do to man is beyond calculation. Some will say. This is an oft-repealed siory. So it is, and, therefore, I will not dwell on it. But, there is one in the black books that I feel bound to say a good word for, especially as " G." says ho has nothing to say in its favour, and tiiat is that most lovely of British birds, the Bullfinch. It was in tl'.e spring of 1857, I was living in a part of the country where Bullfinches abounded, and where I had continu- ally to be on the watch to scare them from the garden (for, mind, 1 never destroy birds). When on a certain Monday morning on looking over some of my dwarf standard Apple trees, to my consternation I found the ground strewed with their buds, the Bullies having taken advantage of the previous Sunday when all was quiet to commit their work of havoc. One tree in particular was so divested of its buds that I considered it ruined for tlie season. Bullfinches were, consequently, in disgrace. Yet, truth is stranger than fiction ! Business called mo away for some time, and I did not return till the autumn of the same year, when on examining my little trees, to my amazement I dis- covered that those which had been attacked by the Bullfinches were loaded with fruit, especially the one which was apparently stripped of all its buds, so much so that the branches had to be propped, and nearly three dozen fine fruit were gathered oflT it, which, by-the-by, was too much for it to bear. But still more marvellous, the trees which I had been congratulating myself on as having their buds safe, had hardly a single fruit. This was too much ; I said nothing, but made a note of it. Three years afterwards I happened to be on a visit at a friend's in another part of the country, a Number of The Cottage Gardener was on the table.* I took it up to wile away an idle moment ; it opened at an article on British Finches, headed "The Bullfinch." Being interested in birds, I glanced it over, when my eye fell on the following: — " In 181-7 I was living at Salehurst, Sussex, and in the spring the Bullfinches came in great numbers to the fruit trees. Being desirous of catching some, I requested they might not be shot or driven away, and I set traps for them ; but without success. In a few days after, the gentleman with whom I resided showed me the trees and bushes stripped of their buds, the snow beneath the trees being scattered over with the bud-cases. He remarked that, in con- sequence of sparing the Bullfinches, they would lose all the fruit that year. I examined a Green Gage tree in particular, and I could not find a bud on it anywhere, and I regretted to think I had been the unthinking cause of such destruction. Cut, after all, the trees blossomed well, the fruit set, and they had abun- dance of fruit that summer on those very trees which had been so stripped of bud^" He then goes on to say — " I have often since been laughed at for trying to persuade others not to kill the Bullfinches, but to let them cat the buds. By noticing the effect, and pointing it out to my neighbours, some of thorn have also been convinced — one in particular, who showed me his Gooseberry bushes stripped of buds, was very angry with me because I would not believe but that he would have fruit there. He said it was impossible. ' Wait and see,' said I ; and those very bushes were loaded." I could not help being much struck with the coincidence. Mr. B. P. Brent, the writer of the above, should he ever read this, will have the satisfaction of knowing that from tliat moment he was the innocent cause of adding one to the list of the sub- scribers to The Cottage Gardener, and one who has never had cause to regret it. One word more for Bully. The vast amount of seeds of Dandelion and other noxious weeds which he destroys more than compcnsiites any mischief he may do in assisting the gardener to disbud his trees. Let every one protect his fruit and spare his birds.— Ornithologist. P.S. — Would Mr. Edward Hewitt kindly mention which Flycatchrr he alludes to as "the common Fl\ catcher," in No. 63, page 200? as I have always considered the spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola) to be the common one, and not the pied (Muscicapa atricapilla). « No. 592., Vol. X.XIII., p. 273. 316 JOURNAL OF H0RTICULTT7RE AST) COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ July 22, 1862. THE PICTUEESQUE IN HOTHOUSES. The usual intefnal arrangements of a hothouse — or stove, as j such a structure is more commonly called — are such as to render a visit to its botanical treasures anything but a luxury ; on the contrary, in an artistic point of view, it is too often utterly un- worthy of notice. The most rare and beautiful plants are usually put away as closely as they can be packed, with only room sufficient, as it were, to pass round them for the vulgar purpose of counting or numbering them like so much common merchandise ; this is surely not treating a collection of the most exquisite creations of nature with due respect. The expense of erecting a structure of sufficient size to exhibit a large selection from ttie flora of the tropics, so a§ to give adequate space for the full display of the habit and character of each individual plant, is not an argument against the position just assumed, inasmuch as it would surely be more consistent with the highest principles of taste that the collection should be small, but spaciously, elegantly, and conveniently exhibited, rather than that it should be large, and stowed away like merchandise in a wai-ehouse. Where the plants are cultivated for sale, it is of course necessary that they should he grown in as small space as possible ; even where a collection is made for the purposes of scientific study j only, it may be equally necessary to abandon all idea of pictur- esque arrangement, in deference to convenience of reference, or the introduction of a greater number of genera. But where a structure for their growth is considered in the light of an elegant, luxurious, and instructive appendage to a private residence, all reasons for rendering its arrangement inconvenient and repulsive disappear, and leave the ground clear for attempting some im- provement which shall render the hothouse a more picturesque and attractive object than, in ordinary cases, it has hitherto been. There are many modes in which sucli a structure might be rendered both picturesque and interesting. The present paper embodies a theory that has long been a very favourite one with me. A jirincipal feature is to relieve the spectator from the- impression that he is walking under glass, thus destroying the illusion of a tropical scene which I he plants around him woiild otherwise convey. I propose to effect this by making the frame- work or skeleton for receiving the glass of irregular forms, re- sembling interlacing branches of trees, which would greatly tend to encourage the illusion that the openings between the branches were actual openings and not glazed. This effect may again be considerably heightened by training climbing plants over some of the framing branchwork, as though climbing the trunks of natural trees, while others of the simulated branches should be left bare. Bananas and Palms, by occasionally reach- ing nrar to the branchwork roof, would still farther aid in con- SKETCH OF A COXSEltVATORY FOK TROPICAL I'LAKTS. cealing its artificial character. In an experiment on a small scale I would only have a path through the centre, so that the sides should also be concealed by plants rising above each other on an irregularly formed bank. Through the centre of the house a stream of tepid water should flow, in which, amid fragments of rock and large boulders, aquatic plants of the tropics should be seen displaying their wildest habits, and assuming all the varieties of character which they exhibit in their natural localities. This stream might also be enlivened, not only by gold fish, but by other species of curious freshwater fish of the tropics, and its borders might be enriched by shells suitable to the natural climate. The stream could be made to assume the appearance of a parlially-dry forest torrent, such as would during the hot season leave a sandy or pebbly beach on either side of its diminished waters; these again might form two pathways through the midst of this miniature forest, imitative of an Indian or Brazilian climate. Some of the very finest Ipomseas and Passifloras might form the matted foliage above, interspersed with the heads of a few trees and fine Palms of large foliage, without strictly confining the selection of trees to such as would be proper in forest scenery. The undergrowth should be intermingled with gigantic Ferns ! and other grefn plants, to form a rich background for highly- coloured flowers, nliich should be such as would flower best, with only a moderate degree of light. A selection .of very splendid plants might easily be made, which would actually flourish best under these circumstances, and tlie wild and forest- like effect of such a scene might be greatly heightened by the addition of a few of the more brilliant and sweet-scented Orchids suspended from the roof. Another addition to the scene — one which I have alluded to in another work — is the introduction of exotic butterflies, whiehj in such a situation, fluttering from flower to flower, oijening and closing their gorgeous wings, and exhibiting tlieir rich metallic hues in various lights, would impart a tropical life to the com- position hardly to be obtained in any other way. This experi- ment might very easily be tried, as the capture and sale of tropical insects has become quite a trade in districts where thej- are remarkable for their beauty. The men employed in this pursuit might easily be instructed to procure chrjsalids instead of the perfect insect ; and in the chrysalis state they are easily packed for carriage without the slightest risk of injury. Chry- salids so imported might be placed in secure positions in a hot- house of this description, and when the time arrived for the July 22, 18G2.] JOURNAL OF UORXICDLTOrvE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 817 perfect butterfly to come forth, they would find a temperature suitable to their constitution and structure ; and if they did not become the parents of future broods, they yet would exist durin;; their own natural term of life, and a fresh importation could he made in tlie next season. Tn some cases the eggs might be im- ported, as those of the silkworm are, eare being taken to provide the peculiar plants on which they feed, and this would probably proro tlie most etlectual mode of naturalising a family of exotic butterflies in an English hothouse. The structure I have been describing would not exhibit attractive features on the exterior, which shoidd therefore bo concealed by shrubberies placed at sutricient distance, however, not to impede the light ; and the small open space between the building and the shrubbery might be made use of (or raising cuttings or other unsightly operations where concealment is desirable. I propose that the approach to the "tropical forest" should be through a valley of rocks well clothed witli Yuccas and other plants of exotic appearance that yet bear our climate well. In tins piece of rockwork, a tunnel or passage might be constructed containing a door — the actual door of the hothouse. but which will not be seen from the interior of that structure, being concealed in the rocky passage. On emerging from the comparative darkness of this passage, the height, light, and gciu'ral dimensions of the building wdl expand upon the eye in a very striking manner, while the illusion will not bo destroyed by the act of unlatching a glass door to elVect an entrance— the door and all its appendages being concealed in the tunnel. When within the structure the spectator will only perceive, on looking back, a group of rocks with a cave-like opening, the exit at the other end being managed in a similar manner. The stream of water should enter at one end among the trees, and wind to the centre, as it appears in the accompanying design ; at the other extremity it should, in a similar manner, turn among the trees and find its exit at a concealed point, leaving the centre of each end free for the rockwork entrance and exit. The water eould be warmed to the necessary temperature by pipes passing over the general heating apparatus previous to entering the building. The object of the following design is to show how, in quite another style to the one above described, a conservatory may be made highly decorative, so as to produce a more gardenesque I'Y A jARiilN I' ni\i:R, or. y\ KRVAinkY. cflcct than is usual. In the first place, the walks are intended to be of fine gravel instead of the chilly and ungardenhke tile floor genfrally used. Secondly, the centre fart of the building, instead of being choked up with tall shrubs and trees, is to be kept spaciously open, low-growing plants only being placed in the ground as in a flower-bed, in the central compartments. These plants are to be brought from a reserve-house when in perfection, and removed in succession as they get past their best, their places being filled with fresh ones. The side walks, which cannot be shown in the drawing, are to have a hank next the glass Oiled with plants in flower like those of the central beds, and these walks are likewise to be of fine garden gravel. The plants in tlic vases, &c., are intended likewise to be removed con- tinually, the only permanent ones being the Palms and larger shrubs planted in tlie ground in the central and most lofty com- partment of the building, and the climbing plants attached to the supports and the roof.* Large seats of bold design, either • The roof of this building is not intended as a model for execution, being merely a rough sketch introduced to exhibit the interior arrange- ment. of stone or of wood painted stone-colour, should be placed at certain distances apart, and a well-designed circular scat is meant to extend all round the group of Aloes and other plants in the centre. A spaciou-i and pleasant promenade might thus bo arranged, which, in wet weather, would be no contemptible substitute for the garden itself, while, during four or five months of the year, it would form a true jardin d'hiver, to which a covered passage might be constructed from some conveniently situated room which can be visited from the house without passing mto the open air, , ., As a place where pleasant exercise might bo taken dauy among beautiful trees and flowers, there can be no comparison between the house just described, and one in which the wiioie building is so choked up with plants and flower-pots tliat tnere is no room to move ; where the air is so overladen with close earthy smells, that any sensation of pleasant or healthy exercise within its heavy atmosphere, must at once evaporate as incon- sistent with the place.-H. N. Hcmphekt, Esq.-(Oa<-rfe««-* Magazine of Botant/.) 318 JOURIfAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE (JARDENER. [ July 22, 13132. FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING OF WOEKIN G-MEN BOTANISTS. [This report is -n-ritten by one of the " WorkinRmen- Botauisr,s " -nlio attended the Meeting;, and we are well pleased at being able to publish it. Those artisan searchers after good knowledge stand out a noble ex- ample for the working men of otiier parts of our native countrj'. May they prosper and add to their numbers a thousandfold.— Eds. J. of H.] At tlie Meeting on July 13th, of the Botanists of Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Torkshire, were brought together about five lumrlred specimens of plants, both native and exotic, in the OJd Fellows' Hall, at Ashton-under-Lyne ; and amongst that number of plants the most rarely seen in these districts are the following: — Isatis tinctoria, Samolus Voierandi, Thlaspi arvensis, Hippuris vulgaris, Poa aquatiea, P. glauca, Rubus chamoemorus or Cloudberry (in fruit). Amongst the Mosses were Hypnum falcatum, H. exanulatum, H. giganteum, and H. stramiiieum. Among Ferns the scarcest was Woodsia ilvensis. The Mosses were in good fruit. The scarcest exotic plants were Dictamnus fraxiuella, D. albus, G-entiana lutea, Mimulus glutinosus, Poa elatior, Eucomis punc- tata, Sedum perfoliatum. Antirrhinum molle, Verbascum ferru- gineum, Uvularia perfoliata, Cimicifuga aerpentaria, Andromeda speciosa, and Rhus glabra. Messrs. Edwin Clough (a cotton warp dresser), John White- head (a self-acting minder of spinning-jennies), Henry Newton ie Falcon, yet, despised by fal- coners, is a truly useful bird. Ills diet consists of mice, varied with an oecasioiud eoekchafor or other large inseel, and on this account is of great use to the farmer and agriculturist. Ue is not addicted to poaching, nor need the farmer's wife suspoct him of tnking her chickens : therefore he should always bo |irotocled and rcuurded as a national benefactor. Of the other Hawks, as tlic Spnrrowhawk, the Merlin, and llie Henharrier or Blue Hawk, I can say nothing in their favour, as they destroy alike game, poultry, and useful small birds. On this account they are destructive pests, but the farmer and gamekeeper will do v.-ell not to confuse the harmless and useful Kestrel with these destroytrs. Before closing this letter I must give a few words for the Barn Owl. This qmiint fellow, which shuns the glare of day, sallies forih at evening and hunts through the night for mice. Mice are his princi|.ml food, of whicli he destroys immense numbers ; ami if he varies his food, it may be a largo insect or young rat. Of game or poultry he is innocent, and has been known to live in the dove-cote without injury to the Pigeons old or young. He is, iherefore, a great public benefactor. Every farmer and cardcner should encourage and protect them. Gen- tlemen fhould forbid their gamekeepers and servants to destroy or interrupt Ihem. Their great usefulness should cause them to be held in high esteem, whereas ignorance and, superstition too often consign them to an ignominious death. The Brown or Wood Owl is also useful in destroying vermin ; but of its other habits I am unable to speak with certainty. — B. P. Bkent. THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. {Continued from page 296.) WESTEBN AUSTRALIA. The colony of Western Australia comprehends the whole of that continent lyinj to the west of 129° E. long., extending in its greatest linglh 12S0 miles from north to south, 800 in breadth, and having a coa-t-line iOOO miles long. The climate is not so dry as that of Eastern Australia, and is generally cousiderod very salubrious. All our English vegeta- bles euceerd well ; and tlie Apple, Pear, Peach, Apricot, Orange, Melon, Banana. Olive, Pig, and Yine grow luxuriantly. To the cultivation of the latter particular attention is now directed with a view to the production of wine, of which 20,833 gallons were made in 1859. Several samples of wines from diflercnt vintages are shown. Those from W. P. Clifton, Esq., Leschenault, are labelled Pedro Ximenes, White Frontignan, and Black St. Peter's; and we learn from the " Descriptive Catalogue " published by the colony that they were produced on strong sandy land capable of growing Wheat, the subsoil, at from 2 feet to 4 feet deep, being sand. The ground was trenched 2^ feet to 3 feet deep, and the A^nes planted 6 feet by 1 feet apart ; the produce of Pedro Ximenes is stated at 400 gallons per aero ; that of another kind, the Fon- tainbleau, at l:;i;0 gallons. Mr. Little exhibits wine from the Black Frontignan Grape grown on a soil of decomposed granite ; Mr. McGuire, probably, the same kind of wine ; and Mr. Burlee six bottles of a wine said to resemble a light claret, obtained from a small Black Cluster Grape grown on a loose dry sandy soil near Perth. Dried fruit, and particularly figs and raisins, is another object to which the colonists have turned their attention, and is now rising into considerable importance, 18,952 lbs. having been dried in 1859. Mr. Hardy, of Peninsula Farm, is, however, the only exhibitor of dried fruit in the shape of a box of raisins made March, 1861, and accompanied with some finely-grown almonds. Some fine Wheat is also shown here — that from S. Parker, Esq., weighina 61 lbs. 12 ozs. to the bushel ; from A. Muir and Sons, 65 lbs. 6 ozs. ; whilst Mr. D. Clifton has a sample stattd to be of the extraordinary weight of 70 lbs. per bushel ; from the same gentleman there likewise comes a gallon of apparently very good olive oil. Mr. G. Clifton, Fremantle, exhibits 50 ozs. of " Eucheuma speciosum," or jelly seaweed, a quantity which is stated to be sufficient to produce 100 quarts of jelly or blanc mange. To prepare it for use the following instiuctions ore given :■ — First soak it ill cold water for twcntyfour hours, when il will become perfectly white, and svfell consitlirably ; then boil it in a quart of water or milk til! it is perfectly dissolved; sweeten, and llavour to taste, and put into a mould. Let it stand until cold, when it will become a fiim delicious jelly, remaining so in the hottest weather. If on trial here this substance is found to bear out the account given of it, it would no doubt become an article of considerable import. We now come to by far the most important part of the Western Australian exhibition — the timber, of which several kinds are shown. The most valuable, apparently, is the .Tnrrah wood, a species of Eucalyptus, commonly called mahogany in the colony from its resemblance to that wood. It is remarkable for its immunity from decay, resisting the influences of the atmosphere and water, the white ant, and the sea worm, by which every other kind of timber is soon destroyed. As a proof of its enduring quiililies a pile which had been twenty-nine years in the sea at Fremantle is exhibited. The lower portion was under water, and exposed to the attacks of the sea worm, the middle w; s between wind antj water, and the upper part was exposed to the summer sun and winter rains. On examination we found it had scarcely suiTered from decay, and that only on its outer surface. The resistance of the .Jarrah to the attacks of the white ant is also shown by a beam which had formed a doorstep to a house, and which had been constantly subjected to the influence of wet sand from the oozing of a spring. It is still quite sound all but the surface, which had decayed to a very trifling depth. From the Hoyal Engineer depart meiit at Fremantle there come two posts of the same kind of timber which had formed part of a bridge, and had been seventeen years in the water. The tenons were left in an almost perfect state, and one of the posts was polished on one side to show the small amount of deterioration which it had undergone. Captain Wray, RE., says of this wood, " I have myself used upwards of 3000 loads of it in building jetties and bridges, and I have examined timbers which have been exposed to the action of the white ant and sea worm in situations where it would have been destroyed if liable to destruction from either of these causes, and I never saw any penetration deeper than the sapwood, though deal or other timber close by was completely eaten away. This immunity from destruction is generally attributed to its containing larg& quantities of gum resin. The strength and elasticity are about equal to Kiga Fir. " I know of no objection to it except that it is somewhat slow to season, and if exposed before seasoned will fly and ca^t, per- haps, rather more than other timbers. The plan lately adopted in Western Australia to season it was to leave the logs in the sea for a few weeks, and then draw them up on the beach, and cover them with a few inches of seaweed, taking care to prevent the sun getting at their ends. My experience led me to the conclusion that logs might lie in this way without injury for almost any length of time." Il thus appears that the Jarrah is invaluable wherever timber is to be exposed for a lengthened period to the action of water or of the atmosphere. Accordingly, if found in other respects suitable, it might be very advantageously employed in ship-build- ing, whilst its value for piling and railway sleepers is unquestion- able. For the latter purpose large quantities are now exported to Eustern Australia and India. The Tooart and Blue Gum, of which there are vast forests in the southern part of the colony, are said to be equally valuable- with the Jarrah, and that the close hard-grained wood of these will endure a great amount of heat without splitting, and to be extremely durable ; they are, consequently, recommended for engine-rooms and other ship-building purposes. Of other species of Eucalyptus, that called Raspberry-Jam Wattle is a very handsome wood, susceptible of a high polish, and scented somewhat like the fruit from whicli iftakes its name. The White Gum which grows in the limestone di,«trict, i» stated to be a most valuable wood for millwrights, shipwrighlB, and wheelwrights, as it is almost impossible to split it even vvhen closely morticed. From its not being liable to splinter, it is suggested as likely to be useful for war ships. There arc also, accompanied with specimens of shoots, leaves, and seeds, |ilanks of Morrel, a hard wood used for shafts ; Tuatla, not unlike Oak when polished ; Mallet, a nice light wood ; Wan- dow and Kirdang, together with Shea-oak, a kind of Casuarins^ 320 JOUKNAIi OF HORTICULTUBE AND COITAGE GARDENEK. [ July 22, 1862. used by wheelwrights, and to make shingles which are cheap and very durable for roofing ; a log of the Sandal Wood of Western Australia, which is largely exported ; and, lastly, several ex- crescences from Jarrah trees, cut tlirough and polished, one of them being of immense size and very beautiful. A pretty cabinet made of the various woods of the colony is exhibited by tlie Koyal Engineer Department, under whose direction it was carried out by the convicts. It well displays the capabilities of the different woods for cabinet work. Samples of barks used in tanning are exhibited, together with leather tanned by their agency, which has given such satisfaction that we believe orders have been taken for many thousands of skins since the opening of the Exhibition. Silver Wattle bark from a species of Acacia, and a fibrous Rush found plentifully on the banks of the Swan River, are shown as likely to prove good materials for cordage ; also, the bark of a llelaleuca which being easily reduced to a pulp, miglit be useful for paper-making, though it appears scarcely fibrous enough. A resinous gum which is found useful by the colonists for illu- mination, and from which it is believed that a new and valuable pigment can be obtained, is likewise exhibited. It is produced by the Xanthorrhcei arborea, called Bulga by the natives, and Grass-tree or Blaek-boy by the colonists. This is a useful plant to the natives. Tlie frame of their huts is constructed from the tall-flowering stems ; tl'.e leaves serve for thatch and for a bed ; the resinous trunk makes a cheerful fire ; and the ilowering- scape yields a gum for food. The trunk affords a resin used for fixing the glass on their spears and other weapons. Fire is readily kindled by rubbing together the dry flower-stems, and the withered leaves furnish a torch. Cattle feed upon the leaves; flheep pull up the centre leaves wh';n they can reach them, and eat the lower blanched ends ; and settlers have even dressed the crown, which tastes like an Artichoke, for food ; and also used the young stem when boiled and carefully scraped, but some jiersons are said to have suffered fi-om doing so. Finally, there is a hortus-siccus of the Swan River, consisting of 140 specimens, exhibited by the Rev. A. Du Cane, and some of the poison plant, Gastrolobium calycinum, which is so fatal to sheep and cattle eating it. Several other plants of the same genus have the same effect. ( To he continued.) WOKK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GABDRN. Plt the fork frequently amongst the growing crops of Cauli- flowers, Broccoli, and Winter Greens, and continue to manure and trench-up every piece of ground as it becomes vacant, for planting with any of the Brassicas for late crops. Asparagus, keep the weeds down in the beds, for which purpose an occasional sprinkling of salt is a groat help, besides being of benefit to the plants. They also require to be properly supported, as the crowns may be much injured by tlie stems being blown down. If any are required extra fine they should not be allowed to perfect seed, but to have plenty of liquid manure, bearing in mind that if the drainage is not perfect such applications will be snore injurious than beneficial. Cahbage, plant out some of last- month' s-sown plants for use in the autumn. In Coleworts, make a sowing about the middle of the week for the first main spring crop. Carrots, thin the late-sown crops, and loosen the earth between them where they have been sown in drills. Dwarf Kidriey Heaiift, a last sowing should now be made in a sheltered situation, the drills to be watered if the ground is very dry. Endive, transplant a few more and make another sowing. A few days' difference in transplanting at this season sometimes proves of great advantage. Sorrel, to be cut down if required for use in the autumn. At the time of planting Celery, Endive, or any other culinary vegetable, they should by no means be deprived of any portion of their leaves, the ill effects of such a practice may be easily proved by experiments. When planting great care to be taken to press the soil close to the roots. FLOTVKE GARDEN . Evergreens which require pruning should now be attended to without delay. Clip Box-edgings and evergreen edges. By such attention at this season a higher degree of neatness and uniformity will be better attained. Advantage should be taken of moist weather to plant out the principal sowings of biennials — sueh as Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, Canterbury Bells, ic, into nursery-beds; allow plenty of room between plant and plant if it is intended to allow them to remain in the beds till spring. Propagate Antirrhinums, Pentstemons, Phloxes, and other showy herbaceous plants by cuttings. They take root readily under the shade of a north wall covered with hand- glasses. The budding of Roses should now be proceeded with aud vigorously followed up till finislied. Cuttings of Roses may now be taken and planted in a cold frame with a northern aspect. In about a month they will show indications of rooting, when they may be taken up, carefully potted, and plunged in a slight bottom heat. Treated thus they make nice plants in a short time, and if kept under slight protection during winter, will fill their pots with roots, and be ready for planting out next May. Pink pipings put in early will now be ready for transplanting; and if so, this should be done at once, as they will require time to establish themselves before winter. If the situation ultimately intended for them is vacant, they may be planted there ac once, but if occupied at present by something else, let the young Pinks be planted about 4 inches apart in nursery-beds in an open situation. FRUIT GARDKfT. Prepare the borders intended for new plantations of Straw- berries by very deep trenching, and afterwards lay on a dressing of half-decomposed manure, and fork it in. Old worn-out beds to be treuched-up, and the crop changed. Keep the runners well removed from the permanent beds. Applications of liquid manure will be beneficial at this season. Thin-out the shoots of Figs, and keep them well nailed. Vines on walls will want frequent attention : see that late-growing spray do not shade the principal leaves ; these should enjoy full exposure to the light. The Currant bushes to have some of the extremities of their watery and late growths cut away, cutting a handful or two also fiom the interior of the bush, when gross, to give them the benefit of sun and a free circulation of air. STOVE. Wlien a fire is necessary here it should be lighted about one o'clock, and allowed to burn briskly for a couple of hours, and permitted to go out of itself by lour o'clock. The house to be shut close at five o'clock, and water to be used liberally to pro- duce a moist atmosphere. GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. Some of the early-blooming Pelargoniums will now be out of bloom, when they may be placed out of doors for a fortnight in a sunny situation to ripen their wood ; then to be cut to the second or third eye on each shoot, and returned to the house or close pit, to be supplied very moderately with water until they break. When they have made fresh shoots an inch long, to be turned out of their pots, the s3il shaken away, the roots trimmed, and the plants fresh potted in light loamy soil in pits a size or two smaller, according to the state of the roots, than they had been in before. Cinerarias, whether seedlings or suckers, should have regular attention, and tho-e intended for autumn work to to be potted forward without delay. Where Grapes are grown in the greenhouse they should be forwarded as much as possible, so as to have them fully ripe before any of the plants will require protection. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. " JirsT ane of that ilk — another of the same," might serve for all our jottings now; the work of one week so closely resembling the one that has passed, that a general routine characterises the proceedings. KITCHEN GARDEN. We did what we have not had to do much this season — watered Celery, Cauliflower, Greens of kinds, so as to keep them growing freely, using clear water for the Celery, and manure water for the Cauliflower. Moved shading from vegetable seeds as soon as they were up, to prevent them being drawn. Filled every spare bit with Cauliflower, Wint^rr Greens, &c. Pricked out a lot of Cauliflowers to come in after the Potatoes are raised, so that they can be lifted with balls. In finally planting such we generally take out a slight trench with the spade, and the plants scarcely feel the moving, which plants merely dibbled, however well done, constantly do. Run strings of soft twine along the rows of strong-growing Peas, as, owing to the moisture and the dulness, though not mounting higher than usual, the sticks are of little use in keeping them in their place sideways, and a storm of wind and of hail as we had here on the 16th, would be apt to break them down, and once by any means bruise or break July 22, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COirAGE GARDENER. 321 the Imulm or stems, and farewell to fine-swelled, woll-flavourcd Peos. My stieker of Peas lias ratliei' helpod tlie evil of the stems falling tlirougli the stieks by his vei-y iinltiness in sial-inc/. 33efore I noticed he had done ttie principal Peas, bringing tlie stakes tog.^ther at tlie lop, wliich no doubt \ / loaks neatest, instead of standing apart basin- shape 1, wlneli gives more justice to the Peas. In the one case, the stems, if strong, will pass through the stakes ; in the other case, there will be more room for them, and the stakes will keep them up mucli better. Where the haulm is knocked about by im- perfect staking, it would often be better to leave the plants on the ground, as in a field, in a state of nature. I think I men- tioned last year that some great judges spoke so magniloquently about the flavour of the shellei Pens -in Covent Garden, and more especially when ihey went to the expense of getting these passed through a sieve, so as only to have those that were very young. Well, I tasted lots of these shelltd Peas in Covent Garden last week, and wdl only eay, that those who can praise them would be satisfied with almost anything in the country. A first-rate Pea can oidy be obtained in Covent Garden when the Peas are taken there in shallow baskets, and are shelled at home, instead of in the market. No Peas carried for hours in bags or large hampers can have the rich flavour of a nice young Pea gathered only a short time before it is cooked. When I saw the women so busy shelling, and the huge heaps sweltering in the •sun, I could not but think that some very wise people might do better than go down to the country, and so praise the Covent Garden Peas, as by implication to cast reflections on those they were eating at their friends' tables. I state it broadly as a fact, on which I would be willing to stake my professional reputation, that every amateur, aye and every cottager, that has a garden in the country, may have Peas on his table, that for flavour and richness far transcend those obtained in Covent Garden, it they are taken there in the usual way, in large bags and hampers, and are shelled in the usual way before they arc purchased. Be it recorded, we find no fault with the system, which in many respects is suitable to and pleases our London friends; but that is no reason why we should permit a few would-be arbiters of taste to be croaking continually upon the thorough superiority of Covent Garden Peas. We say simply, that if equally young and of good quality, such Peas cannot be so rich as those fresh gathered in a garden. Of course, we make allowance for difl'erent tastes. Some people may prefer Peas that h'lve gone through a heating, fermenting process. We find no fault with those who praise this and that kind of sour vinegar-like wine, though we are vulgar enough to prefer instead a glass of good London porter. I wish the humble cottager fully to know, that in cutting a nice Cabbage in his own garden, and cooking it properly, he may have a delicacy which a peer in London cannot obtain at his club, if the Cabbage of which he partakes formed one of hundreds of Cabbages in a waggon at market. FRUIT G.IEDEN. Besides routine of nipping, fastening, gathering fruit for pre- Berring, which wo were fortunate to do after several days' dry weather, and before the dreadful hail of the IGth, we have gone on with layering Strawberries for forcing, planting-out Melons, which we prefer doing to cutting back the old plants, as, if a heavy crop is taken, and the plants are kept rather dry to secure flavour, the plants rarely will do so well afterwards. In case tliere should be any insects or their eggs, we generally remove 2 inches or 3 inches of the surface soil, dig up and add more fresh before planting, and whitewash the walls or boards, if a frame, with lime and sulphur. If in a frame or in a whole pit we would use the precaution of burning a little sulphur a couple of days before planting ; but this cannot be done when only a part of a frame or a box is to be planted, as the burnt sulphur will kill every green thing it has access to. The squares of glass, 15-oz., 20 inches by 12 inches, stood the hail well, though it fell with such force as to rebound frequently 2 feet from the glass. In a moment the spouts were filled, and the hail hanging over them as in a snowstorm at Christmas. Many stones were as large as good-sized marbles, and I noticed the glass bent and bounded considerably. What is the experience of friends and readers as to thicker glass in similar circumstances? I some- times think that where there is no bending, there is more danger of cracking. ORNAMENTAI. GAEDENING. When we cannot do what we wish, the next best thing is to do the best we can. Go into such nurseries as Mr. Veitch's, &c., and you will find Azaleas making their new wood in a more close, moist, tropical heat than they give even to their Indian Orchids. Tliis presupposes, at least for the time, a house for the purpose ; and growth being made, the hardening-oft' process will be equally well and systematicdly attended to. Of course, with one house an approach can only bo made to such a system by keeping the plants needing fresh growth together, giving more of the syringe and less air than would be suitable for flowering ])lants. We learn liille even from the largest and best-managed establishments, if wo do not carry along with us this accomniodating-to-circumslanoes principle. All hard-wooded plants would, less or more, reijuire similar treatment when making their wood. The thing which young beginners most commonly err in is acting at least on the principle that a plant when placed in a certain position, be it a Heath, an Azalea, or a Chrysan- themum, is to remain there. The man of intelligence and action, who thinks as well as works, tries according to his means to give each plant what it wants at every season of the year, and is not more careful that growth sliould be made under stimu- lating circumstances, than that growth should be duly matured under certain other circumstances of sun and air ; and for this purpose the character of the house is changed, or a part of it changed, or the plants are moved out to another more suitable place. In most gardens of limited extent this moving, at the right time, will make all the dificrcnce between the very suc- cessful and the very indifferent. It is always pleasing in large princely establishments to find things used and valued according to their simplicities. The house in which the Azaleas were made to grow was a large span-house with no staging. Much fewer plants of large size would have been accommodated on the floor, and the syringe could not liave played so well beneath and all through them. Each plant was therefore raised on a pedestal, which brought it nearer to the glass, enabled more plants to be placed, and gave every facility for getting thoroughly about them. But what about the pedestals? Aye, there was the simplicity. Four boards some 10 inches wide, and in height — say each four from 2 feet to 4J feet, were fastened together at the corners so as to make a hollow square tube. One end of this was fixed in the floor of the house, and the huge pot on the other end kept it steady enougli ; and when done with the boards could easily be removed and packed in a heap until they were wanted. Proceeded with potting stove and greenhouse plants, and the hardier Geraniums, Fuchsias, Balsams, feathered and other Cockscombs, Amaranths, &c,, for late blooming ; and began taking a few cuttings of some scarce bedding Geraniums. Out of doors, as the ground is now getting warm, began mulching the Calceolarias to keep them cool. Pegged down with cracked sticks Verbenas, &e., the crack making them just as useful as wire hair-pins. Tied-up Hollyhocks : those sown in autumn will bloom very late. Tied-up Dahlias; bush-staked the dwarf ones. Kept the hoe going, as small weeds were never more troublesome, and may top-dress Scarlet Geranium-beds when the ground gets warmer ; at present it is rather cold to have them in full perfection, and the slightest mulching would keep the heat out. When the ground is hot enough, then we must try and keep heat and moisture in. — li. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *»* We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to Tfie Editors of the "Journal of Sorticulture, ^c," 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Asi'ARAoi-s-BEDs {B. IP.).— For the present he content to gire tlie salt and liquid manure as we before directed. Wlien tlie stems ol tlie Asparagus are cut down in the autumn, remove " tlie gravelly poor stuff," eml replace it bv a mixture of light loam and decayed stable dung, or fowl a dung, in equiil proportions. Do not cover the crowns more than 2 inches deep. 322 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ July 22, 1863. SEKDLl^G Geraniuh [W. SutcMson).— The trusses of bloom which you enclosed are very fine, and the pink of the petals biit^ht. We can say no more, not liaving seen the plunt. In what tioes it differ from Chiistiue? Insects (T. ?:).— Your Mangold Wurtztl leaves are infested by the larvas of a two-winsed fly (Anihorayia betfe), very closely resen bling the common house fly, the laivic uf which burrow within the leaves. As there are several generations in the year, we advise yon to pluck off and burn every infected leaf. (/'.). — The thin fleshy maggots Avhich are destroying your Carrots are evidently the younp of a pretty two-winged fly (Ps':la rosfe), which lays its eggs on the young Carrot roots, and causes the disease called rust. We advise you to water your plant with gas-tar water or strong lime and soap- suds.—W, Tomatoes at a Fruit Show (G. S., Bir7ienhead).— Mx, Beaton thought they were out ot place, and you differ Irom him in that conclusion ; but that is no reason why you should be discourteous. You are both entitled to abide by your opinions ; and we shall not ch;irge you with " evident ignorance" when we add that we differ from you. Cucumbers strictly are not entitled to a place at a fruit show, and can only be tolerated in a mis- cellaneous class. Tlie same observation is applicable to Tomatoes, which, like Cucumbers, are only fruit in a botanical sense. Eetsimum Peroffskiakcji {H. p. D.).~We have often had it vary, but we never thought of the convertibility of the two species. The weed we always took for Eiysimum diffusum, and it is difficult to clear a sample of it if once it is gathered with PeroCFskianum. Delphinium formosom Si-ort (/rffm).— Your seedling aport from Del- phinium formosum is quite new to us, and quite as valuable as ever fov- mosum had been. The Salvia piitens blue in formosum is, in this new form of it, converted into a deep violet purple, making a very rich Delphinium. LiLiCM GiGANTEUM (Idem\.^T\\U great Indian Lily requires exactly the same kind of treatment after it has gone out ol bloom, down to the j)eriod the leaves cease to be green, as it had in the fore part of the season. We have seen it go to rest eurly in October, and not till November, Decem- ber, and the turn of the new year. The seeds being of little or no value to most amateurs, if the plant were ours we woiUd cut the flower-stem ofFjust below the seed-pods, and plunge the pot in the hottest and most stieltLred border in the kitchen garden, there to take care of itself for the rest of the season ; but we would stand the pot on two pieces of brick to secure perfect drainage, as, if the autumn should turn out after the manner of long wet, long dry, it may need some heavy waterings, and heivy watering is dangerous to some plants when thus plunged, for fear of bad drainage. Gloxinias (if. P., ShrciLshuvii).~yo\Lx two flowers were destroyed by the post-office punch ; but if they had not been it is rarely possible to give the name of a flower where the varieties are legionary, from the mere inspection of a single flower. We cannot say whettier a box Irom you was received— we have none the contents of whicl: are waiting for naming. Camellia Culture [A Beginner, CJiesh am). —Water the seedlings care- fully, and as soon :ia handleable prick them off in sandy loam and peat, four round the sicles of a fuur inch pot. When growing freely, and filling the sides of the pots with roots, break the ball carefully so as to pot each separately in a small pot in similar material. Keep the plants in as close and humid an atmosphere as they will bear without damping. When thes- pots are filled witi: roots, you can grow on, or bud, inarch, or graft the seedlings. Leaves of Stove Plants Injured (IT. i^O.—The leaves have every ap- pearance of being scalded. Use less deluging with water; give more air, especially early in tiie day ; shade in bright sunshine, especially when it comes after a few dull days ; in dull weather, use less heat, and little or no water on the floors. Pruning Erica Cavendishii {Idem).— 'When cleared of its dead flowers, it will require httle more trimming with a sharp knife thim merely to stop free-growing shoots, and to induce fresh growth regularly all over the plant. If at all symmetrical, little pruning beyond this will be required. It is not like a very strong grower, which you may round-off with a pair of scissors. Reports (G. B.). — We are greatly obliged by your letter, and ai^sure you that suggestions made in the same courteous tone are always desired and welcomed. If we saw that our not reporting the Soci'ty you name was an occasion of any loss to our readers, we should take c;ue that reports should appear in our columns ; but after carefully watching the subject we find that almost every novelty ot the season is exhibited at the Shows of the lloyal Horticultural Society and Crystal Palace, and any novelty which appears elsewhere we take care to liave noticed in another form. Tlieie is no need, therefore, to occupy with repetitions the space which we can fill with fresh information. Gb'^iUeteical Drawing [J. C.). — We shall be obliged by having your address that we may compare notes. Names of Plants (H. £.).—!, Phillyiea media; 2, Magnolia glauca; 3, Acanthus spinosus ; 4, Alstromeria aurantiaca ; 5, Sisyrinchium striatum ; 6, Silene armeria. ( W. H. A'.).— Cerastium tomentosum, Alyssum mari- timum variegatum. [J. 0., Salop' .—1, Viburnum lentago ; 2, Hypericum calycinum. [S. K. B.).— \, appears to be Myrsine africana ; 2, a small state of Polystichum aculeatum lobatum ; 3, Festuca ovina vivipara. GEAVEL IN EXHIBITION PENS. We are asked to use our influence with committeea and managers of poultry shows to induce them to coTer the bottom of the cages or pens with gravel. Where they can do so, it is beyond I'oubt the best thing there is for the purpose; but in some districts it cannot be had. We were lately paying a visit to some model poultry-houses, and finding the doors of asphal- tum covered with a sticky sand, we urged the use of gravel, both for the liard and the loose floor. We were told there was not a cartload of gravel within twenty miles of the place. Much mischief has been done by the use of sawdust, which swells in the gizzard, and renders tlie grinding and consequent digestion of food impossible. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE . POULTRY SHOWS. July 29. Newhillerdam. Sees.., Mr. J. Turner, Walton ; Mr. W. Pashley, Newmillerdam. August 2nd, 4ih, and 5th. Sheffield. Sec.^ Mr, George Westerholm, 49, Qupen Street. August 25ih, 26ih, 27th, and 28th. Cetstal Palace. Sec.^ W. Houghton. Entries close July 26Eh. August 27th. Cottinoh vm. Scc.^ Mr. J. Brittain. Entries close Aug. 20th. September 2iid. Tocklinoton, Yorkshire. Sec, Mr. T. Grunt Entries close August 2Cth. Sept. 4th. Wakkfield and West P.idikg. Sec, Mr. J. Crosland, jun.. Entries close August 23rd. September 9ih. Worslky and Armlet (near Leeds). Sec.y Mr. Robert Hoyle, Aimiey, near Leeds. December 1st, 2nd, 3rd. and 4lh, Birmingham. Sec., John B, Lythall, 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. THKOAT DISEASE IN POULTEY AND PHEASANTS. I HAYE a pullet nearly four months old suffering from some aSection of the throat ; slie has been ill for several weeks, is very thin and weak, gasps for breath, and makes a loud noise clearing her throat. She is not of much value, but I should like to know what remedy to use, as I may have the same com- plaint with valuable poultry. The disease does not appear like the gapes in younger chickens, which I have often seen. — [The disease you mention has many points in common with that which has nonplussed fowl and Pheasant breeders in many cases this year ; and if, when handled, the bird is found to liave a hard himp in the throat, it is a bad case. We do not know its origin. The cnly treatment we have found etfectual is to give decoction of wormwood in their water, and to feed freely on bread and ale. This has been successful only in the early stages. If there is no improvement, we advise you to kill.] LEEDS AND WEST RIDING POULTEY AND PIGEON SHOW. An attractive and pleasing Exhibition was held in the Music Hall, Leeds, on the 9ih, 10th, and 11th inst., in connection with the Leeds and West Riding Horticultural, Floral, Poultry, and Fancy Pigeon Society. This is the first show held under the auspices of the Society, which has been lately established, and of which the Right Hon. tlie Ea 1 FitzwilUam, K.Gr., Lord- Lieutenant of the Riding, is tlie President. The result of the efforts of the Society are, for the first year, highly gratifying, and augur well for its future prosperity. Kot only was the Exhibition a success ; but it may be safely said that it was, as far as regards the poultry and Pigeons, which formed its chief attraction, superior to any that has been held in the West Riding. The following is a list of the awards : — Spanish.— First and Silver Medal, K. Teebay, Falwood, near Preston- Second, J. R. Rodbard, Wrington, near Bristol. Highly Commended, S. Corner, Fullwell, near Sunderland ; T. Greenwood, Dewsbury ; F. Crook, London; E. Brown, Sheflield. DoEKi.sGS fany Variety).— First, Silver Medal, and Sfcond, T. W. Hill, Heywood. Highly Commended, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley, Game (Black-breasted and other Keds),— First, H. Beldon, Bradford. Second, C. \V. Brierley, Rochdale. Highly Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Game ( Duckwinga and other Grevs and Blues).— First and Silver Medal, G. Hellewell, ShefBeld. Second, J. Riley, Dewsbury. Game (any other Variety).— First, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Second, W.Wood. ShefBeld. Highly Commended, T.Hartley, Gomersal ; H. C. Mason, Drighlington. Cochin-Chisa (Cinnamon and Buffi.- First and Silver Medal, H. and G. Newton. G..r orth. Second, R. White, Sheffield, Highly Commended, E. Saiith, Middleton. Cochin-China (any other Variety).— First, K. T\Tiite, Sheffield. Second, W. Dawson, MirHeld. Highly Commended, E. Smith, Middleton ; A. Cat- tlev, York. Hambcuohs (Gold-pencilled).— First, F. Hardy, Laistsr Djke. Second, C. W. Brierley, Rochdale. Highly Commended, Carter & Vaillant, Poul- ton-le-Fylde; R. Heiriingwav, Halif.ix. Hambkrghs (Silver-penciiledl.-First, G. Hellewell, ShefBeld. Second. H. Beldon, Brae ford. Highly Commended, W. Wood, ShefBeld. Hameirghs (Gold-spanglcJ).- First and Silver Medal, N. Marlor, Manchester. Second, K. Tate, Driffield. Highly Commended, W. Law- son, jun., Otley ; J. Ellis, Leeds. Hambdeghs iSilver-spaugled).— First, H. Beldon, Bradford. Second, S. Campling, L'ollingham. PoLAKi.s.— First, H. Beldon, Bradford. Second, F. Hardy, Laister Djke. Hiehly Commended, F. Hardy. Any Breed not I'eevioosi.v Classed.— First, E. Teebay, Fulwood. Second, H. & G. Newton, Garforlh. Highly Commended, — Robinson, Mansfield ; R. Tate, Diiffleld ; J. Harrison, Blackpool. July 22, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE QARDKNER. 323 CiMCKRNs OP 18i:2 (liny ViU jcly).— Fir.st nml Silver Medal, T. Grof^nwood, Dewsbury. ^econti, A. Nuttall, Newchurch. Third, II. M.uitlc, CiilUn};- hdm. iTighly Coiimu-nded, S. Dupe, Evertrecch ; \\\ Bt-ntley, low Mo.)r ; K. O. Gilbert, Claxton. G*Mi: Bantams (any Variety).— First, and Society's Silver Jlediil, 0. W. Brierley, lloclubtlc. Second, O. 11. Crosbiml, jun., Wiikeflcld. Highly CommendeJ, U. 'I'lito, DrlHleld ; Q. H. CroBliind. Wakefield. GA.MK Uantams (lilnck or White). — i'irsl, E. lloldsworlh, Leeds. Second, G. 11. CroslHiul.Jun., WnUelleld. Gami: Hantams (tJold or Silver). — First, E. Iluyton, Pudsey. Second, G. 11. (;ro!.land, Walj. Second, II. Tute, Driftield. Ducks (White Aylesbury).— First, K. Tate, Diiffield. Di-CKK (anv other Variety).— First, and Society's Silver Medal, R. Tato Second, H. Jt"o. Newton, Garforth. TniiKKvs.— Prize, Lady Hawke. Womevsley Park. Gkksk.— Prize, L idy Uawkc, Womersley Park. SWEEPSTAKES. Gamp. Cocks (any Colour).— First, C. Brierley, Eochdale. Second, M. H. Walker. Clownc. Highly Commended, .1. Ro'bshaw, Whixley. Spanish Cocks. — I'lize, U. Teebay, Preston. DoBKiNG Cocks (any colour).— Prize, H. W. B. Berwick, Ilelmsl'y. Cochin. Chin V Cocks (any Colour).— First, W. D iw«on, Ilopton. Second, R. White, Slietfield. Highly Commended. W. Corple, I'reseot; II. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley ; C. E. Kid.sdale, Halifax; W. Wood, Sheffield. Hambuhgu Cocks (any Colour).— Prize, T. Cavr, Li^nca&ter. Gamk Bantam Cocks. — Prize, E. Holdsworlh. Leeds. BantaS! Cocks (any other Variety).— Prize, E. Holdsworth. PIGEONS. Crtrn'cr*.— First, A. L. Sylvester, Birmingl-.am. Second, S. Robson, Brotherton. Highly Commended, Miss H. Hughes, Leeds. Almond Tumblers. ^Yirst and Silver Medal, E. Holdsworth, Second, A. L. Syl- vester, Birmingham. Highly Commended, A. Evans, Salford. Tumfilers s II. Hughes. CVo;>;)cf5.— First, S. Robson. Second, Miss H. Hughes. Highly Comnrended, S. Robson. Jacnbins. — First, G. H. Crosland. jun., Wakefield. Second. A. L. Sylvester. Highly Commended. H. Yardiey, Birmingham ; Miss H. Hughes. On'U.—b'iist, H. Smith, Skipton. Second, F. Key, Beverley. Highly Commended, ¥.. Holdsworth; H. Yardiey. j\^H7iS.— First, F. Else, Bayswater. Second. H. Yardiey, Titrbits. —Fir^t, E. Holdsworth. Second, A.L. Sylvester. Highly Commended, F. Else; J. W. Edge, Birmingham. Faritaih. — First, F. Else. Second, F. Key. Highly Commended, A. Evans. Barbs. — First, E. Holdsworth. Second, A. Evans. Trumpeters.— ViisX, F. Else. Secnnd. F. Key. Highly Commended, Miss H. Huuhes. Anttverps. —First, E. Holdsworth. Second, Miss H. Hughes. Any otlirr Variety. — First, E. Hi'ldsworth. Second, G. H. Crosland, jun. Highly Commended, J. W. lidge. Rabbits.— Second, G. Bcntley, Kirkstall. The Judges were Mr. George S. Sainsbury, of Dcvizos, and Mr. S. Bird, of Shipley. EAISING TUEKEYS. I GENEEAILY raise more Turkeys tliaii I know what to do wit)i, and I haye Turkeys now left over from last season that will be eaten as we want them. Last winter we fairly revelled in roast Turkey — gave quite a number away, sold others, hare some, beside the breeder's, still left. My plan of raising is simple, and I will give it in as few words as possible. First, I never allow a Turkey to sit until about the middle of May. They will commence to lay early irr April, but I take their eggs away as fast as laid, and keep them until they lay their second batch, which will be finished about tire second or third week in May. I then give the hen some eighteen or twenty of the eggs, and let her sit. About the middle of June she will be off. I then take her, put her with her young on an old barn floor, or other outbuilding that is dry, and feed on curd and cracked corn. Curd is the best for a continual feed when tire farmer has plenty ; but cracked corn or coarse meal, mixed with lobbered milk, will answer about equally as well. After they have been iu-doors for two or tluve days, or long enough to get fairly on their legs (for the Turkey is the weakest of all fowl when young), I let them out, providing the weather is fine, arid there is no dew on the grass. The great reason why people cannot or do not raise Turkeys is because they turn them out as soon as hatched, and about the first wetting they get they keel over and die. To succeed in raising Turkeys, therefore, you must keep them dry until at least ten weeks, when they will stand as mricli water as other fowls — Geese and Ducks excepted. Of course, they must be driven in every uiglrt, and on all occasions when a storm is threatening. — (Dollar Newspaper, American.) RoYAi, Agricut.tueal ]Mef,ting, 18G3. — We are iirformed by Mr. John Holland, the Secretary of the Committee of the Worcester Poultry Show, that an Exliibition will be held in July, 18fi3, during the Agricultural Society's Meeting, for whicli a liberal prize list will be issued. At the same time a Dog Show will be held, particulars of which will appear shortly. Many well-known local sportsmen are its supporters. INFLAMMATION of the LUNGS of PIGEONS. I KAVK a flock of from twenty-five to thii'ty paii-s of birds, Carriers and Tumblers. Tiro fii-s't bird which was otiacked was a cock three years old. I first tlitscoverod it by his breathing, and shorlly he appeared as if he had inflummalion on the chest. He luborrred hard to bi-eathe, just as one does who .has a bad cold in the head, or having tlie snulllcs. I took him in and gave lilni several things, but he died in a week. Sin.e that time one after another of my birds have been alt;>ik--d. The ci-op at firet seems distended and puffed out with wind, the wattle becomes unusunlly red, and the wheezing and bivalliing very difficult. The birds lose Uesh, get ver-y (bin and mopish, but I have not had one die since, and some of them are bettjr. The bi-eath is very offensive, and there is a coating of mucous-like matter on the" inside of the mouth, which I c:in wash ofl'. There is no running at the nostrils. It is singrrlar that none of the Tumblers have be:n attacked, while one after another of the Carriers have and ai'e getting it. My houses are open and airy, from 30 feet to ."JO feet long, and 8 feet high, and they can have free access to open cages of 10 feet by 8 feet, wired over. On its first appearance I had all the flooring taken up, hot lime laid over the whole of it and well gravelled, and the waUs well washed with strong lime. I feed my birds witli a mixture of tares, peas, Indian wheat, and buckwheat, with barley mixed altogetlier, and they are never without food. They have also a mixture of sand, mould, and coarse salt, which they seem to use freely. The only thing I have given either of them sirree tiro first, when I discovered them to be ill, is an aperient pill and a hrnip of beef or mutton suet, which I fancy has benefited them. As 1 said before, I have not had one die since. I am not aware if such a disorder is prevalent among Pigeons, if so, perhaps some one has discovered a remedy which may be serviceable to tlie fancier generally, and will be tlrankfuUy received by me in particular. — W. VickeeS, 3, Cohurg Place, St. Sidwells, Exeter. P.S.— I should state that ever since my keeping Tigeons, my houses and floors have invariably been raked and scraped twice or thrice a-week ; indeed, I have breir told that my success in rearing has been marred by too frequently cleaning my houses. [Your birds are evidently suffering from inflammation of the lungs, most probably of a contagious character. We should advise the immediate removal of those affected from the re- mainder. The disease is of a very intractable character ; but we have found more benefit result from tire administration, in the first instance, of one-twelfth of a grain of tartar enaetic, and one graiir of calomel, than from any otlief remedy whatever. After the inflammatory symptoms have substded, a capsule of copaiba balsam has great effect in enabling the bird to throw off the diseased secretion.] BEE-CELLS IN JAMAICA NOT LAEGER THAN IN ENGLAND. I Alt sorry that you did not append the closing sentence to my communication about the Jamaica bees, as it would have shown your readers that I was doubtful on tlie subject. I have now to confess that I have made a gross blunder. The cells whieh T measured were drone-cells, as I am informed by the "Devonshire BEE-KEErEit." I could ofl^er some explanation and apology to your readers for making so great a mistake ; but it is a persons! matter and wou'd not interest them. How the statement in French works arose that the cells in West Indian combs are larger than those in European combs, I cannot con- ceive.— C. Darwin. [We certainly did not understand, nor do we tliink our readers understood, that Mr. Darwin stated the increased size of bee-cells in Jamaica as an established fact, and we nrade our comment hypothetically. We have seen combs from Jamaica since then, snd the drone and worker cells are of the same sizes as in Eng- land. When Mr. Darwin wrote, he, probacy, had not seen the cells of the workers. — Eds.] UNITING SWAB MS. I WISH to transfer the bees of a second swarm to the hive of a first swarm, having an old queen, and intend to fumrgato the bees of the first swarm, and then drive the bees of the second 324 JOURNAL OF HOKXICULTURE AND COXrAGE GARDENER. [ July 22, 1863. swarm into their hive ; and wlien the greater portion of the bees have ascended place it where tlie hive of the driven bees etood, and put the hive from which they have been driven on the top of the other, and draw out one of the slides so that I may preserve the late brood of botli Iiives. Jly reason for doing this is that the hive is to be removed to a distance in September, and the second swarm, in consequence of the very unfavourable weather, has not half filled the liive with comb, so that it could not be carried so safely as a hive quite filled and firmly fastened at the sides. Will the fumigation either with fungus or chloroform destroy the brood which may not be sealed over ? and will the queen of the driven bees be euro to ascend with the first rush into the hive placed over her own reversed one where she will find honey and brood? I have some puif-balls gathered last summer, but do not know how they should be prepared for fumigating. [Stupefaction by chloroform is very destructive to adult bees ; of its efTects upon unsealed brood we have had no experience upon which to base an opinion, nor have we any authority to quote upon the point. With regard to fumigation, a German writer, whose name we do not now remember, declares it to be fatal to unsealed brood ; but how far he may be correct we are not prepared to say. Xhe ascent of tlie queen with the first rush of driven bees is probable, but by no means certain unless the spirit moves her. She is often not to be driven up by any amount of rappina. Are you sure that the queen is an old one, and that she has not recently been changed, as is very often the case ? Would it not be better to let well alone, and unite by driving in September as recommended in pages 45 and 4G of "Bee-keeping for the Many?" Bees in a half-filled hive are, however, very dilKcult to drive, but when once subdued by drumming, the combs may be cut out one by one, and the bees swept oif with a feather into an empty hive without the slightest difficulty. Puirballs should be dried in the sun, or in a cool oven. If those you have will hold fire and smoulder slowly they will probably answer.] " B. & W.'s " ITALIAN ALP BEES.— 1862. On settling accounts last year with my esteemed apiarian friend, who is so favourably known to the bee-keeping readers of Xhe Journal op Hoeticultukk under the signatui-e of "B. k W.," 1 found I owed him a Ligiirian queen, which debt I was not able to discharge until tlie 4th inst. Xhe following interesting particulars by way of acknowledgment l-.ave been kindly furnished by him to— A Devonshihe Bee-eeepee. " My dear Sir, — Your letter of the 4th announcing the in- tended arrival of another Italian queen, described as 'a beauty, of the best blood, and amazingly prolific,' was a most welcome communication ; and still more welcome, of course, was the arrival of the precious little box itself on Saturday afternoon. I had a good view of the queen the same day, aiid was glad to observe her to bo lively and vigorous ; and a ' beauty,' too, she is, being of good size and decidedly marked. At the same time I do not think she is yellower or larger than a splendid hybrid which I raised artificially this year, in May, out of worker-brood, which was the offspring of one of my hybrids of last autumn. Her mother was liardly, if at all, distinguishable from a common English queen. "Xhe box arrived too late on Saturday for anything to be done that day, so it was put carefully by till Monday, the 7th, the bees being duly supplied with food. Xhe condition of my apiary did not allow me to adopt your plan, excellent as it is,* so having succeeded in a |jlan of my own, which I adopted last year (see page 509, Vol. I., Jobrnae oe HoRTicnLTURE), I had recourse to it again, and, I a-n happy to report, with the most complete success. I varied my plan of operation so far as to drive all the bees out of one of the stocks in my bee-house, at the same time catching and killing their queen. The stock itself full of brood was removed elsewhere, and an empty bar-box with some comb of their own making put in its place. Of course, the bees returned to their old haunt as soon as they missed their queen, when I immediately set your Italians over a hole at the top of the box, a pieca of perforated zinc intervening. When I say 'your Italians,' I should state that I find it convenient to ' "I linow of but one way of placing a queen at tlie head of a stock witli- out any risli, and tliat is to drive all the bees out of a hive, and h.ivine: made an artificial swarm of them give their hive full of brood to the strangers." retain only a very few common bees (half a dozen at most), as » guard to the queen during the process of uniting the queen to a stock. So out of the sixty or more bees which you sent, I only retained/oKf, which I put with the queen into a small bee-glass, which had some bits of comb adliering to its sides. A large number of bees increases the difficulty of effecting the union, as a proportion of them are sure to be irascible, and it is as well to provoke as little fighting as possible. Now, if you will imagine the bee-glass containing these five bees (including the queen) placed upon a piece of perforated zinc over the top hole of the box, you can easily follow my movements. About an hour after the old queen was dead, the bees being very much agitated, I let in one bee from below, by pu-hing the zinc very gently a little on one side. As this bee was well received and behaved well, I proceeded to admit one more. Ihis one, too, appearing to bo well received, I next let in two. One of these instantly rushed up to the queen, seized her by one of her wings, and pulled her about for some little time. You can imagine how anxiously I watched these proceedings, being ready to interfere at a moment's notice. However, no real injury was inflicted upon the queen, but a fight among the common bees immediately occurred, and three of the lately-adaiitted ones perished. Warned by this mishap I waited an hour and tried again. Xhis time no fighting occurred, so every quarter of an hour I introduced a few more, increasing the number admitted till I thought it safe to admit the bees en masse, wlio rushed up from below in streams in the most joyous manner. Thus you will perceive that only three lives were sacrificed, and the junction effected most satisfactorily. Xhe whole operation was a lengtliy one, however, and took me from morning till night, owing to the extreme care which I took to avoid mishap. I may mention that I did not restore the brood- box out of which I had driven the bees till the following morn- ing, when the bees had passed a wliole night with their new queen. Xhe hive is now just as it was before the Italians arrived. "I was amazed to find from the condition of this stock how poverty-stricken the bees are this year. It was an artificial swarm" of May 16tb, but though full of comb I could not see a single cell with sealed honey, and, in fact, no honey at all was visible. I can say the same of two other of my stocks, both swarms of this year (one of April 30th), which I fear are in 3. miserable condition. Xhe only swarm of this season which has sealed honey-comb is that which I made out of my old Italian stock on the 29th of April. Am I to consider this a proof of the superiority of the ItaUan ? Breeding has gone on amazingly in all hives, but very little honey has been stored. I have made in all this summer four swarms out of seven hives, after the plan recommended by Langstroth ; and three of tlic queens have been reared artificially. One only have I seen as yet, the one to which I have alluded in the earlier part of this paper. Xhose Iiives which have had to rear queens are the best piovided with honey of any in my apiary, having had little else to do but to collect honey during the month of May, when there was no breeding going on. But a worse season for honey I never knew. — B. & W." SAVING THE DEONES— MAKING ARTIFICIAL SWARMS. My Ligurian box is brim full of bees, but owing to the bad weather they are turning out their drones. Will "A Devon- shire Bee-keepek" kindly inf .rm me if it be advisable to take the queen away and make an artificial swarm ? I trust bees are doing better in Devon than they are here (Wiltshire). I eaa see but little honey in any of my hives, although they are all crammed with bees. I am quite delighted with the Woodbury- bars, the bees have attached their combs to them very regularly indeed. — E. C. [Regular and liberal feeding until honey-gathering recom- mences is the most probable mode of saving your drones. Xhe safest and best mode of making an artificial swarm is the following : — Set an empty box close to one side of your Ligurian stock, and shift the combs one by one into if, looking each care- fully over until you see the queen. When she is discover d, put her with the comb she is on* into the middle of an empty hive, and fill up on either side with bars and as many clean worker-combs as you can spare. Ihis box must take the pl.ce • This comb should be carefully examined in order to ascertain that no royal cells are attached to it. If any be found, the queen must be trans- ferred to another comb, and the royal embryos returned to tlie hive. July 22, 1862. ] JOUJiNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTrAGE aAEDENER. 325 of the old stock, and all the bees on thu remaining combs should bo brushed oil' with a feather on the top of the exposed bars ; the combs being carried one by one into a warm room out of ihe reach of the bees until all are cleared, when the crown-board should be screwed down. The combs that hare been abstracted must bo put into a hive, which should take the place of a strong black stock which must be removed to a new position. The returning bees will raise a Ligurian queen from the brood in their new domicile. All this must, of course, be done in the middle of a fine day when the btcs are in full work. Unless the weather alter very much for the better, tlie swfirm will require liberal feeding to enable it to proceed with comb-building. I do not think the season can be worse anywhere than it is at present in the locality of — A Detonsuiee BEE-KEEPEit.] COMMENCING BEE-KEEPING. "Wishing to commence the keeping of bees, both for the study of their habits and for the profit said to result from their care- ful management, I find a dilllculty at the outset from the multi- tude of councillors and the various, not to say contradictory, advice they give. May I bo allowed to ask the following ques- tions? Is it better to begin with black bees or Ligurians? If the latter, how must tliey be obtained ? I fear almost to ask, What is the most useful hive for general purposes ? What are the best books on the management of bees ? Whilst reading some of the papers in your Journal on the winter ventilaiion of hives, and the evils resulting from damp, it has occurred to me that advantage might probably result from placing a piece of unslaked lime within the hive ; of course pro- perly secured from the bees. Its position would be determined by the construction of the hive; but skilful apiarians would require no hints on this point. It would, of course, need re- newal from time to time ; but its well-known property of absorb- ing moisture could not fail to be useful to some extent — at least, in maintaining the wished-for dryness of the atmosphere within the hive. This may or may not have been tried, but I trust you will pardon its suggestion by so complete a novice. IIow can I obtain Mr. Woodbury's " Essay on Bee-keeping?" — M. D. [If you have no black bees within a mile or so, you might commence at once with Ligurians. If otherwise, perhaps you had better wait until you attain sufficient practical knowledge to aid you in keeping the breed pure. Mr. Woodbury, of Mount Eadford, Exeter, would supply you with an Italian stock. If by •' general purposes " you mean keeping bees in the ■common way, we think nothing answers better than straw hives with flattened crowns, and apertures at top for feeding and occasional supering. Taylor's "Bee-keeper's Manual" and "Bee-keeping for the Many " are good practical books. One of our bee-keeping friends, who is also an excellent chemist, suggests caustic potash, and we believe intends trying it, as well as lime and other substances of like properties, with the view of maintaining a dry atmosphere within his hives during winter. We may, however, hint that even this may be over- done, since much lias been said in C+ermany of the danger of bees that have upward ventilation perishing in winter from want of water. Mr. Woodbury's " Essay on Bee-keeping " appeared in the last " Journal of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society," published by Kidgway, Piccadilly, and obtainable ihrougli any bookseller.] SYDSEEFF ON BEES. It is many years since I first met with this book, and I must confess that it never impressed me with any particularly high idea of the author's " being in advance of his age." But as this seems to be the opinion of the Editors of The JoriiNAL or HOETICULTDRE, I have been induced to reperuse the book with increased care; and without wishing to controvert the judgment passed upon it, a few matters have presented which seem worthy of observation, some of which may perliaps rather modify the somewhat high encomium passed on the book and its author. From his own assertion in the commencement, he albws him- sflf to have been indebted to M. Reaumur in some degree, and it is evident to me that he was even much more indebted to him tlian he allows. That he was a practical and fearless operator, and that he was ill advance of most bee-keepers of his condition, is evident from the succeeding pages ; but that lie had certain curious crotchets of his own, and that all his views were not quite correct, it will be ni}' purpose to demonstrate by a few extracts. lie believed that a multiplicity of stings in or near the same place counteracted the elTects of the poison, and devotes several pages to the promulgation of this theory, lie strongly recom- mends that a person when stung by one bee should make others sting him in tlic same place. Strongminded Mr. S., how many nould wittingly follow your advice? To illustrate this he menlions an accident whieli befell his little brother, "then a child in coats," who, pusliing olf part of a cluster of bees whijh hung out of their hive, was furiously attacked by them, and stung from head to foot — many slings being extra. ted from the tongue, and no less than thirteen from one ear. By the advice of tile apothecary the child was anointed with sweet oil from head to foot; but he says, "I believe it did the child neither good nor harm." The only ill efl'ects were that he looked pale and appeared sick, but there was no sign of any swelling. After some hours' sleep "be opened his eyes and appeared to be perfectly recovered." How, in this case, the soothing qualities of the sweet oil and the child's favourable constitutional tempera- ment are perfectly ignored. If I get a sting or two, the swelUng and subsequent irritation are in general, but not always, very great ; but my friend, Mr. Woodbury, I have often seen quietly picking oiT stings on nose, face, and hands, with perfect non- chalance, and with little or no subsequent inconvenience. But this puts me in remembrance of your late correspondent's assertion as to the comparatively harmless effects of the sting of the Ligurian bee. Now is the thing easily accounted for. It was not beeause of their nationality that their " bark was worse than their bite," but because he was stung by thirteen in or near one place. But I also can relate a fact, which, to the credulous, may appear certain proof that Mr. Sydserff's theory is correct. Some years since, wliUe cutting out the combs of a hive that had been fumigated, I received five stings ou the middle finger of the right hand ; at the same time one sting was planted in the fourth finger of the left hand. I remember thinking at the time that it was a grand opportunity for testing the truth of the author's theory ; and, singularly enough, there was little or no pain or swelling in the hand which received the five stuigs, while in the other I sutt'ered considerably. Nevertheless, I was sceptical on the ])oint, as I noticed that the finger which was niost stung was thickly covered with honey, which I have frequently noticed modifies the effects of the poison, while the other finger was quite dry. But it is also very certain that a sting or stings will take much greater effect at one time than at another, probably from the state of the blood ; and also that some stings will be vastly more painful than others, attended with more or less swelling according to the spot in which they are planted, no doubt from the vicinity to certain nerves or blood-vessels which facilitates the spread of the poi.son. Mr. Sydserff carries his view on this point so far as to assert that if "stung once, I have no objection against being stung twice ; and after I have been stung twice or three times, I do not mind if I am stung fifty or a hundred times;" and further on he says, " I formed a resolution never more to be stung by one bee alone unless another canuot be liad." He in common with many old authors asserts the drones to be the nurses of the brood. While we cannot coincide in this opinion, may not drones be of more service in the hives than many are disposed to believe ? During the height of the honey- gatlienng season drones are most plentiful. May they not servo to keep up the temperature of the interior when so large a number of the working bees are abroad ? We may notice that if cold and wet weather sets in during the summer, the drones are attacked and slaughtered by the bees ; but with a change for the better, not only are the lives of those in existence spared, but the queen renews her deposit of drone eggs. Mr. Sydserff asserts, that in uniting bees of different hives there will be no fighting if there is only one queen. Now, we know that this is not always the case, I have had as much fighting under such circumstances as any other. Warder also, as well as Sydserff, states that fighting will continue until one of the rival queens is destroyed, but that it immediately ceases so soon as I this occurs. This is bv no means correct. I have frequently 326 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [July 22, 1862. united bees where the deposed queen was the only sacrifice, except a few crushed or accidentally injured bees. It is not Ukely that she was kiiled the very instant tliat the union was effected ; as in the case of knocking out on a clotli and placing the hive to be reinforced over them, hundreds and thousands of the workers most probably ascended among the others before the queen attempted to do so. Sydserff evidently believes that bees invariably exhibit loyalty to a strange queea — tlnit is, if they have lost their own. This is certainly not correct, as I have found to my cost in attempting to place Ligurian and other queens at the head of stocks from which the rightful monarch has been deposed, the failures have far exceederi the successful issues of this experiment. In an instant after liberation has the queen been violently assailed by several bees, her wings gnawned to pieces, and the fatal sting applied to her defencelfss body. Another of Sy'ferff's fond fancies is that the queen is always attended by certain guards ; and more than this, that these guards are easily distinguislied from the rest " by the crest, tuft, or tassel which they wear on their heads. They are diirerent in colour, and in some greater aud some less, perhaps according to their dignities. These may be seen to walk in and out of good hives, several in on hour in the swarming montlis ; at other timci they are not so visible. Many of them may be seen in a swarm ; and in hives pestered with robbers they will be seen aboiit the door, walking to and fro among the bees, as if directing their fighting. When I want to look for a queen in the midst of n swarm, I look for these attendants." In the case of your being surrounded by angry bees, our author directs you to spit on them. As I never tried it, I cannot speak as to its elTectivenpss. In driving he seems, like Warder, to have been an adept, and to have understood the value of this mode of possessing himself of a hive's contents, and of forcing an artificial swarm much better that many a more modern author. At pages 63 and (M- he states, that when cells are being gradually filled wiih honey, a crust or cream is formed on the surface of the honey in every cell; that every bee that deposits honey in the cell pierces this crust, and, having discharged its contribution to the Imard, at once closes up this crust again. I believe there is no crust, cream, or covering of any description until the wax-cover itself is formed and closed. The last of liis crotchets which I shall allude to is that of the medicinal property of dead bees dried to a powder. This given to either ujan or beast will give immediate ease in the most excruciating pain, and many lives have been prolonged by its use. He therefore, for many years, desired persons when they killed their bees to preset ve as many as possible in clem paper. " I have often been ajiplied to for dead bees, and in some par- ticular cases, in order to save life, I have gone and put my hand into my hive and took out as many live bees as necessary, and killed thera." I should like to know in what their marvel- lous medicinal property may lie. This book was published in 1792, so that it is not so very ancient a treatise. The Rev. Mr. Thorley's work was published about the year 1761 by his son ; but the experience therein de- tailed relates to a period including the year 1713. With some exceptions I consider 'Ihorley's book superior to Sydserff's. Warder published in tlie reign of George I. a fine old treatise. This may well be styled in advance of the age. Keys, a extemporary of Sydserff (whose first treatise was pub- lished in 1780, but the edition which I have in 1814), is the author of a work very far snptn-ior to Sydseiff in practical value, and in views generally equally if not further advanced, Wildman's work, also of a considerably anterior date, is practically infinitely more useful, and altogether superior. There is much to be learned in the perusal of all these old authors ; but it appears to me that Sydserff's treatise must take rank among the lowest of those mentioned. — S. BuviN Fox, Exeter. [We were quite aware of Sydserff's shortcomings and erro- neous opinions, and intended to assert no more than Mr. Fox admits — namely, that Sy Iserff "was a practical and fearless operator, »nd that he was in advance of most bee-keepers in his condition," and this we think is especially so in relation to driving bees. We quite agree in thinking the works of Thorley, Keys, Warder, aud WiMinan are stiperior to that by Sydserff; but they were men in a higher station, and yet they are not free from crotchets and errors demonstrated bv later apiarians. — Eds. J. OP n.] DOG MUZZLES. The muzzles generally used for the purpose of preventing dogs from biting are those made of leather, having a strap surround- ing the nose and under jaw in such a manner that the mouth cannot be opened. Tliis contrivance is most cruel in its effects. It prevents the animal from breathing and perspiring freely when the respiration becomes accelerated from exertion aud the perspiratory action increased from heat — whether that ai-quired through the medium of the surrounding air, or generated within the .'■ystem from violent exercise. It should not be forgotten that tlie dog perspires from the mouth instead of the skin ; also that, from the formation of the air-passages of the head aud nostrils, a suSicieney of air cannot pass tlirougli them to the lungs for the accomplishment of quick breathing : therefore, unlike the horse, whose even quickest breathing is carried on entirely through the nostrils, the dog is obliged, when his respi- ration becomes at all hurried from increased circulation, to breathe through his mouth, which he opens for that purpose as well as to allow the increased salivary secretion to freely flow from it. Who has not observed the copious flow of saliva from the widely-opened mouth and tremblingly protruded tongue of the panting dog in warm weather after exertion? The ordinary leather muzzle, by keeping the jaws together and the mouth consequently closed, though it has the advantage of preventing the animal from biting, has also the disadvantages of inflicting on him the cruel tortures of partial suftbcation from want of sufficient air to the lungs, as well as from the accumulation of saliva within the mouth having a tendency to embarrass the throat ; also those of thirst — for the dog, excepting from the mamnise of his maternal parent, drinks not like the horse and human being by suction, but by the process of lapping with his tongue, to accomplish which the mouth must have perfect liberty of opening. 'Tlie wire-basket or cage-muzzle, when made sufficiently large to admit of the jaws being opened apart for drinking and tongue- panting, is a humane and elBcacious invention. It effectually prevents the animal from doing mischief with his teeth, while it allows Bufficieut freedom to the mouth and tongue for his comfort. The mere screen muzzle of wire projecting forwards from the upper part of the nose, leaving the under jaw and mouth uncovered, is often found ineffectual as a preventive of biting, particularly when dogs quarrel with each other, as in the scuffling and wrestling, a Ximh or some other part of the animal attacked may present itself under the wire projection at the top of the nose, and enter the very jaws of the assailant. All persons muzzling dogs, particularly in warm weather, with the ordinary leather muzzle that prevents the opening of the mouth, should be punished for cruelty to animals. — Pkofessoe Ferguson, Teierinary Surgeon to Her Majesty in Ireland. — (Dublin Agricultural Seview.) OUR LETTER BOX. CoMis OF Cochin Pollets (CocAi'm Siccticr).— Tlie twist In tlie combs of your Cochin pullets is a di,squalification. Tlley could only be successful where there were no perfect pens, and then only on the principle that " where all are blind, a one-eyed man is king.*' Nevertheless, these twists are very comnaoH among chickens, .■ind as many are in the s ime di.ilcuUy, we aQvise you to show those that approach nearest to perfection. Fault- less pens are very rare, and you may, therefore, have a g od chance of a prize. Dove with Dakkkned Plumage (A Jicgular Suhscrtber.) — It is not Ukely that the p uiuage of your Dove will revert to its original hue until after the next moult. We'have never found medicine of much avail with thse delicate birds, but when sick have endeavoured to re-toro theai by a change of diet and enlarged spice for exercise. To do well Doves require pulse, grain, a Utile green food as tufts of grass in seed, lime rubbish, w.iter to wash in, and above all a place sufficiently laige to admit of their exercising themselves by liigbt. LONDON MAEKETS.-.J0LY 21. POULTRY. The trade becomes less, and supply greater. Diminution of price is the natural consequence, and it will, doubtless, continue till wo reach the usual average of the dull time in London. Ducklings 2 6 to 3 0" Hares 0 0 „ 0 0 Rabbits 1 -1 ., 1 5 Wild do 0 S ,, 0 9 Pigeons 0 8 ,, 0 9 Large Fowls Smaller do Ch.ckens 3 '.'.'.'.'. 1 0 0 to 3 G „ 3 C „ 1 0 „ 0 0 „ 6 6 0 9 n Gosl'ngs C r, July 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 327 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Dot of M'ntb Day of Week. JULY 29-AUGUST 4, 1862. Wkatukk nkau London in 1861. Sun HiseB. Moon Clock Barometer. Thermom. Wind. llain in Inohes. Siin Rines Moon's j bffore Day of Sets, and SctsJ Ago. Sun. Year. 20 30 31 1 2 3 4 Tu W Th F S Sun M DitiEsma PCop:iria, A:c. Sulvii fulpens, &c. Witsenia covyinbosa. Adamla versicolor, .^dcsmia viscoea. 7 Sunday ai-ticr Tuikity. Ammobium alatuuii &c. 30 034-29 763 29.8.'iO-29.773 20.987-29.940 30.010—29.935 20.:s:i-29.027 29.034-29.735 30.028-29.974 degrees. 78-52 77-45 74-51 77-42 82-51 67—55 79-47 s. s.w. s.w. s.w. s. s.w. w. •01 •04 ■03 •01 m. h.i m. h. 21af4 52af7 22 4 : 50 7 23 4 49 7 IV j VII 2G 4 , 46 7 28 4 1 44 7 29 4 ; 42 7 m. h.l 26 8 1 3 49 8 1 4 49: S 24 a 9 G 51 9 7 25 10 J 8 11 0 m. fl. 6 11 6 9 6 7 6 4 6 0 5 M 5 61 210 211 212 213 214 215 21G MtTRnimrnrv ni. Till- WcFK — At Chiswick fvom observations during the last thirty-live years, the average highest and lowest temp»rrer„r,\^ed"f.m-e^5-34ndM'™'?e%eetTel^ Rreate.t heat 92^ oceurred on the Is., in 184C, ond 2nd In 1850 ; and the lowest cold, sr, on the 2S)th, in 1858, During the period 134 days were fine, and on 111 ram fell. THE KENSINGTON GAEDEN OF THE KOYAL HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETy. sin JOSKPH P.\XTON's Q.iEDEN. ID not I have many irons in tlie lire just now, and were I not behind time in my annual re- views of the state and progress of my calling around London, I should bo much tempted to review the last Number of The JOUENAL OF HOR- TicDLTUBE.ifonly to get a say about eagles, hawks, and falcons, with Mr. B. P. Brent, our great authority for all that is on the wing, and what is in the wind about them. Having begun life, as it were, in the very eyrie of the eagle, the raven, the roe, the "glade." and the ptarmigan, my own favourite bird out of the British fauna, I could tell and say things about them worthy of Audubon himself, for I was with him in the spirit when he first saw that grand eagle, the " Bird of Washington." But, of course, I would begin at the begin- ning, shake hands with my friend, " Jas. Anderson, Meadow Bank, Uddingstone;" tell him " as how " I once mistook Uddingstone, in the west country, for Dudding- stone, in the heart of Midlothian, and the Anderson of Meadow Bank, for the great hybridiser who sits in the ' ha ' where the laird of Cockpen found the solace of his best days after all, or thereabouts ; then tackle him for having been led away by the rattling of the " broken bottles." For although I never pretended to any very great things in the line myself, yet I have not disguised from the first that, having had the ear of the gardening public for so many years, I was made the acknowledged mouthpiece of a large section of the class to whom the subject is as familiar as their o.vn gloves ; and they tell me, and I tell it to you with the greatest pleasure imaginable, that all the criticisms that have yet appeared upon this garden have their basis just as sub.stantial in fact, as the basis on which Chevreul built up his ideas on the way by which flowers ought to be set for eflfect, and you all know by this time what that effect ended in. Now, I shall just tell you a secret. I told of the fact that I was deterred from reading Chevreul's book for three years after it appeared, from merely reading the nonsense for which Dr. Lindley and the Times had given leaders to explain. But the utter nonsense of the matter was pointed out to me, and I was told that I was not then firm enough in the faith to enable me to resist the fascination of the strange doctrine in that book about flowers ; and when I did read it I said I would as soon read the Koran on ilower-gardening as the French dyer. And only last week I received fu'l powers to say, that No. 70. — Vol. III., New Serie?. with a few accidental errors in the details, by Mr. Neg- field, the rest is as true in artistic design as anything that is on record since art left the cradle, without having any material thing new in the composition. Ten or twenty artists might produce as many different designs for the same piece of ground, and every one of them might be as true to art, and to the history of art bo exemplified, as this one is, and yet scope enough be left for the fancy in criticism without foundation. As long as an artist does not violate a principle, he is safe from criticism; for all that the critic can bring against him is based on fashion only, and fashion is as the wind for con- stancy, while principle remains firm as the tide of time. Mr. Nesfield made an egregious blunder, and broke a principle in natural science itself, in the very centre of each of the four glaces, by making the English Eose with six petals— a mere matter of detail, which Mr. Eyles could put right for the value of one man's time for two days. There is another great error of detail in not making the highly artistic fans in the centre of the garden neither duplicate nor balancing eacli on its own axis. Both fans, therefore, are as a pig with one ear, as artists have it, when a thing of the sort is seen ; and there is a third error in detail, in the planting of the rows of trees the whole length of the middle terrace on both sides. There are two rows of trees on either side of the garden, and the " ramps," or the beautiful and easy incline of grass from level to level in place of steps, come in between the two rows, but not in the very centre between the two rows : therefore they, the rows of trees, are " out of joint," as they say, or else the ramps from north to south are a pig with one ear. Correct these three manifest errors, and the rest that you can bring against our most beautiful and most artistic town garden is a mere matter of taste or fashion- Then one fashion or one taste is just as good or just as bad as another, and all you say for or against it goes to the four winds of heaven without detracting a hair's breadth of merit from the design. After discussing all that, with variations about Eepton and Loudon, with my esteemed west-countryman, I would hold him by the button-hole while I would discuss with him about the value and about the weight of the value of the opinions " of the best-informed" of our ain kins- folk, " who have seen the garden for the first time ; " and I would tell him from my own experience of my corner of the column for correspondents, that better folks than the " best-informed " among the Scottish clans do fall into as much and much greater errors from preconceived notions about things they learn, or endeavour to com- prehend, from seeing it in black and white. Nothing is more common than to hear, " I was, or we were, quite disappointed." I myself was as thoroughly disappointed as any man ever was about anything on this earth, when I first saw the King's London house ; also London west, as compared with the new town of Edinburgh, was a sham and a delusion in my eyes, just like those who thought Mr. NcsCcld's plan of our garden. No. 722.— Vol. X.XVIIT., Old Series. S28 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULIURE AND COTTA&E GARDENER. [ July 29, 1862. looked so flue ou pipei-, and so mucli different from the looks when they looked at the reality. Now, I shall just tell you a truth, -with which I would illustrate this mtt of the question, while I held him still by the button-hole. I once knew a great man ; he was very rich, and he had rery good toste, and was a good critic, and yet he had not a good eye. He would need to see a model of a thing before he could tell you how it would look ; but a journeyman in the art by which the model was made, could see and point out any fanlt or any superiority in the model quite as well as the groat man, or any other person or critic whatever. I knew another who was, by a gift of Nature, exceedingly clever, in addition to good taste, and a thorough good eye, and that other would readily detect the smallest error in the largest design or plan after a tew glances. Tlicre is nothing of the fancy in this, I know the parties well. Now, the application I make of my knowledge of the facts just stated is this : When a man tells me he was very much disappointed with a book or a plan after reading and seeing so much of it on paper — say in plans, or in reviews, I put bun down as a man wlio would need a model to understand a thing of that sort ; and as models cannot be made of anything, or seen by all such men, there must always be certain men who must necessirily pass through this life in dis- appointments of one sort or another : and therefore I weigh the value of the weight of their adverse or fair criticism before I would be influenced by them one way or the other ; and if others would take a leaf out of that part of my book, they would soon find out the weight and value of it wlien they had a need of putting it in practice. The great natural defect in the great mass of mankind is their liability to put their fancy in place of a model, before the mind's eye, and so misjudge or be led by misjudgment. After saying aU that, with what his remarks might suggest in addition, I would attempt a paraphrase of part of the dialogue between Louth and Cecas, Burn's twa dogs ; and to break off in better mood than you might think of, I would say tlie most funny thing that 1 could think of, in comparison between the Irishman and his horse, and the " miserable lines of Portugal Laurels and those forlorn groups of Limes," from Lord Holland's place to our garden. You recollect Paddy sold his horse free from all faults ; and when it had been discovered that the beast was blind of one eye, and half blind of the other, he declared that was no fault at all at all, but a misfortune. Neither is it a fault of us or ours, that our trees and shrubs have not yet re- covered sufficiently, in eighteen months, from the effects of their removal to a more smoky climate, to be of much interest to people who have been familiar with what Sir Henry Steuart had done at Allanton Park. But what I was going to write about to-day was altogether different. I was going to bring up all my arrears in a lump, now that the summer shows are over ; rehearse all the new bed and edging plants of this season ; say what I had seen afresh and what I had been doing at home — and, as charity begins there, so will I. I cut out-of-door Grapes in July this year for two reasons : the first to get before Capt. Hopkins, of Surbiton Hill, who liad done me in Grapes ; the second reason was, because the weather, bo it ever so fine, would not ripen one of them, except it might be for Covent Garden. I went then and told the Captain I had the start of him, and I was startled myself at his flower-gardening, his ribbon-borders, his new edgings, his Farfugiums, his Harry Moore's system of growing specimen Geraniums up to seventeen years of age, his propagation, and his waterworks ; and, above all, after discussing some of the reminiscences of our garden exploits with his father, the best specimen we have in Surbiton of the old English gentleman, now over eighty years of age, I thought the least I could say about my Grapes the sooner I could get the Captain in the humour to allow me to report him as he is. Sir Joseph Paxton's bedding plants are much the earUest I have seen this season anywhere. I thought Mr. Eyles was more forward with Geraniums and Calceolarias at our new garden tliau any one else till I got to the heights of Sydenham, and when I could hardly believe my own eyes there they told me the whole secret. Sir Joseph's Geraniums are on Harry Moore's system, very old, very strong, and one mass of bloom all over and down the sides, in the same pots goodness knows how long, and the pots planted with them and taken up and housed witi\ them, wintered and set out again and again till at last they gain in their turn one whole month in advance of bloom on the London season. But it requires good gardening to do such masses of plants as they should be under that system, and no gardener oat of five thousand has the command of house-room to keep a whole host of specimen plants in pots, and in a way that some Australian plants for exhibition do not receive. But depend upon it, ere many years are passed over our heads, all the chief bedders for the London season will be done on this plan and principle. It has now been proved practicable by the first garden authority of the age, and no doubt at all about it, and others who are able to afford the expense and the luxury will follow suit; and like the fasliion of the dresses where there are not many years be- tween the drawing-room and the back-kitchen, the fashion of the early flowers of the London season will reach the back premises of suburban gentility ; and if you want to see a fashion carried out with the pride and spirit of our race, that is just the very place to look for it. Every kind and sort of bedding plant will tlien, and must, therefore, have a compartment or so much room for its own necessities till the plants are too big to move about. Well, at the first day of the llaudel Festival, and again at the Rose Show at the Crystal Palace, the very Lobelias in Sir Joseph Paxton's garden were 9 inches and a foot respectively in dia- meter ; they must have been big enough last Christmas for plant- ing-out as we have been accustomed, and they must have been in bloom by the 1st of May to make such a start as I have seen at those periods. There is a chain pattern on grass in front of a long verandah, where the new lovely Lobelia Paxtoniana runs all round, and in and out through the patterns — the most beautiful thing I ever saw ; but tlie blaze of yellow and scarlet, of white and blue from the bank beyond, must have lent aid to the brilliancy, and the sun was just getting low enough behind one to make the whole thing an Eyebright. In the different orchard-houses there ia not a fruit tree in a pot — all are planted-out, trained in various ways, and closely stopped, the crops very large and promising. In one house, iu which Strawberries had been ripened early, there was a full crop of early Potatoes just as in an open border ; the large house for the supply of early Kidney Beans. Melons were again the same as last year — no bottom heat, or bed of any sort ; a hole in the border under the centre of each light, and a barrowful of compost mixed with the natural soil, and the "hill" raised 2 inches above tlie level of the border, the surface of the whole of the borders covered with coal ashes for standing the pots of Beans on, were all the preparations which were visible, the plants and the crop looking splendid. Of all the writers about Melons Mr. Fish comes the nearest to Sir Joseph's practice. The practice of both and the result appear to me to be just as close as any two methods not exactly alike can possibly be j the only difference is, that there they do not disbud the main leaders as he does, but they keep the Vines or stems as far apart as he recommends — indeed, no two leaves are allowed to touch, and yet you do not see an inch of bare stem in the house. The fruit is elevated a little on some nonconductor of moisture as soon as it is set, or just when setting. D. IJEATOlf. GRAPES SHANKING. I TOOK charge of a vinery the latter end of January last, the A''ines in which, all Black Hamburghs, I pruned at once, and com- menced forcing about the middle of February. They have made some good, strong, healthy wood, and shown plenty of middle- sized bunches of Grapes, which looked well until the swelling-off and colouring process, then they began to shank off very badly, I suppose my predecessor had the same Vines under his care nearly fourteen years, and he was known to produce some very good crops of Grapes, but rather wanting in colour and flavour. I doubt this cold wet season is telling on their roots. The two original Vines are planted outside, one at each end of the house. Since the Vines were first planted they have been layered in the inner border at the back of the house, and two stems allowed to run down each rafter. The two original A'ines are planted out- side under a gravel-walk that leads from the kitchen garden, &e., where neither protection nor nutriment can be given satisfac- torily. I understand the stems that are layered at the back of the house were lilted about seven years ago, and replanted in fresh compost, into which they were expected to root and run across the inner border under the flue and front wall into a new border made at the same time in front of the house, 4 feet deep by 18 feet wide. I am afraid their roots are too deep. I have examined the roots in the inner border, and find that they are July 29, 1862. ] JODRNAL OF HORXICULIUKE AND COTXAGE GARDKNKR. 329 not withia a foot of the surface ; and if tliat is the case (so nciir homo), how deep will their roots be after they haye pone under the front wall, &c., into the outside border, which is 2 feet above the inner border and ground level, mal;ing the roots between 3 feet and 4 feet deep in the outside border ? AVill you give rae some information respeeting their fuither treatment, &c. ? Do you think it would be advisable to purchase half a dozen strong, healthy Vines, and plant tliem in the outside border, and cut one of the old stems away to make room for the young Vines, retaining the otlier old stem for further crop, until the young Vines come into bearing ? I forgot to say that two or three old dead horses were cut into pieces and buried in the outside border. For my own part I am no great advocate for such carrion borders. I propose to turn the border the latter end of January next, and at the same time to mix a few cartloads of turf, to lighten and make the soil more porous, to cause the wood to grow short-jointed, and to give the fruit liigher flavour. If you should approve of planting young Vines, will you kindly inform me whether the annexed list of Vines would answer in this cold part, in the north, near Newcastle? I had almost forgotten to say tliat tlie house in future will be used as a greenhouse in autumn, winter, and early spring for bedding-out plants, &c. Black Hamburgh, Dutch Sweetwater, Black Ilamburgh, and Golden Hamburgh, at the warmest end. Black Hamburgh, Royal Muscadine, and Black Prince, at the coldest end. — A SuB- SCaiDEE, Newcastle. [Your case is a singular one in many respects, and Vine- borders having formed a prominent feature in the last and pre- sent vohmies, we will just shortly offer a few ideas on your case. Firstly, We do not think that the wet season would have much to do with the shanking and want of colouring, because so great a proportion of tlie roots would be inside the house, where rains, &c., would not reach them, and we should not imagine that many of the roots had got into the outside border. If many had got there, and at such a depth, that would no doubt account for it ; and so would having a high temperature aud a moist atmosphere in such dull weather, with a languid root-action owing to the coldness of the soil, and the depth of the roots in it. Secondly, All layering of Vines, however vigorous the growth afterwards, has a tendency to produce bad colouring and shank- ing, inasmuch as the roots are placed in different circumstances, and one set may be excited whilst the others are comparatively dormant. Plants layered so that each layer shall have its one set of roots, and the layer then be separated from the farent plant, will then be much in the same condition as a plant raised from a cutting, with its roots radiating from one point. If left to continue as a layer, the plants will not have fair pUy, as one part of the roots, as in the present case, will be in very different circumstances from the other. We know some houses where there has been such twisting and layering, that it would be difficult to know which was the original plant, and which the layer ; but we have never seen the Grapes free of shanking and shrivelling, and that chiefly because while one set of roots might be 3 feet down, otliers might be no more than 3 inches. The discord among the roots left the tops in the lurch whenever a stress came. Thirdly, In most cases where forcing is to be given to Vines, we prefer them being planted inside, as then there is no trouble in securing their stems from frost ; hut, then, we have equally insisted on one of two things — either that the roots shall also be confined inside, or if allowed to go out, the outside border shall not only slope, but be lower than the inside one, so that the roots shall not be buried. In your case, after layering the Vines at the back wall of a lean-to house, and giving them some 12 feet or 15 feet, or more, inside the house, anotlier border is made outside not only 18 feet wide, but 2 feet higher outside the house than the floor inside. Were no otlicr remedies applied, and this outside border was made, we would remove the 2 feet outside, and as much more as would render the inside border the highest. We shoidd then expect the Vines you have to do better. Fourthly, But the border being made there seems no reason why it should not be occupied with young Vines, and the old ones retained until the young ones were in full bearing. The lirst thing against doing this at once is the depth of the border — 4 feet, which will have a tendency to give strong, luxuriant, instead of well-ripened wood, a tendency increased by the carrion of which you disapprove. Tliat, however, having lain so long, will be somewhat mollified now, and if there is good drainage, one of two modes might be ailopted now. let, Supposing that after drainage the soil is pretty good for the purpose, get good young plants, and plant at once ; they will grow a good bit, and ripen their base buds this season well, so as to start strong in the next. But in this case in such a border the plants would require to be raised, and ]>lanled again in two years near the surface, and surfacings and mulchings would require to be after- wards used to keep the roots near the surface — in other words, entice them to the surface, instead of letting them go donnas they otherwise would. This would involve, on the whole, less trouble, but would not be so satisfactory. As to your second plan. The border seems to have just the right slope now. Well, then, sec the drainage in front is all right, take out 3 feet of the soil, heat the bottom, concrete it, lay drains across to the front drain, place over that 9 inches of rubble, and an inch of finer lime rubbish, then replace with 2\ feet of soil, using the best of the old and a little new, and lime rubbish, and plant as soon as finished. You may expect this to settle from 3 inches Ui 0 inches, but then the border will be as high as it is now. Such a border should produce Vines more fruitful than extra luxuriant, and luxuriance can be sup- plied by top-dressings. This pliin would be the best ; but if the deep border was otherwise good, the first plan would in- volve less labour, and if Vines are raised the second year after planting, there is not the same disposition in the roots to descend afterwards, if the soil is kept moist and mulched at the surface. For the extra trouble, however, it would be well to make all sure. The Vines are all right, only we would place Dutch Sweetwater at the warm end. — B. F.] BLUE YITRIOL AS A CUEE FOE EOSE MILDEW. In reply to your correspondent, I beg to state that the vitriol which I use for white mildew in Roses is blue vitriol (sulphate of copper). Sulphur out of doors is not a sure cure. I have used vitriol with complete success on strong Rose plants. For pot plants when their leaves are tender, probably 1 oz. to a stable- bucket of cold water would be safer thon 2 ozs., which is the quantity I have used for older plants with hardened leaves. I may observe by the wayside that hot and close situations are sure to produce white mildew in pot plants. The novelties of 1862 planted in the open garden have been quite free from it, while those planted in front of my house have been attacked. The fingers are the best cure for aphides aud white mildew.— W. F. Radcitffe, Mushton Rectory. COUNTEY HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETIES AND THE EAILWAY COxMPANIES. We think that the railway companies arc not only illibera' but penny-wise and pound-foolish in their conduct towards loca^ horticultural societies. For example ; neither the North-western nor the Great Northern would convey free of carriage the unsold plants from the Stamford Horticultural Fete : consequently we are told of first-rate specimens which were not sent. Surely the companies in question might have afforded this encourage- ment to the Exhibition, since we are informed that they had to run fen or twelve special trains for the conveyance to it of passengers. We are willing to lend our aid to promote these great local shows, and wished to send a special reporter, but the Great Northern Railway declined to give liim a free pass. Now, they act more liberally in the convejance of live stock and reporters to and from agricultural shows, and we are unable to penetrate the subtleties of the railway mind so far as to discern why they make a distinction where there is no difference. At the Stamford Horticultural Fete were from 10,000 to 12,000 visitors, and surely if the Marquis of Exeter will incur the intrusion of such numbers on his grounds at Burghley ; if thi Committee and the Secretary of the Society will undergo the labour and bestow the time required for such a Show ; and if the Press are willing to help and increase such gatherings — suiely the railways ought to be more liberal, for they are the only jtarties ivJio are pecuniarlhi henejiled by them. We will take this opportunity to add a few notes with which we have been favoured on the hoses exhibited at Stamford. There were over a himdrcd entries for Roses, which formed an extensive feature in the Exhibition. These were contained 330 JOUBNAl OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. [July 29, 1862. in a tent 120 feet long, in double rows down the centre after the plan of arrangement at tlie South Kensington Exhibition. The first prize in the Open Class oi" Uiree trusses of IS's was awarded to Messrs. Paul & Son ; but the stands of Messrs. Francis, Cant, and Harrison, of Darlington, contained some very fine blooms. We noticed particularly tlie unequalled trusses of Senateur Vaisse and Anna de Diesbach, two gems in the stands ■of Mr. Francis. Mr. Wni. Draycott, of Leicester, was first in the 24'e ; Mr. Walters, of Trowbridge, was eeaond ; Mr. Batley, of Rugby, third. Tiie Rev. S. R. Hole carried off his due — tlie cup for 21 varie- ties in tlie class for Gi-ardeners and Amateurs ; and Mr, Wm. Corp, of Milford, that for the 12 varieties. The Rev. S. R. Hole was again first in the Class of 12'3 for Gardeners c nly ; and Mr. Corp first for the (5 varieties. In Tea-scented Roses Messrs. Paul were first with Triomphe de Rennes, and Mr. Cant second with Celine I'orestier. Mr. Cant exhibited a stand of Cloth of Gold in fair condition — a novelty indeed for this season. The first for 12 blooms of Senateur Vaisse was awarded to Mr. Francis, whose blooms were dazzling and well coloured. Louis XIV. was well shown by Mr. Walters, of Trowbridge, who was first in N«w Rosns ; and Mr. Cant second. As a Rose show, the Exhibition has barely been equalled. A heavy (huuderstorm on the previous Wednesday marred the hopes of some intending exhibitors ; but, considering the season, the Roses were decidedly good. From the success which lias attended this Exliibition we trust it may not be the last. The fine old town of Stamford, with its magnificent niediceval churches and remains, combined with its convenient and delightful situa- tion, render it a most suitable centre for a joint meeting of northern, midland, and southern growers. EOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. July 22nd. Florai Committee. — There were two grand novellies before the Committee at this Meeting — the great gold-gilt Lily of Japan, Llliuin anratam, referred to at page 311, from Messrs. Veiteh and Son, the Exotic Nursery, and a new crimson and gold Disa, a superb variety of Disa grandiBora, from J. C. Leach, Esq., Clapham Park. The Committee were unanimous in their awards to these splendid flowers, giving a Special Certificate for the Lily, in addition to the first-class honours which were be- atowed on it at the July Exhibition of the Society. Mr. Leach sent a noble specimen of Disa grandiflora, that the Committee might compare it with the much superior variety fhown now for the first time. They named it Disa r/randijlora snperha, and gave it the highest award at the.r disposal, a First- class Certificate. The c'itference between it and the species con- sists in the superior colouring of all the parts of the flower. There were three noble spikes of bloom on it, and three flowers open on each spike. The variegated Day Lily from Japan (Hemerocallis), which was particularly referred to in our report of the Exhibition in July, was also awarded a First-class Certificate at this Meeting. The first Dahlia of the season was there, but no one proposed honours for it, A pale-flowering Fuchsia was exhibited from Buckingham Palace, to show the ancient tendency in the family to bloom at the extreme points of the shoots in close cymes or trusses of bloom, standing upright, as in Fuchsia arborescens. lu this instance the flowers were not in " heads," like those of F. arborescens, or say like Laurustinus flowers, but they were most numerous towards the points of the shoots, and standing upright. Some of the members were familiar with this kind of deviation from the usual habit of the family. There was a good collection of superior Verbenas exhibited by Mr. Smith, of the Ilornsey Road Nursery, for which a Special Certificate was given. Also, a collection of white Fuchsias, of • which Prince Alfred and Bridesmaid were our choice. But Fuehsios mu t be something very superior in these days, and so must Pinks and Carnations. Mr. Turner, of Slough, sent three boards of Carnations and Picotees, every one of which was quite good enough to present to the Pacha of Egypt, and sweet enough to vie with the most spicy odours of Arabia ; and yet tlio florists, to whom all such are specially referred, selected one kind only for the highest honours to the race. That one is called after Lady Elcho, and is ivory white, and of ivory substance, witli a fairy ring of puce purple all along the edges — that is to say, Mr. Turner has changed this flower at last from being a Picotee to be a plain flower, and is rewarded for cancelling the very best flower that his grandsires liad in their borders. A pyramidal device was exhibited, wide as a bushel measure across the bottom, and high as a heaped measure on the rise. This was planted with the finest of our tiny flora, the Sundew, Drosera rotundifolia; but the sun was not up enough to give the reflection from the pearl-like dew or natural secretion of the plant standing on all parts of the surface of the plant. Fbuit Committee. — A Meeting of the Fruit Committee was held on Tuesd.iy, the 22nd inst. Mr. Edmonds in the chair. Prizes were offered for the following subjects. Class A. — For best dish of Peaches. In this class the only exhibitor was Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough, who produced Qrosso Mignonne in fine condition. The fruit being well grown and highly flavoured, the First Prize was awarded to Mr. Turner. The same gentle- man also eiliibitcd a very fine dish of Noblesse. In Class B, for the best dish of Nectarines, Mr. Turner was again tlie only exhibitor. The variety shown was Hunt's Tawny, and to this the First Prize was awarded. In Class C, for tlie best dish of Plums, Messrs. Lane, of Berkhampttead, exhibited handsome fruit of Kirkc's Plum, which were unripe ; and Mr. Tillyard, gardener to J. Kelk, Esq., of Slaiimore Priory, exhibited Green Gage, Jeffjrson, and Victoria. All three were remarkably fine productions, pnrtii iilarly the Green Gage and Victoria. The First Prize was awarded to Green Gage, and as Jefferson was not quite ripe, the Second was awardoti to Victoria, which waa not only of large size but of excellent flavour for that variety. In Class D, for the best collection of the newer sorts of Straw- berries, Mr. Ingram, of Frogmore, exhibited Cockscomb, Rifle- man, Frogmore Late Pine, Elton Improved, and Fairy Queen. This being the only competition and the examples being very good, the First Prize was awarded. In Class D, for the best collection of any varieties of Strawberries, Mr. TuriuT, of Slough, exhibited British Queen, Carolina Superba, Rifleman, Frog- more Late Pine, Rivers' Eliza, Wizard of the North, Ingram's Prince of Wales, Ingram's Prince Arthur, Elton Pine, Filbert Pine, Empress Eugenie, Sir Charles Napier, Crimson Queen, Oscar, TroUope's Victoria, and Eleanor. This was a fine col- lection, and received a First Prize. In Class F, for the best collection of Currants, Mr, Turner showed fine dishes of Cherry, Red Grape, Wilmot's Red, Black Naples, White Dutch, and Ch.impagne. The bunches and berries i:i ev,-ry case were large. Mr. Lakeman, gardener to J. Campbell, Esq., Grove House, llendon, sent Houghton Castle or Goliath, Red Duteli, and Knight's Red (which were the same), Black Naples and com- mon Black (also the same). White Dutch, Pearl Wliite, and common U'liite (all three the same), and the Green-fruited Black. Mr. Turner's collection bting the best, ho was awarded the first prize, and the second was given to Mr. Lakeman. A Seedling Straw'oerry was received from Capt. Goldney, of Slough, called Etonia ; but the flavour was very inferior and acid. It evidently wants a better season to perfect it. Robert Wrench, Esq., of London Bridge, sent a dish of the now very rare Myatt's I'ine Apple Strawberry, a very richly flavoured variety, having the true Pine flavour. Mr. William Thomson, gardener to his Grace the Duko of Buccleuch, Dalkeith Park, sent fruit of the same seedling Grape which he exhibited last year. On this occasion the bunch was a foot long, and weighed 1 lb. 2 ozs. It was well set, and the berries were larger than they were last year. The flavour is as fine as that of the Chasselas Musque, but it is a totally distinct Grape from that vaiiety. It was not quite ripe, but it was sufficiently so to enable the Committee to form a high estimate of its value. Mr. Thomson intimated that he would submit this Grape again to the Meeting on the I2th of August. Mr. Thom- son sent three other seedlings, which, however, were in too early a stage to enable the Committee to form an opinion upon them. A very nice collection of Grapes was received from the garden, grown on Vines in pots. A Seedling Melon was sent by Messrs. Carter & Co-, of Hol- born, which, however, was found not to possess any remarkable merit. Crystal Paiaoe. — The gardens and grounds of the Palace are now in their prime, flowers and foliage at their best. The beds on tlie terraces and the rosery have been kept back by the unseasonable weather, but the sun of the last few days is novf July :9, 1802. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICCLXURJi: AND COTTAGE QARDENEI). 331 bringinc thorn out in nstouisaing benuly. Tlie view of tlio surrounding country from the terraces, and from the superb dining-rooms in tlie south wing, are most charming ; while to those who do not mind a little fatigue, the panoraaia spread out before them when at the top of the lofty wuter-towera is without its equal. The whole of London spread out as a mop, the wiiul- ings of the river, the extensive views into Middlesex, Essex, Kent, Suri-oy, Sussex, and Berkshire, show a beauty of home scenery which cannot bo siu'passed. Attendants with telescojics are provided in the tower galleries to point out surrounding ohjocts of interest. THE SEASON. We havo had, and are having, a weary season ; vain, wind and cold, more like Oetobor or November than July. Such havo been the afternoon and night of yesterday. We thought 18(50 and 1801 were wet seasons, but this year it is worse, and you cannot imagine the wretched appeai-ance of the flower-beds. Zinnias, Asters, Verbenas, &o., never seem to have grown since put out of doors. The Roses are dashed to pieces ere their b auties have been half developed. I never saw a greater show of Apple and Plum bloom, but there is very little fruit. Half the Apples have dropped olT grub-eaten. Snails are as plentiful as locusts in the east. Caterpillars are innumerable, and I havo only been able to save the Gooseberries by having the trees " hand-picked ;" this is the way to make sure of the vermin. I tried soot, suds, and tobacco water in vain. The ashes of burnt bark have been strongly recommended, and are, I believe, a good help ; but the only cure is " catching and killing," ifany fruit trees are blighted ; my Blaek Currants are only half-size, as tliey liavJ been loft without sufficient leaves. This is a great Potato district, and, so far, the earlies are a good crop and free from disease. You may judge of the sort of haytime here when I inform you there have only bien four days wi'hout rain since June 7, and until within a v.-eek the temperature has been very low. With all this rain my bees have done well. From two com- mon straw hives I have had four good swarms, and a fifth has either " gone " or tlio exceeding wet of the last few weeks has stopped them. These few lines are simply to afford a little information about this wet and out-of-t\ic-way county. — Cheshire. P.S. — I do not allow any birds to ba shot on my grounds. WINTERING PLANTS IN A FRAME. Will you oblige a cottager with your opinion as regards wintering common plants in a cold frame ? By " common plants " I mem such as arc generally termed bedding pluuts. I u?ed to succeed pretty well in the county of Oxford ; but I am now in Lancashire, and I fear I shall not succeed so well. I intend placing my frame on the south side of my cottage, and am obliged to have the back of it close to the building, else it would be in the way. It is only a two-light frame, so that I think the disadvantage of getting to the back of it will not be great. I am thinking of making a floor of bricks, as they will make a drier bottom than anything else I know. Wiiero I intend placing my frame is an iron air-grating, the size of a brick, which admits air under the floor of my cottage, and another on the west side, measuring, I supjiose, under the floor, 4 yards or 5 yards. I should like to know if it would be an advantage in helping to remove the damp stagnant air when the frame is closed so long in frosty weather if I cut a piece out of the back of the frame so as to admit air into the frame where it fits against the iron grating? I also think it would be an advantage to make another opening through the frame near the top, and also anotlier opening through the wall with another grating put in the wall opposite tlie piece cut out from near the top of the frame. The top opening through the wall would be inside my cottage just above the floor. I am thinking of mixing some soot, lime, and ashes together to cover the earth before I lay the bricks. — A Lovee oj Natuiie. P.S.— You might say a small greenhouse would be far the best ; but a greenhouse, however small, would be far more expense than cottagers generally could afford. I know many cottagers that have their little cot full of plants, and would have a pretty show about their cottage in summer couUl thoy secure more plants through the winter. [We do not think you will fin 1 m.uch diff. rence in tbe man- agement of your frame in Lancashire, from what you practised at Oxford. Your ide.> of the air-gratings is a good one, only you must bo sure that tlie air tliat thus comes below your floor is heated enough to be free of frost in severe weather. This you can remedy by partially or wholly shutting at times the external air-brick. The having an additional one entering the cottage from the frame is olso a good idea ; and if the position of the frame would admit of it, if that oii-opening was a foot or 15 inches higher up, it would be all the better. Then we would improve on the lower grating a little. Even then your two openings would be at the back, and in dull weather there would not be much circulation at the front ; but carry a drain from tho lower grating to the front, and raise an upright pipe there, e.nd the circulation would be complete. In cold, frosty weather there would be little harm in shutting the external air-opening, for if the air in the frame gets down to 35°, or so, there will be little danger from damp, especially with tho gratings inside open. With plenty of covering, frost may be easily kept out. Be sure that any opening between the frame and the wall is thoroughly picked with sawdust, or some other non-conJucting medium, as dry moss, &e. Damp, as you seem to be aware, will be your great enemy ; avoid having moist litter against the sides of tho fraino in winter. Tlie cheapest protection in the end would bo a double frame, with 3 inches between, and that packed with sawdust dry, and a hoard on the top to keep out damp — that is, covering the space securely between both boxes. That will keep out more cold than a 14-inch brick wall, solid. The next best would be to use straw 3 inches thick, tied neatly to the sides and front of the frame. So far for the out- eides. Your proposed flooring of brick will be neat and cleanly, but it will not prevent damp rising, and, withal, will be rather expensive. If you do it now, a more secure bottom would be formed of the ashes yon speak of and gas tar some 3 inches thick. No damp would rise through this, and none will go through it. For this purpose the site of your frame sliould be raised — say 9 inches or a foot above tho surrounding ground, the site being larger in length and width than the frame by 18 inches, and the ground to slope down to the level beyond that. On this ))ut a stifl' mixture of the ashes and the gas tor,, and press it smooth, and if yon then like lay your bricks on the top of it ; but we would prefer some road-drift sand when the mixture was getting a little tough. This will be all sweet enough before you want to use it in tho autumn, and you would be sure of dryness. In summer a few holes should be left to allow the water to run out tliat escapes from pot-watering. In winter no pot should be watered except on a fine day, and then it should be watered outside, allowed to drain, and then be replaced in the frame. If you could lay your brick ■> thus elevated on dry chalk, and cement them together, it would be pretty well ; but whenever the bottom side of the bricks gets damp, you will soon have the upper side damp likewise. Much, however, may be done by dusting the bottom with dry sand, as you move and shift the plants in a fine day. In such a frame we would hardly water a plant from October to March, but when a plant got dry we would take it out, water it, allow it to drain thoroughly, and then replace it. We have been thus particular as to minutia; to oblige many like our correspondent who desire to make their cottage gardens brilliant with bedding plants in the season. If they have no frame, however, they need not despair of doing this, as a few windows rightly used, and tho plants moved to the eetitre of the room on cold nights, will enable them to have as many plants as they could well keep in a two-light box. The box may, however, be used for so many purposes that we should be anxious to see one in every cottiger's garden ; and a handy man might soon put a rough one together for himself.] SOME or OUR RARE WILD FLOWERS. Or the rare Lobelia urens, which grows only on Helminglon Common, near Axminster, and of the Cheddar Pink (Dianthus ca'sius), which is confined to the Cheddar rocks, I can obtain specimens ; and 1 now enclose a drawing and also a dried spe- cimen of the equally rare little Trichonema bulbocodiuui, which has only one habitat in the kingdom— namely, the Dawlish Warren, which is in this immediate neighbourhood. It is a most 332 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAG-E GARDENER. [ July 29, 1862. interesting liitle plant, abundant in Guernsey, whence it is sup- posed to have been brought to this country in baJlast, and thrown out on the Warren, where it has become naturaUsed. It was, I believe, first observed there about the year 1833, and recorded by botanists in several eubsequent seasons, but after a time it disappeared, and was supposed to be lost. We, however, were fortuHate enough to rediscover it some ten years ago, whilst in company with the late Dr. Landsborough, and since that time I have observed it nearly every season ; but it is exceedingly shy of blooming, and very difDcult to detect by those who are not well acquainted with its habitat, as the llower is minute, and grows in the turf close to the ground. In cold, wet springs it rarely opens its blossoms; but in the warm sunshiny days of a geui^il April it is seen in great pro- fusion, its delicate flowers of blue lilac covering the sward in large patches like exquisite little gems. To show how difficult it is of detection, I may mention that a gentleman, a friend of mine, to wliom I had described its locality on the Warren, told me he had marked out a large patch of ground on which he thought he was certain to find it, and being determined to succeed, he subdivided the space thus marked out into small squares, and went over the whole patch most carefully, but failed in his otject. You may, therefore, imagine his delight when I accompanied him to the Warren, and showed him the plant, which was then in full beauty. The Tussilago fi'agrans grows quite wild in our lanes, and about Torquay there are many rarities. — A. C. G. THE GRAPE VINE. A Practical Treatise on the Cultivation of the Grape Vine. By W. Thomson, Gardener to the Duke of Buvcleugh, DaUceHh Farh. W. Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London. Mr. Thomson has long been known as one of the most suc- cessful cultivators cf the Vine. He is also well known as one who can clearly and well express his thoughts, and narrate facts either in conversation or by the aid of his pen. A book upon Yine culture from him, therefore, must be expected to be ex- Gelhnt, and that before us will not disappoint that expectation. Mr. Thomson omits the out-door culture of the Grape altogether, because, as he states, *' in these days of cheap glass it is a most unsatisfactory investment of both time and skill to attempt its culture except under glass." Our author then details the construction of a vinery, gives directions for heating the atmosphere and soil, dwells upon ven- tilation, drainage, covering the surface of the borders, preparing the soil, planting, choice of plants; proceeds to detail the treat- ment of the Vines during their first, second, and fruiting year ; describes the pruning and propagating of Vines; shows a new mode of growing Vines in pots for table decoration; descants on the diseases of Vines and tiieir cure ; concluding with notes on packing Grapes, keeping them after they are ripe, an amateur's vinery calendar, and some experiments with Vines. In all these sections the practical directions are clear, simple, and excellent, and may be consulted advantageously by the amateur and tyro Grape-grower. We will extract as au example the section on KEEPING GEAPES AETER THEY ARK RIPE. " This is a matter where care and attention can do niucli. I have tliis season kept X>a(ly Downe's Seedling Grapes hanging on the Vine till May, in a house where we began cutting Bhick Hamburghs in August. This house is 110 feet long:, 11 feet high, and 11 feet wide, and has been refen-ed to ah-eady as havinK been planted in 1S58. It is a common lean-to house, built to seivt" the double purpose of growing Figs on the back wall, a Vine up each rafter, and one half- way up the centre of each sash, the sashes being 5 feet wide. The veniilation is by an opening sash to the north on the top of the wall, and the front sashes open outwards in the usual way by lever and rod. The cost of this house, including boiler and two vows of (our-inch pipe along the front, was under £200, and at Christmas last we had four hundred bunches of Lady Downe's and West's St. Peter's Grapes hanging in it, representing a commercial value little short of its original cost. " In order that Grapes may keep well, it is necessary that they should be well ripened by the end of Stptember, and not grown in a wet border ; nor should ihe internal atmosphere of the house be kf pt loaded with moisture. What is required in Grapes to keep ^\ell is a firm fleshy berr}', not one full oJ water. The bunches should have the berries well thinned out, more so Ihan in the case of Giapcs that are to be uf ed shortly after they are ripe. Long tapering bunches keep belter than broad- shouldered ones, as the berries in the centres of the latter are apt to damp off and destroy the bunch before it is observed. As soon as the Grapes are tliorou;;hly ripe, the night tempera- ture should at once be lowered to SO'', till the leaves rail off or ripen, when they should be removed carefully by hand from the Vines. After this date the fire heat should never exceed 4.J°, nor fall below SS"^ at niglit ; and in damp foggy weather, I keep the house carefully sliut up for nights and days at a time. To give air during a damp foggy day is to fill the house with the very evil you wi^Ji to avoid— damp air. The surface of the internal border is allowed to get perfectly diy, and to reiraiu so all winter, care being taken that as little sweeping or raking take place as possible, for by tiiis means dust is raised which settles on the bunches. Half the roots are in the outside border, and had no covering at all, *' Towards the close of February I cut about fifty bunches of Lady Downe's, detaching the branch on which the bunch grew as when pruning the Vine. 1 then sharpened the ends of the branches, and run some four or five of them with a bunch on each into the side of a Jlangold Wurtzel laid on the shelf of the fruit-room, allowing the bunches to hang over the side of the shelf. In this way the Grapes kept perfectly fresh till April. I left some fifteen bunches on one Vine for experimenting upon, two of which are still hanging at this date, May 2. About the 15th of April the sap began to rise in the Vines, and some of the berries that were a little shrivelled suddenly got plump, while others that had shown no signs of shrivelling burst their skins, and the sap of the Vine that had forced itself into them began to drip from them. It was tinged with colouring matter out of tlje berry, and had the taste of the beiTy. To stop this bursting of the berries, I made an incision in the lateral on which the bunch hung, betwixt it and the parent stem of the Vine, iu two places, half through, at opposite sides of the lateral. This drew off the sap, and no more berries burst. The Vines have now young growths on them 9 inches long, and are appropriating all the sap, and the bleeding has ceased from the incisions. In February I had all the eyes picked out of the laterals, except the one at the base of each. These are showing iruit like others that were pruned m the usual way, except the three I bled; they are much weaker than the others. From this experiment It may be reasonably inferred that it is not judicious fo keep Grapes hanging on the Vines after the sap begins to rise. It, however, proves that it is possible to cut old Grapes in May, arid, considering that new can be cut ia January, gives an overlap of four months in the supply of Grapes." CEOSS-BREEDING CAMELLIAS. Being myself a great admirer of the Camellia, you may imagine with what joy I discovered last April that I had succeeded in impregnating seven blossoms on one of my trees. I have lost two, but I have five very healthy pods, and the seeds ai'e bursting through the crown, which is now as large as a good-sized Walnut. Having a profusion of semidouble blossoms on my " Old Bed " plant, and perceiving the stigma protruding through the opening ilower of a very double Car- nation-like bloom on another plant, I introduced the anthers of the former to the pistil of the latter without much hope of success, but the result has been as before mentioned. As this ia a feat which those professionals who have not seen my plant are unwil- ling to believe can have been produced from a very double flower, several of Messrs. A. Henderson & Co.'s men being amongst the number, I have troubled you with this communication, which may equally surprise some others of your numerous readers. The Hon. and Kev. AY. Herbert considered it necessary to keep the Camellia in great heat, and not to allow a breath of air to blow upon it, to produce fruitfulness. Mine had no additional heat but the sun, and it stood close to a window which was open all day. No ! the virtue, in my humble opinion, all rested with the beautiful golden farina upon the anthers of the Old Ked ; and any one possessing a plant of the same may soon have a young crop of Camellias not two alike. I am sorry I have lost the name of tlie mother plant. It was a noble bloom. Poppy-like, very double, and rather light colour. Next year, if 1 live, I will send a blossom of it to your office. The plant came from Belgium. — Davis. [Those who have doubted the result of your highly interesting experiments with these Camellias are not less learned in the ways of crossing than all of us had been at one time or another. The next greatest pleasure after such enjoyments as you expe- rienced is that of learning others, such as some of Messrs. Hen- dersons' men, how to come to a knowledge of the truth ; and you have taken the best means for that end. You have mistaken Dr. Herbert's meaning, however. It was not to " produce fruitfulness " that he confined the mother of his Camellia seed- lings, but in order, as he ilien erroneously supposed, that the particular treatment " of the mother plant while in flower and seeding" should produce "an miusual resijt " — that is to say, to produce double flowers instead of single ones. He did not moan " to induce fertility." The person who first reviewed tliat work was a practical crosser himself, and that was the only thing about crossing of all that Dr. Herbert advanced on the subject with which he would not assent. That led to an inter- view between the author and his reviewer, and ultimately to a close intimacy on a fellow-feeling pursuit : it also resulted in the conversion of Dr. Herbert affcr many experiments, every one of which went against the doctrine of the possibility of influencing crossed seedlings, as far as the flowers are concerned, by any mode of treating the parent plant while it is in seed, or after fertilisation is once cfTected. Tlie influence of any mode of cultivation during the interesting period aiFects the growth and health of the seedlings only, not July 29 1862. ] JOUENAL OF nORTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 333 the colour, or size, or substance of their flowers, or their single- ness or doublencBS. Thut is the only thing about crossing of which wo are quite certain, and in foar years after Dr. Herbert published his theory of tlic ques!ion ho was convinced of its untenable foundation ; and a few years later, in liis rijsiime of the whole subject of crossing in two long and elaborate articles in the " Journal of the Horticultural Society," this question is not once mooted. Still, the idea of one being able to bear a hand in this, one of the greatest mysteries in nature, is prevalent at the present day ; and what is more strange is now before us — men engaged in a lii'st-class London nursery not being aware of the fact that if you detect one anther only in a thousand double flowers, the pollen in it is as eflectual as the pollen from a single flower. But that there may not be room for doubt or iincertainty, even in so large a place as London, wo give tlie matter in Dr. Herbert's own words (tlie work appeared in 1837). He said, " I have liad greater success than any other person in raising from seed double Camellias of various lints and appearance ; and some of the best have been produced either from single flowers, or plants raised from single ones, im- pregnated by the pollen of double flowers preferring, where it could be got, ike pollen that is borne on a petal" Tlie italics are our own. Pollen is occasionally found on the edges of ragged petals in the centre of many double flowers, as those here re- ferred to, and more often in the family of Dianthus. So that with the stamen converted into its element, tlic petal, it may yet bear the anther and the pollen ; and if so, and you fall in with it, no other arrangement of the parts is more sure for turning out double flowers.] THE WEATHEJB AT ASHTON-UNDEE-LYNE- THE LANCASHIEE COTTON-SPINNEES. Tnia part of Lancashire seems not only to have dark, dark days, owing to the want of cotton, but owing to the want of good weather too. On the north side of Ashton there are some hundreds of cottage gardens, owned mostly by operatives. These gardens extend for more than a mile and a half, and are mostly on the edge of " Ashton Moss." Many fine vegetables are grown in them in good seasons ; but this year seems as if it would not only prevent them from earning an honest respectable living in the mills, but also would stop them from enjoying a few choice flowers and vegetables of their own growing. My worthy employer has laid out considerable sums of money in purchasing choice things to cultivate for a floral and horti- cultural show, which they intend to have the first Saturday in September ; but the weatlier damps their spu-its, though they have had but httle of the cotton famine. For my own part I never had such a season for outside plants, for what with the weather and the botts (the grub of the daddy longlegs), it has been an up-hill figlit all the season. I have caught as many as three pints of botts in a day, and on one occasion I swept up on a walk in front of the house nearly four quarts of the dirty-looking vermin. I began to think they were as nimierous as Loudon reports them to have been once in Ireland. Some wags wlio had noticed the large quantity we had on the carrioge-road, changed the name of our place from " Groby Lodge," to " Grubby Lodge." Of Kidney Beans I scarcely entertain a hope of having any outside. Peas are rather better than in the year 1860. Celery is very late, and other things also. Gooseberries and Currants have been plentiful. I have plenty of Wallflowers and other things in bloom that should have been over long since. I bedded out four hundred Geraniums, but I do not see that one of them has made a new leaf, and other bedding stuff looks miserable, save some beds of German Stocks and Saponarias, which are a little sheltered. There has been a cold west or north-west wind blowing nearly aU the summer, and it has been so cold that I have had to use fire heat all through June and July to keep a late house of Bkck Hamburgh Grapes swelling. Some of the poor operatives who were accustomed to spend five or six shillings on Verbenas and other bedding stuff, were rather down in the " dumps," as we call it in Lancashire, this spring ; but I and other gentlemens' gardeners gave some that we knew a few plants, for which they were very grateful, and I fear many of the poor fellows will be too poor to buy seeds for next year; but if all be well with me I intend to beg from the gardeners of the country both seeds and plants for them. But let us hope things will be better, for they are bad enough here at present. To give your readers an idea of how matters are here, I may state that I have had men ollVring to work for mo for their food alone, men who have been accustomed to get from X'l to 26s. per week — so anxious are large numbers to be rid of the task of having nothing to do. My worthy employer lias not only kept most of his woilt- people in full employ, but he has given them a prize of ia value for their horticultural show mentioned above. In conclusion, I hope your readers will not be frightened at my threat to " hand the liat round " next spring, for I can assure them it wiU be the last extreme for a Lancashire man to do such a thing, for we are thoronghly versed in every man " doing his own " here. — J. H. [We ask of our readers to bear these statements upon their minds, and we tender our aid to our correspondent in carrying out his good purpose. We know the Lancashire operatives well, and bear an unreserved testimony to tlieir clear heads, large hearts, and ready hands. It is no degradation to receive aid under present circumstances, any more than it is for a patriot in a tyrant's prison to receive aid from bis friends who are at liberty. He is cut o£F from his own private resources without any faidt of his own, and only requires aid until he is once more permitted to provide for himself. So is it with the cotton- spinners. — Eds. J. OF H.] EEPOfiT ON THE BEOCCOLIS Grown in the Gahdrn at Chiswick in the Autumn of 1861 and the Spring of 1862. By Kobert Hogg, LL.D., F.L.S., Secretary to the Fruit Committee. This is the second season during which an attempt has been made to try the different varieties of Broccoli. The first was made in the previous season of 1860-61, but the frost of that winter was so severe as to result in the total destruction of the crop. Neither has this second attempt been so successful aa could have been desired. The seed was sown early in March, and the plants made satisfactory progress till the period when they were planted out, after wliich many of them made so rapid and luxuriant a growth in the autumn that they had not sufficient vigour left to develope good-sized heads during winter and in the spring ; added to which, it is the opinion of all practical gardeners that the soil of Chiswick Garden is not adapted for the successful cultivation of Broccoli. Lender these circumstances it was not possible to make a com- plete report of all the 103 varieties that were planted ; but of such as did come to maturity and withstood the winter, the following observations have been made. It is quite evident that the varieties of Broccoli as now grown are in a state of great confusion, the old varieties, such as Grange's and the Old Early White, having entirely disappeared or lost their original character ; for instead of coming into use from Michaelmas till Christmas, as they were wont to do, the former did not, in one instance, come in till February 7, and in another till March 7, while what is called Early Wliite was not fit for use till April 18. The distinctive names of Early White and Late ^Vhite seem now to be possessed of no value, aa in some cases the one is used for the other, and vice versa. As there are distinct races among Brcccoli, it would be very desirable if some definite nomenclature were adopted, which would at once convey some idea of the character of the varieties. These races may be distinguished as follows : — I. White Beoccoli. A. Autumn White. C. Early Spring White. B. Winter White. D. Late Spring White. II. PtTEPLE Beoccoli. A. Autumn Purple. B. Winter Purple. C. Spring Purple. I. White Bboccoli. A. Autumn White Broccoli. The earliest of the autumnal varieties are the Dwarf Erfurt, Le Normand, and Walcheren. Properly speaking, these are not Broccoh, but Cauliflowers, and ought not to form any part of this report ; but as they have now for some years been known among seedsmen and gardeners as Broccoli, and as they were received as such in the collection, they are introduced aa the earliest of the autumn sorts. 334 JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [July 29, 1862. Dwarf Ekfuet . . . Eenaht. Tlie jjlant is dwarf, not above a foot high, and produces a large, close, and compact head, 6 inches to 9 inches across, which is of a creamy colour. The leaves are short, -winged, tapering abruptly to the base, spreading and exposing the head. In use August Ist. Le NoEMAND .... ViLMOEIN & Co. Plant about 15 inches high, with winged leaves, which are broad, and taper abruptly towards the base ; they are toothed and waved on the mai-gin, exposing a head which is about 9 inches in diameter, and of a creamy colour. This is earlier than AV'alchereD, and is readily distinguished from it by the waved and toothed margin of the foliage. In use August 8'.li. Walcheren .... Veitch & Son. Covent Garden Whife . . Chaklwood & Cummins. Selected Early Erfurt . . ScoiT. Stadtholder .... Nutting & Son. Hammond's IVhite , . Tcenee. Late White Cape . . . Tuenee. The plant is ii-om 18 inches to 2 feet high j leaves winged, tapering abruptly towards the base ; the inner ones turning with a spiral twist over the ilower-heads, and protecting them from the sun, enable them to preeerf e a clearer whiteness tlion either of the former, which, from the spreading habit of the leaves exposing the heads to the direct influence of the sun, are alwavs of a cream colour. The true Autumn Wliite Broccolis ought to be Grange's and Early White ; but in the whole collection there was not an approach to either of these, and out of tlie whole 103 varieties there were not any to supply the long gap between the finish of Walcheren in the end of August and the time when Snow's Superb came in on the 8th of December. B. Winter White Sroccoli. Snow's Supeeb . . . A'eitch & Son. Oill's Yarmouth White . Flanagan & Son. This variety came into use on December 8th, and was a large and handsome head, perfectly white. It continued in use diu'ing the winter, and by the end of January was entirely over. This is the only one in the whole collection that could be called a Winter White Broccoli. C. Early Spring White Broccoli. Of these there are a vast number, all differing very slightly rom each other in their general characteristics, and distinguished more by the care that has been bestowed on the selection of the stock than upon any permanent features they possess. Snow's Speing White . . Huest & McMfllen. Snow's Winter . . . Nutting & Sons. Imperial Earh/ White . . Butlee & McCuLLOCn. Grange's Cauliflower , . VeitC'H & Son. Early White .... Ciiaelwood & Cuu^riNS. Adams' Early White . . Butlee & McCuiLOCH. Covent Garden Market . . Butlee & McCrLLOcn. The plant grows ahovit 2 feet high, and is very hardy. It produces large white flower-heads, which are well protected by the incurved leaves. It comes into use about the 7th of February, and continues during the whole of that month. New Eaelt Invisible . . Nutting & Son. Incomparahle or ) „ Melville's Large White I ' ^'^^^'^^ This comes into use about the 7di of March, and is rather open-headed. It was found to be so very tender that good specimens could not be obtained from which to form a judgment of its merits. (To le eontinx'.ed.) CULTUEE OF A FEW HARDY OENAMENTAL PLANTS. We print the following to meet the requu-ements of Jlrgil, Derby, and another correspondent : — Watsonia puloida. — Grow it in sandy loam and leaf mould. When started, give a lop-dressing of old cowdung. When showing for bloom give weak manure-waterings ; give less water after the flower-stems decay, and withhold it altogether after the leaves get yellow in the autumn. The tubers may be kept in the pot or in sand. They are as hardy as the general run of Gladiolus. With protection they might be left in the ground all the winter. We know, however, of some fine beds of Gladiolus, Watsonia, &c., that stood well for years, but they all rotted in 1860 and 1861. If taken up they would have been safe, and flowered just as well if planted early. The Wat- sonia named generally blooms early in summer, and should be potted or planted as soon as growth appears. Tbitonia aueea. — These, like the Watsonia, are hardy enough to stand out, with protection from frost and wet in winter. According to kinds they will bloom from early spring to autumn, and should be treated accordingly. It will be best, in the first place, to keep them in pots until you obtain a stock. Early kinds will now be going to rest, and should have no water, but may remain in the pots until they show signs of gi'owth in the autumn. Those flowering and growing now should be watered until the leaves begin to get yellow, when it should be discon- tinued. The roots may then be kept dry in the pots, or, better still, be taken out, and placed in a saucer covered over witli dry sand. As they begin to move when kept in a dry, cool place, pot them — say four or five roots in a five-inch pot, placing them so as to be slightly covered. The pots should be well drained ; and the best soil is sandy loam one part and heath soil two parts, and the smallest roots should have a little sand about them, if silver sand all the better. Do not water much until the roots are taking hold of the soil ; but the soil should be moist — not wet nor dry. Setting in a cold frame and keep- ing the floor damp will give moisture enough until the roofs are progressing freely, when more water will be required. After they are several inches in height, an airy window or the front shelf of a greenhouse will be the place for them. Deutzia GEACiLii. — This is a beautiful little shrub, and, we believe, quite as hardy as scabra, which stands out as a shrub or against a wall north of London, and it seemed to suiTer little by the frost of 1860-61. It is easily grown in sandy loam and a little leaf mould. It looks best when it has a great many little twigs — say a foot or 18 inches long, covered with its small snow-coloured flowers. Whether, therefore, grown for orna- menting the greenliouse, or to be forced in winter, the treat- ment it requu'es is much the same. As soon as it has done flowering, prune ofi" the flowering shoots, and encourage it by active growth to make fresh wood, and then get these young shoots full in the sun in the summer and autumn months that the wood may be ripened before winter. If in pots, the plants may be plunged in a sunny place during the summer. Datuea Weightii. — We are not sure by the leaf whether you have got the right variety or not, as the leaf was too withered to detect its wooUineas or scent. You should also have told us whether your plant was a seedling or a last-year's plant. To get it vigorous it requires a warm place in the conservatory or greenhouse at first to encourage active growth. When growing it likes a rich sod, such as sandy loam and rotten dung, lightened with silver sand, and plenty of water, witli good drainage. The large, rather sweet, double flowers are worthy the little extra troutjle. Towards autumn water should be curtailed, and if the plant is merely kept from frost in winter the leaves may be allowed to drop. This will insure the ripening of the wood, and the fresh shoots next season will generally be well stored with flowers. Damp and a low temperature in winter will be sure to make an annual of it. In the summer of 1861 it bloomed pretty well with us out of doors ; but we were too long in looking after it, and the frost settled it.— R. F. WHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHOEE. ^Continued from page 295.) Crustacea {continued). The Masked Ceab (Corystes cassivelaumis). — The reason of this singular species having been thris named by Professor Bell may be given in his own words. " The carapace in this species is longer than it is broad, in the proportion of three to two ; convex, with the regions somewhat distinctly marked, having a groove surrounding the cardiac and genital regions, and another short transverse depression over the intestinal region, forming altogether in many specimens a remarkable similitude to the features of the human face, from which circumstance I have given it the English name of " the Masked Crab." The formation difi'ers according to the sex of the animal. For instance, in the male the fore legs are twice as long as the body, whereas in the female they are only of the same length July 20, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. 335 There are also other distinctions ; but this one is so marked and 80 easily recognised that it would be impossible to mistake the male for the female. Tlio remaining logs in both sexes are slightly flattened and fringed with liai.- on both margins. The colour is a palish-red fading into a yellowisli-white, the legs being of a ninch deeper red. Tjie colour of the male is nmdi bri;;hter tlian tliat of tlie female. " It is generally," says Professor Bell, " rather a deep-sea species, and is occasionally thrown on shore after storms or gales of wind that have been tending towards shore." lie also mentions having taken it at Sandgate and Hastings, and proceeds to give an extract from Mr. Couch's "Cornish Fauna," which is interesting enough to warrant my doing so likewise. Mr. Couch says of the Masked Crab, " It is scarcely common, which may be accounted for from its habit of burrowing in the sand, leaving the extremities of its antennre .alone projecting above tlio surface. These organs arc of some use beyond their common office of feelers. Perhaps, as in some other Crustaceans, tliey assist in the process of ex- cavation ; and when soiled by labour, I have seen the Crab effect their cleaning by alternately beading the joints of their stalks, which stand conveniently angular for this purpose. Each of the long antenna? is thus di-awn along the brush that fringes the internal face of the other, until both are cleared of every particle that adhered to tliem." The Masked Crab is rare in Scotland, but is frequently met with off the coast of Ireland. The Northern Stone Ckae {Lithodes Maia). — This strange species is by no means common to our shores ; but it will be worth while to devote a small space to a description of it in case any of my readers should chance to fall in with a specimen. The shell is heart-shaped, covered with tubercles and spines. The entire margin also of the shell is furnished with long power- ful spines. The fore pair of legs are unequal, sometimes one, sometimes the other being the larger. The other legs are much longer and equally armed with spines with the exception of the fifth pair, wliich are very diminutive and destitute of spines. The colour is a yellowish-red, the under surface being paler, and the spines much darker. With regard to the localities where it has been obtained, we may borrow the words of Professor Bell. "It is," says he, "strictly speakmg, a northern spe.'ies, not having yet been found farther south than the Isle of JMan, with the exception of a specimen in the Museum of Trinity College, Dublin, recorded to liave been taken on the coast of tlie county Wexford. I possess, through the kindness of my friend, Mr. McAndrew, several specimens of various sizes, taken by him in dredging in Loch Fyne. They have also been dredged between the Isle of Man and tlie Mull of Galloway. The Frith of Forth (G-oodwin), the coast of Ayrshire (Thompson), of Aberdeen, and of Yorkshire (Leach), are loeaUties where this Crab has at dif- ferent times been obtained, and I have a specimen which was taken from the stomach of a Cod on the coast of Orkne}'." The ComiON Hermit Crab (Pagurus Bernardus). — This very singular animal belongs to a family of the Decapods, called Anomoura, from two Greek words (o«o»io9, indawful ; and Oj/r«, a tail), and so called from the unusual conformation of that appendage. Instead of being encased in a hard coat of mail as in the Macroura, the hinder part of the body is soft and coriaceous, possessing only a few detached calcareous plates — analogous, it is true, to those found in the Lobster, but strangely altered in structure. Tliis animal is called the Hermit Crab, or the Soldier Crab, indifferently. The anterior feet are very un- equal, that on the right side being ordinarily the larger ; both, however, are thick and strong, and covered with spinous tubercles. The second and third pairs of feet are armed on the upper side with spines. The last joint is very long, flattened, ami shghtly curved. The two hind pairs of legs are simply rudimentary, and terminate in a short compressed pincer. Tliese two latter pairs are fringed with hair. The usual colour is red, fadmg into yellow, the abdomen being brown, and it measures when full grown about 5 inches. The Hermit Crab is an extremely common species, abounding on all parts of om- coasts, and is highly in- teresting from its habit of fixing its residence in some empty shell or other, to which refuge it is driven in consequence of the unprotected condition of its hinder parts. Nature has provided no defence for it. It is compelled, therefore, to have lecourse to art, and to secure a protection without which it would in its helpless state fall a prey to the many voracious menibe"s of its own fraternity. The Hermit is frequently found in a sjiell which is apparently too large for it. He has his reason for choosing it however, as it admits of an increase in his growth. When the lodging becomes too confined for the tenant he quits it and casts about for a fresh one. I »hall take advantage of the interesting remarks with which Professor Bell concludes his notice of this singular creature : — " It is a (juestion of some interest whether the Hermit Crab always chooses for its habitation a shell already empty, or whether it actually kills and devours tlio inhabitant of one that suits its size, and then takes possession of its violated home. The latter I believe to be true, in many if not in most cases ; certainly, however, not in all, as we often find the Hermit occupying an old and long-abandoned shell. But so much more generally is it found in fresh shells tliat it can scarcely be doubted, even on tliis ground alone, that it often obtains its habitation by violence. The fishermen on the coast are fully persuaded of tliis, and an intelligent person of this class at Bognor assured me that the fact had often been observed by himself and others. He stated that the aggressor seizes its victim, the Whelk for instance, immediately behind the head, and thus kills or disables it, then eata it, and Gnally creeps into and appropriates its vacant shell. It holds on with great force and tenacity by means of the terminal appendages, and if taken hold of when running about, which it does with great rapidity with its usurped shell attaclied, it draws itself in with a sudden snap, and then resists every attempt to pull it out, closing the aperture with its stout strong legs and pincers, and thus also protecting the soft mem- branous abdomen. The Hermit Crabs are much employed by the fishermen (who call them ' wigs,' or possibly ' whigs'), as bait for Cod, for which purpose they answer very well for immediate use, although the original possessors and builders of the house, the Whelks, are much preferred for night lines, as remaining more firmly on the hook. They are taken in great numbers in Prawn-pots for this purpose. The sijeoics is very widely dis- tributed, and exists in every part of our coasts in great numbers, being continually taken in the dredge, the keer-drag, and the Prawn aud Lobster-pots." — W. (To be continued.) LIGHT IN PLANTS. This light may be classified into two kinds — first, continuous, mostly phosphorescent ; second, in the form of lightning. Decaying wood belongs to the first. A fungus (Bynus phos- phorse, L.) has till lately had the credit for it ; but Retzius, Von Humboldt, aud Bishop Agardh (another Swede) agree in ascrib- ing to the wood itself the faculty of shining. Any kind of wood, if we believe Dessaniges, can get phos- phorescent under certain conditions — viz., a proper degree of decay, thermometer 46° to 53° j sufficient dampness and atmo- spherical air. We find it, however, mostly with Alder, Beech, White Pine, and Willow wood. They shine before actual decay, but moisture rules the intensity of the light — the less moisture the less light ; no moisture no light. Where the shining has ceased, it can be restored by a little cold water thrown on the wood, and by enveloping it with paper or canvass. Temperature, we believe, is of no account, so the thermometer does not exceed either the boiling or the freezing point, as in either case the water would disappear. But not decaying wood alone has this phosphorescence ; other parts of plants have it when decaying. Thus Meyer tells us that, wandering by night through a forest, he found decaying Mushrooms in a phosphorescent state, and that he took up the shining matter with his stick and rubbed against truniss of trees. Tulasne has given us a very interesting treatise about the shining of dead Oak leaves. Moi>ture is in every instance a necessary condition. Of all things, however, it is the Diptam which is best known for its remarkable and beautiful light circling round the whole upper part of the plant, when, after warm and calm days, a match is brought near it. It is the setherial oil evaporated by the i>l;int which bun'is, and makes it appear as if tlie atmosphere round the plant was in a mild blaze. Tlie beauty of this phenomenon is worth trying it, and enduring tho failures which an unfit condition of the atmosphere will often bring. Less strong than the Diptam, but stronger than decaying wood, shines the milky sap of Euphorbia phosphorea. Martins, during his travels in Brazil, found it to shine mostly when a storm was coming on. He also relates that he was told by the natives of a Euphorbia growing in impenetrable thickets of several thousand square feet, which often spontaneously ignite, emit a column of smoke for a while, and ultimately blaze in a clear flame. 336 JOURNAL OP HORTIOITLTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENBE. [ July 29, 1862. But not dead matter alone has thie phosphorescent quality. We find it in living plants— for instance, Rhizomorpha subterranea, a fungus found on decaying trunks or on timber used in moist mines, emitting light from the tops of its branches so strong that, according to De Candolle, you can read by it ; or, Agaricus olearius, a fungus growing on the Olive tree, which shines best when vegetation goes most forward, and which fact IVJasne therefore calls "nne manifestation de I'activite de sa vegeta- tion." The cause or causes of the phosphorescence of these plants have not been found. A very long range of experiments under all temperatures and at the various stages of vegetation would be required. This explains also why the statements of botanists differ so much — why one has never found that such and such plant emitted light ; why the other asserts that only the lamellae of different fungi had it, &c. We must, however, here mention a no less interesting phenomenon than either of those already stated. It is offered to us by Schistostega osmundaoea, a moss growing in caverns and grottoes, which in daytime is in a state of lucidity similar to the Smaragd. In this instance, the struc- ture of the plant, as the rays of the sun refracted on it, seems to be the cause, though we would not like to vouch for it. We would rather speak now of the second class of light in plants — namely, where that light appears in the shape of light- ning. And the first observation it appears has been made by Linna^us's own daughter, Elizabeth Christine, who found that one evening in the year 1762, the orange flowers of Tropseolum majus produced a kind of lightning — that is, the flowers seemed by fits and starts to dash light. She ran to her father, not believing her own eyes ; but the phenomenon had disappeared when the father came, and what he had never seen nor heard of he would not believe in till he had seen it himself. On subse- quent evenings, however, he himself witnessed the fact, where- upon he asked his daughter to make a report of it to the Royal Academy of Sciences. This report has been accepted, and exists on the record. We are sorry that we have to add that neither the great Linnaeus, nor his daughter, nor Linnseus's son, nor any one of a great many chemists and botanists who undertook to study the matter, could to this day succeed in teUing v- anything better than suppositions, which were hardly utterea before upset by themselves, and amounted to nothing. If the stirring-up of observations, the reiteration of facts, the discussion of probabilities, not to say possibilities, can ultimately lead the investigating mind to the true cause, then there is hope for our enlightenment. But as we doubt that, and will not weai-y our readers, we wiU, before we conclude this article, tell them that electricity seems not to have anything to do with these pheno- mena ; that orange colour of high intensity and fire seem to have a good deal to do with it ; that weak eyesight does not cause it, as Linnfeus naively says, and that besides Linnsus's daughter. Lector Haggren (also a Swede), noticed it in the year 1788 on Calendula officinalis, Lilium bulbiferum, and Tagetes patula and erecta, also, but very slightly, on the orange variety of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus. Lastly comes Mr. Fries, and tells us that he was induced to write his essay on Light in plants, by one night walking about in the botanical garden (in TJpsala) and seeing lightnmg shooting up from an isolated growing plant of Papaver orientale, strangely enough after having passed a large group of them without seeing any- thing ; that he then led other persons past who did not know of it, and they were equally struck by tlie sight ; and that he then began to study the light in plants. May he be able to enrich science with the knowledge of its true causes. — {Amerwan Gardener's Monihh/.) NEW TOBACCO FUMIGATOE. It must be truly gratifying to the lovers of the science of gardening to witness the long list of practical gardeners who have taken up the pen to contribute to your excellent Journal, and who liad never written before in any pubUcation. The great utility of your work and the improvement it is effecting among those for whom it is intended is obvious to us all. It calls forth latent abilities, and promotes a generous emulation amongst gardeners. A spirit of improvement, passion for expe- riments, and a liberal curiosity prompt them to quit the old beaten paths to explore untried ways, and to seek to acquire wisdom by experience. I have been a subscriber to your Journal for a length of time. and in return for the many useful hints which I have received from it I am desirous of contributing one. STEPHENS' TOBACCO FUMIGATOR. A. The famigator, 7 inches by 6 inches. B. A pan for cold water, 9 inches by 9 inches. c. Pipe, 2 inches diameter, that conducts the smoke through the cold water. D. A joint to separate the one from the other. E. The lid of the fumigator. In your Journal (March 18th, 1862, page 504), there is some- thing said about injury fi-om tobacco fumigation. Mr. James Stephens, the gardener at the Oaks, has kindly permitted me to send you the sketch of his fumigator, which he invented several years ago. It has been found infinitely superior to all fumigators in common use, and its advantages are much prized, as all injury from hot smoke is prevented, because it has to pass through a vessel of cold water. Mr. Stephens gives to the public his fumigator unfettered by patent. — James Babe, Foreman, The Oaks Qardens, Barlowmoor, Didsiurt/. BEDDING-OUT AT CLIVEDEN. (with a colotjeed plate.) The piece of flower garden shown in the coloured engraving contains 3 acres 2 roods 10 poles. The beds have each a low, dwarf hedge round, 1 foot broad and 9 inches high, of com- mon Spruce and evergreen Privet. The centre beds are Ghent Azalea and Rhododendron, of the better sorts, alternately, having space between for Gladioh, Foxgloves, and Hollyhocks in summer. The grass in the beds b raised, which gives more effect to the flowers. The circles are cut in the grass : the out- side being all Roses, dwarf and half standard j the inside for flowers in spring. Honesty in the centres, then circles of Stocks, Wallflowers, blue Myosotis, and Cerastium. With this general outline we will take the beds from the top as they come, and give the plants they were filled with this spring. Ist. Top inside beds. Mixed Anemone and Jonquil ; the centre chain, Silene pendula and yellow Tulips. 2nd. Top beds outside. Blue Myosotis ; chain, white Myo- sotis and Arabis. 3rd. Outside beds. White Silene; chain, pink Silene and Tournesol Tulip. 4th. Inside bed. All blue Myosotis and white La Candeur Tulip. 5th. Inside bed. All pink SUene and Rex Eubrorum Tulip. 6th. Outside bed. Limnanthes Douglasii ; chain, blue and white Myosotis and mixed Tulip. 7th. Outside. Mixed Anemone ; chain, pink Silene. 8th. Inside. Blue Myosotis and yellow Rose Tuhps ; chain, white Myosotis. It will be seen from the above, the variety of plants is very limited, but great effect can only be got by having such as will come in simultaneously, and being common are easily got in plenty, except the Tulips, which I should not recommend. The beds are planted in the autumn as the summer 'bedding is taken out and labour will permit, and all through the winter months, taking care to plant those first that experience has proved requires it. Each bed takes 2000 plants and 800 Tulips. If the spring is favourable we have two months' good bloom, and are little behind the usual time for summer bedding. I add our summer practice for the benefit of any party in- terested. In May we sow the Anemone in pans, and prick them out July 29, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTIAGE GARDENKR. 337 when ready ; also outside, Stocks, Wallflowers, Honesty, Fox- gloves, and Sweet Williams. In the lost week of June or first of July we sow Myosotis (white and blue), juit in cuttings of Pansies ("Cliveden blue," yellow, and dark), for ribbonwork, on a north border, under hand-lights, or any temporary old ■ights ; also, yellow Alyssum, white Candytuft, Chciranthua Marshalli, &c. This goes on as other labour will permit. In the last week of August wo make a first sowing of Silenc (white and pink), Limnanthes Douglasii, Pansy, and Saponaria. In lifting such plants when done blooming as Daisies, double Car- damine, Saxifraga granulata, and other things similar in the small beds, we lay them in on a north border, dividing and planting out as we can, and according to the quantity required for another season, — J. Fleming, Cliveden. HOW GARDEN-POTS AEE TO BE MEASUEED. Wnicn is the proper way of measuring a garden-pot ? Should the measure be taken across the top, or should an allowance be made of say half an inch or an inch down the pot, and then the measure be taken inside ? My Geraniums have been disqualified in consequence of one of the six pots in wlrch they were ex- hibited measuring 84 inches across the top, whereas the limit was 8 inches. Do you consider the judgment just? — P. S. H. [The measurement of the diameter of a pot is usually taken just withinside the top. If, as you state, only one out of six of the pots was in excess of the measurement, when so taken, and that excess was only half an inch, then, we are of opinion that you were treated with undue severity. It is a good maxim that the extreme application of a rule renders it uniuet. — Eds. J. OF H.] •^ OENAMENTAL PLANTS. Peniaeeaphia cubensis (Cuban Feniarhaphia.) Hat. Ord., Gesneraceee. Linn., Didynamia Angiospermia. A neat and pretty, dwarf, shrubby plant, of compact habit, with obovate, dark-coloured evergreen leaves, crenated near the point. The flowers grow in the axils of the leaves, and are attached by slender stalks an incli long ; corolla about an inch long, tubular, curved, and of a rich scarlet ; calyx of five, straight, narrow lobes, "not unlike five brown needles." It requires a cool stove, and remains a considerable time in bloom. From Cuba ; in- troduced in 18 18 by Messrs. Henderson, Pine Apple Place, Edgeware Koad. Flowers in summer. OrnELiA COBY.MBOSA (Con/mbose Ophelia). Nat. Ord., Gentiannc^'iv. Linn., I'entandria Digynia. SyH., Swertia corymbosa. A greenhouse or half-hardy annual, growing a foot high, with four-angled stems, corymbosely branched in the upper part. Th? leaves are opposite, obovate-spathulate. The flowers in terminal corymbs, pale purple, with a white eye ; the corolla rotate, deeply cut into four spreading, obovate-veined segments. From the Neilgherry Mountains. Introduced in 1848, by Dr. Schmidt. Flowers in summer. ANTHUEIUM SCHEEZEEIANUM. This plant was mentioned in your report of the Royal Horticultural Society's Exhibition a short time back by Mr. Beaton, since which no one seems to have taken any notice of it. It was exhibited by Mr. Wendland, gardener to the King of Hanover, and was brought by him from Costa Eica, where he says it was one of the loveliest things he saw. And as I, like all the world, have been up to London this summer to see the sights and scamper through the gardens round it, I stumbled upon it among many and many a grand thing when going round the Botanic Gardens at Kew, where I had a better opportunity of looking at and examining it than I had at Kensington ; a brief description, therefore, may not be uninteresting. It belongs to the natural order of Arads, a class of plants which have given us some of our finest ornamental foliage, but the flowers of whicli, as a rule, are tl]e most insignificant ; but this plant will, I think, become a favourite with every one, and be welcomed by every one that has a stove, be its dimensions ever so small ; for, being naturally a diminutive grower, it is not likely to get too large for any. The leaves rise upon a -slender petiole, are lanceolate in shape, of a sombre green colour and leathery texture, with a light-coloured midrib, above which stand the flowers, composed of spnthe and spadix of a most brilliant scarlet colour. The spathe is about l\ inch long, of an oval form ; the spadix stands straight u]i above it, and is about 2 inches long, and of the same beauti- ful colour. Mr. Wendland says it is a very free bloomer, and continues in flower some four or five months. I sliall be among the first to add it to my collection so soon as it is to be purchased. — JtlVENIS. 338 JOtrjJN^VL OF HOB'XICULIUE£ AND COli'AaE GAKDENEa. [ July 29, 1862. THE li^TEIlNATIONAL EXHIBITION. {Continued from page 320.) NEW SOUTH WAXES. The boumlarics of thia colony liaving within tlie last fen years been greatly changed by the separation of Victoria and Queens- land, it will be useful to state wliat its limits now are. On the west New South Wales is divided from South Australia by 141° E. long. ; on the east it is bounded by the sea, the coast line ex- tending upwards of 700 miles from 28° 8' S., to 38° 31' ; and on the nortli by a cliain of hills, and by rivers till 29° S. is reached, T/hicli parallel then becomes the boundary line till it meets that of South Australia. From Victoria on the south it is divided principally by the Murray river. Within the above limits is inoluded an area of 207,000,COO acres, or three times that of Great Britain, and of this extent only 260,798 acres are under cultivation. The climate over such a wide tract of country must of course present great diversities ; and from observations it appears that the mean annual tempera- ture varies in different parts of the colony from 40° to 75° — the maximum summer heat being in some inland districts 120°, while on the high table lands severe frost occurs for several weeks in succession. Eound Sydney the mean annual tempera- ture is from 63° to 65°, or somewhat higher than that of Naples, and the winter months are 4° to 5° warmer than in that beauti- ful climate ; h\it sudden changes in temperature to the extent of 20- or 30° are of common occurrence. The fall of rain also varies greatly. In 1860 the least amount was 18 inches in the interior, and the greatest, 82 inches at Sydney — the mean, for the vthole colony, being 43 inches. We learn from the catalogue published by the colony on account of the International Exhibition, and which may be regarded as entirely reliable, that in 1861, of the land under ■cultivation, not quite one-half was under Wheat, about one- filth under Maize, another fifth was sown with Barley, Oats, and ■artiGcial Grasses, and the remainder was occupied by Potatoes, •orchards, and vineyards. The average production of Wheat is only fifteen bushels per -acre ; but that this low rate of production is due to imperfect agriculture rather than to the soil and climate is tolerably -evident from the samples exhibited. Thus, Messrs. J. & W. Macarthur, Camden Park, show some weighing 64 lbs., 66 lbs., and 68 lbs. per bushel, and there are several other samples of excellent quality, but the weight of which is not stated. The average produce of Maize, for which the climate is pecu- liarly well adapted, is stated to be about thirly Oushels, and on rich land seventy bushels have frequently been grown. All the cobs exhibited are particularly fine. In the collection of six ■rarieties, from Messrs. J. & W. Macarthur, the large yellow sort weighed 65 lbs. to the bushel, the smaller yellow 66 lbs., and the large white is stated to have yielded, over an extent of 23 acres, at the rate of eighty-eight bushels of 57 lbs. each per acre. Another kind, from Mr. Oaks, is said to yield as much as ■a hundred bushels to the acre; and the yellow sort, from Mr. Peck, Hunter River, produced seventy bushels per acre, and •arrived at perfection within a iiundred days from planting. Bcmarkable, however, as these cereal jiroductious are, of far more importance both to this country and to New South Wales is the question of cotton-supply — a subject of such absorbing in- terest in our manufacturing districts at present. But the Inter- national Exhibition has demonstrated tliat cotton of the finest quality can be grown in several of our colonies, equal (o any the .Southern States could produce ; and that if om- manufacturers will give the necessary impetus to its cultivation in quantity, and the colonists will promptly bestir themselves, we need no longer be dependant on riTorth America for our supply. The New South Wales cotton in particular is, in some in- •atanoes, not surpassed by the finest Sea Island. The beautiful sample from Mr. Nowlan, of Hunter HiUs, near3Iaitland, is valued at four shitluir/s a-pnund, and there are exhibitions of great excellence from Mr. Hickey, Osterley, Hunter Eiver ; Mr. Ireland, Williams River, and some others. Rich as the gold- fields of Victoria have proved, if the extensive cultivation of cotton be carried out in New South Wales, a still richer and more constant sorn'ce of wealth will be opened up which will bring her into closer communication with European nations, and give a more rapid development to her otherwise great natural •resources, not the least of which are coal and iron. Of vegetable fibres several kinds are shown, the principal being Nettle-tree bark, Erow.i Kurrajong bark, Tea-tree bart, and Wattle bark. The Large-leaved Nettle tree attains a height of 60 feet, with a diameter of as much as 5 feet or 6 feet at the base, and the wood is soft and worthless, even for firewood. The bark varies from a quarter of an inch to an inch in thickness, and consists of a large proportion of fibre, which, when freed Irom the abundant watery juice filling up the intervals, is used by the natives for making nets and lines. It might bo obtained at from 3rf. to 4d. per lb., and would apparently answer for making ropes, and coarse pnper for wrapping, &c. The brown Kurrajong has a hard bark filled with a quantity of mucilaginous matter which can only be removed by severe crr.shing ; and the fibre, though strong when moist, becomes more bi-ittle when dry, so that it is doubtful whether it will prove of sufEoient commercial value to become an article of import. The Tea- tree bark is apparently the same as that shown in the Western Australian department, as belonging to some species of Melaleuca, and as being likely to be useful for paper-making. Several kinds of gum, including that of the Grass tree, are also exhibited. The subject of wines has also attracted the attention of the colonists of New South Wales, and there are now 1583 acres under Vinos, the produce of which was last year 99,791 gallons of wine, and 709 of brandy. Bottles of red and white wine, and what are called Burgundy, Claret, Shiraz, Verdelho, Riesling, Tokay, &c., are exhibited by Messrs. Macarthur, Sargar, Aspinall, Capt. Smith, Sir D. Cooper, and others, and it will be interesting to know, when the reports of the juries are completed, what standing these and other colonial wines take as compared with those of European manufacture. Of other vegetable products two excellent samples of tobacco are sent by Mr. Church and Mr. Cormack, of West Maitland ; Carob Beans by Messrs. Macarthur ; and some fine Walnuts by Mrs. J. Macarthur. Lastly,. we have the following note accom- panying a Sugar Cane from Mr. .Scott, Brisbane Water. " This is the sixteenth rattoon crop — i.e., the sixteenth crop from the one planting of twelve months' growth, and it has not yet attained to that perfection which a longer growth would give it. I have frequently made sugar from the same plot, equal in quality to the finest samples of West India, and of a greater return per acre than we obtain there ; the molasses from which were totally unlike any I had ever before seen, being like clarified syrup. To me, as a West India planter, these results were astounding ; but they are readily explained and clearly accounted for by the following — viz., in the tropics our canes attain to perfection in twelve months ; they then cast an arrow, cease to grow, and afterwards they deteriorate in quality and yield ; here they do not cast that arrow, but continue to grow for more than two years, during which time the saccharine matter most materially improves in richness to the extent of from 8 to 10 or more per cent, above the tropical juice. Two other great advantages in the culture of cane in this colony are — that here the lands wiU give from six to eight or more crops from one planting ; in the West Indies barely two, and in New Orleans (subject to heavy frosts) only two. Here, crops could be taken off all the year round ; in the tropics during four months only ; and at New Orleans sometimes only five weeks, as the frosts at tliat time visit and often destroy the cane." It thus appears that in the northern and warmer parts of the country the cultivation of sugar can be prosecuted with great success; and if, as We presume, the samples of refined sagar from the Australian Sugar Company are the growth of the colony, the qualify leaves nothing to be desired ; but whether they are so or not is not stated. Among animal products we remarked some excellent silk accompanied by the worms, moths, and eggs, from Mr. J. Kellick, Mr. Whiting, WooUoomooloo, and Mr. Lee, of Para- matta ; but the great staple of New South Wales is wool, and of this her contributions are remarkable for their fine quality, and the number of awards with which they have been distinguished. The credit of having established this branch of production is due to Capt. John Macarthur, of Camden, v^ho in 17b7, ob- tained from the Cape of Good Hope, three rams and five ewes of pure Spanish merino blood with which he crossed all hie coarse-nooUed sheep ; and the result has been, that while in 1807 the total export of wool was 245 lbs., in ISfil the quantity ex- ported from all the Australian colonies and New Zealand was 68,313,903 lbs. July 29, 18f.2. ] JOURNAL OF HORXICCLTtJBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 339 In 1796 the whole livn stock of the colony, cxcUisivo of pigs and goats, ronsistcd ol' 57 horsea, 227 oattle, and ]r);U sheep ; and in 1860, from this stock had sprung the numbers beneath. — Colony. Sheep. Now South Wales c.llG.ies Victoria 5.794,127 Queensland 3,449,350 South Australia 2,S24,81I Tasmania 1,700,930 Cattle. Horses. 2.408,.')SG 2,'>1,497 083,534 (i9,2H8 432.890 23,504 278,263 49,399 83,500 21,034 Total 19,883,381 3,S36,G-ll 414,722 The introduction of the alpaca into this colony by Mr. Ijedgor is another step tliat cannot fail to be attended -with great results. It is found that these animals, the long clean fleece of which is so valuable to the manufacturer, accommodate themselves per- fectly to the climate and natural herbage of tlie country, and, according to JMr. Ledger, come to maturity earlier tlian in South America, are larger, and have a finer and heavier Uoccc. By crossing with the llama he hopes to obtain a larger, heavier, and more hardy anhnal, with a finer and more glossy fleece than in the case of the pure alpaca, and in confirmation of these views a case of seven stulfed animals, together with samples of the fleece, are exhibited to show the advance which has been already made in this direction. The flock of alpacas now numbers 358, and it is computed that in fifty years they will have increased to more than 9,000,000. Besides the above features which render the Now South Wales department peculiarly interesting, there is a magnificent collection of thevarious woods found in the northern and southern districts, though brought together in sj ite of great difficulties, and shipped before many of the specimens hod time to get seasoned. The following are some of the woods that appear the most useful : — Of species of EucaJi/ptus : — The White or pale Iron Bark of lUawarra. — This is regarded as the most valuable of the Iron Barks fi-om the hardness and toughness of the wood. The tree grows 80 feet to 120 feet high, and 3 feet to 4 feet in diameter. Iron Bark from Illawarra. — Very hard and fongli, and re- ported to be strong and very durable. Tree from 80 feet to 130 feet high, and 3 feet to 5 feet in diameter. Broad-leaved Hough Iron Bark, said to be t ne of the strongest and most durable of timbers ; takes a good polish. Tree 80 feet to 120 feet high, and 2 feet to i feet in diameter. Red Iron Bark from Camden. — Of a reddish colour, softer, and apparently not so liable to crack as the others. Said to be highly valued for timber. Tree 50 feet to 90 feet high, and 2 feet to 1 feet in diameter. Box of Illawarra. — Very hard, tough, and durable, somewhat cracked at the heart ; very strong, and said to be exceedingly durable. Tree 120 feet to"l80 feet high, and 4 feet to G fect'^in diameter. Flooded Gum. — Wood reddish, very solid, and without cracks ; said to be excellent for ship-building. Blue Gum of coast. — A red and rather close wood, but some- what cracked ; said to be excellent for ship-building. Tree 100 feet to 160 feet higli, and 3 feet to G feet in diameter. Blue Gimi of Camden or Yarrab. — A beautiful close-grained hard wood, the oidy drawback to which are some perforations hy grubs ; extremely durable, and useful for naves and felloes of wheels, and for work underground. Tree 70 feet to 100 feet high, and 3 feet to 4 feet in diameter. Blue Gum of Appin. — Likewise a timber of good quality. Tree 80 feet to 100 feet high, and 3 feet to 4 feet in diameter. Grey Gum. — This appears to be a good timber. Tree 60 feet to 100 feet high, and 2 feet to 4 feet in diameter. Woolly Butt of Illawarra. — A fine wood, said to be much prized by wheelwrights on account of its strength and touglmess. Tree 100 feet to 150 feet high, and 3 feet to 6 feet in diameter. Black Butt Gum. — An excellent, very strong timber ; said to be very durable. Tree 100 feet to 130 feet high, and 3 feet to 6 feet in diameter j but one has been measured which was 41 feet in circumference, and presented no symptoms of decay. Swamp Mahogany.— Of this there is a beautiful slab, "the outer portion of which seems best. It appears soft, and is stated to be neither strong nor very durable, but is found extremely useful for inside work. Tree 60 feet to 100 feet high, and 3 feet to 5 feet in diameter. Mahogany. — Quite as pretty when polished as its namesake, and said to be very strong and durable. Tree 60 feet to 130 feet high, and 3 feet to 3 feet in diameter. Stringy Bark of coast. — Hard and solid, considered excellent for housework. Tree 80 feet to 120 feet high, 3 feet to 5 feet in diameter. Stringy Bark of Camden. — Not so hard as the procedhig, but looks well and takes a good polish. It would do well for inside work in buildings. Tree 50 feet to 100 feet high, and 2 feet to 4J feet in diameter. SaiiJisia serrafu. — Handsome for cabinetwork. Tree 20 feet to 40 feet high, and 1 foot to 3 feet in diamcler. Aracia. — Of this there are several spceiuB with very handsome close-grained wood which takes a high polish, and which might bo turned to account. Cri/ptocari/a sp. ? Flindosa. — A soft light-coloured wood, used for decking small vessels. Cargilea sp., Grey Plum. — Wood yellow, strong and tough, and apparently not apt to crack. Tree 30 feet to 40 feet high, and 1 foot to 2 feet in diameter. I'ittosjftorv.m undvlatum. — Wood white, 1 ard, and very close- grained ; excellent for turning. Likely to be a useful substitute- tor Box in many kinds of engraving. To show its adaptation to this purpose, blocks prepared by Professor De la Motte, of King's College, are exhibited, and have received a medal. Sound sections of more than 10 inches to 16 inches, it is stated, would be rare. Tree 50 feet to 80 feet high, and 11 feet to 2i feet in diameter. Of the northern woods, one of the most valuable is that of Araucaria Cuuninghami, or Morcton Bay Pine, which grows from 100 feet to 150 feet high, with a clear stem of SO leet or more in length, and 1 feet or 5 feet in diameter, some trees yielding as much as 10,000 cubic feet of useful timber. It is stated of this that spars for ships may be obtained in any quan- tity and from 80 feet to 100 feet in length. Catanospermvm a-jsfrale, or Moreton Bay Cheslnut. — This is- a pretty dark wood, the heart being somewhat like Walnut. Tree sometiuies 130 feet high and 5 feet or G feet in diameter. Black Myrtle.— Wood rather soft, but takes a good polish;, very tough. Tree 100 feet higl), and 2 feet or 3 feet in diameter. Kosewood. — The heartwood red, rather soft, said to be useful for cabinetwork and ship-building. Tree 70 feet to 100 feet high, and 4 feet to 5 feet in diameter. Bastard Myall. — A pretty dark wood, suitable for cabinet- work. The above are only a few of the kinds that struck us as likely to be most useful out of the great collection of woods brought together through the exertions of Sir W. Macarthur and Mr. Moore, of the Sydney Botanic Gardens ; and it is to be regretted that the whole of the woods collected could not, owing to want of space, be shown, whilst others had to be crammed into an inaccessible corner. In closing our account of the exceedingly useful and interest- ing exhibition which New South Walts has furnished, we must acknowledge our obligations to the Catalogue pubUshed by the Commissioners for tlie colony — a work which is replete with reliable information on the resources and products of the country — as well as to the courtesy of their Secretary, Sedgwick S. Cowper^ Esq., who kindly undertook to point out the most remarkable features in this department. {To le continued.) THE CAUSES OF THE DECAY OF TIMBEE. In addition to the causes of decay arising from the effects of the vital disorganisation of the trees by the wounds superinduced by the disruption of brauchcB, blows, sun-strokes, frost, lightning, or from the attacks of the countless insect plagues to which trees are exposed during their period of growth, timber is exposed,. after having been felled, to another class of destructive actions arising from the decomposition of its elements, under the ordinary laws of organic chemistry, and occasionally to the attacks of other insects than those above mentioned, when used in certain positions. The marine boring worms are the most dangerous of these insects, and they will be more especially noticed in the following remarks. The first description of decay, arising from organic decom- position in wood, is produced by the changes which take place- in the sap retained in the wood at the period of feUing ; for the albuminous portions of that sap commence a pulrefoctive process directly they meet with the conditions of waroith and heat necessary for its development. All timber must, then, whether 340 JOUBNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COIIAQ-E GARDENER. [ July 29, 1862. it be the sapwood or the heartwood, be placed in situations which would allow the eap to exude, or to eTaporate, and this process is the one technically known by the term " seasoning." Evidently, the period of the year when the tree is felled must hare an important influence on the mode of seasoning ; for, in the winter the circulation is torpid, and there is tlien far less sap in the pores than there is when the vital functions of the tree are in fiUl play. Nevertheless, timber felled in winter requires a certain amount of seasoning; and equally vrith wood more highly charged with sap, it will decay if that fluid should not be allowed to escape. The sad tale of the decay of the gun-boats may be i-eferred to as an illustration of the "danger of shutting up un- seasoned timber ; and unquestionably the dockyard authorities who neglected to provide means of establishing a current of air through the framework of the vessels, avowedly built of un- seasoned timber, should be held partially responsible for their decay. Wood, such as Lord C. Paget stated these vessels to have been biult of, must of necessity have decayed by what is called wet rot, under the circumstances these boats were placed in. It may be as well to state that the term " wet rot " is applied to the decomposition which takes place in timber containing sap and exposed to moisture. If the eapwood or the alburnum be cut off from a tree, and the heartwood be exposed to an energetic dry current of air, there will be no danger of its perish- ing by this particular process ; and it therefore follows, that if the sap or the sapwood cannot be effectually removed, it is necessary to prevent the destructive decomposition of the sap by treating it with some fluids which should be able to form at once with it indestructible compounds. It frequently happens, however, that during the growth of trees the druxy knots before alluded to have established the germs of a putrefactive process in the wood, which cannot be stopped by any method of seasoning ; and I myself suspect they can only be arrested by the injection of creosote. There are occasionally, no doubt, difliculties attached to this mode of pre- serving timber, on account of the impermeability of the wood, and there are practical objections to its application for building purposes. But whenever knots of the description referred to may be suspected to exist in timber, especial precautions should be taken to prevent its being used in situations where it is likely to be covered, or where its decay miglit compromise the stability of the structiu-e into which it enters ; and as the mere lapse of time required for seasoning would allow the decomposition of very bad druxy knots to display itself, there seems to be the more reason for attaching importance to the use of seasoned timber in the framework of ships. But seasoned or unseasoned timber alike is exposed to the cause of decay specifically known by the name of the dry rot, which is considered to arise from the development of several species of fungoid growth in the wood ; or, according to Dr. Birkbeck, of the Boletus, Agaricus, Lycoperdon, Mucor, &c. It would seem as though some of the organic tissues of the wood- not the sap, observe— decomposed under certain conditions of the surrounding atmosphere (as in close, damp, confined air), and that they thus furnished, as it were, a soil for the growth of the fungi, which, in their turn, disintegrated the remaining portions of the tissues by their mere mechanical expansion in growmg. The wood becomes, in fact, reduced to a mere powder, and may then be rubbed away by the finger, sometimes with a rapidity which is quite alarmiug. There is also this particular danger about the dry rot— viz., that the germs of the fungi pro- ducmg it are carried easily, and in all directions, in a building wherein it once displays itself, without necessity for actual contact between the affected and tlie sound wood ; whereas the communication of the disease resulting from the putrefactive fermentation, or the wet rot, only takes place by actual contact. It may possibly be the case that woods grown in certain soils are more exposed to dry rot than others are, and that the germs of the fungoids are taken up by the spongioles of the roots ; for timber grown in situations where large fungi abound are said to be more exposed to this disease (the dry rot), than those which are grown on dry, well-drained soils. At any rate, wood kept for any length of tune in situations where it is exposed to become covered with fungi is very likely " to take on " the dry rot at an early period ; and I feel it, therefore, to be my duty to state pubhcly that much of the timber arriving from the north of Europe leaves the ship in a state which seems to me to contain the germs of decay ; and that the method of stacking the timber and deals in some of our docks is often very dangerous. From whatsoever source the fungoid growth producing dry rot may proceed, if once it should be recognised to exist in a building, the affected parts, and all the woodwork around them, should at once be removed; if the various processes for preserving timber should not then be applicable, great precautions should be observed to cut ofl' the access of moistiu'e, and to insure a free circulation of air around the newly-fixed wood. The insects which prey upon growing timber very rarely attack the qualities of wood used for constructive purposes, because in almost all cases tlie soft alburnum of the trees used for such purposes is cut away, and the bark and bast are entirely removed, so that the few larva; which may have been left in the rest of the tree perish for want of nourishment, as a general rule. There are, however, as was before observed, some insects which prey on what may be called dead timber, such as the Lymexylon navalis, the Sirex gigas, the Callodium bajulum, and the various tribes of ants. At times their ravages are very serious, especially in the case of Oak timber stacked in large quantities, which in the north of Europe is exposed to the attacks of the Lymexylon, and of all descriptions of wood in warmer climates which are exposed to the attacks of the destructive termites, or the white ants. In sea water there are two species of insects which commit great ravages — viz., the Teredo navalis and the Lim- noria terebrans ; and they devour instinctively the alburnum or the heartwood with such rapidity that in a very few years large sticks of timber — whole piers, in fact, are destroyed by them. It is said that the Teredo was imported into the seas of northern Europe by the Dutch, from their colonial possessions, about the middle of the 17th century ; but I suspect that there is little reason for this opinion, and that the Teredo has been a constant inhabitant of our coasts at least from the time of the deposit of the London clay. About 1660, however, the safety of Holland was seriously compromised by these animals, and since that period the attention of engineers and naturalists has been earnestly and anxiously directed to the study of the best method of combating this apparently insignificant enemy. The habits of the Teredo have thus been carefully studied ; but those of the Limnoria are not so well known. Of these causes of decay it is singular that the most general and the most fatal— viz., the wet rot, has attracted less attention than the more startUng but less common evils — the dry rot, or the destruction by insects. The methods of prevention and cure for either of the rots are, however, fortimately nearly the same, and they may be described by saying that if some of the more recently discovered processes for the presei-vation of timber cannot, for economical reasons, be resorted to, no unsound timber, nor timber containing sap or sapwood, should be employed in positions where it would be covered in such a manner as to pre- vent its examination and repair. Great precaution should be taken to insure a perfect circulation of air and a freedom from moisture to all unprepared timber, let it be ever so sound, free from sap, druxy knots, star, cup, or ground shakes. If for con- structive purposes it be necessary, however, to use timber in the above dangerous positions, some one or other of the processes for resisting the chemical changes in the tissues of the wood must be resorted to. These processes are all founded on the principle that it is essential to inject some material which should at once precipitate the coagulable portion of the albumen retained in the tissues of the wood in a permanent insoluble form, which should not here- after be susceptible of putrefactive decomposition. For this purpose many substances, many solutions, have been employed with variable success, of which the most important and the best known are — 1. Kyan's patent, or the injection of a solution of the chloride of mercury. 2. Margary's process, or the injection of a solution of the sulphate of copper. 3. Sir William Burnett^s process, or the injection of the chloride of zinc. 4. Payne s process, or the production of a double decomposition in the pores of the wood, by firstly injecting a metaUio solution, such as the sulphate of iron, and then injecting a second solution, such as the carbonate of soda, which would form an oxide of iron in the cellular tissues. 5. BetheD's process of creosoting, or the injecting of the heavy oil of tar ; and Boucherie's process, which is perhaps rather a modification of the manner of inject- ing the sulphate of copper than the application of a new solution, although he occasionally uses the chloride of calcium and the pyrolignite of iron. The experience furnished by the railway system, and the various hydraulic works of our own and foreign countries, appears to me to have shown that the efficacy of those various processes may be described as follows : — The creosoting one is the most generally successful ; the appUcation of the July 29, 1863. ] JOUllNAL Off UOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE OARDENEE. 311 sulphate of copper is successful iu many cases ; the other pro- cesses, although no doubt of oecasioniil value, Iiavo practically been abandoned. It will, therefore, only be necessary to revert to the ereosoting process, and the use of the sulphate of copper. Now, the application of any of the aqueous tolulions of mineral salts, as a preservative process, seems to nie to bo of limited benefit in cases where the wood is exposed to the action of frequently-renewed water; for it has been proved, practically, that the combination between the salt and the albumen is not sufficiently permanent to resist the long-continued solvent action of such water. For piers, bridge foundations, or dock work, or even for railway sleepeis, I myself should hesitate to use any of the mineral salts ; but for house-building purposes, I think that there cannot be any reasonable doubt of the bene- ficial eflects of the application of the sulphate of copper for the prevention of rot in its various forms, and I should decidedly recommend its use for the timber of ships not immediately exposed to the action of the water, wliether the timber be or be not seasoned. It is also to be observed that the solution of the eulpliate of copper does not communicate any disagreeable smell to the wood, an objection which apphes forcibly to creosote; and the former process may, under such circumstances, be adopted for domestic purposes. The proportion of the sulphate of copper in the solution should be 1 lb. of the salt to i gallons of water. In addition to the objection to the sidphate of copper and the other metallic salts, on the score of their solubility in run- ning water, there is this peculiar objection to them in the case of timber used in sea water — viz., that the action of the albumen in the wood renders them perfectly innocuous to animal hfe, however poisonous they might originally be. Woods thus treated are not, then, in any way protected against the timber-destroy- ing insects, whereas it is certain that the injection of creosote is a most eli'ectual protection against some of those creatures ; for jou may observe that, in tlie section of a pile exhibited, the Teredo has gone out of his path to avoid tlie portions of the wood impregnated with that substance. In India it seems also that the white ants have a dislike to creosote, and they avoid wood which has been prepared by its injection ; so that inas- much as the experience of nearly twenty years has shown that the ordinary causes of decay are arrested by this process, and that it affords an effectual protection against many timber- destroying insects, it seems to me that wherever the peculiar odour of the creosote does not constitute an objection to its use, it should be applied. I beg, however, distinctly to call atten- tion to the fact that I do not assert that creosote will protect wood against all descriptions of boring worms, for samples of wood said to have been creosoted have been occasionally shown which exhibit traces of the ravages of the Limnoria terebrans. I think that much reason for doubt exists on this matter, be- cause in far too many cases the creosote used has been of inferior quality, and in many others the pyrolignite of iron has been substituted for it. I have not been able yet to analyse the samples of the prepared and attacked woods I have seen ; but I am very strongly inclined to question whether any authenticated cases of the failure of creosote really exist. The asserted fact of the attacks of tlie Limnoria is, however, a very remarkable phe- nomenon under any circumstances, and it merits very serious inquiry by our scieutific and technical bodies. If the pieces of wood in question were really creosoted, it would seem to prove that the material which is distasteful to one animal may be attractive to others, and, therefore, that tlie green heart-tin, ber, which is said on very doubtful authority to be protected from the Teredo by the essential oil it contains, may be exposed to destruction from the Limnoria, or from the land insects I have myself noticed in it. If the piece of wood just referred to were prepared by the injection of pyrolignite of iron, it would equally seem that that ingredient is no more able to protect wood against insects than it is admitted to be able to protect wood against rot or decay. There are several very obscure points connected with the habits of the marine-boring worms which I am at present Btudying, and I hope, on some future occasion, to be able to dwell more at length on the subject. My present impressions are, that these dreadful pests have peculiar habits — that is to eay, that they respectively select the localities for their residence on account of some peculiarities in the chemical composition of the materials of the seashore, and that they have peculiar and distinct tastes, so that the immunity from the attacks of one of these classes of insects does not necessarily imply immunity from 4he attacks of others. But as the Teredo is the most destructive of the marine, and the white ant the most destructive of the land-devouring insects, it seems to me that the process of ereo- soting (which is now generally admitted to be an efl'ectual pro- tection against both of these enemies) should be adopted in all cases where wood is likely to be exposed to their attacks. That creosote is able to protect wood against ordinary decay is proved by the state of the sleepers of some of our railways, laid down as far back as 18 11 ; but, of course, this process, like all prac- tical chemical ones, requires to be applied skilfully and con- scientiously. Much prejudice against the use of creosote seems, for instance, to have been created by the decay of timber treated by the pyro- lignite of iron, and still more by the shameful manner in which the creosote itself has been used ; for in the section of the pilo on the table no more of that oil is to bo found in the wood than the latter would be able to take up by a very temporary immer- sion. In the best ereosoting works, such as those of Mr. Bethell, or the still more extensive ones of Messrs. Burt &. Co., the oil is injected at a temperature of 120', and under a pressure of 150 lbs. on the square inch, so that ordinary Fir timber absorbs on the average from S lbs. to 10 lbs. weight of the creosote to the cubic foot. For all building or hydraulic engineering pur- poses, Fir timber thus treated is far more durable than the best Oak, Teak, or other hard woods ; and as the cost of the opera- tion is very small, it certainly should be resorted to on all occa- sions where the smell of the creosote is not likely to be objec- tionable. When this is the case, I certainly think that some modification of Margary's process should be adopted, and that house or ship timbers exposed to damp, warm, and confined air should bo treated with the sulphate of copper. — G. R. Bxtbnell, Esq., in Journal of Society of Arts. NOTES ON ENGLAND BY A FRENCHMAN A CENTURY AGO. Pbices in 1772. — To enable the reader to form a judgment of the dearness at London, I shall here give a list of their prices during the time of my residence in that city : — bread was 2\d. or id. a-pound ; coarse meat ihd.; roasting beef M. — 9rf. ; bacon lOrf. ; butter lid. ; candles 7hil. ; the priee of a milch cow was 12 or 11 guineas : an acre of land, in the neighbourhood of London, was let for four or five pounds ; and a cartful of dung, taken at London, was valued at twelve shillings. Bhead. — The English bread is very good, and very fine, thougli it has a great deal of crumb. It was the English that first thought of us'ng yest or the flower of beer for leaven to make bread — a custom, which, with great dilliculty, began to obtain at Paris about the middle of the last century. The firsf; edition of the History of the Police of Paris presents us with extraordinary papers relative to the contests which it occasioned. The ParUament of Paris, taking cognizance of this affair con- sulted the most eminent citizens, together with the gentlemen of the faculty, and were almost for consulting the Sorbonne ; their contradictory opinions increasing the difficulty, instead of diminishing it, the httle loaves continued in possession of the yest or flower of beer. The case will, no doubt, be the same with regard to inoculation, for which likewise all Europe is indebted to England. Those who are interested on either side of the question, cannot read the pieces relative to this affair, collected by the commissioner la Marre, without the highest satisfaction, especially the opinion of the famous bookseller Vitro : that piece could not discover more humour it Moliere himself had drawn it up. The butter and tea, which the Londoners live upon from morning till three or four o'clock in the afternoon, occasion the chief consumption of bread, which is cut in slices, end so thin, that it does as much honour to the address of the person that cuts it as to the sharpness of the knife. Two or three of tlieee slices furnish out a breakfast. They are no less sparing in their other meals : what would be scarce enough for a Frenchman of an ordinary appetite, would sufHce three hungry Englishmen. They seem to eat bread merely through fear of being thought to eat none at their meals : as this is the national taste, their physicans look upon bread as the heaviest of all aliments, and the hardest of digestion. Vegetables.— The price of garden-stuff is in London pro- portionably dear with other commodities,' and they are not much better than the rest. All that grow in the country about • A Leek was sold for ona penny. 342 JOUKNAL OF HOHTICULTDBE AND COTTAGE GARi)ENER. [ July 29, 1862. London, Cabbage, Radishes, and Spinach, being impregnated with the smoke of sea-coal, which fills the atmosphere of that town, have a vcvy disagreeable taste, which they communicate to the meat wherewith they have been boiled. 1 ate nothing good of this sort in London, but some Asparagus, which doubtless grew at a good distance from that capital. It is to he further remarked, that the constant mildness of the climate of England supersedes most of those precautions which the French gardeners are obliged to observe. They sow almost everything in unpre- pared ground, more or less covered with rich mould. I saw no hotbeds, except at the country-seats of gentlemen, whose gardens are kept in the most elegant manner. Cleanliness. — The humid and dark air whieh enwraps Lon- don, requires the greatest eleanlmess imaginable ; and in this re- spect, the inhabitants of that city seem to vie with the Hollanders. The plale, hearth-stones, moveables, apartments, doors, stairs, the very street-doors, their locks, and the large brass knockers, are every day woshed, scoured, or rubbed. Even in lodging- liouses, the middle of the stairs is often covered with carpeting, to prevent (hem from being soiled. All the apartments in the house have mats or carpets ; and the use of them has been adopted some years since by the French. But what is an article of necessity in England, is mere extra- vagance in France. The houses in London are all wainscoted with deal ; the stairs and the iloors are composed of the same materials, and cannot bear the continual rubbing of feet without being cracked and worn. This renders carpets or coverings necessary. Add to tiiis, that these floors, which are of excellent deal, and are washed and rubbed almost daily, have a whitish appearance, and an air of fi-eshness and cleanliness, which the finest inlaid floor has not always. Public Walks.— Besides St. James's Park, the Green Park, and Hyde Park, the two last of whieh are continuations of the first, and which, like the Tuilleries at Paris, lie at the extremity of the metropolis, London has several public walks, which are so much the more agreeable to the English, as they are less fre- quented and more solitary than the Park. Such are the gardens contained within the compass of the Temple, of Gray's Inn, and Lincoln's Inn. They consist of grass plats, which are kept in excellent order, and planted with trees, either cut regularly, or with high stocks : some of them have a part laid out for cuUnary uses. The grass plats of the gardens at Lincoln's Inn are adorned with statues, which, taken all together, fo.m a scene very pleasing to the eye. St. James's Park and its appurtenances are not kept in such good order as these garden" which belong to particular build- ings. In that part nearest to Westminster, nature appears in all its rustic simplicity ; it is a meadow, regularly intersected and watered by ca;ialB, and with Willows and Pof" lars, without any regard to order. On tliis side, as well as on that towards St. James's Palace, the grass plats are covered with cows and deer, where they graze, or chew the cud, some standing, others lymg down upon the grass : this gives the walks a lively air, which banishes solitude from them when there is but little com- pany : when they are full they unite in one ])rospect, the crowd, the grandeur, and the magnidcence of a city, as wealthy as popu- lous, in the most striking contrast with rural simplicity. Agreeably to this rural simplicity, most of these cows are driven about noon and evening to the gate, which leads ft'om the Park to the quarter of Whitehall. Tied in a file to posts at the extremity of the grass plat, they swill passengers with their milk, which, being drawn from their udders upon the spot, is served, with all the cleanliness pe-uliar to the English, in little mugs, at the rate of a penny a-mug. — {6rosslei/'s Tour in London.) spheroidal." [We liave often seen these hard pearly processes in aeorns, but not in any other fruit that we remember. — Ed. of AmericcH Gardener's Monlhly.'] Veoetaele Peaels.— a correspondent says, " It may not be known to many readers of the ' Monthly ' that pearls are also found in the vegetable kingdom. Three 'kinds of fi-uit have been found, though in extremely rare instances, to contain pearls. They are Ficus Benjamina, Datura alba, and the Cocoa-nut. The natives of Macassar, when they find snch a cocoa-nut pearl, cherish it highly, wear it in the ibrmof an amulet, and ascribe wonderful powers to it. Two liundred years ago the German boianist, Rumph, presented the Grand Duke o( Tuscany with a ring of cocoa-nut pearls, so he says in his ' Herbarium,' without, however, mentioning the ducal return, if ever any were made. These pearls are sometimes round, sometimes conical, sometimes DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Gate manure-waterings to some of the best Marrow fat Peas to prolong the yielding process. Such kinds as Jeyes' Con- queror, Knight's Tall Marrow, Mammoth Dwarf, &c!, if close- picked and well manured, will hardly ever stop bearing if the roots are in good deep soil. Thinned Turnips and sowed suc- cession, also Lettuces, Spinach, &e. Will get ground ready for winter Spinach ere long. Made also a sowing of Dwarf Kidney Beans, to which we can give protection late in autumn. These often come in very useful in the end of autumn, and even the beginning of winter. Broke down some of the stems of spring- planted Onions to cause them to bulb larger and sooner, other- wise they are apt, in such a season, to grow considerably to neck. Took up Shallots that were ripe. Sowed Onions thickly for salad. Weeded Asparagus-beds, some large plants of Wheat getting up among them, and scattered a little salt over the surface. Have left more seed on Sea-kale than is desirable in order to get a good lot of fresh seed for next season, as I still prefer seedlings to cut roofs, and jilenty of this vegetable tends to make the winter pass more cheerfully. Sowed s few Cabbage seed for early produce in spring, if they stand. What we sowed iu the middle of August last year gave us a number of run heads. In a common winter not one should we have expected to run. As it was there was enough ; but it is always bejt to have a reserve, and therefore a later sowing should also be made. Planted out Coleworts, which will give a good autumn supply of young greens, and winter, too, if mild. Planted out succes- sion Cucumbers. Pegged-down and regulated Gherkin Cucum- bers, Vegetable Marrows, &c. Watered Tomatoes, Tobacco, and kept Chilies and Capsicums growing freely, giving them plenty of the syringe after hot days, to keep fly and spider away from them. Find that our transplanted Celery has some of it a yellowish tinge, wliich we attribute to a soil too cold, not rich enough, and a full sun when it did shine. I allude chiefly to that in beds that had previously been used for bedding plants, and where, consequently, I could grow nothing tall on the ridges. When such trenches were dug out early in spring, and Peas sown on tliC bank, their shade always prevented any of this yellow appearance, even when turned out into soil not so rich as it ought to be. Celery naturally loves a damp shady place. When nearly grown in the autumn it will stand any amount of sun. FRUIT GABDEN. Kept layering and watering layers of Strawberries, and dung- ing, trenching, and preparing, ground for a fresh plantation. In the present case Strawberries will have to follow the second lot of Cauliflowers, as these again followed late Celery. We like to enrich and deep-dig such ground if we can, as we never let Strawberry plants see a spade again until they are dug down, to furnish some aliment for other crops. I begin to find that our ground constantly cropped without a chance of fallow, cries out for a little fallow, or dressing with lime, and more sweet manure. Protected small fruit from the ravages of birds — sweet songsters though they be, for they know nothing of conscience or what is their right share when once they begin. There is nothing effectual but the net. Stopped and regulated the shoots of fruit trees indoors and out, in order to swell the buds, and give more air and light to the fruit. Will soon liberally remove laterals from growing Vines — that is, taking them away at three or four difierent times, some days, say a week between each, in order that no check be given, and looking on a fair amount of laterals hitherto as so many root-encouragers. In future we shall want the strength of the plants to be devoted less to growth than to the ripening of the fruit and the ripening of the wood. Watered the soil beneath Melons now showing signs of ripening, leaving the surface soil dry. OBNAIIICNTAL DEPAKTMENT. Removed a good number of Pelargoniums from conservatory, as they were getting to be hardly worth picking the flowers, and so many fell from them on stage and path. Will replace with Scarlets, a few Ferns, fine-leaved Begonias, Fuchsias, Feathered Cockscombs, &c. Potted more Geraniums, &c., for succession^ and put in a few cuttings of Geraniums, Carnations, Roses, &c. July 29, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAOK GARDENER. 34d Carnations and Picotccs etriko very well if first inserted in a mild heat, and then a brisker one, and kept shaded during sunsiiino, air being given at night. Phloxes, Antirrhinums, &c., may now bo struck in a shady place under a hand-light ; but the first Phloxos strike best in spring when the shoots are some ^ inches in length. Watered Cineraria-stools turned out for auckers into a border with nice rirh loam round the plants. Sowed and prieked-olF Primida sinensis, P. cortusoides, Auriculas, &o. Watered accord- ing to weather and circunistanecs. Out of doors in the tlowor garden attended to tying, regu- lating, and training, and then loosened tlio soil of the beds by means of small O^-inch Dulch hoes, or small forks, cutting up the small weeds nt the same time ; the soil with rains and hail getting almost as hard as a pathway, though the surfnco was stirred not long ago. The ground, too, from constant cropping and little or no manure, is apt to become liarder than it other- wise would be. This hardness, however, enabled the sun in two or three nice days to exert considerable influence in heat- ing the soil, and so telling on the Scarlet Geraniums ; and alike to keep beat and moisture in, to keep the surface rongh and open, and yet finished and neat to the eye, as well as to heln the plants a little to a vigour which would bo combined witli abun- dance of bloom, a slight top-dressing has been given to a portion of the beds, after which, except in long-continued hot diy weather, they pretty well look after themsolvee. I am convinced that this top-dressing suits all these purposes better than if I gave tho beds the same material at planting time, anrl, besides, I could not have given it to them then, because I had not got it to give. Tha top-dressing, then, is chiefly half-rottm leaves, used for temporary beds and Mushroom-beds, in full bearing at planting time. These, as can be got, are wheeled out into a heap, passed through a one-inch sieve, the Mushroom-dung predo- minating three to one, and then about a fourth nf the wliole is added of burnt rubbish, burnt earth, clay, &:e. We give Calceo- larias about 1^ incli of this ; other things get less than an inch, because we cannot, spare more. The ground is generally wholly covered before the loose surface is again consolidated by the rains. I need not add, that this weather has given plenty of work to scythes, mowing machines, and clipping-scissors. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *»* We request that no one will write privately to tlie depart- mental writers of tho *' Jo\irnai of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All cmmunications should therefore be addressed solely to The Kditors of the '^Journal of Mortiatlturey .fc," 162, Fleet Street, London, ^.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Vine Leaves Spotted {Q. TT. fl".)— Tliere was a little appearance on the leaves as if attacked by mildew, but the leaf was too dry to enable us to say so with certainty. If so, and whether or not, a little sulphur on the heating mediuiu, and plenty of air to counteract the heat applied, will be the beat remedy. The reJ sfiots will often appear as the Vines approach maturity ; but if your wood is still greon, and the Vines growing vigmnnsly, this cannot be the case. We incline, therefore, to think that if the Vines are still green, that tlie plants growing vigorously have had too much heat in dull weather, that the moisture in the house I'lns been condensed on the leaves, and these have been struck by a powerful sun before the ventilation hud dried the foliage. We have seen like effects produced by such causes, but we by no means say, that such was the cause in your case. Tlie oldest leaves would soonest beaCfected, and i^ejust think that something of this kind raav have taken place, from the fact that tlie Vines in pots *;re not affected. " Tiiey would not be so vigorous, and, perhaps, farther from the glass. Verbena Lord Leigh (P.).— There cannot be two opinions about this seedling raised by Messrs. Perkins, of Coventiy. The trusses are large, the pips bold and stout, and the colour the richest scarlet. If it stands exposure to the rain and sunshine, it will be a most desirable beddcr. It has been awarded a first-class certifiCAte by the Knyal Horticultural and Botanic Societies. Melons not Setting {Constmit Subscriber).— 'Wq expect the soil and the air are too damp. Allow the former to gtt drier, and that will check the luxuriance, and more air will caure the fruit to set. In such a house the plants would have done best trained against the roof—say Kj inches from the glass. We do not think the smell of tlie tar will Influence the setting, if it does not hurt the plant?. Vou have no reason to despair yet. You would see mode of treating Melons in '* Doings of the Week," lately. | Gkranium Bloom Fallino Qcicklt (A Humhle Learner).— It is little use giving manure water to Geraniums when in full bloom. It is most useful whon tho buds appear, causing them to open btrong. Tho extra stimulus will cause tho flowers to be thrown off sooner than otherwise ; hut such plants will shed their blooms do what you will to prevent it. We suspect tliat tlie fancy Geraniums have hud too much water, and too little air, and that you have poured your water on close to the stem of tho plant. In watering avoid this, or tho tendercst will goto u certainty. Everybody cannot have the very best ; strive to excel, but do not get In the dumps because somebody niay excel you. You will find that to ho tho ease in smiothing all through life. In general, it is best inuruly to nip the point of the shoot in budding, so as to ^ivo no great check. Vixr.s Hkarinh only at the Top (/ Constant Subscriber). — ]\\o8iy\\\w trained up the gla?s like yours are apt to produce the best bunehes at tho top of the house— that is, farthest from the roots. That tliey should be pro- ductive there only, must bss owing to encouraging growth chiefly there. If the top part has a tendency to rob tho lower so much, then there should be moro pruning and pinching at the top, to encourage more growth nearer the base, and then if all tho wood is ripened oiinally, tliere will be something like a general crop. Diseased Grapes (/. 3/.).— Tho berries are very severely spotted. See what we said at pnge 262, relative to " Muscat Grapes Spotted," the same remedial measures we recommend you to adopt, whatever variety of Grape yours may be. Lose no time. Ants in CucomEK-rnAME {E. L , BrisUngton) .—T'hQy are not the cause of the young fruit dying off. That, probably, arises fVom the roots being out of order. To drive ants from the fr;ime sprinkle a little guano over their haunt, and repeat the sprinkling until they have emigrated. ONCinitM Insleayi— Odontooi osaum Insleati {Inquirer). — They are district species, though the Oncidium was at fiist considered identical with Odontoglussum grande. The specific name in cai-h is in honour of Mr Insleay, gardener to Mr. Barker, the well-known Orchid-grower at Manchester. The Flycatchfr.— Permit me to tlnnk your coiTospondent "Orni- xnoLOGisT,' for his correction. When speaking of "the common Fly- catcher," I certainly alluded to the Grey Flycatcher, which in this neigh- bourhood (Hinningham) is comparatively general, when compared with the far more rare visitant Muscicapa atricaplUa, or Pied Flycatcher.— Edward Hewitt. Formation of Wood {Ignorance).— \i is formed from the descending sap. If you will read "The Science and Practice of Gardening," which you can have from our office free by post for forty pennj^ postage stamps, you will find this and all the other phenomena of vegetation and cultivation ex- plained. At page 203, it is there stated— " In order to aecertaiu whether the nc"' laver of wood is fonced from the former layer of wood, or of bark, M. Du Hariiel made a graft /jnr Venisson {Phys. fies. Arb., liv. iv.. chap. 4); whi -h is done by means of detaching a portion of bark from the trunk of a tree, and supplying its place exactly by means of a portion of bark detached from the trunk of another tree that shall contain a bud. In this way he grafted the Peach on a Plum tree, because the appearance of the wood which they respectively form is so very different, that it could easily be ascertained whether the new layer was produced frotn the f^tock or from the graft. Accordingly, at the end of four or five months after the time of grafting, the tree was cut down ; and o.'^ the season of the flowing of tlie sap was past, a portion of the trunk, including the graft, was now boiled to make it part more easily with its bark ; in the sti ipping off of which there was found to be formed under the graft a thin plate of the wood of the Poach, united to the ITu'n by its t-ides, but not by its inner surface, although it had been applied to the stock as closely as possible. Hence Du Ilamel concluded that the new layer of wood is formed from the biirk, and not from the wood of the pre- ceding year. The same experiment was repeated with the game result upon the Willow and Poplar ; when it was also found th?it if a portion of wood is left on the graft it dies, and the new wood formed by the bark is exterior to it." Never Despair {An Afflicted G nrd oner). —Yom have indeed been visited by a series of heavy trials- failure nt crops, sickness and death among those dear to you. yet we can say fiom experience that you will acknowledge after a time that all has been ordered wisely. Send us your address, and in the nieantime, as you ask *'What shall I do?" we reply. Go and see Lessing's admir.ible picture exhibiting at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, " Tlie Martyrdom of John Huss." and Icam a lesson from him. We recom- mend all who have tho opportunity, to see that pictnre; it is a picture never to be forgottnn wlien once seen, and no one but feels he is the better for having seen it. STRAWDEunr Culture in Pots iA. ^.).— You may pot yoiir Strawberries as soon as you like, one or two according to taste in a six-inch pot. Use stiffisb, lich loam. Keep the collar of the plant well up, and thump the soil as fii-m as you can aliout tho roota This is point first. Then place the pots on a hard surface full in the sun, shade at first, water freely in dry weather, allow no runners to come, and protect from frost and wet In winter ; then, if you have no fire heat in youv leaf-bed, take your Strawberry-pots to the greenhouse in March, and, if you have plants to spare, place tliem in mild heat in your bed at the end of March. There have be'?n full details given lately of the culture of such plants in pots, according to season. For instance, you might prick the plants in a border, and raise them in the end of March for the bed. Is it mildew you have on the Vine? If much spotted and only on one Vine, we would sacrifice the fruit rather than let it spread. If not much affected, dust with flowers of sulphur, and give more air in the house. Moving Kitcuen-qarden Stock in October (A. If K- P.).— The pro- priety of this, including trees we presume, will depend much on the winter. If trees, the shoots should be well stumped or nibbed-in previously, that tho main stems may be full of sap ; if .'unny, you will be obliged to water, shade, and svringa. We should think that in general the work might be proceeded with after the middle of October— in fact, if syringing and shading could be given, we would begin on the 1st of the month, as there will then be much licat in the ground to encourage rooting. Pnouvcr. of Strawberries [W. Grove).— "Wo have had forty or fifty berries on phints in six-inch pots, but we often had more weight when we limited the number to six or eight. It would be useless telling yon what pric-3 thev would then bring in April— in the London market, probably from Gd. to Is" per ounce; but they might bo hardly >aUable at all, as the price depends so much on the brieht or dull weather, and on the number of or the absence of parties. Our aristocracv even rarely purchase such things (or 34t JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ July 29, 1862. tbeiv own use, and therefore the price greatly depends on the number or the scarcity of fashionable parties. CcLTUHE OF Epimediums {V'tctor r.?rrf(fr).— Sandy peat and the edges of Rhododendron-beds are the very best places for all the Epimediums, and once planted they should not be disturbed nor the soil about them save to keep down weeds. Macranthum, or grandiflorum, is the best of them all; pinnatum or colchicum the next best, and then violaceuin. Diphyllum and our own alpinum are the only two more of them known to us ; the spikes of yellow flowers of pinnatum come vei'y early in the spring, and the leaves of this species are the next best alter those of Asarum cuiopicum of all that we have tried to gather for mixing with cut flowers in water-glasses in- doors, and a bed of each of them in a shady, sheltered corner out of sight would be a treasure to those who nse much decoration with cut flo.vers. These, with any favourite-scented leaves, and a few Lycopods, would be our dwarfs, and for " tail-feather " leaves, some kinds of narrow-leaved Iris, and Bome after the way of young Pampas Grass would be all our suite. HorsE-SEWAGE Well {Westmorlander).—^^.^ nothing which you can devise will render its contents as fragrant as the gales from " spicy Araby," the fuvther you have it from the house, and on that side from which the wind blows most seldom, the better. It emits no strong smell except when being pumped-up, and applied to the grouud. So soon as it has soaked into the soil the smell cea/«es. The well represented at page 5 of our " Muclt for the Many " is about 50 yards from the house, but the outlet where the smell alone is perceptible is about 100 yards away. Slate, with concrete or puddl-ng behind, would be as eff'ectual as bricks for lining the well. The sediment in a sewage-well we have does not require emptying more than once in two cr three years. How soon the well fills depends entirely upon the inmates in the house. Of course the well requires to be pumped- out in time to prevent overliowing. Common sense is always a safe guide on these minor points. Pear Thee Attacked by Caterpillars {M. ^.).— Those wliich eat into the trunk are the larvtc, probably, of the Goat iloth (Cossusligniperdaj. We know ol no better mode ol destroying them than finding the holes in which they are, and thrusting in a stout wire. Look out for the parent moths; they are grey, and difficult to see. They rest during the day, with folded ■wings, against the trunks of trees. Names of Plants {J. D.),~\, Reseda luteola; 2, Silene inflafca; 3, Fu- raaria oflScinalis ; 4, Stellaria glauca. (H. R.y 5ro?n/ey).— Morina longifolia. (./. B. 5.).— Philadelphus latifolius. The other looks HkcTrymalium odora- tissimum, but that is a greenhouse shrub. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS. July 29. Nlwmilleudam. Sees., Mr. J. Turner, AValton ; Mr. AV. Pashley, Newmillerdam. August 2nd, 4th, and 5th. Sheffield. Sec, Mr. George "Westerholm, 49, Queen Street. August 25th, 26th, 27th, and 2Sth. Crystal Palace. 5(>e., W. Houghton. Entries close July 26th. August 27th. Cottingiiam. 5cc., Mr. J. Brittain. Entries cl.ise Aug. 20th. September 2nd. Pocklington, Yorkshire. Sa., Mr. T. Grant, Entries close August 26th. September 4th. Wakefield and West Riding. .Sec, Mr. J. Crosland, jun., Entries close August 23rd. September 9th. Worslet and Armley (near Leeds), Sec.y Mr. Robert Hoyle, Armley, near Leeds. September 9th and 10th. Calne. Sees., A. Heath and F. Baily. Entries close August 28th. DEOE.MBER 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Birmingham. Sec, John B, Lyihall, 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE POULTRY SHOVT. July 17th. Generally this Show )m8 its gatliering in the month of September, but in this Exhibition jear of 18fi2 it seems agreed to crowd all our enjoyments into one period, and therefoi'e it was held in July. This is one of the Shows that move about like the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the Bath and West of England, &c., and every year it appears at a different place till the list is exhausted. We are great advocates for this plan, as turn by turn it identifies every town with the Show. The growth of this Exhibition is eontinuoiH. It is no bringing together of a few beasts, and two or three ploughs, and a horse or two, but it is really a large exhibition. It is beyond our duty to say anything of it in detail ; but we may be permitted to speak of the plea- sure we feel in noting the increasing success of every meeting. They are truly county gatherings for every class. Cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, wheat, and butter, fruits and flowers, have their separate classes, while the band of the Foot Guards is an attrac- tion for the fair sex. A Sybarite might be content listening to Bueh music while seated in a tent presenting a mass of roses to the eye. The Show has gone on increasing till it is not always an easy task to find a convenient spot for it. This year was an exception. The Marquis of Exeter very kindly allowed it to be held in Burghley Park — a truly magnificent spot for it. When we add that the day was fine, the attendance larger than was ever before known, and that all things went off well, we shall have nothing to do but to note the classes in their order. Dorkings were first on the list, and the prize for the best pen was a silver cup given by Lord Burghley. It was gained by Mr. John Shaw. There were fourteen pens of good adult birds shown. Those belonging to Mr. Kowland \^'ood deserve especial mention, also those of Jlessrs. Brown and Burnaby. The utility and progress of these Societies may be shown by the class of Dorking chickens entered here ; twelve good pens were shown, and the competition was severe for all but the first prize. That was never in doubt, and went to the Rev. F. Thursby, of Abington Rectory. Messrs. Swiugler and Ilanbury showed capital bix'ds. The classes for the silver cup and for adult birds seem to have exhausted the lists of cocks at this trying season. The class for single birds was very weak. Mr. Brown's was meritorious. The Spanish class improves ye irly at this Show, and it pro- duced excellent birds. There were" ten entries. The Rev. F. Thursby and Mr. Smith deservedly headed the class. We were sorry to see a trimmed pen. We hoped that practice had dis- appeared for ever. The only elT. ot of it is to cause birds that would otherwise, perhaps, be at the head of the list to occupy an inferior position. A good bird does not need it, and a bad one cannot be improved by it. Spanish chickens showed the season had not been propitious for rearing. There were but three entries, and there was only one good pen. It belonged to Mr. Smith. The other two pens had no chance against it, and were so deficient, the second and third prizes were withheld. It is only kind to exhibitors in this class to tell them that faulty- combed cocks cannot take prizes. The Game classes were large and excellent: every prize in all of them was taken by Mr. II. Shield, of Northampton. Messrs. Biggar and Brown were deservedly successful with Cochin- Chinas. Northamptonshire is not a Hamburgh county, and the show of them was weak. The entries for "Distinct Breeds" were good, but the birds were not sent. The next prizes were fourofl'ered by the Marchioness of Exater and Lady Burgliley for " the exhibitor of the best pen of three barndoor fowls, one cock and two hens, of any kind, to be owned by labourers, cottagers, and small farmers of not more than twenty acres of land within fifteen miles of Stamford." Will it be believed — there was one entry ? We know those cottagers only who live in the neighbourhood of commons can keep poultry ; we know that in many instances masters will not allow their labourers to keep fowls ; but surely in the country for fifteen miles round Stamford, there are persona coming within the limits of the class who could make a fair competition for these prizes. Aylesbury Sucks were very good ; and the " Various Class " showed unusually good White Calls, Buenos Ayrean, and Eouens. The Turl-ei/s were very good. Mr. Baily, Mount Street, Qrosvenor Square, vras the Judge. DoaKi.vo (A Silver Cup, given by Lord Burghley, M.P.).— Cup, J. Shaw, Tlunsbury Hill. Highly Commended, Key. F. Thursby, Abington Rectory. DoRKlKG (by the Society). — First, R. Wood, Clapton, Thr.ipston. Second, W. Brown, Kingsthorpe. Third, T. Buinaby, Upper Lod^e, Pipewell. Highly Commended, Marchioness of Exeter, Burghley House. Chickens.— Firi-t, Rev. F. Thursby, Abii;gton Rectory. Second, T. Swingler, Langhara, Oakham. ThircL J. B. Hanbury, Clipston House. Commended, J. B. Han- bury, Clipston House ; J. Shaw", ITunsbury Hill. CocA.— First, W. Brown, Kingsthorpe. Second, J. Slieffleld, Geddington Grange. Spanish (by the Society).— First, Rev. F. Thursby, Abington Rectory. Second, J. AV. Smith, Oundle. Third, .7. Biggar, Northampton. Com- mended, J. \V. Smith. Chickens, — i'rize, J. W. Smith. Game (by the Society). — First, Second, and Third, II. Shield, Northampton (Duckwing, Brown-breasted Red, and Black-breasted Red). Commended, — Kverard, Bardon Hill House (Black-breasted Red). Gajie Cock (by the Society).— First and Second, II. Shield, Northamp- ton {Brown-breasted Red and Black-breasted Red). Highly Commended, — Everard, Bardon Hill House. Commended, S. Deacon, Heme Lodge, Oundle. Cochi.v-China [by the Society). — First, J. Biggar, Northampton. Second, W. Brown, Kingsthorpe. HAWBUKcn (any variety, by the Society).— First, S. L.. Mason, Essendine (Golden-spangled). Second, J. Phillips, Stamford. Any other Distinct Bkeed.— Prize, J. Beasley, Brampton (Silky). Barsdook Fowls.— To the exhibitor of the best pen of three Barn- door Fowls, one cock and two hens, of any kind, to be owned by labourers, cottagers, and sonill farmers of not more than twenty acres of land, within fifteen miles of Stamford (by the Marchioness of Exeter and Lady Burgh- ley).—Prize, E. Speed, Exton, Rutland. Ducks (Aylesbury, by the Society).— First, J. .Shaw, Hunsbury Hill. Second, — Everaid.'B adon Hill House. Third, C. Watts, Kislingbury. Ducks (any other breed, by the Society). — First, Miss Boyle, WVedon (Wliite Decoy). Second, Rev. F. Thur.^by, Abington Rectory (East India). Third, J. Beasley, Brampton. TuRKETs (any age or colour, by the Society). — First and Second, J. Beasley, Brampton. July 29, 1SG2.] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 345 LEEDS AIND WEST HIDING POULTRY EXHIBITION. [Tho following from our reportev reached us too lato for in- sertion last week.] Fon some years past there has been an annual horticultuinl show held in tho town of Leeds, and this year some of the local poultry exhibitors bethought themselves that notwithstanding the fact of there being an annual exhibition of poultry in con- nection with the Ijceds Smithfield Show, it would be a good opportunity to establish a summer show in connection with tho Horticultural Society's Meeting ; and upon this basis one or two of the most zealous in the cause started what promises to be a first-class annual summer exhibition, as the support the Com- mittee met with from exhibitors both far and near was cer- tainly most encouraging, many of our best yards being re- presented ; and wo do not think any will hare cause to regret having exhibited, as the greatest care was taken of all specimens, and the arrangements in every respect well deserved the appro- bation they met with on all sides. The pens used were Mr. Turner's of Sluinultl. As usual, Spanish headed the list, and proved themselves woi'thy of the honour, as they were decidedly the best class in the Show. Mr. Teebay carrying off the silver medal with one of his well-known good pens. Mr. Rodbard having to be content with a second prize. There were several excellent pens amongst those who had to be content with high commendations. The Dorkiiig-i, if we except the prize peus, were nothing par- ticular, many of them being wretchedly out of condition. In Black-breasted Red Game, Mr. Beldon was fortunate enough to stand first. "We say fortunate adrisedly, for we certainly could not see wherein the merits of his pen consisted, to place him before Mr. Fletcher and other well-known breeders ; but if we are rightly informed there was some difference of opinion between the Judges in this class, and as they could not agree, a referee was called in, who, in spite of the fact of Mr. Beldon's being a small, loose-feathered cock bird, witli two ordinary hens, placed him first, his only claim to distinction being a good head and a good colour ; but as a Game cock requires to be a good bird in hand as well as to look at in the pen, though giving the arbitrator credit for all good intention, we we can but in toto disagree with him — and one of the Judges ignored the award altogether, and declined having anything whatever to do with it ; and being totally contrary to his opinion as to the best pen, the silver medal was awarded to a pen of Duckwings, and the first prize, " any variety class," going to a good pen of Blacks. Cochin- Chinas were numerous and good, the medal going to an excellent pen of Buffs. In Ilambiirffhs, Golden-spangled formed decidedly the best class, the medal being awarded to a beautiful pen of Mr. Marlor's. The other varieties were also well represented. Polands mustered three pens only. In the class for " any variety not mentioned," the first prize went to a remarkably fine pen of Brahmas of Mr. Teebay's ; second to a good pen of Black Hamburghs. There were also good Malays, and Creve Cceurs in this class. Chickens of all varieties were shown together, and formed an excellent collection. The prizes going to Spanish, Golden- pencilled Hamburghs, and Black Red Game, in the order mentioned. For the best Game Santam prizes there was a hard run between Mr. Brierly and Mr. Crosland, the former gentleman eventually taking first as well as the silver medal for the best pen of Bantams. There were also some good Whites. In Ouinea Fowls, Messrs. H. & G. Newton stood first with a pretty pen of Whites shown in beautiful condition. Ducks were not well represented, there being three pens only, and those of very ordinary merit. Turkeys and Geese numbered one pen of each, exhibited by Lady Hawke ; but they well deserved the prizes awarded to them. In Game cocks, Mr. Brierley obtained first prize with a good Black Red. In Cochins every bird exhibited appeared in the prize list, so this is sufficient to speak for their quality. Mr. Holdsworth was first in Game Bantam cocks, Pigeons formed a capital show of every variety. The medal for the best pair went to Mr. Holdsworth's Almond Tumblers. The Carriers and Powters were also excellent, and we must not omit to mention a beautiful pair of white Jacobins exhibited by Mr. Crosland, which deservedly stood first in their class, and tho well-known names which obtained prizes in tho other classes, will speak for themselves. We have omitted to n:cntion that the Show was held in the Albion Music Hall, admirably suited for the purpose, as two s|)aoious rooms all'ordid acconunodation, one for poultry and Pigeons, the otlior for horticultural productions. Tho Judges for Poultry and Pigeons were Mr. G. S. Sainsbury, Devizes, and Mr. S. Bird, Shipley. BULLFINCHES' EGGS DISAPPEAEING. As you are friends of the small birds, I venture to ask you if there is any bird that preys upon tlio eggs of Bullfinches. In this part they are not very common, and are therefore much prized ; but in four or five instances tho eggs have marvellously disappeared, and it was the same last year, although every one seems desirous to preserve them. We do not think the boys are the robbers, as the place is private and none are ever seen about. We are, therefore, quite at a loss to know what becomes of them, and any suggestion that would be likely to throw light upon the subject would be thankfully received. We are five miles from a town, and there are no bird-dealers in it, and we can hardly think that they can disappear in tl.at way. Other birds' nests are not molested, as they generally bring out their young ones, for which we arc thankful, as we are sensible of the great good they do in destroying insects and caterpillars. The Blackbird and Thruh are the only ones we think we might have too many of ; the Blackbird especially is a great rogue, and does not care much about grubs if he can get Cherries or Strawberries. — Cumbeeland. CONSEQUENCES OF LOSING A QUEEN. ' I HATE had some rather amusing incidents in connection with my swarms of this season. My first swarm came on the 21th of June, was hived in the usual way and left. In the evening I went to cover them up, but lo ! they were gone ! On examining the parent stock I found them crowded on the outside. Of course, the swarm had returned, but from what cause I could not ascertain. Probably the queen was either lost, or, as I have sometimes proved, incapable of flying, and, therefore, lost after leaving the landing-board. However, in two or three days I found a couple of young queens, and concluded at once there would be no more swarms ; but on Sunday, July 6th, although we had heavy rain in the morning, a swarm issued and settled, and before I could collect them my other stock sent forth a very large swarm ; but the rain coming on again it also returned, and was outside the parent hive during the whole of the day. I naturally supposed it would come again the following day, as I have known them do so frequently. But no such thing ; a swarm did come, but not till the following Sunday, and of which I was aware, having heard the calling of the queens. Both swarms are now working hard, and, if the present season- able weather continues, have no doubt they will do well ; because, if our own neighbourhood fails to supply them with a winter store, I can remove them to the heather only a few miles distant, where they mostly find a sufHeient supply. — J. C. [There is little doubt that the original queens were lost in both cases, and that when the swarms issued for the second time they were headed by young queens.] MISFORTUNES OF THE SEASON. In No. 41, New Series, I wrote you a short article on " Venti- lating Hives during Winter." Possibly you may find room for a short history of the doings of my bees since that time, though it will only add to the unfortunate list, which we are all sorry to hear is in the ascendant this season. Shortly after writing the above article, the weather proving unusually mild, I placed my hives (six in number) on their stands, and removed the zinc from the top apertures, placing squares of glass in their places, so as to increase the temperature of the hives — my object being to promote early breeding. Of course this had the desired effect ; but in a day or two after the severe frost set in, which easily penetrated the glass, and before I was aware had done its work with half my stocks by freezing them into solid masses between the combs, thereby aflbrding me a very painful proof of what I had stated. Being left with only three hives, and also being anxious to 346 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTA&E GARDENER. [ July 29, 1862. place my bees in bar-and-frame hivos, I adopted Mr. S. B. Fox's plan, drove them and placed the combs in frames to my own satisCaction, and .ill went on well. I have since made three artificial swarms — one with the bees alone, leaving the queen with her subjeets ; two others I made as recommended in The Cottage Gaedesek — namely, by taking out two brood-combs from the stock and j^lacing them in another hire on the ttand of the stock, removing the stock to a distance. Both these went on satisfactorily, each constructing queen's cells, though only one cell in each hive contained a royal nymph. One of these duly made her appearance, but has since been lost, probably not finding her way home after her wedding excursion. The other swarm, after duly sealing up the nymph, waited till her appear- ance was due, and then, as she was not forthcoming, they tore open the cell to discover that their expectations as well as mine were disappointed. The queen had died before spinning her cocoon. But my tale of misforhmo is not yet finished. On Saturday, the 12th inst., I found the queen of the swarm which was formed by the driven bees alone lying on the ground in front of the hive. On taking her up I found her abdomen perfectly empty, yet she was alive and could creep about. To tliis hive I have added my second artificial swarm which had lost the artificial queen before-mentioned, expecting a queen from a neighbour who thought he was about to put two second swarms together. In this, however, I am disappointed, as the swarms have; not made their appearance, so that I have now two queenless hives. In order to make the best out of a bad job, I think this would not be a bad opportunity to place a Ligurian at the head of one of these stocks. Should there be one among your many apiarian readers who has a supernumerary fertile Ligurian queen I shall be most happy to hear from him. — W. JOHNSON, Essington, Wolcerhampton. BEE SEASON IN MIDDLESEX— UNSUSPECTED ENEMY OF BEES. I SEE that several of your correspondents are giving you reports of the season as it afiects bee-keeping this year, and it may not be uninteresting if I add a statement as to this in so central a place as Middlesex. I fear, however, I can but add a groan to the general wailing, for at present this has proved in- comparably the very worst season in my experience — very far worse than the notoriously wet summer of 1860. We are here getting neither swarms nor honey. Out of eleven stocks I do not detect sealed honey-cells in more than one, and the working of supers, wliioh commenced vigorously in May, is almost totally abandoned. Durhig my temporary absence in June, a swarm of Ligurians was lost from sheer stai-vation ; and, therefore, I would advise all bee-keepers wishing to preserve their this-year's swarms not to be chary of a bottleful of food now and then — it may save several bottles in the winter, by keeping the bees strong enough to gather what little is to be found. In such a season as this the superior merits of the Ligiu'ians are very manifest, my solitary stock of last year having given an artificial and two natural swarms, and is still full, almost to overflowing ; while six stocks of black bees have given me one swarm amongst them. We have, however, some little hope left. There is an abundant appearance of white clover, from which I usually find they collect much honey, and up to a late period of the season. [There is also the blossom of the limes. — Eds.] I should like to caution apiarians against a not-generally- suspected enemy to their bees. I find that cats are very fond of eating them. I possess a cat that will, if permitted, sit for hours under a pedestal, snapping them up with evident gusto as they go out. I am, too, unfortunate enough to have neighboiu's of strong philofeline propensities, and it is not uncommon for me to find a cat above the hive pouncing upon them returning, and one below securing the exits. — G. F. B., Colney Match. APIAEIAN NOTES. The Bee Seasow. — Tip to the present time (18th of Jidy) the season has been most unpropitious for bees ; the want of sim has been felt by them very much. For several of the last days of June the bees have been chilled in great numbers near their hives ; and as to honey, about the 20th of June three swarms which were weighed a month after being hived were no heavier than on the day of swarming. A very few days of honoy- gatherhig now remain ; and as the weather improves, it may be presumed thut in some good locaUties enough of store may be saved by our pets to keep them through the winter. Our county is an overstocked one, and there is little late white clover ; being near the town, the honey season pretty nearly closes about the third week in July. We hope some of the writers will furnish an account to The JorKHAL of Hohticultttre. The writer of this communication has been obliged to feed young swarms in June ! a very rare occurrence, and accounts have arrived from Exeter to the tame effect. SwAEMiKG Pkevekted. — In answer to a correspondent in The Joduhal op Horticulture, let hmi try the moving the old stock immediately after swarming ; he will find that an infallible plan to prevent a second swarm. The new swarm should be placed in the exact spot where the old parent hive was taken Irom. I have never found it to fail. — H. W. N. THIS HONEY SEASON. Your correspondent "A Disappoikted Bee-keeper," in No. 67, 8ih July, must indeed live in a land overflowing with honey, and cannot have read the bee-books with much advan- tage ; for if he refers to " Country Curate," he will then see he states, a person commencing bee-keeping must not be disappointed if he gets no honey after keeping bees for some years ; for if the weather and country are bad for honey they cannot gather it, and this season is the third bad one, two out of the three the poor bees have hardly been able to live, and must, as many hove done, if they had not been fed, have died out, and very many this season have gone ; and if he will read the bee-books a little more carefully, he wiU observe they say when there is not much honey to gather there are more swarms, as the queen has more room for breeding. Bees will fill glasses when there is no honey to gather if properly managed, but it is useless trying them in bad and cold seasons, as they can scarcely keep their hive warm enough for breeding, and, therefore, find a glass too cold. You may often observe in the daytime when it is warm they commence in a glass, and at night are compelled from cold to leave it ; and at all times if a glass is not kept warm, bees will not work in it, and there must also be something to gather, which has not been the case this season — for, only yesterday, I took a swarm of the 7th June out of a hive, and did not observe an ounce of honey but a good dtal of brood, and, therefore, put the hive ou the top of another one to be hatched out. — A. W. P.S. — I have had two or three swarms this season without drones, and they did not make their appearance in the old hive till some days after. OUE LETTER BOX. Spanish Uens Dying Suddenly (IT.).— How can we tell the cause in the total al'sence ol nn_v informatioD as to their diet, place of keep, or previous symptoms ? They " drop dead from the perch," probably, from being over- fed wit li too-nutriiious food, which induces apoplexy. But you might as well have told us that "Tom Nokes is dead," and then have added. *' What caused his death? " Editors are not clairvoyant. Gravel in Poultky Pens.— I see you have mooted the gravel question. Gravel bein^ nearly as important to birds as food, I cannot see why its scarcity in ihe vicinity should ever be an excuse for its absence ; a sack or two could always be had by train at a sliglit cost, and I know many people ■who refrain horn entering valuable birds because of its not being supplied.— W. H. B. Braintree). — A Woodbury frame- and your stock must be fed up at e winter. The crown-board should d a thin adapter substituted as re- no difficulty in driving your second a hive filled with brood and combs s shown at the International Exhibi- Vaeiol'S Apiarian Queries [5'. A.^ hive weighs about 19 lbs. when empty, least to 15 lbs. beyond this weight befor be removed before a super xs put on, ar presented in page 74. There would be Ligurian itock, and introducing it into taken from condemned bees. The super lion were filled last year. LONDON MABKETS.— July 28. POULTRY. The increased supply and the falling-off in trade indicate the close of the spring season. London will soon be out of town. Large Fowls 3 0 to 3 6 I Ducklings 2 3 to 2 6 Smaller do 2 3 „ 2 6 Hares 0 0 „ 0 0 Chickens 1 6 „ 1 9 Rabbits 1 3 „ 1 4 Geese 0 0 „0 0 Wild do 0 8 „0 9 Goslings... 5 0 ,, 5 (1 I Pigeons 0 8 „0 9 August 5, 1862. ] JOURNAL OV UORTrCt^LTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. WEEKLY CALENDAR. 347 ' Day of M'nth Day of I Week. WeaTHKII NKiR LOMIION IX 1861. To W Th F S Sun M AUGUST 5-11, 1862. Amphicome arguta. Prince Am'ufi) uohm, 1844. Anncampspios polyphyllo, &c. Androiueda specinsu. Anisomtles furcata. 8 Sunday aftfi: Trinity. Astelma imbricatum. Barometer. 29.925—29 856 30.043—29.912 29.999-29.766 29.734—29.66.1 29.889-20. S.SO 30.046—29.979 29.965—29.896 Thei-mom degrecfl. 80—41 78-43 76-55 66-53 71-57 81—56 82-54 Wind. s.w. w. s.w. s.w. s.w. s.w. w. Rain in Inches. ■IS •18 •02 Snn Rises. Sun Sets. , Moon Rises and Sets Moon's Age. Clock before Day of San. Year. m. h.l m. h. m. h. 3Uf4 41af7 imii-n. 7,6 0 7 ' \r, 1 7 I :i.'i 2 7 rises 7 24 a 7 40 4 30 7 I 43 11 13 13 O 15 16 m. s. 5 4.i 5 39 5 32 5 25 5 17 5 8 4 59 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 Meteorology of the Wkf.k.— At Chiswick, from observations during: the last thirty-ftvc years, the average highest and lowest temperatures of these days ore 74.4° and 51. F respectively. The greatest heat, 93', occurred on the 10th, in IS42 ; and the lowest cold, 38°, on the 6th, in 1833. During the period 140 days were fine, and on 105 rain fell. DEVICES FOR DINNEll-TABLE DECOEATION. P tliere is one thing more tlian another tliat the British pub- lic deliglit in possess- ing, it is the freedom they hare in criti- cising the Tvorlis of all who compote for public prizes. The privilege of passing an opinion on private worlvs is often enough indulged in, but oi'dinary courtesy for- bids that any severe censure should be passed in eases of this kind. There is less reserve where the aspirant aims at public distinction. In the latter case the public claim as a right the privilege of giving an unfettered opinion on the merits of the com- peting article, whether that be political or social, a work of art or skill, or a service performed : and whatever be John Bull's failings, he is, perhaps, after all, the best of all men for acknowledging real merit. But, as he has so many things before him daily, it ia not to be wondered at if his judgment now and then should take a backward turn, either from inattention, or it may be a little way- ward japriciousness, which in light matters he is not unlikely to fall into. By-and-by, however, his sound common sense discovers the error he has committed, and the opinion previously given is reversed. There is. however, one subject in which John Bull's judgment is said by foreigners to have been at all times ?;uided by caprice, rather than by just and acknowledged aws. and that is the Fine Arts, for if we are to regard the opinion of our neighbours across the channel, we have little to congratulate ourselves upon on the score of taste. Whether this be so or not need not be argued here ; suffice it to say, that the laws which govern good taste in such an article as that of dress must be of a very comprehensive kind, or surely the term " good taste " could not alike be applied to the belle of the present day, with that of her prototype thirty years back. Neither are the vagaries of the rougher ses less conflicting to recon- cile to the doctrine of good taste, if that be brought to bear upon them ; so that I fear I must court a more humble idea in support of my views on a matter which has attracted no small attention on the part of the floral world, and the assistant I mean to call to aid my views is plain " Utility," whose existence even is too often ignored by those who soar to the position of shaking hands with Good Taste ; but with Utihty, I, for one, would be the last to quarrel, Iiued to make a material dilffreuce in the appearance of his garden — and Oats now occui)y the ))laco devoted last year in some parts of his garden to Roses. The first blooui, too, was nearly over. A few llowers were, however, still left— smaller, of course, than the earlrer ones, but just suflicient to show the character of the flowers. In speaking of tlio exhibitions here this year, I happened to mention the blooms of C'omtesse C'ecile do C'habrillant shown by Mr. Cant, which were so beautifully mottled. He said, " Come and I will show you something of the same kind." And truly there was a bloom very similar to, although not, perhaps, so beautifully and regularly marked as the one I allude to. " And now," he added, " 1 will show you a curious thing." It appears last year he had a somewhat similar bloom, and that, believing it could be perpetuated, he budded it. In one sense his con- jecture came true — the panachce character of it renained, each bloom being regularly mottled, but in other respects the Rose had lost its character ; the exquisite shape and the delicate turn of tlie petals were gone, and the flower was a loose and open one with about half the number of petals. His idea is that it is disease — a disease which (as all Frenchmen delight in philosophising), ho ascribes to sudden changes of temperature, comparing it to the affeclions in the human" body which often- times ensue when a cold air or water is supplemented on a highly heated state of body. The poverty of the flower when propagated would seem to bear out this idea, and may perhaps add an atom to tlie controversy now carried on as to the cause of variegation in general. There were other items of this subject which were new to me. He says that every " panaeheed " Rose has been a sport — that ie, one has never been raised from seed. This rather confirms the notion which one entertained — that Triomphe d' Amiens was a sport from General Jacqueminot. This he stated positively was the ease ; and hence when some complain that it is no other than Jacqueminot they may be speaking of some which have reverted to the original type. Mr. Cranston complaiued of Mr. Andrews' figure in the Floral Magazine of this fiower that it was too highly coloured, and that he liad a hundred blooms of it, but none like the figure. Another fact which Margottin mentioned throws some light on this. He CO firmed what we have always thought— that Madame Campbell d'lslay is merely a sport from La Reine ; but while showing me a whole row in which every bloom was beautifully mottled, he said at Paris it never cime otherwise than as La R«ine. Wl;at the climate of Paris, then, does for it Hereford may for Triomphe d' Amiens. When these caprices are shown la tiie Rose it only shows how careful we must be in generalising upon individual facts or places, and hov,- important to gather as many data as we can from various localities. Again, I learned for the first time that Panaehee d'Orleans and Madame Desire Geraud were both sports from Baronne Prevost and came m the same year, the one at Orleans, the other at Valenciennes, and that in each case a eliange had taken place in the constitution of the plant— that Panaehee d'Orleans was entirely without thorns and Madame Q-eraud was largely covered with very minute ones of quite a different character to those of Baronne Prevost. I do not know whether Mr. Cant has attempted to propagate from the branch of Crcile de Cha- brillaut from which his blooms were cut ; but if he has, I should be curious to know the result. I saw a large number of blooms of Souvenir de Comte Cavour, and am quite persuaded this Rose has not been seen to advan- tage in England yet, nor were the blooms that I saw of it at M. Margottin's at all fair ones to judge by ; but I feel certain that it will be, from its brilliancy of colour and regularity of petal, a great favourite. The same tlung is said in France as we find here— viz., that plants arc so hacked and hewn about that it is impossible to tell for the first season what they will be. Alexandre Dumas, loo, was much brighter and richer than I had before seen it ; the dark appearance indicating more age. "The only Rose which seems," says Margottin, "to grow brighter as it grows older is 'Lord Palmerstou.' " Curious, I thought; is not this the character of the man himself, whose brilliant career certainly seems to acquire greater brilliancy as he haa reached that term of life when most olher men consider that life's business and cares are not for them, but who is " as ready to give as good as he gets" as any youngster of twenty-five? And what shall I say of Boulc d'Or ? Why, that I saw one blossom of it, bc»idc which Cloth of Gold (or ChromatcUa, as it is called in France) was even dull ; bi^t alth.ngh this was cut from the open air, I fear that, in our less favoured climate, wc must consider it as a greenhouse plant. Of New Hoses, Mons. Margottin has but two to send out ihis autunm ; one of these, Louise Margottin, will be a decided acquisition. It is a seedling of Louise Oilier, of the samo shape and character, the colour a very light blush pink, and the habit vigorous — in fact, I should, perhaps, well give an idea of it when I say that it is a ModMe de Perfection in the Hybrid Perpetuals, fuller and more vigorous in growth than that pretty Bourbon. I very much mistake if this will not be a very favourite (lower. It is a somewhat curious thing, that although Louise Odier was raised by Mons. Margottin fifteen years ago, and has always seeded freely ; and although he has had Roses from it of all shades of colour, from pure white up to dark crimson, that they liave all proved worthless in their habit, and have departed in the first or second year of their brief existence, here, at last, he has obtained one vigorous in habit, and good in other respects. The other Rose, also a Hybrid Perpetual, was not in bloom, and is not yet named ; I conclude, therefore, that Louise Margottin is the better of the two. We had nmch more interesting talk on the Roses of the past season. M. Mirgottin, who is no bad judge, considers Frar.ijois Lacharme, Due de Rohan, and Chretien Pulteny as excellent Roses ; while, as with us, two of his favourites are Senatcur Vaisse and Cecile de Chabrillant. He deprecates the flooding of the market with new Roses— a matter wl.ieh must find its level ; and he was delighted with the figure I showed him of "John Hopper" — a Rose, I believe, not likely to be surpassed by any arrivals from the Continent this season. I have again to record the extreme kindness with which I was received ; and, after a pleasant and profitable forenoon, found my way back to Paris, of which more another time. — D. Deal. SOWING AND PLANTING THE CABBAGE. DuEixa the hot and sultry month of August it is not always an easy matter to induce seeds to grow, of which the natural period of vegetating is at another season, but it is not always hot and dry, and when it is so some artificial means must be taken to insure the conditions necessary for success ; and however simple these may be, it is of the greatest importance to the crop now under consideration that attention be paid them ; and though August may possibly be a dull and showery month like the two last that preceded it, yet, assuming it to be dry, bright, and sunny, with only an occasional thunder-shower, some little care will be wanted to secure a good breadth of young plants for next year's supply. As there arc few other crops in which an omission in the sowing and rearing of a batch of plants is at- tended with such bad consequences, it cannot he too strongly impressed on the kitchen-gardener to eudeavour by all the means he can command to secure a good brood of healihy young Cabbage plants fit for planting out at the proper time, "and also be sure that the variety he has is one not likely to run to seed m earlj spring, and is in other respects a suitable one for the purpose wanted. I believe it will be generally admitted that the Cabbage, takon as a useful early vegetable, has improved as much in the last twenty years as most products of a like kind. The liability to run to seed in March has to a certain extent been got over, and plants of e larger size and greater age are made to stand the winter and form nice useful heads in early .spring than was the case in year* gone by. 352 JOURNAL OF HOSTICITLTUfiE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ August 5, 1862. It is well known fliat tlie parent plant of the cultivated Cabbage flowers in spring, ripening its seed and shedding it on ground as bard as the beaten path of a public liigbway. On this it vegetales in due time and propagates its species ; but in the cultivated varieties something else is required than merely the reproduction of plants, and a few hints on the conditions neces- sary to insure success in the several operations of sowing, Ijlanting, selecting varieties, &c., will, perhaps, be the best way of elucidating tliis. Time of Soioincj and t%e Mode of Doing It. — By the time this Number reaches the readers of The Jouknal of lioKTicuiTrEE, it will be quite time to sow tlie principal batcli ; in fact it would liave been as well if a few for early use had been sown late in July, as it is important that a few for very early use shoidd be trit'd. We have sown some as early as the 24th of July, and succeeded pretty well. Generally, however, it is not safe to trust too much to these early sowings, as they are apt to run to seed in March ; but a few might be tried each year, .-md if sown at two or tliree intervals between the 22nd of July and the 15th of August, the last may in all cases be depended on if the former fails. In a general way, however, it is better to hnsten on a few of those sown the first week in August, by giving them some good ground to grow in, and whatever encourage- ment they can have in order to encourage their growth in tlie autumn and mild winter months ; but, as before stated, a few of the earlier ones ought also to be trusted, but by no means for the main crop. However, if a crop has been sown take the neces- sary care to save them, and let everything be done to insure their growing ; and in sowing fresh batches of seeds, if the ■weather be dry and the ground lias been dug some little time— say a month or so before, let it be trod evenly over and the seed sown ; then rake and finally beat over with the back of a spade, afterwards cover it with a few old pea boughs, and over this a little pea haulm, and if the weather still keep very dry, water the bed prelty well in three or four days after, letting the covering still remain, and the probabilities are, that in a week or so an excellent bed of seedlings will reward the care; but attention to them must not cease when the young brood is up, for the tly is very apt to play liavoc with them if not retarded. When, therefore, this appears likely, dust the plants over carefully with soot, or soot and lime, or wood ashes, or all tliree mixed, and if the evil still appears unchecked water gently with a weak decoction of tobacco. This last is rather an expensive item where it has to be extended over a large space ; but for a small quantity which it is important to save, it may be done with aLlvantage. It is proper to observe, that the shading mentioned above must be removed when the plants are fairly up, taking advantage of a dull damp day for the purpose, or if it still continue bright and sunny remove it by degrees. Varieties Suitalle for Sowinr/ Now. — It is a"difllcult task to name the kinds that might be expected to do best everywhere, as local circumstances exercise so much influence on them ; but I may say that some of tlie early kinds, of which the old Early Dwarf York was the type, will be found to answer for the earliest crop. The distinguishing features are a plain rather deep green leaf, and dwarf and somewhat small habit, for this reason they may be planted closer. Shilling's Queen and Matchless are somewhat in this way ; while the larger sorts, more truly " Sugar Loaf," and with leaves more or less glaucous and wrinkled, are represented in the Imperial, East Ham, En- field Market, and many others. This class is, however, hardly so liardy as the former, but they ai-e equally good in resisting tlie temptation to run to seed. It is, however, better not to depend on one kind only, and it not tinfrequently happens that a local variety unhonoured by any name possesses all the qualities wanted in a Cabbage. When such can be obtained do not let the high-sounding title of one paraded forth in print prevent you using it, and it is very likely it will do better service than the more assuming one. It is, therefore, best to sow three or four kinds, and to plant a few of each, and if they be all good so much the better, and if one fail it is better so than if thev were all bad. ^ Subsequent Tlanliny-ont.— The early sorts to come into use in early spring ought to be plant -d on a south border which had previously been well manured. These may also be planted some- what closer than the main crop — the rows say 2 feet apart, and the plants 18 inches in the row. The main crop may be 6 inches more each way, and may consist of the larger kinds mentioned above. This plantation may be somewhat later than the other, and in the open quarters of the kitchen garden. Besides these two permanent plantations, it is prudent in many cases to plant out a large batch on some prepared bed, as a nursery-bed, to stand the winter, for planting-out in spring, or to fill up gaps in the main crops. The plants also by being planted-out thus do not become so elongated as when left in the seed-bed, and are, consequently, in a better condition to plant afterwards when wanted.— J. EoBSOX. STEMS OF MELON PLANTS SPLITTING. The plants died away very suddenly by splitting up the stem just above the surface of the earth ; likewise several of the strong roots, near the stem, of some of the plants cracked or spUt up. It occurred when the fruit on the plants was nearly half-swelled, and in a few days after a heavy watering had been given them, the first watering after the setting, the border having become very dry at the time. The plants were remarkably strong, clean, and healthy.— T. T. [Rich soil, too much bottom heat, dull weather, and too much water at once, are the chief causes of the misfortune. Melons, like men, must have changes presented to them gradually. If a man were next to famished, what would be the result of giving him as much fat beef as he could eat? We hope, however, you will make no tmcharitable use of this, for you say the loss occurred to a neighbour. We prefer people stating their own case, and our help is given to assist if we can — never to gratify mere curiosity, or to encourage fault-finding.] GLOUCESTEE FLOWER SHOW. Wedxesdat last was a high day in the ancient city of Glou- cester. On entering the town on the morning of that day the stranger was forcibly informed that some great event was being celebrated, by the profusion of banners that floated in festoons across the streets, or hung in lazy grandeur from the windows of the liouses. On that day the Mayor and Corporation were to present the inhabitants with a new park, and the occasion was to be celebrated by a grand meeting of the Gloucestershire Agricultural Society, with which a great Flower Show was to be associated. The Exhibition took place in the ground which has been set apart for the new park ; that devoted to flowers was held in a paddock adjoining the pump-room, where two large tents were erected for the reception of the exhibitions. The larger tent was arranged with a wide stage down the centre and one on either side. On the centre stage were some very excellent examples of fine-foliaged plants, and these formed the main attraction of this part of the Show: indeed, had it not been for the nurserymen who exhibited in this class, the whole would have presented a very meagre appearance. We regret to say, that from what we saw on this occasion we were not induced to form a very high estimate of the horticultural taste of the gentry of Gloucestershire ; for with the exception of the meri- torious exhibition of fine-foliaged plants from Mr. John Hunt, gardener to Lord Fitzhardinge at Berkeley Castle, there was nothing from any private grower that contributed a prominent feature to the Exhibition. As the agricultural portion of the Show does not come within our province, the observations we have to offer will be confined to the flowers and fruits. The prizes offered for flowers and fruits were on the most liberal scale, and it is to be regretted that in Class A, for 13 Stove and Greenhouse Plants, £28 should have been oflTcred and called forth so poor a response. This was, perhaps, the weakest part of the Show, considering the inducement held out, and consisted of only one competition to which the first prize of f 15 was awarded, the fortunate winner being Mr. James Cypher, of Cheltenliam. There was nothing remarkable in any of the specimens, for they were just such as might be brought from the houses of any well-conducted nursery. They consisted of AUamanda cathartica, Rondeletia speciosa. Erica infiata alba, Kalosanthes phoenix, Achimenes Ambrose YerschafTelt, Statice Holfordi, Erica vestita rosea (scarcely in bloom), Ixoraj avanica, Eussellia juncea, AUamanda Sehottii (badly flowered), Erica tricolor elegans, Achimenes Sir Treherue Thomas, and Erica Jacksoni. We think it was rather an oversight on the part of the Committee to oflTer £15 for Stove Plants at this season of the year when they are past their best, and to restrict the Class of Fine-foliaged Plants, which, in fact, contributed the best part of the Exhibition, to £5. August 5, 1862.] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEB AND COTTAGE aAEDENEH. 353 In Class B, for 10 Stove and Greenhouse Plants, there were only two competitors, and tlicir exhibitions were such as to induce tlie Jiulges to withhold the first prize. The second prize was awarded to llr. Pilgrim j and the third tollr. Hooper, both of Cheltenhom. In Class C, C Stove and Greenhouse Plants, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Hamlctt, of Cheltenham. This exhibition contained a good specimen of IToya carnosa variegata, and a pretty good specimen of Statice Uolfordi, but with these ex- ceptions there was nothing worthy of special mention. The second prize was awarded to Mr. lllnglc, gardener to T. B. I.. Baker, Esq., of Hardwicke Court ; and the third to J. J. Marling, Esq., Stanley Park. In Class D, 6 Ornamental-foliaged Plants, the first prize was awarded to Mr. Jolm Nelson, nurseryman, St. Michael's Hill, Bristol. These wore handsome, well-grown specimens, and con- sisted of Latania borbonica (I'ulm), i'hamnopteris australasica (Fern), Maranta zebrina, Cyanopliyllum magnificum, Splia-ro- stemma marraorata (a very excellent specimen), and Alocasia metallica. An equal first jirize was given to Mr. Heath, nur- seryman, of Cheltenham, for I'andnnus ntilis, Cyanopliyllum magnificum, Pandanus javanicns variegatus, Alocasia metallica, and Croton pictum. Tlie sooond prize was awarded to Mr. John Hunt, gardener to Lord Fitzliardinge, for Cyanopliyllum mag- nili.nim, Caladium Chantini, IMaranta "Warczewiczii, Croton elegans, Dracocna variabilis, and Coleus Verschatrelti. All lionour to Mr. Hunt, who was the only gardener in the county who came forward and so nobly upheld the credit of his craft. In Class E, Collection of not more than 30 Plants grouped for effect, the first prize was awarded to Sir. Heath, of Clieltenham. This was altogether a very creditable exhibition as regards the plants themselves, but we should like to have seen more taste displayed in the grouping. With such materials much more could have been made of them. On one side of tlie stage a magnificent specimen of Asplcnium nidus occupied the centre, the longest fronds of which measured 1^ feet long. To the left of this, as you look at it, the group was perfect, and consisted of Tery tine plants of Coleus Terschaffelti, Pandanus javanicus variegatus, Dicksonia antaretica, and Yucca aloifolia variegata. Between the Asplcnium and (he Coleus, and standing a little forward, was a nice plant of the true Cordyline indivisa. To the right of the centre plant the grouping was decidedly weak in effect, and came far short of the other side, both in regard of colour, form, and harmony. On the right of the Asplcnium was a small specimen of Maranta truncata, contrasting, but certainly not matching, with the Cordjline on the left. Then followed a tall leggy Croton pictum, which harmonised ill with the .fine round bushy Coleus on the other side, Pandanus ntilis, Aspidistra variegata, and Cycas revoluta. The ridge of the collection consisted of Cordyline smaragdina, Phoenix dactylifera, Aralia leptophylla, A. pulehra (an elegant plant), A. reticulata, Caladium atro-purpureum, Angiopteris longifolia, and Grevillea robusta. The other side of the group did not seem to have a centre, and was composed of Platycerium etemmaria, Croton Jongifolium, Cyperus alternifolius albo-vittatus, Alsophila aus- trails, Latania rubra, Pyrostrea polymorphs, Ehopala Skinneri, Caladium pictum, Calatliea zebrina, and Dracsena ferrea. The second prize was awarded to Mr. Nelson, St. Michael's Hill, Bristol, who exhibited a very nice collection of well-grown, young, healthy, and vigorous plants ; they were not so large nor 80 tall as those of Mr. Heath. It contained some very good specimens, particularly one of Cyanopliyllum magnificum, the leaves of which were 27 inches long. Among the most note- worthy we observed Curcuma Eoscoeana, Curcuma rubricaulis, Pteris argyrsea, Philodendron pertusum, Pandanus javanicus Tariegatus, Pteris cretica albo-lincata, Costus elegans, a fine specimen of Gymnogramma chrysophylla, Campylobotrys re- fulgens, &c. In Class F, for Ornamental Baskets of Flowers, there was a very meritorious exhibition by Mr. C. E. Brydges, of Chelten- ham, which obtained the first prize. It consisted of a rustic stand with three circular tiers ; the outsides of the tiers were covered with green mass, and the interiors were filled with Hydrangeas, Scarlet Geraniums, Fuchsias, Petunias, Phloxes, yellow Calceolarias, &c., relieved with fronds of Lastrea dilatata and filix-mas, the whole surmounted with a neat plant of Draca?ua variabilis. Here and tliere was introduced the graceful pendent foliage of Gynerium argenteum. The base of the stand was also covered with green moss and planted with small plants of Coleus Versohaffelti, relieved with pieces of Hydrangea varie- gata, and short fronds of Lastrea dilatata. The other two exhibitions in this class were stiff and formal, partoking too much of the village-festival style of decoration to be either artistic or pleasing. In Class G, Mr. C. E. Brydges, of Clieltenham, exhibited, and received the first prize for 12 well-bloomed Fuchsias. In Class H, Mr. A. Maisey, of Clieltenham, exhibited 6 very handsome and well-bloomed" plants of Fuchsias, which obtained the first prize; the second was awarded to Mr. C. E. Brydges. In Class I, Mr. Hooper, of Cheltcnliam, took a first prize for G Roses in pots, in praise of which we cannot say a great deal. In Class J, for Cut Roses, Mr. Morse, nurseryman, Dursley, was first ; and Mr. Walters, gardener to James Akers, Esq., Prinknash Park, was second. Neither exhibition was anything to boast of. But why did the Committee offer £1 lOs. for twelve cut blooms, and only £1 for six plants in pots ? Surely they do not suppose there is more merit in cutting twelve good blooms from out of doors than there is in bloomi ig six good plants in pots, apart altogether from tlie expense of production and transmission. Among Miscellaneous Plants, Mr. Hodges, nurseryman, Chel- tenham, exhibited a nice stand of Carnations and Picotees ; and Mr. Dingle received an extra prize for a collection of plants which contained some good specimens of Begonias ; among wliich were Kegina, Rex, KoUisoni, and MarshalU. The show of Fruit was not remarkable nor so good as we had expected from a district so rich as is that of Gloucester and the adjoining counties. In Class O, the only exhibitor of Pines was Mr. Hunt, of Berkeley Castle, who took a first prize with two small Queens. In Class P, for two dishes of Black and two of White Grapes, Mr. John Hunt, of Berkeley Castle, was first for both Black and White. The former were Black Prince and Frankenthal (shown as Black Hamburgh), and the latter Golden Hamburgh and Bowood Muscat. William Metcalfe, Esq , of Clifton Gate, was second for Black, with Frankenthal (shown as Black Hamburgh), and Barbarossa ; and Mr. Cramb, gardener to the Earl Ducie, Tortworth Park, was second for White, with Muscat of Alexan- dria and Golden Hamburgh. This exhibition was good, but the Muscats looked green and not quite ripe. The Golden Ham- burgh was very gosd for that variety which requires so much management in its cultivation. The first prize for Melons was awarded to Mr. A. Y. Temple, gardener at Colesbourne, and the second to Mr. Cramb, of Tort- worth Park. In Peaches, J. W. Halliwell, Esq., of Stroud, was first with four large Bellegardes ; and G. S. \Yintle, Esq., of Gloucester, was second with a capital dish of Barrington's. Mr. Halliwell, was also first in Nectarines with Pitmaston Orange. In Class T, for Collections of six dishes of Fruit, Mr. Cramb took the first prize. This collection was tastefully arranged and altogether meritorious, it consisted of Hybrid Green-flesh Melon, Frankenthal, and White Muscat Grapes, Bigarreau d'Esperen Cherry, very fine ; Florence Cherry, also very fine ; and Brown Turkey Fig. Mr. Halliwell was second. This collection con- sisted of a dish of Nectarines, two indifferent Pines, two bunches of Frankenthal Grapes, six indifferent over-ripe Peaches, Muscat Grapes, and a dish of Plums. In the Collection of four dishes of Fruit, Mr. Hunt was first with a Queen Pine, a Bromham Park Melon, Muscat of Alexandria, and Frankenthal Grapes. S. Marling, Esq., of Stanley Park, was second with Frankenthal Grapes, White Dutch Currants, Late Duke Cherries, and a Melon. In Class Y, for Yines in Pots, Mr. Hunt, of Berkeley Castle, had two first-rate plants of Black Hamburgh laden with fine large bunches of fruit, but which were so awfully rubbed, that they shone like glass balls, some of the spectators remarking, " Oh ! they are only tied on." Mr. Holder, of Cheltenham, was a bad second. As is proper after such an occasion the time-honoured cere- mony of a dinner was celebrated in a large marquee, and at which Edward Holland, Esq., M.P., of Dumbledon, acted as Chair- man. The finest feature on this occasion was the presence ol ladies, who seemed to enjoy the effect of these social meetings equally as much as the sterner portion of the community. Ihe substantial portion of the entertainment was well served ; but ot the wines— what shall we say ? Hock in Gloucester sigmhea sometliing resembling the rinsings of a cask of very bad cider ■\Yhere were the stewards? 354 JOURNAL OF HQRTICULTUKiS AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ August 5, 1862. AN ACT FOE THE PROTECTION OF CERTAIN GARDEN OR ORNAMENTAL GROUNDS IN CITIES AND BOROUGHS. The following are the chief clauses in a Bill now before Parliament, and which, if passed, will bear tlie above title : — "Whereas it is expedient to make provision for the better protection and chaiffe o( enclosed garden or ornamental grounds which have been set apart for the use of the inhabitants of any square, crescent, circus, street, or place surronndintr or adjoining such gardens or grounds in any city or borough ; Be it enacted — *'l. Where in any city or borough any enclosed frarden or ornamental ground has been set apart in any square, crescent, circus, street, or place, for the use or enjoyment of the inhabitants thereof, and ^^herc the trustees, commissioners, or other body appointed for the care of the oan-.e have neglected to keep it in proper order, or where such garden or ground has not been vested in or placed under the management of any tnistcea, com- missioners, or other body for the care of the same, and from the want of such cire, or from any other cause, has been neglected, the iletropolis Board of Works, wliere the same is in any place under tlieir jurisdiction, except the City of London (where the provisions of ttiis act shall be carried into effect by the Corporation of the eanie City), and the Corporate Authorities in any other city or borough, shall take chari,'e of the same, putting up a notice or notices to that effect in such garden or ornamental gromid, and if after due inquiry the person entitled to any estate of Jrceliold in the same cannot be found, or if it shall be vested in any person by whom it is held, subject to any condition or reservation for keeping the same as and for a garden or pleasure ground, or that the same shall not he built upon, but not otiierwise, shall cause any buildings or other encroachment made therein witbin the period of twenty years before the passing of tiiis Act to be removed, and {if requested by a majority of two-tliiids uf the owners and of the occupiers of the houses surrounding the same] shall vest such garden or ornamental ground in a committee consisting of not more than nine nor fewer than three of the rated inhabitants of such liouses to be chosen annually by such inhabitants; and the Vestry or Board of any and eveiy parish or district within which the same or any part tliereof is s'itnatc shall from time to time cause to be raised the sums required by suoli Com- mittee for defraying the expenses of the maintenance and management of such enclosed garden or ornamental ground, or of such part thereof as is situate within their parish or district, by an addition to the general rule to be assessed on Die occupiers of such linuses ; or if the said owners and occu- piers sliall not agree as aforesaid to undertake the charge of such garden or ornamental ground, the Metropolis Board of Works or Corporate Authority aforesaid sliall, wiihin six months after the notice hereinbefore mentioned shall have been put up within the same, or within such further time as the said Board or authority may think it expedient to allow for such agreement to be come to, vest ttie same in such Vestries or Boards, who shall tliencc- forth take charg'^ of and maintain the same as an open place or street in such manner as shall appear to them most advantageous to tlie public, subject to the approval of the Metropolis Board of Works or Corporate Authority, as the case may require; saving and always reserving to every person or persons, his and their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, all such estate, right, title, and interest as he, she, or they would or ought to have had and enjoyed of, in, to, from, or out or the gardens and grounds aforesaid in case this Act had not passed. "2. And whereas the public are greatly interested in the maintenance of such gardens and grounds as open spaces, and it is expedient that the same should be carefully protected from undue encroachment, where any right to require that any garden or ornamental ground as aforesaid be kept and maintained as such, or that the same shall not be built upon, shall belong to any person in right of any house or other property, and he shall by notice in writing signed by him addressed to the Metropolis Coard of Works where the same is in any place under their jurisdiction, except the City of London, where the same shall be addressed to the Corporation of the said City, or in any other city or borougii to the Corporate Authorities thereof, requesting the said Metropolitan Board of Works or Corporate Authority to protect the right before-mentioned, the said Jletropolis Board of Works or Corporate Authority, after due inquiry, may, if they shall think tit, accede to sjch request, and then and thereupon the right of such person to require that gUCh gardi'n or ornamental ground to be maintained as such, or that the game shall not be built upon, shall thenceforth be vested in such Metropolis Board of "Works or Coi-porate Authority, who shall be fully empowered, for and in theh- own name, to exercise all the rights, powers, and privileges in relation thereto, and take such legal proceedings for asserting, defending, and protecting the same as tlie said person might have excercised or taken. _ "Any charge incurred by the Metropolitan Board of Woiks in the execu- tion of this Act shall be deemed to be expenses of the said Board for payment whereof provision is made by the Act for the better local management of the metropolis ; and the expenses incurred by any Corporate Authority shall be deemed to be expenses necessarily incurred by them in ean-ying into execu- tion within and fur their city or borough the Act intituled 'An Act to provide for the regulation of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales,' and any other Act amending the same. "3, Where any such garden or ground is managed by any committee of the inhabitants of any square, crescent, circus, street, or place, fuch com- mittee may make, and from time to time revoke and alter, byelaws for the management, ot the same, and for the preservation o( the trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, rails, fences, seats, summer-houses, and other things therein, which byelaws shall be entered in a book kept for that purpose by the com- mittee, signed by the chairman of the meeting at which the tame shall be pas-ed, and which book shall and may be produced and read, and taken as evidence of such byelaws, in all courts whatever, and any inhabitant, or ser- vant, or other per?on admitted to such garden by any inhabitant, offend- ing against the s^me, after they shall have been duly allowed, as hereinafter provided, upon proof thereof before a Magistrate acting for the district in which such garden is situate, shall be liable for each oflence to a penalty not exceeding five pounds: Provided always, that such byelaws shall not come into operation until the same shall have been allowed by some Judge of one of the Superior Courts, or by the Justices in Quarter Sessions ; and it shall be incumbent on such Judge or Justices, on the request of such committee to inquire into any byelaws tendered to them for that purpose, and to allow or disallow the same as they think meet. *'4. Any police constable who shall see any person throwing any rubbish into any snch garden, or trespassing therein, or getting over the railings or fence, or stealing or damaging the flowers or plants, or committing any nuisance therein, may ;tpprebend such person, under the authority hereby- given to him; and any person convicted belore any Magistrate acting for the district shall be liable for each and every oflFence aforesaid to a penalty not exceeding forty shillings, or to imprisonment for any perioJ not exceed- ing fourteen days." THE EOSES AT EEED HALL, COLCHESTEE. In No. 68 of The Journal op Hoetictotuee, Mr. Beaton makes the following statement — " That a hundred to one if Mr. Hedge does not give sprats, etarfish, &o., to his Hoses, ond that is how he gets ofi' with all the prizes." Fearing tliis assertion might mislead the Kose-growing portion of the public, and excite the ire of another class — the cod-loving portion, by anticipating a dearth amongst thaif. (to them) iuttresting body of marine residents, these considerations have induced me to offer- a few facts, to such of jour readers, of what I saw and heard at Eced Hall. My intention is to be brief, as I have no time for perambulating the fields of Walker or Webster; so I will hrgin at the beginning and take you to the end of my ditty, as soon as the subject will permit. One portion of the grounds is laid out in geometrical beds and filled with standards, each bed being planted with one reclierche kind. Another portion is laid out in beds of about 0 feet wide, running the length of tlie quarter, with walks between, filled in a miscellaneous manner. Sir. Hedge is also an enthusiastic cultivator of other florists' flowers. From the appearance of his Dahlia-ground, I think he intends contesting the championship in this "fancy." I may also state that our hero is a systematic man, which is even carried out in his tool-house, which I fancy would satisfy Mr. Fish ; not only the tools, but every label lies in due order. On show days there is no bustling about writing labels — here they are all ready for use, jjloced in separate compartments, with the initials outside. He is no six-o'clock man, but expects things to be done when circumstances require it, and his kindness insures their due performance. And now for his system of culture — it is very simple. The natural formation of the soil appears very favour- able for the growth of the Eose, being a good, moderately- adhesive loam, resting upon a stratum of gravel, which insures good drainage. But, in order to assist Nature and insure success, he practises deep trenching, careful planting, sharp pruning root and branch, biennial or triennial removal according to kinds, great care in cleanliness of plants and flowers. He has all stems well washed with a hard brush every winter, in a similar manner to fruit trees ; the buds he keeps clear from aphis by drawing each tender branch between two soft brushes, which effectually clears them from this pest ; and last, but not least, he makes a particular selection of blooms as to colour and age, 80 as to arrive at perfection on the exliibition-table. Now about the "little fishes." On our expressing surprise at the luxuriance of his plants, he assured us that he had done nothing to his Eose trees this season in the shape of manure or disbudding, except what they had when planted, which was a liberal supply of good farmyard manure (this gentleman has a home farm, which I daresay contributes in no small degree to his success). Notwithstanding his great success this season, he claims no merit to himself, but says that a moist season has done it, and that Nature frequently beats art. One other very significant assertion, and it was this— "When a prize is gained and the gardener forgotten, he seldom strives for more." The following are (he "gems" above referred to, which the champion says may always be relied upon for exhibition : — HxBEiD Pebpetuais. — Anna de Diesbach, Auguste Mie, Baronne Prevost, Caroline de Sansal, Comtesse de UhabriUant, Eugene Appert, General Jacqueminot, General Simpson, Gloire de Vitry, Gloire de Santenay, Jean Bart, Joan d'Arc, Jules Margottin, La Ville de St. Denis, La Fontaine, Lselia, Lord Baglan, Louis XIV., Madame Boll, Madame de Cambaceres, Madame Furtado, Madame Masson, Madame Yidot, Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, M. de Martigney, Mathurin Eegnicr, Pauline Lanzezeur, Prince Leon, Queen A'ictoria, Senateur Vaisse, Victor Verdier, Virginal, William Griflith, Madam Rivers, Comtesse de Ivergolay. BouBBOKs. — Acidalie, Souvenu- de la Malmaison, Baronne de Noirmont. Tea-scented. — Comte de Paris, Due de Magenta, Dcvoniensis, Gloire de Dijon, Niphetos, Souvenir d'un Ami, Eeine Victoria, Josephine Melton, Enfant de Lyon, Adam, Madame Sartot,. August 5, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 355 Bubens, Madame Damaizin, Madame Bravy, L'Enfant Trouve Souvenir d'Elise Varden. Noisette. — Triomphe de Benncs, Lamarque. SuMMEK Roses. — Boule de Nanteiiil, Coupe d'Hebe, Cliai'les Laweon, Prinee Regent, Sliakespere, Bizarre Marbri'i", Madam Hardy, Paul Bicaut, La Ville de Bruxellcs, Ohl, Leo .\., Juno. — S. Amet, Salinff Gfrove Oardens. PEACH CULTURE ON WALLS. (Continued from page 311.) SuMSTEK Treatment. — Tliis season eoniniencos when tlie trees are coming into bloom, and ends when the leaves are fallen from the trees. The attention they require eonsists in, first, protect- ing the bloom; next, disbudding; third, thinning the fruit; fourth, watering ; and lastly, destruction of insects and mildew. Frotei'lion. — The shelters used for this purpose are various. Some use spruce fir branches tied to the main shoots, others use branches of beech with the dry leaves on ; but these shelters arc of but little use, and sometimes injurious, \^^lat is needed is a slielter from frost only ; and, therefore, a contrivmce whereby the trees may be covered at night, and exposed during the day, is far superior to a fixed one like the branches of trees. The best kind I ever used was made as follows : — A long board projecting from the top of the wall over the trees was fixed first, then to it a sufficient number of pulleys, thi-ough each of which a rope was tlireaded ; one end was fastened to a pole on which was nailed a length of canvass or netting wide enough to cover the wall when let down. Another pole was fixed on posts uear to the ground about 2 feet from the wall. To this pole the other edge of the canvass or netting was fixed. To keep the covering fiom the wall some rough lai'ch poles were reared up at 6 feet or 8 feet apart. During the day, in mild weather this shelter was let down, resting upon the lower pole by means of a rope, and early in the afternoon it was drawn up, thus covering the trees completely. By this contrivance we slieltered the blos- soms from frost by night, and exposed them to the warm sun during the day. In another place we used frames of wood, the height of the wall, made about 3 feet wide. These had thin canvass nailed to them, and when in use rested under a piece of wood nailed to tlie top of the wall, and on another laid on the ground. The frames were light, and easily moved. A young man in half an hour could remove them from a long wall in the morning, and lay them down in the walk on two pieces of wood to keep them from the damp, and replace them in the afternoon in the same time. This mode is rather troublesome, and, per- haps, expensive at first ; but with care the frames last many years, and the protection they afforded was most effective. The late Mr. Errington always advocated the putting on of these shelters early, for the purpose of retarding the blossoms from expanding too early whenever a warm February or Marcl\ occurred. Of course, when put up fer that purpose, the sun is the object to be sheltered from : hence the protectors should be kept on during the day. No doubt other modes of shelter might be devised; but the object should be kept in view of not retaining them on in mild weather during the day, nor too late in the season. Disludding. —I have already incidentally mentioned this part of the summer treatment under the head " Training," 1 need only repeat here that disbudding can hardly be done too soon. If the superfluous shoots are left on too long they absorb that nutriment which should be given to the needful shoots, and also the scars that are made in removing them are injurious to the branches. The loading shoots must be left on to draw up the sap to feed the fruit ; but they should have the end nipped off when about 8 inches to a foot in length. The shoots for bearing the fruit the following season should be retained their full length, and as soon as they are long enough should be nailed in. Give them as much space as possible, so that every leaf will have its due share of light. In this place let me warn the young grower against laying in too many summer shoots. I'liose growers that do so are under the erroneous idea that thereby they midtiply the chances of a crop of fndt, whilst, in fact, the eff.'Ct is the reverse. Crowded shoots injure each other; the leaves cannot perform their functions; the bnds are all, or nearly all, wood-buds ; and for wmii of light and air the wood in the autumn is crude and unripe; — all these fatal evils may be avoided by keeping the trees thin of wood during tiie summer, and also keeping the preserved shoots regularly nailed or tied xjlose to the wall. Be careful, however, not to enclose the shoots too tight with the shreds or string. Thinninq the Fruit. — The Peach tree when healthy and its annual shoots properly ripened is very fruitful, and will set, as it is called, more fruit than will expand to full size and pei- fection ; hence the advantage of thinning. The number of fruit that it may be advisable to leave on to ripen depends in some measure on the vigour of the tree. If very strong and healthy, the final thinning may leave a fruit to every square G inches the tree may cover of the wall; if moderately strong, extend the space for each fruit to 9 inches square; and if weak, thin them to a foot square. These distances niny not be kept mathemati- cally correct, for the fruit may he rather thicker in one part of the tree than another ; but the number of fruit that is loft should be such as would, if regularly and exactly placed, amount to the same quantity. At the first thinning, wliieli should take place as soon as they are the size of a boy's marble, take away all that are of a bad form or are badly placed. At the second thinning remove sucli as are near the base of the bearing-shoot or near the top of it ; and after the fruit has stoned thin them according to the above-mentioned distance, for then it may be considered certain that no more will drop off naturally. Waiering. — In dry seasons a good soaking of soft rain or river water will be necessary in order to swell off the fruit to the highest perfection. Some years gone by I visited a place in Korth Wales where there was a Peach-wall of considcialle length. A new gardener whom I knew well had been engaged there. The owner told him that the Peaches and Nectarines were fruitfrd enough, but were always small and deficient in juice and flavour. His new gardener told him he could remedy that, providing the trees were left to liis judgment to do what he thought proper to them. To this reasonable proposition the gentleman (who, by-the-by, was an amateur gardener himself, and perhaps had previously interfered too much), consented. The gardener then at the thinning time took away what he thought necessary ; and when those that he left had stoned he opened hollows in front of each tree, and filled tliese hollows with water to the depth of 2 inches or 3 inches. The hollows or basins were filled up after the water had sunk into the soil. This was done three times during the time the fruit was swelling, and the eft'ect was very remarkable — the fruit was above the ordinary size, and was well coloured and well flavoured. The water was withheld as soon as the fruit began to show signs of ripening, and was no more applied that season. The young wood was stronger, was well set with blossom-buds, and, as I was informed, the trees did equally well the following year. This example is, I think, worthy of imitation in all cases where the trees are rather weak, the border well drained, and where fine fruit is desired. Insects.— Ihe insects that prey upon the Peach during the growing period are the red spider and the green fly ; woodlica and wasps also often feed upon the fruit when ripening. The red spider may be got rid of by frequent severe syringings. If very numerous, mix some sulphur among the water, which is also a remedy for mildew wherever it occurs. This remedy j sliould be applied early in the season, but when the fruit is ripening it should be withheld, or it would disfigure the fruit ; but if either the red spider or the mildew prevail after the fruit is gathered, then repeat the remedy till both are extirpated. The green fly is easily got rid of by syringing the trees once or twice with tobacco water. Woodlice harbour in old walls, and the only remedy is pointing-up the nail or other holes at the time the trees are loosened from the walls for pruning in the autumn. Considerable numbers may, however, be trapped during summer in hollow bean-stalks stuck behind tlie branches and emptied every day by blowing down them into a vessel containing very hot water. When wasps are very abundant set traps for them. Wide-mouthed bottles half-filled with some sweet liquor are excellent traps, as are also'doubled hand-glasses, the under one set on four half-bricks, one at each corner, with a hole or two made at the top, and then place the other hand-glass on the top of the first ; put a plate containing sweet liquor on the ground under tlie hand-glasses. This will attract the wasps, and when satiated they will fly upwards, and make their way into tlie upper glass, where they will soon exhaust themselves, and finally perish. If the wall is a great length, and wasps prevail very much then these traps should be placed in a row in front of the wall at 20 feet or 30 feet apart. Of course the traps will catch not only the wasps that prey upon the Peaches, but also those tliat would otherwise atta.k anv other kind of fruit in the garden. ' T'. ArrLEcr. ( To be continued.) 356 JODBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 5, 1862. STYLE OF TEKEACES OF DIFFEKENT TEKIOUS. BY n. KOEL HrMPHEETS, ESQ. The consideration of the stjle and cbaracter of the terrace, at distinct and distant epochs, is not without interest ; and by the study of this — the historical part of the question — garden archi- tects may frequently avoid absurdities and incongruities which are but too often found, and which, to the eye of the student of the subject, are at once glaringly and disagreeably apparent. Pew of our readers are unacquainted with the magnificent simphcity of the great terrace at Windsor Castle, -nhich has been too often engraved to render its repetition here necessary ; but a few remai-ts relative to the principles which should govern the construction of terraces of that description will not be out of place. In the first place, I hold that in imitations of any style of architecture belonging to a former period, the selection of site must be as carefully attended to as the architectural detail of the building ; and, therefore, in buildings of a castellated character, an elevated position is, in most cases, absolutely necessary. Modern Gothic residences in the valley will be most successful in their effect, if the peculiarities of the monastic style are adopted ; while those in elevated situations will derive a greater degree of ajipropriate feeling by the development of the castel- lated character. The two styles had many distinct lines of separation : first and most to our purpose is their respective treatment of that portion of ground prepared as a daily pro- menade— in the monastery, built generally in the valleys, where no extent or sublimity of prospect tempted the eye, an internal cloister was the promenade ; in the castle, built on the com- manded promontory, the rampart, from which the extended view of the plain below miglit be sm-veyed, became the favourite walk, which, in later periods, was widened into the rampart terrace — such is the one at Windsor. In this situation, the ,. ^ terrace does not require blending into the landscape by any additional feature ■ — the battlemented wall forms a sufli- cient modulation from the castellated features of the residence— and the park scenery beyond approaches, with natu- ral and excellent effect, to the very base of the rampart wall ; and this severity of treatment is absolutely necessary to terraces of this description, on which all attempts at the introduction of statuary, Roses, &c., would be utter fiiUures, the only suitable ornament being a simple line of flower-border next the building, within a broad edge of turf. The more gardeneaque features ». of the castle must develope themselves in a less conspicuous situation in the rear of the building ; and where wood or walls will shield them, and prevent them from weakening the severity of the mam composition. It will be instructive to step back to the period of castellated strongholds, and see how their builders and indwellers managed these matterst in their own day. A magnificent pictorial border, from the calendar of the Prayer-book of Anne of Brittany, one of the finest illuminated MSS. in existence, will furnish us with an. example ; it represents a rosery, enclosed by a battlemented wall partially screened by trees, much below the elevation of the castle. The Chatelaine is represented visiting her castle garden, in one of the sunny days of April, where in some ,.-" parts of FranceEoses are '" '\ already in bloom, and '.v^; ,^- she is in the act of re- ~X_ -'J-^J ceiving from her atten- ~ "" C j\ dauts cliaplets and gar- lands of flowers, whieh are no doubt destined to decorate chalices and vases of cunning gold- smiths' work in her Gothic boudoir. This cotemporary garden pic- ture, executed about the year 1499, contains many suggestions for garden features in similar situa- tions, though not per- haps for too servile imi- tation. In the illumina- tion, the palisades en- closing the Rose trees are gilt. Let us now consider the castle terrace in its later form, when the se- vere character of the de- fensive stronghold had been modified by addi- tional buildings of a later period engrafted upon them — the decorative mansion, like the change in a "dissolving view," emergmg from among GARDEN 6CENE>H0M THE ILLVMIN-ATED rr.A-. Er.vro jK OP ANNE OF BRITTANY August 5, 1862. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICDLTLTKE AND COTTAGE GARDJlNEE. »57 models on which the decorative gardens of the north of Europe were formed ; those of 15oboli and D'Este being the ideala from which Lo Brun and others produced the magnificent wonders of Versailles. The villa D'Esto beneath Tivioli, [though its terraces are crumbling to ruin, and its fountains arc dry, is yet one of the most wonderful of these great creations of art. It was among its mazes of marble and malted foliage that Tasso once mused away the soft and sudden twilight of the evenings of an Italian summer, and from the fairy pictm-c with which ho was surrounded painted, in immortal poetry, the fairy gardens of the pa- lace of Armida ; and, in all the freshness of theii- beauty, ere Time had touched " with his de- facing finger" the spot- less marble, or dried ll:e sources of the countless fountains, or thinned the parquets of their exotic ilowers, he might in vain have sought a more fit- ting model when he was composnig the lines which may be thus freely trans- lated : — Willi aspect sweet, the smiling garden spreads Where water sottly sleeps, or gush in crystal founts: Flowers and sweet herbs form rich enamelled beds ; Vales of deep shade there are and sunny mounts. And round the lawns a wood its freshness sheds ; And that which yet increased each charm revealed Was, that the art thai wrought it lay concealed. Which is to say, that true art must not be ob- trusive ; the eilects pro- duced must not suggest the idea of painful and laborious operation ; it is the perception of the beautiful that must be the first impression, and not that of the art by which it has been produced. This will depend much upon whether the beauty attempted to be created be of a temporary or a permanent nature — whe- ther, as Sir Uvedale Price observes— whether it be merely adapted to the ac- cidental prejudices prevalent in the artist's own day, or whether its principles be so founded upon the uniform constitution of ^_ „ ..._ the human mind as must command the approbation of a»y age. fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and as the feeling of Italian Tliis great principle of all high art applies, continues Sir Uve- art spread rapidly northward during this period, the terraces, dale Price, to nothing more strongly than decorative gardening. statues, and fountains of these noble residences became the, — {Gardeners' Magazine of Botany.)^ ^^ the towers of the defensive castle. Of this transition period, the terrace at Heidelberg, which, with the castle, forms one of the finest ruins in Europe, is a beautiful example. The embattled parapet of the ancient rampart has given place to an open balustrade ; and the stone scats suggest, that, in the palmy days of this grand-ducal residence of the llouse of Uaden, Orange trees and other plants, in ornamental vases, mingled with statuary, to give this noble ter- race its finishing touch of palatial grandeur — form- ing a rich foreground to the magnificent view of the course of the Necker, which is the grand fea- ture of the prospect from the terrace at Ueidelberg. The introduction of any more trivial features, or of decorative features be- yond the terrace, would destroy the proper cha- racter of a terrace of this description, which must still preserve a portion of the severity belonging to the castellated period. Of decorative gardens of a strictly palatial cha- racter, where no remains of the castellated style are visible, those of Italy are the finest models, and among the finest speci- mens of these, taking into consideration theposition, are those occupying sites among the beautiful rocky slopes of the Appenines, in the vicinity of Tivoli and Frascati, the noble and regular terraces of which, tier above tier, in contrast with tlie rugged yet lovely scenery which BuiTounds them, form tlie finest combination of out- line imaginable. Erom the days of Ho- race, and his description of his "Sabiue farm," those beautiful hills have been the favourite retreat of the Romans ; and the style of decorative garden- ing which surrounds the palaces of the nobles of modern Rome is, doubt- less, very similar to that cultivated by the ancients. This is, in fact, proved by the representations of su- burban villas in fragments of antique frescoe and mosaic, while the description which Pliny gives of his garden might serve for that of one of the modern villas at Tivoli. The finest of these villas were erected during the \CE AT UKIDF.LISEKG. GOLDEN HAMBUKGH GKAPES SHRIVELLING. Is my earliest vinery there are two Golden Hamburgh Grape Vines ; they were planted in the spring of ISCO, and made very fine canes. This season I started them on a little early, so that the other Grapes in the same house are ripe. The sorts are the Pope Hamburgh and Black Hamburgh : these ripened and coloured like Sloes, but the Golden JHamburghs, just as they commenced ripening, one-half of their berries shriveUod. They seemed to go in the fruitstalks first, while of the other Grapes there is not a bad berry in the whole house. In the Muscat Grape-house, all Muscats of Alexandria cut back to one-third the length of the rafters, and bearing a crop of five moderate-sized bunches, are doing well ; but the leaves 358 JOtJBNAL OF HOEIICULTURE AND COTIAGE GAEDENEE. [ August 5, 1862. on the leading shoot drop down with the least sun, turn yellow, and drop off. That is on about 4 feet of the new growth, while the laterals on the same are perfectly healthy, as also the re- maining part to the top of the house. I shaded the part of the house, but to no purpose. — E. W., Cavan. [We are afraid that you have taken far too many bunches from your Golden Hatnburgli. It will scarcely stand the same amoimt of sun as some other kinds. A few inches fui'tlier from the glass will help this Grape. We do not see through the cause of the leaves of the Muscats falling, but it is a conso- lation that the foliage on the laterals is all right. We have had several bunches scorched the last few days, owing to the great and sudden change in the weather.] EAVAGES OF THE (CURRANT) SAWFLY. In the " Zoologist " for July, 1802, p. 8079, an interesting account is given of the Sawily, Nematus ventricosus (Klug), translated from the Dutch of M. Snellen van VoUenhaven, by J. W. May, Esq. This insect will be familiarly known to your readers by the name of the " Gooseberry grub," whose ravages this year extending all over the kingdom have deprived us of many tons of fruit. By studying the natural history of this and other insects, we shall, doubtless, find a clue to the prevention of their ravages, and I wish now to lay before your readers some hints which may prove useful to that effect. After giving a ■description of the larvte, &c., our author goes on to state; — ■" They feed both day and night, and beginning in company on a leaf they eat on until there is nothing left but the slalk and some of the thickest veins. Be.''ore quitting thebnsh they moult, once more assuming a pale yellowish-green colour, the first and terminal segments being orange ; but they are now without the black spots and hairs which they had in their earlier state. After this they drop from the tree and construct a cocoon at the foot ; this cocoon is made at no great depth in the ground, and is externally covered with little grains of earth. Tliey assume the pupa state in the summer in the space of three weeks, in the •winter only :.fter an interval of eight months. The pupie are yellowish-white and display all the parts of the imago. They •very soon change their colour, and in eight or ten days, having moulted for the last time, the perfect insect gnaws open the cocoon and escapes." Our author then gives a description of the perfect insect, and further adds — "There was an incredible number of these larva; in 1860. From observations made at Utrecht and at Leyden, there seems no doubt that the first brood in May attacked exclusively the leaves of the Gooseberry, some of the bushes being quite stripped, and that the second generation appearing in July, principally confined itself to the Currant, but small numbers having been seen on the Gooseberry. I observed this myself in a garden where the two plants were growing iutermixed, both larvse and images were decidedly of but one species." The truth of this latter observation, that the Jarvie attack both Gooseberry and Currant trees (the former at an earlier period of the year), is quite borne out by my own ■observations this summer, and, I doubt not, by many of your readers. The second brood having now just made their appear- ance, I will detail a mode by which their ravages may be greatly lessened. The eggs, white, elliptical, are laid on the under surface, along the ribs of the leaf, to the numbsr sometimes of 120 on a single leaf; the larva;, when hatched during the first twenty-four hours, make each one a little round hole. The leaf then preseuts the appearance of having been riddled by No. 7 shot. The second day the holes are larger, less regular, and soon coalescing, the larger veins only at the tip of the leaf remain undemolished. This is the critical time to destroy the brood. By gathering these leaves daily as the caterpillars are hatched (for they keep coming out during a fortnight or three weeks, according to the period at which the eggs were laid), the whole of the brood will be easily destroyed. The peculiar appearance of the leaf (specimens of which I enclose), renders the gathering of the brood remarkably easy ; while the fact that at this early pericd they are altogether on one leaf, and that a week later they will be more scattered over the tree, as also that their destruction of the foliage is then at the minimum, peculiarly points out this period as the one most suilable to their destruction. I should say that on the 19th ult,, from about ten trees in ray own garden I picked off fifty to seventy leaves, each containing from five to seventy eggs and young larvse iust hatched. Since then I have daily picked off about ten leaves similarly attacked. If each possessor of a garden would thus destroy the young brood, we should have no more sawflies next year to trouble us. Other methods are advantageously used at a later period for their destruction ; such are hand-picking, shaking the stems — when the larvse drop down and can be killed ; syringing the under surface of the leaves with alum and water, or watering the larvfe when shaken down with the same mixture ; but all these methods are put in force when the damage is half done, and when the larvae are widely distributed over the ti-ees, and are insignificant when compared with that which I now advocate for nipping the evil in the bud. Let yoxu' readers now look to their Currant trees, and next spring to their Gooseberry trees, and we shall get rid of the enemy. — Axexanbee Wailace, M.D., jEast Mill, Colchester. — {Essex Gazette.) THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. (Continued from page o39.) TASMAKIA. This island, formerly known as Van Diemen's Land, occupies a position to the south of the continent of Australia between 40" 45' and 43" 45' S. lat., and 141° 45' and 118° 30' E. long., comprising an area of about 25,000 square miles, or 16,000,000 of acres. The central portion of the island is an elevated plain, in which are several extensive lakes from which three consider- able rivers take their origin, and by these, as well as the nume- rous streams which flow from the hiUy districts, the country is well watered. The surface is generally undulating, and several bold moun- tain ranges occur, rising at some points to 5000 feet above the sea level, their sides being generally densely clothed with trees, whilst in the cultivated regions the valleys are remarkable for their fertility. The climate as regards temperature is nearly the same as that of the neighbouthood of London, the daily range, however, being much greater. The mean annual temperature at Hobart Town, as deduced from eight years' hourly observation, was 53.32° ; that of Chiswick, on an average of thu-ty-six years, being 49-31°, or 4° less. The coldest month (July) has a mean of 45.8i°, or 8.91° warmer than our January ; whilst the mean of this month at Hobart Town is 63°.57, or only 0°.61 warmer than our July. The highest temperature that has been recorded in the shade is 105°, ours being 97° ; but according to Dr. Hall, in the account of the " Products and Resources of Tas- mania," published by the Commissioners, the thermometer has only risen forty-four times above 90° in the last twenty-one years. The sun's rays, however, are much more powerful than they usually are in England, or even on the continent of Aus- tralia, the haze which usually accompanies intense heat there being unusual in Tasmania. The greatest solar heat recorded is 143°, the next degree of intensity being 133° ; but it must be remembetx'd that 120° in the sun is not an uncommon tempera- ture in hot summers in England. Frost of greater severity than 2° or 3° below the freezing-point is unknown at Hobart Town, and enow is equally rare, except on the mountains. The iuinual fall of rain is, on an average of twenty-one years, about 2 inches less than the neighbourhood of London, and it is distributed throughout the difl'ercnt months in very nearly the same manner ; but whilst more than 4 inches of rain i* an unusual quantity in one month near London, some exceptional instances have occurred of 7, 8, and 10 inches having fallen during a like period in Tasmania. The greatest amount of rain in any oue year since the observations were commenced was 33.51 inches, a quantity about equal to the mean annual fall on the western part of England, and far below what is of frequent occurrence there. . Dr. Hall, with great ustiee, lays stress on the beneficial effect of the frequent mcdtiale aics r ptirifyiiig the atmosphere ; he aiss states that ozone is very abundant in the air of the island, and to this circumstance he ascribes the compai-ative immunity from infectious diseases which the inhabitants enjoy. That the cliniate is one of the healthiest in the world the statistics which he adduces in his essay leave no room for doubt, the rate of mortality being even less than that of the healthiest districts of England. Having thus glanced at the chmate of Tasmania, we shall next August 5, 18i;2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUKK AND COriAGE GAKDBNER. 359 proceed to state wlnit are its productions. According to tlie useful pamplilet to which we have ahvady referred, \vc 11 nd that in ISilO there were 218,315 acres of huid under cultivation, of which 6(>,150 acres were in Wheat, 30,;i03 acres in Oals, B238 acres in Barley, 7621 in Potatoes, and tlio remainder was vari- ously occupied by pasturage, root crops, and garden ground. To give an idea of the quality of the produce several fine samples of cereals are exhibited, amonf;st which some Wheat, weighhig (5 ' lbs. to the bushel from Mr. Marshall, and Oals stated to bo 50 lbs. 10 ozs. to the bushel shown by Mr. L. Smith, are parlieularly worthy of note. In Tasmania, as in the other Australian colonies, the growth of wool is extensively carried on, the number of sheep being 1,700,930 in ISGO, or 18',' to each person, and the produce is of the finest quality, nearly every sample exhibited having been distinguished by a medal or honourable mention. As regards horticulture, we cxti-act the following information : — "Experienced liortieulturists who come out from Ungland are astonished to see six years ghinod in the maturity of Pear trees t'u'ce years in Apple trees and other fruit trees; whilst the Kaspberry, Strawberry, Currant, and Gooseberry llourish like indigenous plants. It is no uncommon occurrence to see young Apple trees in the Iluon district the grafts of which have grown 6 feet in the year of gralling. The Apple and Pear far surpass those of Great Britain in size and colour, and are very little inferior in flavour. " There are from 100 to 120 varieties of known Apples now in Tasmania, including most of the best sorts cultivated in Eng- land, America, France, Germany, and Italy. A few siguifleant facts will convey to English horticulturists an idea of Tas- mania's capabilities in fruit-growing. All the sorts described in English catalogues as below medium size have grown far above medium, and those described as medium here attain the cata- logue desigiiLition of ' very large.' " The -Esopus Spifzemberg and the delicate Italian Apple, Mela Carta, will grow and ripen their fruit here without the protection of a wall. The Golden Pippin seems to have taken a new lease of life ; the Scarlet Nonpareil is greatly improved. " In 18G0 Tasmania exported 118,810 bushels of Apples, at prices ranging from 5s. to 15s. per bushel. Some of the Golden Harvey, Pearson's Plate, and Scarlet Nonpareil have sold at Mauritius at from 2.'. Gd. to -Is. per pound. "About sixty good sorts of Pears are cultivated ; and many of the tendcrest kinds, such as the Beurre Bretonneau, ripen their fruit in perfection, without shelter, and have the most delicious flavour. Tasmanian Beurre Diel Pears have sold at Sydney at 2s. 6(/. each. The Pear tree grows here to a large size, one in the garden of Government Cottage, Launceston, is described as about foity years old, 120 feet in circumference, 86 feet in height, and 8 feet in girth IJ foot from the ground. It is a handsome, shapely tree, and has produced over 50 bushels of fruit in a season. A Bon Chretien Pear tree belonging to Mrs. Luclman, of Hoburt Town, has also produced 50 bushels of fruit in a season. Of Pears 22,019 bushels were exported in 1860 at prices varying from 5.!. to 15*. per bushel. "All the choicest sorts of Plums whieli require shelter in England ripen freely as standards. Cherry trees grow from stones as freely as Oaks from acorns in the Weald of Xent ; all such are called Kentish Cherries, and were sold last season at Franklin, Huon, at l.s. per pailful. About twelve of (lie beet- known varieties of the Cherry are cultivated ; the best Straw- berries attain an enormou? size ; Raspberries bid fair to become wild fruit ; the Fig bears well without shelter ; the Mulberry is hardy and prolific; and about forty varieties of Lancashire Gooseberries are in cultivation, and produce most abundantly. "The Walnut gains eight or ten years in bearing maturity; the Filbert grows and produces well ; Peaches, Grapes, Apricots, Nectarines, Almonds, &e., although not equal to those of Aus- tralia, thrive and fruit largely, particularly on the northern side of the island. The total value of fresh fruit and preserves exported in 1860, was £56,203. The Fuchsia and Geranium become large shrubs." To give a correct idea of the characters of the best Apples and Pears grown in Tasmania, three cases of wcU-execnted wax models are exhibited, and which, being taken from plaster casts of the fruit, are exact representations of their size and shape. In their number are included many of the finest varieties grown in this country, and of a size to which even under the most favour- able circumstances, they do not usually attain here, whUe the colour ia in general much higher. There are specimens of Uvedalu's St. Germain Pears, weighing 2 lbs. 6 ozs., 2 lbs. Uozs., and one is staled to liuve reached the extraordinary weight of 3 lbs. 5 ozs. The heaviest which wc have seen produced in this country weighetl 3 lbs. -Ij ozs. The extraordinary growths made by fruit trees have been noticed above, and by way of proof shoots arc exhibited which are not merely remarkable for their length but for thickness also. Thus, there is an Apple shoot 5 feet long ; one of a Plum from a two-year-old sucker, G feet 2 niches ; a llanksian Hose shoot, lOi feet long ; one of ClotU of Gold, 10 feet ; and Aimee A'ibert, 8i feet, all of which are stout in proportion to their length. {To be continued.) WJIAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHORE. {Coiitiiined from page 335.) Prideaux's ITeemit Cbab {Piigurus Prkleauxii). — This species is found in very considerable quantities in Plymouth Sound. It is not uncommon, however, on other parts of the coast. It bears a great resemblance to the specimen last men- tioned (the Pagurus Benmrdus), differing at the same time in several marked characteristics, which plainly prove it to be a distinct species. The claws, for instance, are destitute of tubercles, being merely grained. The ambulatory legs are almost smooth, the end joint having longitudinal grooves on either side, and not being twisted. It is also a much smaller species than the Pagurus Bernardus, rarely measuring more than from two to two inches and a half from the front to the extremity of the abdomen. The eye-stalks are extremely thick and short, the end where the eye itself is inserted being globular. The colour IS a pale reddish-brown. Professor Bell quoting from Mr. Thomson, adduces a very remarkable fact— namely, that this creature is iound "in every instance inhabiting the shell invested by the Adamsia maculata (Actinia maculata, Adams), and that among the numerous specimens in his (Mr. Thomson's) collection from all quarters of the Irish coast, and found inhabitiug shells of various species, not a Pagurus Prideauxii occurs except in connection with the Actinia already named." The Smooth Hebmit Cbab {Pagurus lavis). — This is a very pretty little creature, found principally at Falmouth and off the coast of Cornwall. The shell is smootr d polished, and some- what heart-shaped. The eye-stalks are short and thick. The front claws are very unequal, the right one being considerably larger than the left. In colour it is yellowish, a distinct red mark running the whole length of the claws. The Eough-ceawed Hebmit Chab {Pagurus Forbesii). — "This curious species," says Professor Bell, " differs obviously from every other inhabiting our coasts." The shell is quite smooth, the eye-stalks club-shaped aud of greater length than those of the species just mentioned. The front feet are unequal, the riglit, as is usually the case, being the larger ; both, how- ever, are rough and strongly toothed on the inner side. The second and third paii-s of legs are slightly flattened. The upper edge of the fourth joint is armed with spines, and all the legs are covered with small reddish-brown spots. The lioug/i-clawed Hermit Crab is found most commonly off the coast of Fahnouth. TuE Haiey Pobcelain Cbab {Porcellana Platycheles). — The shell of this curious species is of a little greater length than breadth, having a pohshed surface in young ones. This sui-face is covered with short hair, which increases in length towards the margins where it permanently grows. Tlie fore legs are vdy large and furnished on the outer side with long close hair. The second, thii'd, and fourth pairs of legs arc flattened at the sides, rounded beneath, and fringed with hair on both margins. The colour is a reddish-brown, inclining underneath to a paler yellowish tint. The hairs are brown. " The distribution of this species," says Professor Bell, " is extensive aud in some localities it is also very numerous. I have received specimens from various parts of our coast, from the Orkneys to the Laud's End. It is found also on several parts of the Irish coast, and it is plentiful on the coast of France, and in the Mediterranean. Some of the largest and finest that have come under my observation, were sent me by Dr. Duguid, from Kirkwall, in Orkney. It is a littoral species, being generally found under stones at low water. It bites 360 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDNER. [ August 5, 1862 severely, as Dr. Duguid remarks, and if seized by its claws lias the power of throwing them off instantly to facilitate its escape." The Minute Poecelain Ceab (ForceUana longicornis). — This is a pretty little species, and a very common one, being found beneath stones at some little distance beyond low-water mark. It is frequently, too, brought up in large numbers with the Oyster-dredge. It is very minute, the ordinary length of the shell being no more than two or tln'ee lines. The front legs ore very unequal, one being as long and broad again as the other. The shell is almost round, con^'ex, and nearly smooth. The colonr of the shell Taries. " It is generally," says Professor Bell, " pale red, frequently with irregular markings of dark reddish-brown ; in other specimens of bright red." The Scaly Galathea (Oalathea squamifera). — This is by no means an uncommon species. The carapace is of greater length than breadth, and armed at the sides with strong sharp spines. From the front projects a very powerful spine, supported on either side by four others. The front feet are broad and com- pressed, strongly spined on the inner edge, and having the surface covered with small scale-like tubercles. The second, third, and fourth pairs of legs are furnished with rows of spines on the anterior margin. The colour is mostly a greenish-brown, some specimens being occasionally tinged with red. The length is about tliree inches. " It is," remarks Professor Bell, " a com- mon species all along the southern and western coast. I have specimens from Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, and Sussex. The largest I have seen were procured by myself at Bognor, where they are often taken in considerable numbers in Prawn and Lobster-pots. It is recorded as the most common Irish species by Mr. Thomson, who observes that it is found on all the coasts of Ireland. It appears to be pretty much a littoral sijecies, occurring, according to both Dr. Leach and Mr. Couch, under stones at low tide."— W. {To he continued.) ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The July meeting of the Entomological Society was well attended, several foreign entomologists, attracted by the great International Exhibition, being amongst the visitors, including Herr Frauenfeld from Vienna, and l)r. Stal from Stockliolm. Amongst the donation >■ ere the publications of the Royal Societies of Sciences of M icli and Madrid, the Entomological Societies of the Nether . ?, Vienna, and St. Petersburgh (the latter recently established), &c. The President, F. Smith, Esq., of the British Museum, ex- hibited a box containing a number of galls of different species recently received by that establislnnent from Germany, including specimens of the round oak gall (similar in size to the ink gall), which has during the last few years thieatened to cause much injury to our Oak trees, having spread with extraordinary rapidity from Devonshire (where it was first observed), over the south of England. At the present time, however, thanks to the attacks of the Tomtits, not a single gall is to be found in places where two years ago it was very abundant ; these birds having dis- covered that the interior of the gall contained a fat fleshy grub, have bored into the galls and eaten the inhabitants, thus afford- ing another very convincing proof of the impolicy of the whole- sale destruction of the small birds, against which the Editors of The Jotjenal of Hoeticultuee have so energetically raised their voice. Mr. Walker corroborated the remarks of the President, and stated that in the neighbourhood of Highgate and Southgate where it abounded he had not been able to find a single specimen this season. Professor Westwood exhibited a continuation of the series of illustrations of the habits and economy of various species of insects presented to the Oxford Museum by S. Stone, Esq., of Brighthampton near Witsey, beautifidly prepared, and including specimens of the preparatory states of several species of Dragon Flies, also of Trichiosoma lucorum (a large Sawllj) and its parasites, several other species of Tenthrednida> and Sphegidie which bore into the pith of Brambles, various species of Gall- flies and leaf-mining insects, including a species of the Beetle- genus Orchestes, also the preparatory states of species of Ka- phidia and Hemerobius. Mr. Stone had also sent an extensive series of the leaves of ditTerent plants mined by various insects ; and Professor Westwood also stated that he had received from Mr. Varsey a large collection of the leaves of different specieg of garden plants which had been attacked by the Leafcutter Bee, and had portions of the leaves carried away by that insect for the manufacture of its nests. He also exhibited a drawing of Acarus domesticus, De G. (A. Siro, Linn.), found by Dr. Maddox, of Woslston near Southampton, in a nitrate-of-silver bath prepared for photographic purposes ; and suggested that Mr. Andrew Crosse's wonderful crealion of Acari might pro- bably be explained on the principle that in that instance, as in this and some others to which he alluded, the insects had been attracted by some of the chemical substances employed, or the chemical action had caused the development of the insect from eggs. He also exhibited a great number of photographic repre- sentations of ditTerent species of British insects of the natural size, forwarded to him by J. C. Dale, Esq , some of which were remarkable for the marvellous manner in which the most minute species of Chalcidida', &c., were brought out. Mr. Stainton exhibited two species of the very remarkable genus of minute Moths Micropterjx, which had bten reared by Mr. Wilkinson, of Scarborough, from mixed Birch and Oak leaves. Mr. Pascoc read a note on two exotic genera of Longicorn Beetles — Stenidea and Blabinotus. A jiaper was also read by Mr. F. Walker, containing de- scriptions of various new exotic species of Chalcididoe. Another paper by Mr. Tremen was also read, containing de- scriptions of new species of Butteriliea taken in British Caffraria by W. S. M. d'Crban, Esq., during 1860 and 1861. Eleven new species were described, including a new genus belonging to the family Lycsenidae. On the following day the members of the Society enjoyed a delightful field-day on the range of hills between Beigate and Dorking at the hivilation of one of their Vice-Presidents, W. Wilson Saunders, Esq , F.R.S., who is also Treasurer of the Linnsean and Horticultural Societies. On arriving at Bletch- worlh the party ascended the hills and commenced collecting in good earnest ; and several important captures were made during the day, including a specimen of tlie extremely rare Zyras Haworthii. At the Deepdene, the grounds of which were thrown open to the Society by Sir. Hope, a picnic was held under the shade of the trees"; and the party returned to dine at Reigate iu the Town Hall, where they were joined by a further detach- i ment of naturalists and by a number of the neighbouring clergy and gentry, invited by Mr. Saunders, whose kindness in again affording so pleasant an annual treat was duly acknowledged. We noticed amongst the visitors Mr. Wallace, returned from the Eastern Archipelago, Mr. Smith the President, and the other oiTicers of the Society, General Sir J. B. Hearsey, Dr. Gray of the British Museum, Messrs. Bowerbank, Miers, Hewitaon, Westwood, \Valker, Stainton, Lovell Reeve, Dr. Stal, of Stock- holm, &c. WOKK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. The old saying, that " one year's seeding makes seven years' weeding " is generally very apparent at this season, when, after a warm shower and a few days' sunshine, weeds appear in myriads. Their destruction is then" best etfected by surlace-stirring ; but where, from want of available labour, they have stood so long as to perfect their seed, they should never be dug or trenched-in, but be taken quite away to the char-heap, or else burned on the ground. Broccoli, any that are now planted-out should have their roots dipped in a puddle of soot, earth, and water, and immediately after planting should be again watered. The Cape and Grange's, intended for use in the autumn, should also be watered ; but the spring roots when they have got hold will not require it. Cabbage, there should now be no delay in getting in the main sowings : the Vanack, East Ham, and London Market are good sorts. Carrots, a few of the Horn may now be sown to stand the winter. Celcri/, an abundance of water to be given to that newly planted, and also to the earliest crop, which, if wanted early, should be earthed-up. Continue to plant-out, taking up the plants with as much soil about theur roots as possible. Zefhice, make a sowing of Cos and Cabbage for late use. Onions, sow a few to draw young for winter use, or to stand the winter for transplanting in the spring. Turnips, as the ground becomes vacant another sowing may be made. If the weather continue dry, water the ground after the seed is August 5, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAQE GARDENER. 361 sown, and cover vpith mnts. After tlie first shower of rain eartli- up Brussels Sprouts, JSuvoys, Broccoli, nnd whutuver crop re- quires it. A'acant ground, or tliiU whicli ciin bo cleared of c:\rW crops, may still be planted with Winter Greens, first giving it a good dressing of manure, and a trenching or good deep digging. TLOWKR OAHPEN. The late-planted flower-beds should now bo looked over, and the plants therein pegged-down or staked, as their habits may require. Tlioso that are planted against busket-cdgiiigs or against framework wliich is used to intersect beds should have their shoots neatly arranged or ticd-in ; and all decayed leaves and flower-stems removed ; the flower-borders to bo thoroughly cleaned ; all plants which have done blooming to be cut down ; and annuals that have ceased to be gay should be pulled up, to make room for those that arc to succeed tliem. Proceed with the layering of Clove and other Carnations. Mule and Anna Boleyn Pinks treated in tlie same manner will make strong healthy plants before winter. FBUIT OAEDKN. Nailing, syringing, and paying attention to fruit as it ripens, and making new beds of Strawberries, form tlie principal routine here. STOVE. Orchids suspended in baskets or on blocks require a liberal supply of water at this period, and frequent but slight syringings, ■with sufllcient fire heat to admit of a gentle circulation of air. Xliose Ixoras which have done blooming to be cut down and ■etorted gently to make new growth. Attend carefully to the winter-blooming plants, and adopt the same system as advised below in the greenhouse department to mature growth that requires to be ripe in order to produce bloom. GRKENHOUSE AND CON.SEKVATOET. The plants that have matured their season's growth should now be more sparingly supplied with water at the root, in order to promote the ripening of tlie wood. The twiners to be gone over frequently, that the shoots may be kept nicely regulated, cutting out where necessary to prevent their being too thick, and shortening any that hang down so loosely as to interfere with other things. Any of the plants which require more pot-room should be shifted without delay, taking care to have the balls moist, and keep thera rather close and the atmosphere more moist than usual for ten days or a fortnight after potting. Cut down Pelargoniums as soon as the wood is properly ripeiied, and supply tliem very sparingly with water at the root nntil they start into growth, but sprinkle frequently overhead, which will cause them to break more freely. Camellias will now in general have formed their bloom-buds, and should be watered occasionally with liquid manure. It is also a suitable period for shifting them if tlie blossom-buds are quite perceptible. The pot Roses to have their decayed blossoms entirely removed, and those for winter blooming to be examined as to whether tliey want shifting. When shifting, the old balls to be loosened, and tlie heads to be slightly reduced. Remove the faded blooms of Aphelexis and Heliehrysums, cutting the flower-stems close to the old wood and set in a cool shady place ; when they begin to grow, such as require it to be repotted. AYlien the flowers of the Kalosanthes are getting shabby cut them well in. Repot, stop, and strike Chrysanthemums. The Cinerarias for early blooming will now require attention ; shift when necessary, for if they are to form large specimens for blooming in winter they must not be permitted to sustain any check. PITS AND FEA5IES. The propagation of stock for next season to be commenced and curried on with expedition, so as to insure strong, well- established plants before winter, and without the necessity of keeping them so close and warm as to induce weak and tender growth. To be able to winter bedding stock safely with ordi- nary care the cuttings should be put in sufllciently early to allow of having them well established and fit to be exposed to the open air in September, previous to housing them for the winter. W. Keane DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Forked and hoed amongst general crops, alike to break tlie hard pan after the rains and hail, and to cut up any weeds that might be showing themselves, and they have not been few this season. Planted a good breadth of Cauliflower after Potatoes, manuring chiefly with short grass that hod been thrown into a heap for a few days, and digging such highly nitrogcniscd matter deep enough to prevent the roots touching it for some time, and then it will have lost its rankness, and the soil bo all the better for absorbing it. The hoc and the fork have also been necessary by the sides of rows of lato Peas, to prevent the ground cracking. Tlii^ forking-up is often better than watering, more especially if a slight mulching is thrown over to keep tlie moisture in, and the extra heat out. Planted lots of Colcworts, Broccolis, &c., as room could bo made for them, and will soon find more by digging- down Sirawborrics that have borne two or three years. Watered Celery, Lettuces, &c., and to give a start to young plants of the latter, just planted out, placed some common hurdles thinly wattled with branches over them, to screen them from the sun. Planted-out a lot, too, on the north side of banks, fences, &c., that they might stand longer and be more succulent. I plant thus because I am short of rooni. Where ground is plentiful, the best plan is to sow often and thin, and let the plants come to maturity where sown. FEUIT GAEDEN. Have been obliged from the heat of last week to fork over the surface soil of fruit trees transplanted lost .season. Watered them, and placed a little hall-rotten leaves over the surface to keep the ground from cracking. Proceeded with Strawberries ; disbudding and stopping fruit trees as last week, llave been obliged to net everything pretty well that was worth keeping. AVe heartily wish that all bird-fanciers had a share of our extra stock. I would not be extra hard upon the songsters, but I must make an effort to lessen the nests in the neighbouring covers next year. Whenever such dry, hot weather set- iu, we have them in legions. On netting some Gooseberries a boy caught something about a score of thrushes and blackbirds below the net the first after- noon, and then they made such a yelling as if they had more than a right to be there. I am told that when young and fat they make a splendid pie, little, if anything, inferior to par- tridges. It is worth noting how a yellow-billed blackbird will cautiously go all round a net, and squeeze himself in underneath it. Were he not flurried when an enemy approached ho might get out by a similar way, and escape free. Watered Melons, chiefly below the 8urfac"e, unless when young, not giving too much at a time, which if it did nothing worse would be apt to crack the fruit. Watered Figs and all sorts of fruit trees in pots, giving weak manure water. The Figs since the change in the weatlier have been much better flavoured. Extra syringing in orchard-houses to keep them clean, and in a very bright day just dusted the glass with water outside, merely whitened so as to break the extra force of the sun's rays. MUSHEOOirS. I should have had this in the kitchen garden, but say a word here in answer to "A Lotee of Mushhooms." First, lean add nothing material as to the directions given some time ogo for making and keeping Mushroom spawn. It may be done quite as well by other modes, but bad I given a number of modes the reader would only have been perplexed. Now is a good time to set about making it. Second, An underground cellar is the best place to grow them in summer. I seldom bother with them elsewhere than in a common Mushroom-house, above the ground, they are so apt to come thin and mnggotty. Thii-d, I have had a good sup- ply since June from shallow beds in ashed, open to the west with a tliatched roof, and largo Chestnut trees a little west of the beds, wliich shade them, and allow of a current of air through the beds. We are just earthing down our third and last piece to-day. The second piece is just beginning to show, and this third we shall expect to show in the beginning of September, and before then we shall have a piece made in the Mushroom-house. We are just now getting the last beds out and having the material sifted for top-dressing flower-beds. I am well aware that large, thick beds will bear a long time, if well managed ; but then I could rarely get enough of material for such large beds, and a constant supply being desirable I prefer the continuous system of a number of small shallow beds. I do not see how " A Lovee of MrSHKOO^is " can be greatly interested in knowing whether I intend making spawn this autumn or not, unless he wants to see it done. That is a matter which will be decided on when I have an opportunity of examining the spawn-heap ; for if there be more than enough to last me over this time next year, it is ™OBt likelv I shall make none, for if the spawn is good, and kept dry, I like it as well three years old, as if it were fresh made. I may 362 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTTRE AND COTTAOE aARBENER. [ August 5, 1862. also notice tliat the beds in the shed have a little dry hay Eprintled over them to keep the surface soil moist and more regular in its temperature, and in very dry, hot weather we prefer elightly syringing this dry liay to watering the bed much. ORNAMENTAL GAEDENING. The conservatory was wholly retensnted, almost all Pelargoniums beiui; removed, and a number of Balsams, Begonias, and other fine-leaved plants introduced. Amongst the latter few are more beautiful than Amnranthus tricolor, which is now s^^ldom eeen becautJe it used to be rather common. The Pelargoniums arc placed in an open yard to harden, the Fancy ones being kept bv themselves, as they will not stand tiie same amount of dryii^g. Potting and propagating as last week. Much of the time, how- ever, was taken up iu getting the lawn and flower-beds in full- dress order. The Calceolaria-beds in the latter still taking the lead of all others, and pretty well vying with the sweet humim flowers, that with their long dresses swept every walk in such a regnb.r maimer, as no broom in the hands of a gardener couUl have done. My employer took a fancy to a cou])Ie of Mr. 0reen's 16-inch mowers, as used at the Gardens at Keuoingfon, and having just tri'd them fed certain they will answer well. I donot know if I rightly understand all about them, but there is just one thing against them. They make no noise to speak of in cutting, and they work easily; but in puUing the machine back to make a fresh cut, which you must frequently do in small spaces among clumps, the clattering of the cogs is deafen- ing. Mr. Green kindly referred to my notice last year about the inferior iron chains. Would he oblige me and others who dislike such clattering, by telling how such noise is to be ob- viated ? There is no regulator as in the larger machines for bringing the cogs into play as desu-able. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *#* We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Jom'nal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed soleh/ to The Editors of the ''Journal of Horticulture, cf-c," 162, Fleet Street^ London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under verj special circumstances. Cleaning a Fallow Kitchen C.Aiti.EN (J/. ^.).— You do not state the most important fact -the nature of the soil. If it be at all henvy pare off and burn the top 6 inches. The ashes will he the best of manures for such a soil, and the burning will destroy the seeds of weeds, and all the predatorv ]nsects. Red Spider on Vines {J. IT. 5.).— When leaves are sent on which it is supposed there are small insects, as red spider, they sliould be shut upcare- fully in oil paper, and then if yh;.ken off tiie leaf we may detect them inskie the paper. We failed to perceive an insect of any kind on vour leaf psiclud loosely with a piece of a nurseryman's bill round it We'think, however, that a few spiders had het-n nibbling ut it, and, therefore, a little sulphurwiU bean advantage. Fur your small house a pound oJ lime, two gallons of water, and half an ounce ut sulphur, would be enough at a time ; but wc seldom advise usinj? tins remedy, as there is such a. difference in tb" strength of lime, and if alter f-laking it with water it should be hot enough to Ignite, or nearly ignite the sulphur, there will be other mischief to appre- hend worse even than the spider. The remedy is u good one witli practised hands, but requires being used with caution. We know a case v-hero the sulphur was added too soon, and it flared and made its presence too well known. We think it would be safer as you propose heating the liouse, to put a wash of lime and sulphur on the flues or pipes at night, tnkiug care, icrto^^^*' *''^^ *'^^ heating medium where the sulplmr is, is not above 150° or 160 . That will throw off sulphur lumes that will not I: urt vegetation, much higher will make the lumes too strong. Pbunikg Peach Trees in Tots (/(/em)-— You will err miach in cutting back your Peach shoots to three buds now. It would cause most ot the buds to start. Mr. llivers retomniemis for pyramids, &c., not cutting back, but stopping after three or four leaves are developed, and continuing that stopping until the end ot JiUy— a very different thing indeed. When you follow any peculiar system, you must take it as a whole, and not in detached parts. The best you can do now, is to aUow the shoots to irow and ripen, or merely nip out the terminal-bud, to swell the buds behind it. Glox NiAS Showing liLooM-BUDS (/*. JI. ff.).— Allow the Gloxinias to bloom, and encourage them with a moist heat and plenty of water. Dis- continue the latter when the leaves begin to fade, and give none at all when fairly browned, but keep the pots standing on soil or stone, so that a little moisture may be absorbed from the bottom of the pot. Softening Putty iJ. B.). —Putty may be softened by rubbing over it an iron heated until a dull red, or by applying fianBel rags dipped in caustic potash, albjwing the rags to remain on during several hours. He\ting Greenhouse from Kitchen Range {A. 5.).— At auch a dis- tance as 70 yards we do notthink it would be advisable to heat a pm-.U green- house, unless you could otherwise use the heat ot thu 140 yards of piping, which would be needed merely to connect your kitchen range and the heuse. Would it not be better to have a small boiler or a small flue for such a de- tached house? There is no objection to Vines being planted inside a vinery, but quite, the reverse, though if the roof be alieady covered they will not do much good there. Seashore Pebbles for Walks (C. T. S«?7).— They will makeavery good asphalt mixed with gas tar ; but we do notthink they would keep the walks more damp and soft than would other pebbles. We do not know whether Gishurst C'lnipound will kill fleas in dogs, nor whether it would injure the dogs, nor, if it is a flea-destroyer, how much should be put to a gallon of water. Mr. Wilson, perhaps, will furnish some relative information. Ventilators {TJior!i).—YQ\XT openings in the back wall of your green- liouse should have been 18 inches by 6 incbes. Then you would do for winter, and in summer you can leave the door open. Soil for Potting {Ideni).~Tom' loam with a little leaf mould and a little sand, will grow all common greenhouse plants. If small-rooted, as Heaths, you must use heath soil and sand neaiiy alone. As you have so many materials, we would recommend as a general compost, to have three-parts loam, one of heath soil, one of leaf mould, or dung very rotten, and one ot silver sand. Some plants may want a little more loam, others a little more hoath soil or sand, and the heaps being handy tliese are easily added It is of no importance whether mixed long before'or not. We prefer doing it as wanted. Tlie soil from the sides ot highways, and a little sand, will grow all common p'ants. GRAS.S SicEDS Foii Lawn (E. ID.—For your gi-ass plot, the subsoil oi which is frtr, or finely-divided greenstone, liable to be parched in hot, dry, weather, we recommend you to sow at thy rate per acre of Crested Dogstail (Cynosurus ciistatus), Gibs.; Hardish Fescue [ Festuca durinscula\ 4 lbs. j Fine-leaved Fescue (Festuca tenuifolia), 3 lbs. ; Rough-stalked Meadow Grass (Poa trivialis), 2 lbs. ; White Clover (Trifulium repens), 8 lbs.; Small Yellqw Clover tTriiolium minas), 4 lbs. You can calculate the quantities by ascer- taining wl;at traction of ^n acre your plot is. You had betterdig the ground and sow the prass seeds at the end of JIarch. OsiEK-EEDs (A. Andivsmi).—^'' A stiff, black, peaty moss" is not so ffOOd as a mellow sand for this crop. Cuntrally speaking, the margins of rivers (not tidal ones) where the ground \> (iccasionally flooded after heavy rains, are the best jjhices tur this plant, or some level tract but slightly elevated above the water mark, and where the uncertainties of flooding render cropping by other things precarious, is ofttn planted with Osiers ; but there is no question but that they will do well in any nioi.st, deep soil, and if it were trenched so much the better. But on the marpins of rivers liable to flooding this is im- prudent, as a considerable jiart of tlie loose soil might be wai^hed away, and it not unfrequeutly happens that Willows are planted by the edges to pre- vent this, and no planting: is better for that purpose. The small Packthread Willow is much used for fine work ; but we think the more robust Bedford Willow (Salix Russelliiina), will suit the stiff ground you speak of best; but there are a great diversity of sorts Insects ( W. (?.).— The insects which have spoiled the ends of the young sliools of your Fuchsias, are field bugs (Phylocoris sp.)- They must be treated just as aphides. Tobacco smoke properly applied will destroy tlum,— W. Seedling Rose (Tlioinas Laxton, Stamford). — We are glad to receive another proof that English Rose-fanciers are detei'mined not to allow the French to liave it all to themselves. You describe your Rose as the result of hybridisation between G^ndral Jacqueminot and a Damask; but it bears so little appearance of having Damask blood in it, that we think the bees mu?t have been beforehand with you, and fertili.^ed it with some other pollen. The shape, colour, and perfume are all good; it being cupped, a blight carmine, and very sweet. It has the fault of its parent in not being sufficiently double, but this may improve. By all means propagate it, and exhibit it next season. Strawberry-forcing (^«w«).— There has been much just to meet your case in late Numbers in " Doings of the Last Wetk," iic. As your layers are in thumb-pots, as soon as rooted transfer them to 54's, using loam and a little leal mould. As soon as rooted again, transfer to 32-pots, using stiffish loam and a little rotten dung or Jeal mould, keeping tlie bud about level with the rim of the pot, pottin:: very firm, and leaving about half an inch for water. Set them on a hard bottom full in the sun, water until rains in autumn, protect in winter, and force when you like. FrciiSTAS Shkddikg their Flower-bubs {H. ir., Mile-end).— Oyev-dvy- uess or over-moisture will cause the blooms of Fuchsias to drop. They are more liable this season than usual to drop quickly, owing to the rapid changes in the weather from loM and dull to warm and sunshine. To keep 1 hem as long as possible, flies and bees should be kept out ot the house by gauze. If the plants are very full of bloom a little top-dressing of rich compost would do them good. In our "Garden Manual," price Is. 6rf., you will find full directions for cultivating Roses. Coix LACHRYUA [A, B. Tr.].— Your plant (Job's Tears), belongs to the Grasses, requires i ieh soil and tropical heat to bring it to perfection. We would keep it indoors unless the weather was very warm. The floweis hang rather gracefully ; but the seeds are the great attraction for their pearl-like appearance, from which tliey have been designated •' Job*a Tears." Novelties (A Very Wrf -Sw/'scrficj-)-— We cannot foretell whether "there is anything really novel and good coming out this season in flowers or vege- tables." All that we can manage is to notice them fJter they have come out. SEPUii {T. C.).-Itis an English Sedum, nest of kin to acre, but with white flowers having a faint pink line in the centre of each petal. A very pretty and scarce sort; the name ia Sedum album. Many thanks for the Cyclamens. Name of Plant— Roses {E. J9*.),~It is the yellow Datura arborea of the gardeners, but the right name is I3rugmansia &anguinca, one of the oldest nantes in the Flora Peruviana. Cloth of Gold Kose is a roost luxuriant climbing Rose, and will do no good in a pot. ilrs. Bosanquet is a very- nice dwart light or neaiiy white flowering China Rose, and one of the very best of that class of Roses to grow in a pot. August 5, 1SG2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUKE AND COTTAGE GARDJ£2f£E. 3G3 Oaks {A C'j««(ry;Hrnj).-Tbei'e Is no such distinction as a ninlc Oak and a female Oak. The tied is nioncrci' us— that is, although theif arc male floweis and lemale flowers, thi-y are bnrne by ono and the same ti\o. New I uuei.ia (A. a).— Wo havu .sent the phints ami the specimens to Mr. Beaton, and yo:i \\ill see in another page that he has not yet teen the floweiTs. riNR AprLKs Black in the Centre {M. A., Devon).— Wo hud a similar inquiry hist season ; and though having thoucht much of the matter since, are unable to assign any probable cause, except too vignious growth, too much moisture at the roots and in the atmosphere, with perliaps scarcely enough of air. We know that such swellinc-out processes will produce such a result at times, but we could not say that such were the causes In your case. Bbuomansia Leaves Yellow {A Cheshire Snhsrriher).~'\Vc perceive the marks of red spider— that is, where they had bet-n. The yellow appear- ance, however, we should cousidL-r to be the result of the roots ffetting too di-y. I( the weather was sunny and the pot rather fniall, such a plant would need watering twice a-day. In dull weather once a-week mipht do. Fre- quent syringing would also bo an advantage. Most liKcly a larger pot and rich soil would help you. Nkglecteh Vines {Z/. i?—, i\''oW7i«»i;;/on).— You treated them quite right, and they will bear a good crop probably next year. If they are not very luxuriant apjdy a little rotten stable manure to the border, and keep it mulched during the dry, hot weather. If you cannot pick off the cater- pillars from Geraniums, Calceolariiis, i/cA/i».r/s.— Prize. — Robinson, Frodingham. Pigeons. — Croppers. — Prize, W. Witty, Cottingham. Carriers. — Prize, E. Holdsworth, Leeds. Ti-mnpeters.— Prize, F. Key, Beverley. Jacohins. — Prize, W. CharP.on, Howden. Fantails.— Prize, 1. R. jessop, Hull. Tantblers.—Pri7.e, T. Rippon. Beverley. Barits. — Prize, W. Witty, Cotting- ham. Nuns. — Prize, F. Key, Beverley. Anif other Varictij. — Prize, F. Key, Beverley. Rabbits.- .iHV Breed. — First, J. Leason, Driffield. Second, W. Charter, Driffield. Extra Prizes.— Goj^e (Black-breasted).— Prize, H. Adams, Beverley. Cock. — Prize, H. M. Julir.n, Beverley. Game Cork. — Prize, H. Adams. Dorking Sens. — Prize, H. Adams. White Dorking Chickens. — Prize, J. Harrison, Kilnwick. Feaeock and Ben. — Prize, Mrs. Nicholson, Little Driffield. Geese. — Equal Prize, J.Hodgson, Eeeford ; Mrs. Nicholson ; F. C. Matthews, Driffield. £xtra J'/^eo?js,— Equal Prize, F. Key, Beverley ; E. Holdsworth, Leeds. Judges. — Matthew Hunter, Esq., Green Hammerton Hall, York ; Samuel Bird, Esq., Shipley, Bradford. SHEFFIELD POULTRY SHOW. This Show commenced on the 2ad inst., and will be con- tinued till to-day (Tuesday). 'We shall giye our report next ■week. The following were the awards of the Judges : — Spanish.— First, R. Teebay. Second, J. ll.artin. Third, E. Brown. Commended, J. K. Fowler. Chickens.— First and Third, J. R. Rodbard. Second, T. Greenwood. Cock. — First, R. Teebay. Second, J. E. Rodbard. Highly Cumoiended, R. Teebay ; T. P. Wood, jun. Dorking (any colour). — First and Second, Lady Julia Cornwallis. Third, T. W. Hill. Commended, Mrs. Gay. Chickens.- First, F. Key. Second, J.F.Newton. Third, T. Hadfield. Cock -First, Lady Julia Cornwallis. Second, H. W. B. Berwick. Highlv Commended, E. Tudman. GA.ME (White and Piles).— First, H. Adams. Second, W. Wood. Third, 0. Haigh. CHICKE^s. — First, J. Wildens, jun. Second, J. Carara. Game (Black-breasted and other Reds).- First, W. Robson. Second, J. Fletcher. Third, H. Adams. Commended, S. Marsh; G. Hellewell; H. M. Julian. Chickens. — First, W. Bentley. Second, W. itobson. Third, J. Sunderland, jun. Highly Commended, T. Colley ; T. Moss. Commended, T. Fiddler. Game (Black and Brassy-winged, except Greys\— First and Third, G. Hellewell. Second, W. Dawson. Chickens.— First, W. Dawson. Second, H. Hellewell. Game (Duckwings and othei Greys and Blues.)— First, S. Matthews. Second, W. Fell. Third, J. Fletcher. Commended, T. Greenwood. Chickens.— First. W. Fell. Second, W. Bentley. Game Cock (any coloui ).— First, J. Camm. Second, W. Robson. Third, S.Matthews. Extra Third, W. Boyes. Highly Commended, T. Colley; H. M. Julian. Commended, J. Fletcher. Cochin-China (Cinnamon and Buff).— First, J. K. Fowler. Second and Third, T. Stretch. Commended, H. Bates. Chickens.- First, H. Bates. Second, T. Stretch. Highly Commended, W. Watkin. Cocbin-Chika (Brown and Partridge-feathered). — First, T. Stretch. Second, P. Cartwright. Third, H. Yardley. Highly Commended, E. Tud- man. Commended, R. White. Chickens.— First, E. Tudman. Second, J. K. Fowler. Cochin China (White or Black).— First, R. Chase. Second, W. Dawson. Third, no competition. Chickens.- First, W. Dawson. Second, R. Chase. Cock (any colour).— Fiist, E. Tudman. Second, H. Y'ardley. Third, J.Martin. Commended, W. Wood ; R.White. Brahma Pootka iLieht or dark).— First and Second, E. Teebay. Chickens.— First, J. K. Fowler. Second, R. Teebay. Commended, J. Pares. Cock.— First, R, Teebav. Second, J. K. Fowler. Hamburgh (Golden-pencilled).- First, J. Pritchalt. Second, A. Nuttall. Third, J. Munn. Highlv Commended, R. Hemingway. CnicKE>s. — First and Second, .V. Xuttail. Highly Commended, J.Muna. Commended, T. Parkinson ; Hon. W. T. W. Filzwilliam ; F. Hardy. Hamburgh (Golden-spangled).- First, G. R. Tate. Second, G. Brook. Third, J. Burton. HighlyCommended, T. Wilcook; W.K.Lane. Chicke.^s. — Fiist, G. Brook. Second, J. Aslicroft Third, G. Haigh. Hambubou Cock (Gold or S Iver-spangled).— First, Lady J. Cornwallis. Second, H. A. Hudson. Hahecrgii (Silver-pencilled).— First and Third, J. Martin. Second, W. H« Kerr. Chickens.- First, J. Dixon. Second, Mrs. Harrop. Third, A. Nichol- son. Highly Commended, T. Barber. Hamburgh (Silver spangled).— First, H. Carter. Second, J. Ashcroft. Third, E. Teebay. Cuiokens.- First, C. W.Britrley. Second, W. M'Millon. Third, J. Ashcro'ft. Highly Commended, H. Bancroft Commended, J. Sun- derland; H. Carter. Hamburgh Single Cock (Gold or Silver-pencilled) .—First, Mrs. Froggatt. Second, J. Munn. Poland (Black, with White Crests).— First, J. DL^n. Second, H. Caitcr. Poland (any other vailety).— First, J. Dixon. Second, F. Hardy, Chickens.— First withheld. Second, H. Beldon. Cock (any colour).- First. F. Haidv. Second, H. Beldon. Red Caps (any other distinct breed).— First, B. Dates (Red Caps). Second, G. Lister (Red Caps). Third, Mrs. E. Talbot (Silkies). Bantams (Gold or Silver-laced).— First, E. Yeardley. Second, T. H. D. Bayly. Hiehly Commended, R. Chase; E. Yeardley. Bantams (Black or White).— First, T. H. D. Bayly. Second withheld. Bantams (Game).— First, T. 11. D. Bayly. Second, J. Camm. Com- mended, W. Sylvester ; E. Yeirdley. Cock.— First, W. Sylvester. Second, W. Illingworth. Commended, T. Cundey. Geese.— First, G. R Tate. Second, J. K. Fowler. Highly Cammended, T. H. D. Bayly (Sebastopol). Ducks (White Avlesburv).— First and Second, J. K. Fowler. Ducks (Rouen).— First, J. Holme. Second, G. R. Tate. Ducks (any other variety).— First, F. W. Earle (Buenos Ayres). Second, G. Hellewell. Commended, J. R. Jessop (Black East Indian). Turkeys.— First, Mrs. Guy (Cambridge). Second, no competition. SWEEPSTAKES. Game Cocks.— Fii'st, S. Matthews. Second, W. Robson. Spanish Hens. — First, F. Crook. Dorking Hens.— First and Second, H. W. B. Berwick. Game Hens.— First, W. Robson. Second, C. W. Erierley. HAMBunGH Hens (Gold or Silvcr-spangkd).— First, J. Roc. Second, H. W. B. Berwick. Highly Commended, J. M'WlUiams ; W. M'Mellon. Cochin China (any colom"). — First, H. Y'ardley. Game Bantam UE^s (any colour).— First, J. Camm. Judges : Mr. Tegetmeier, of London, and Mr. Edwd. Hewitt, of Birmingham, LIGURIAN BEES IN SCOTLAND. CIVIL WAR — COMBS BUILT IN A TREE — ACCIDENT TO A QUEEN — UNITING BEES. Mr stock ofLigurians which I reeeiyed from "A Detonshibe Bee-keepee " last April have done remarkably well, consider- ing that they were di^cimated at the beginning by some mys- terious internal broils,* and the season has been all through un- commonly bad. They threw a fine swarm in the beginning of June, another small one after the usuiil interval, and another still. Also, a smaller one has been given off since, but I do not know the time, as they were only discovered last week in a neighbouring orchard, established oii the branch of a tree, and on which they had constructed two considerable combs, both containing honey and pollen, but no brood. 1 got them hiyed with some diiEculty, and left the hire at the foot of the free. They are very weak, and will not now have time to increase this season. I have been thinking whether I could strengthen with some common bees; and the other day an accident occurred to one of my hives, which has pointed my attention to it more particularly, and which seems to afford peculiar facilities for making my small Ligurian colony a strong one ; but I would be particularly obliged by the advice of "A Devonshire Bee-keepeb" in the matter before doing anything. The hire to which llie accident occurred is a year or two old. It is a common straw skep with a fixed wooden top, and is very strong, as it has not swarmed this season. It has two supers to give room — first, a lai-ge strong one, and above a glass. It has * A most inexplicable intsrnceine war broke out amongst these Ligurians immediately after their arrival in "the land o' c;ikes," which raged with such fury that for some time it threatened the same fatal result as attended the celebrated feud between two Kilkenny cats.— A Devonshire Bik- KEEPEE. August 5, 1862.] JOURNAL OF nOElICDLTUUE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 365 been killing drones for a week past, and tliev are thickly strewn about. The other day I proceeded to take oil' llu> glnss super bv inserting a thin plate of zinc cautiously between it and the one underneath. The glass and zinc plate were then carried away ; and some time after when the glass was lifted I found a queen at the side of the plate surrounded by a few bees so much in- jured that she died soon after. I must have done this while inserting the zinc, and tlie consequence is, that a strong hive is left without a sovereign, and at a time when I su.speet it is too late to raise another. I may mention the mishap caused no particular disturbance, either among the bees in the hive, or tho?e in the super I had taken off. My idea is to drive them into an empty hive, put them back on their stool till night, then carry them to where the small Ligurian hive is, turn up the hive in which they are, sprinkle with syrup, set the Ligurian hive over it, and early the next morning when they may be expected to liave all gone U]) to- gether, carry the joined hive away a mile or two, as there being a few hundred yards between the places where they now are, the driven bees might come back from the spot where the Ligurian now is to their old place. I would expect to find a good deal of brood in the old hive if done now, and would either give it to the united liive to hatch out, or place it at once when driven on the top of some other hive. If driven during the day would the bees without a queen remain quietly in an empty hive on their old stand (fi-om which egress could be got) till the evening ? In my little experience I have never been in the same position before. — J. B. [The only improvement I can suggest upon the course you propose, is to scent the syrup by adding to it a little pepper- mint water, and baptise both parties liberally before their union, which I shoidd eflect by removing the crown-board, if the Ligurians are in a bar-hive, and knocking the cluster of common bees out on the top of the exposed bars. Sliould the Ligiu'ians be in an ordinary straw liive or box, the cluster of black bees must be knocked out on a cloth spread on the ground, and the Ligurian hive at once placed over them supported on a couple of sticks at least an inch thick, laid on the cloth rather more than a foot apart. You may insure the queenless bees remaining quiet during the day by cutting out a royal cell with a piece of comb attached to it, and fastening it to the top of the hive in ■which you wish them to remain, by means of a flat-headed ntiil driven through the comb. — A Devonshire Bee-keepeh.] DELAY IN HATCHING A QUEEN. I MADE an artiflcial hive twenty-five days since, and when I looked this morning I found one queen's cell not opened-up, but the cell seems long and too much pointed, so that I am afraid there is something wrong, seeing that it is now twenty-five days and all the other brood are out and the queen not. I may state that they began making eight queen-cells, and when we next looked they had only two with brood in them, and now only the one as I have stated. I always understood that a queen took a shorter time to ra^'se than a worker bee or drone, and I shall be glad to know if I am mistaken, and that we may have hope of this one ? — A. Sheaeeh, Tester Garden. [I have had an instance this season in which royal cells did not hatch until the twenty-second day after tlie removal of the old queen, which is a suiBcient proof that the limit of sixteen days fixed by Huber, Bevan, and others, is sometimes consider- ably exceeded. The queen was a very fine yellow Ligurian, and turned out (as all queens of this species appear to do), amazingly fertile. There is notliing wrong in the sliape of the cell accord- ing to your description. A long-pointed cell generally produces a very fine queen. I should certainly recommend you at all events to fimiish the colony with another brood-comb, wliieh will be of great service to it, whether the royal cell has produced a queen or not. — A Devonshibe Bee-keepee.] QUEENS KILLED OE MUTILATED BY THEIK OWN WOEKEES. TO WHAT AGE DOES A YOTJNG QtTEEN EEJIAIN CAPABLE OF PERFECT IMPEEONATION ? The present season may indeed be said to be adverse to bees and honey-gathering, and no locality appears to have been favoured ; Devonshire and Somersetshire being announced as bad, and I can add, Middlesex is wretched, and Northumberland stili worse. What I would now call the particular attention of hee-kecpers to i< the note of warning sounded by "A Devonshire Bke-kkepeii," that the season has been peculiarly disastrous to the young (piecns, and it is well to look to the hives whidi ough': to possess them while there is yet a chance of some favourable weather snfliciently warm to secure their due maternal character. The singular treatment which several queens have been dis- covered to undergo fron^, their sidijects, detected by the vigilance of your correspondent, is a subject of much difficulty, and to which I confess to have been looking forward with interest, as hkely to fall under his observation had ho prosecuted experiments to test tlie eliect of retarted impregnation by mutilation or otherwise. I have suspected for several years that in certain conditions of the queen and hive, rebellion, regicide, and civil war were not unknown in this unusually loyal community. The latter I have witnessed unmistakeably, following, I suspect, on the two former. The question iiatiu'ally occurs. Why sliould the bees destroy a queen which they find will not become fertile, when there is no brood in the hive, and no cliance of improving their condition ? Or does a queen become debilitated after a series of fruitless excursions or confinement to the hive from the unfavourable state of the weather ? Two out of three hives which swarmed early in June were found five weeks afterwards to be queenless. In one of these instances no particular observation was made. In the other, when the queen was near a month old, and it was expected had begun to lay, there was evident restlessness on the outside, and the next day the queen was seen to leave the hive. She was again seen three days afterwards, and the next day there was again excitement, and then she was found dead on the ground. I have since heard that a hive in an adjoining apiary which swarmed about the same time is also queenless. The above corresponds with results which followed experi- ments I made some years ago in slightly mutilating the wings of young queens. It did not prevent their flying, as I frequently saw them go oH"; but two were brought out of their hives dead, one of them on the evening of a day on which 1 had seen her take flight, the bees rushing out as if going to swarm at eight P.M. It is not lees singular that the bees should be found to hold the queen a prisoner in her hive. That they may throw themselves round her, and enclose her in a dense cluster wlien threatened by danger, I have witnessed ; still it is probable they may be impelled by other feelings tlian those of love * in the forcible detention which has been observed. I once saw a queen most roughly received on her return from her last excursion ; but I have no doubt it was in the excess of their joy that the bees seemed ready to tear her to pieces with their violent caresses, while the poor queen sought repose and rest. As they were in the unicomb-hive, I had a full view of the interesting scene, and was not without apprehension that the queen would be found minus a leg or wing. It is satisfactory to find the excursions may not be limited to the fatal twenty-first day of Huber ; now the apiarian readers of The Jouenal of HoHTicuLTrEE will hope to learn to what term this period may be extended before the queen becomes deteriorated so irreparably as to produce drone eggs only. Pro- bably the temperature will have an important power in regulating this phase of queen-life. — Investigator. [I wish all apiarians who have sufficient leisure would follow the excellent example of " Investigator," whom I beg to thank for his experiments, and for making their results public. At tlie same time I regret that I am not myself able to practise exten- sively what I so earnestly recommend to others. The cares .attending the multiplication and dissemination of the Ligurian species of honey bee are such a^ almost to preclude me from entering the lists as an experimentalist, and confine me to observations only ; the results of which, however, I am always happy to communicate to the apiarian readers of The Journal or Hoeticultcee. On the 29th July, I had a remarkable instance of the facility with which bees will sometimes rebel against their own sovereign. Having attempted to strengtlien a weak Ligurian stock by stand- ing it in the place of a strong half-bred one, I found the queen closely imprisoned (probably by the strangers), and on releas- ing her had the mortification of discovering that she had been stung, and was struggling in the last agonies of dissolution.f *• I believe the reverse nf love is alw-ays n^anifestcd by these demoastra- trations.— A Devonshire Bee-keepkr. t This case and several others which I have witnessed, prove Huber to have been mistaken in declariiif; that worliers never sting a queen. 366 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 5, 1862. Hot setting any gi'eat Talue on the hybridised queen-mother of the re'^icides, I thought I would try how she would be received, and accordingly took her from her own hive and transferred her to one of the brood-combs of the other. She was instantly attacked, but I got her away with some difficulty, kiUing a bee which Iiad pinioned her close to the root of one wing, and whose head, even when detached from its body, still hung by the mandibles, and could not readily be disengaged. Disregarding this ineninbranee, I introduced her at the top of her own hive, but was amazed to see her hostilely received after an absence of 80 few minutes, and was still more astonished to find her the next morning cast out of her hive quite dead. In page 304, 1 related an instance in which a fertile and prolific queen only a year old was multilated by the loss of the last joint of one of her hind legs. Since that article appeared, she has again been maltreated. On the 25th of July I repeated my examination, and found only the stump of the unfortunate limb remaining, another joint having been dis- membered in the interim.* At the same time I discovered and destroyed two sealed royal cells. This latter fact would seem to argue a chronic state of discontent, and a settled determi- nation on the part of the workers to transfer their allegiance to a new sovereign, since the population is by no means sufficient to warrant the sending forth of a swarm. With regard to tlie extension of time for the wedding flight beyond the supposed fatal twenty-first day, lean add nothing more from my owu experience, but I find the matter has not escaped the close observers of Germany. In reference to this point Herr Neidholdt, writing on the 25tli November last, says — " It was formerly thought that the impregnation of the queen had to take place in a certain period, and that it was afterwards no longer possible. This theory has recently lost its credibility since the Rev. Mr. Dzierzon says the time within which a young queen can take her wedding flights cannot be fixed. That this is indeed the case, the year 1860 has very clearly jiroved, owing to the alternations of warm and cold weather. In my apiary many a young queen took her wedding flights after four and even afcer six weeks, partly with success and partly without : many did not return. Herr Hemmanu confirms tliis, by declar- ing that one of his queens was not impregnated until the forty- sixth day. Nay, I assert that a queen continues her wedding flights, supposing the weather to be favourable, until she attains her end or perishes. I even go a step further, and say that a queen still flies out and retains the instinct of impregnation after she has began to lay drone eggs." In this latter opinion, how- ever, Herr Neidholdt diflcis fiom Herr Dzierzon who says : — " The queen certainly no more flies out after she (of course drone eggs), once has begun to lay." Two instances are given by Neidholdt in which young queens first laid drone eggs, re- maining, as he declares, evidently in a virgin state, and after- wards becoming impregnated proceeded io lay worker eggs in the usual way. I have myself had a case this season in which a young queen commenced by laying a large patch of drone-brood in worker-ceils, although ultimately she turned out perfectly fertile, and laid worker eggs with astonishing rapidity. In this case the miniature drone-brood was nurs?d to maturity, when the unfortunate lili|3utian males were expelled without mercy — ■ — A Dj-TonsniEE Bee-keepee.] in the ovaries of a queen bee under the microscope, especially when the ovaries themselves are not well developed, which was very probably the case with the one you experimented upon. — A Devonshiee Bee-keeper.] DESTEUCTION OF A YOUNG QUEEN. A EBIEND brought me a swarm this morning (23rd July), from a hive which had thrown a swarm on the 1st of June, and a second on the 14tb. The queen had been thrown out during the night. The bees in this hive had always seemed unsociable. He examined them on the 10th of July and found no brood ; again on the 20th, and found brood. We examined the queen with a microscope and could find no eggs as described by " A Detonshike Bee-keepee," only yellow matter. Does " A Devonshiee Bee-keepek " know any case in which a queen has laid so few eggs and been thrown out? — A. Sheaeeb, Tester Gardens. [I have known many queens expelled from their hives, but remember none so young being expatriated in this manner after they liad laid eggs. It is by no means easy to distinguish eggs » At tliis point I drnpped my pen and once more examined the hive (July 30). I found things in 5/nf(/ 5H0, worker-brood in all stages, and plenty of it, with the poor muiilated queen hobbling over the combs in the due fulfilment of her royal functions. OUB LETTER BOX. Goi.PEN-spANOLi^D Haueurghs AT Leeds {W. Laicso7i).—Vre are not surprised at any oversiglit which may have occurred to the Judges at that Show, for they had to commence their task at 9.30, and tlie public were admitted at 12. However, the bird you mention, we are infEASTIUM Biebersteinii is, in- deed, a most charming plant, worOiy of all the honours in the schedules of aw.ards. I shall give yon a comparison by which you may know it, and that without seeing it. It is exactly, to a shade, the best pattern of the most snowy white satin as compared with com- mon ash-grey-coloured silk. Nor silk nor satin. Greek nor Latin, can be more different than the two Cerastiums in all other respects. More white, more woolly, more prostrate, more manageable, and more of an edging-like plant than even tomentosum, of which you might make a small bed about 4 feet across, and make the edging of Biebersteinii, to see the con- trast, and to prove what "Niceeebok" said about it. That bed would also prove another thing, if I am not much mistaken : — it would prove to a person half blind of vision that equal quantities of the Alysaum variegatum with Flower of the Day Geranium, is like salting vinegar, while the two Cerastinms would combine, and form one of the softest tints that you could find between any two plants in the catalogue. I shall never forget the dis- agreeable twinge of my eyelids when I first looked on that variegated Geranium along with the Alyssum as a mixed bed at the Crystal Palace, and now I an glad to have the opportunity for giving you a sample to enable you and your friends to decide for yourselves. Make two beds instead of one, both to be of one size, and not far apart; then any time between ten in the morning and three or four in the afternoon, just come upon these two beds with the sun directly to the back of the head, and to any one to whom the two are much alike, I do hereby engage to tell a secret. Another thing which I recollect had given a most painful sensation to one's vision, was the use of various-coloured sands round beds edged with various sorts of variegated plants. I think that was the most unpleasant to the eye of all the combinations of colours I ever set my eye on ; and I am almost per- suaded that no variegated plant ought to be used in beds which are surrounded with very white gravel, or sands, or broken doctor's bottles, if you like it that way, or, at all events when such plants are the edgings ; and I pro- phesy that the new edging Lobelia Paxtoniana will not do well next to light-eoloured sand or gravel, nor against white brick walls, or walls of light stone colour anywhere, because I never could fancy a variegated or light-foliaged plant against the Suffolk white brick walls when I had to "furnish" against them with flower-boses and such contrivances. No. 72.— Vol. in., Nbw S-nres. But there is one thing here (Surbiton), that would prove the point, and it is worth going ten miles to see it, even if one had to walk half the distance instead of about 150 yards from our railway station. It is a new liglit- coloured-brick house in the Adelaide Eoad, behind the church ; there is a large, or rather three large windows in one bow to a front drawing-room. The window-sill is as if the late Sir Charles Barry had been the architect, and quite different to the " snibs " of sills you mostly see to the windows of villas round London. This bow sill is boxed for flower? all round; the run of boxes may be about 12 feet or so. The three boxes are " rusticated," as they say — that is, small hazel-rods are peeled and split in two, and the flat side putnext the box and nailed on in patterns. The whole is then painted and varnished— a very nice way indeed almost anywhere. But now about the colour of the boxes : there is where the grand secret is for giving a good or a bad effect to the thing itself. The colour which is best to put against a light-coloured wall, or house, is not the desirable colour for placing against a red-brick house. The case is like the white or whitish plants in beds on different-coloured gravels, as above ; and without waiting to enumerate the best, the second, and the third best colour for this or that coloured wall. I will state that the boxes here alluded to are painted dark brown — say one shade darker than the colour of a ripe Horse-ciiestnut, and it seems a soft, agreeable contrast to the light walls. I recollect three or four years since of hearing a smart, intellectual discussion at the Crystal Palace between some artists there about the best kind of colour for the screen behind plants at the E.xhibition there, when the green cloth at the Palace and the green baise at other Shows were both put down as of third-rate merit, and dark brown as the best ; but the second best was not mentioned. The chief reason against the use of any sort of green being used with plants was, that you could never get the varied green of vegetation to harmonise or com- bine with the green of the dyers, neitlier could the}' be made of shades to contrast ; and when two colours, or two or more shades of one colour, will neither combine to make one whole, or full, or rich colour, or contrast, they should never be placed side by side. Well, then, dark brown carries the dav at Surbiton against light-coloured walls ; but the colours and the contrast of the flowers in the boxes are the equivalent value of the journey to these parts. The boxes are iu one continuous line round the three windows iu the bow, and are filled with one kind of Geranium, much in the style and colour of Christine, but not exactly that sort of Geranium ; and the outside of the boxes is fringed all round, to the depth of a foot or so, with the Oenothera prostrata falling over the edges of the boxes, and hanging down that far on a dark brown ground colour. The whole has, altogether, the prettiest effect I ever saw produced with flowers ; but it only fhows what can be done « ith simple means when people know the value of effect, know what to choose, and what to reject, according to the situation. And it is just the same all through, from the milliner's show-room to the No. 724.— ToL. XXVIIT., Old SeeisS. 368 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENEE. [ August 12, 1862. dressing-room, and from the dressing-room to the favlhest-off end of tlie garden — indeed, to all inside or out, upstairs or down. So much for new edgings, combinations, and contrasts in flower-gardening. I have the most extraordinary edging plant this season almost without knowing it. I had twelve little plants of it sent me in a small 48-pot, last May, among a lot of experi- mental plants from Mr. Scott, of the Merriott Nurseries, Crew- teme, without a word as to what it or any of them was or were to be. I gave them all a run in cocoa-nut refuse ; and whether it was the " pulp," or the nature of this plant, or both put together, 1 know not, but this one turns out tlie very next host edging plant after Bieberstein's Cerastium. It is some Arctotis from the Cape of Good Hope. The name I had with it is Arctotis melanocycla ; but in the free soil out in the garden, the habit is altogether difTt-rent from the published description I have of that kind of Arctotis. It is a silvery, prostrate plant, and will not rise an inch off the surface of the bed or border, but will creep along slowly in all directions, and when a shoot gets out of the line, all it needs is a little peg stuck in the ground on the one side of it to direct it in the way it should go, and go it will, and look as pretty and as manage- able an edging plant as any one of those now in use, and the frosicd-sUver Arctotis will be the best garden name for it ; the look of it being more after the manner of a slender Ice Plant in silver, than any thing else to which I can liken it. Very likely it is as an outcast in many of our large nur- series, or has been time out of mind ; but all you will have to bear in mind is, that it has been fixed to stand between the two Cerastiums, and, tlierefore, you can do as you please about it. Then that other white, woolly, softwooded plant that has been brotight out this season at the Crystal Palace, where it edges a long-pointed corner bed on the north-east side of the Rose Mount, and where it is called Gnaphalium lanatum, has proved itself to be one of the most useful of all the greenhouse or cold- pit plants for ribbon-rows up to 18 inches high, or not higher than 4 inches as a trailing edge plant. There is no mistake about this plant. There is not one now in use out of pots that will get near it in filling up the spaces allotted to it. Without a rambling habit, it yet runs and fills up as fast or faster in my own garden than any of the Verbenas. One man could manage to keep a row of it half a mile long by spending one hour on it foi the whole month of June, two hours in July, and perliaps half an hour twice in August. Then take up so many of tlie plants at the end of September, keep from the frost, and force for cuttings early in the sjjring, when it will root as fast as Verbenas and not require one-quarter of the trouble in looking after. I had twelve kinds or species of Crocus sent me lately without the list of names, and No. S is not among them ; and if the worthy clergyman who sent them from the north sees this page, will he add to his gift the favour of naming them? also to remind another and a third party who have promised to look out Crocus specioBUs, Sibthorpianus, and several others of the autumnal and winter-flowering species (or me, that August is the best time of the whole year to pot such kinds of Crocuses, if not the very best time to pot all the garden kinds as well ? But with the latter I have nothing to do in this attempt at gathering, once more, as many wild Crocuses as all the friends of this Journal can muster in the long vacation. If I get a bushel measure full of them, not one of the number shall ever be put under the bushel— at all events as long as I live; and who knows if many of them will not cross and seed as freely as Poppies ? I know one reason why no Crocus could be crossed by Dr. Herbert, the only person who ever tried them in earnest, and I think I know how to avoid the cause of that reason. But without crossing at all, I am pernraded that one could get them to run into endless varieties from self seeds. My idea of them is this : not to have any of the late autumnal kinds out in the open ground, but all in pots ; and, while in flower, to be in all places from the drawing-room down to the window-sill of the old woman who keeps the London lodge ; to have more kinds of them so, on Christmas-eve, than coidd be got for Easter Sunday, and those to be far more varied in looks and stripes than the garden breeds from vernus, versicolor, and lagena?tlorus. To another class of our people I should point out how well they would do with the Cyclamens on raised beds 2 feet 6 inches above the level of the ground, on a west sheltered aspect, with glass over them, more to keep them dry than for fear of frost ; but to have fi'ostproof mulching for the glass nigh at hand. Then the Royal Horticultural Society, having now a collector at the Cape of Good Hope, we shall run a chance of getting all the Cape bulbs over again, and we must not roast tliem a second time as our friends and fathers did those sent home by Massoa, and almost all subsequent travellers and explorers of the Cape territory, and ten to one if we lose one out of a thousand of them. The same run of raised pits, and in many instances the very same pits as for Crocuses and Cyclamens will do, and will be the best of all means to grow the Cape bulbs as they have never yet been done. Then, instead of sandy peat, and starvation staring us in the face every time we go round the garden, we shall have 1 foot deep of rubble at the bottom of the raised beds, and 18 inches of two thirds of the cocoa-nut refuse, and the other thu-d of half turfy peat and half best loam, and 2 inches of clean cocoa stufli' for a top ; and not one particle of sand at all in the compost. In those raised beds, and in that compost, all the finer Crocuses from Cintra to Mount Taurus, and all the Cyclamens from Persia to the Pyrennees will do equally well with all the bulbs that can be got within the range of GUI' Cape colonies ; and such as the Vallota, several Haemanthi, and Tritonias with Tritomas from the lower grounds, where they run near the marshes ; and such as the grand and superb Disas from the top of Table Mountain will, and must have, fiat-bottomed beds to hold water, something after the way of Sir Joseph Paxton's beds for Water Cresses. Then the marshy ground, or bed, or compost for all these thirsty bulbs must be made of the cocoa stufl' and loam instead of peat, the bulb part being wholly in the cocoa stuff, as in sand, to keep them clean and free from all crawling worms and grubs ; and yet with full exposure to the outer air, notwithstanding the soft sUmy nature of the bottom part of such mar.^hy beds. The first raflle for the Cape bulbs is just announced by the Koyal Horticultural Society ; and the next turn will be that the lucky winners wUl come, the one after the other, to our office to ask about the names and about how to grow them. It will be easy enough to tell the names of all the old bulbs at the Cape, when a whole flower-spike of the smaller kinds is sent, or two fresh Dowers of the larger kinds, and one-half (the upper half) of one of tV.e leaves, all as fresh as oilskin silk can keep them. Under no other conditions shall any one in our oflice, or any of us out of it, undertake to name any of the raflled-for bulbs of the Royal Horticultural Society. The Society intended to advise the Fellows to retain the number or numbers attached to their bulbs, in order to be able to name them more easdy at some future time, because there will be dried specimens of many of them kept for reference, and the same numbers do for both the bulbs and the dried specimens of them. But somehow or other this part was overlooked ; and as one of the Society who knows the great bother, and the loss of time in bunting after a hare which ought to have been in the cook's hands all the time, I gladly fill up that blank ; and, for the future, it would be a good thing for all us to mind and keep the numbers we might get with any plant from a regular collector, or from an occasional contributor, as the gentleman who sent me twelve numbers with eleven Crocuses, the bulbs for No. 8 being wanting. If I should never get the names I shall not part with any of the numbers as long I hold the bulbs to which the number refers ; and I advise the same care being taken, at least, of all the numbers referring to all the plants that will be raffled for from the Royal Horticultural Society, in order that the naming may he got over more easily by some one or other ; but the outer world has no idea, comparatively speaking, of the value of time to men who can make out the names of plants, if they do not happen to know them by sight, by comparing the botany of their formation with the ancient descrij)tions of them giveu by authors before we were born. To come stUI nearer home, I have good news for Mr. Bobson at last ; but I thought at the time he had a leaf out of my boot when he wished for a Nosegay Geranium as big in tlie flowers as the Nosegay Fothergillii or Purple Nosegay of the gardens. Well, I have lots of that description now, and of all shades of the colour peculiar to the family of Geraniums, except the blue or purplish-blue of sylvaticum and sibiricum, with as broad and broader petals than those of Fothergillii, and with all habits, from that of Mangles' to those of Punch, Cottage Maid, Tom Thumb, and all the rest of them. And I have still hopes of obtaining a Yellow Nosegay clear as a Buttercup ; but that will not be just yet ; but I have the de«p orange for a foundation. August 12, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 369 I want a few kinds yet, with the right sizes of pliints, btfore I can make tho shnded arrangoniont, as wiih the Berlin wool, from tlio lightest to the darkest tints— a tiling for whieh i liave been urged on for tlie last twenty years nearly, by a band of hope who amuse themselves with such arrangements. It baa been an up-hill work, however, but I liave stuck to it. Mr. Eyles has been a right-hand help to me since I lost the Eiperi- mcntal. He has promised to do some of my Nosegays, as the ladies like them, at our new garden ; and I am in expectation of an arrangement with the authorities at the Crystal Palaca for having a display of some of the more delicate tints, next season, in the vases round the crystal fountains hisido the Talice, and 1 have the fullest confidence that all of them will be as safe in both gardens as if they were in my own garden. D. Beaton. AMAEANTHUS MELANCHOLICUS KUBEK AND COLEUS VEESCHAFEELTI FOR BEDDING. To the enterprising flower gardener there is nothing more interesting than the introduction of new plants suited to his wants, or, it maybe, the restoration of old ones; for, however much he may wish to curtail the lists of plants available for general displiiy and symmetry, he is, nevertherless, at all times aniious if these can bo in any way improved or substituted by others of still superior merit. This spirit of enterprising industry has led to innumerable varieties of most of the favourite bedding plants of the day, some of them being decided improvements and some about equal to those previously in use, whilst a few have no higher claim to distinction than that of the high-sounding name they were ushered into the world with. Be tliis as it may, there are some new things which receive almost, if not quite, the entire approbation of every one in any way interested in the matter — plants with distinct coloured or singularly formed foliage being as much sought after as floral beauties. In fact, the rage for foliage of widely distinct colours and features has equalled that for Howering plants, aud in some instances forms the more important part of the display ; any addition, therefore, to the latter class is eagerly sought after. While- leaved plants, or those having broad margins of white or yellow on llieir loaves, form a very important item in the sum total of tlie flower-garden lists, and each year something fresh is added to the catalogue, the respective merits of which will doubtless be as diUieult to settle as that of many other matters of a like nature where individual tastes are concerned. I may, however, be induced to give an opinion of these hereafter. Sufljce it to say that for light- coloured edging plants I have not seen anything yet to excel Ceras- tium tomentosum for a low edging, unless it be the variegated Arabis. Cineraria maritima is as good, but not so easily kept in order. A white Grass I have looks as well as either, but gets higher than Cerastium. I am told Centaurea eandiditsima makes the best of all. But my purpose is not to dilate on the respective merits of these, but to mention a crimson-leaved plant lately introduced from Japan by llr. Yeiteh, and which, I think, cannot fail to become a favourite in the flower garden. This new plant is dignified by a name more grave than poetic, and I cannot but think inappropriate. This, however, has nothing to do with its merits, and I expect the season of 18G3 will see the Aiiiaran'htis melunchoVwus ruber figuring in most flower gardens, as I ex|ject that, like the Prince's Feather aud other members of the family, it will be found to seed freely, perhaps abundantly. So far as I can judge by its habit and growth it will take the place of Perilla in many cases, and very likely may be still hardier than that popular plant, as some plants here seem to stand the cold winds very well, though only recently planted. But it is mostly in the colour of the foliage that its merits especially lie, and this is not easy to explain ; but those who have seen the crimson tints of the Virginian Creeper when at its best will have a good idea of the rich hue this plant presents. The brightness of its colouring I expect will continue during the entire summer, as the oldest leaves have not that sombre hue the Perilla has very late in the season. It is, however too early to prognosticate what its appearance so late in the season may be, but at the present it seems all that can be wished for ; and to those who have not yet made its acquaintance I would strongly advise them to do 80, and to judge for themselves. I would also wish those who have growm Coleus Versehaifelti as a beddmg plant to report their experience with it. If it has prospered under the chilling winds and dull sunless sky of Juno and July \ip to the Lllst, its hurdihood may be regarded as fairly established ; but if, like many oilier plants, it has succumbed to the unfavourableness of the season, it will require further trial to confirm its position in the front rank of useful flower-garden plants. It is very likely, from the enterprising spirit now abroad, that something still more imposing than anything wo have yet got will be forthcoming by-and-by in the coloured-foliage plant way. In the meantime, however, I strongly advite those who have not seen the new Amaranth Mr. Veitch, jiin., has introduced from the far east (we might almost say the land of fable) to make it a point to do so, and I flatter myself they will feel pleased with it, as I confess being unexpectedly so, and towards the end of the season a further report on its merits or shortcomings from those who have grown it will be very acceptable. Not having experienced its services throughout the whole season, the opinion above aiTord is of course limited to the season at which it is given (July), and its aftergrowth rcay possibly be less satisfactory. This, however, I do not expect : nevertheless, experitnce teaches all things. — J. RoBSON. PEACH AND NECTARINE TEEE CULTUEE ON THE OPEN WALLS. {Concluded from page 355.) ATiNTER Teeatment. — This season commences as soon as the leaves are fallen ofl". If the wood has been properly ripened the leaves will naturally fall oU' with the first frost. Collect them as soon as they fall and convey them to the rubbish-heap at once. Then loose the trees from the wall, take off all the shreds, burn such as are decayed, and let such as are fit to use again be put into boiling water to destroy the insects and their eggs. Tha naUs should be carefully drawn out of the wall, and in order to do so without drawing away the mortar give each nail a gentle tap witli the hammer. To cleanse them from dirt and rust throw them into a vessel containing hot oil, and let them steep for a few hours. Then take them out and put a few at a time in a rough, coarse bag, and shake them well backwards and for- wards. This operation will cleanse and keep them from rusting, and will destroy insect life thoroughly. The trees should be drawn from the wall, and the waU itself should be thoroughly cleansed, and repaired if necessary. If the red spider has prevailed during the summer it will be advisable to make up a mixture of sulphur and soap water, and paint tl.o walls with it, rubbing it well into the crevices and nail-holcs. The trees also should be painted over with this mixture, moist- ening every part of the tree, especially on the side of the branches next the wall. When all these are completed, then fasten the trees to the wall by a few of the main branches only. This is to secure them from being blown about by the wind till the pruning time. I prefer the end of February or the first week in March for that operation. Where the walls are extensive the pruning may be done sooner, in order to get through the work. The fruit-bearing branches may be shortened-in, but care must be taken that a wood-bud is next the cut. Those that bore fruit the preceding year must be cut out entirely, excepting the leading shoot at the eud of a main branch. As soon as a tree is pruned it should be trained and nailed to the wall, or if the wall is wired it should be tied to the wires. Then, when all the trees are gone through, the winter work on the Peach aud Nec- tarine trees is completed. I do not think it necessary to enter upon the subject of pro- pagating the Peach. It is seldom that a gardener bus the time and means for that work. Indeed, the price of maiden and trained trees is so reasonable, that it is not worth the trouble, skill, and room requisite for that purpose. Diseases. — The only disease that I know of is that named gumming. It is a kind of gangrene, which first appears like a swelling, then bursts and exudes out the gum. If the border is made properly and the wood well ripened this disease will not appear: hence, if ever symptoms of the gum disease show themselves, the only remedy is to examine the border. 11 it is wet at the bottom, let it be thoroughly drained; if it is too full of manurial matter, remove that soil entirely and replace it with fresh maiden earth. Then, again, take great care that the branches are not wounded by the hammer or any other mstru-- ment. 370 J0Ui1^■AI; OF HOir.ICULXURE AND COXIAGE GAKDENEB. [ August 12, 1862. JJihhw is, I ll)ii!!f, eaus(d l\v insects (or perhaps fmigiis), and therefore is not a disease. The remedy for it I have already described. Sometimes the IfCTes are bUstered. Perhaps the cause may be traced to sudden gleams of hot sunshine when the leaves are wet, as young tender leaves only are afTjcted. When they are fully grown oiid become mature no blistering ever takes place. It all amounts to this : Make a right border ■well drained, water in dry weather, and get the wood well riper.ed, and then you need not fear but yoiir trees will be clear of disease, and consequently healthy and fruitful. I shall, therefore, conclude these few practical remarks on this part of gardening operatijns, by giving a selei't list of the best and hardiest kinds of Peaches and Nectarines for ont-door cult ure. Select List of Nectaeinds, arranged according to their time of ripening : — Bunt's 7Vpropriate speech, adverted to Mr. Marnock'a services during the last twenty-one years, and that throughout that period he had won the good will of ail, whether judges, exhibitors, or visitors, by his constant urbanity and kindliness of disposition j and concludtd by presenting the service in the name of the 153 subscribers. Mr. Mrirnock, in returning thanks expressed the great difii- culty under which he laboured in expressing himself in suitable terms. lie stated that in his olUcial capacity duly had ever gone 372 JOUJINAL OF HOETICULlrEE AND COTTAGE GARBENEK. [ August 12, 1862. before friendsliip, but be bad nerer fouud tbe two mucb at Tariance, and he liad alwaTs met witb persons who bad afforded bim every assistance. • The liealths of the Chairman, Mrs. Marnook, and some other toasts having been given, the company separated, after spending a most agreeable evening. THE EOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S GAEDEN AT CHISWICK. ALTHOron the Society's Cliiswiek garden is no longer main- tained as regards tbe ornamental portion in its former bigli condition it still presents a respectable appearance, whilst on the score of utility it has lost none of its ancient prestige. AVhot- ever may have been tbe faults of tbe garden as originally laid out, it is certainly -svell adapted for carrying on those experiments which have been and are proving so useful to horticulturists. The collections of fruits and vegetables of difiercnt kinds here are such as probably no private individual could gather together ; and even could he do so, tbe results and conclusions at which he niigbtariive would not inspire the same amount of confidence on tbe part of tbe pubbc as the disinterested decisions of the Fruit and Floral Committees, who have the opportunity of ascertaining at Cbiswick the comparative merits of tbe pro- ductions which belong to their respective departments. In the ornamental portion of t!ie grounds tbe arboretum, from the grass being tolerably short at present, is looking very well ; and the ribbon-border on each side of tbe walk leading from the entrance past the council-room is exceedingly gay° although only made up of odds and ends. It is about 90' yards m length, and is planted as follows :— Tbe first row next the walk is Ceraslium tomcntosum, the second is Crystal Palace Nasturtium, the third Purple A^erbenas and Heliotropes, the fourth Scarlet Geraniums, and tbe fifth Calceolaria Au'-ea flori- biuida. The Cerastium, being in its second year, has gone off in places, and is elsewhere too busby, and has lost mucb of that fiue frosted appearance which constitutes its charm. The Nas- turtium, on the contrary, is very even and covered with flowers. The Verbenas are very poor ; and dark Heliotropes, such as Toltan-eanum, La Petite Negresse, Beauty of tbe Boudoir, &c., liavo been substituted for them throughout a great portion of the line. By the side of tbe walk running from tbe conservatory to the old American garden are ribbons of annuals. The ribbon nearest the front of the border consists of Silene pendula, purple Candy- tuft, and mixed Larkspurs, and, being well covered with flowers, is free from tliat weedy appearance which annuals are so apt to assume. The second ribbon, which also looks well, especially the front row, consists of Clarkia integripetala backed with the double-flowering variety of Clarkia pulchella. At some distance from this there is a broad band of Coreopsis hybrida not yet out ; and the back lines are composed of Clarkias,'Malope grandiflora and Cureopsis, with a row of tall Purple Orach to divide it from the trees on the kitchen-garden side. We had almost omitted to say that just within tbe edging in front of this border is a long line ot new Petunias, among which were several fine sorts in bloom, as Coquette, Spitfire, Eubens, John Lothar Fabcr, Monarch, and Kuby. Among tbe bedding Geraniums, of which there is a collection of about two hundred varieties, A^ictor Emmanuel was con- spicuous for its large tru=s and free-blooming habit ; Vivid, another bright Scarlet, was also very fine ; Eclipse is a strong- growing bright Scarlet, suitable for pillars in conservatories. Madame Vaucber is evidently one of tbe best AVbitcs : and of the Nosegay sorts Stella was noticeable for its large scarlet truss and compact babit. In tbe Variegated class Sunset, Mrs. Pol- lock, and Gold Pheasant appeared tbe most striking. Of Phloxes and Penfstemons there are likewise very large collections con- taining several fine varieties. The glass wall, which never was of any use for the culture of fruit trees, has been taken advantage of to construct a long house for proving about two hundred reputed sorts of Vines, the merits and distinctions between which have not been as yet satisfactorily determined. AA'lien completed this house will be about 200 feet in length ; and as it is likely to be a very useful and economical structure, it may be of interest to state its construction. It is in tbe form of a narrow flat span-roof placed a»aiust a wall, which forms its back ; and this being only about 8 feet high is heightened by the addition of 18 inches of glass, bringing the total height at back up to 10 feet. The front is formed of the glass wall before alluded to, and the width is 10 feet. Heating is effected by two four-inch flow-pipes in front, and one return of similar capacity at tbe back, an arrangement by which Mr. Eyles obtains a more rapid circulation of water through the return. Ventilation is effected by moveable sashes in the roof, and every alternate light in front ca i be drawn behind the others which are fixed. All the moveable sashes in front are connected together by a rod resting on rollers; and this rod, and consequently tbe lights, can be drawn backwards or forwards with case, by means of a large screw connected by a simple arrangement of bevelled wheels with a handle by which the whole is worked. A large number of A'iues are already iu this bouse, and there are also some young Peach trees in course of training en cordon ohliqiie in tbe front of the bouse, as well as some Gourds of the bottle, club, and other forms. Besides these there were several handsome umbrella-trained Peaches and Nec- tarines in No. 4-pots, and others trained in the pyramidal form. Iu the curvilinear vinery a number of varieties of Muscat Grapes have been planted in the border inside for the purpose of trial, and are now making vigorous growth, and wi!l, probably, bear a few bunches next season, thus affording the means of judging of their comparative merit. There are also a number of other Vines in pots which will be eventually turned out in tbe new house, and a large number of pots of the different kinds of Capsicums, some of which are very pretty. In the lean-to vinery is a collection of Figs iu 2-1-sized pots, also for tri'il. These are grown as dwarf standards — a mode which seenis tbe best suited to the Fig when subjected to pot culture. Adjoining these vineries, in tbe quarter outside there is a collection of about ninety sorts of handsome pyramid Pears of the newest kinds, which were presented by Dr. Hogg about two years ago. They are all now in fine condition, many of tbem being 12 feet high and bearing well. In the spring they were covei'cd with blossom ; but, in consequence ot frost, a great portion of it was killed ; still the crop on some of tbem is quite heavy enough. In the span-roofed Peach-bouse, formerly tbe Geranium-bouse, we found a number of fine umbrella- trained Peaches and Necta- rines planted-out inside. They are all well covered with fruit, and have a very pretty appearance. There were also some in pots, but the fruit of those planted-out was the larger. Tbe A'ine-pit is a beautiful sight, tbe roof being covered with bunches of black, white, and yellow Grapes. Here there are about eighty varieties for trial, which were struck from eyes planted about eighteen months ago. They are mostly growing in ten- inch pots, but some are in eight-inch ones ; and on an average they are bearing six or seven bunches each. Adjoining are two long pits, containing about 150 so-called varieties of Melons, grown in fifteen-incli pots, for the pur- pose of trial and comparison ; but the results, it is to be regretted, will not be so conclusive as was expected, in con- sequence of tbe plants having been attacked with a disease somewhat like burning, but which was certainly caused by some kind of mildew. It first appeared on the old leaves, and then gradually spread over the whole plant, giving it a blotched, burned appearance. In consequence of this some jilanls are now leafless ; but what is singular, others standing next to those severely attacked are untouched and extremely vigorous. Besides the Melons, there are several serpent and other orna- mental Gourds. AVc now come to tbe orchard-house, which is a fine example of this mode of culture successfully carried out, and which reflects the greatest credit on Mr. Eyles' skilful management. It is a sight which alone will well repay a visit to Cbiswick, the trees with only a few exceptions being loaded with fruit, and all of tbem are models of judicious training. The Plums, of which there are Victoria, Jefferson, Green Gage, British Standard, Golden Drop, Keine Claude de Bavay, and some others, both in pots and planted out, are covered with fruit ; and tbe Peaches and Nectarines in eight-inch pots are also par- ticularly fine, as well as being perfect examples of pyramid training. The Apricots, especially one grown as a standard, are like- wise very productive, and tbe fruit on tbe standard is very large, being even of greater size than when grown on walls. AVe have only to add that the whole of the trees are perfectly healthy and vigorous and tbe foliage very clean. Outside there are a number of Apple and Pear trees in pots, which were put out after having set their fruit in the orchard- August 12, 1802. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 373 liouse in onlor fo mnke room for tlie Poaclios, S^c. 1'ho Appli'S in pnrtiailnr ore in a fine licnltl\y oomlition and bearing an abundance of rosy-cbeckcd fruit ; wliilst tlie Tears, though not looking 90 well, are bearing in tlie greatest profuaion. Tlie large conservatory is another beautiful sight, the Vines being this season covered with bunches up to the very top, pro- duce a most imposing effect. The Barbarossa is bearing here as freely as the ISlnck ITambMrgh, and some of the bunches are enormous. The Frankcnfhal, Black Hamburgh, Black Trince, and Raisin de Calabre are likewise very fine. Of Apples tliere is an excellent crop on standards, but the dwarf trees have not fruited so well. Tlure is likewise a very good crop of Pears ou walls, tlie trees having been as usual protected witli tilTany, otherwise the fruit would have been all cut off. The Peach-wall is now much im- proved in appearance, and the trees which were at one time getting bare at bottom and over-vigorous at top, have had the balance of vigour restored, and are now offering an excellent show of fruit. In the border in front of this wall, and in other parts of the garden, there are about ] 50 varieties of Gourds, which, though the season has been hitherto unfavourable to their growth are doing very well, and some are attaining a large size. One a Potiron jaune growing on a dung-bed with very little soil, must have been about 2 feet across at the widest. In the kitchen garden we observed a collection of about seventy distinct sorts of Peas grown for comparison, and about forty kinds of Potatoes, which here as elsewhere are but little atlected by the disease. It would seem that the disease is wearing out, and the plant is regaining its former vigour, and the quality of the produce this season approaches nearer to that of the Potato of long-ago, than it has done for several years. NOTES FEOM PAEIS, July, 1862. veediee's and leteqfe's. The same cause which has cramped the nurseries in our own metropolis — viz., the dearness of land, has to a much larger extent infiuenced those of Paris. The continued improvements that the Emperor is making quickly bring upon the inhabitants an edict of tlie Prefect of the Seine, and houses and lands under his transforming hand vanish out of eight, and boulevards and open streets make their appearance ; and hence it must happen that nurserymen will eitlier content themselves with small parcels of land, or else remove beyond the fortifications. Thus Marest, the raiser of Prince Leon and C^cile de Chabrillant, has left the Rue d'Enfer for a place outside the barriere in the Route d'Enfer. Touvais has gone to Angers, and the Rose-growers I have named above are compelled to grow their Roses some leagues from Paris, and have only a small portion of them at their " homesteads." To see Roses in Paris thus becomes almost an impossibility — quite as difficult, at any rate, as to see them in London ; and as flower shows are by no means so abundant there as with us, one has not that opportunity which they afford Rose-growers in England : hence, in receiving the accounts of new Roses from time to time, we must, as I ventured to say last autumn, depend more on the character of the persons who distribute them than on that given to the Roses. Applying •this test to the list I gave last autumn, I find my judgment singu- larly borne out — the most telling Roses, as far as we have yet been able to judge, are those which come from Margottin, Ter- dior (the elder), and Levcque ; for Souvenir de Comte Cavour, Alexandre Dumas, Francois Laeharme, La Brillante, Due de Rohan, and Maurice Bernhardin may fairly be assumed to be among the best of those we have received ; while of the twelve sent out by the younger A^erdier only one or two — Madam Charles Wood and Wilhelm Pfitzer — promise anything. Of Touvais' ten not one is likely to survive another season, and the same may be said of Pradel's nine. Of Lartey's five, one promises well — Gloire de Bordeaux ; and owing to Trouillard's having been detained on their way to Mr. Standish for six or seven weeks, he has found it quite impossible to exhibit them, so that we cannot tell what they may be yet. There is one satisfactory item of news connected with this season — viz., that we are not likely to be inundated with such a host of new Roses as last autumn produced. Touvais has none ; it is questionable whether Eugene Verdier will have any either. Jamin, the raiser of Madame Boutin, is Jiors de combat. Margottin, as we have seen, has but two. Marest none. But whether the south will make up the deficiency I know not. Tlic truth is, that the severe wniti'r of ISGtl e'llectcd a clcaranc; here as elsewhere, and other circumstances have conspired : thus the depredations of the "ver blanc," as the grub of the cockchafer is called, has made such depredations on Marest's new grounds that he is unable to come into the market at all ; and the dilliculty of saving seed in the very wet summer preceding it has also greatly diminished the prospects of new Roses. I saw at Murgottiu's rods of ground in which he had sown seed, and which he always had filled with seedling plants, and not one had come up of that season's sowing— though the seed, ho said, looked plump and good. The same has been experienced in other things beside Roses, and in other places than Paris. I was fortunate enough to find botli Mons. Verdier himself, and his son Mons. Charles Verdier at home, and to have an agreeable chat with them, and Madame C. Verdier, on our mutual pet. By-the-by, the good wives of these French nurser;;™en fake far more interest in the "estabhshment" than those of our English ones do. You may be generally sure that if the head of the firm is out, his wife can give you quite as much information. It is she, too, who keeps the accounts, and knows how matters stand. We were all agreed on the impolicy of sending out such a multitude of seedlings, and as to the certainty of its defeating its object. Perhaps nurserymen in France may ace this ; but if not, i know of nothing so likely to open their eyes than to see that we can raise such Roses as John Hopper, Lord Clyde, and Beauty of Waltham, in England, and that they are sent out at 5*. each instead of £1, and IG*. ScL, as most of the new French Roses are. Of new Roses, the Messieurs Verdier hare three this autumn. One of them, Sladame WlUiam Paul, I had the good fortune to see, for Mons. Charles Verdier very kindly went to a piece of Rose-ground that they have a little distance off, and brought me in some blooms ; and although it was late, and the weather wiis very warm, yet sufijcient was seen to enable me to pronounce it to be a desirable Rose. It bears a strong resemblance to Mar- gottin's Souvenir de Comte Cavour, being of the same bright crimson, but a little more " veloutc," or shaded with dark than that variety. It is not, perhaps, quite so full as it is, and in smoothness it would be difficult to beat that very smoothflower. The habit seemed good : it is evidently another of the General's numerous progeny, and like all the children, and the parent, too, the footstalks are somewhat long and slender. His other Hybrid Perpetual I did not see, nor is it yet named. He has also a Tea, which he pronounces to be of excellent quality. I may as well mention here what will, I fear, not be very acceptable news, that Gladioluses have done as badly at Paris as with us. The fault is laid, and I believe with justice, to the wet and cold of the months of Slay and June. They evidently, as natives of the Cape, prefer a more genial time than this year has afforded them, and the great coldness of the ground has pre- vented their starting, in some instances at all, and, in others, has made them very yellow and sickly-looking. This is a matter to be deplored, for as they are making such progress as public favourites, that it is a gi-eat disappointment to many who had commenced their growth for the first time. MM. Levcque et fils, of the Boulevard de rH6pital, grow very few Roses in their Paris establishment, and I could only gain from them the information that they have six Roses to let out this autumn. These are— Due d'Anjou, Gnetave Rousseau, President Lincoln, Madame Petit, Duchesse de Polignac, and Comte de Beurges. Of the first two, raised we believe at Angeis, they speak very highly, and assured me that they would be found really valuable Roses. As they have proved themselves good judges, we may hope that in this respect also they are correct. We must make some allowance for the difference of taste in the two countries. Those dull-looking Roses, which to us seem so worthless, are not so with them. May it not be that the difference of climate has to do with this, their bright and glaring sun may lead them to admire the more sombre colours, as toning down the excessive glare, while with our sombre aud leaden skies and our large quantity of verdure we, perhaps, look rather for brighter colours, as helping to give life to the garden ? For the same reason I hardlv fancy that our style ot bedding-ont would suit them ; there is too much colour, too much red and yellow to pi ase their eye, which would rather rest on masses of green foliage. But more of this anon 1 mention it here, because Levcque seemed to think it odd that we did not like such flowers as Comteese de Segeuier, which he let out last autumn. 374 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE ANI) COTTAaE GARDENER. [ August 12, 18G2. I hare thus given all the information I liare been able to glean on the subject of Roses across the water, and l\ope that those numerous friends wlio asked me to give them what in- formation I could obtain as to the new kinds will receive tliis in lieu of private communications. Thej are all, I believe, readers of The Jouexal of IIoeticultttee, and some of them are aw.. re of the many calls on my time that I have, and so will, I am sure, have compassion on me. I wish the information had been fuller, but the area in which I had to obtain it was cir- cumscribed. I hope to say a few words on the iiublic gardens of Paris as compared with our own, and on the state of horticulture generally in Prance. — D., Deal. GEAPES FOE A COOL VINEEY. I AM preparing to make a place to grow a few Grape Yiues in, and to train them after the form shown by Sanders, in plate 7, and page 23, third edition, for the outside wall. My wall is tlie end of the dwelling-house, having a south aspect, and 25 feet in length. I purpose covering the whole lengtli of this wall with perpendicular sashes, 6 feet high, with 1 foot of a wood shutter below, and 3 feet from the wall, making them, or most of them, to open like so many glazed doors, so as to get at the plants when necessary. When the place is made it will look like a narrow lean-to house, 25 feet by 3 feet, and 7 feet to 8 feet in height (roof glazed, of course). Do you consider sucli a place suitable for Vines, and which of the best kinds will succeed ? There will be no fire heat, except at the place where tlie kitchen fire is. The situation is six miles south-west of Manchester, and one of the warmest near Man- chester.— K o VICE . [tor such a place we would prefer Black Kamburgh and Royal Mus-adine. We have no doubt that your plan will answer if well attended to ; but if the place is your own, for convenienc: and economy combined, we would have a fixed roof, ventilation at top and bottom, and enclose 6 feet or 7 feet instead of 3 feet. This is merely our idea, and may not at all interfere witli tlie success of yours ; though sashes made to open as doors are not done economically unless pivot-hung.] EEPOET ON THE BEOCCOLIS Grow.v in the Gardkn at Chiswick in the Autumn of 1861 and the Spring or 1802. By Robert Hogg, LL.D., F.L.S., Secrctarxj to llie Fruit Com mil tee. (Continv.ed from page 334.) Ibe's SpnouTiNG J. & C. Lee. This is a variety of Spring White Broccoli, which in its best state forms a good-wzed terminal head about 8 inches across, and produces from the axils of the leaves smaller heads, about the size of Walnuts. It is very rarely, however, that this character is met with, the great bulk of the crop having the appearance of a spurious stock of Spring Whit« Broccoli. Veitch's Sprouting .... VriTCii & Son. From the appearance that tiiis and the preceding variety of White Sprouting Broccoli presented, it was the opinion of the Committee that neither of these was a variety desirable for cul- tivation. Mitchikson's Penzance Tuenee. Early White Cornish Tuener. Mite/iiiison's Ear It/ White .... Caeteb. One of tlie best of the Spring Whites. The leaves are very much waved on tlie margin, and enclose very large and tine lieads, which are almost of a pure white colour. This is a very hardy sort, and comes into use about the 20th of March. Amblee's Eaeit White . . . Miniee & Co. Also one of the best Spring Whites. It is remarkably hardy, and produces a very large creamy white head, and very uniform in size. It may easily be distinguished from the preceding by its winged leaf, that of Mitchinson's being interrupted. It comes into use about the 22nd of March. KiDDEEMIKSTEE . . . ElTTLEE & McCuHOCn. The head is large and handsome, of pure whiteness, and very much exposed. It is evidently a form of Wilcove, and has no doubt emanated from that variety ; but it is a little earlier, having come into use on the 20th of March. Chappell's Ceeam .... Teitch & Son. A very hardy and very fine Broccoli, coming into use about the same time as Ambler's. It produces large creamy heads. D. Late Spring White Broccoli. WiLcovE Veitch & Son. The true Wilcove is a perfectly distinct variety from every other of its season. The heads it produces are very large, firm^ even, and fine, and of a pure whiteness. They are fully exposed, and not protected by the leaves as most other Broccolis are. On this account it is more exposed to the influence of the weather than any of the other late sorts, and, therefore, in severe winters must be regarded as a tender variety. It is, nevertheless, one of the finest Spring Broccolis. It came into use on the 1st of AprU. Sheaeee's Late White . . . Lavfson & Son. This is a very fine Late White Broccoli, producing large- heads J and is remarkably hardy. It comes into use in the be- ginning of April. TAJnVOETH .... BUTLEE & McCuiLOCH. The same as Portsmouth or Brimstone Broccoli, of which it is a very fine stock. Veitch's Eaeet White Veitch. A distinct sort, with a stem about a foot high, producing very- large heeds, of uniform size, and of a clear creamy white ; very excellent and hardy. In use April 1st. Knight's Photecting . . Miniee & Co. Invisible Butlee & McCuLioCH. Frogmore FrotecUng . . . Veitch. TSarlg Oem .... Nutting. The Oem SuTTON & SoN. Lake's Gem .... Tuenee. Waterloo Late White . . Butlee. LiUidone's Late White . . HuEST & McMirilEN. Almost all the Late Spring Broccolis are more or less modified forms of Knight's Protecting, or, as it is sometimes called,. Invisible Late AVhite, and indeed all the truest stocks of these late sorts are the genuine Knight's Protecting. The true kind is of a dwarf habit of growth, close to the ground, and with long pointed and winged leaves, which liave a spiral twist round the head, and turn in closely over it, so as eflTectually to protect it from the effect of frost, and preserve it of a fine white colour. The head is of good size, and comes into use in the beginning of April. Kent's Late White . Batt, Rutlet, & Silveeioce. A dwarf-growing variety, with very dark green foliage, and rem.irkably hardy. It comes into use about the second week in April, and produces a good-sized well-protected white head. Wash's Supebb . . . Sutton & Son. This is a form of the Knight's Protecting, and considerably later than that variety, so much so, as to come in from a fortnight to three weeks later. In the trial from which these observations were made, while Knight's Protecting was ready from the 1st to the 6th of April, Ward's Superb did not come in tiU the 24th. It is of a dwarf habit of growth, closely protected by the spirally compressed leaves ; and the head is of good size, and j.-ure white. One of the best Late White Broccolis in the collection. Shaw & Ceosslanb's Dwaef . . Tuener. This was the latest sort grown in the garden, as it did not come in till quite the end of April. The heads were small and very white, and deeply envelojied in the leaves. II. Purple Broccoli. PcEPLE Cape . . . Batt, Rutley, & Silteeiock. Earlg Pmyle Cape . . Veitch & Son. JBowden's Superb Purple . Butlee & McCulloch. This is the earliest of the Purple Broccolis, and comes into use about the second week of August, at the same time as Walcheren. It produces a medium-sized head, which is greenish-yeUow, with a purple tinge. The leaves are open and spreading, and expose the head during the whole period of its growth. Eaelt Pueple Turner. Early Purple Sprouting . . . Cartek. At first this produces exposed medium-sized heads of a greenish-yellow colour, tinged with purple, which come into use in the beginning of November. It then throws out numerous August 12, 1862.] JO0KNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COITAUK GARDENEB, 375 sprouts of flowci'-licads from flio axils of the leans wLicli con- tinue in U8e during tho winter and epring. Danceb's Latjs Pink Cape . . . TtrESEB. This is a very fine lato Broccoli, in use in March. It pro- duces very large heads, vrhich are uniform in size, and with a fine even surface. WHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHOKE. (Coiiiinued from page 360.) Cjivstacea — {coiUiiwecl) . The Spinous G-alatuea {Oalathea strigosa). — This specimen bears a very considerable resemblance to tlio foregoing one ; still on examination it difl'ers from it in several material points. There is the same sharp strong spine projecting from tho front; but there are only three others on either side of it, whereas in the Scaly Oalathea there were four. It is a little larger also, measiu'ing about four inches, and the colour instead of being a greenish-brown is reddish, marked with blue lines and spots. The front legs are equal, long, flattened, and furnished plenti- fully with spines on all sides, excepting the outer margin of the arm. The second, third, and fourth pairs of legs are likewise armed with a quantity of strong acute spines. Professor Bell gives a verv interesting account of this species, furnished him by Mr. R. Q." Couch, of Penzance, a part of which I make no apology for transcribing, "this is a common species through- out the whole of the south coast of Cornwall, and I have also found it on our northern shores. It frequents pools between tide-marks where there are loose stones and sand. It is, generally speaking, very slow in its motions, though it will irtquently move with very great activity, especially when alarmed. From the great length of its first pair of legs, its motions are always retrograde. In walking its pace is tardy, but in swimming it darts from spot to spot with tlie rapidity of an arrow. It is never seen in any exposed part of the pool, but always seeks the shelter of stones or some hole in the rock, so that it can retire on the least alarm. It is very remarkable to witness the accuracy with which it will dart backward for several feet, into a hole very little larger tlian itself. This I have often seen, and it is always done with precision. The G-alathece are very tender and require great care in confinement. They soon die, and hence it is not easy to rear the young. 1 liave on many occasions hatched a very numerous family, but like those now before me, they soon die." Embleton's Galathea {Oalathea nexa), — This is a much smaller species than either of the two just before mentioned, not measuring more than an incli in length ; and from being a deep sea species not so commonly met with, the hands are liairy and destitute of spines, one being somewhat smaller than the other. Its colour is brownish. Professor Bell says : — " Mr. Thompson's specimens, which I have before me, were obtained 'from the stomachs of Codfish brought from the coast of Down and Antrim to the Belfast Market, and in Dr. Drummond's collection are specimens which were similarly procui-ed.' I have several specimens wliich were taken by Mr. McAndrew in dredging in Loch Fyne, at a depth of from twenty to seventy fathoms, and by that gentleman and Professor Edward Forbes, at Zetland." LONO-ABMED MrxiDA {Mttnida Ro-Adeht'd).— This remarkable species derives its name from the great length of its anterior legs or arms, which are double the length of the body, measuring about six inches, whi-reas the animal itself from rostrum to tail measures only three. On the rostrum are three spines, the centre one being extremely long. The anterior legs are furnished with a series of spines, both on the upper and under surface. The remaining legs are long, slender, and cylindrical, the whole covered with close short hair. The abdomen is convex, the second seg-nent having six small acute spines arranged on it. The third has foiu- similar ones. In colour it is of a dull reddish- yellow, streaked with brighter red. " This remarkable species," says Professor Bell, " appears to be far from common on our coasts, although it is, probably, more numerous than has been supposed, from its frequenting deep water. It was found in Plymouth Sound by Mr. Prideaux. I have received it from Falmouth through the kindness of Mr. Cocks, but it is not in- cluded in the ' Cornish Faiuia,' by Mr. Couch. Mr. Thompson in recording its repeated occun-ence on the coast of Ii'eland, -eetablishes its habitat in deep water, by stating sereral instances of its being found in the stomach of the Cod, and, still more remarkable, by the fact of its having been ' dredged alive in water from one hundred and ten to one hundred anil forty fathoms in depth, off tho Mull of Galloway.' These were all of them very small specimens. It is, in fact, an inhabitant of deeper water than any other of the family, not excluding Galathea nexa." Calliaxassa scdteeeanea (Vndergrouiid Callianassa). — Tliis strange species is by no means uncommon, particularly on the coast of Devon, where it resides in subterranean passages. It is about two inches in length, and when alive of a bright red colour, which colour, however, disappears shortly after death. The carapace is flattened at the sides, and the eyes very small. The anterior feet are remarkably unequal ; the larger one, which in some specimens is the right, in others the left, is extremely large, flat, and polished, and fringed «ith h.iir on the margins. The smaller foot is very slender, the hand being small and smooth. The second pair of feet are two-toed, and the pincers strong. The third pair have the penultimate joint oval and hairv ; and the fourth and fifth pairs arc siniple and nearly filiform. " Its claim to be considered as an Irish species," says Professor Bell, "is thus stated by Mr. Thompson," March 25tli, 1839 : — " On examining the contents of the stomach of several individuals of the Plaiessa Pola, which were taken off Newcastle (County Down), two of the larger arms of this species, so peculiar in form and still retaining their l.ieautiful pink colour were detected." Gebia stellata {Starred Gelia). — This little creature is a burrowing species like the Callianassa. It is about an inch and a half in length. It has a pair of antenna; about the same length as the body. The legs get gradually slenderer towards the fifth pair, and iro all fringed with long hair. Leach states that " it has been taken on some of the shores of Plymouth Sound, under the mud of which it makes long, winding, hori- zontal passages, often of a hundred feet or more in length." This habit of burrowing is peculiarly strange. The following are Professor Bell's remarks on this head : — " The burrowing of these fossorial species is a subject which deserves more attention than has hitherto been paid to it. The means by which it is effected are at present absolutely unknown, nor is it yet certain whether thoy ever avail themselves of the labours of other animals, ov whether the excavations in which they are found are wholly the work of their own hands. The account given above from Dr. Leach of the extent of these passages appears at first scarcely credible, and m.ay well challenge a thorough exami- nation of these points in theecoui my of these curious animals." AxiFS STIETNCHUS. — This is also one of the I'ossorial or burrowing species, about three inches in length, and of a pale reddish-brown colour. The first pair of legs are stout and slightly unequal ; the second pair two-toed, rather small and compressed ; the whole, especially the arm, being furnished with long hair on the inner margin. The remaining feet are all simple; the third pair being the thickest, and the fifth the most ilender. "Tliis species," says Mr. Couch, "like those of the genus Callianassa, has the habit of burrowing in the sand, from wliich it rarely emerges ; and then it seeks shelter in a crevice covered with weeds, for it is sluggish in its motions, and, if distant from a soft bottom in which to sink, incapable of escaping from au enemy. A female that I obtained, loaded with spawn, was dug out of the sand in the middle of summer." " This species," says Professor Forbes, " the largest of the family indigenous to this country, was first discovered by Dr. Leach at Sidmouth, where it was taken amongst Prawns on the shore ; although, ' as the Professor adds, " this occurrence of Dr. Leach's specimen among Prawns must have been purely accidental, as it is essen- tially a fossorial species." Calocabis Macakdbe.i;.— This is also a fossorial species, and, as Professor Bell remarks, " constitutes one of the most aingtiUr 376 JOUENAL OF HOBTICDLXUKE JlNB COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 12, 1862. and interesting additions which have for a long time past been made to our list of British Crustacea." The shell is thin and flexible ; the carapace large, narrowed towards the front, where it terminates in a sharp triangular rostrum. There is a small raised line running the whole length of the carapace. The fore feet are about two-thirds of the length of the body. The claws are very long, compressed, grooved, and fm'nished with some small tubercles. The second pair of feet are two-toed, and resemble the first pair in their general form, although consider- ably smaller. The other pairs are slender and one-toed. All of them, as well as most of the limbs and other appendages, are hairy. The usual colour is a pink or pale rose, varying in intensity in different parts ; but the colour fades out if the creature be placed in spirits, leaving it a simple white. The length is about two inches. Xlie eyes have a strange peculiarity. Professor Bell states, " The absence of all colouring pigment, as well as of the cornea' in the eyes, is a very remarkable, and, as I believe, a unique instance in the whole of the higher forms of Crustacea. But it is admirably in keeping with its habits ; for," as the Professor goes on afterwards to say, "it occasionally inhabits a depth of no less than 180 fathoms, in which situation it is fossorial in sandy mud. Now it is clear that at such a depth, and of fossorial habits too, distinct vision would be use' ess and unavailing, and this at once accounts for the rudimentary character of the eyes, which are entirely white." — W. {To ie continued.) SOME HINTS ON BUDDING EOSES. " What is the best weather for budding P I am told damp cloudy weather is." How often wovdd such a question, asked by an amateur, obtain such an answer ? How startling, therefore, to him to be informed to the contrary ! Why, he has seen it recommended in books ! Yes, nothing more generally recom- mended than damp cloudy weather for budding ! To say bright, warm, sunny weather is best, provided the stocks are in proper condition, will sound like heresy ; extensive experience, however, tells me such is the case. I may be asked why ? And I would answer, that in warm weather the sap is more gelatinous ; and the bud, on being extracted and inserted in the stock quickly, properly tied, &c., soon takes. On the contrary, in wet cloudy weather the sop is more thin and watery, and the bud will not unite so freely. To this we add that a fall of rain (likely in sucb weather) after the buds are inserted, will illl up the incisions, and thereby rot and perish the buds before they have time to unite with the stocks. Not only is clear warm weather best for the experienced budder, but likewise for the amateur and tyro, and August is a good month for the operation. Another question is common — Is it necessary to extract the wood from the bud ? I answer. Yes ; whilst American writers say. No. The Americans, indeed, work nearly all their fruit trees, ornamental trees. Rose?, &c., with the wood left in the bud as cut from the shoot. This may best suit their hot dry climate ; but after giving it repented and extensive trials, I must givethe pre- ference to our old system of extract- ing the wood from the bud, not only for Eoses, but or- namental trees, fo- rest trees, &c. ; for in our compara- tively cool moist c'.imate it answers better. In all cases where they have been tried, the fail- ures have been much more consi- derable under the American system than under the old, the circumstances being equal. Some- times there may be an advantage in putting in the wood — namely, where the shoot is become firm, and the wood and bark will not freely separate ; then, if inserted in a free-growing stock, it will in all probability take. In budding, the lop bud on the shoot should be commenced with, cutting from about an eighth of an inch below the bud or eye to from half an inch to an inch above it, in order that there may be a sufficiency of bark to hold with the fingers without rubbing the portion which is to be inserted (shown in Jig. 2) ; fake out the wood as already recommended. Next make an incision in the shoot of the stock close into the main stem, and about half an inch long : this is long enough. Cut across at top, raise the bark with the end of the budding-knife without bruising it, and insert the bud, which will then have the appear- ance of Jiff. i. It is now to be tied with a little worsted or cotton, as shown in fig. 6 ; one tie below the eye and two above will be ample, as its entire length will not be more than half an inch, and a quarter of that below the eye. The most inex- perienced amateur need not give more than two rounds below the eye and three above, but the practical workman will find the number I have mentioned sufiicient. The superiority of this system of budding over the old must be apparent. Fig. 1 shows a bud extracted on the old method, the whole more than an inch in length. Fig. 3 shows the same inserted, and_^^. 5 the same tied-in with innumerable rounds of matting. Fig. 7 shows it the following season, the buds having grown. Fig. 8 represents the growth which the buds take on the new system ; they grow out nearly from the axil of the branch, and look neat and workmanlike ; and after a season or two, when the shoots are headed back and healed over, which they freely do, they have the appearance of growing out of the main stem, forming neat heads without scars, wounds, or knots, very different to the appearance of those worked hke Jig. 7, which have an unsightly and unworkman- like appearance, and hable to be blown out by the wmd, having scars and dead snags in abundance, and never forming such neat, compact, and clean healtliy heads. Those who are ac- quainted with bud- ding will easily un- derstand this from the figures. I have purposely shown the one-year shoots in Jigs. 7 and 8, as if they had notbeen stopped the first season, to explain the system. When strong, however, they had always better be stopped the first season when they attain from li inch to 2 inches in length, repeating it as the growth proceeds. In this way, by the end of the first sea- son from the bud the heads will be fine and bushy, which will not be the case if they are allowed to run up with single shoots. I should have said that the shoots selected for budding must be pretty firm — young watery shoots and buds are useless ; from the former the buds always take more freely, provided they only separate readily from the wood. For tying, worsted or cotton is in every way incomparably better than matting. Cotton I consider best of aU ; it is much cheaper, more expe- ditious in use, does not cut the bark as much as matting, and requires nothing more than cutting into lengths of from 4 inchea to 6 inches to be ready for use ; the former length will be suffi- cient for the experienced, whilst the tyro may require it of the latter length. Lamp-wick answers for this purpose, but it August 12, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULXUKE AND COXXAGE GAKDENEK. 377 rcquii'68 splitting as it is generally too thick ; about tlio sub- stance of strong yiwn is sufUcieat. Suitable jarn may be ob- tained of any dealer in cotton, or at a very cbeap rate from any cotton manufactory where they sell retail. All things in these nurseries which are budded are now tiod witli cotton — Roses, ornamental trees, shnibs, fruit trees, &c. ; it is found much cheaper than matting at the first cost, and matting requires much more labour in cutting, splitting, wotting. Sec, before it is used. Cotton, on the contrary, requires only cutting in lengths, when it is ready for use j it eau be employed more expeditiously, and is more elllcient. — J. Sai'L, Dunlhxm Down Xuraery, UristuL. — {Oardener's Magazine of Botuny.) OENAMEJSTAL PLANTS. iloFSSONiA ELE0AN3 (Klcgaut Moussonia). Nat. ord., Ges- neracea\ Linn., Didynamia Angiosperniia. — A rather handsome sub-shtubhy herb, requiring a temperate stove. It has soft hairy stems and leaves, more or less tinged with red. The leaves are opposite, ovate-oblong, acuminate, crenate-dentate, and shortly petiolate. The flowers grow in three or four-flowered umbels, on pedicels springing from the axils of the leaves ; tlic corolla is an inch and a half long, somewhat curved and swollen about the middle of tlio tube, scarlet ; the limb of five spreading, nearly equal erose-.renulate lobes, yellowish inside, with lines of purple spots ; the throat is yellow. From Guatemala : mouatainouft regions. Flowers during winter. 1. Mou3sonia elegana. CrPHEA CINNABABINA (Cinnabar-coloured Cuphea). Ifat. ord., Lythracesc. Linn., Dodecandria Monogynia. — A very pretty sub-shrubby greenhouse or half-hardy plant, with strigu- lose branches, bearing opposite lanceolate leaves, acute and nar- rowed towards the point, and racemose panicles of showy blos- Boms ; the viscid, hairy, calyx-tube is about three-quarters of an . Cuphea cinnabaiina. inch long, pale red, with green ribs and tips ; the two enlarged upper petals are minute and of the same colour. A variety called airo-sanffuinea has the petals deep blood red. From Guate- mala. Introduced to the Belgian gardens by M. Van Houtte in 1848. Flowers during summer. 378 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUfiE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 12, 1862. POETEAITS OF PLANTS AND FRUITS. NOLANA LAiiCEOLATA (Laiice-leaved Nolana). Sal. ord., Solanaceaj. Linn., Peiitandria Monogynia. — It lias also been called Sorema lanoeolata. Native of Cliili. Introduced by Messrs. Teitch & Sons, of the Exeter and Chelsea Nurseries. Flowers brilliant blue, with white centre. "A charming, com- pact-growing annual, promising to be a great acquisition to our parterres." — {Jjotantcal Magazlney i. 5327.) Gbammitis CAUBiFOiiMia (Taper-pointed Grammitis). Nat. ord., Cryptogauiia-Filices. — It has been called also Selliauea plantaginea and Polypodium caudiforme. A handsome Fern from the Malay Archipelago. — {Ibid., t. 5328.) BOLBOPHYLLTJM PAVIJIESTATUM (Clustered Bolbophyllam). Kat. ord., Orchidace«>. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — Native of the banks of the Nun, in Tropical Western Africa. Flowers purple, blooming in February. — (Ibid., t. 5329.) Ipomsa alatipes (Winged-stallied Ipomoea). Nat. ord., Con- Tolvulaeeee. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. — It has also been named I. plerodes. Native of Veraguas and Venezuela. Flowers rich salmon colour, blooming in the stove during June. — (Ibid., i. 5330.) ANOMOCfltiOASltiEAHTorDBA (Maranta-like Anomochloa). Nat. ord., GramincEB. Linn., Tetrandria Monogynia. — A curious .gross. Native of Bahia, Brazil. — (Ibid., t. 5331.) Nephalaphyilum PtTLCHEUM (Beautiful Cloudy-leaf). Nat. ord., OrchidacesB. Linn., Gynandria Monandria. — Native of Mount Salak, Java. Introduced by Messrs. Low, Clapton Nur- sery, where it flowered in May. Flowers green and wliite. — (Ibid.,t. 5332.) Single Petunias.— Raised by Mr. Holland, and sent out by Mr. Williams, Paradise Kursery, HoUoway. Rosa belle- rOEME is "a fiovrer of very fine sliape and good substance, larger and stouter than any of its class ; the colour a bright magenta, witli a very clear white tliroat." Flowee of the Day is somewhat in the style of Madame Ferguson, " but the bands, which are briglit rosy crimson, arc much broader and brighter than in that variety." — (Floral Magaane, Fl. 109.) Rose John Hoepee. — Raised by Mr. Ward, of the Rosery, Ipswich, fi'om Jules Margottin fertilised with the pollen of Madame Yidot. A large Rose "somewhat in the style of PflidhiB Lanzezeur, but fuller, the colour a bright crimson suffused with violet, and is of' a very vigorous habit." — (Ibid., PL 110.) Cineeaeias. — Tliree varieties from Mr. Turner, of Slough. Jamks Andeetts, dark purple, of good sliape. The Abtist, bright magenta witli a smftll white circle round the disk. The WiNNEE, a bright magenta self. — (Hid., Fl. 111.) Saemienta eepens (Trailing Sarmienta). — Nat. ord., Ges- neriacea'. Linn., Diandria Monoguiia, Native of the Chilian Andes. Flowers tubular, swollen iu the centre, light crimson scarlet.— (/6/d., Fl. 112.) Double Chinese Primeoses (Primula prsenitens florepleno). — Two full-double fringed varieties from Messrs. F. & A. Smith, •ofDulwich. Delicata, nearly 2 inches across, white changing to a delicate blush. Rubea Grakdifloea large, magenta, and the variety like the preceding, has tlie property of repvoducing itself from se^Oi.— (Florist and Pomologist i., 113.) Apple, Ieish Peach (Syn., Early Crofton). — Fruit middle- sized, roundish, deep crimson next the sun, streaked with deeper crimson, and strewed with yellow dots. Ripe in August, and lasts all through the month. " A most beautiful and certainly one of the most excellent summer Apples, possessing all the rich flavour of some of the winter varieties, with the abundant and refreshing juice of the summer fruits." — (Ibid., p. 120.) ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The August meeting of the Entomological Society was but ■sparingly attended as usual at this season. Amongst the dona- tions were the publications of the Royal Society, the Society of Arts, and various periodicals. Also, a fine new work on the Diptera of Mexico, by Luigi Bellarde. On the motion of the Rev. Hamlet Clarke, a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., Treasurer of tlie Linnaeau and Royal Horticultural Societies, &c., for his handsome entertainment of the members of the Society, at Reigate, recorded in our last report. Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a very beautiful collection of Coleop- terous insects captured in the interior of Coehin-Chma by the late M. Moidiot, whose untimely decease was a great loss to natural science. Amongst these insects was a magnificent new genus of Scaritidai; of very large size, and a great number of new and splendid Longicorn Beetles. Mr. Stainton exhibited a number of curious varieties of Gra- cillaria semifaseea, which he had reared from small conical galls on the leaves of Maple trees growing in Headley Lane, near Croydon. Mr. Wallace exhibited some very efieetive photographic re- presentations of insects, both of the natural size and m.agnified. These were arranged on sheets of an octavo size, and were thus ready for publication in books without mounting. The smaller specimens had been mounted on gelatine, and thus the blurred appearanc3 of photographic representations of insects gummed on cardboard was avoided. The President, Mr. P. Smith, exhibited two rare StaphylinidsB— Myrmedonia Haworthii and Hcliobates propinqua, taken by his son during the Reigate excursion. Also, a very remarkable specimen of Honey Bee, po.^sessing characters of each of the three kinds of individuals in the hive, the head being that of a drone, the legs partly drone and partly worker, and the sting like that of the queen. Professor Westwood gave an account of a specimen of the Honey Bee, which he had recently captured. The head of which was adorned with a large tuft of the pollen-masses of an Orchis, most probably 0. maculata, as that species was in blossom in the Professor's gar len. The specimen was captured on the alighting-board of one of his hives, another bee being in the act of dragging it out of the hive, where it was evidently obnoxious from its novel appendages. The President read a memoir containing a revision of the tribe Cryptocerides (belonging to the family of the Ants), a group of groat interest, and of which Mr. Smith has more than doubled the number of species within a few years, chiefly from the coiled ions of Mr. Wallace in the Islands of the Eastern Archipelago. Dr. Wallace made some observations on the destructive habits of the Gooseberry grab, Nema*u3 ventricosus, and on the most effectual means for preventing its ravages. From the memoir of M. VoUenhoven it appears that the eggs are laid in considerable numbers on the under side of the leaves along tlie midribs, and that the young larva; as soon as hatched commence feeding on the leaves, which they riddle with small holes like gun shot. As soon as (his is observed the leaves should be gathered and destroyed ; but if unattended to for two or three days the insects have eaten the whole of the leaf which formed their cradle and dispersed themselves over other leaves, where they arc more difficult to be attacked. There are several broods in a year ; and although the first brood confines its attacks to Goose- berry leaves, the second is said to attack the Currant with equally injurious effects. We have not been able to verify this observation, as we found the first brood indifl'ereutly on the Currant and Gooseberry. THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. (Continued from 'pane 359.) TASMANIA. Among the vegetable products of Tasmania, that which will probably hold the first rank in the estimation of the people of this country is its timber, which from its great size, strength, and durability, seems eminently suitable i"or ship-building, as well as for a' variety of useful purposes of minor importance. The numerous specimens of the ornamental and useful woods of the colony are formed into a trophy, the flagstaff on the summit of which reaches the roof of the Exhibition buUding. The tall central column consists of eight spars of Stringy Bark, Blue and White Gum, Silver Wattle, Blackwood, and Sassafras, arranged as an octagon, and the eight sides at the base are composed of planks of Blue Gum and Stringy Bark, the heart being sawn off; that part in most Tasmanian as well as Australian timber, being almost always more or less shaky. " Samples of other sliip timber form the base of the trophy — which is thus constructed :— Five planks (20 feet long) of Blue Gum, Stringy Bark, Blackwood, and Myrtle, the two former being fitted for ship-buildiug, and the two latter for cabinet- work, are first laid down. Placed across these are sliip's-keel pieces (10 feet long, squared) of Blue Gum, and Stringy Bark. Immediately on these lie, transversely, joists of Stringy Bark, August 12, 18G3.] JOURNAL OF UOKTICULTCEE AND COXTAGE GABDENER. 379 covered with oftlinary tlooring-boavils of the same wood. The framework of the [ odestal placed on this floor is composed of Bhie Gum, Wliilo Gum, and Stringy Bark. Tlie joists, quar- tering, and llooring-hoards of the pedestal platform nro also of Stringy BarU. The centrepiece of the spiral staircase is formed of a spar of plain Uuon Pine, (he stairs being made of this free- working and almost imperishable wood. These samples will show what Tasmania can su)iply of plain timbers. Of largo ship's knifes an unlimited supply can bo obtained from Tasmania, ■where the stumps of (he large trees wliich might supply them are left to rot after the tree has been cut up. They are also shown in the angles of the pedestal frame, of various conditions as to seasoning. A. large Blue Gum knee, and also a Blue Gum crook have been exposed to the open air nearly ten years, in the ship- yard of Mr. McGregor. In other angles of the frame are three very fine sliip's knees from Tasman's Peninsula, exhibited by Mr. Boyd. There arc also three smaller knees, a Blackwood crook for curved banister work, and a fine lluon Pine knee, in the other angles. In the interior are some railway sleepers of Blue Gum and Strincy Bark, and pieces of White Gum, or Guu:- topped Stringy Bavk, 12 inches by C> inches, 12 feet in length, contributed tiy Dr. C'rowther, and by Mr. Boyd, together with some sleepers of Blue Gum and Peppermint wood. The split palings and roofing shingles here displayed are also fine specimens, varying in length from 5 feet to 10 feet, and in breadth from 6 inches to 21 inches. These are specimens of the ordinary splitting qualities of Swamp Gum." There is also in the gai-den of the Royal Horticultural Society a spar of the last-named wood, from Mr. Boyd, of the extraor- dinary length of 230 feet, and which would have been brought in one piece to England could a ship have been found capable of taking it. In the absence of such it had to he divided into 20 feet lengths, and bolted together on its arrival in this country. Besiilos these there are a plank of Blue Gum 90 feet long, 20 inches wide, and 6 inches deep ; and one of Stringy Bark 80 feet long, 2i inches wide, and 0 inches deep. Blue Gum, Stringy Bark, and Peppei-mint will, it is believed, from th'ir great durability, prove of great value for railway sleepers, of which, according to Mr. Stephenson, 2,800,000 are required every year in Great Britain, and to supply this quantity it is estimated that tlie wood of 7000 acres of land is annually required. An ordinary sleeper lasts about twelve years, whilst these woods it is imagined would remain sound for fifteen or twenty at least, and, probably, much longer. To show their resistance to the action of the atmosphere and water, old piles and planks from the wharves at Ilobart Town are exhibited, which have been exposed for twenty-one years to the alternate influences of sea-waier, air, sunshine, and rain, without mider- going material det.rioration. There is timber that was used in the construction of the old Court House, and the old Gaol at Hobart Town, as sound as when first used ; and, finally, there is the fencing of the early settlers in an almost unimpaired con- dition after forty years' exposure. lu an appendix to the account of the colony are some useful notes on its vegetible products, by Mr. Archer, from which the following is extracted with some alterations and abridgments : — BLrz Gv.M, Eucali/ptus tjlobuhts. — The common name is derived from the bluish-grey colour of "the youni; plants. Di.imcter, 5 leet to 30 feet ; average of those felled for use, 6 feet. Height, 150 feet to 350 feet. Sp. grav. about '945 to 1055. Abundant in the southern and south-western parts of the island. Cut for bouse-builfling it sella at 85. to 105. per 100 superficial feet— for ship-building at 12s. to Us. (Used for the same purposes as Oak, and, according to some experiments which were made, much stronger than either that wood or teak, its breaking weight being 1031 lbs., while (hat of English t:iak was 637 lbs., and of teak 938 lbs.) Sthisgy Bark, £ucalyptus giga ntea.— Common name taken from the coarse fibrous bark. Diameter, 4 feet to 24 feet ; average of those sawn about 5A feet. Height, 150 feet to 300 feet. Sp. grav. .about -aos. Abundant everywhere upon tiiliy ground. Price, the same as that of Blue Gum. (Used for ship-planking, boat-keels, house carpentry, and found to be extremely durable for out-door work. Breaking weight 867 lbs., that of English Oak bemg 637 lbs.) Swamp Gcm. — WniTK Cviit Uucalyptus i-iminalis. — Common names from its growing to perfection in humid situations— and from its gigantic white trunk. Diameter, 4 feet to 18 feet ; average about 5J feet. Height, 150 feet to 300 feet. Sp. grav. about -885. Growing in forests with other kinds of Euculyptus, in rather humid localities. Price, for general purposes the same as that of Blue Gum : five-feet palings, Gs. to Bs. per lOO. (Breaking weight, 78i lbs., against Enghsh Oak, 637 lbs.) Gum-topped Stringy Bark, sometimes called White Oust, Eucalyptus gigantcn, tar. — \ tree re-'embling the Blue Gum in foliage, with rough bark similar to Stringy Bark towards the stem. It has been found recently that this wood possesses nearly all the properties of strength, solidity, and durability of the Bine Oum— whilst being straight-grained, it is mtich easier to work. Price, about the same as Blue Gam. PFPrKiiMuiT Turt, Eiicali/plus amijganlina.— Common name from the odour of the leaves. Diaiiieter, 3 feet to 8 feet ; average about 4 feet. Height, 100 feet to 150 feet. Sp. grav. about -805. The Peppermint tree .ibouuds throughout the island on gravelly anii other poor «oil. Price, about the same as that of Swamp Gum. (Some specimens of this timber have a fine wavy marking, which renders it suitable for cabinet work.) Hucv Pink, Dncryilivm Friniklinii.So called because it was first dis- covered on the banks of the llui>n River. DiumeKr, 3 feet to 8 feet; average about 41 feet. Height, 50 feet to 120 feet. Sp. crav. about -(iSO. Abundant ill portions of the south-western part of the island. Price, about Kis. per 100 superficial feet, in the log. (Excellent for ship building and for every purpose for which the Pino is employed, much heavier and harder than that wood,, and taking a fine polish as well as bemg (ragraut, it is excellent for cabinet work. To show its adaptation for (his purpose, a wardrobe is cxhibi(ed which has been constructed of this wood and polished. The ship's knee is a beau'iful example of this kind of timber without the slightest ci-aek or unsoundness. It is of this wood also that the two whaling boats suspended from the trophy are constructed.) Blackwood, Acacia iiielanaxylon.— So called from the dark brown colour of the mature wood, which becomes black when washed with lime water. In moist shaded localities the tree grows move rapidly, and the wood is of a much lighter colour. Hence this variety is called " Lightwood," in Hobart Town, to distinguish it from the other. Diameter, IJ. foot to 4 feet; average about 24 feet. Height, GO feet to 130 feet. Sp. grav. about -885. Found throughout the island, but not abundantly in any one locality. Price, about 125. to 145. per 100 feet super., iu the log. (A beautiful wood for furniture, and excellent for the staves of casks. Lightwood is excellent for veneering. The bark is- used for tanning. A large oval table is shown.) Native MvnTLE, Fayus CiiimiitgJiaiiui.— Common name from the fancied resemblance of its dark green leaves to those of the Jlyrtle. Diameter, 3 feet to 12 feet ; average about 3i feet. Height, 100 feet to 180. Sp. grav> about ■793. The native Myrtle exists in great abundance throughout the western half of the island, growing in forests to a great size, in humid situations. Price, about IG5. per 100 feet super., in the log. (Admirably fitted for furniture and lor the purposes of the- cabinet-maker. The timber possesses a lively reddish colour. There are splendid planks of the plain wood exliibited 20 feet and 30 feet in length, which are used for seats along the gallery.. The figured wood, of which there are some fine polished slabs and panels shown, display deeper tints, with markings and venation of the richest and most varied character. A handsome bureau is shown made of this wood.) CELiRY-TOrpED PlNE, PhriUoclailus rliomhoiitalis.— So called from the fancied similarity in form of the upper part of the branchlets to Celery. Diameter, 1} foot to 2 feet; average, about IJ foot. Height, CO feet to 150 feet. Sp. grav. about -055. Bather common in damp forests in the southern part'^ of the island, and in some sub-alijine localities. (This tree yields timber remarkable for its close and clear white grain, and for its great strength and toughness. Where it abounds it is used for house-fittings and lor agricultural implements, &e. Its strength and elasticity adapt the young spars for masts and yards of vessels.) McsK-wooD, Em-yhia argr,phi/lla.— Earned from the musky odour of Ih leaves. Diameter 6 inches to 15 inches, the butt enlarging towards the ground to IJ and even 2i feet. Height, 15 feet to 30 feet. Sp. grav. about 685. Abundant throughout the island in damp localities. (A moat beautiful solid wood for cabinet work. The Daven- port and round table exhibited are fine examples of this wood when polished and worked.) SiiE-OAK, Cnsworiiid quadrivalvis.—A portion of the common name is evidently derived from the resemblance of the markings to those of Oak.. Diameter, 1 foot to IJ foot. Height, 20 feet to 30 feet. Sp. grav. about ■845. Very common on dry stony hill.«, excepting in the north-western districts. (Hard, and takes a good polish.) Silver Wattle, Acacia clealhata.— So called from the whiteness of the trunk, and the silvery green of the foliage. Used for cask-staves and tre- nails. Di-ameter, l| foot to 2>. feet. Height, 60 feet to 120 feet. Sp. grav. about ■935. Very common. (This timber makes good staves ; and the young wood when split thin makes excellent hoops for dry casks. Bark considered in Tasmania the most valuable of any for tanning. It also yields a gum which is likely to prove useful.) Iron Wood (Tasmanian), Notelaia ligiistrina.— An exceedingly hard cloee-grained wood, i^ed for mallets, sheaves of blocks, turnery, *c. Diameter, 9 inches to 18 inches. Height, 20 feet to 35 feet. Sp. gi»v. ab.)Ut 965. (Very hard and heavy, takes a good pohsh.) Of the other woods, the native Box, Biirsaria spinosa ; White- wood, Fitiospontm bicolor ; Pink-wood, and the native Pear, ar© used for (urnerv ; the native Cherry for tool-handles and gun- stocks ; while the Dogwood, Bedfordia salicina ; and Honey- suckle, Ba.Jcsia austraUs, are very suitable for cabmet work. 380 JOrENAL OF HORTICrLXrEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE [August 12, 1862. Several tiruls of fibres are exliibitecl, siieU as the Kurrajoiig, lyonsia, Blue Guin, Stringy Bark, and a kind of Slipa, some of which may be turned to useful aceount, and though scarcely within our scope, the opossum furs are particularly worthy of attention on account of their good appearance, warmth, and agreeableness to the touch. It will thus be seen tliat though Tasmania has brought for- ward but few examples of manufacturing skill, she has yet pro- duced an exhibition of natural products of eminent utility to the rest of the world, 'ihe collection of timber in particular coming at a time when the growing scarcity of ship-building materials is beginning to be felt, cannot fail to'attract the attention of those connected with our mercantile and war marine ; the yarious woods and their adaptations will become the subjects of careful ex- periment, and tlieir good qualities being once established, that which is now an encumbrance to the soil will become a source of wealth. The exhibition in the Tasmanian department will likewise serve another end of not less importance, for it furnishes the intending emigrant with incontestable proofs in its agricul- tural and horticultural productions of the great capabilities of the climate and soil of the rising colony which it represents. The weight of the be?t sample of Oats in this department is 51 lbs. 10 ozs., not 56 lbs. 10 ozs. as printed last week. WOEK FOE THE WEEE!. EITCHEN GARDEN. The practice of keeping the surface of the ground loose and open about growing crops is most advantageous, especially to stiff, loamy garden lands. From inattention to this apparently simple matter, it is evident that both the absorption and eva- poration of moisture must be impeded, and thus the advantage of atmospheric influences considerably diminished. BroecoJi, the decline of some of the earlier quarters of Peas, Beans, Cau- liflowers, and Spinach, will afford the opportunity of making further additions to the stock, or of planting a crop of Coleworts. Where there have been any planted between Peas, the latter should be removed as soon as they are done with, the ground to be dug, and the intermediate spaces filled up. Cauliflowers, the plants which are now coming in should be duly supplied with water, which is the means best adapted to" produce close, compact heads. C/iervi/, make a sowing for autumn use. Endive, continue to transplant as circumstances require. Another sowing may also be made. Lettuce, keep a succession sown and planted, they will now require a good supply of water to make them crisp. Onions, beud tliem down by hand iu order to accelerate their ripening to get the ground clear for winter greens. FLOWER GARDEN. This is a good time for removing dead wood from shrubs, and controlling thoir luxuriant growth by careful pruning. Attend to the tying-up of Hollyhocks, Dahlias, &c., and go over the masses of Verbenas, &c., frequently, for the purpose of regu- lating their growth so as to keep them orderly and neat. Sow Ten-week or Intermedi ite Stocks for spring-flowering; transplant Brompton and Queen Stocks, and if the situations in which they are to flower are not at liberty, prick them out in nur;ery-beds, allowing them plenty of room to prevent weak growth. Pink- pipings to be planted out as soon as they are fairly rooted, the beds to be made of well-decomposed dung, loam, and leaf mould in equal portions. A second crop of pipings may be put in if an increase of stock is required. Attend to the layering of Carnations and Picotees as speedily as possible. Should the weather be dry attention to be paid to regular watering. Take off the rooted offsets of Auriculas, place them round the sides of the pots, and then in a sliady place. Prick-out seedling Poly- anthuses on a north border or any other shady situation. FEITIT GARDEN. Keep the shoots of all fruit trees closely tacked to the walls, and afford the fruit as fair an opportunity of exposure as possible. Trap earwigs and ants about the trees. See to the speedy for- mation of Strawberry-bed?. Examine the -iigatures of stocks budded in July. Budding may still be performed. No super- fluous shoots ought to be kept on Peaches, Nectarines, and other fruit_ trees on walls and espaliers after this month, so that the wood for the ensuing year may be well ripened. STOTF,. Much moisture and free ventilation are to be provided here during hot weather. Indeed too much atmospheric moisture can scarcely be supplied if free ventilation is given. Let all faded blossoms be constantly removed, straggling growth pinched back, and exhausted stock cut-in previous to making a new growth. Bear in mind that the autumn is fast approaching, and that the sooner new growths are encouraged, iu order to become somewhat hardened, the better. See that the Orchids growing on blocks and in baskets are properly supplied with moisture at the roots, and to prevent any mistake handle every plant at least once a-week, and immerse those found to be dry in tepid water until the material about their roots is well soaked. Syringe slightly morning and evening, and sprinkle the floors, &e., frequently so as to keep the atmosphere thoroughly moist. GREENHOUSE AND CONSEEVATOET. The conservatory-borders to be liberally watered, and care to be taken to insure a sufficient supply of water to any plants which have recently been turned out of pots. Let the "growing plants having occasional stoppings, as recommended in the stove department. New Holland plants and Heaths that have for some time been standing out of doors, should receive particular attention if wet or windy weather prevails, to ascertain that they are in a proper state as respects moisture, and that the mildew does not prevail. Some of the best and most tender varieties should be secured by placing them in cold pits. Keep the creepers neatly trained and occasionally washed with the engine or syringe. Cinerarias for early blooming should now be growing freely, and should be shifted when necessary, for if they are to form large specimens for flowering in the winter they must not be permitted to sustain any cheek. See that a sufE- cient quantity of the various kinds of Scarlet Geraniums, Helio- tropes, and Chrysanthemums, Asters, and other autumn-flower- ing plants are duly encouraged. PITS AND FRAMES. If a good stock of Scarlet and other Geranium cuttings has not already been put in, let no time be lost. Proceed afterwards with the g.-neral bedding stock. Endeavour annually to get some new plants, and to vary your arrangement in the flower garden that tlie scene may not be monotonous. W. Kbaxe. DOINGS OF THE LA.ST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Sowed Atkin's Matchless Cabbage, London Market, &c., for the main spring crop. The glass has been low for some time owing to brisk drving wind?, and though rain has threatened little or none has come. The ground has, therefore, been very dry — a matter of importance to us where we have little water to depend upon, except what we collect from the heavens. In sowing the above, and also Lettuces and Endive, the ground was dug, then raked moderately fine, sown, the soil patted down, well watered, and the seed covered with dry soil, ref^usc from the potting-bench. If the weather should be at all dull this will sufBce. If the weather should continue bright, a few branches or mats, or a little litter will be put on before the seeds are up. For the last week, though the sun heat was seldom up to 70° in the shade, the sun and the wind together were very parching, and had a tendency to crack all the ground exposed to it. The light fork and the hoe were used to loosen the surface to keep the moisture iu and the heat out, which latter but for the moisture we would not have minded, as the soil is not by any means up to the summer warmth as yet. Forked all along by the sides of the rows of Peas to prevent this cracking ; gave them waterings in addition. ^Yould have used manure water, but the tank is empty ; or at least a little soot along the rows, but our BOot-heap also is exhausted. So shall be glad to see the chimney-sweep coming to look after the chiranies again. Have asked him to bring a bag or two of his pure and undefiled next time he comes. There is no more valuable help than soot when obtained unmixed with earth, sawdust, &c. Our tradesman prides himself on selling it pure, and he says it pays him best to do so, as farmers depend on the article and cheerfully pay him accordingly. No soot goes away from our premises, that is one of the things I manage to get hold of. For all such accessories gardeners must keep their eyes open and never mind being ac- cused for having an eye to everything, provided they fairly and honestly can get hold of it. The disagreeable affair is to obtain a character for coveting much that you may see without any satisfying of the desire ; but then even we must make the most of what little wo may manage to obtain. If the weather con- August 12, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF IIOllTICULTURE AXr COIIAGE GARDENEK. 381 tiuuo 60 dry, wiirbo forccil to mulcli Pi'ss, Beans, Caulillowors, &c. At iirescnt, after stirring nml then watering, threw a little dry soil over the siiles of the rows after watering, to k- ep the moisture in. It will go olT fust enough ihrough the U-nres and stems of tho jilants, without full perniission to rise from the ground again by evaporation. Threw a dusting of soil over ■watered Celcry-heds, as unless for th? earliest it is too soon to earth-up. As fully e:splained some time ago, the bit-bv-bit earthing-up of Celery an ineh or two at a time, as most gar- dening^ooks tell yo'u, is the most fruitful source for causing early Celery to bolt up into llower-stems. Eneourage such to grow, tie up tho lieads if jcu will, b\it do little as tooarthing-up until a month before you want the plants for use. This pr.ietice is founded on the natural chavaeter of the plant, and when followed there will scarcely bo ever such a thing as a run head. Proceeded with digging-down Strawberry ground for wniter greens, Li^ttuees, iS:c. Just to show liow taste oliangee, I may mention that for a long time it was a matter of no imiort- ance with me whether I had cabbage Lettuces or not, but now this season all the go seems to be for such Lettuces as the Victoria and the Marseilles, not only for stewing, but for salad. Well, in all such matters the demand is the best remembrancer as to the supply to be provided. Sowed the first bit of Spinach for early winter use, using the Prickly or the Flmders variety for this purpose. AVe generally sow in rows from 15 iuelies to 18 imhes apart. This crop Tikes a fair amount of orgnnised material, but I could give it nothing but rotten short grass and a little rubbish-heap material, keeping it well down. Used in moderation, all such succulent vegetables like such rough manure, In last week's Number, page 361, in the paragraph on Mush- rooms, there is a period, which as printed is worse than non- sense. It begins, " I seldom bother with them elsewhere," &c. It should read, " I seldom bother with them in summer in a common Mushroom-house, above the ground ; they are so apt to come thin and maggotty." In such a season as we have had there would have been no ditheulty in getting crops in a common Mushroom-house. In such a hot season as the last in this part of the country, there would have been difhculty, and hence the propriety of reeommcuding cellars and sheds out of doors in summer, or a shady place under trees. The mistake above has led to some inquiries being made direct to me instead of through the Editors, which is against rules ; but the above correction will make all smooth sailing. The very interest sucli matter excites shows that Mushrooms, especially in the small button state, are fast becoming a necessary ingredient in the best dishes and the most famed cookei-y. Where such things are wanted all the year over, 1 only state my approval of the open shed or the shady place in preference to the common Mushroom- house because it has saved me much bother and the unpleasant- ness of not having a thing fit for use when wanted. FHriT GARDEir. Planted-out Strawberries ; watered those laid in pots. Put a fire in Peach-house from which the fruit was all gatlured, and smeared the pipes with sulphur, so as to give a start to any red spider that might be left ; ahuttiug-up the house, and giving but little air and heavy syringings next day, and since less air than usual, in order to keep up a moist sulphury atmosphere, and, the roots not being over-moist, to help to harden the wood thoroughly. Some fly appearing on Melons and Cucumbers, syringed early with soot and lime water holding a little sheep- dung ni solution ; and when the leaves were dry placed a shallow box of bruised laurel leaves— say a peck for a two-light box, inside the frame, and shut it up. A syringing next morning and a second application of the laurel leaves bruised seemed to settle every insect that was then alive. I beUeve that such a remedy would pretty well kill everything ; but then, if too much were used it would kill the plants too. As stated some time ago, great care must be used in all such remedies, noticing the age and the state of the plants, &c. This spring I put two Peach trees in pots much infested with the black ily into a fumigating- box, used a Neal'e pastil, allowed the trees to remain for three or four days, and then syringed them well : not a fly appeared afterwards, not a leaf was injured, and the fruit swelled nicely. A few days afterwards mucli less of the pastils were used for some nice Geraniums that had some fly ; and if the fly was not destroyed we could not say the same as respected the fine foliage, most of which was much injured. Other things were tried — some with full success, others quite tho reverse ; and I could not form any correct idea as to tlie cause of success in one case and failure in another. Two good gardeners were here the other d.ay and asked me what I thought of tho pastils. It would appear that both, and also a neiglibour, relying en tho recom- niendntion of an authority in such matters, had tried tho same specific, and irreparably injured some of their best plants. I mention this, not dispfn^aging the pastils, but merely showing that just as in the ci.se of the best rcmedj — tobacco, which sometimes kills plants as well as insects, that much depends on the state of the pl.ints at the time. Taking such things into consideration, the simplest remedy is often the best. If we catch and kill, in other words squeeze and syringe, there will often be less time lost than by any other mode, and there can be no question as to the security. Proceeded, as time would permit, in nipping young wood on fruit trees, shortening-in breastwood, and watering heavily trees in orchard-house, doing it at several times to prevent the fruit bcin^' thrown oil'. Find that in such weather the soil in such houses dries so quick, that I would have mulched if there had been any nice thing to use. Find also the importance of tanks for such houses, as all the rain that fell on the glass during the season wiil be transferred to the pots and trees iusidc if we happen to have five days more of such bright windy weather. OENAMENTAL GAEDENING. Proceeded with potting hardwooded and softwooded plants, giving them a shady position at first ; layering Carnations, striking Pinks, Cloves ; budding and propagating Eoses ; tying- up Dahlias and UoUyhoeks, Pentstemons, Pliloxes ; regulating flower-beds ; and not 'only bushing Calceolaria-beds, but running a string round them to prevent the wind breaking them and sweeping them away. A gentleman visitor expressed his sur- prise to the workmen at what he called the uselessness of this bushing of beds (which, however, he could not have seen without looking for it somewhat narrowly), as being done no- where else, a waste of time, &c. Without it, it would be a waste of effort to make flower-b-'ds at all here. Before now wo have found half beds, tops and roots, careering over the park. Thus circumstances alter cases, though many wise people never can be made to understand such a simple thing. ^ We have commenced getting a little sandy loam from the sides of the highway, preparatory to commencing bedding-propagating before long. Our chief work, however, for the last eight days has beer securing and watering where most essential flower-beds, and especially those in whicli the centre was considerably raised. The water being scarce shortly after it was applied, the hoe was employed to level the light material used as top-dressing, and to loosen all the outsides to prevent cracking. By thus keeping the surface loose and moved little water is needed, and what is given is made to do its best in keeping the soil at the roots moist, whilst tlie surface is loose and dry. In extreme eases short grass might be used for mulching, but it is very littery-looking, and moss would be little better unless it were fastened down and kept moist. Then an outside border next the grass would look very nice. There would be little use anywhere else now, as the beds are getting choke full. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *,* We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental wr era of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subj cted to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore bo addressed solely to The Editors of tie " Journnl of Borticnlture, S(c." 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also requ st that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultrv and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. CocOA-KOT 1-ir.iiE I;i:fvse (A WorUnr, lIan).-no not m''k«/";i,»'''j'^7if is the ennff-like powrter, not the fibre, which is useful. '\> e .^ >™^ »™'L'' for Potatoes when difjElni; the grounJ for plant.ni!. It would iniproic loe stiff soil with which von intend to irake a Peach and ^ ine borcici. Pk,ull^ (77. O.-Pcrilla nankincnsis requires the '^™'= '«"!"'"', "' narlcv, with the help of .i hot bed or ph,cc-tl.at ,s, to ^ '7;Aut It coS and riarcd like the little blue Lobdi».s, and tlun to l.c planted «"■ ' '^™^» easy enouRh from cuttings, but the plants will not stand over the winter lu pay. 382 JOUKNAL OF HOBTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE aAEDENER. [ August 12, 1862. Atuiplex HoKTEKsis (A^f ?»).— Tliis also must be from seeds annually, to be sown out ol iJoors in the mulclle of April, or any day from September to Apiil; but the April-sown seeds will pive plants just as ecivly as if the seeds yfere sown in October. All of ours come from sel'-sunn seeds in the autumn ; Gazania splendena from cuttings in September aud kept like blue Lobelias. Striking CiUNiTioNs (J. C.).— This is the time to put them in under a hnnd-glass in a shaded place, and the afternoon, about five to six o'clock is the best time of the day to water them ; but they do not want much water, only that the soil should be moist and no more. But the "names." What have you been thinking of? Why their name is legion; we have known oyer five hundred names in our day. Plaktation of Laege Tkees {^atelln^.— Large trees to grow fast to screen a place, and to require little "looking alter." near Eickley, are, of all other things, the easiest to find and tlie soonest told. But you are on tlio wrong scent altogether, it is simply a waste of time and money to plant " as large trees as can be put in." First of all, see that the whole space is most thoroughly trenched, and the soil is well mixed, not thrown over in layers as some do. Then take moderate-sized plants, not large or small, but \iell- rooted, also about equal quantities of evergreens and deciduous. The ever- greens to be Firs, Spruce, and Pine, a few Lucombe Oaks, Tui key and Scarlet American Oaks ; Cobbctt's Locust, or P.obinia pseudaoacia, common Birch, Mountain Ash, Laiiurnum, Acer pseudo-platanus or "Park Plane," Horse- chestnuts, and some worked Thorns to be near the outsides with the Labur- nums and Mountain Ash. All these will soon take care of themselves ; but you ought to keep the ground clear about them for the first three years. Dahlias (J. Z.).— All your Dahlias will soou be right enough. The first blossoms often come badly in such a season as this. This is the eleventh hourtolalk about selections ot Dahlias; wait a while, and you will see all the best kinds of the last few years in our autumnal reports of them. PiKK Rings on Leaves ( IT. H., Teiiji'mouth).— Thej arc Oi\k spangles, which many persons have mistaken for fungi, and they are formed by the laivoeofa minute Cyuips, called by French naturalists Dijilolepis lenticu- laris. The antenmie ot the perfect insect are blackish, a little longer than the thorax; the whole of the body is black and shining, and the !egs yellow. They are sometimes so abundant in the south of Franco that in autumn when the Oak trees are shaken they fall like rain. Tliey detach themselves from the trees in October, and remain buried in the earth till spring, when the perfect insect appears. These spangles are certainly very pretty objects for examination under the microscope. We know of no mode of destrovius them. Datdra akborfa {^f. F., Limerick).— Give no extra heat to your plant now. If the wealher should be cold give manure water at a temperature of from 80° to 90°. Continue this for a month, and the plant will be sure to bloom, if It has blooming blood In it. This is all you ought to do this season. As yon have picked out the terminal buds give little water, and as much sun as possible after that ; prefer, in fact, that the plant should show a little distress in October than otherwise, and this will ripen the buds well, and you will be almost sure to have a mass of flowers next season. When ready to bloom It is hardly possible to feed the plant over-much. This should be dis- continued when it is desirable to have the plant ripened in its wood. When once a plant blooms freely, aud it gets plenty of sun in summer, it generally gives httle trouble afterwards, except storing free from frost, pruning back, fresh soil when fresh growth has commenced, and plenty of nourishment to give strength to the young shoots loaded with blossoms. White Lilies (/c/fm).— We presume you mean candiu'vm. We have known it growing many years in the same place and to do well, with a top- dressing every year of leaf mould. Perhaps your soil has become exhausted At any rate, a fortnight or so after the leaves and stems are fallen it would be advisable to take up the roof.i and replant in deep, rich, sandy loam, using very rotten leaf mould as the enriching medium, and sharp sand in moderate quantity as the lightening medium, if the ground is very stilT. The soil should be well firmed about them, and a mulching of very rotten dun" and quicklime put over the surface. This Lily will not stand moving°after growth has commenced to any extent. Sucli moving will injure its strength and beauty for years. It would be much the same as sending home bulbs froni the Cape when the growth was appearing ; then hardly any care or troub.e will ever restore them to vigour. Green Moss or Scdm on Glass (/rfcm).— For this which collects on the under side of the glass in a greenhouse, we know of no remedv so effectual as soap and water, and a fair portion of that most valu.able recip'e for removing all kinds ol filthy encrustations- elbow grease. Such a house should gene- raUy be thoroughly washed, woodwork and glass, twice a-year. Mr. Thom- son in his wiiik on the Vine, lays great stress on the thorough cleansing ot the house after the fruit is cut, and the Vines pruned, and'^not without reason. Without cleanliness there can be little satisfactory gardenirg. In lact, this cleanline.-E in minuti.f often forms a good test for deciding whether aman IS anxious and persevering, or a mere six o'clock man, pa,ssing through a number of hours in dull, plodding fashion, and then letting things succeed 11 tney will, or die if they will, and influenced little by either. These en- crustations are just as natural as fly-marks and cobwebs on a window never cleaned, and both tell their own tale. On once entering greenhouses under the care of one ol the brightest geniuses in gardening, it was vexing to see the laps thoroughly festooned with filth. A morbid melancholy took possession ot the manager, and the garden soon became a counterpart of the state of Ins own n.ind. The employers with great kindness never noticed tne ch.Hnge, and chiefly owing to their concealed efforts, the usual buoyancy md activity of mind were restored, and the sight ol the houses told us all that even before we had the pleasure of encountering the sparkling eye of our friend. Take the plants all out, syringe the house all over, and wash with water holding a little soap in solution ; but if there are creepers in the house at aU thick, it will be best to use water alone. It is well not to use much soap, or it may take ofTsome paint as well as filth. Be assured that all such appearances speak of slovenliness in gardening. Phlo.x CuTTiNOa (/rfi-m).— We presume your seedling is a variety of Drummondi. You had better save the seed, if particularly fine. II you can get a lew shoots on the plant not showing flower, and from 2i inches to 3 inches long, slip them off and plant them in sandy soil under a bell-glass or hand-light. If not, wait until the seed is ripe, cut the plant over, and take the shoots tliat come. Greenhouses for the Many (ff. 5.).— The new edition is ready, and may be had by application at our office, and enclosing seven postage stamps. SpERGCLAS (0-(7/>(rt»rf, A'. 2?.]. — None of tiicm will* do any good under tree-s where grass cannot get a hold. Shrub from the Crystal Palace [A Snb^-cribfir).~lt '"s Spii:e.i arite- folla, a fine thing to stand out on the giass for a specimen. Lobelia Paxtoniana (Idem). — This fine new edging Lobelia v. ill, pro- bably, not rome true from seeds ; but some one in the trade will surely take to it, and furnish the country with it next spring in the usual way. Situation to Harden-off Azalpas (Art Oltf Subscriber).— Pots an- swered last week. W'hen Azaleas have finished their growth the tenninal buds will become prominent, and the wood will beg'n to assume a brownish hue. After that Azaleas may be kept in the greenhouse, may be placed in cold pits, with lights over them, but plenty of air back and front ; or they may be set in a sheltered place out of doors, keeping in mind that though the plants will stand sunshine the pots should be protected from it. Succulents foe Grkenhouse {IT. B.).— You will find much information in various volumes, " Window Gardening for the Many," 0 Two double decalitres of barley, at 3/. 0 0 One double decalitre of oats, at If. 60c 1 50 Total 16 50 Kr. CI. This disburscracnt of IB/. 50c fur 120 quarts of this n-.cal or grind- ing?, will .'utiles to feed four fowls. This allows for oae, 4/. l'i*50, ■which sum beiiif: niuUiplicd by fifty fowls, will {^ive a touU (jf ... 20G 2J Assume that 12('n ornms— that Is, tweuty-four per head for two meals are necessary. Fifty centimes worth of sliimmed or watered milk to 1111.1 them fur forty days, will amount to 20 0 Forty days work at 3/. each, quartet* of a day for a woman at 80c., to make up crams— say for fotty days 12S 0 Two kilos, five of li.ird for the last ten days, twenty-five deca- pramn es in cakc.^. at 1/. 60 the kilogramme 4 (I The purchase of cich fowl in a lean state being taken at 1/. 50, fifty willcost 7j 0 As the jilace that .^erves for a feeding-house, and the construction of Ihc fcedinK-coops are almost nominal, as well as the expense of grinding, this fictitious cost may be advantageously counter- balanced.by the produce of the feathers, and the cuarse bran taker, from the meal. Let it stand then 6 0 433 25 Thi^ sum forms the necessary outlay to feed and attend to fifty pouhardcs. If this be divided by 50, it will be seea the e.t- pense per head is 3/. 2Ge., and as'it must be admitted, large as the sum may seem, that there will still be one-si.\teenth lo^s, each poularde will cost about 9/. It will then be necessary to add to the expenses of the fifty poulardcs, 25/., and this will make the amount 458 25 Now, if an average of 0 lbs. -weight can be attiiine.t for each poularde, the result will be 300 lbs. As it alwavs reckoned they will reaU?.e 3/. 60c. per kilo, (t.iken as 2 lbs.), the produce will be i Deduct disbursements The profit willbe 81 — (Translation from " Le Foulailler," hy Mons. Jacques) [We give the translation and figures ae they occur. At future time we will remark on them.] {To le continued.) SHEFFIELD POULTET SHOW. The Eshibilion of poiUtry at Sheffield was this year held under an entirely different management to those of preceding years, and took place at the newly-opened Cremornc Gardens, within a comfortable walking distance of the town. Tlie weather beiuij so favourable, the attendance was most satisfactory, em- bracing members of almost every family of distinction in the neighbourhood, and the grounds even on the first day of open- ing were, therefore, well tilled. We are informed, too, that on the ensuing days, when the price of admission was lowered, the accession of numbers was so great as to even exceed the antici- pations of the moot sanguine among its projectors. It must be borne in mind, however, that poultry was not the only object of attraction presented to the public ; for combined with it was held one of the largest and best shows of dogs that has ever yet been got together. Horses, also, were exhibited for prizes, the competition being restricted to hunters only, the result being as goodly a muster of first-iate nags as any votary of the fox- hunt could desire. A great variety of manufactured articles were on the ground, and perhaps nothing connected with the Meeting caused so great an amount of general interest as an arisour plate of 4i inches thickness that had been subjecteel to the test of both Armstrong guns and likewise shells that had been, previously to firing, filled with molten iron. In these warlike days, when public attention is more than usually directed to mutters of this nature, it is almost needless to say this portion of ihe Exhibition was thronged to exce.=9, and many were the espressiocs of astonishment that were involuntarily uttered when viewing for the first time the frightful effects these missiles had produced. A plate newly manufactured, of tlie same strength, exhibited alongside of the one above re- * It will be well to say we will take the franc at 25 to £1 sterUng. fcrrcd to, added by contrast much to the information of visitors. The scene was certainly Strang.-, otid one that in -pired the minds of the reflective with tiiankfiihiess to see on all sides so far as the eye could reach— and the view a most extended one— our own happy land glowing beneath a sunny sky, with corn fast ripen- ing to the husbandman; nor were there wanting hopes again and again audibly expressed among the company that ere long our Atlantic brethren might again enjoy the blessings ever at- tendant upon peace. But to return to the poultry. We did not anticipate first- rate condition among the adults; it was not to be expected, as the moulting this year is unusually premature; but we were certainly surprised at the general excellence of the classes, for decidedly wo never visited a Show where the competition was so good and universal. The Spanish classes, whether old or youn;;, were excellent throughout ; Mr. Tcebay, of Preston, taking the lead in adults, and Mr. Rodbard showing pens of moat covetable chickens. The Grey Dorkings were equally good. Lady Julia CornwaUia and Mr. Key exhibiiing specimens that not only secured for their owners' present high positions, but which, we doubt not, will be heard of equally favourably at ensuing .Shows. Only a few years back the attainment of such perfection woidd have been pronounced impracticable. All amateurs admit nothing interferes 30 materially with an exhibition of Game fowls 05 moiUting time. At Sheflield the Game, with few exceptions, were in really indillerent feather ; indeed, it will generally take a month from the present date to insine plumage fully matured : consequently this portion of the Show, though by no means locking the best of specimens, waa not nearly so attractive as usual. In Cochins the Show was perfection, the Partridge-coloured being, perhaps, the best represented. lu the Bamhurgh, classes Ihe Golden-spanglod were decidedly the best variety shown. Nor were the Med Caps (a breed almost confined to the locality) less commendable than in former years. The' White-crestecl were the best of the Poland class, and the Sebright Bantams were e9])eeially good. Although the entries were not numerous, the Geese and Turkei/s shown were very superior ; nor were the Aylesbury Ducirs and the Kouens less worthy of mention. The Game Bantam classes were better than we remember ever seeing at a Sheffield Show ; but moulting was almost universal among them. We cannot close our remarks without exiiressing our satis- faction that the present Meeting has proved so successful — a " first effort " of a new Committee rarely exhibits so Uttle to complain of; and vie do not doubt, with the experience now gained, future exhibitions of this Society will be regarded with even increased popularity. PIGEONS. The show of Pigeons was fully as numerous as that of previous years, and included many very first-rate specimens. In Carriers Sheflield is always powerful, one of the best breeders and most successful exhibitors of that variety living in the town. The first prize was awa/ded to a mnpnificent young black cock of very good carriage and colour. The blue taking the second was an older bird, one oi the best of that colour we have ever seen. The third went to a dun. The first-prize Carrier hen was a very superior bird, though somewhat out of condition. In Pou-ters the best bird in the class in limb and feather was Mr. Taylor's young mealy cock. Mr. Smith's highly commended red was also very good. ' The prize for Short-faced Tumblers went to a good pair of Almonds. The Fantails were very good, whites winning the prizes. In Otols the pretty little white African variety took first. In the "distinct variety" class there were nmuerous entries. The first prize was awarded to a pen of fenther-legged, silver-chequered, turn-crowned, rock-headed birds that have lately been shown as Icelanders ; they were pretty, and good specimens of the variety. The second prize went to a good pan? of black Swallows. We had omitted to mention the Barbs; they were broad-skulled, large-eyed birds; the second prize, yellows, beine .npnnrently a paia- of cocks. But, considcrmgthe very short time allowed to the Judges, we are only sm-pnscd that there was so little to complain of in the awards. Carrier (cock'.-Firsl, J. Wadsworth. Sccfnd and Third, T. Colley Highly Commended. J. I'crcival; T. Colley ; H. Morris C(j-r,i-r (hen)^ First. W. Cannan. Second and Third. J. Wadswolth. "'RV'J.*^?.'""™'',^' J. Dotchon. Cemmended, A. L. Sylvester, raulcr (cock). -l-iiit, Y\.\ aidley. 384 JOURNAL OF HORXICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 13, 1862. Second, W. Taylor. Tliiid, II. Eeldon. Hiirlilv Commended, J. Smith. Pouter (hen).— First, H. VarJley. Second. W. Taylor. Third, H, Broun. Highly Ciiramended, S. Itoh^on. Short-Juccd Tumblers, — First, Miss Bro.; n. Second. W. Cannan. Hi^bly Commended, A. L. Sylvester. Commended, T. D. Walker. Fantails. —Fir&t. Mrs. Taylor. Second, F. Key. Highly Com- mended, J. It. Jessop. Commended, H. Morris. Jacobins. — Fiist, \V. Cannan. Second, T. D. Wallier. HiRlily Commended, H. Morris. Trumpeters.— Viist, H. Morris. Second, F. Else. Commended, H. Yardlcy. Barbs.— h list, A. L. Sylvester. Second, T. D. Walker. 7'«rSi(s.— First, .1. L Sylvester. Second, F. Else. Highly Commended, II. Yardley. Com- mended, T. D. Walker. Oic^s.— First, H. Morris. Second, F. Flse. Highly Commended, W, Cannan ; F. Key. Am/ other New or Distinct Variety.— First, U, Yardley. Second, H. Moriis. Highlv Commended, S. W. Turner. Commended, S. W. Turner ; T. D. Walker; J. R. Ward ; and H. Yardley. EiBBiTS.— for leniilh of iaivi.— First. W. Howell. Second, G. Jones. For Colour.— First, G. Jones. Second, W. Hudson. Higjilv Commended, G. Gale. Commended, B. Gale. For Wcit/ht.—Fnst; W. RoUlson. Second, W. Howsll. NEWMILLERDAM POULTRY SHOW. The tenth annual Exhibition of the Newmillerdam Agricul- tural, Horticultural, and Poultry Society took place on Tuesday, tlie 29th ult., in a field adjoining Cheyet Park, the residence of Sir Lionel M. Pilkington, Bart., at Newmillerdam, near Wake- field. The poultry entries were not numerous, but many good birds were exhibited— Mr. S. Pickard and Master Crosland carrying off most of tlie prizes. Dorkings, Cochins, Game cliickens. Golden-spangled Hamburghs, Geese, and Bantams, were the most meritoriotts. We subjoin the prize list : — Game (Black-hreasted or other Reds).— Fiist, blaster G. H. Crosland, Wakefield. Second, C. W. Brearley, Roclidale. Highly Commended, J. Riley, Chickenley, Dewesltury; Master Crosland ; W. Cope. Game (any otlier variety).- First, J. Riley. Dewesbury (Duckwings). Second, Master G. H. Crosland, Wakefield. Chieketis.—Fhst and Second, Master Crosland, (Black Reds and Duckwings). Highly Commended, J. Craven (Blacks) ; J. Rilev. Cochins (Cinn.imnn and Buff). -First, Messrs. H. & G. Newton, Leeds. Second, S. Pickard, Divlcar, near Wakefleld. Cochins (any otlier variety).— First, S. Pickard, Dirtcar, near Wakefield. Second, J. Hazelgrave, Chapelthorpe. Chickcns.—Fiist and Second, S. Pickard. DonKiNGs.- Fiist, S. Pickard, Diricar, near Wakefleld. Second, H. Hims- worth, Lupset Hall, near Wakefleld. CViitAcns.— First and Second, S. Pickard. Highly Cuinniendcd, J. Hazelgrave, Chapelthorpe. Spakish.- FirsI, W. Cope. Second, J. Ellis. Hamburghs (Golden-spangled).— First, Master G. H. Crosland, Wakefield Second, J. Ellis. C/iiV*e;iS.— Prize, Master G. H. Crosland. Hambckgiis iSilver-spangled).— First, Master G. H. Crosland, Wakefield. Second, G. R. Tate, DrifSeld. Cliiciens.— Prize, Master Crosland. Aky other Distinct Variety. — First. Lady Hawke, Womersley Park, Pontefract (Brahmas). Second, Master Crosland, Wakefield (Golden- pencilled Hamburghs). Bantams (White or Black).— First, Master Crosland, Wakefield. Second, G. R. Tate, Driffield. Bantams (any other variety).- First, Master Crosland, jun., Wakefleld. Second, C. W. Brearley, Rochdale. Geese. — First, Lady Hawke, Womersley Park. Second, J. Fawcett, Wakefleld. Docks (Aylesljury).- First, J. Walsham. Second, Lady Hawke, Womersley Park. Ducks (Rouen).— First, J. Hazelgrave, ChapelthoiTe. Second, J. Hirst. Sweepstakes for Gamk Cocks. — Prize, C. W. Brearley, Rochdale. The Judge was Mr. T. J. Charlton, Bradford. Dorkings.- First, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley. Second, E Smilh> Middleton, Manchester. Chickens. — Prize, Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby-in- Cleveland, Stokesley. Highly Commended, T. W. Hill, Heywood, Man- chester. Cochi.n-China (Black or White).— First, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. Second, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield. Highly Commended, A. Cattley, Tower Street, York. Cochin-China (any other colour). — First, Messrs. H. & G. Newton, East Street, Leeds. Second, E. Smith, Middleton, Manchester. Highly Commended, G. Jackson, Peiiley Grove Street, Y'ork. Cochin-China Chicke.ns (any colour).— Prize, W. Dawson, Hopton Mirfield. Commended, R. Gatenby, Shipton, Market Weighton. Messrs. H. & G. Newton, East Street, Leeds. Game.— Fist, H. Adams, Beverley. Second, H. Beldon, Park Collage, Bradford. Cliickens.— Vvize, J. H. Smith, Skelton Grange, York. Hajieorgiis (Golden-spangled).— First, W. Cannan, Bradford, Y^orkshire. Second, G. R. Tate, Dritiield. Chickens.-Pnze, W. Lawson, East Cliiven. Hamburghs iGolden-pencilled).— First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, S. Cliffc, Grantham. tV(JcA-e;(s.— First, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. Highly Commended, W. Cannan, Bradford, Yorkshire. Hamburgh (Silver-spangled). — First, S. Campling, Cottingham, Hull. Second, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. Highly Commended, G. R. Tate, Driffield. CT;fic/i.s.— Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford. Hasiburgh {Silver-pencilled).— Prize, W. Cannan, Bradford, Y'orkshire. Cliickens. — I'rize, W. Cannan, Bradford, Yorkshire. Poland (any variety).— First and Second, J. Dixon, North Park, Brad- ford. Cliickcn.i.—Vnxe, W. Newsome, Bingley, Leeds. Any other Vakiett. — Prize, W. Dawson, Hopton MirfieliL Commended, G. R. Tate, Driffield. Cliickens.— Prize, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. Bantams (Black or White).- First, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. Second, E. Holdsworlh, 90, Calls, Leeds. Commended, G. B. Tate, Driffield ; E. Holdswcrth, Leeds. Bant-ims 'any other colour).— First, II. Beldon, Park Cottage, Bradford. Second. W. Hodgson, Grimston, Tadcaster. Highly Commended, E. Y'eard- ley. Wood Lane, Sheffield. Spanish Cock.— Prize, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. DoBKiNG Cock —Prize, H. Beldon, Park Cottage, Bradford. Highly Com- mended E. Smith. Middleton, Manchester. CocHiN-CiilNA Cock.— Prize, J. Bell, Thirsk. Game Cock.— Prize, H. M. Julian, Beverley. Hambukgh Cock (Golden-spangled). — Prize, J. Dixon, Bradford. Hamuurgh Cock (Golden-pencilled). — Prize, S. Smith, Northowr.rm. IlAMnuucu (Silver-spangledj.— Prize, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. Hamburgh (Silver-pencilled,- Prize, 11. Beldon, Park Cottage, Bradford. Geese.— First, G. R. Tate, Drimeld. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Ducks (Aylesbury).- First, O. A. Young, Driffield. Second, G. R. Tate, Driffield. Ducks (Rouen, or any other breed, not Aylesbury).— First, G. R. Tate, Driffield. Second, Mrs. Jordan, Eastburn House, Dritiield. Tuekevs.— First, T. Ward, Cannial Hat, Whitby. Second, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford. The Judges were Mr. J. 0. Jolly, Acomb, near York ; and Mr. T. J. Charlton, Bradford. YOEKSHIEE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The twenty-fifth annual Meeting of this Society was held last week, for the fifth time in the city of York. The show of cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, and implements was very extensive ; while the poultry although not numerously represented, were of equal merit, many first-class birds being shown. Black Spaii'sh formed the first classes, Mr. Cunnan securing both first honours with fair birds. Dorkings and Cochins were good. In Game, adults, Mr. H. Adams gained first prize with Brown Reds. The Game chickens, with tlie exception of Mr. Smith's prize Duck- wings, were an inferior lot. Mr. Cannan showed good Ham- burghs, more particularly Golden-spangled and Silver-pencilled. Mr. Dixon also exhibited several good pens, taking prizes. As usual, the same geutleman stood pre-eminent in Polands, old birds. In Poland cliickens, Mr. Newsome's White-crested Black prize pen was much admired. Mr. Dawson added another to his many honours, in " any other variety," with his noted Sultam. In Black or White Bantams, the former variety took both prizes. Silver-laced and Gold-laced respectively were successful in "Bantams, any other variety." The Geese and Ducks were excellent. Spanish.— Fiist, W. Cannan, Bradford, Yorkshire. Second, J.Dixon, North Park. Highly Commended, J. Ratcliffe, Osbaldwick, York. Cliickens. —Prize, W. Cannan. GOLDEN-SPANGLED HAMBURGHS AT LEEDS. In your Letter Box of last week's Journal jou gave an answer to Mr. William Lawson, who apparently complains that the earlobes of the first-prize Golden-spangled llamburgh cock were painted. On the second day of the Show Mr. Lawson did try to convince another member of the Committee and myself that the earlobes of the first-prize bird had been painted, but failed to do so. However, we promised him that the matter should be fully looked into, and, if necessary, the bird disqualified. Several experienced breeders were asked to examine him, and their unanimous opinion was that the earlobes were in a perfectly natural state, and such confidence had the Committee in their judgment, that they did not think it necessary to trouble the Judges with the matter. What more have I to add except that the maligned bird has (under another ownership) taken a first prize at the late Y'ork Show, with exactly the same competition as at Leeds — the only difference being that other gentlemen ofllciated as judges ? Is not this sufficient ? Allow me, in conclusion, to say a few words about the time the Judges were allowed for performing their labours at the Leeds Show. Twelve o'clock certainly was the hour at which the Show, by the rules, was to have been opened, but no time was set for the commencement of the judging. The birds were ready for inspection at six A.M. ; and it the Judges did not commence before half-past nine it was not the fault of the Committee.— One of the Committee. I AM very much surprised to find such remarks. I can assura every one that the earlobes were perfect and free from any paint ; in fact, I got the bird out of the pen and handed him to Mr. Beldon, and in the presence of Mr. G. S. Sainsbury, one of the Judges, I took out my handkerchief and rubbed the earlobes to see if they were right. As I had heard here a remark passed that they were painted, I made the remark, "If the cock can be bought for'£5, he will be mine." I was as good as my word. I wrote August 12, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTUEE AND COTTA&E GARDENER. 385 to the owner to advise me the price of tlie cock, also the price of the pen. I got the reply by return of post that I could have the pen for £5. I waa so dead on the binls that I took train to Dinton, in Lancashire, and got them. Since I got the birds I have had several parties in want of them. As 1 had boiiRht tliem for my own use, I did not feel disposed to part with them. One of our well-known fanciers, Mr. Belilon, brought a gentle- man to look at them, and we bargained that I shoidd have .€10 and show them at Newmillerdam, at which place the cock again took first prize, and if I be a judge the pen will take many fii'jts this season, without the assistance of paint. If Mr. Iinwson attends the great Yorkshire Show he will find the pen there, and if the earlobes are yet painted, I will give Mr. N. Marlor the £10 for the receipt of his patent. I think the above remarks are a sufBcient proof the birds were good. — John Crosianh, Jru., Wal-efield. Having noticed the remarks respecting the jirizc pcu of Golden-spangled Ilamburghs at Leeds, I assure you my birds were not trimmed either in earlobes or feather. I am very sorry such remarks should have been made. I sold the pen to one of our noted exhibitors, and he examined the same at my house and told me such remarks had been made at Leeds, but he was quite satisfied the earlobes were perfect. 1 aui sure the above party is considered a good judge of poultry, and I have known him for years as a fancier and breeder of Hamhurghs, and I trust he will give his opinion on the matter. — Natuak Mahloe. results. In this case Gishnrst was dissolved forty-eight hours before— half a pound to a gallon of soft water, and, if I remember, was applied by means of a large painter's brush. — Gkorge Wilson. BrixfTNcnK3' Eggs DiSAPPEAunfo. — In reply to "CrMBES- i.and's" inquiry in Thk JornXAT. of rToHTicnLTrRE, I am not aware of any bird that particularly destroys the eggs of BuU- (inehcs ; but Crows, Magpies, .lays. Squirrels, Rnts, and Mice will destroy tlvi eggs and young of any birds they meet with, and it is most likely to some of them that tlie disappearance of the eggs may be attributed. — B. P. Brent. FECUNDITY OF HENS. TnE ordinary productiveness of a single hen is astonishing. LIGUEIAN BEES. I TniNK there can be no doubt about the Ligurians being more prolific than the blacks, as I have a last-year's swarm that swarmed four times in five days in June, and is now hanging out, and I believe would swarm again if the weather had been more favourable ; but having killed the ilronc?, and there being little honey to get, T suppose there will he no chance of its doing so. I observe my bees have been able to gather a little honey the last three or four days. — A. W. Instances are recorded of hens laying over 200 eggs annually, while, probably, 120 would be a fair average. Undoubtedly much dejiends on circumstances as to the productiveness of hens. Climate has great influence on this subject, and the lodging, food, and attention which are bestowed upon these animals have more or less elTeet in promoting th ir fecundity, _ ^_ . „ . It is asserted by Buffon that a hen, well fed and attended, will : every one of you knows. Pastor Dzierzon, of Carlsmarkt ; where produce upwards of loO eggs in a year, besides two broods of fore also he is termed by all rational apiarians, the master of chickens. We find statements recorded in our agricultural journals of several instances of extraordinary products of hens, which will enable us to form some judgment on the subject. HINTS FOR PEACTICAL BEE-KEEPEES. [The following address was delivered on the 4th September, in last year, to the Potsdam Central Bee-keeper's Society, by Hen- Viebig, of Kieiu-Glienicke, near Potsdam. The speaker is evi- dently one of the old school of apiarians, and deprecates some of the modern innovations with earnestness and no small ability. A DETOXSniKE BEE-KEErEE.] "Prove all thing?, hold fast that which is good." -1 Tnrss. v., 21. Ddhing the last fifteen years the science of bee-keeping has advanced and improved far more than during the thousands which have preceded them. Tlie author of Hiis progress is, as The editor of the Massachwieffs Floughman says, from 83 hens 7200 eggs were obtained, which would give to each hen 81 eggs for the year. A remarkable instance of fecundity in the hen is related by a correspondent : — Three pullets of the Poland breed, hatched in Jime, commenced laying in December following, and, from that to the next December, laid 554 eggs, averaging 185 to each hen. It seems ever to be an object of great importance in an economical point of view to secure the laying of hens during those periods of the year when, if left to themselves, they are indisposed to deposit their eggs. Old hens cannot be depended on for eggs in winter, the very time we want them most. As pullets do not moult the first year, they commence laying at an earlier period than the old hens ; and it is possible so to arrange as to have eggs throughout the winter as well as spring and summer. Some hens are ascertained to lay at longer intervals than others ; some will lay one egg in three days ; some every other day ; others every day ; and we have heard of one that laid two eggs in one day. The act of laying is not voluntary on the part of the hen, but is dependant upon her age, constitution, and diet. If she be young, healthy, and well fed, lay she must ; if she ia old and half fed, lay she cannot. All that is left to her choice is where she should deposit her egg. — {Califorman Farmer.) GISHUEST COMPOUND APPLIED TO DOGS. In answer to the query in last Number as to the use of Gis- hurst Compound to clear fleas from dogs. I have never tried it for this purpose myself; but a friend, knowing in dogs, having some time back told me that he regularly used it with entire success, I showed him your correspondent's question, and asked his modus operandi. He breaks up Gishurst into small pieces ; then, having the dog wetted, rubs with his hand till the whole coat is in a lather. This, he said, effectually cleared off all fleas, but not the burrowing ticks. Some time ago I had a dog with mange, and thinking that Gishurst, from containing sulphur, must be beneficial, it was applied, and with obviously good modern bee-keeping. All of you, gentlemen, have, some by way of trial, hut the greater number entirely, practised bee-keeping according to the new system. LTnfortnnately, however, success has not always equalled expectations. The last two years have been years of probation for bee-keepers, during which many of you have not unfrequently sighed and complained that things were going so badly with your bees. Of late years I have had many opportunities of becoming acquainted with other apiaries, and have frequently heard complaints sung to the same tune. Generally, however, I found tluit the fault was not so much in the season, but was often the consequence of wrong treatment. We all make the great mistake of refining too much, and in seeking after new discoveries, make too great sacrifices from which we expect as great success, forgetting that success is not always proportioned to the means employed and the sacrifices made, and not considering that the making of these experiments is the business of those who pursue other objects than our own. We aim at honey-gathering ; they multiply the Italian species, and endeavour to enrich science. We practise bee-keeping from economical considerations ; they from passion. We are practical men j they apply their minds to the development of theory. Not, therefore, that we should restrict ourselves to the narrow circle of our merely empirical endeavours, and reject the good which theory has produced, and whicli may be of practical utility. On the contrary, in this we will imitate the bees them- selves which gather honey from all flowers, by making the blossoms of theory practically useful, whilst we slum prolix ex- periments, which are attended with trouble and expense, and the results of which, however good they may appear, are very often the reverse. In short, we will take the word of our greatest poet — " \Vilt thou still farther rove ! Look, the good is near." It need scarcely be said that by this revolution really useful ideas are by no means to he excludeil, but only that blind zeal and rage for imitation, which, neglecting that which is old and well proved, looks always for that which is new, unproved and verv often far-fetched. " Tins false passion for novelty shall be condemned by us, for that is mostly imitated which is praised as being clever by bee-keepers whose names carry weight with 38a JOXJBNAIi OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. [ August 12, 1862. the preB3 witliout considering that different localities rfquire different maxims. By this means, also, that which really prac- tical and experienced bee-keepers advise and recommend is but seldom followed, although the ever-true words, " Prove all things, hold fast that which is good," are especially applicable to bee- teeping. We must not entirely cast aside the experience gathered during thousands of years, but rather seek to unite it to the present system of rational bee-keeping, if not in absolute contradiction to it. As for me, I do not join in the complaints which are every- where made. The want of honey was complained of in the year 18G0. I speak the truth in asserting that I never gathered so much as in that ill-famed year. The last year, as I heard both privately and at public meetings, entirely ruined many apiaries, whilst others were, reduced to a modest minimum. I kept last autumn and tlirough the winter eighteen hives — namely, fifteen boxes, and three straw hives. The boxes were closely examined and the deficient food supplied ; the straw liives were weighed, and, by means of food given to them, made able to stand tl.e winter. I never put my stocks during winter into a cellar or other room. — I should only do it if I feared their being stolen. In their wild state bees must winter in the open air, and there they are stronger and more diligent than our domesticated bees, although the former are less sheltered from the cold than the latter. Tlie bees will, therefore, during winter breathe the pure atmosphere and not the damp cellar air. The only reason wh> bees are generally brought into cellars is to protect them from cold ; but this can be done at least as wel. in the bee-house. I have never doomed my bees to the air of the cellar, and yet they were quite as warm on their stand as others in the cellar. To keep them in the latter has also other very disadvantngeous consequences. With the greatest eare and attention the appearance of light at some point or other cannot be entirely avoided; by this the bees are allured to fly out, and by this I have known them in certain eases killed in great numbers. What bees also have generally the dysentery in the spring ? In most cases those which stood in the cellar. The damp air and unavoidable noises in the rooms above frequently cause an agitation among the bees, which very much promote both water-dearth and dysentery. How different is it on their stand ! They are outwardly sheltered against the cold by means of wrappers (the best are pine-needles), are never disturbed, breathe the pure air, and are sheltered against cold storms by a curtain over the cntranc;. When there is a warm hour in January or February the curtain is removed, and the bees can employ themselves in cleaning. If they stand in the cellar this must certainly be left undone, as the transport is generally troublesome and the bees are put by it into such a commotion that a flight for cleaning would be hurtful. My stocks which were outwardly protected from cold by wrappers in the above manner have aU, in spite of tlie cold winter, come excellently through it. They were very lively in spring, no sign of dysentery was obsei vcd, and no stock was without a queen. The loss of a queen during winter arises only from their being disturbed, for it is known that she does not grow old in this time. In their agitation the bees begin to hum, they disperse, and the queen gets benumbed or is even killed by the enraged bees. A second plan which is frequently recommended is the re- moval of an old queen that a new one may be bred. I believe one makes oneself here sorrows without any necessity, as bees feel very readily the iusufliciency of an old queen and kill her themselves (of course only in summer), in order to breed a new one. Although I have myself not yet seen this act of the bees, I think I have caute to infer it pretty siu-ely from the following: — One of my Pzierzon-boxes must, according to my account, have a queen more than five years old. She would, therefore, if still alive, be no longer very fruitful; and yet is this stock particularly active. It bred many workers and but few drones. Certainly, therefore, the bees must already, during the Bummer, have killed their old queen and reared a young one. Also, I have boxes with queens four years old, but in none does there appear any decrease in fertility. The removing of old queens I deem, therefore, quite useless, and even a risk, although it is recommended by many authorities. Most bee-keepers would also be incapable of performing it, as it requires dexterity, bold- ness, and quietness, which are not often met witli. In order, therefore, not to aggravate the difficulties, or create a distaste for bee-keeping, one may leave this experiment alone. I turn now to artificial swarms. The fatalities attendiiig our artificial swarms are, perhaps sufficiently wjU known ; they have either perished entirely, or become very weak stocks, whilst the boxes Irom which they proceeded have suffei-ed endless evils. The best and most natural mode of increase is by natural swarms. If one keeps a few straw hives, and causes the bees therein to breed early by means of feeding, one receives swarms in favour- able years in tlio middle of May. It can scarcely be expected that anificial swarms can be made earlier, as drones must pre- viously exist lor impregnation. It is altogether a mistake to believe that early swarms are more prosperous than later ones. I got this year my first swarm on the 5th of J unc, and another on the 17th. On the 27th of June the latter had a perceptible advantage over the former. The principal thina is that swarms should issue during a fall pasture : therefore May swarms are less proeperous than those of June. But how stands a natural compared witir an artificial swarm ? The first has a strong people with the instinct to found immediately a separate family — it lias a queen — it accepts any place which is offered to it, and flies from there immediately out for food. The artificial swarm has a weak people — it must generally be con- veyed to another apiary — the instinct to form a new colony does not awaken till after some unquiet days— viz , when queen-cells have been begun. After several days the weak people (which, even with the assistance of the inserted brood, does not arrive at the condition of a weak second swarm for eight to twelve days), benin sparingly to fly out and to work. A first swarm is therefore farther advanced in one day than an ai'tifieial swarm in a fortnight. The boxes from which artificial swarms are taken are in reality only intended to give honey. If the bees, during their dihgence, are suddenly disturbed — if their strength is weakened by the removal of brood-combs — they can seldom fulfil tlieir proper purpose by giving much honey. He that would pursue bee-keeping with success should never increase liis stocks by artificial but always by natural swarms. {To he continued.) THIS HONEY SEASON, I HAD two swarms about the 26th of June, and hived them into straw hives with comb and a little honey. A few days after I had another swarm, from which I took the queen by fumigation, and divided the bees between the two former swarms ; but that night I heard both queens piping, and the next morning picked up a queen thrown out by one of the hives, since which I find they both have thrown out many drones ; and yesterday the drones were flying out from one of the hives quite strong. Can you inform me how I can tell if they both have queens or not ? — A. W. [If pollen is carried freely into both hives, the probability is that both have queens ; but there is no means of positively ascertaining the point unless they have either bars or frames, in whicli case an examination might be made, during which an interview with royalty could be obtained without difficulty.] QUE LETTER BOX. Blindness is Fowls (Jn()helinh).—i!anj persons, ourselves among the number, have had to complain of diseases this year that were previously unknown. Proof: In one yard we rear Spanish, Cochins, and Brahmas. We have not had a case of sickness among the latter. All the Spanish chickens die of a hard swelling in the f,ace, generally between the eye and nostril. We hope this is no comfort to yon. You may keep fifty fowls in such a place as you describe, if the run is unlimited, and if the doors and windows are open all day. The blindness may he cured by bathing the eye with vinegar :ind cold water. We do not believe there is much suffering, and we think castor oil, wormwood, and ale persevered in would cure any early cases. Breed of Fowls {Subscriber^ Cork).— Jt is impossible to say what breed claims the bird you have described ; but as the eggs all came fi'om Silver- spangled, it is more than pi-obable they were laid by birds of that breed. The liiid in question may be a *' lusus naturie," or the result of a " faux pas "' or " n-.^salliancc." Your description would pourtray an indifferent specimen, but not of necessity an impure one. Were it not for the Lark-crest, this animal may be a result of an experiment a long time ago. LONDON MAEKETS.— ArGTJST II. POULTRY. The market goes on without much fluctuation. There is an unusual trade which carries away all th,at is left by the ordinary buyers, and prevents the collapse w hich usually takes place when the house closes, shooting comes in, and London goes out of town. Grouse- Large Fowls Smaller do 3 2 1 0 to 3 0 „ 2 6 „ 1 0 „ 6 0 „ 0 G 6 9 6 0 2 0 to 2 0 „ 0 8 „ 1 8 „0 ,1 0 n Rabbits 1 4 Gecsc GosliUKs 6 0 Wild do 0 » Pigeons 0 9 August 19, 1862. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OABDENER. ssr 1 WEEKLY CALENDAR. 1 WuATHKU NKAIt LONUON IN ISGl. 1 Dav or Day of AUGUST 10-25, 1802. Sun Sun Jfoon Rises Afoon's Clncli b'fore n.ay of liain ih Inches. M'ml. Week. Barometer. Thermom tVind. Rises. Sets. and Set* Age. Sun. Year. deffrecs. m. h. m. h. ni. h. m. B. 19 To Altlitea frulex. 29 922-29 904 72—42 S W. — 53af4 14 af? 38 11 24 3 27 231 S? W Aizoon lanccolatuin. 30 0G7— 30.002 75-37 S.W. — 55 4 12 7 mom. 25 3 13 232 21 Th .Sun's dcclin. Vl' S'n. 30.109- 30.15(! 72-33 W. — 56 4 ' 10 7 f.a 0 50 2 59 233 22 F Trevirana pulcUella. 30.239-30.071 71 -.5.'-. S.W. ■02 58 4 8 7 40 I 87 2 4( 234 23 S Manettia plabra. 30.046-30,032 79-48 N.W. — V 1) 7 46 2 28 2 29 235 24 Son 10 Sun. aft. Tuik. St. E.\ut. 30.139-30.052 72-43 yv. — 15 4 7 SB 3 29 2 13 236 25 M Tigridia pavonia. 30.153-30.070 73-62 N.W. 3 5 17 bits • 1 57 237 llKTEOKOLOOY OF THE WkEK.— At Cllisw ick, from observations during the last thirty-five years, the avcva^re Inches t anil lowest temperatures of the-^e days are 71.9' and 60 4^^ resnectivelv. The irreitest heat, 89', occurred on the 25th, in 1859 : and the lyw est cold, 82°, on the 21st, in 1850. During the period 138 days were line, and on 10? rain tel). ^.■^i^j THE PLANTING-OUT AT THE EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDEN \T SOUTH KENSINGTON IN 1862. OST alterations, ad- ditions, subtrac- tioii.s. and im- provements have been made on the hot haste of theti- nishinpf, planting, and arrangements of 18G1. And not- withstanding all the twaddle about " broken bottles " - — referring, of course.to the spar glacis, and to the ground colour given to the fans and friezes of the corridors or ar- cades— our town garden is, most undoubtedly, the very- best example in the three kingdoms of the old school of Italian design for a town garden, or for a suburban one either. Away, then, with the criticism on the design itself, and any slips of the pen or pencil which may have been made in the hurry of execution. Meantime let na note the process of planting-out, and the progress of the garden in general for the last twelve months. But first of all let me say that they have taken a leaf out of Sir Joseph Paxton's way of gaining one whole month on the London season in flowers by planting their pot-established Crystal Palace Scarlet Geraniums almost all over the garden. Let me be just also, and I must say that plan of planting out well-grown plants in the pots they were in all the spring entails just three times the usual expense of keeping up a flower garden very early in the season and very late in the autumn. Then it follows that if your flower garden cost you only £iriO in keeping from May to October, and you should turn over this new leaf, be it known to you and yours and to all whom it may concern, that £300 will not more than keep one out of the fix of certain failure. Beginning on the middle terrace next the council-room there are three pairs of oblong beds across the terrace, and along the walk which crosses the bottom of that terrace. The first pair is planted with Cottage Maid Geranium, the centre pair with two kinds of Nosegay Geranium.^, and the third with the Geranium Attraction, and the whole is edged with Mint and Alyssum mixed. The soil in these wants renewing. Then up along the east side come Rhododendron-beds, Hollyhock-beds, and beds of bedding Dahlias. The Rhododendron-beds have, first, an edging of Andromeda floribunda, both doing exceed- ingly well ; and outside three rings of flowers— Scarlet Geranium, Heliotrope, and an edging of Mint. The best No. 73.— Vol. III., New Sebies. edgings of the variegated all over the garden arc from cuttings put in at planting-out time just where they stand — say two rows of cuttings at 3 inches apart to make one row of edging, or, as Mr. Thomson of Archcrfield taught UP, how he made hi.s edtjings of Corastium tomen- tosuni. The best bedding Dahlias in these beds are four kinds out of six or seven kinds that arc there. The best of the four is a very good dwarf yellow one called Titian ; the nest best is Koyal Purple, which is of the same size and habit as Zelinda, wliieh is planted next to it for comparison. The next kind is named Pigeon, one [ of the dwarf fancies, white and lilac ; and the best j white is named White Unique, but it does not seem to bo so free in blooming as the rest, and there is a dingy- coloured one which ought never to have been even sug- gested for a flower-garden. There are abominations of ! colours in the Dahlias and in the Hollyhocks which no [ real lady can look on with approval. But the two friezes are the gems of this side of the terrace, or say they and I the corresponding pair on the west side, are the pride of the arcade accompaniments ; and the four are in four different patterns this year, all very beautiful, and, as far as the patterns would allow, remarkably well planted this season. In some instances there, and elsewhere in the garden, the Council of the Society and the artist who designed the plan both erred in iirinciple by adopting too much of a good thing. I mean by attempting to make spar-coloured beds parts and parcels of groups of flower-beds, instead of ground colour only : that is a radical mistake, and an index to the value of the weiglit of these authorities on matters of flower-gardening. The next question is. Would you alter them — that is, change the spar-beds to flower-beds ? I would do nothing of the kind just yet. It is much better as it is, for we can afford to boar it and the blame of it: therefore, it will be a sample of a kind of work which is yet too new in this country to be generally understood and for avoiding certain errors which are very likely to creep in until the people get better accustomed to this style of decoration. A fresh hand at such designing or a young beginner might easily fall into the error as readily as Mr. Neslield and the Council who adopted his ideas; but by seeing this example he will know how not to repeat the same error ; and, therefore, the thing as it is is much more likely to teach the natives wh^t to do, and what to avoid than the most perfect design. The south-east frieze, or the lower one on the east side of the terrace, may be said to be a lon.g oval not much short of 100 feet and of a proportionate width, and the planting to be done in three lines of bed.-., one set of beds along the centre of the oval all laid down in or on a light-coloured ground or gravel, and difTerent-formed beds in duplicates alo^^g each side of the great oval in another kind of ground colour in gravel, ail most exqui- site botli in the design and in the planting ; but then comes the error in prii,ciple of having parts or centres of parts of beds in spar instead of flowers. Neither the Romans nor their successors in Ifal}' did attempt to colour parts of a pattern with flowers, and other parts of No. 725.— Vol. XXVIIT., Old Seeies. 'JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTtlEE AND COTTAGE GASDENEE. 388 the some pattern with coloured spar, gravel, or sand, as is here exemphfied. Wlien they used flowers, as far as I have seen m ancient autliors, they made them as frames to a picture— the frames or borders in plants with or without flowers, and the patterns or pictures inside the frames—just like the glacis, fancy figures in fancy-coloured gravels. But in the two fans even the frames of the pictures are, as it were, an allegory— so much of clay, so much of brass, gold, silver, and so on, as 1 shall show when we come to them. The run of centre beds in this frieze are five groups or lobed beds, and lobes of Box in the angles, or as a four-petalled flower, and the Box to be the calyx ; then the centre, where the seed-pod should come, is a diamond of coloured gravel, as low as the ground-colour gravel, and as stupid as anything any mortal ever put on paper, board, or bank. There is no meaning in it— no sort of contrast cither; and as to harmony, you might just as well put a carp in a flower-pot out of the basin beyond, and set it up by a bright Scarlet Geranium. No one will ever copy such geologic polychromes, and, therefore, they had better remain as they are, like the hand-sign on Hungerford Bridge, to tell the way to the right or to the left, but never to the thing as it is. Well, the four-lobed groups are five in number, up the centre of the big oval, planted with Tropa-olum elegans, and in the same run are four circles of yellow Calceolarias. Then on each side of the oval, and opposite the Calceolarias, come half-circles of Scarlet Geraniums, with gravel for ground colour between the beds ; but without a iilan of the beds the mode can hardly be sufficiently explained. The upper frieze on this side is very differently planted. Tliere is a bed at each end of the oval, which is three parts of a circle, enclosing a space of gravel. These are in Scarlet Geraniums and Purple King in the very liighest perfeclion, then seven circles of yellow Calceolarias, and six diamond-beds alternating, in Scarlet Geraniums ; and. the beds on each side of the oval are in half-circles, in scarlet also and Purple King, or what you might call a blaze of scarlet, yellow, and purple ; then the top with three beds only across, along the top walk, two of them being with Rose Queen Geranium, and one of Tropa-olum elegans. Kose Queen is edged with Flower of the Day, and Tropseolum elegans with the Golden Chain. Then the upper terrace on each side of the conservatory, where on the east side a big tree which had escaped the revolution puts the symmetry of the beds on either side out of joint— on the west side especiallv— the beds, indeed, are most perfect specimens of the highest style of our art, save the edge next the grass ; and all over the garden, owing to the backward season, the edging plants do not yet fill up the space to the very edge of the gn-ss, as all good and true edgings ought to do always and in all places and patterns whatever. And whether it be grass, Box, or the line of an architectural edging, no more room is allowed between the edging plant and the line it follows tlian just enough to make the two lines visible— the line of grass or Box, and the line of plants. Next the conservatory, on either side, comes an oblong bed ot the best variegated Geranium of the season ; then, also, a pair of Lady Middleton Geranium, which is preferred to Trentliam Rose for its more close and more dwarf habit, as Rose Queen is preferred here to Christine for the opposite quahties — bigger and stronger in all respects. Here is a circular-bed of Lady Plymouth Geranium and variegated Alyssum, with Coleus Verschafi'elti, all mixed, and all looking as comfortable as if tliey were inside the grand conservatorv. Another circle is of Agathsa ccelestis variegata. Not so for amiss after all ; but that plant was certainly not worth a first or a second class certificate, as we of the Floral Committee had given it. My ownself, as Sam would say, was hand and glove with the majority in giving the first-class prize. But " Once bit twice shy"" is the saying ; and I can never bring myself to believe the truth from a man who once told me a deliberate falsehood— for a man did tell me a direct falsehood with respect to that plant being a good or thoroughly good variegated plant, when I myself could not know anything of it but from seeing sis little plants of it before us. The next bed is another oblong of the new scarlet Tropfeolura called Eclipse, which was raised last year by Mr. Headley, of Cambridge, one of the then Floral Committee. From liim it passed into the hands of Mr. Turner, of Slough, who provided that bed to prove the fact : and the plant does indeed prove it to the very letter - proves Eclipse to be the highest-coloured of the race of Lobbianum, and equal to elegans in habit and flushne ss of bloom. It is a splendid bed ; and indeed all about the con- [ August 19, 1862. servatory are so, inside and out — vases, borders, beds, and music, and thousands of visitors from out of the International to hear and see it all, and enjoy it most thoroughly. But to be in the fashion the Society, too, must show oft' "an exotic bed" of fine-foliaged plants ; and there it is — west side of the conserva- tory. The centre with AVigandia caracasana ; Indian corn ; Castor-oil plants ; a row of Selinum decipiens, an Aralia-looking, softwooded, palmiferous-like plant (if there is such a word), which, in fact, is one of the great foreign umbel-plants — that is, related to our own Angelicas and Archangelicas — a very pretty plant, however, for this kind of work. The outer row is of Perilla and of Coleus Terschaffclti plant for plant ; then extra beds and beds of Dahlias and Hollyhocks to the two grand friezes of the western terrace. The top frieze has six-feet-wide circles of white spar down the centre of the oval ; and there are six beds of flowers embracing the circles in the form of the schoolboy's pothooks, with the points of the hooks cut off short —very pretty beds, and all exquisitely planted and flourishing, thus : — two rows of Flower of the Day in the centre of the pot- hook-fashion bed ; two rows of Purple King Verbena on each side of the variegated Geranium ; and two rows of Tropaeolum elegans on the two outsides. The gravel under the pothooks, as it were, is of cream colour, and that of the centre circles is white — one of the most telling combinations i i the whole garden. The last or lowest frieze is in this wise :— six beds across the oval diagonally, and six spar divisions between them ; and two end beds in the lobed shape, and filled with another fine new seedling Tropa-olum of their own raising, after the look of Triomphe de Hyris, and very good indeed. The six diagonal beds are planted with the Nosegay Lord Palmerston — an immense trusser, of good habit, but, like some others of the delicate tints over the garden, the flowers get sunburnt this cold summer. This was one of my seedlings, which I sent to be proved, and they put it in tlie place of honour instead of in a large bed for trial. And with it I sent one plant of Nosegay Cybister, or the Tumbler — perhaps the very best bedder of all the race and a new style of truss. The back of the truss comes up first, and the first flowers open downwards ; the truss then rolls rjund to put the flowers upright, or is tumbled round, from which the classic name is derived. As for the Tumbler bulb, SprekeUa cybister, Mr. Evlcs and all the judges who have seen the Tumbler believe it to" be the best bedding sort, and I hope it is ; but a whole mass of it must be tried there another year, and if any other breeder can tumble in a rival to it that would please us all. The three pairs of oblong beds below the frieze are thus : — Two pairs with Attraction Geranium, and the centre pair with Punch, all edged with Mint and all veiy good. Then the two grand pairs in the centre of the garden are bordered all round with oblong beds 6 feet wide and 22 feet in length, and circular beds between them— all quite grand. The oblong beds are thus : — three rows of the Crystal Palace Scarlet in the centre, and on each side a deep band of Purple King Verbena edged with Mangles'. The circles are in pairs and in variegated Gera- niums of sorts ; and a top circle is of the new Lady Mary Scott Verbena from Dalkeith Palace — a fine dark crimson sort. The patterns inside these frames are very intricate, but the planting is much better than last year. The finest masses are of Brilliant, and they are brilliant. Mrs. Vernon Nosegay, Aurea floribunda Calccoliria, Tropseolum elegans, and the old crimson Nosegay, with smaller beds of Mimulus cupreus, a new and more scarlet Orach, tlie Amaranthus melancholicus, which promises fair, and several others, complete the patterns of the fans without an axis. Tlien the two side grass ovals with pedestals and vases bordered round with four oblong beds, and as many circles. A pair of the oblongs are planted with Rose fjueen instead of Christine, and a pair of Scarlets to match the circles in Calceolarias, all gayer than last year. Then the grandest composition in this or any- country is the great middle circle, divided into eight circles in scrollwork, and all planted to the very letter of the law in opposite match pairs, with dilTerent accompaniments of scroll- work-beds to each pair, and a centre raised vase-bed on a plat- form of grass — a magnificent arrangement in the most artistic forms imaginable. The centre raised bed has a Pampas Grass plant in the centre, then a mass of the Cottage Maid Geranium ed»ed with three kinds of Ivy-leaf Geraniums— the Golden- leaved sort, the lilac, and the old white ; all too light, how- ever, for resting against the white curve of the vase-like frame for the bed. The eight main scroll circles around are thus in opposite pairs :— one pair of Crystal Palace Scarlet ; one of August 19, 1862. ] JOUBNAL OF nORTICULTURK AND COTTAQE GARDENER. S89 Purple King Verbena ; one of yellow Caloeolaria ; and one of Tropreoluiu elegans. And in the outer circle and between tlieso come eiglit batwin ^-shaped beds, and all of them are in variogited Geraniums, edged with deep bands of Lobelia speciosa. Tlien eight pairs of small scroll-beds, as grace-notes to the larger circles ; one in Golden Chain, Lady Plymouth, Burning Bu^h, and other variegated Geraniums, all nestling in blue Lobelias, and all in the most perfect order of higli feeding, high training, and lowest training. They are all watered three times a-wcek, and occasionally with liquid manui-e, so that every plant in the Tast polychrome is just done as if for a competition at a flower show ; and uothhig of the kind has ever been attempted which could cicel all this in one single instance, as far as I have seen or heard. D. Beaton. WINDOW GAl?DENmG, BALCONIES, &c. Me. li'isH, in all his proposed arrangements for window gar- dening, presiipposes more room than people in towns have generally, and his little book is much more for inside gardening than for balconies. I have six boxes outside my windows, 9 inches dci'p, 11 inches broad, and -i feet long. Four have a south aspect, two a north ; there is besides a large balcony witli Ivy and Vu'ginian Creeper in ornamental pots. My boxes are filled with slirubby Calceolarias, Scarlet Geraniums, Tropa;oIums, &c. ; all the plants were from Messrs. A. Henderson & Co., Pine Apple Nursery, and planted not in pots but in the boxes. What am I to do with the plants in tlie winter ? I have no garden, no open rear to my house. Of course, I shall have my boxes filled for spring with Crocus, Tuhps, &.C., and for next summer must I buy fresli plants ? Mr. Fish says, " Put your pots, &:•.," but my plants must be first potted, and repotting would not tend to keep plants quiet. I believe the Geraniums would do without pots. All these books take it for granted that there is previous knowledge. A few papers for beginners, I mean genuine be- ginners and townspeople, woidd be of use. Mr. Fish gives plants in his list as fit for town, which will only produce dis- appointment if . tried — Ericas, for instance. — A Constant Readeb. [There has been so much commendation of the little manual on " Window Gardening," that it is almost refreshing to meet ■with something like grumbling criticism. Things go on all the better for a little grumbling, only the grumbling must be to the point, and no over-statement made. It would be thoroughly impossible in a pamphlet of a few pages to meet the case of every perso!!. The aim of the book was not only to give the simplest details, the necessary culture, and short lists cf suitable plants, but to get the cultivator to think and generalise for himself, so as to become something more than a mere routine gardener. The first objection is, that the plants are too numerous, and room could not be found for them in the generality of cases. Well, all that we can urge is, that not a plant has been men- tioned that has not been seen successfully treated in windows. If our friend fancies Geraniums and Calceolarias only, if he gets not only g neral but specific directions about them, why grumble because his next-door neighbour likes a totally dilTerent tribe of plants ? Such grumbling is much of a piece with the conduct of a man who bouglit a cookery book to find out the best mode of managing pork, and then pitched it aside, because it also spoke of beef and mutton, about which he felt no interest. The second objection is, that the manual treats move of inside gardening in windows than gardening on balconies. The very title would just presuppose this, ancl, therefore, furnishes no ground of complaint. Besides, the person who could manage the plants na'UL'l inside of a window in winter and spring ■would surely fi.id little difficulty in growing the same things out of doors ou the window-sill, or in balconies in summer. A paragraph or more is given on the arrangements, &c., on balconies, and specific directions not only as to sowing one of the plants mentioned, but also how to treat the two others, Geraniums and Calceolarias. Instead of finding it impossible to supply balconies from windows, what would our correspon- dent think of not only balconies but a few fine beds in a flower garden being filled every year, and filled in first-rate style, too, from plants kept in tl.ree window3)«with the assistance of an old store-room that has a small window ? Again, no instructions in a book, however ample, will ever make up for want of thought — want of generalising in the reader. Our correspondent has no garden, no open rear to his house ; but all the opurations described, even to tlio minulia- of sowing and potting, may as well be done in a room as out of doors. Plants will even propagate as well under a bi-U-glass, or a cracked tumbler inside of a room, wlien the suitable conditions as to coolness, warmth, shade, &c., are secured, as they would do in a frame or a hand-light out of doors. The mun who thinks about what he is doing, will soon find a means to suit his purpose. Lastly, we are told the lists given in "Window Gardening" will, if tried in towns, only produce disappointment — Ericas for instance. Well, it was not intended that the woik should be confined to towns. Ericas are never alluded to in the c\iltural notes. The word is only mentioned once among the shndihy plants that might be sown in spring by those who had plenty of room. We know that the raising of plants from seed imparts a pleasure that tending a purchased plant never can give. We huve known hardy Heaths raised under a square of glass in a window, and the jilants used for planting all round a stand of bee-hives. Thousands and thousands of the hardier Cape Heaths, as Wilinoreana, hyemalis, &c., are sold every year for windows and balconies in London, and generally are well tended so long as they remain in bloom. We have seen them kept in houses in the country, and tolerably healtiiy where there was no greenhouse — in fact, in a spare room, where little fire was used in winter, and air could be given pretty freely, there would be little dillu-ulty in keeping such kinds healthy. The woi-d Erica, however, is only once mentioned in a list of seeds that might be sown, and they occupy no place in the cultural directions because we were aware that beginners might find a diffieulty with them— in fact, though extended lists are given to suit those with many windows, or who m ght make a sort of greenhouse of a room it is also broadly stated that where there is only a window or two, "I would confine the selection chiefly to Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, shrubby Calceolarias, and Balsams." Tiiat is no reason, however, why other people that liked other forms of beauty should not have an Acacia, a Camellia, a Cytisus, or a Daphne. One of the noblest plants of Daphne odora we ever saw was in the parlour of a lady in April in full bloom. When its beauty was gone it was placed outside of a window in a north-west aspect during summer, and into a sort of storehouse-room in winter, close to the glass, and in which room there was never above a degree or two of frost. The same lady had some Heaths and Camellias. The Heaths stood in winter in a room little used, near the window, and had plenty of air in mild weather ; and instead of using Gre heat, the shutters were kept shut in severe weather. When our correspondent has seen more of window gardening, he will not only limit his ideas of the impossible and the disappointing, but he m-iy cjme the length of owning, as I here most unreservedly and gratefully do, that some of the most viiluable ideas that have come in my way have been derived from enthusiastic window-gardeners, who, beside their window-sills inside and out, had no ground they could call their own. Conviucdd that in " Window Gardening " there are many over- sights, and, perhaps, some errors, and cheerfully granting that if rewritten there might be many omissions and additions, I must still say that few will be led much astray that get imbued with the spirit in which it is written. When people, however, complain of want of succinctness, we expect them suivly to avoid a aim'lar error. Now, with the exception of our correspondent's six boxes and their size, and their being filled with Tropreolums, shrubby Calceolarias, and Scarlet Geraniums, we have no infor- mation whatever. Are these boxes mixed, or are they filled with one thing separately? Filled either way, there would be little difficulty as to their summer treatment ; but the winter treatment would be very difierent if the proprietor chose to keep the plants for another season. Even in summer ths treat- ment should be dill'erent. Coolness and moisture for Culceo- larias ; heat and not too much moisture for Scarlet Ceraniums. When Tropa;olums are established they need little moisture to cause them to bloom freely. If the proprietor chooses to pur- chase a fresh lot for a summer display, the best thing he can do is to let them all die with the frost, 'and plant with TulipJ, &c., for spring. If he wants to save his plants he must proceed according to circumstances. If the Calceolarias and the Gera- niums are mixed, it woidd be best to separate them either by potting each plant separately, or putting each kind separately into a larger pot or a box, so that each can get the requisite treatment. For instance: in the case of Calceolarias we would cut the plants pretty freely back— sr.y i:i October, lift them a 330 JOUBNAL OF HOKTICTJLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ August 19, 1862. v'eek afierwards iviih nil their roofs and a good portion of soil, pad; tliein close togt'ibcr, water them, place them near the gla-s ill a cool room in ivirtei", ki'ep them as much from fire heat as poasibk", keep the soil rather moi-t all winter, and give more room to the plants bj turning tli?m out in boxes iu April. N }n- for Geraniums thus mixed. We would also take them up, and cither pot or pack closely in a box, water to settle the earth about the roots, and about the end of October wo would atriji olT the whole of the leaves and the revy soft points of tlie shoots, allow the soil to become dryish, but not dust dry in winter, and wc would keep such plants in a dryish place — say a dry cellar or a gnrret, being not at all particular as to much light before the old succulent steins began to break, which they would most likL'Iy do in Mavoli and April In fact we like such old plants best, when they do not show a leaf larger than a sixpence before April. They will require more water and room after that, but tbey will bloom in balconies as no young plants will do, and require only a tithe of the trouble of young plants iu winter. If you ask if that is the best way of arranging them, we say, "^No." We would keep the Calceolarias chiefly to one set of boxce, and the Geraniums to ano'her, with appropriate and mere temporary crlgings to each. Then we would hare two sets of boxes for the balconies — one for bulbs, &c., in spring, and one for blooming plants in summer and autumn. With the last we hare now to do. Well, about the middle of October we would prune back the Calceolarias pretty freely, so that we should have fresh shoots near the surface of the soil before winter. We would fresh surfaci' the plants, and remove the boxes to a room where they could have a good portion of light, be kept moderately moist, and not exposed to more than a degree or two of frost during the winter. By April the boxes could go on the balcony during the d.ay, with a little protection at night. These, with surface-dressings and manure waterings, would bloom early and well. If all this attention presupposes too much labour, that we eanrot help; it is the only way under the circumstanofs by Trhich the present plants can bo made aval able. If you ask me if that is the mode I would adopt, I would reply most likely in the negative, because I prefer young Cal- ceolarias to ohi ones, and because the room that, would be re- quired for an old plant would hold something like a score or a dozen of cuttings up to March, and require no more trouble. A six-inch pot will boll about a score of cuttings about 2^ inches long, inserted from the middle of September to the middle of October, and these placed either inside or outside of the window ■will be sure to strike in a month or six weeks, if a bell-glass is placed over them, and a piece of paper to shade from bright sun, and a little air be given at night to prevent damping. If there are no bell-glasses, fill the six-inch pot half full with pro- pagating, light, sandy soil, and place a square of glass over the top of the pot, shading and giving air as above. An improve- ment on the latter plan would be to use a 3i-inch pot, and set it when filled at the bottom of a six-inch one. When struck these young plants, so close together, would require little atten- tion except watering and air-giving imtil March, when they would require more room before being finally planted out. The advantages of such young plants are, that they require little room in winter, and generally bloom longer the followiniT season, and are less liable to go off. Amongst the thousands I use, I never now plant out an old plant. The advantage of the old plants in your circumstances is, that there is less nicety re- quired, but then more room is demanded in winter, and the plants are more apt to be exhausted early in summer. Again, we may say it is no fault of ours, if instead of this attention our friends prefer going to the nurserymen every spring. Without it, they must make up their minds to do so, and wo do not expect that they will succeed thoroughly to their satisfaction at the first trial. Ju^t as an instunce as to young Calceolarias, we may mention we put out many thousand cuttings in a rather open cold pit last October, witii less attention to minutia' than could be given in a pot with a bell-glass or a square of ghss laid over the rim, and we did not lose a cutting in a thousand. They stood about IJ inch sjpart, and stood there until thinned in the middle of March, and no plants could have done better. Then as to the Scarlet Geraniums iu boxes by themselves. Give little water after September, remove larger leaves gradually until the middle of October, clear all the leaves away by the end of it. The soil will be quite wet enough all the winier, if not dust dry. The stems will be like a succulent plant, a^d will hold quite enough of moisture to keep them pretty well, if the plants are not exposed to any drying heat. The best place for them is a store-room or garret, and much light is no great object provided they are kept cool enough not to grow, and airy enough not to damp, and frost kept out by the covering of a cloth, or a little hay used to prevent the stems freezing. When such plants, about March, begin to break and show leaves the size of half a sixpence, the boxes should be brought near a window, and in a sunny day the stems should be dusted or sponged with water. Ere long a little water about 70" should be given the soil, not all over at first, but poured into boles made with skewers a few inches apart. In a few days repeat the process if the weather is at all bright. When the leaves get between the size of a sixpence and a new halfpenny, all risk is over. Scrape away then a portion of the surface soil — say from half an inch to an inch deep, without injuring the roots, and fill up with rich compost, of which soil may form one part and rotten dimg another, and then water as neede:!. These box^s may be ex- pected to bloom most splendidly during the summer, and to go on from year to year far exceeding in brillinncy, and with a tithe of the trouble involved in keeping young plants over the winter. Every year, for some time past, we have four fice plants of Tom Thumb Geranium in the flower garden. They are in largish pots, plunged. About the end of October the pots are generally raised, and plants and pots together go into a shed until we get time to pick the most of the leaves off. The plants then generally stand in a shed secure from frost all the winter. In spring a few withered points will want removing, and the plants are placed first in a cool house, just as inside the window of a room. When growth commences they get a bttle water and then are fresh surfaced, and so rich is the mass of flowers in general that but for the trouble and expense I would keep Scarlet Geraniums in pots, and plunge them in beds and boxes instead of planting them out. One thing more our correspondent has omitted — namely, the kind of Tropjeolums used, and we have omitted stating how to secure a fresh supply. If of the Elegans or Triomphe de Hyris kinds we would place little dependanee on the old plants. If taken up if the boxes must be changsd, or if left alone in boxes of Calceolarias or Geraniums ; — in the first case, they would have too much moisture in winter, and in the other case they would be too dry even for such succulent plants. The best way with them is to ke. p a supply of young plants from cuttings, and let the r'st die. In the case of the common Tropa;olumB, and even the Tom Thumb scarlets and yellows, which are very beau- tiful, the best plan is to sow seeds at the sides of the boxes in Apiil, or, what is b^'tter, sow in a pot inside the window at the end of March. Pot-ofTin'o small three-inch pots as soon as the plants arc 2 inches high, and then iu May turn out the nice- established plants in the sides of the boxes on the balcony. We fear that even now we have not been minute enough to please our Dublin friend ; but if he would tell us where the deficiency lay, we would be glad to remedy it, or get some one better qualified to attend to it. Meanwhile we can have no hope to meet every case until that is clearly stated, and to these in general short replies can only be given. There is no doubt much truth in what a nurseryman told us years ago. " Until ' Window Gardening ' appeared I furnished many windows and balconies every year. At first I thought my trade would suffer, there was such a demand for pots in the autumn ; but these, too, helped to bring grist to the mill. Many found that there was" more ditliculty in keeping the plants than they thought there would be from your representations, and of course there have been numerous failures, though also many successes. In both cases my orders have largely increased, so that to these people, in addition to what they carefully save, I regularly sell from three to five times the amount I used to do." Our own experience tes'ifies to the same fact, and henci we wish to see people trying to keep their window and balcony plants over the winter. — — R. Fish.] NOTES WHILST RESTING. Eeains will not go on for ever without resting any more than legs will ; so, having become brain-weary, I resolved in this present month of August to be turned out for a summer's run like our old coach horses. K^w, if you need rest, take my word for it that there is nothing like resting earnestly and totally; it is of no use doing it as the Bristol merchants are said to sleep, with one eye open and at work. Don't go to Brighton, or to the Isle of Wight, or to the Highlands — for iu every one of those places railways now bring against you some of the Browns, August 19, 18G3. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER. 391 Joneses, and Robinsons, or the Jolnisons or the Smiths of your acquaiiitaucc, an<\ rest is at an end wlien you look upon those Loinbiu'd-Strcct fajcs, and hear those Camden-Town voices. Avoid those rencoitlres ns you value your rc^t j got to some place where their shadows fall not, and which is as free from tlio possibility of some ogre of a partner or client being able to write, " You can como up by the 9.30 to-morrow morning." Resolved to be secure from all those rest-annihilatoi's, I cast about for a place of refuge, and sonic canning cousins suggested Q-uernsey ; conviction followed dose on the hcls of the svigges- tion — for do not sea eonimotions deter those Joneses and all the rest from seeking that island of fair girls, Parsnips, and milch cows ? But wliere to go to in that isle of quiet was the next query for solution, aiui again lho.- plant, llowever, I was not long before I could see an old curiosity, .S. aqualiva varie- gata, a plant which I have with some difiiculty managed to keep f6r a considerable time. I could not say how long; but if the late Tir. Neill, who lived at Cauonmills, near Edinburgh, had been alive, I believe he could have thrown a little light on the subject. Be tliat as it may, I think it too bad to send out for new an old plant with a new name. Tliere is a wide difference between S. nodosa and S. aquatics ; one does not require much practical botftny to decide between the two species. If well rooted, especially in pots, the granulated roots of S. nodosa settle all dfspates at once. — An Old SHOWMiir. NOTES FHOM PARIS, Jclt, 1862. In a comic album by Cham (the John Leecli of Paris), entitled "The London Exhibition," we are treated to the adventures of a Frenchman who visits our great metropolis. He sees tlie Exhibition, makes all sorts of wonderful mistakes, and has a good laugh at some of our eccentricities, and at last returns to the land of his nativity, and is met with open arms by his " cara sposa," Joy at his arrival is also mixed with curiosity to know wh»t bijou he has purchased for her. She eagerly inquires, " What hare you brought me back ?" " Le spleen," is the only reply that the knight of the rueful countenance makes. One could almost fancy that a recent writer in the Ilevue Horticole had been the hero of it, and that the very moment of liis return ho had eat down to pen the article in question, a translation of which appeared in a contemporary two or three weeks ago. In it he abuses the gardening of his countrymen in good, round, set terms ; tlieir flowers are worse than they were ; Roses! poor in comparison with old times; their fruits bad; Carnations com- pletely vanished. But the chief vijls o£ his wi-alh are poured out 01) the public gardens — they are unmeaning and ugly, and display a deteriorated taste. The alterations in the Champs Elyeees he especially deplores, and altogether the tone of his remarka is of the most deprecatory character. As I made a few notes on the same subject, and am, I hope, neither inclined to adopt everything French as good, nor abuse it as bud, the obser- vations 1 now make may be erroneous, but I trust, at any rate, they are unprejudiced. There is a great deal of difference between being fond of flowers and being a lover of gardening. The fair maiden, whose delicate fingers so exqid^itely arrange the va.>e for the drawing- room or boudoii-, would, perhaps, think it a horrible nuisance to have to take any pains about growing them. Now, it seems to me that the French are very loud of flowers but not very fond of gardening. All round Paris one looks in vain for the villas whicli so surround London, witli tlieir elegant and often costly gardens. Nothing seems to strike a Frenchman more than this, and frequent are the exclamation^ one may hear this year on every side at the appearance of these proofs of real love of flowers. The little regard tiiat a Fre-ncliman, especially a Parisian, has for home, tlio constant out-of-door life that he leads, must unquestionably tend to diminish any interest that he might have in gardening ; but, at the same time, there is not a people who are more enamoured with flowers for decorative purposes. The flower markets of Pari-', hold us tliey are every day in some portion of tb« city, are g-iierally cleared of their contents, and hundreds of small nursei-ynicn arc engaged in producing plants for these markets. But then they are, for the most part, very common and cheap. Heliotropes, Mignonette, Koses, Verbenas, Fuchsias, and such lilfe form the staple of their supply, and are purchased for the decoration of their houses ; the consequence is, that plants of rarity and high price are but little sought after. As one of the French nurserymen said to me, "Ah! su-, it is raritt/ you want, we require cheapness." "I hive," he said, "all the newer varieties of Kliododendrons, but what I am most asked for are plants at half ii franc or a franc each." This must seriously interfere wiih the advance- ment of horticulture ; and I ratlier opine that " perfidious Albion" is the best customer for novelties that the French have. There is another matter which I hinted at in my last paper which has to bo taken into consideration — viz., the lack of verdure in and about Paris. This combined witii the constant glare renders, I rather fancy, their taste in the matter of gar- dening somewhat different from ours, or rather from the pre- vailing one at present. The impossibility of keeping their grass fresh has led to the change in the style of the Champs Elysees, of which the writer I have alluded to complains, and to the filling of the beds with large masses of Cunnas, Caladiums, and other fine-foliaged plants. And I believe that the large masses of yel'ows, reds, blues, &c., which now form the sta|)le of a weU- arraiiged parterre would be offensive to them. And if any one will just call to mind what the Cryslal P.dace Garden was during some of the hot days of last summer wlien the grass was as brown well nigh as the walks, they wid at onci3 see that there is some probability that this does affect their taste, and that hence to their eye the duller colours on tlie bright verdure are more grateful. I can quite vinderstand it by my own experience, living as I do on the seacoast, with the " wliite cliffs of old England" constantly in view, combined with the bright glare of the sea : nothing is more refreshing than to get a day's ran into the country, and amidst the foliage of the woods have nothing but green to rest the eye upon. We, as they, have two classes of public sardens — those which are completely so, open gratuitously, such as our parks, Ken- sington Gardens, &c., and those to wliieh admission is to be had on payment, such as the Koyal Horticultural Society's at K' nsington, and the Crystal Palace. In both of these I do not hesitate to say we are immeasurably in advance. Compare with the first scries the Bo's de Boulogne, Jardin des Tuileries, the Champs Elyst^es, and the Pare de Montceaux, and I think even Frenchmen will acknowledge our superiority ; while it would be simply absurd to place tlie Jardin d'Acclimatation, tlie only one in the same category, with either Kensinglon or (Sydenham. The greatest advance that has been made in public gardens in Paris is- in the Pare de Montceaux ; and of this I would say a few words, as it seemed to me to be under careful management, and to be regulated with great taste. The Pare de Montceaux was a private appanage of the Orleans family, and on the confiscation of their est ites was made over to the use of the public by the preseul Emperor; it is on a line with I he Champs Elysees, and from the Arc de Triomphe a handsome boulevard leads to it. Owing to there being a number of trees of some considerable age, there is much more shade tlian usual in the public gardens of Puns ; and tliis will probably account for the greater freshness of the plants and flowers. And as the climate of Paris enables them to bed-out plauls that must inevitably fail with us, the effect is very dillVrent and striking : Caladiums, especially esculentum, Cannas, Wigandias, diU'erent varieties of the Castor-oil Plant (Uieinus), Ferdinandia, Begonias, and Bignonias are largely used ; while still more exotic-looking 396 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTDEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. [ August 19, 1862. things, such as the Indiarubber Plant, Banana, Palms, &c., were plunged in pots in various places on the turf; while in the grotto some fine specimens of tree Ferns were used in the same manner. There were also some beds of Erythrina ; but floribunda had been used, and this was a mistake, as though flowering in a very small state it is apt not to flower at all. One large clump was planted with various species of Bicinus, African Marigolds, and some considerable number of Acer negundo variegata, which made a very pleasing contrast. Then, again, there were several ribbon- borders, although I do not think there was much to learn. Standard Fuchsias and Bignonias were oftentimes used in a background, and Cupheas, Ageratume, and Anthemis were much more used than with us. A pretty effect was produced in one instance by a broad, flat border of Box kept in a dwarf state, and great care was evidenced in keeping every part well watered and clean. Altogether it struck ma as by far the best of all the public gardens. The Jardin du Eoi at Versailles I thought poor, very poor ; and, indeed, altogether I was not a little comforted by the manifestly leading position we hold as- horticulturists. It is said that the Emperor is about to erect an immense Crystal Palace at Passy, and perhaps then a further attempt at inducing a taste for our style of gardening may be made, although I question very much if it will take in France- generally. — D., Deal. HOETICULTUEAL EXHIBITIONS— THEIE INFLDEKCE UPON CULTIVATION AND TASTE- Ip the question was put to us — what, within the last several years has contributed the most to the promotion of first-class cultivation among gardeners ? — we could have no hesi- tation in answering the public exhibi- tions of plants; for, though there may be many who may profess not to have been so influenced, there can be no question that the first great cause ol improvements has been the noble ex- amples of skill pe- riodically brought together under the auspices of various societies; which ex- amples, being to a very great extent particularly de- scribed, and some- times pictorially re- presented by means of engravmgs, have through the me- dium of the horti- cultural press been sent through the length and breadtli of the land — thus penetrating and eradicating prejvi- dices in the cra- niums of some of our would-be-wise countrymen, which could not have been eradicated by any other means. Again, the em- ployers of garden- ers have witnessed what could be ac- complished by pro- per management • and hence, where the means were al- lowed, the gardener had nothing but his own want of skill to blame, if he did not accom- plish that which others had done before him. Apart, however, from the influence of these fetes upon cultivation, there con be no doubt they have tffected much good in guiding the artist, and in improving and correcting the taste of the middle and higher classes of society, and of this we need no stronger proof than the fact that manufacturers look to nature and not to art for patterns to beau- tify the varied pro- ductions of the silk loom, i&o. ; whilst artists in wax and in artificial flowers imitate nature so very closely, as to render it difficult, ia some specimens, which we have re- cently seen, to tell whether they were real or not. Our object, how- ever, in this paper,, is not so much to point out the bene- fits accruing from, these exhibitions J. as to call the at- tention of the ma- nagers of the exhi- bitions themselves to the necessity of infusing a little more artistic effect into the arrange- ments of the exhi- bition-tents, for we feel convinced there is yet much room for improvement. The best exempli- fication of artistic arrangement was seen at the exhibi- tions of American Plants in the Re- gent's Park Gar- den, where, by di- versifying the sur- face of the ground, and grouping the plants with con- siderable taste, a, very effective tout ensemble was pro- duced. Seeing, then, that improvements are to be made, and with the fact before us that the artistic arrangement of the plants in plant- houses, is a matter of considerable interest among persons of taste at the present time, we venture to recommend two stands for the exhibition of Orchids, from the designs of H. Noel Humphreys, Esq. ; and Augu8tl9, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 397 we venturn further to assort tliat if theiO stands wore as toste- fully filled as the designs are appropriate, a very pleasing and highly gratifying result would bo achieved. The hrgo stand is supposed to be executed in rustic ■work, stan 's l feet in height, to the first tier of plants, and is proportionately large in circumference. The second stand is nearly of the same dimen- sions, but to render it more artistic, and at the same time dur- able, it is executed in "terracotta." These stands tasti fully filled and introduced into an Oreliid-tent — say the rustic stand in the centre, between the tables, and a terra cotta stand at each end of the tent, thus forming a group witli a centre and two sides —we are quite sure would be mucli ad- mired, and would im- part an entirely new feature to our exhibi- tions. Grouped ar- tistically with mixed plants, some remark- able for their llcwers, others for their noble foliage, and a third section as the Ferns, for their graceful habit, a Tery sttiking effect might be pro- duced; and, intro- duced upon the same principle into a eon- servEtory or ball- room, we cannot see that they would be out of place. To keep up the interest of an exhibition-lent, it is necessary that the plants should not all be seen on Erst cnferii.g tlie tent, for though tlie first effect may be very pleasing, the eye gets restless, and seeks a change long before one can bo met witli ; but if plants of an opposite and striking character were introduced in tliose or similar stands, we are quite sure the appearance of the tents would be greatly improved, and visitors would not fail to appreciate the im- provement. — ( Gar- deners' Malan, we are assured, seldom failed in destroying the insect, without endangering the plant. Those in the neighbourhood of towns will liave little ditneulty in oblaininga quatitity sufficient for a few applications; and, as bu; few applications are necessary, the r.medy can be easily tested. — {Scoltish Farmer.) GREEN'S MOWING MACHINES. I NOTE a paragraph in your Journal (dated August 5th), headed "Ornamental Gardening," in wliich "R. F." expresses his confidence iu my machines, having two in use, but complains that they make a great noise when drawn backwards. If " R. F." will juft lift up the machines so that the large drums will clear the ground, he will find that he can easily run the machines about on the front rollers, and avoid all the unpleasant noise he complains of. This is only necessary with my light single-handed machines, 10 inches, 12 inches, 14 inches, and IG inches. All above that size being heavier, have a lever for withdrawing the catclics. — Tiios. Gkeen. AsPiHAGUS Tops. — Asparagus stems cut now half-way down and dried in the sun make a liglit shade for fruit blossom in the early spring. Cut now it is not so brittle as later, keeps the Asparagus erect, does not weaken the stools, and allows the bed* to be cleared of surface weeils which are otherwise hidden. This may not bo new, but it is very useful. — J. B. A. Douglas. Stephens' Tobacco Fumigatoi!. — Having received many inquiries from your readers requesting information as to where they can purchase my new Tobacco Fumigator, I beg to state in an wer to them all that it is made by Messrs. Shillito and Shorland, il.5, Stratford Road, Manchester.^jAMES Stephens, Barlowmoor, Didsbun/, Manchester. August 19, 1862.] JOURNAL OF nORTICDLTORE AND COXTAQE GAEDKNER. 399 OSIEES. Sekino an nnswei- in the li\st!N'mnbcrof your porioilical about Oficr-beds, it ooc-urrod to mo tliot you would be ublo to fui-nijli me with infovmation a3 to tho mode of prepuring tho laud, llio voriety of Osier, the distance from plant to plant, whether cuttings or rooted filants are ueed, and where obtained ? — P. B. [The varioties are numerous, and in a very confused state, in- numerable intermediate forms cxisfins^ among the speeios. The selection of any particular variety for cultivation will be de- pendent, in a grfat measure, on tlie soil of the locality, and the purpose for which the rods are required. The beet variety of the common 0?ier, Salix viminrdis, is the Speckled or Blotched, known also by several other names, which is good for baskct-nialiin/,'. Most of the other varieties are coarse, brittle, and worthless. Of the Long-leaved Willow, Salix triondra, there are likewise several varieties, the best being the Black-budded .Spaniard, which is much used for the handles, bottoms, and rims cf baskets. The Basket Osier, Salix For- bjana, and Hollander, are very strong, aiul rcuoh esteemed for the finer kinds (pf buskct-nork. The French, or real French, and the Stone Osier, arc excellent for fine work. The Green- leaved Osier or Omard, Salix rubra, is very tough, and is pre- ferred for carboy baskets; and the Bitter Ornard, Salix pur- purea, and Golden Osier, Salix vitellina, being slender and tough are very useful for the finer kinds of baskets, as wdU as for tying and binding. The Silver Osier, the Bastard French, the Blunt -leaved Ornard, and some others, are used for coarse work, hampers, &.c. Some kinds will do very well in light soil, where there is an abundant supply of moisture; but rijli, loamy ground, with a retentive subsoil is that in which the Osier attains the greatest perfection. The growth is always most luxuriant in the alluvial grounds by the banks of rivers, which are frequently flooded, and where the surface cousrquently receives a rich top-dressing of mud. Prepare the ground by trenching 15 inches deep, and plant any time after tlie fall of the leaf; but best in the end of Feb- ruary or early in jMarch. Take cuttings 15 inches in length from the lower ends of tl'.e wdl-ripencd shoots, and insert them at least half their length iu the ground. In rich soil where tho Osier grows luxuriantly the rows may be 3 feet to 3 fctt apart, according to the kind, and the sets 18 inches from each other in the row ; but in light land 18 inches by 16 inches will be suffi- cient. We can give you no idea where the sets can be obtained. The basket-makers are the most iikely ptreons to know.] WHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHORE. {Continued from 2^ag manhood, and at forty-five it will be at its prime. Do not throw it away if it do not flower 'or two or three yeais yet; it will certainly not flower this autumn. It is one of the very best pot or tub plants in England, or in all Europe, only the people of this improved genera- tion, or most of them, are not yet aware of that f.ict. Out of a hundred thousand people who thronged the new garden of the Roj al Horticultural Society on the occasion of the distribution ot the prizes for the gr.ind Inter- national Exhibition, twenty thousand were knowing garden penple, and every one ot the number confessed and acknowledged that Sir. Eyles' Clethra arborea, then in full bloom in the great conservatory, was the best flowered pot-evergreen they had ever seen; and well they might. But Air. Eyles gives a touch of the Lhatsworth school to such plants as he Ihinks are worthy of it, and Clethra arborea, being what we have just said, has been done on that model, and the result is now before you ; nevertheless, as your plant will not bloom this year, if you must part with it, prav send it to Sir. Eyles. Fuchsias {3L F.) — You may put in Fuchsia cuttings now, but spring is the best time. Plant slips of Lemon Thyme in spring. Crossing Pelargonr-ms (C. A).— We believ^tliat Sweet's Pelargonium grandiflorum (Geraniactro 20) from the Cape, is the oiiginal parent of all the white that is now in the plants of the florists, all the other white kinds having been discarded by the early breeders ; that Cueullatum rules the leaf of the best of the race to this day ; that the dark blotches are due to Cucullatum's purple having been eradicated, or confined to a speck, as in Igncsccns minor, by the superior p.iwer of the scarlet of Fuigiduin. Then if any practical result is sought by " C. D.'s " crossing, there are three distinct species represented by Alba multiflora and Queen of the Scarlets according to this genealogy. About 1820 ibero were nine or ten original white Pelar- goniums, and double that number of pale purple, pink, and streaky ones in Sir Richard Koare's collections near Bath, and in Lady Cumming Gordon's collection at Altyre, near Foires, in Scotland. About that time the breodcrs discarded the whole except Grandiflorum for wliite, Cueullatum for purple, leaf, and stature, and the strain from Fulgidum was then barren, after reducing the purple ot Cueullatum to a brown speck— the origin of the present blotch. Crocl-s Bdlbs (T. C.).— .Mr. Beaton requests us to thank you for him, and say the rare Crocuses and other bulbs came safe to hand, and were pat into damp cocoa refuse stuff to sprout roots before pottmg. Also to remind our readers that this is the most safe way with all far-travelled bulbs, for tender ones, and for all those from foreign countries out of Europe. Pot none of thein till the roots have sprouted. They will keep quite safe tor months or years in the cocoa-nut stuir, even if they did not push a root, and the stuff is preferable to sand to put round bulbs at planting or potting time. Scarlet Geranium (A*. Ji., Berks}, — As far as we cin judge from a cut flower, your seedling ir.ust be a good bedder. The horseshoe mark is very large, but not nearly so deep and distinct as that in Raron Ricasoli. Fastolff Raspberries {M. /•.).- They want to be renewed. Make a new plantation on another piece of ground, and, when it comes into bearing, destroy your present one. You uiight in the meantime try a good manuring. Miniature Pots [A NoiUt!).— Some of the succulents will answer well for this purpose— such as some Marauiillaiias, Cereus, Euphorbias, Sedums, Crassulas, or any p'ants, in fact, that do not require much pot-room. August 19, 1863.] JOUKNAL OF UORTICULTURE A^^D COTTAGK GARDKNEE, 403 Hardy Exotic Ferns (v4"(/'«).— The u oik yon refer to will not be ready before next spilng. There has been no edition of Loudon' s Jlortiis BriUm- nirtis since the lar^e supplement was aince tliat we are aware of. FLOWER-OAiinEN Plan ( IC. £"., IIcr($).—'\ye arc very much obliged to yon for your offer of the plans, but we do not intend to imbllsh any more at present. I we ahouUl determine to do so wo shall communicate with you. nHurunn (A. A')- — By your que'^tion wo presume that you refer to tho stalks of tlie leaves of Uhnbarb. If sj, they are no more entitled to be called fruit than the stalks of Sea Kale, or tlie shoots of Asparapuc. FccnsiAs AND Gehanicms [Anna Cro(jief).—Yoii will find ftiU informa- tion on the culture of botli in our 'Fiovists' Flowers," which yon may obtain post free from our office for 5rf. Myktle Thf.k {If. R. ^.}.— Your Myrtle is infested with ?ealo, wlilcli if not chicked will ultimately completely cover and destroy ihe plant. Wash it well with a strong solution of soap and water, scrubbing it with an old plate-brush or some suth instrument, then syringe well with water at the te iiper;iture of MO , or apply a dressing of Gishurst Compound, tight ounces dissolved in a gallon of water. Apuicot Trhes (Z)o;-5''0.-Shaw's Tift'.ny is by far the best thing for the purpose, as It neither obstructs the light nor the air. Melons [A. L. .V."!.— Turner's Scarlet Gem is a first-rate Melon, and has frequently been the first at the exhibitions this an'i last season. Uromham Hall Is also fir.st-rato. LoDRi.iA sppciosv AT TUK CitvsTAL Palack {A. L. if.!.— Tho ca^'lcucrs there stve their own seeds, as do those of the lloyal Horticultural Sticiety, and in both places they avoid gathering? seeds from any of tlie plants whicli show tlie least tendency to vary from the typo. But many do not rollow that rule, and the consequence is, speciosa is fast dogenerating Get two or three good tufty and evenly-growing plants early this autumn, propagate your stock from them in Ihe spring, and save your own seeds in future from the very bes^ sample of your plants. Ehioratios [J. (7.).— Apply at the office of the Government Emigration Commissioners, s, I'ark Street, Westminster. We cannot recommend one colony i;; preference to another, but s-hould imagine that Victoria would afford the greatest encouragement to a gardener. Name of Fhuit (/7«n(7,s)roW^}.— The Grape you sent is Trentham Black. Names of Plants {R. P., Shn^trshun/).—!, Potentilla fruticosa ; 2, Vera- trum nigrum. (C. X).— This is the Purple Orach, which is now so much uspd in llower-garden decoration. (/>. f'.).— 1, Vinca major ft.l. reticulata ; 2, Taxodiura diatichum. (A Suhscriber, Jfoh-erhampion). Sphenogyne Bpccinsa, a well-known handsome garden annual. (THh. Xc//*/).— Sedura popnlifoliun. (A. 5.) —Spinra japonica. (J. G.).— 1, Mcdicago lupulina ; 3. Trltolium agrarium, usually culled T. procumbens. {Old Subscriber, J^KJ/in;.— Juniperus virginiana penOtila, or Weeping Red Cedar. A'ery different from Juniperus Sabina, certainly. {Scijiio).—'TUc plant is L}copo- dium denticukitum, and it has not any flower. Lobelias, Tropa?olums, Verbenas, scarlet Pelaigoniuras, end such-like plants, will do for hanging- baskets. {J. 7"(^rf(/).— Campanula Vidalii. (J. X.).— Filix-mas certainly, but whether accidentally depauperated or a fixed variety there i& no evi- dence to show. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS. Ao«i-RT 25lh, 26lh, 27th. and 23lli, Crystal Palace. Sec, W. Houghton. Entiles close July 2Cth. Auoi-sT 27th. CoTTlNonAM, Sec, Mr. J. Brittain. Entries cl' se Aug. 20th. AuorsT 30lh Halifax and Caldeu Vale. Sec, Mr. ^Y. Irvine, Holms- field, Entries close August IGih. SspTEMDEn 2iid. PocKLiNoTON, Yorkshire. Sec , Mr. T. Grant Entries close .August 2fith. Sbpteuber 4th. Wakefield and West Ridikg. Sec, Mr. J. Crosland, jun., Entries close August 23rd. September 9th. Worslv.y and Armley (near Leeds). See., Mr. Robert Hoyle, Atmlcv, near Leeds. Sepiimrer 9th and 10;h. Calne. Sets., A. Uealh and F. Biily. Bnlries close August 2Slh. September 10th and 11th. MANCnrsrEn and Liverpool. Sec, Mr. T. B. Ryder, Church Street, Liverpool. Entries close August 11th. September 25th. STAFFoRusnir.E. Sec., Mr. W. Tomkinson, Newcas-le. Entries close AugU'-t 2jth. December Ist, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Birmingiiaji. Sec, John B. Lyfhall, 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. FATTENING YOUNG FOWLS. {Continued from faye 383.) " This sum of 81/. 75c. would be but a poor remuneration for the fecdei', if wo did not take into eonsider.'ition the difference \frhich exists between tiie wages allowed to him in this table of expenses and the vaUie o^his time if em^iloycd on ordinary work in the country, at which in the winter time he would earn bat 1/. per day. It becomes then necessary in order to make OUrs a reasonable account, to deduct two-thirds of the labour, which is put at 3/. per day, and to add them to the profit of. feeding. Then for forty days we shall have SO/', to add to the %\f. 75c. result of the previous account, which will in reality gl^e us 16iy. 75c. profit on fattening fifty poulardcs. " It must, ncTerthelcss, be admitted, tliis would not be very encouraging if t ' e labour were confined to tliat number of fowls ; but during the five months that these labours last, an active jTOnlterer can not only fatten a larger number of birds at a time, but ho can keep replacing conetantly those ho has taken out or sold by fresli birds. " All who follow this trade are well off, and some have made small fortunes. As the foregoing is the result of careful and patient investigation made by consulting and listening to many dilfirent breeders and feeders, who all agreed exactly in the answers they gave to my various qm-jtions, I do not think I have been deceived in any particular a.s to tlio method of fatten- ing, which, after ail, as I have already saul, is no secret for any one iu the country." We will add to the information supplied by M. Letrore, tliat the La Ficvhe fowls, like all others, may be fattened by means of the funnel. It is probable that by this process the growth and we'ght may not be so great as tho?e made by cramming. We think, however, the flesh must be more delicate and have a higher flavour. " FATTENINO BY MEANS OP A FDNNBIi. (From ihe Same Author.) "There are threT sorts of fattening. The first, natural, con- sists in the food given to animals tliat are at liberty, in the voluntary absorption of food calculated to produce the result, as cooked Indian corn, rice, buckwheat, c&c. The animal should be in perfect health and fit for the process, both by nature and age, for with young poidtry nearly all the food turns to bon* and muscle. The exceptions from this rule will be adult birds, and breeds like the Creve Cocur, Dorking, Ilondan, &c. To fatten eren these certain food must be given, and Uure must be no limit. "We have described the second inethod, that of cramming, in our article La Fleche. " The third sort is funnelling— forced introduction, by means of a funnel, of farinaceous food in a liquid state. Sooner or later this method must prevail everywhere, because it is simple, easy, and quick. "It is practised in the following manner:— Get some oat flour, not ground oats, for there must be no bran in it — on the con- trary, it should be carefully sifted at the mill. Mix a quantity of it with milk and water in equal parts. It should be as liquid as broth or clear soup, and, I must repeat, the milk and water should be in equal parts. Experience has proved that where there was more than half milk, fattening has stopped at the end of a few days, and the fowl has wasted and died." {To be continued.) POULTKY FABM IN CONNECTION WITH A TEN-EOOMED HOUSE. I SHALL feel obliged if you will inform me through the colimms of your useful Journal, what kind and size of a farm, or quantity of land attached to a ten-roomed house, would be sufllcient to yield profit enough to pay the rent of the same? Would poultry alone, with grass land as a run for them, yield enough ? having business connections sufficient to supply with almost any quantitv of eggs or chickens, Tigcons, Uueks, or anything of the kind. Although anxious upon the poultry subject, I am doubtful that they are not all profit by a very long way. Having kept them iu London (rather confined), some time, and having been very successftil with them for home uses, I am in doubt about their returns in a business view upon an extended plan.— A NoviCK at Fabmino. [It would be dillicult to say -what sized farm would yield suffi- cient profit to pay the rent of a ten-roomed house, so much depends on the locality, description of land, and its produce. Good land in the suburbs of large towns not unfrequently lets for i:lO an acre, and in certain cases much more than that ; but this is too much for ordinai-y farming, and it would be better to consult some one well versed in the farming of the locality whom you could depend on not giving a prejudiced opinion. But as a rough guess we may say, that if you hired as mu h land at the fair rental of the district as would pay £100 a-year, you ought to receive as much profit out of it as would pay for the bouse, assuming at the same time that the land is farmed judiciously, and a fair per-centage on all outgoings is charged for ; but unless you have some knowledge of the matter jou must depend in a great measure on the man who manages it for you, and it lie does his duty it ought to pay. It is needless here entering mto the character of the crops, as the local demand or other circum- stances determine them ; but in regard to the keeping ol poultry on a large scale, it is best done when there is a great 404 JOURNAL OF HOETICULXUaE AND COITAaE GARDENER. [ August IS), 1862. breadth of grass land. lu that case poultry-houses may be erected at distances of half a mile or less from each other, and quantities kept at each place witli the run over ihe whole. Poultry are sad enemies to tillage, and confining them is an ex- pensive and imsatisfactory way, for they are more Uable to disease than wlien they have a good extensive run, and tliey often pick up so much on grass land as to care very little about hand- feeding. The sides of a wood or any rough ground is an excellent place for them, and as we are promised an article on poultry management in this way from a known correspondent, you will learn what more is to be gained on this matter.] TO MAKE FOWLS PKOLIFIC. A GREAT amount of the Californian fanner's success in obtain- ing the large number of eggs, as slated at ]iage 385 of last week's JoUENAL OF HOETICULTUKE, must be attributed to climate, with which good feedmg is easily understood ; but t'le long, cold winters of this country in a great measure, even with March pullets, stop the supply — so much so, that for weeks in the depth of winter, with so many hens, we have scarcely got one egg. Acting upon some hints 1 had from a Canadian gentleman, three years ago, when the cold weather commences, the quantity of barley we feed with each time is put in a tin on purpose, and put in the oven, or on the fire, and half roasted, with a small quantify of dripping, or fat, boiled down. It is then given to the fowls in as hot a state as it can well be handled ; when given too hot it causes the yolk of the egg when cooked to have a black, unwholesome appearance. I have no doubt any party taking the trouble to have this done each lime, will be as successful as we have been in getting a good supply all through the winter. — J. F., Cliveden. BIEUS-THE CROW FAMILY. The bii-ds to which I would direct attention in this article are of considerable importance. The first or head of the family ia that ominous bird the Raven, now, however, comparatively scarce. He is a carrion feeder, picking the bones of any poor animal whose body remains unburied ; but as dead animals are mostly bm'ied for manure and not allowed to rot above ground, as formeily was too often the case, his avocation is nearly gone. He has been accused of pecking out the eyes of sick sheep, and no doubt ho appropriates any wounded or helpless bird or small aniiiial which may come within his reach, be it game or not ; nor would he go hungry to bed were reptiles or insects to be had. As, however, his chief good is as a scavenger, he is now but little required. Next comes the Saddle-backed Crow, mostly found on the mourtain, heath, or moor. He is a sad thief, and exceedingly aadacious. Eggs and young birds, and animals, insect=, or, in winter, shell fisii, make up his bill of fare. He is the great enemy of the grouse-shooter, and indeed of all sportsmen, as he commits sad havoc with the eggs and young of game. The Black or Carrion Crow is a rather solitary bird, usually living in woods and shrubberries. Cunning as he is knavish, he leaves no corner unsearched for eggs, of which he destroys im- mense quantities as well as young game and poultry. He may, when eggs run sliort and other game has grown wary, do a little good hy eating grubs ; still the injury he does is so very great tiiat lie is much persecuted, and, consequently, is becoming scarce. The Rook, that sable fellow, who, in a businees-hke manner, visits the fields in excursion parties, bent on picking u]} a living, will not refuse an egg or callow bird should he meet with it on his march ; but such things are merely stray fish ; his occupation and employment is to search out and destroy the grubs and larva; of numerous insects tliat prey on tiie crops. Sooner than starve he would swallow a few grains of corn or pulse ; but these, to him indigestible fare, are not to his liking ; though, when the ground is bound hard with frost and snow, or baked dry by a hot sun, he would be thankful for anything to fill his craw. But take him all in all, he is an honest fellow; and the immense numbers of the grubs or larvie of insects he devours — such as the black grubs, the wireworms, the larva^ of the cockchafer, dorbeetle, gadflies, caterpillars, and many others, as well as the full-grown insects, is of exceedingly great benefit to the farmer and grazier, and through them to tlie country at large. It can not be reckoned what in a few years would be the produce of this army of insect pests yearly devoured by the plodding in. dustrious Rooks — each insect laying many hundred eggs, and the larvEe burrowing in the ground, feeding on the roots of corn, grass, and other crops they would, in a few generations, reduce our smiling fields to a barren waste. On this account the Rook should be venerated and protected. There is no fear of his becoming too numerous while insects breed so fast; but should he succeed in reducing their numbers one year, he will himself have to starve his young for want of food the next, so that nature will hold the balance. The Jackdaw, though rather more mischievous than the Rook, jet, like him, is a very useful bird, and generally accompanies him on his picnic parties, when he assists in the destruction of the ever-devouring multitude. The Magpie is a very mischievous fellow — bold, daring, sly, and thievish. He is very amusing iu confinement, and will learn to talk, whistle, or call the cat ; but il she comes too close he will peck her nose, and he will brain any luckless chick that comes within his reach. In a wild state he is the country gentleman's pest. Eggs and young birds are his favourite food, then fruit ; and, when these are tcarce, lie will look for the insects, which would have been much sooner destroyed by those he had either robbed of their eggs or young. I read in the papers that some one had let out some Magpies in Tasmania. I fear, a very fool- ish act, as they will do far more harm in destroying game, poultry, and useful small birds, than can be compensated by their very small destruction of in-ects. The Jay, though less courageous than the Magpie, is equally destructive to eggs and small birds, and even more so to fruit. Of the Red-legged Crow, or Cornish Chough, I can say nothing, not being acquainted with its habits. The Uooded or Saddle-backed Crow, and the Carrion Crow, the Magpie, and the Jay, constitute among birds the regular banditti or guerilla bands, maraudering, plundering, and destroy- ing, with scarcely a good trait. "Where they are numerous, game is scarce, small birds gradually disappear, and crops fail; but the Rook is a useful industrious member of the com- munity, with even fewer faults than the others have good qualities. — B. P. Beekt. CAN'THE WOEKING BEE MAKE A QUEEN FEOM A WOEKING BEE'S EGG? The following communication from Mr. A. Shearer, Yester Gardens, is copied from The Iladd'tngtonshire Coiirler : — "Notwithstanding the many apiarians who have investigated and answered the heading to this communication in the affirm- ative, there are still, I believe, many old bee-keepera who would answer it in the negative, and, though asked for the proof of their doubts, give but very unsatisfactory ones. Having read a good deal myself on the subject, and the means which had been taken to prove that the working bee can make a queen from a worker's ^gg^ I never had any doubt on the matter; bufc I have now put it to the test, and will, with your permission, give the details of the process, which may not be uninteresting to some of your readers. "Having learned that the Ligurian or Italian Alp bees were superior as breeders and honey-gatherers, I was determined to give them a trial, and procured one from Mr. Woodbury, of Exeter, the original introducer of them into this country. They arrived here on the 7th May in a "Woodbury bar-frame-hive. This hive is a 14i-inch square box, and 9 inches deep, having ten frames suspended for the bees to work the combs on. These frames are 13 inches long, by 7 inches wide, having a space of half an inch between them and the box. The combs, being wrought iu these fiames, can be taken out and examined at pleasure, and the combs are not liable to be broken in any way. This being perhaps the worst season for bees which the oldest bee-keeper has experienced, the Ljguriuiis had not a good chance ; still they did better than the common bee, and I determined to try artificial swarming. On the 4th July I took out from tlie Ligurians nine frames full of comb and honey, and brood in all stages, leaving only one frame with the old queen and all her bees, with nine empty bars for her to fill and breed in, and putting the nine frames into another box the same size in all respects. I put this box on a stand where I had just hfted a good strong stall of the common bee. Carrying the latter away 10 yards from its stand, I turned it upside down and shook almost all the bees out of it on a white sheet, that we might see that the queen did not go back. "We got hold of her August 10, 1SG2. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTUIIE AND COTTAGK GARDENKR. 405 mnjesty, and of course kept her until we hnd ns mnnv bees out as would biing out tlio young brood in tlio lios-hive, ami rear a new queen. The common bee3 naturally went back to their old stand, and though finding a change in a square wooden box from their own straw hive, they went into the box and began their work of quecn-renring. Tlie liive of common bees was then placed about ;iO yards from its old stand. But now comes the most interesting |iart, whieli we looked anxiously for. On the lltli July, seven days after the operation described, we examined every frame in what we shall now call tiie new hive, and found on one of the combs no less than eight qiieen-cells in process of forming, and one or two wilh the young brood of a good size. Again, on the 1 Uli July, we looked, and found only two queen- cells with brood in them; the other cells had disappeared. We looked again, on the 2'Jth, and found one of the cells still sealed up ; and it was twenty-five days since the combs had been put in. This we did not expect, as the bees should have been out. Still, the bees were working well, and they manifested no signs of being in want of a queen, but the reverse, and we thought we would give hor a few days more. On the 1st of August we looked, and found the queen-cell in the same state. We broke it up and found her dead, and all our expectations blasted ; but, to our great surprise, in the same frame we found a number of new-laid eggs, sometimes four in a cell. Here, then, was proof that a queen bad been reared, had been impregnated, and had laid eggs of the same size as she liad been herself exactly twenty- nine days previous. We examined all the other frames, and found brood laid in almost every empty cell, and also found the cell where she had been reared, and which had escaped us before, as wo looked always at the one described as being prominent. "Such, then, is a plain account of our doings in ai-tificial swarming. Tlie result has been complete success, and has proved that tlie working bee can produce a queen bee from a worker egg, if that egg is not too old. " I must now state how the old Ligurian-hive has succeeded after being deprived of all her comb except one pieee. We ex- amined her on the 11th July, eleven days after, and found she had again filled all the bars with comb and brood, or made in all 5 square feet of comb in eleven days, and all full of brood and honey. On the 2Gth July we again took eight frames out of it and placed tliem in another box, and in the same manner as the first one, and on the 1st August we examined it and found two queen-cells sealed up, and all progressing as favour- ably as we could wish ; and now we have two artificial hives from the Lignrians in good order, and the old one still better than any of the common ones. I have no dottbt they bear out their character of being great breeders, and of course honey- gatherers. They work earlier and later tlian the common bee, and are more active. " I may state that the two stalls of the common bees, from which I took the bees to rear a Ligurian queen and bring out the brood, hare swarmed well also. The first one ia again full of bees and brood, so that now I would never wait on bees swarming themselves, but do it artificially whenever I saw them ready." FUMIGATING BEES. Before I received your answer to my communication respect- ing the effects of fumigation on unsealed brood, the top swarm (whose hive I wished to give to the bees of the second swarm) threw off a swarm ; and as soon as the bees were settled in a hire, I removed the stock from its stand and put the new swarm in its place. I then fumigated the bees that coidd not bo persuaded to leave their hive, placed them in the sun on the top of the hive containing the swarm, and put the hive containing the combs and brood under the hive of the second swarm. The queen soon descended, for on the third day (lie royal cells, four in number, were torn open. Now, I believe fumigating the bees to insensibility did not in the least injure the unsealed brood, as no grubs were brought out, only some drone nymphs. I used puff-ball. Is it usual for bees, when prevented by the weather from swarming, and after the royal cells have been destroyed, to raise more young queens when the weather improves, and swarm after all, which was the case with this hive? I had been watching the progress of five royal cells through the windows, the bees trying to swarm when the sun shone (which indeed was very seldom). Three queens were sealed over, and two progressing ; when one morning I found the royal cells torn open, and con- cluded that all intention of swarndng was given up. To my surprise, two days after the death of the princesses I discovered that two other royal cells were tenanted; and in a few days after two more. I'ho day after the first was sealed over the swarm came off. — J. L. [Your bees acted very much as we should have expected them to do under the circumstances, but wo have had little practical experience on this particular point. Perhaps some of our correspondents may be able to reply more fully to your inquiry.] HINTS FOE PEACTICAL BEE-KEEPERS. (Concltuhd from page 38G.) Auttfictal swarm-mnking is only valuable to those who multiply Italian queens. For this purpose they want a largo number of weak hives, which are united again to larger stocks in autumn. He who strengthens a second swarm by inserting brood-combs will make of it a strong populous stock in the first year. Such swarms prosper, of course, very much, and do not want a second apiary. Further : It is in moAt cases disadvantageous to give to a stock which has done swarming either supers or nadirs. I do not myself practise it unless the second swarm has issued whilst the acacia is in bloom, and not even tlicn unless the stock is heavy, and the bees hang out at the entrance. Afier swarming the number of bees in a straw hive is much diminished, whilst its store of honey is decreased and sometimes exhausted by the departing swarms. As it is known that the old queen leads off the first swarm, and the young queen does not usually become impregnated till eighteen or twenty days afterwards, it is nearly three weeks before breeding commences. The combs which become empty by degrees as the brood of the old queen hatches, must first be provided with a store of honey for feeding the brood, and for sustenance during winter ; but this is neglected if supers and nadirs are used. When supers are put on, one obtains honey to be sure, but this is done to the injury of the stock, which can seldom kfcp its footing. SVhen nadirs are used the bees make combs in (hem, which become filled with brood, by which all honey that is collected is consumed. In both cases such stocks will die of starvation, if not in winter certainly the following spring. With regard to the swarming of bees wliich are kept in boxes, I have this to say — I think it a very great fault. Boxes are designed for obtaining honey. If I aim at swarms I do not want boxes which are known to be expensive. Straw hives, which are much cheaper, are used by me for swarming. The great superiority of the Dzierzon-boxes is that by their means one doubles the profit of the honey harvest. A stock in a box which gives two good swarms would without swarming give at least thirty, or even fifty pounds of honey. If I reckon one pound to be worth eight silber groschen (ttjrf.), this would be a profit of eight to thirteen thalers (£1 3«. to £1 18s.), leaving me a very populous stock, the value of which has much increased. On the other hand, two swar-ms, if they do not issue too late are worth, perhaps, five thalers (nearly 15.v.), and the parent hire is destitute of honey, and weak in population. Whilst, therefore, it is foolish to spur a box-hive to swarm, it is a sign, if not of a bad, certainly of an inattentive bee-keeper, if he bo not able to prevent swarming. In my apiary a Dzierzon-box has never swarmed. You will ask, " How is this to be effected ? " Nothing easier. Wlien the store of honey increases in May is the time to give the bees ample room. My box colonies fill the brood- room (which is enlarged, perhaps, by eight or ten new guide- combs) during the time when the trees are in blossom. The honey-rooms of a good populous stock will generally be fileld before this kind of bee-pasture is at an end. Now, delay not to empty it immediately, and fill it up with new guide-combs. These perpettial operations and changes will certainly do away with all inclination for swarming, and (he bees will apply them- selves with increased diligence to honey-gathering. Many bee- keepers will, doubtless, reply, " I, too, have opened the honey- rooms, and my bees swarmed before they were filled. ' Cer- tainly in this case they have been opened too late; (he bees had already made preparations for swarming, and had begun queen- cells. " When this has taken place the opening is, of course, useless, the inclination for swarming has been awakened, and can no longer be suppressed. A few words now on the placing of stocks. I must declare mvself beforehand decidedly against putting bee-boxes in tiie 406 JOUriNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDEXER. [ August 19, 1862. open air. Not only are they continually exposed to tlie eun and rain whilst the great heat induces them to swann ; but it is aTso very unpleasant to the bee-keeper to be compelled to en- counter a burning sun whenever he examines his bees through the windows, and still more disagreeable if he has to perform operations upon them. When emptying the honey-roomg, as there are generally flight-holes on every side, the bees become wilder and moro inclined to sting. How pleasant, on the other hand, to be able to obaervtsbees in a bee-house sheltered against both sun and rain. If it is very difficult to bring boxes through the winter in the open air so much, I think it quite unsuitable for them to be altogether kept from the warmth of the sun. In a bee-house they are sheltered from the cold by leaves of trees, or better still, by pine-needles outside the hives. The objection that they mistake their hives when placed too near each other does not hold good. If the entrances are 18 inches to 20 inches apart a bee will seldom mistake her hive ; and if it does happen, a weak colony is soon strenglliened by some brood-combs. The rational apiarian will, therefore, put his hives in a bee-house as the most suitable place. What aspect, ihen, is it best to choose for the prosperity of the bees? North, south, and west are decidedly prejudicial. North, because the hees have too little sun ; south, because they are then annoyed by the intense heat ; and lastly, west, because from thence comes the most rain. The morning sun is ad- vantageous 80 long as it does not become oppressive— say till about nine o'clock. The best and most suitable aspect would, therefore, be north-east. I have two ajiaries, one faces north- east, the other south-east. The straw hives in the former swarmed first, and tbe boxes have given the most honey. It cannot, therefore, be recommended that bees fly out from the pavilions in three or four directions. Culd, heat, and rain are all very injurious to bees. It may be replied to this, that from the north-east come cold winds and showers ; but this happens mostly in winter when they are sheltered against them. It has been recommended by many, and, if I mistake not, even by aur teachers, to feed with lumps of sngar-candy. I have exa!iiined ii^ closely, and find this mode of feeding exti'emely unpractical. That this way of feeding i-f a piece of cruelty to animals every one will admit who has observed what trouble and exertion it costs the little creatures to obtain a scanty meal. From the continual fatiguing exertion, and from the quan- tity of water which it takes to dissolve the candy, the bees be- come so feeble that they get dysentery, and are not strong enough in spring to defend themselves against robbers. So that this innovation is a new means of promoting dysentery, which has been so prevalent of late years. Besides honey, I feed my bees only with dissolved sugar- candv, and find them always very healthy, and strong and diligent in the spring. The feeding with solid candy is generally practised during winter, but the apiarian who examines his bees cerefuUy in autumn, and supplies what is wanting, will never be compelled to resort to this most irrational plan qf winter-feeding. Among all artificial compounds for feeding bees, whether in the autumn or in spring, this dissolved sugar-candy is the cleanest, cheapest, and most suitable. In conclusion, I may refer to the interior arrangement of the Dzierzon-hives. As you all know,- bee-keepers are not yet agreed whetlier ledges or rabbets are the best to carry the comb- bars. I have tried both, and experience has taught me to give a decided preference to ledges. How diflicult it is to get out a comb, especially in the front.* Comb-tongs are, however, said to do good service, yet I know that with them many a beautiful honty-comb has been mutilated. But why have such an ex- pensive tool, which with ledges is quite superfluous ? The skilful and steady hand may be relied upon with much greater certainty. When boxes are made, the rabbets give much ad- ditional trouble, which must, of course, be paid for ; added to which if they are not worked with accuracy it is very diificult to put empty combs into them. Ledges require only to be nailed on, whilst comb-bars can on tlum be easily pushed in, and when it is desired to tske them out, can be raised with the comb-knife. When a guide-comb in a hive with a new swarm becomes de- tached from the bar by the weight of the bees, which not un- frcquently happens, it is not necessary for me to remove all the combs, but I take it out of the midst and make it up immediately * Combs are, I believe, extracted eitlierfrom the backer front of Dzierzon- bivcs, and not by removine the top, as is customary in England, but rliis would be impracticable where one colony is located over another, as is the case in Uzierzon twin stocks, vierbeuters and achtbeuters.— A Devonshire Bee- K- EPER. with anotlier comb. I am also able to put the covering-boards immediately on the comb-bars, by which means the most inconve- nient second rabbet to push in the covering-boards is omitted. These, gentlemen, are the results of my experience, which I express fenrlessly, as they rest on many years' practice. I have already said that I will not steal the crown from the merit of the modern go-a-head theory ; but this, I think, we should keep fust — that as theory exists only for practice, we only act accord- ing to that theory which is ajiproved by practice, and for the rest leave theory "to stand or fall by its own merits. For apart from this that theory sprung from practice as the former reduced to order the experience derived from the latter. Thus we see that as practice existed before theory, the latter must be made practical (since theory is nothing without practice), for which certain conditions must necessarily be presumed. To speak specially of bee-keeping, to be a good bee-keeper three qualifi- cations are requisite, and these are — courage, skill, and patience; courage, to become master of his bees ; skill, to do without many useless instruments ; and patience, not to lose heart in bad times. If we follow these hints, which are the results of mony years' experience, the sad misfortunes which have been so frequent will seldom happen, and our harvest will become a ricli one. — VlEBEa, Secretary of the Potsdam Central Societi/ of Bee-keepers. At page 385, second paragirapb, read *^rc3o[iition" fov "revolution;" and at pa;;e 386, last paragi-aph. read " swarms should issue during afttU pa>ture "' instead ot " a fall pasture." GESTATION OF GUINEA PIGS. In fulfilment of my promise to send you the result of my second experiment to determine tl;e period of gestation in Guinea Pigs, and whether warmth had any influence in shorten- ing the time, I have to inform you that the sow mentioned as the first in my last year's account, and which was kept out of doors exposed to a north aspect, after a gestation of ten weeks and a few hours produced fdur young ones. This year she went to the boar on the afternoon of Friday, May 2rid ; I placed her in a hutch, and kept her by the side of the kitchen fire. Saturday morning, July 12th, I fouud she had two young ones, being exactly the same time as last year when exposed to the inclemency of a north aspect. The other sow has not bred this year ; but I consider this and last year's experiment to prove conclusively that their period of gestation is ten weeks, and also to disprove the assertion that warmth would hasten parturition. Having bred only once a-year does not speak much for their rapid increase. Probably if the boar had run with the sows they might have bred oftener, but that would not have suited my experiments, as I required exact data. The numbers of the young have been on two occasions two, once four, and twice five. — B. P. Beent, DaUingtoH, near Rolertsbridge, Sussex. OUR LETTER BOX. Poultry Mis-sent.— The followincr communication has been forwarded to us: — " I have received a pen of poultr}' uhich lias been sent me with my address. I have written to many of my friends, and cannot ascertain from whom they have come. They may have been sent in niistalie from some show or other. I shall be glad to return them to their proper owner, if properly described to nie. I ha^-e had them nearly a fortnight, and have not yet liad any application. The coclc bird is not so healthy, but I shall attend to them as if they were my omh."— Fred. H.ardy, Quarry Gate^ Bradford^ I'oi-kshire. Colour of Spanish Cocks (^;»rt^(?(fr).— Spanish cocks are often white- faced when chickens. They should always be so when from six to eieht months iild. AVe should have little hope of a cock chicken, if at three months he showed no sign of white face. Pullets are much later, but they should showpariiiil white at three months. You deserve your success, and you have made choice of a hardy breed well adapted for the neighbourhood of towns and contined spots ; but we fear from your description they are not first-elass birds. Baily's is the best book. Brekd OF P'owLs {Fr(tnccscn).— V^ pillium, a mantle, and brancltix, gills — a cla?s so named from its members having two long spiral arnn placed on each side of the mouib, which in many species can be unrolled to a considerable length, and protrudi-d to some distance in search of aliment. They are bivalved, one valve of the shell being applied to the back and the other to the belly of the animal, which is attached by its shell, or by a pedicel to some foreign body. The ENCEru.iLA, or animals Iiaving heads, may be subdivided also into three cla?8C5, according to the modifications of the locomotive organs. 1st, The PtiTopoda, from two Greet words signifying " a wing" and "a foot." This class consists of small, soft, floating marine animals, which swim by the contractions of two lateral, musculo-cutaneous fins ; but are unable to fix themselves or creep in the sea from want of feet. 2ud, The Clasleropoda, from Greek words signifying "the stomach" and "the foot." This class includes those Molluscs whose locomotive apparatus consists of a muscular disk attached to the ventral surface of the body, serving 'either as an instru- ment for crawling, or, in rarer instances, compressed into a muscular membrane for swimming. 3rd, Cephalopoda, from two Greek v/ords signifying " the head" and " the foot." This class has all or part of their loco- motive organs attached to the head, whence they radiate in the form of muscular arms or tentacula. The Cuttle-fish is a familiar illustration of this class. It. is only in tliis class (tlie Cephalopoda) tiiat we find an internal skeleton, combined in some with a shell. In the rest of the MoUusca the bard p.irts, where present, are external. But the integument in certain species of the Encephalous classes, and in most of tlie Cephalopoda, is uncalcified and flexible. It may be mentioned here that all true Molluscs have a complete alimentary canal, with mouth, stomach, intestine, and vent, and they are provided with cireulatiug and respiratory organs. In the higher classes of Molluscs (Cephalopoda), muscles may originate from an internal cartilage ; in other Molluscs they are attached to the skin, or to the shell which may be developed in that otherwise soft substance. The shell is chiefly hardened by carbonate of lime, and consists either of one or two pieces called "valves :" there are rarely more than two of these, or with accessory parts. The blood is colourless, or, at all events, it is not red. The heart is distinct and musculav, and propels the blood through a system of arteries and veins, the latter having the form of irregular lacunar It is almost unnecessary to observe that as our errand lies only on the scashoie, we shall take no notice of the countless land and freshwater animals whicli form so large a proportion of the family of the Molluscs. We shall now proceed to notice the first class of Headless Molluscs, called Tunicata. — W. {To be continued.) PEOPAGATION OF BEDDING PLANTS. Tni3 noff-a-days forms no mean portion of the duties, or shall I say pleasures ? of all who aim at gay beds and borders throughout the summer and autumn months, and the time is now upon us when it must be set about in earnest. It is to those amateurs that are in possession of a greenhouse, vinery or pit, vtith the further aid of, it may be, a one or two-Ught common frame, or a few hand-glasses, that I propose addressing myself on this occasion, with the view of giving a few practical hints as to the best mode of autumn propagation. There are two important points to be aimed at in the case of those whose means of wintering stock is limited. The first being how to propagate so as to turn out the healthiest possible stock of plants, and the next is how to winter the greatest quantity in as small a compass as possible. In discussing these points I will not take them up under sejiarate heads, but shall keep both ebjects in mind in the few following remarks. Throughout an experience of very considerable extent I have become more and more convinced every year that the practice of striking cuttings of Verbenas, Heliotropes, &o., in a high tempera- ture, and plunged in bottom heat, is not only unnecessary, but the very reverse of sound practice, and results in the excessive debility of the plants ; so much so, that by so striking such plants after the middle of August, it require the whole autumn to accomplish the tedious and so-called process of "hardening them off." I would advise the commencement of propagation to take place either with the closing days of July or the beginning of August. And instead of enclosing the cuttings in a steaming hotbed — deriving the heat either from hot water or fermenting material — I would say, Choose a cold frame, putting in the bottom of it a loycr of half-rotton leaves or turfy loam to act as drainage. Over this place 3 inches of half sand, half finely sifted leaf mould for the reception of the cuttings ; press the surface moderately firm, and commence putting in the cuttings of Verbenas, Heliotropes, Alyssums ; in short, the whole fraternity of bedding plants, excepting Scarlet and variegated Geraniums, as well as yellow Calceolarias, of which more by-and-by. In taking cuttings of such things let them be short, fresh, stubby cuttings from the outsides of the beds, and see that as fast as they are made into cuttings they are dibbed firmly into the frame — prepared as above — and watered and shaded before they droip. This is a point of great importance, for cuttines once allowed to droop and be dried up with sun and wind never succeed so well. The cuttings may be inserted at about 1 inch by li inch. A one or two-lrglit box, or even a few hand-glasses at this rate hold a great quantity of cuttings, and the labour and trouble in pre- paring such receptacles is scarcely worth naming as compared with the crocking of pots, and the plunging and steaming into the bargain. As soon as the necessary quantity of cuttings are in, give them as much water as will wet the whole surfaee soil down to the leaves or turf, and then shut them up close, and shade them carefully from the sun. Now, the first step in the process of getting fine, stocky plants that will stand the rigours of winter well, is to get these cuttings to make roots without becoming drawn and weakly. To this end let the lights be removed entirely from the frame in the evening after the sun has left it, at the same time — and to prevent any chance of the plants drooping — give them a gentle dewing through a very fine rose. Should the weather be harsh and windy, be content with simply putting on some air at the back of the frame by tilting up the lights. When the lights are removed never forget to put them on again before leaving them for the night, for a thunderstorm or a liigh wind would deal cruelly with them. If the cuttings are healthy when put in, they will soon root when treated so, and that, too, without making much growth or spending their life and energies. But such cuttings thrust into warm frames and plunged in bottotn heat become elongated and sickly long before they are ready either to prick or pot-ofl'. As soon as tliey are rooted, of course the next consideration is how best to accommodate them for the winter, so as at the same time to take up the smallest possible space, and to preserve them in health. In the case of Verbenas, I would recommend square or round pans of earthenware, the same material as pots, or wooden boxes about 5 inches deep. In preparing these it is not necessary to use many crocks ; a single crock over the openings, with a few crocks finely broken over them is enough ; then place above these \\ inch of horse-droppings that have been in heap for a few months, or part of a decayed Mushroom-bed or hotbed will do perfectly well. Cowdung I object to from its sloppy nature, which makes it dangerous on the score of impeding the drainage. The pans or boxes should then be filled up to within a quarter of an inch of the top, with a compost of half loam, half rotten dung, and sufficient sand to make it sparkle. The cuttings should then be lifted carefully with their roots entire, and dibbed into these vessels, putting about forty plants into a roimd pan 13 inches in diameter. This transplanting process should be performed as soon as the cuttings have made roots an inch long. After all are so transplanted into the pans or boxes, as the case may be, place them in a cold frame and shade for a few days from the sun, but let the shading be discontinued by degrees, and entirely dispensed with as soon as the plants have got hold of the soil Give more and more air every day till the lights be removed entirely, except in cases of heavy rains ; go over them as soon as they begin to grow freely, and pinch the top out of every plant. Let them be 418 JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUKE ANIJ COTTAO?. GAIii..E^"E3. [ August 2G, 1S62. attentively supplied with water so as to prevent them ever be- coming mealy dry on the one hand, or saturated on the other. Thus treated they will form masses of healthy plants by the middle or end of September, that will rustle as you draw your hand over them, and will contrast most favourably with cuttings struck in hot, close frames, in a poor, sandy compost, and allowed to stand starving in their cutting-pots till next spring. Plants treated as described above will be comparatively easily wintered, although the most favourable position is a liglit, dry, and airy one. Through the winter months they must be kept carefully free from green fly, and have just enough of moisture at the root to keep them healthy and no more, or mildew or other ills may be looked for. With regard to the comparative merits of earthenware pans and wooden boxes, I give the decided preference to the former, having always observed that these plants are easier kept in health in them than in boxes. In spring should it be desirable to increase the stock, such may be done at pleasure by the aid of a little bottom-heat. Spring- struck cuttings are much preferable to autumn-struck ones ; and I propagate only in autumn to get stock from them in spring, and the ease with which the necessary stock can be worked up in spring is dependant in no small degree on a fine healthy stock to propagate from ; and struck as I have described, the show of cuttings will be very different to the miserable rusty things struck in heat, and wintered in their cutting-pots. There may, how- ever, be many amateurs who must, in the nature of things, be entirely dependant on autumn-struck plants ; and, in the case of such it is all the more urgent that their stock should be fine, and I have no fear but that by pursuing the hardy manner of propagating, they will find themselves in possession of a stock that will not only cost them much less trouble and anxiety, but also of one far superior in quality. In the propagation of the different sorts of Geraniums, both variegated and common sorts, it not unfrequeiitly pains one to see them coddled to death by placing them inside the room window, with a blind between them and the sun, instead of placing on the sill outside in the full blaze of the sun. Amaze- ment is very often expressed at our exhortations to bring them up so hardy, and it takes some earnestness and pains to convince that certain death would not be the result of propagating Gera- niums in the hottest and most sunny place at command. In order to make the most of space in wintering Geraniums, there is no better and easier way than that of striking them in boxes, and wintering them as they are struck. Boxes about S inches deep, filled with light tolerably rich soil, are all that is required for the successful propagation and wintering of the common earliest varieties. The variegated sorts are, however, more tender and do btst in well-drained pots or pane. In the propagation of both sections, I know of nothing so conducive to success as the selection of large cuttings, and the placing them in an open, sunny position after they are made, and dibbed into the pots or boxes. Heavy rains should always be guarded against by having some means of covering them. I fear, how- ever, in the face of these directions, that, should the present most ungenial weather continue, large cuttings will not be easily got early in August. Well, then, I would say, Wait a fortnight or three weeks. You will be safer with a large, firm cutting°at the beginning of September, than with a soft, spongy thing at the 1st of August. In about three weeks after the cuttings of Geraniums are put in and managed thus, they will root and begin to grow, and make fresh leaves ; and as soon as they become to any extent thick, go over them and pinch the terminal bud out of each, and remove some of the leaves so as to let the air have free scope about them. They should be housed before autumn rains and frost commence ; the best place to keep them safely is in the coolest and driest part of a greenhouse, vinery, or pit. Gera- niums can alao be successfully wintered in a spare sitting-room, coach-house, or, in fact, any place where they can be kept dry and free from frost, and have a moderate share of light. — D. T., in Scottish Gardener, EXTKACTS FEOM A TOO-MUCH NEGLECTED BOOK. Mushrooms. — September 22. — Mushrooms are springing up by the roadside and in pasture grounds ; they are not so numerous as last year, however, when the fungus tribe abounded. Mush- rooms are not much eaten in our country neighbourhood ; people are afri.i.i of them, and perliaps they are right. Certoinly> they should never be eaten unless gathered by a person who understands them thoroughly. In France they are not allowed to be offered for sale, I believe, until inspected by an officer appointed for the purpose. There is a good old Irish mother who supplies one or two houses in the village when they are in season, and she understands them very well. The Indians of this part of the continent ate Mushrooms. Poor creatures, they were often reduced to great extremities for food, from their want of forethought, feeding upon lichens, iripe de roche, and everything edible which grew in the forest. But Muslirooms seem to have been considered by them as a great dehcacy. A Chippewa, when speaking with Major Long on the subject of a future life, gave the following account of the opinions prevailing among his people : — " In this land of souls, all are treated according to their merits." "The wicked are haunted by tlie phantoms of the persons or things they have injured ; thus, if a man has destroyed much property, the phantoms of the wrecks of this property obstruct his passage wherever he goes ; if ho has been cruel to his dogs, they also torment kim after death ; the ghosts of those whom during his lifetime he has wronged, are there permitted to avenge their wrongs." " Those who have been good men are free from pain ; they have no duties to perform ; their time is spent in dancing and sing- ing, and they feed upon Mushrooms, which are very abundant." Thus, Mushrooms appear to be the choice food of the Chippewa heroes in the happy hunting grounds. CoLOTJE OF Autumn Leaves. — October 5. — The woods are very fine, under the .cloudy sky, to-day. Scarlet, crimson, pink, and dark red increasing rapidly — gaining upon the yellows. So much the better ; seasons where yellow prevails are far from being our finest autumns. The more crimson and scarlet we have to blend with the orange and straw colours, the gayer we are. Still, this seems rather a yellow year ; for the Elms and Hickories — wliich often wither and turn brown, without much beauty — are very handsome just now, in clear shades of yellow, fluttering in the breeze like gold-leaf; while the Chestnuts, Birches, Wych Hazel, and many Maples, as usual, wear the same colours. Although there are certain general rules regarding the colour- ing of the trees, still they vary with different seasons ; some which were red last year may be yellow this autumn, and others which were dull russet may be bright gold colour. The other day we found a wood path strewed, at one spot, with pink Aspen leaves ; but the general colour of this tree is a decided yellow, nor do I ever remember to have seen its foliage pink before this instance ; still there was no mistake about the matter, the leaves belonged to the large Aspen, and they were clearly pink. They looked, however, as if they had first turned yellow, and then a coat of rich worm lake had been laid on afterwards. Maples frequently go through the same process. Some of the Oaks are turning deep red, others scarlet. The Ashes are already dark purple. But while most of the foliage is gaining in brilliancy, bare limbs are already seen here and there ; the Virginia Creepers are all but leafless ; so are the black Walnuts ; and the Balm of Gilead Poplar is losing its large leaves. Such is Autumn : prodigal in her magnificence, scatter- ing largesse with a liberal hand, she is yet careless, and regardless of finish in the lesser details ; she flings cloth of gold over the old Chestnut, and Tyrian purple upon the Oak ; while the neighbouring Grape Vine hangs a dull and blighted garland of russet upon the forgotten Aspen, still green. Spring has a dainty hand, a delicate pencil ; no single tree, shrub, plant, or weed, is left untouched by her ; but Autumn delights rather in the breadth and grandeur of her labours, she is careless of details. Spring works lovingly — Autumn, proudly, magnificently. — (lUiss Cooper's Journal of a Naturalist in the United Slates.) WOEK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Artichoies, cut down the flower-stems, and remove the dead leaves from the old plantation. Those made last season will probably now produce a few heads. Sasi! and Marjoram, to be cut and dried just as it is coming into flower. Asparagus, to be kept free from seed-weeds. Carrots, make a sowing for early spring use on a dry light soil, that is only moderately rich. Cabbage, continue to plant- out for Coleworts at every favourable opportunity ; prick-out the young plants intended for the main August 26, 1862.] JOURNAL OF UuRXlCLLTCltE AND COrXAOK OiKI)'- NER. 419 spring crop. Canlijlowers, sow the principal crop for keeping over the winter. Cetcri/, some of the esirly crops will now be aulReiontly advanced for earthing-up ; this should be performed on a dry day. Remove all suckers, and tie each plant separately with a pieeo of matting to prevent the earth from getting into the hearts of the plants. The earthing-up to be proceeded with in the usual way, taking care to loosen the soil well about the roots. If they had a thorough good soaking of liquid manure the day previous, it will be of great advantage to them. Undive, make a last sowing for spring use ; continue to transplunt from former sowings when the weather is favourable. Dwarf Kidney Beatis, if the weather is dry and hot, give fhcni an abundant supply of water when they are in bloom. Lelluces, if a sowing of the various sorts to stand the winter was made last week, another good sowing may be made during this week. Tlie former will do for transplanting in the autumn, and the latter may remain in the seed-bed to be transplanted in the spring. Onions, sow seed of Spanish, Tripoli, or Straeburgh to stand the winter. The Welsh may also be sown for drawing young in the spring ; the other sorts are beat transplanted in the spring for bulbing. Let the crop now on the ground be removed as soon as they have ceased to grow, if left longer tlian tliis on the ground they frequently get mouldy and do not keep well ; to be spread out in a shed or any dry place till fit for tying in ropes. Tomatoes, gather them as they ripen ; and where they are backward, and at the same time much in demand, gather a few of the most forward and hang tliem in the stove, or, where there is not this convenience, place them in a frame where they will soon ripen. FLOWEE GABDEN. Look over rock plants, pruning back any that are overgrowing choice kinds, in order to give them sutBcient time to break again before autumn. Keep such plants cut back as have a tendency to overgrow Box or other edgings. Tie-up Dahlias, Sweet Peas, and other border plants. Peg-down a few shoots of Chrysan- themums for laying in pots ; this is better done after tlie shoot has turned up at the point. Cut-out some of the leaves from Hollyhocks to show their bloom. Keep gravel walks perfectly clean and smooth by weeding, sweeping, and rolling as may be necessary. Keep climbers on walls within due limits. Part and transplant Polyanthuses. Prick-out seedling Auriculas into store-pots or pans. Prick-out seedling Pansies, and plant-out the first-struck cuttings for next year's bloom. Pull-olT all de- formed or damaged flowers from Dahlias, and give regular atten- tion to staking, tying, &c., that the plants may not be broken during boisterous weather. FKUIT GAEDEN. Bemove all superfluous shoots from wall trees, and expose the fruit of Peaches and Nectarines, but not by cutting off the foliage. Place dry beanstalks, cut in lengths of about 6 inches, among the branches, and by this means the earwigs, that are sometimes very injurious, may be caught before the fruit is ripe. STOVB. Continue former directions in this house as to heat and moisture, and, by giving plenty of air, endeavour to get your Ixoras and similar plants to make strong luxuriant shoots, which, if properly ripened, arc sure to produce fine heads of bloom. Pay due attention to Begonias, Euphorbias, and all winter-blooming plants. Expose such plants as Stephanotis that have completed their growth to the full sun, so as to get the wood properly ripened, and then gradually go to rest. GBEENHOUSE AND CONSEEV-iTOET. Plants that are required to bloom late in autumn and winter should be repotted, and their growth advanced. Ply the finger and thumb vigilantly on all plants which appear disposed to make a loose rambling growth. Remove the flowers regularly from Leschenaultias, and assist those that have filled their pots with roots with a little weak manure water occasionally. Look sharply out for mildew on Boronias, Gompholobiums, &c., and when the slightest speck is visible dust the plants with sulphur. Pot TropsDolums of all kinds, giving them a free open soil, with plenty of sand and drainage, and place the pots in the open air until the end of next month. Thin-out the Mignonette sown some weeks back, and get in a second sowing ifor Christmas- blooming. Look to Violets, and keep the runners removed. Roses, Lilacs, and other plants for forcing, to be examined, and such as require it may be repotted, plunging the pots afterward", and watering when necessary. PITS AND FRAMES. Attention should now be paid to the propagation of Verbenas, Petunias, Salvias, Scarlet Geraniums, and other bcdding-out plants. Use every available means to raise a suflicient stock to preserve through the winter. Where there is a comparatively small space for wintering them, boxes and square pans are recommended for that purpose. The cuttings of plants liable to be ail'ected by aphis to bo immersed in tobacco water before they are put into the boxes or pans. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. " It never rains but it pours," might well be said of Saturday the IGth, and Sunday the 17th inst. For from fifty to sixty hours we had a continual down-pour, without the least inter- mission— a grand thing for land needing ploughing and scari- fying ; as in this neighbourhood, not^itlittanding the damp and drizzle, the soil was too dry to permit of either being satisfac- torily done. A grand thing, too, for Turnips, reaching to their roots, and giving them enough to prevent their feeling the efTects of drought for the season. A grand thing, too, for the corn sw^elling, and just needing cutting, as it will make it fill the bushel so much the better. With these benefits, the drawbacks were that it hindered the storing of grain fit to be carted, in- terfered with the labour of the reaper ; and in our own depart- ment, though giving us just what we wanted in the kitchen garden, it gave a desolate appearance to the flower garden, as noble trusses of Geraniums became a mass of rottenness, looking as wretched as a lot of drowned mice, whilst Calceolaria blossoms were washed off in bushels. Monday afternoon gave us a little sunshine. Tuesday was a glorious day. Wednesday, sunny and cloudy by turns ; and though the rains have given us labour for which we did not bargain, in picking olT the worst remnants of flowers, did the sun continue to shine the flower gardens would yet be fine this autumn, as many fresh flowers begin to open, and there are plenty of buds to make all rich and beautiful. The rains have also so soaked the ground that watering to any extent will hereafter be unnecessary, whilst lawns will hardly have a tinge of brown for the season. At no time have I seen them of a richer green. KITCHEN GAUDEN. Pulled up forward garden Beans for sosd. Pulled Dwarf Kidney Beans close to keep them well in bearing, every pod allowed to swell seed doing more to exhaust the plant than a dozen of pods nice and crisp for the table. Planted out Lettuces, Endive, Coleworts, Broccali, &c., as room could be found ; also a good batch of Cauliflower for the last gathering without pro- tection, and a bank of smaller plants, which can easily be pro- tected a little. Tied up the seed-heads of Sea-kale in bundles, as the seed is ripe enough for keeping, and taking it all away will strengthen the roots of the plants. Sowed Lettuces and Cauliflowers, the latter for early spring use. Will sow again in a week or ten days. Took up Shallots and Garlic, and pulled up Onions of spring planting, leaving the bulbs exposed to the sun. Thinned and stopped Cucumber plants. Vegetable Marrows, &c. Stopped and thinned leaves of Tomatoes. Thinned Turnips, sowed more, and also Spinach and Onions for winter. Found that Capsicums and Chilis were not swelling much under glass merely ; turned them, therefore, out of their pots into leaf mould and loam placed above hot fermenting matter, and where a pipe can give a little top heat when necessary. This luxury in the shape of home-made Cayenne pepper is much valued, and what is not wanted for that purpose will be pretty well as serviceable for destroying insects as Neal's Pastils. Put some dung round Tobacco plants, which are not growing so well as usual, owing to the want of heat in the soil. Earthed-up some Celery, using ashes round the stem. This, too, grows more slowly than usual this season. Peas have been in their glory, so juicy and rich. Must get the latest staked if we can find time to do so at all. Swept the surface of the older Mushroom-beds to leave them clean and solid ; and will smoke the Mushroom- house with burning sulphur and sawdust, to destroy all wood hce and other vermin that may be lodging there, before we begin to make up beds for late autumn and winter. FEUIX GAEDElf. Planted Strawberry plants as time could be got. Potted for forcing. Commenced clearing the rows of those to be left for next year. Gathered some of the earlier Apples that were ripe. 420 JOXJaNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COirAGE aABDENER. [ August 26, 1862. Eemoved as we could get at them the breastwood of trees, and taking now almost the whole away, and especially the second growth after a first nipping some time ago. Find wasps attack- ing the remnants of Figs, which have borne heavy crops — the first time we have seen the gentry this season, looking almost as if the heavy rains had turned them out, and tlie bright sun had enticed them to keep out instead of returning to their burrows. As a matter of precaution will place gauze over the air-openings in vineries to prevent them getting in, which is better tlian driving tliem out after they get in and do mischief. Hemoved all the plants from the second vinery, washed the stage, &c., so that there should ha no damp or impurity about the fruit, ripe and ripening. Got Camellias, &c., out of late vinery, where colouring is commencing, for a similar piu"pose ; and in about ten days or lees will have all the other things — Begonias, Cocks- combs, Acliimenes, &c., also out, that the floor may be nice and dry before the autumn closes. Tliinned out tlie laterals in these houses now, that more strength may be thrown into the branches and the wood aud buds that will be wanted for another year. I regret the roof is so Hat, as moisture is so easily condensed aud apt to drop inside in winter, even with every care. Watered the borders of Peach-house, from which the fruit has been all gathered for three weeks, and find we have been i-atber greedy in the orehard-Iiouse in leaving so many, especially Peaches; and, therefore, we do not in the earliest coming-in get the size which we will do in later ones better thinned. We are apt to err in this respect when the young fruit set as thick as they can stand, as they did merely with the protection of the glass, and plenty of air on too. Small Peach and Nectarine trees in pots have yielded good fruit and lieavy crops, and we are doubtful what to do in the autumn, give larger pots or plant out ; the advantage of the former being that tliey are so tho- roughly under control. Some Jefferson's Plums in pots, ripened with air on night and day, have been much prized for their size and flavour. All these pots have had a fair allowance of manure water, aud twice during the summer have had about half-au-ineh surfacing of horse-droppings half rotten, partly to enricli the water that passed through tlieni, and partly to act as mulching and keep the soil from drying so quickly. The plants chiefly were small single-stemmed maidens in the spring of 3861 j the pots chiefly 12*3 and 8's, half plunged in the border ; and some of the larger kinds of Plums have from one to two dozen of fine fruit, and the plants seem anything but distressed, giving every promise of better crops next year. We find that the roots are getting through the pots notwithstanding all the surface- mulching ; but as soon as the fruit is gathei-ed the pots will be lifted or twisted round, so that the wood shall be thoroughly ripened. Where a little labour and attention can be given we feel sure that the best Plums can thus be satisfactorily grown, and they will have a richness in flavour which they rarely have in cold places out of doors. Had we the chance we would have a little house of Coe's Golden Drop, which will rarely ripen here ; as with plenty of air all the summer it would come in rich as preserves in October and November. We mean to give all Peach, Plum, &c., trees in these houses some thorough washings and emokings as soon as the wood is ripe and the leaves falling, as there is some appearance of the black fly that annoyed us so much in the spring. The green fly is nothing to it. ORNAMENTAL GAEDENINO. The rains have given us pretty well a week's work, which we did not bargain for, in the flower garden, cleaning and nipping off the decayed bloom. This has thrown us behind with other work that needed doing, as there was a necessity for making the grounds as attractive as possible, and if this weather con- tinues, a few days will remove all traces of the drenching. Some yieitors at the mansion would not look at the beds on Sunday or Monday, and thus escaped the morbid feeling experienced at seeing such a dreai-y spectacle. Much of the happiness of life consists in resolutely not looking at the black side of things. The grass, too, from the drenching gave us much additional work, rushing up like magie ; but then it is so beautifully green when dressed either by the scythe or hand machine. I was afraid that geeen's mowing machine of 16 inches would be rather heavy for one man ; but unless the grass is long, which it never shoidd be, I hear no complaint, it is BO nicely balanced. I never saw Mr. Green, but I had the pleasure of examining these machines closely on his premises, and seeing them at wort. 1 am much obliged for his courtesy in noticing my complaint at page 298. Several ladies and gentlemen who saw them at work, and liked them much, were horrified at the hideous noise as the machine was pulled back- wards. I might have written to Mr. Green privately, but that would have been far less effectual in removing the unpleasant impression, and many now will be astonished that such a simple thing as elevating the iron rollers and allowing the weight to rest on the v.oodcn rollers in front, enables you to draw the macliine backwards with as little noise as a cat would make with ite paws. All things, however, are simple, but only to the initiated. Common workmen might have plodded on for years deafening the ears of their employers without finding out such a simple thing. Of course, in those of a larger size, the moving of the lever that takes the cogs out of gear, remedies all this without any elevating of the machine. These different operations have interfered with propagating and potting farther than getting in a batch of Yerbenas in the mode spoken of laet wesk, and we are about commencing with Scarlet Geraniums, most of which now will be inserted in rough wooden boxes, and, if possible, all the tenderest will get the pro- tection of glass. AVill have to hunt the sides of roads to get some fresh compost for this purpose, which answers better than any mixture of old soils or compost — if sandy, all the better ; if not, to be made so. No cuttings care much for leaf mould or dung in the soil, though when the cuttings are to stand many months we often lay a little of such material in a rough state at the bottom of the boxes or pots. In all delicate affairs, the cuttings do best without, and if help is needed, a little weak manure water, when struck, would suit the most of them better. Among things rather new we will put in a good batch of the gnaphalium lanatum, a free-growing, neat, cordate, woolly-leaved plant, producing small everlasting-like Dowers, that but for the white stems and the white scales round the flower, and their rather agreeable per- fume would be little more attractive than the flowers of the Groundsel. Some ladies, however, like them much and say that thinly scattered they give a greater attraction to the plant as an edging. For myself I neither like nor dislike, being neutral in the matter. In some cases I might let them remain, and in others I would remove them if their yellow points did not suit what was next to them. I think either Mr. Beaton or some other correspondent spoke of its not blooming, but here it seems that from oldish plants it would bloom rather freely. I like it as an edging plant chiefly for two reasons. First, it is so ac- commodating that you may cut and pin it down to a broad or narrow margin of a few inches in height, or you may let it grow upright with support, bo as to form a dense sloping bank of 18 inches or more in height round a tallish bed of scarlet or purple, against the shades of which colours it seems to tell the most favourably. The next attraction is one that some ladies first pointed out to me, and that is the dancing flickering shades that flit over its foliage when looked at from a little distance in bright sunshine. " Oh I what beautiful new variegated Ivy is that you have got ?" several have exclaimed ; and really the shades are very striking under such circumstances. This is a matter much overlooked. Mr. Ilamilton, of Ham Wood, first drew my attention to the beauty in this respect of Beaton's Stella Geranium. Well, the smallest bit of this Gnaphalium will strike in sandy soil, either under hand-light or frame; aud though it will not stand frost it is so hardy that you can hardly lose it in winter unless you thoroughly dry it up, or thoroughly deluge it with water. The poorer the soil, I am inclined to think, the whiter wdl be the foliage. As an edging plant I give it a place along with the Cerastium tomentosum and Cineraria maritima. — K. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. *^* We request that no one wiU write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble aud expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the " Journal of SorticuUnre, Sfc." 162, Fleet Street, London, JE.C. We -also reqi.est that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poidtry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate August 26, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 421 commimioations. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. PttONtJKcuTlDN OF Namks I IEN Dksion (.1 Regular Subscriber).— We would decidedly recommend you to adopt grass; it will make your design look very much better than gravel, and would harmonise better with tho bright colours of the flowers. Reports (A Cmslant lieaihr).—U yoa refer to page 322 ot our present volume, you will find a reply to your inquiry. Where so much repetition Is necessary, we must draw the line somewhere. Your obsenation does not apply to country shows, becan«e there the whole features and subjects are totally distmct from the metropolitan esliibitions. Cktstal Palace ( E. if. .V.).— You must have had a treat round the beds there. The Commelina is ono of the oldest herbaceous plants, and has blue Bowers, and there were more than two full beds of it there. But Sir. Beaton will tell us next month how they all stood the season there. For your green- house we would preftr a common flue ; these hot stews for cuttings, from a greenhouse boiler, are like paying through the nose for one's use. Perhaps SIX Hres will carry you through the winter, and seldom is Are needed for a greenhouse m March and April when you propagate. RosK-ci'TTiNOs ( Virgil).— The best Rose-cuttings in .\ugnst and September are those stiff little side shoots which are from 3 inches to 4 inches long ; cut i?? ",■ "^'"'^ ^''°'" ""^ shoots, or with a heel to them, and put them in with a little sand in pots, or in the open ground. The latter is the surest way for all inexperienced persons, and if they could put a hand-glass over them all the surer. ' e e Bebbeeis Bebries (7rfeml.-The blue berries of the Holly-leaved Barberry are thus prepared for sowing:— First you draw a lot of drills, as lor winter apmach, across a border ; secondly, yon get up before the blackbirds and inrushes, and keep them from the berries; and in the third and last place, wnen the berries are ripe lake a blue apron before you, and gather as many M you can carry, and sow them just as they will be, and as much like spring rea sowing as anything you ever saw ; cover them up like Peas, and next apru they will come up in rows just as you pnt them. • '^.Y^^'Jf^'' LiLrEs (J/. J?.).— They are beyond the pale of useful cultivation m tue three kingdoms, and no m.ode of culture will cause one of them to nower a second time in England or Scotland at all events; and if you can nit on a plan in your part of the country you might do good to some one there, and give him a share of the trade in Guernsey Lilies. Plakts for a Takk (ff. Jf,).-The plant is Hippophae rhamnoides. We tear you will not do much with your water-tank that is only a foot in depth and 5 feet wide. A good plant of NymphKa alba would fill -t, but then yon nave not depth enough to do it justice. A good root would require more than a foot of rich loamy soil, and at least as much water above it. In the circumstances, we would advise plants in six-inch pots ot Aponogeton dis- tachyon ; Butomus umbellatus, the flowering Rush ; Jlenyanthcs trifoliata, Ulree-leaved Buckbcan ; and two or three plants of the Ranunculus aquatilis. Then, for variety, you might have two plants of Cnlla tcthiopica, set in the rank in summer, and moved under the protection of a greenhouse in winter. Two or three plants of Agapnnthus umbellatus might be set round the sides in summer, the half of tlieir pots under the water. These too should be re- moved under protection in winter. Suppose you use the last two in summer first, and see how you like them. Geeenhovse Climbers {.Gardenia).— \Ye never give plans for flower gardens, but opinions on plans submitted to us. There are, however, many plans in this work and in the manuals ; but every place should have an arrangement to suit itself. As the MandeviUa does well, we would suggest as clunbers-Kennedya Marryattae, K. nigricans, So Iva heterophylla, Jas- minumrevolutum, Bigr.onia jasminoides, B. Cheieri. fl^oscwiU give scarlet, dark purple, bine, yellow, pink, and rich crimson, also fine foliage. All the Tea Roses, Devoniensis especially, would do admirably against pillars, Jtc, and so wc uld the Rhododendron spoken of, if it has plemy of light, and too much heat is not given. Bottom Heat and Moistcre (ff. fl'.).— We do not think that for tropical plants you will have too much bottom heat, if the pots ^tand on the top of the cinders. If at all set on the tank, we think there will be too much. If, however, the bottom of the pots, even on the surface, get more heat than you want, you may increase the depth of ashes, or give each plant a piece of board or slate to stand upon. If so, we would prefer the ashes being covered with sand for neatness. We do not understand rightly about the open cisterns, and the tanks consuming their own moisture in winter ; but if yon have too much moisture in winter, the covering of the cisterns by a lid would be an advantage. The next best would be to see that no moisture escaped from the tank, by the slate covering being made vapour-proof; and the best of all would be to have part ot the tank surface slate, at least exposed so as to give a dry heat in winter j and if even then the house was rather damp to be careful in watering, not using more than was necessary, and spilling none, as careless waterers are apt to do. FccHSTA ox Wild Rose lA Thrcc-i/ears Subscriber).— Very strange things hapien sometimes, but that a Fuchsia should grow w hen grafted on a Wild Rose is more than we can give credence to. Htdeanoeas (77. 5,).— If you keep your Hydrangeis as much in the sun as possible, with no more heat now than they will receive in the green- house or out of doors, :ind thin the shoots or leaves where too thick, curtail water as :'0 a Ligurian queen to the correspondent whose Ligurian misadventure was recorded in page 78 of the last volume of The Journal of Hoeticultubb, I have only very recently been enabled to discharge the debt, and have been favoured in reply with the following interesting narrative. — A Detonshibb Bee- KEBPEB. " Accept my best thanks for your kindness in sending the Ligurian queen, which arrived on the 11th August. " I had two hives near each other, which I intended to unite for the winter. I turned an empty box, size of the hives, the open side up, covering about three parts with a cloth ; removed No. 1 hive from its board on to the box partially covered. Taking out each frame in succession, I swept the bees from them back into the hive, and towards the open part of the empty box. No. 1 hive was removed and the frames replaced. No. 2 hive was then put on the box with No. 1 bees now in it, the frames taken out, and the bees swept into the box to unite with No. 1 stock, which they did quietly, being apparently too frightened to quarrel. No. 2 hive was removed, and the frames replaced ; and the united bees left undisturbed nearly an hour. No. 1 was put on its board as so n as possible, and placed about midway between the old stands of No. 1 and No. 2. The bees on the wing goon crowded in. A piece of stick three-eighths of an inch thick was inserted between the back lower part of the hive and floor- board, and a spare board was put level with and against the floor- board. This preparation was to assist in finding the two queens. Taking up the box with the united stocks in it, I turned its side on to the spare board, and from the lowest or uncovered aide I swept out a few bees on to the board towards the hive. A joyful hum followed, and I soon had a living stream from the box into the hive- — in fact a regular procession, which I regu- lated and directed with a large feather. In less than three minutes I secured one queen out of the procession, but the second did not make her appearance until nearly all the bees had left the box. I caught her and then swept out the remaining bees on to the board. I now got a piece of perforated zinc, put it on top of the hive, and on the zinc a piece of comb with a little honey run over it. The Ligurian queen and a few bees her companions were carefully got under a bell-glass p'aced over the comb and zinc, three slides drawn so that the smell from the hive should fill the glass. This was done about half-past seven p.m., the glass was covered with five or six folds of cloth, and the empty box over the cloth. So I left it until next evening about eight p.m., when I removed the box and cloth, shut two slides, and moved the zinc slightly and gently so that the bees in the hive could get up into the glass (anxious moment !). They rushed up, no fighting, and as it was getting dark and the glass cold I covered up again. Next moruing I saw thirty or forty bees in a cluster on one end of the comb under the glass. I thought tlic queen must be there, but could not get to see her. On disturbing tliem with a piece of wire thoy went down. I shut the slide and all has been quiet in the hive ever since, so I conclude her niujesty was kindly received. This experiment has been very interesting in two ways-first, proving l\lr. Filleul's method of uniting stocks * to be good ; and, secondly, showing how a queen con bo put to a strange stock with something like a chance of being successful. "Next spring I hope to begin the season with a strong and pure Ligurian stock. — J. N." ARTIFICIAL COMBS. I HATE just succeeded in obtaining from Germany a parcel of these very ingenious contrivances designed to assist bees in the production of combs, and insuring their being built with the greatest regularity, as well as effecting a great saving in wax, which, wlien elaborated from honey, is, as is well known, an enormously expensive material, since Qundelach has demon- strated by actual experiment that 20 lbs. of honey are consumed in secreting 1 lb. of wax ! Artificial combs, or, as the Germans more correctly style them, "artificial partition walls," are thin sheets of wax about the thickness of cardboard which have been pressed between two metallic moulds, and thereby made to assume the exact form of a piece of comb from which the cells on both sides have bten removed, leaving only the central partition indented over its entire surfaces by the bases of the cells. When used they are a'tached to comb-bars or frames, and hung in hives exactly like guide-combs, and are speedily completed by the bees, which excavate both surfaces, and apply the superfluous wax to the formation of cells on either side. One of the best practical apiarians of my acquaintance assured me that these artificial appliances would most certainly fail, since he was satisfied that wax when once melted down underwent so great a change in its character that it was thenceforth useless to bees. I find, however, that he was entirely mistaken, as my bees accept the proflered assistance without hesitation, and speedily convert the indented plates into the most beautiful worker-comb. As I am very desirous of having this contrivance thoroughly tested, with the view, if it be approved, of endeavouring to get artificial combs manufactured in this country, I shall be happy to distribute nearly all ray stock at prime cost among the apiarian readers of The Jouenal of Horticultitee. The expense of carriage from Germany is unfortunately a very sensible addition to their first cost, but I can send fifty artificial combs on receipt of a post-office order for 21."?., or twenty-five for lOs. 6d, — T. ^V'. WoODBUKT, Mount Sadford, Exeter, 2lst Aiigiist, 1862. APIARIAN NOTES. Practical Obseetations on Bees — IIeeb Viebeo,Potsdam. — Having written on the same subject fourteen or fifteen years ago, I avow myself an apiarian of the old school, and agree with Herr Viebeg, that in the end it is better to allow bees to swarm in their natural way than to torment them by too much arti- ficial means. The use of bell-glasses, and what they term " supers," or smaller hives, to collect pure honey, and at the same time to give room to the bees, should be adopted by every bee-keeper ; but among the cottagers how few of them, even in these enlightened days, are to bo seen taking the trouble to carry this plan out to any extent! Mr. Woodbury, whom I desig- nate the " Wildman " of this century, is, no doubt, an adept at all operations in the secret of artificial swarming and mani- pulation of bees ; and it is quite refreshing to observe with what ease he manages to do what not one in a hundred of the bee-keepers of the present day attempt without failure, even by their own honest confession. For myself I own tliat one of the greatest and most agreeable gratifications to me as a bee-keeper, has been the wonderful mode in which Divine guidance has taught these insects to act, when their numbers are to be in- creased at the proper season, by issuing from their hives, headed by their queen, and hovering in the air for some minutes ride " The EoRlish Bee-keeper," page 143. This excellent little work has recently been veiy much reduced in prlce.-A Uevonsbiek Bkk-eeepbe, 424 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. [ August 26, 1862. pre-viously to settling. Their deTOtion, also, is wonderful, as, should the queen bee fall suddenly, which is often the case, and the main body of the bees lose her, a few faithful guards will always be found near her person, and remaia even after she is dead for many hours. LiQUBiAN Bees. — Mr. Woodbury has been unfortunate in his seasons in introducing this new and beautiful species of bee into England, as the years 18G0, 1861, and 1862, have all been most uutoward years. At the same time I am still of opinion, that except in being hardier, and not so sensitive of raw or dull weather, I still think the black or brown bee indigenous in Great Britain, by no means inferior to the yellow-jacketed strangers. It will be many years before the " Ligurians " be- come very common in Great Britain, and I still think that no benefit can arise from a mixture of the two breeds. The Season. — Very little honey will be saved this year except in localities where heath abounds. The pasture for bees in my neighbourhood is nearly at an end. One bee-keeper informed me yesterday (2lst August), that neither hia old stocks nor swarms had any honey in them, and that he should be compelled to feed immediately or lose them all. Nearly one h\iudred stocks are kept within six or seven hundred yards of my apiary ; one of my near neighboiu-s has more than thirty hives. I have never noticed three seasons consecutively so bad as the last three, but in 1838, 1839, and 18i0. The former two were miserable seasons, and 1810 and 1841 were very indifferent. We may in the course of the ** roster," as they say in the army, expect that the next two or three summers, or rather the bee months o! May and June in these, may be much more favourable, and make some " compensation " for the past. — H. W. Newman, Milhide, Cheltenham. QUEEN BEES MUTILATED BY WORKEES. I HATE already related my experience of this phenomenon in pages 304 and 366 ; but a somewhat similar instance is related by Herr Mehring in a recent Number of the German " Bee Journal," which was attended by some remarkable residts. It appears that on the 3rd of last June he substituted three Italian queens for the original sovereigns of as many German stocks with perfect success, by merely presenting them to their future subjects in small boxes, from which they were released in fifteen minutes, on no signs of hostility being manifested by the bees. It was one of these queens, the effects of whose ill-treatment is thus related by Herr Mehring : — " On the 6th of June, the third day after having introduced the queen to the hive, I observed that when laying eggs she made strikingly tortuous and dragging movements. On examin- ing her closely, I found that instead of the right, hind, and middle feet she had only short stumps, and that it was, there- fore, very difficult for her to perform the act of egg-laying — a discovery very vexatious to me. It was, indeed, very afflicting to see how difficult it was to her, being deprived of these two feet, to raise the abdomen high enough to bring its point into the chosen cell, in which however, she seldom succeeded ; as on account of the missing members on one side the whole body remained in an oblique position, in consequence of which the point of the abdomen came into the next cell. If this were empty it received an egg unknown to the queen, and the missing of the cell for which it was intended had no farther conse- sequences ; but if this cell already contained an egg a second was added, and thus was produced the irregular egg-laying on which BO many and very different opinions have been expressed. In this instance a bodily defect existed, but there was no deficiency of instinct. " On the first and second days after this discovery, the irregu- larity in egg-laying was greater than I ever saw before. Every- where empty cells alternated with those containing eggs, whereby several eggs were often found in one cell, and (what certainly very seldom happens), sometimes even in cells containing poUen. Once I saved the queen from inevitable death by widening the worker-cell into which her head and thorax had fallen, whilst her abdomen stuck in the next cell. Although the invalid had become quite exhausted from her efforts to free herself, not a single bee attempted to assist her, which is by no means favour- able to the intelligence for which they have been so highly praised. About the third or fourth day the oviposition became more exact and afterwards quite normal. The queen had by little and little accustomed herself to a new mode of laying, and had entirely laid aside her stifl' awkward manner. She now slipped the abdomen sideways into the chosen cell, and this with a dexterity and steadiness that never missed its object — a proof that she entered the hive unmutilated. It is most probable that she lost her two feet when I first placed lier in the hive, and Ifarnt by degrees to accommodate herself to circumstances." I can only say that I hope very few queens have to learn so hard a lesson. —A Detonshjee Beb-keepbb. GOLD FISH TURNING BLACK. We have had some Gold Fish for some months, and some of them are becoming marked in different places with black. We have been informed that it is a sign of decay. Will you please inform one of your readers whether it is so? — Petke Kinset. [We have had similar complaints before. Your fish will ultimately become entirely black and die. Will any of our readers give us further information on this subject, and the remedy if there is any ?] DKTraff CtTRKANTB. — The Currants should be quite ripe when gathered, with the stems attached, and washed or rinsed effectu- ally or drained ofl". Then stem them and wash them thoroughly, and to each pound of Currants add a quarter of a pound of good Havana sugar ; then place them in a preserving-kettle over a fire until they come to a scald heat, when they are turned out into white earthen dishes, and exposed to the action of the sun until, by evaporation, they become hardened on the upper side. Then they are turned over, and there remain until they become so on the other side, and so alternately until they become of a sort of leathery texture, when they are put away in earthen jars or boxes until wanted for use. Care must be taken to keep them from the dews and rains during the process of drying; finally, the utmost cleanliness must be observed from first to last. When iiscd, enough hot water is required to dissolve them or render them to any consistency suitable for tarts, jelly, ic. At the same time more sugar is required to make them quite palatable, which must of course be governed by taste. Currants in this way have kept well with us for three years, and the presumption is that they will keep a longer time if well cared for. — {Horticulturist) OUK LETTEE BOX. Selection of Pencilled Hambi'bghs {T. J, S.).~ln the selection of a Silver-pencilled Hamburgli cockerel, for exhibition or as a stock bird, great attention shonld be paid in rospect of the comb. It most stand perfectly erect on the head, bnt not raised too high Irom it, as the latter is a defect commonly called "helmet-combed." It must terminate behind in a peak curving gently upward. The peak should be perfectly plain, though the comb itself should be well covered over ■with points. Any hollow in the centre of the comb is a giievoua defect. The earlobe should not exceed the size of a shilling, if a little smaller the better, be quite circular, and perfectly white. The whole cliaracter of the head of a well-bred bird is neat and small. All the plumage, except the flights and tail, are white, the tail- sickle feathers and outer coverts of the tail an iridescent black in a perfbct bird, eacli feather being shaded round the edge with silver. The legsand feet must be ])lue. Anj' disposition to lop the tail on either side must le care- fully avoided. It is a fatal disqualification although a somewhat frequent fault in very highly bred PenciUed Hamburghs. Brahma Pootras (So2}hia).— As the Brahma Pootra is merely a variety of th'3 Cochin-China diflfering in colour, their habits are exactly the same as that variety. Rabbit (L. B. S. i).).— Your Rabbit with black ears, tail, feet, and nose, is the Himalaya. Size of Queen Bees [J. E. B., Wolverhampton),— The two queens enclosed in your letter appear well doveloped, but dark. I do not think either of them can justly be considered small, whilst one is certainly large. In common with most apiarians I prefer large queens to small ones ; but I have sometimes found a very diminutive virgin expand Into a full-sized and wonderfully prolific matron.— A Devonshire Bee-keeper. LONDOI!^ MAEKETS.— August 25. POULTRY. Poultry is fast becoming cheaper as the season declines. The last week has told the tale of the piissing year and approaching autumn. The Grouse season has begun, and so far as we can judge those who prognosticated a total failure of the breed were right. They are unusually scarce. Large Fowls 3 2 1 6 5 0 to 3 0 „ 2 6 „ 1 0 „ 6 6 „6 6 6 9 6 .0 2 0 to 2 ^8 :; t .s 0 0 Rabbits 1 fi Wild do 0 fl Grouse FigeonB 0 » September 2, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOailCULTURiS AND COTrAQE GARDENER. 423 WEEKLY CALENDAR. «i , 1 Day Day of Moon Clock 1 of SEPTEMBER 2-8, 1662. Rain in Inches. San Sun Rises j\roon*8 after Day of M'nth Week. Barometer. Thermom. Wind. Rises. Sets. and Sets Ago. Sun. , Year. degrees. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. s. i 2 Tu Angophoni cordifolia. 29.932—29 846 80—53 W. •01 15af5 44af7 1 4 11 8 0 24 245 3 W Arctotis dccumbens. 29.775-29.736 73-47 R.W. ■06 17 5 42 7 moi-n . 9 0 43 246 4 Tb Balsams. 29.931-29.860 74-44 S.W. — 19 6 1 40 7 18 n 10 1 3 247 S F Bunksia verticillata. 30.006-29.825 78-59 w. — 20 5 1 87 7 37 I 11 1 23 1 248 6 S Baucra Immjlis, &c. 29.785-29.676 74-56 S.W. ■12 22 S 35 7 57 2 12 1 43 249 7 Sun 12 Sunday .\ftkr Trinity. 29.979-29.838 71—47 w. — 23 5 33 7 17 4 13 2 3 260 8 M Bteria ericoides. 80.038—29.887 69-37 S.W. ■18 25 5 ' SO 7 rises 1 O 2 23 251 Meteoroiogy op thb Week.— .\t Chiswick, fi-om oliservntions (Jniing the last thirty-five years, the average highest and loweet temperatures of these (lavs ore 60.8° and 47,1° respectively. The greatest heat, 83'. occurred on the 7th, in 1813 and 1846 ; and the lowest cold, !8^ on the 7lh, in 1855 During the period 142 days were fine, and on 103 ram fell. CERASTIUM BIEBERSTEINI — WHITE FUCHSIAS— COCOA-NUT FIBKE. IE STL Y, then, I must square tlie circle iu which I have been writing last week. I wrote that I knew every plant Dr. Neill had in 1829, in an- swer to " An Old Showman," who said Dr. Neill }^\ '^''^^'■j* could tell something of Scrophularia ^ AtS^ JT k^ aquatica, which no one else could; that I sometimes assisted his gar- dener, Mr. A. Scott, the worthy- Doctor being then the scientific di- rector of the Caledonian Experi- mental Garden at Edinburgh, where I served ; that Mr. Scott is now nurseryman at Chichester, " lately of Leigh Park, Hampshire, and who was at Kew, and at the Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham Bo- tanic Gardens." There is where the circle is out of square : your humble servant, and not Mr. Scott, was at Kew, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bir- mingham Botanic Gardens, very soon after leaving the Edinburgh ones, and could tell that Dr. Neill had plants which I could not see in any of these seats of botany ; but I did not recollect either of the Scrophularias being then in his collection. I can tell you one thing he had in 1827, 1828, and 1829, which would be an eyesight to some fresh-water sailors of the present day. He had a real fresh-water aquarium in a glazed pit, or cold frame as you might call it, with means to keep it warm. It was a wooden tank lined with lead ; one-half of it was all water, and a few under-water-growing plants, as Vallisneria, and a number of creeping lizards and other living creatures of strange aspects ; and another part was all water below, and a thin crust of marsh-like surface of tangled vegetation, either resting on the water, floating about, or fixed as islands by having stones sunk in the water for the island surfaces to rest upon. In such ways Mr. Scott grew plants and kept water animals in a way they have not yet been done, nor one-half so naturally. It is just as natural that the Doctor might have written some- thing about Scrophularia aquatica, which did not much interest the world at that time ; and people of the present day need not fash themselves about old saws and sayings, but dig into a good plant, new or old, when they find it, No. 75.— Vol. III., New Sebies. or discover its properties, for such fancy works as are in the favour of fashion for the time. This brings me on iu the circle, to the beginning of last week, when we had a large pot or pan plant of Cerastium Biebersteiul before the Floral Committee ; and as one tale is good until another is told, and also as you have been made to believe that the new Cerastium was so much better than the old one, it is only, as an attempt at squaring the circle, but ri;-;ht and proper for you to be made aware of the fact that not one member of the Floral Committee thought the new Cerastium one single step in advance of the old one. Some of them believed it was not nearly so good as tomentosum, and to-day I appear before you as a living illustration of the adage which speaks of a man convinced against his will. The only clue I can give you for arriving at a fair con- clusion of saving your money on that plant, or to spend it on it, is that there is no plant now in use in aU the flower gardens of the three kingdoms, which ever had the smallest lift or encouragement from any society whatever, or from any quorum or committee of such society, except two or three for which we liad given good characters last season — such as Agathsea ccelestis varie- gata, and the Foxhunter Verbena. WHITE FUCHSIAS. I never saw a bed of white Fuchsias, nor have I been aware, at all, of their bedding qualities ; but at the head of public opinion on gardening, or say in the Floral Committee of last week, I had to make an apology to one of the members, Mr. Smith, of Hornsey Road, the raiser of so many fine Fuchsia and other plants, for the non- appearance of his new white Fuchsia Conspicua in our report of the previous Meeting, at which it had a fair and suitable award. On Mr. Smith's authority I make bold to say that this Conspicua white Fuchsia is one of the best bedders of the family ; and he backed two more members of our body in affirming that the new race of white-corollaed Fuchsias — that is to say, those with the white inside and red outside, make famous bedders ; all of the members having either had them so, or had seen them so used. It was only a few weeks before, in looking over my own collection of twenty-five kinds of the best new ones of this season, that I was congratulating myself for living to see the day when sense and judgment should come to the aid of one of the verj"^ prettiest of the flowers of my childhood — Fuchsia coccinea, than which there has never been a better wild Fuchsia, and out of its style of growth there has never been any improvement in the family, to my eye. These new white-corollaed Fuchsias are just coming round in the style and habit of Fuchsia coccinea, and that of globosa, the next best-habited of the very old Fuchsias. Now, as the most ready way of getting up a stock of bedding plants on the instant for an experi- mental-bed of the different kinds of these white-corollaed beauties for next year, we who possess them must pro- pagate a stock this autumn, and those who have them not must order a lot from the nurseries, or else arrange to No. 727.— Toi. XXVIII., Old Sbeies. 26 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ September 2, 1862. do without tliem for another year. Of course, to those who cannot well afford ti;e expense that is the best way ; and by this time next year we shall be enabled, from experience, to tell a better tale, if that be possible. I do not know another family of plants from which it would be more desirable to get up three or four very distinct kinds of beds for the flower garden than the family of Fuchsia. All that I can say more in the matter is this, that there is no danger or fear but that a ready demand for bedding Fuchsias is as sure to follow as that day follows night or one season succeeds another. What I was going to remark about a stock of autumn-got plants was, that we who have not got hothouses should not go on the plan of Verbenas and Gera- niums, by taking little bits of the tops or tips of the shoots for cuttings. I have a score of times got Fuchsia plants, just such plants as I anticipate now, without wanting them, or caring at all about them, in this wise : Whole rows and hedges of common Fuchsias have been cut over by the ground late in the autumn, when the ]jleasure ground was being righted after the bedding plants were housed, and before tie spring bulbs were put in. Bundles of these would be made in sizes for staking plants with ; and after being dry in the sheds, perhaps, for six weeks, they would root in the pots like Willows, till at last I was compelled not to allow them being used in-doors at all. They were, in fact, an actual nuisance, rooting and filling the pots faster than the plants they were meant to support. Every gardener in the three kingdoms of any experience is well aware of all this — aware that bare sticks of all Fuchsias will root and cause trouble the whole winter through, if they have been used fresh even for cold-frame uses, for stakes, sticks, or number-tallies. Then what is more simple than to take advantage of this living and pushing principle of Fuchsias, by pruning them, as soon as their growth is done for the season, on the close-spurring system ; then to cut the prunings Rose-cutting fashion into lengths of four, or five, or even six inches, according to the strength of the shoots, parcel them into three sizes, the strongest or five or six-inch-lengths in one bundle, the middle-sized next, and the lea t by themselves; the assortments of cuttings to be planted in three diflerent places, or pots, or pans — indeed, any- how, so they be planted also Rose-cutting October fashion, all but an inch out of the ground they are in, wherever it is ? But the best way of all the ways I know of v/ould be to get mould into one light of a cold pit, where Calceolarias and Cine- rarias might be trusted in winter, then to begin at the bock of the pit, and put in the biggest cuttings there as thick as they could be got in ; the middle-sized cuttings to follow, and the little tit-bits to be along Iho front; then to damp them well with water at once, to leave ofif the glass till the next rain or frost, and to finish the season with them by a sprinkling of dusty dry something, if it be no other than the sweeping of the sheds. Anything will do if it is dry, or a dry mulching as one might say, and then there need be no more saying or doing about them till the middle or end of next March, when you would find them all rooted and coming away from every eye, like the sprouting of Potatoes in a cellar. If the spring was early they might be up in leaf as soon as the time here stated. Perhaps one might like to try a hand at making spring cut- tings of the tops as they rose above the surface ; and if not, the best way would be to nip them off as fast as they appeared, for a certain reason, for getting rid of them out of the pit more early — that is to say, by the last week in April, if the bed or beds were ready for them. Always, and in all places of our three kingdoms united, beds of Fuchsias struck on this plan might be planted out and off-hand by the first days of May. You have seen, at least in your mind's eye, that the spring growth was all under the surface, so there would be no chance lor a May fro.^t to get hold of them. Besides, it is always a good plan to mulch over such beds as soon as they are planted — not with any mulching stuff, however, but with dry refuse soil from the back place, sifted if you could, and put on an inch thick. 'J his is what I would call the best mode for every class and (ailing in society to adopt for getting up the first Fuchsia- beds ; but then it might cause a rebellion if one were to insist on it, when a gardener knew well enough he could do it in another way more suitable to his own arrangements. Then the Becond year some would risk the Fuchsias in the beds the whole winter with something over them ; and others would take them up and store them away like Potatoes for the winter, divide the plants in the spring, put the biggest pieces with the best roots in the middle of the bed, and work down to the sides in gra- dation of sizes, juet as has been suggested for the pit cuttings. The last way will be my own practice if I go on at all, which is doubtful. But in the autumn I would have all my Fuchsias after or just before the first frost of more than 5°— that is, as soon as the thermometer fell to 27° I would up with my beds of Fuchsias root and branch, prune to the quick at once, assort the prunings into three sizes like the comparing of adjectives in grammar— good, better, best, and keep up a fresh stock for contingencies. The old roots and tiie stumps pruned that way I would keep in a shed to dry partially for two or three weeks, with a bundle of something to throw over them in case of frost. I would have them then packed in sand or mould where Carrots, Parsnips, and Potatoes would keep without sprouting to the end of February. During the last week in March I would have them out ; divide them in parts as strong as possible, for the centre of the beds ; plant them all as soon as I could, putting the tops of the stumps within the soil ; and then sow a crop of some six-weeks annual over them, as Nemophila ; the covering for the seeds being my dry mulching. COCOA-NUT FIBEE. The next most gratifying news for propagation, which I heard of at the "top of public opinion" aforesaid, was this — that Dr. Lindley was actually the best patron down at Turnham Green for Barsham's patent *' pulp," this cocoa-nut refuse. He always said his garden was damp, full of clay, and a great bother to him, and I consider it one of the most gratifying points in the history of Barsham's patent that I should be indirectly the means of getting Dr. Lindley out of a fix. That is the stuff to fix your ammonia, if you only first fix it in clay ankle deep. The first 18 inches of the surface of all the clay in Middlesex could be made with the refuse into a compost for Pine Apples, or for Lobelia speciosa kermcsina. That I have proved with my own hands. Mr. Samuel Matthews, a well-known gentleman in Long Ditton, and well-to-do as he deserves, charged us only 14s. the load for the best clay in Claygate for the Experimental Garden loam during seven long years, and now he only charges me 10s. the load for the same. That is trade price for my being in the calling, for I never spoke to him but once. I vouch for it that his Claygate clay, where the Claygate Pearmain origi- nated, is the most genuine article in the commerce of all England ; and at the present moment I have the actual Lobelia speciosa kermcsina growing in it in little pots, and doing as well as any Lobelia you ever saw, and not one particle of sand has ever been used to make it into the suitable soil. But that clay was out of a ditch for years, and the surface of it mouldered down to the very strongest loam I ever handled. It takes only four times its bulk to make it suitable for any pot plant in England, and I have not the smallest doubt but Dr. Lindley will report it, when he has used it half as long as I have done, in far better terms and with still greater confidence. D. Beaton. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. HOBTICULirBAL GARDENS. "Have you been to the Exhibition yourself yet?" are ques- tions that are coming to me thick and fast." And to save other people and myself trouble, I wish to state, " Of course I have," though as yet only for one day ; and I think it right to add, that owing to the kindness of my employer every man and boy in the garden has enjoyed the same privilege, making two companies of them, so that the work might be carried on to a certain extent, and nothing suffer from the holiday. The sight will be a thing to be talked about by the youngest now, when they come to have grey hairs, and to be looked back to as a sunny spot in memory's recollections. " Sad, sad is the heart that never rejoices." Wearisome must that existence be in which no bright joyous feature of the past comes as a sweet vision to delight amid the stern realities of the present. We have had gardener visitors sent up all the way from the north of Scotland ; and I could discover many more by their voice and the peculiar walk in the building — a gait which to me is almost as sure a sign as any in the masonic confederacy, by which one brother easily recognises another. Once more, then, as the closing of the Exhibition approaches, allow me to urge upon the employers of gardeners who read these pages, not as a duty or a privilege, but as the means of giving a great treat to hard-working respectable men, to send up their gardeners, if at all within railway distance, to see this grand sight at least ; confident that even in this, goodness and benefioeuoe will meet September 2, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 427 its legitimate reward in renewed and extended efforts to please and to promote their interests on the part of those thus favoured and obliged. " But what, after all, would be the use of one day amid such a display of wonders? Anything like study of dcfnil-< and clear apprehension of particulars must be quite out of the question." Well, suppose we grant all tliat for the snke of argument; wc would contend notwithstanding that a most beneficial eilect would be produced on most minds — not merely from the sense of the beautiful being gratified, but in beholding the wonder- fully diversified produce of our cartli, and observing how that has been improved and derelopcd by the agency and intellect of man. Uuniility of spirit, the wisli to learn, the desire to improve, are tlic first steps in the ladder of advancement, and nowhere could we have better forced upon ouv attention the idea of individual littleness. Maicj' a one will be bettered for life from thai sight, though they might bo at a loss to tell you clearly of the individual thing that produced such impressions. A country clergyman once got into conversation with a matronly peasant washing wool in a sieve in a running stream. The ser- vices of the previous Sunday formed the chief topic of their talk, and he ought to liave been satisfied wlien the good woman told him of the comfort and happiness she derived from his sermon. But no. lie wanted to know what particular head or division of the sermon afforded her so much pleasure ; and because she honestly told him she could not tell him, he some- what bluntly said he could not see how she could have been benefited if her memory w.is bo bad and unretentive. Lifting the sieve full of wool out of the stream, she directed his attention to the patent fact that the water all fell through, and then added, " But the wool is the cleaner, sir." We would wish all the brotherhood of the spade to be placed as respects the Exhi- bition in the same position as the good woman's wool stood in respect to the water. Though granting the above, yet we are also of opinion that a good general idea may be gained of the whole Exhibition in a day, if a shilling guide especially is studied a few hours pre- viously, so as to see the most attractive objects first. I was in the building from ten to five, and though there were close on 60,000 people I cannot say I was ever crowded. The great feature as contrasted with 1851 is the picture gallery. The two lesser and distinct features are the superior and more ex- tended macliincry, and the produce — mineral, vegetable, and animal, of the numerous colonies. I had a fine view of all the jewellery, &c., on the south side of the nave, where people could be counted by scores. Had be- tween two and three hours in the picture gallery, and hod a general run through the whole building upstairs and downstairs, with a more particular survey of the machinery, and the whole of our colonial departments ; delighted I was with the grand view of their mineral, vegetable, and animal products ; and I did not only make notes to please myself, but such as might have been useful to those who did not have even a day's view, but for those very nice short descriptions that have appeared in and no doubt will continue to grace these pages. Having dined to my heart's content, with only a few minutes given for digestion, and having had an excellent cup of tea, I spent more than an hour in the HOETICUXTUKAL OAEDENS. I would not have deferred the visit to the evening, but on wishing to go early in the afternoon, when exhausted with the noise and the heat of the machinery, I was told 1 could not get back again without paying afresh. Nothing could have been worse advised. But for suih a foolish restriction, thousands instead of tens would have cheerfully paid their sixpence merely to breathe the sweet air, and have a walk or a seat after the bustle and heat of the building. On appealing next day to some of the great folks connected with the Exhibition and the gardens, I found, so far to my satisfaction, that in this case the garden authorities were not at all to blame ; and ere long afterwards I had the pleasure of noting, that such an absurd rule was broken to the benefit of all concerned and the disadvantage of none. On that, beau'iful evening, with the garden at its trimmest and best — and it did look lovely — and one of the most popular bands discoursing eloquent music, not above two hundred people seemed congreguted to have ear and eye alike gratified ; and during the day when I looked at the gardens the visitors were few and far between. Another diawback to visitors was the very desolate appearance of tho low piece of ground next the building. Owing, I presume, to that having been used for exhibition tents, and, consequently, the beauty of the upper terraces not being seen from the Exhi- bition building, there was little inducement presented for invest- ing a sixpence for gratifying the eye out of doors, when there was 80 much to see witliin. For this I presume no ono is to blame, but Inindreds so turned from the refreshment-room with "Is that what is to be seen?" Sucli a matter is deserving of consideration on a future occasion, and also the idea, as ex- hibiting in these gardetis is the most jnominent feature, whetlier it would not bo better to have permanent glass buildings chiefly for the purpose. At any rate, many of us gardeners and many gardens might take a useful lesson from the drapers who do adorn their windows with a care and an elegance that would shame the tawdriness and slovenliness of many jiarterres, know- ing full well that the attractiveness of the window induces many a customer to walk in to the counter. Shortly afterwards in the establishment of one of our greatest nurserymen I noticed a span-roofed house full of fine plants of Vines in pots. The very ven/ best were clustered opposite the doorway, and on the sides near that end. Not ono visitor in a hundred would think of walking round the houses. Some young gardeners, if sent with visitors, think they must especially show off all that is below the mark, just as if those visitors came on purpose to see failures ; nay, sometimes they will be so honest as to depreciate what is really excellent. Our nursery- man knew better. All his Vines were up to the mark ; the most excellent were placed full in view, like the chaste dress and the elegant ribbon in the window. There is no deception, nothing against sound policy in putting, so to speak, the best foot fore- most. The impr.'ssion that would be formed of the gardens from the Exhibition would decidedly be that of the worst foot foremost. But for the reason assigned the grounds next the building might have been as attractive as anywhere else, and thus have tempted many thousands of sispenc.es into the treasury. Of tlie gardens as a whole, now becoming a rather contro- verted subject with the public, I would treat rather gingerly, more especially because 1 am one of the half-way sort of people that see much to admire, and also something not to admire, and just having enough of presumption to say what I think, not- withstanding the " away, then, with criticism" of our worthy coadjutor Mr. Beaton. Well, then, the grounds were everything to be desired in the way of keeping, and, on the whole, the planting and grouping were in much better order than is generally to be met with this season, and more especially the difl'erent Geraniums. For Calceolarias 1 think the beds could have been more than matched farther north. Then, again, as to the title " Horticultural Gardens," I believe the first person that summoned courage to criticise the title with the appendix "Boyal " as totally unsuited, lionoured mo with a notice of his intention ; and I pleaded as I now d", that the smallness of the space and the position would ever prevent it being a garden distinguished for its horticulture ; but that I viewed it, and I believed the members viewed it, chiefly as a place suitable for the exhibitions of the Society, and where the results of culture at their garden at Chiswick could be made known, and also as a place where the members and friends of the Society could meet and enjoy themselves amid its parterres and conservatories. Then, again, others complain that there are no trees to speak of, no shelter, no shade, no picturesque efl'eets produced. To vfhich it might be replied that the trees could not be expected to be large in a twelvemonth ; and that though in picturesque effect the gardens could not compare with the Regent's Park or the Crystal Palace, it should be recollected that it was intended to be merely an artistic garden of terraces and parterres, and that this could scarcely have been departed from if the giving of the ground by the International Commissioners were dependant on iianking the ground all round wiih brick arches, corridors, or arcades. If the authorities were thus tied up, there is little more to be said about the general design, which left only the artislic to the artist or landscape gardener as a matter of neces- sity. If not thus tied up, the whole costly all'air of as-yet-some- wliat-uscless corridor.s and costly terraces, wiien the visitor obtains an idea of what the whole has cost, would lead him to the conclusion that the affair as a whole and for the objects contemplated was a huge mistake. It would really be a great benefit to the gardening public to know what was spent on the laying-out of this garden as it is, and the laying-out of the 428 JOFRNAl OF HORTICULTUiiE AND COTTj\&?. GARUENES. [ September 2, 1862. garden in Regent's Park, as we would be surprised if tbe latter cost anything like the former, and Ihere can be no question of the gi-eater suitability of the latter for the object aimed at, and tbe greater pleasure of the Tisitor from the dirersified scenery, and from the artists not being confined to any one school of design. Certainly, before country gintk-men who grudge their £50 or £100 for a great improvement are to be indoctrinated with the idea tliat these gardens are a pattern for them to follow, they ought to know something of the cost — first of making them, and then of keeping them. Leaving these things, however, as they are, the question of greatest import is, As an artistic garden is it fitted to be a pattern to the coQunuuity ? If not, we will have a spurious, giincraek system of flower-gardening poured over tlie country — a retro- gression instead of a progression iu fitness and refined taste, and already the example is being followed in but tco many cas^s. I might hare entered on this subject at large ; but our friend Mr. Beaton has really done pretty well all we intended doing, and the beauty of it is, he has doae il^ all, not in the way of fault- finding, but as an advocate of things as they are, as the best present example of Italian gardening, &c., which I do not doubt iu tbe least, though tbe very best would, perhaps, not suit our purposes. It is thoroughly refreshing, after objections being scouted as so much twaddle and crilicisiu disbanded "away," to find after all the ponderous club of the veteran coming down more heavily on the mixture of coloured gravels, broken bottles, and flowers than ever we should have ventured to strike for fear of breaking all up iu a rough medley of confusion. " Shure and doesn't he bate me because he loves meP" was the rejoinder of tbe Irish lady to the kind but simple-hearted swain that tried to interpose between her and the fists of her angry husband. Our friend loves the garden so well, that he heartily drubs all its shortcomings ; but woe to the other poor wight who would gently hint at a drawback. Well, it matters not, provided the evil is pointed out. I thoroughly agree, therefore, with Mr. Beaton, that though different coloured gravels, Ehells, ashes, broken bottles, &c., may be admissible as to ground colour — nay, may come iu well as pathways between beds of flowers, especially if well contrasted, that they are thoroughly inadmissible for occupying the position which a clump of flowers ought to do. I saw the prettiest parterres of the garden last season, and the same, even with more telling eSect, this season ; and these patches of colour, stuck here and there, rendered the whole effect incon- gruous. Tbe same style has been adopted in various parts of England, and alto in Ireland ; but the effect, to our eye, was constantly most unsatisfactory. It just made a sorry muddle of what otherwise woidd have been most artistic in design and uniform in beauty. The idea of levelncss, a great charm in itself in such parterres, is completely broken. Train, peg as you may, the generality of plants will be from 9 inches to j8 inches above these little holes of mere colour. If admissible at all, the general planting should be sunk so low that the colour of tbe flowers should be on the same level with the shells, &c. As at present managed, whatever may bo urged in favour of composition plant- ing, the beauty of the picture is marred. Instead of leaving them, as our friend advises, as a source of warning, we would rather see the evil remedied before the incongruity is spread over the country on the authority of these gardens as an example. Kay more, not only would I plant these circles, &c., now mono- polised with coloured earths, but, as rising abruptly now and then above the general level is a very different thing from sinking JDelow it, we should be disposed to try a few pyramids of colours in some of the smallest of tbe circles merely as stand-points to the eye, enhancing and not reducing the general loveliness. I was delighted to observe that the pretty parterres m the Regent's Park had an additional attractiveness given to them by several of these blunt pyramids at regular distances, which, by breaking the general levelness, enhanced the attractions of the picture as a whole. There are many positions in which etand-poin's would be inadmissible ; but, in somewhat level ground, acres of flower- beds, all uniform in height, are to us acres of boredom. Variety in height has a charm in itself, as well as variety in colour. To the beautiful, artistic, purely composition groups, one on eacli side of the garden, these remarks have no reference. Entirely composed of Box and variously-coloured materials they look all of a piece, and the first sight is very striking. We should ima- gine the want of change would become irksome. The great i beauty consists in the artistic tracings. Wa should be sorry, however, to see such a style of purely coloured earths ever goiiig beyond towns or then- thickly-populated suburbs. Even there they can convey little idea of gardening or its pleasures. A carpet so coloured or a piece of calico would for a time be as attractive as these Box composition-gardens. To produce them more durably we may ere long find the carpenter, the stone- mason, and the painter taking the place of the gardener. I can, however, find no fault with those who like them, though, as far as gardening is concerned, I look upon it as a step in retro- gression. The largest affair of tbe kind I know is the huge bed in winter at Linton. I wonder what the accomplished proprietress with her refined taste would think if Mr. Robson, following this now soiiiewliat popular mania, were to leave that huge group adorned with liis coloured earths all the summer through, as a pattern of flower-gardening of the highest kind to the neighbour- hood. Mind, however, I deny not the beauty and the striking effect of the artistic tracery, I merely demur to its general intro- duction as a feu' ure in flower-gardening. " Talk of shade and shelter, why don't you go to tbe arcades ?" growled one old gentleman to another as I was passing. " Yes, and get a stiff neck and rheumatic fever again," was the grumb- ling retort. Well, if they have no other good qualification about them, they are certainly breezy enough. Given a little brisk wind outside, and the visitor would have to look after the point of his nose. ]S'o wonder that exhibitors dread to have their plants placed in these corridors, even when protected with the dingy curtains in the openings, that, flappeting about, conveyed anything but the idea of the " Royal." In oirr ramble through them we scarcely discovered a vestige of the humanities, except a single pair in a sheltered nook, busy seemingly in exchanging the sweets unutterable that can only flow from tongues that love has rendered eloquent, and charitably v. e gave them a wide path not to break in on their happiness. Often these corridors bare been brought under our notice by visitors, who wished to give us plain simple folk in the country some idea of tiie grand if not the sublime. " They give such an architectural effect to the gardens," and that is all true. " They render such a fine background to the terraces when standing in the middle of the garden." All true, no doubt. We pre- sume that was part and parcel of the bond. Like many other things, however, these corridors seem to require this distance to lend enchantment to their view ; like many other objects of attraction, like even our dearest friends at a distance, nearness and intimacy only tend to dissolve tbe magic of the charm. From description merely, we had formed bright visions of corridors, width somewhat larger than the reality, length going round the south as well as the east and west of the garden, so as to permit of aU being seen in a wet day. Front openings fur- nished with glass ; a low span-roof of glass, concealed if deemed necessary by parapets ; the front buttresses inside covered with plants. The back wall so covered, and climbers depending from arches across at regular distances, thus furnishing in such a limited garden a vast number of growing plants to engage the attention of visitors, and of which we could see little doubt as to their thriving if the ventilators were jjrovided with gauze to exclude the soot, and also presenting a noble background for those exhibition-tables that could not be massed in the conser- vatory. Although in these corridors there would not be the same massive effect as could he achieved under large tents, there would be much more opportunity for visitors examining all objects quietly in detail, whilst the uncertainty of tbe weather and the flapping of tents in such an artistic garden would be wholly provided against. Instead of tbe rtalisaticn of anything like such a vision or day-dream, which we believe woulcl have involved little more expense, we are presented with some flapping dingy curtains, a bare unadorned back wall, an ugly opaque root, consisting in one place of large rough timber, and in another of lath, seemingly, from which the plaster has fallen ; and all so far as we can see, to procure an asphalted walk on the top, that some visitors, numbered by tens in the twelve months, may have the pleasure of looking on the garden from an eminence a few feet liigher than could be obtained from the arcade inside. No doubt there is a reason for all this. No doubt it is very wrong for a person knowing little or nothing of architecture to attempt to criticise what may prove to be only half-finished work ; and yet it may not be wrong to omit swelling the notes of admiration for the beauty of these arcades until we are kindly informed how tliey are to be finished, and what purpose of utility they can be made to answer to compensate for the heavy outlay; there being still a good many old-fashioned people who think the beautiful September 2, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 429 not the lees beautiful when associated with the useful, and who, without clear perceptions on eucli matters, might demur to follow even the Royal Horticultural Society in the forming of architec- tural and artistic gardens. — R. T. PEESEEVING PLANTS DUEING WINTEB. "A Constant Reader" asks in your valuable Journal of August 19, "What am I to do with my plants in winter?" I have a number of Geraniums, Calceolarias, Fuchsias, &c., and have preserved them successfully during the last two winters. The winter of 1860 was very severe, as many a gardener has reason to remember, and in that winter I lost but one plant ; last year I lost none. Plants in pots are a pest in winter, unless you possess a greenhouse. To avoid trouble, I made several boxes suitable for the window ; each box the depth of an ordinary flower-pot, about 8 inches or 9 inches wide, and IG inches or 17 inches long, well supplied at the bottom with holes for drahiage, and nicely painted. A eliglit layer of broken crocks was then placed at the bottom of each box, and covered with coarse fibre torn from a cocoa-nut husk to prevent the mould escaping. I then turned each plant out of its pot, squaring the ball of earth a little, with- out disturbing the plants. They were then placed in the boxes side by side, each box holding about eight plants (eight troubles in one), and the spaces between, if any, were then filled with the spare mould. Geraniums, Calceolarias, Fuchsias, &e., were each in a box by themselves. I then kept them as quiet as I could ; they were very rarely watered, did not grow lanky, and were presei-ved healthy to the spring. They are now mostly bedded- out, and are finer plants and more profuse in flowers tlian any I have ]iurchased this year. In fine weather they had plenty of air ill the daytime. They were in a back kitchen during the greater part of the winter, only being removed into a dwelling- room when the weather was very severe, and then placed as far off the fire as possible. Be sparing with the water — comparative dryness is essential. The Calceolarias will ask plainly when they want moisture. — Wm. H. SinANGE, Hornsey. FOECING VINES. Last year I erected a small lean-to house, and have raised some young Vines, some of which I intend planting in front to train in. Would you advise me to plant them out this autumn, or in the spring ?— J. G. D. [Tines to be forced early in tlie spring, or in winter in pots, should have the pots full of roots, and the wood well ripened early in the autumn. An early prodi!;;e of fruit is more the object than continuous bearing. In your case, we would prefer turning out the Vines now, as tlie roots would progress well in the warm soil. Spread the roots well out, as practised by the best planters, and recommended by Mr. Thomson in his book on tlie Vine. Such roots should be protected in winter from frost, and heavy cold raius. We think you will gain consider- ably in thus planting-out now.] CULTIVATION OF THE PEACH. Me. Applebt gives some plain directions for the out-door cultivation of the Peach, &c., wliieli have found their way by this time into unknown corners, and added to tlie information of many a young aspirant. But I do not think, nor do I believe Mr. Appleby thinks, that the time has arrived for folding arms upon the subject ; and if I desire to have a say in tlie matter, it is less from the fact of having anything new or useful to impart than from a desire to give my experience, which every one is invited to do, and which if done in a kindly and neighbourly manner, is conducive to good will among the gardening fraterniti-. 1 took chaige some eight or nine years ag ^ of a collection of very old trees, wliieh were trained to a very old wall, in a very old garden. The trees were not only well stricken in years, and the wall so indented with nail-holes that not a square inch pre- sented a plane surface, but they also seemed to be in no very healthy condition. By midsummer the leaves had acquired "a yellowish tint, and were infested with thrips; and althougli the trees bore a fair crop of fruit, which ripened tolerably well, I did not like tlie starved appearance nor the quantity of dead wood they made. It was never in my nature (o lot well alone if I could better it, and after my experience of the first season I considered what liad best bo done. If I could have had my own way entirely I should have taken out every other tree, planted a young one in its place, and kept the remainder of the old trees in bearing till tlie young were snlfifiently advanced to depend upon for a regular crop, when the rest wouM have been replaced as tlio others were ; but I could not do this, so I resolved on what I considered the next best j Ian. In the following Mai-i'li I pruned them in rather hard, nailed them up, and allowed them to flower and set their fruit, which they did in a satisfactory manner. I must here state that the border in which tlio trees grew was 12 foot wide, the soil a very liglit loam, deep, and rich, but had evidently been worked in a very superficial manner. I con- cluded that in addition to tlie lightness and porosity of the soil, the roots liad spread near the surface: consequently the heat of the sun and rapid evaporation of moisture from the light soil caused a deficiency of that most essential article, and that this was the reason of the starved appearance of the trees during the heat of the summer. This might have been remedied easily by mulching, but I had not the material ; and as I was obliged to crop the border, I could not have used it prop:!rly if I had. It might also have been remedied in the manner spoken of by Mr. Appleby — that is, by opening holes at the foot of each tree and filling them witli water ; but there were reasons why I could not do this. Water was not sufiiciently plentiful, nor could I spare the time, as to do the whole of the trees in this way and carry the water a long distance would liave been a good day's work each time it was done, and I had many other things to attend to. The plan I adopted was effectual and more permanent than either of the above, and I would recommend others who find their trees in a like condition to try the same remedy. I procured several loads of good stilf loam, the stilfest I coiUd get — somewhat approaching clay. I then, taking the stem of each tree as a centre, marked out a crescent or half-circle a yard each way from the stem. The soil within this half-ciro'e was then dug out to the depth of 10 inches, and a foot of the loam put in its place and trodden down firmly. This was done about the middle of April, before the sun had aftectcd the trees that season. Nor were they ever afi'ected afterwards in the way they had been before. Instead of the leaves turning yellow they preserved a healthy gi-eenness, and have done so every season ; and I have never known them from that time to be infested with thrips or any other pest, except here and there whore a shoot may be occasionally troubled with aphis, but not enough to disfigure a tree. The roots and the collar of the trees were shielded from the scorching and drying influence of the sun by this bed of loam, which by maintaining a uniform degree of moisture and regular temperature, had a most beneficial effect. Old trees seemed to have taken a new lease of life; they made vigorous shoots, soon covered the wall, and bore regularly every season a uniform crop. But there were two spaces still which it was desirable to fill up, and I procured two young trees and planted them in a good mixture of loam and dung. The following autumn two youEg trees were planted in the place of a very large Peach tree, of a sort inferior to the others, which I was ordered to destroy. These I planted by merely making holes for them and without giving any additional soil. The difTerence now between these two and the two planted a year previously is remarkable. The first two that were planted rooted into the rich stuff and grew vigorously, too vigorously to be fruitful ; and in spite of root- pruning, they are still far leas fruitful than those that received no manure or extra soil at the time of planting. The latter have borne regularly from the third year after planting, and always produce a good supply of fruit-bearing wood, proving in my opinion that planting in strong or stimulating soil is not conducive to fruitfuhiess, either in wall trees or indeed any others ; and if the soil is tolerably good in the first plaee, it ia not advisable to add any stimulating manure until the trees come into bearing : it may then be applied advantageously either as a mulching or dressing to the border. With regard to making holes at the foot of the trees as above referred to, I think a better plan might be adopted for applying water, provided neither mulching nor my plan of casing the main roots with loam is thought advisable. That is, instead of making holes and filling them up eacli time after watering, let good-sized flower-pots be sunk bottom upwards just where the 430 JOUBNAL OF HOBTICULXUBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 2, 1862. holes would be made, and let the bottom of the pots be on a level with the surface of the ground. These pots may be filled with water as often as you please without the trouble of digging holes every time. A piece of slate may be placed over the hole to exclude the light after filling. Eight-inch pots I think n very good size for the purpose ; at least that is the sized pot I have seen in use, and found it an excellent plan for introducing water or liquid manure to tlie roots of plants in suilicient quantities to be beneficial, without tlie inconvenience of disturbing the ground excepting in the first operation of sinking the pots. Another good method I have seen iu operation as applied to a Vine-border, is to lay perforated pipes a foot under the sur- face, and have a tube leading to a convenient place for mixing liquid manure, wliicli is poured into a funnel, and thence con- ducted diroelly to the roots of the trees, where it becomes of immediate effect. The same system might be applied to the whole lengtli of a Peaoh-wall ; and the pipes filled once or twice a-week would keep the trees in full vigour and add considerably to the size and flavour of the fruit. The first expense of laying down the pipes is saved in labour, as they will last as long as the wall, and the lime it takes to fill them is nothing. It would be a grand thing if the owners would see the advantage of such apphances, and the benefit they might reap from them in a long course of seasons — to say nothing of the credit cf gardeners, who, as a nde, have to work against nimierous impediments, that with a few pounds judiciously spent in the first instance might be removed. In the management of wall trees particu- larly I have known inslanoes where gardeners have been brought to discredit for what in reality was no fault of their own. Sometimes a ten-foot wall has a border 2 feet wide. This border is iisually skirted by a gravel path, presenting an impe- netrable barrier to the extension of tlie roots, which are conse- quently confined to that narrow compass of border. No wonder, then, if the trees do not bear regularly, or that they do not yield good-sized or well-fiavoured fiuit. Yet as regards quantity, I have known heavy crops produced in such situations ; and had the roots been well supplied with liquid manure during the swelling of the fruit, I believe it would have been all that could be desired as regaids size and flavour. In speaking of the culture of wall fruit, writers of any note would seem to imply that it can be properly managed only in gardens that are kept up in style, or of tonic extent ; — an erroneous opinion altogether, as every jobbing gardener about London knov\s, Tdany suburban residences are built in con- tinuous blocks, sometimes of considerable length, with long stri|)s of gardens, divided by walls averaging 7 ieet or 8 feet high. These walls are never lost ; every available space is planted with Peaches, Nectarines, Vines, &c., wherever there is a southern aspect, and Cherries, Plums, &c., on the north. Thus many hundreds of these trees are grown in the space of a few acres. In such places I have knowu crops that would do credit to the most skilful growers in the country; and many a cold, frosty day in winter, and many a hot day in summer, have I spent in the training process, going from one garden to another, and got over a number of trees during a single season that would surpri ic many a country gardener. 1 am led to make these remarks from what Mr. Appleby states in speaking of the winter treatment of wall trees. He says, "To prevent breaking or loosening the wall in the process of [drawing the nails, give each a gentle tap;" a thing that would seem extraordinary to one who has taken a pair of pincers, and, giving each nailagentle twist, lias drawn bushels of nails and shreds just before pruning time. In giving a nail a tap with the hammer, be it ever so gentle, is as likely to break the nail oiTas to loosen it ; and even the claws of the hammer are not so con- venient for drawing the nails as a handy-sized pair of pincers, which every one who undertakes the training of wall trees should be provided with, and have slung in a loop fixed to the nail-bag for the purpose. Again, Mr. Aiipleby recommends scalding the shreds, and oiling and cleaning the nails before using them a second time. These precautionary measures I have never practised — in the first place, because they lake ud too much time; and in the second place, I do not think that mucli importance need be attached to them. I will answer for it that the trees I have attended the last nine years are as clean and free from every insect pest as need be ; yet I never syringed or 1 med them, or ever had occasion to use one of the numerous remedies for thrips, aphis, cuckoo-spit, &c., and my trees are as innocent of Gishurst Compound as they possibly can be, yet I use the same nails and shreds as long as they will last. How, then, am I to believe that insecti deposit their eggs in them ? If they do they come to naught. As x-egards repairing the wall and stopping-up nail- holes, I think it a very wise rule to be observed, and should never be neglected; the more so because I have known the incon- venience of training trees properly and neatly where it has not been done. But as to taking so many precautions on account of the eggs, &c., of insects, I think too much stress is often laid upon a fact of which I have never k':own any positive proof. Far more I believe depends on the condition ol'the trees. And this brings me to an old theory I have long entertained — viz., that insects, where they appear in considerable numbers, are not the cause but the effect of ill health ; that they prey on the unhealthy juices of a diseased tree or plant in preference to those of one in a healthy state ; and that while either is in a thoroughly healthy state neither thrips, aphis, nor red spider will be found upon it : therefore, see that the soil of the border is tolerably good, and that the roots are never cither dried up or soddened with wet, that the trees are pruned in a timely and judicious manner, and that they are never exhausted by being overbur- dened with fruit. Attend well to these points, and the trees will be kept in health, and insect pests will not annoy you by infesting them. — F. Chitty, Stamford Bill. EXPERIENCE OF THE AMAEANTHUS RUBER MELANCHOLICUS. I EECEiVED twelve plants of the above at the end of June from the grower. They were planted out round a bed of Cal- ceolaria, the Perilla- border being removed to make room for theni. They were fine healthy plants, but the second day began to droop. I wrote to the Messrs. Veitch, who suggested sh'lter with pots for a short time. This had been already done from the third day. In a few days half of the number died off from the collar. The gardener then took up the rest and repotted them, placing them in a cool frame. Three out of the number are now doing well. Can any correspondent suggest a cause? — H. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. August 26Tn. Floeal Committee. — It occupied two hours to discuss the merits of the collection of novelties which were sent up for adjudication— Gludioluses, bedding Geraniums, Petunias, Ver- benas, Begonias, Hollyhooks, Achimenes, a Gloxinia, Cerastium Biebersleini, a tricolor Heath, many Dahlias, new Pyrethrums from Mr. Salter, lots of Fuchsias, the new Zinnia aurea. Phloxes, a Fern, and some other plants, all of which were not considered of sufficient merits above their kith and kindred to deserve the honours aimed at. But the best Dahlia that ever was seen and the newest to the florists of the day was there, and took your reporter by the eye like the flash of a firefly. It was from Mr. Keynes, of Salisbury, who named it Charles Turner in compli- ment to Mr. Turner, of Slough ; and it had the First-class Certificate by the unanimous lilting up of hands in admiration of the beauty of the flower, which is of a peculiarly rich orange ground coloiir, and edged, tipped, and shaded throughout with a peculiar tint of soft, rich, mellow purple — a perfect model of a lady's fancy in the combination of colours in one flower. Cut flowers of a new Verbena from the Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing were equally admired by all present, and had a unani- mous vote for a First-class Certificate. It is named Lord Craven, and the colour is a compound of dark plum colour and Bishop's purple — the finest purple Verbena yet seen. Another Achimenes from Mr. Parsons had a unanimous vote for the highest award on account of the substance, shape, and size of the flowers. They are as thick, as stiff, and of as much substance as those of the stoutest Gloxinias, and larger than any of the race. It is named Mauve Queen after the fashion of the dresses of 1859, when every shade of blue to violet and lavender was called mauve, when no mauve was in the market. The Dahlias Countess of Shelburne and Lord Dundreary brought First and Second Certificates to Mr. Turner. The Coun- tess of Shelburne is a very pretty new colour in blush tipped and lightly punctured. Lobelia kermesina, from Messrs. J. Carter & Co., had a Cer- tificate of Commendation, ea a likely kind to produce a new strain of purple Lobelias. September 2, 1862.] JOURNAL OF HOHTICULTURB AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 431 Tho new i^innia aurea is a briijlit orange yellow, but wos said not to be very suitable for beds. Mr. Bull bad a Second-class Certificate for Antliurium leuco- neurum. Tliere were luany plants from the Messrs. Veitcb, beginning with a fine specimen of Lapageria rosea with upwards of twenty blossoms open, for which a Special Certificate was awarded. Then Rhus Ternicifero, the tree from which tho celebrated lacker of tlie Japanese is manufactured. To this a First-class Certificate was given, in consideration of its havinff been reported to be hardy : and another First-class Certificate was given to an entirely new form of Cryptoinerin, which in a young state has much the look of the old Diosma ericoides ; and a fine hybrid from Rhododendron jasminifloruro, which is as pure in white as the original, and four times its size ; and another plant ot the great gilded Lily of Japan with one large flower. Fecit Committee. — Thomas Rivers, Esq., in the chair. Mr. Rivers brought several varieties of Peaches and Nectarines grown on pot-trees in an orchard-house. Like all the fruit this season, they were very inferior in flavour, and came far short of the tjualities they usually present. Violette Hative, which is gene- rally a first-rate and delicious Peach, was not good, flat, and without much flavour. Montague Precoce, another excellent variety, was acid and inferior in flavour. Early Albert, one of Mr. Rivers' own seedlings, was rather better, but still had more acidity and coarseness in its flavour than is usual. Early Grosse Mignonne was in better condition than any of the others. In the collection was a variety raised from a stone of the White Nectarine, and which was, in fact, a White Peach, equally as white as the White Nectarine, and with the flesh pale to the stone — not a trace of colour either outside or inside. It had a brisk flavour like the White Nectarine, and no doubt in a good eeason will be in very much better condition. Crawford's Early, a fine large Yellow American Peach, was past, and had become mealy. Mr. Rivers also brought specimens o( hia Orange Nectarine, a seedling from Pitmaston Orange, which has kidney-shaped in- stead of round glands on the leaves, but is in other respects the same. Of Plums and Cherries Mr. Rivers brought the following : — Prince Engelbert Plum is a large, oval, dark purple variety, admirably adapted for all kitchen purposes, and an immense bearer. Mitehelson's Plum, less in size, but of the same colour, is also a great bearer. Columbia, a large, round, purple Plum ; is also fit only for kitchen use ; the flesh is coarse, and of an ordinary plum flavour. Rival Cherry is a variety recently intro- duced from the continent. It is a small Black Bigarrean of the race of Belle Agathe, only the latter is a Red Bigarreau. It has the good properties of hanging late and bearing abundantly, as Belle Agathe has. Planchoury is a form of our Late Duke, or Anglaise Tardive as the French call it, and it not identical with that variety, is so like it that the one can hardly be known from the other. Mr. E. Pierce, nurseryman, Yeovil, exhibited a Seedling Nectarine called the Cricket Nectarine. It was raised from a stone of Royal George Peach, and is very highly coloured, as much so as Violette Hative, and has a deep yellow flesh. Unfortunately, the unfavourable season influenced this variety also, and the specimens exhibited did not come up in flavour to the requirements of a first-rate fruit. It exhibited, however, the properties of a good fruit, and the Committee recommended Mr. Pierce to produce it again another season. It is said to be remarkably hardy, the maiden trees having for the last three vrinters withstood the severity of the season when every other variety was killed in the Y'eovil Nursery. Mr. Rust, gardener to Lawrence Sullivan, Esq., Putney, sent a seedling yellow-fluted Peach, which was of a very bitter flavour, and a seedUng Nectarine with hard flesh, and with not much flavour. Mr. Cunningham, gardener to the Bishop of London, Fulham, sent a dish of each Red and White Alpine Strawberries in very fine condition. The fruit of both was largo and handsome, and the flavour all that could be desired. C. Roach Smith, Esq., of Strood, sent a branch of the Cluster Damson, a variety growing in his garden, which is an immense bearer, and which this stason has produced enormous crops, while other Damsons in the neighbourhood have failed. Richard Headley, Esq., Stapleford, near Cambridge, sent a seedling early culinary Apple. It is of small size, being similar in appearance to a small Dumelow's Seedling. It has a fine tender flesh, and a brisk acidity — in fact, the true "Wellington flavour." it is ready for use early in Aufjust, and in this respect is valuable. The Committee awarded it a First-class Certificate as a valuable early kitchen Apple. Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, exhibited samples of tho Royal Ashleaved Kidney, a now variety raised by the late James Ash- wiu, Esq., of BulTerton Hall, Evesham. It is much more luxu- riant and prolific than the old Ashleaved Kidney, and eight or ten days earlier. When cooked it is a mass of Hour, and of excellent flavour. Mr. Loney, gardener to W. G. Prescott, Esq., Roehampton, sent fruit of a seedling Melon, which was of very good flavour. Mr. Parsons, of Welwyn, exhibited a branch of Qondouin Currant, an enormous bearer, and a variety well worth growing. Mr. Myott exhibited fruit of Standard of England Plum, and Mr. Dancer the Goodenough Ajjple. NOTES WHILST EESTING. {Continued from page 412.) Ok the north-west side of the island is Vazon Bay, and beneath its widely-extended, fum, pebbleless sand is a peatified forest. A notice from the governmental authorities forbids this fuel being dug up nearer to the sea wall than the half-tide mark. This stratum of peatified forest extends, however, much further inland; for a fisherman, resident in a cottage not far from tlie shore, told me he found this peat when digging the garden bt^hind his cottage. In some places there it is very near the surface, but in others it is much deeper. His son brought a specimen on a spade from the garden, wet, but otherwise the same as the lumps won from the sea, kept dry for fuel in a heap near the cottage. In all the specimens I examined were pieces of not- entirely-decayed wood and leave?. Birds' nests, acorns, and hazel nuts, with the kernels still within them, have been found embedded in this peat. One of the guide-books intensifies this discovery by addmg, "The Hazel, like the Beech, has disappeared from this island ; and it may not be out of place to state that the Filbert, on many occasions imported into Guernsey from a good stock, though subject to the same culture and pruning aa prevails in Kent, cannot be brought to bear fruit." Both these statements are contrary to existing facts. I have seen fine Beeches growing here in St. Martin's; and I am informed by Mr. Carey that in his garden at Le Vallon, in the same parish, he has grown Filberts, and that at bis brother's, Woodlands in Catel parish, they have grown for many years, are still growing, and bear abundantly everyyear. Although the existence of the peatified forest had been long known, and though dried seaweed had been the chief fuel of the poor, and is still in other parts of the island, yet this forest was not rendered useful until tho year 1817. In the December of that year a violent gale, impelling a spring tide, upheaved large masses and bore them to the shore. These masses were immediately employed as fuel, their value duly appreciated, and the winter being severe it received, and retains, the name of Corian, corrupted into Gorban, a gift — a name forcibly reminding one of the similar word of like meaning men- tioned in the 7th chapter of St. Mark's gospel. It is interesting to have an approximate knowledge of the date when this forest was overwhelmed, and we have such knowledge from Mr. Lukis, a well-known authority resident in the island, who says " that there were found pottery and stone instruments, the tools and vessels of the first inhabitants, materials in cha- racter coexistent with cur cromlechs and their contents, formed of the same substances. It is also reported that several hundred Roman coins were discovered in the peat some years ago." Noting this peat formation, remincls me how fonibly and con- tinuously I am struck by the courtesy even of the poorest of these islanders ; for even that poor, half-naked, tattered fisher's boy whom I have mentioned, seeing my hands dirtied by the peat, fetched for me, unasked, a bowl of water and a fragment of coarse towelling. I have already glanced a passing observation, I think, at the market of St. Peter's Port ; but whether 1 have or not, having now seen it in all its glory — namely, on a Saturday ranrning, my notes can be more full and more worthy of its excellence. I have spoken in the singular ; but in truth there are four markets, all abundantly supplied, all thronged by purchasers, tlie majority of them carrying a basket in which to bear home their bargaiua — for bargains they are, inasmuch as the female vendors have tho 432 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ September 2, 1862. reputation of asking for a commodity sixpence when they will not reject the fourpence bid. On this point I will not volunteer an opinion, for they all looked upon me so benignly that bar- gaining would have been ingratitude. The Fish Market I estiuiate to be more than 200 feet long, and full 20 feet wide, very lofty, and well lighted. There are twenty double stalls on each side, and two at one end. Each stall is formed of a slab of polished black, white-veined marble, has a tap of water, and is formed so that the surplus does not overflow, but is conveyed away by a pipe in the central front- eupporting pillar. I shall only mention some of the fish which were there when I made my visit. The most plentiful supply and most readily sold were crabs, both tlie common and the spider. The price of the largest and heaviest was Is. Gd., and in London would have had afllxed more than double that price ; mackarel, a dozen for 6d. ; red mullet, just in season, 6d. each; gore fish, if that is correct orthography ; large craw fish, or rock lobsters, 6d. a-piece ; and many other kinds, as bream, rock fish, red gurnet, bass, conger iu large quantity, cut into pieces, but I am told this fish will be more plentiful next week. The only fish in the market peculiar to the island was the Ormer, a contraction of Oreille de Mer, or Sea Ear, which name is descriptive, for the form of its univalve shell approaches very closely to that of the human ear. Its scientific name is Baliotis tuberculata. By its shell-less side it adheres to the rocks, probably by the same vacuum-power which makes the wet leather of the boy's toy adhere to a stone. Beaten to render it tender, and then stewed, it is said to have the flavour of a veal- cutlet. Uncooked, and lying with the un- ehelled side up]ieruiost, they look mucli like a small scollop of oysters. The emptied shells arc exported in large quantities to England, and especially to Birmingham, their pearly, iridescent, internal surface being familiar to us in papier mache and other •apantied ornamental work. The fish usually purchasable, but which were either not in season or absent wlien I was there, are turbot, whiting, white mullet, John dory, soles, brill, plaice, cod, smelt, and sand eel. The Butchers' Market runs parallel, and is annexed to the Fish Mai-ket, and comprises about forty small rooms, lined within and without with the usual joints, the only peculiarity of which not-very.provocative-of-appetite exhibition was the extreme smallness of the veal. This, I am told, arises from the greater value of the butter and milk inducing the early killing of the calves. On a projecting ledge outside the Butchers' Market, and in the open air, sit some thirty or more countrywomen with their very uniform nhite-clothed baskets of butter and eggs. That butter and those eggs are unsurpassable, the vendors thereof being unexceptionable models of elderly neatness ; so I turned over in my mind why they were all elderly, and it would have been a mystery until this day, had not my eyes rested upon one young, fau, and jocund— then was it a mystery no longer, for I had to say, "Hadji, thou art advanced in years, yet thou art looking upon the damsel rather than upon her com- modities." Before these decorous butter- vendors, exposed to the open air, is the spacious, well-supplied Fruit and Vegetable Market. There were all (he usual vegetables, and about which I saw no pecuharity except that the Broad Beans were shelled and sold by the pint. Among the fruit were good Peaches, 3rf. each ; Moorpark Apricots, the finest I ever saw, 2Jd. a-piece ; Apples, Pears, and Plums very various and abundant; purple and white Figs; and Cob nuls, from France, Zd. per quart. There were also a few Raspberries, and still fewer Mulberries. Strawberries, of course, were not there ; but I must mention that I am informed that the old Pine variety of this fruit, rarely met with now in England, is the most prolific here, and, consequently, is that chiefly cultivated for sale. When in season the mai'ket-supply of it is most abundant, and often sells for no more than lid. per pound. The Cabbnges exposed for sale arc all of the Drumhead kind, anl only the e-xtrcme heart of them is cooked for table use. I conclude that the reason for preferring this variety is, that it is that which is most useful as food for the eows, with an eye to which all the cottage gardening is conducted. Every spare space where cultivation can be carried on is occupied either with these Cabbages, or Mangold Wurtzel, or Parsnips. A red variety of Onion is universally cultivated, and, I think, it is James' Keep- ing Onion ; except a stray instance among these now and then, I have not seen a white Onion in the island. — Qiris. {To he ccntiimwd.) BEEAEING UP A PASTUEE FIELD FOE MAEKET-GAEUENING PUEPOSES. I HAVE upwards of five acres of grass land which I intend converting into a market garden. The soil is peaty ; in some parts peaty to the thickness of 2 feet or 3 feet, resting on a fine yellow clay. It is at present imperfectly drained. How would you advise it to be drained well ? and how would you dispose of the sods — bury them, or pile them up in heaps to rot ? And also, would you advise a good application of gas lime on breaking it up ? — Peat. [First of all drain it well ; then break it up as early in the autumn as you like, and about 2 feet deep, burying the turf about mid- way, or just so near the top as to insure it not growing through ; rough dig it once or twice during slight frosty weather in winter or when it is dry; and in spring plant a good breadth of it with Potatoes, for such a soil as you describe is just the one we have seen Potatoes do best in. The wants of the neighbourhood will determine what other crops are advisable ; and if you con- template doing anything in the hotb :d or Grope- house way, save several loads of turf which will be wanted there. Perhaps that taken off the part intended for walks might be set aside for such uses ; but unless the turf be full of couch grass or other noxious weeds bad to kill, it had better be trenched into the ground at once. If you determine on planting any autumn crop as Cabbage or the like, immediately after trenching a good dressing with gas water may be useful in killing wireworm and other enemies ; but it ought to be given some days before planting and the ground dug again. If, however, it lies in fallow through the winter, and receives one or two diggings during that time, it is likely these pesti will in a great measure be destroyed ; and we are no advooates for gas water in cases- where it can be done without, as it does not impart any useful ingredient to the composition of the soil.] EEADING HOETICULTURAL SHOW. Those accustomed to the great metropolitan exhibitions of flowers and fruit, but who are ignorant of what many of our provincial horticultural societies can efl"ect in this way, are apt to under-estimate the importance of country shows, and to- imagine they are not worth attending. This is a great mistake} for in some of the principal towns horticultural exhibitions are held, which, though not of course equal in extent to those at South Kensington or the Crystal Palace, nor offering sucb inducements to exhibitors from a distance, are yet of no small magnitude, are well arranged, well attended, and thoroughly enjoyable. Of such the shows of the Reading Horticultural Society are amongst the beat and most attractive, from the extent of the display and the pla e where they are held — among the ruins of the old abbey, in the midst of a well-kept publie garden, which, except on such occasions, is freely open to the townsfolk. Another advantage which the ancient and historical borough of Reading possesses, is that of its being readily accessible from all patts of the kingdom by means of three principal lines of railway. The second and last Show for the season took place on Thursday last ; and about £115 being offered in prizes for plants, cut flowers, fruit, and vegetables, an extensive and creditable exhibition was the result. The various productions exhibited were ranged in a large tent,, hollowed out on a similar plan to that formerly adopted at South Kensington, with turf stages down the middle and at one end for cut flowers, with others more elevated at the sides for plants : thus a very good view could be obtained of nearly every part of the tent. In class A, 8 Stove and Greenhouse Plants, the first prize was. awarded to Mr. Ingram, gardener to J. J. Blandy, Esq., High- gi'ove, Reading, who had a large and well-trained Stephanotis floribunda, a fine specimen of Rondeletia speciosa, Vallota pur- purea in fine bloom, and nice plants of Vinea rosea and alba,. Tetratlieca verticUlata, Leschenaultia formosa superba, and Statice brassiccefolia. Mr. Good, gardener to E. Majoribanks, Esq., Henley, had a good plant of Rondeletia speciosa major,, though rather past its best in point of flower ; nice plants of Vinea alba and rosea; Tetratheca verticiBafa; Heterocentrum roseum ; Crowea stricta ; a fine Ixora coccinea, and Cleroden- dron fallax in excellent condition. To this collection the second prize was awarded ; the third going to Mr. Miller, gardener to September 2, 1862.] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTrRE. AND COTXAaJE GAEDENEB. 433 Aliss Ilobson, SlniiCeld, whose collection contaitied Statico \ broasicierolia, Begonia preatoiiicnsia, a line plant of Gesiiera , zebriua splendens, Stcphanotis floribuiula (good, but not equal to Mr. Ingram's either iu size or beauty), and Lescheiiauitia foruioaa. In class B, 10 Variegated or Foliage Plants, the exhibitors were 3Ir. Ingram ; Mr. Robinson, gardener to ft. Benjon, Esq., M.l'., EiiglefieUl ; and ilr. Moles, gardener to W. Banbury, Esq., Beading, who respectively gained the first, second, and third prizes. Mr. Ingram had a nice little Alocasia metallica, a largo and beautifully grown specimen of Coleus VersehaCTelti, a fine Croton Tariegatum, a tall Draeajna forrea, Cissus discolor (large and eo perfectly clothed with leaves as not to show any stenis), Philo- dendi'ou portusum, Sauseviera javanica, and two Galadiums. Mr. Robinson's collection contained a small Cyanophyllum magnificum, tall plants of Dracaena draco and ferrea, Maranta zebrina, Alsophila australis. And Mr. Moles had two handsome specimens of Coleus Verschaflelti and Blumei, 4 feet across ; a small Croton, two Dracsonas, two Begonias, and thi-ee Gala- diums. In class C, 10 Ferns, the first prize was awarded to Mr. B.obinson for his exhibition, which contained a fine Dicksonia antarctica, a handsome Pteris tremula, as well as well-grown plants of Pteris argentea, Gymnogranuna chrysophylla, and Cibotium Barometz. Mr. Ingram obtained the second prize for a well-grown collection, which included somo excellent specimens of Asplenium and Pteris, Gymnogramma argyi-o- phyUa and Platycerium aleicorne. Mr. Moles was third, and an extra prize was given to Mr. Fabray, gardener to W. S. Darter, Esq. ; the only other exliibitors being Messrs. Ivery, of Dorking, who had a large collectiorL of hardy British Ferns, some of which were exhibited in this, and the remainder in the Miscellaneous class. The succeeding class, D, was for 6 Lycopods, and as in the case of the Feme, the wliole of the exliibitions were good samples of cultivation. The competitors were Mr. Ingram, first ; Mr. Robinson, second ; and Mr. Good, third. In class E, 6 Achimenes, the first award was taken by Mr. Ingram, who had a fine pan of SirTreherne Thomas, and Longi- flora major. Mr. Lanaway, gardener to R. Henborough, Esq., was second, who had Ambroise Verschaifelt, Dr. Buenzood, and Sir Treherne Thomas, in good flower ; and Mr. Miller came in third, having among his six good examples of Sir Treherne Thomas, Dongiflora major, and Carl Woolfurth. Oi Fuchsias, in sixes, class F, the first prize was given for a beautiful set, among which were Venus de Medici, Sir C. Camp- bell, Little Bo-Peep, England's Glory, British Sailor, exhibited by Mr. Baskeft, gardener to Miss Sheepshanks. These plants, being tall and covered with flowers, were placed in an elevated position near the principal entrance to tlie tent, where they had a very pretty effect, being covered with tlieir beautiful peudiUous flowers. Mr. Foster, gardener to J. Lodge, Esq., Reading, who was second, had good plants of Fair Oriana and Wiltsliire Lass ; and Mr. Castle, gardener to Miss Sowden, third. In class G, for Balsams, there was no competition ; and in class H, 8 Cockscombs, Mr. Bailey, gardener to T. T. Drake, Esq., Shardeloes, Amersham, gained tlie first prize with some well-grown specimens ; those of Mr. Hawes, gardener to J. W. Rhodes, Esq., Henley, who was second, not having such regular heads. The next class, I, was for S branching Cockscombs, and here Mr. Good was successful in obtaining the first award with plants which were generally well flowered ; and Mr. Prior, gar- dener to G. May, Esq., Reading, was second ; an extra prize being given to E. Webb, Esq. In class J, 6 Lihuralancifolium, Mr. Ingram, exhibited album and rubram grandillorum, three of each, all of them being large, handsomely grown, and beautifully in flower. To this exhi- bition the first prize was awarded ; the second was given to Mr. Baskett for nice plants of the same kinds well flowered, but of much less size. In classes K and L, 6 Bedding and 6 Variegated Geraniums, Mr. Baskett was first, and Mr. Miller second ; and in the Mis- cellaneous class prizes were awarded to Mr. Good for three Vallota and one Eueharis amazouica, all of them creditable specimens ; to Mr. Ingram for a mixed collection of flowering and fine-foliage plants, for Ana^ctoehils, and for Desfonfainia spinosa ; to Mr. Robinson for Caladiums, miscellaneous plants, aquariums, and some neatly-prepai-ed skeleton leaves ; and to Messrs. Ivery for hardy British Ferns. Awards were also made to Messrs. Webb, Miller, and Bragg. The exhibition of Cut Flowers was very good, but wo should have liked to have seen mote Roses. In class N, 24 Dahlias, Mr. Turner had a magnificent stand which distanced all competitors in the size, colour, and regularity of the blooms, which were perfect models. Tlio sorts were Mrs. Bush, Lord Palmerston, Lady D. Pennant, Mr. Sloeken, Delicata, Privateer, Goldfinder (a splendid bloom), George Brown, Cygnet (lovely). Criterion, Lord Cardigan, tJnipiro, Ueauty of Hilper- ton. Golden Drop, Captain Ilurvey, Hugh Miller, Bob Ridley, Mrs. W. Piggott, Earl of Shaftesbury, Lady Popliam, JIadge Wili.fire, Juno, Lord Derby, and Lady Elclio. To this exhibi- tion the first prize was, of course, awarded. The second was taken by Mr. Terry, Castle Bromwich, who had also some very good blooms in his stand ; and Mr. Bragg was third. In the Amateurs' class, O, 12 varieties, there wore several very good stands, Mr. Perry coming ofi' first, Mr. Hopkins, of Brent- ford, second ; and Mr. Fruin, Foot Baldon, third. The Fancies, class P, were likewise very good, Mr. Turner and Mr. Perry being again first and second. The exhibition of the former contained some remarkably fine blooms of Lady Paxton, Queen Mab, Gem, Pauline, and Miss Jones. In the succeeding class, Q, exclusively for Amateurs, Mr. Perry and Mr. Fruin were first and second respectively. Soedlings, for which there were no prizes offered, were shown by Mr. Turner and Mr. Perry ; those of the former were Caractacus, Dundreary, and Countess of Shelburne, which have already been stamped with the appro- bation of the Floral Committee. Of Hollyhocks there were several fine stands, that of Mr. Turner taking the first prize ; and in Roses, 2 1 varieties, three trusses each, he was the only exhibitor, but well merited the highest award. Miss Crawshay, of Caversham Park, had a very good stand of twelve in the Amateur's class, gaining the first prize ; and a similar award was made to C. Worthington, Esq., for single blooms. Asters, both French and German, were in most instances very fine, though the setting-up in a few cases was susceptible of improvement. Mr. Betteridge received the first prize for both kinds ; Mr. MUlett being second in French ; Mr. Beasley hold- ing the same position for the German quilled varieties ; Mr. Baskett and Mr. Bailey obtained third prizes, and several extra ones were given besides. In Verbenas, 18 varieties, fine trusses were exhibited by Mr. Perry and Mr. Turner, between whom the competition was very close, who respectively obtained the first and second prizes ; the stand of the former was very tastefully arranged with regard to colour. Mr. Bailey was first in the class for 12 varieties, with a fine stand ; Mr. Baskett and Mr. Jacob being second and third. There were aev. ral other exhibitions, which were also of great merit. Of Miscellaneous Cut Flowers there was an excellent chsplay, which contributed muoh to setting off the end of the tent which they occupied. Mr. Millett and Mr. Moles were first ; Mr. Baskett and Mr. Mearing receiving second prizes. Of Fruit there was an excellent display, quite as good as we have seen at a London exhibition. Grapes, especially of the Black Hamburgh kind, were fine, the bundles regular, the berries generally large and well coloui-ed, and the bloom not rubbed. Muscats, of which several large bunches were shown, were not sufllcieutly ripe. Pines were not so numerous as could be desired, but were generally well grown and of fair size ; and here we would suggest that in future the names as well as the weights should be at- tached to each. Excellent collections of eight dishes, from Mr. Turner, Mr. Good, and Mr. Robinson, recoived first, scconil,and third prizes. In Queen Pmes, Mr. Johnson, gardener to the Duke of Wellington, was first, A Kipley Queen, from Mr. Robinson, came next. Mr. Bailey was third with a good Moscow Queen; and in the class for " any variety," he obtained the highest award for a Queen, apparently about 4 lbs. weight. Mr. Robinson was second with a Smooth-leaved Cayenne; and Mr. Johnson third. The best Black Hamburgh Grapes were from Mr. Ingram ; and Mr. Dwerrihouse, gardener to Lord Eversley, who was second, had also large and well-coloured bunches, and the com- petition among the other exhibitors being close, several extra prizes were awarded. 484 JOURNAL OF HORTICrrLTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ September 2, 1862. MuBCats large but not Bufficiently ripe were cent by Mr. IngTBin, Mr. Webb, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Turner, thoee of the latter being rerj' fine as regards size, and prizes were awarded in the order in which the names stand. White Muscadine?, from Mr. Turner, were the best in the next class for any other White Grapes ; Mr. Cording coming in next with Sweetwater, and Mr. Good third with good bunches of the Koyal Muscadine. Large and well-ripened Eoyal George Peaches were exhibited by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Good, who were first and second ; and in Nectarines and Apricots the best came from Mr. Turner and Mr. Johnson, both of whom received equal first prizes for fine fruit of the Moorpark variety. In Melons Mr. Good was first, Mr. Bousie second ; and in Flums, three dishes, Mr. Bailey received the first prize for fine firuit of the Washington, Prince of Wales, and Denyer's Victoria. Among the Miscellaneous Pruit, we noticed a beautiful dish of Eed Astraclian Apples from E. Webb, Esq., and some of the finest Oranges we have ever seen grown in this country from Mr. Eobinson, who had also some excellent Lemons. Nor must we omit to mention eight Apple trees, in 13-inch pots, from Mr. Webb, which were loaded with large fruit. They were grown out of doors without protection, being merely plunged in the ground. Of Vegetables there was likewise a very creditable exhibition, both in tlie Gardeners' and Cottagers' classes, and numerous awards were made ; but we cannot afford space to particularise them. The Cucumbers were fine, especially those which gained the first and second prizes, and so were the Carrots and Potatoes. The arrangements were excellent, and even if we had the dis- position to do so we could find no fault, everything was arranged pleasantly, and good humour was the order of the day. During the afternoon the subscribers to the Society and numerous visitors examined the Exhibition, which, but for a counter-attrac- tion in the band of the gallant 16th Lancers from Aldershott, would have been even too crowded. We may mention that the ride to Beading by the South- western railway is just now very interesting, the line being bordered by waving fields of corn ready for the sickle, whilst the banks are in many places purpled with Heath, now in full bloom. WINDOW-GARDENING IN IRELAND. In the introduction to " A Few Days in Ireland," Mr. Fish noticed a fine box of Geraniums in a certain street in Dublin, which seemed to stand alone in its loveliness. He has had a hint that it has been equally fine this year. He and the helpers in The JouENAi of Hoeticultuee would be glad to hear of window plants being more prevalent in Dublin, and would be greatly obliged to " A Constant Eeader " to forward that object, and we take also this opportunity to state that all inquiries bearing on this subject will meet with the most prompt attention; and if these inquiries are beyond our depth, we will at once confess our incompetence to answer them, so that information may be got from a different quarter. " A Constant Eeadee" may also rest assured, that neither he nor his fellow townsmen would for a moment be considered deficient in brains. On the contrary, much kindness received would prompt to the attempt to show all kindness and courtesy in return. Now, to the purport of this last note. Until lately we have had a cold, drizzly season here, and we fear it has been much the same in Dublin, and that would influence the foliage of some of the tenderer variegated Geraniums, as we find that ours in beds needed more picking than usual. The leaves sent were much withered. The variegated Scarlet Geranium we presume to be Lady Plymouth, which likes plenty of sun and not too much water. The variegated Geranium we think to be one of the Peltatum kind, as Pink Cup, and to have that nice requires not only plenty of sun but plenty of moisture. Hitherto we have had plenty of the latter, but until lately not enough of the former, and tin flowers have been more scanty than usual ; but now they are coining better. The Calceolaria-heads had much the appearance which the Prince of Orange Yellow presents in May and June, when there has been a little frost. At this season it hardly ever appears in any Calceolaria, unless there is a defi- ciency of moisture and support. To produce the best eSect individually, then, would be to follow the hint given the other week, and grow such plants in separate boxes ; or else take such care in the watering, that whilst you drench Calceolarias well, you give but little to the Geraniums in general, except the Pink Cup referred to. As the Tropseolum elegans is healthy, arrest growth by taking off more than half of its foliage. This wUl give room to and encourage the flower- buds. Do not be afraid of disleafing considerably ; the succulent stems when grown as yours, will be a sufilcient store-house of nourishment. Wreaths of Nasturtiums, unless grown on the most hungry soil, will do no great things without this disleafing. Go over them again whenever the foliage becomes too dense. If your Scarlet Geraniums are very strong, and the flowers not thick enough, remove not only any faded leaves, but some of the strongest and largest of the green ones, to throw more strength into the flower-truss, and at this season you may with advantage pick out the terminal bud on each shoot with the point of a penknife. This arrests mere extension, and throws more strength into the flower-stems. The thinning-out of the leaves also puts the stems in a better position for standing the winter. Of course, though not stated the other week, all young Scarlet Geraniums raised from cuttings this autumn must be kept growing, and have light inside of a window all the winter ; and hence require much more care than old ones, such as those in the boxes now. These boxes will want much less water than Calceolarias ; but if they show signs of want of vigour, a little weak manure water, or a moderately rich top-dressing will set them all right. Small variegated Geraniums will, in general, need more moisture and heat to do well. The Calceolarias should have the decayed points removed, and plenty of moisture and a little top-dressing will cause the blooms to open freely. For Senecios the season has been too moist. A very poor hungry soil would have suited best, and then in very dry weather a mulching could have been given. In such a season as this has been here, the Tropseolume, Senecios, and the larger Scarlet Geraniums, would have bloomed better if plunged in iheir pots. There is even then no necessity for tlie pots being the same in size. We are glad that Fuchsias and Ivy-leaved Geraniums do so well. We shall always be glad to hear of successes as well as failures. ORCHARD-HOUSE TREES AT BURTON- ON-TRENT. The visitors to the Burton-on-Trent Flower Show, August the 27th, appeared highly pleased with the display of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, which was very good indeed ; but the Peach trees in pots, sent by A. Bass, Esq., attracted marked attention. These would have been highly creditable to any gardener, but as the result of a lady's skill were quite remarkable. The house in which they were grown is 60 feet by 20 feet, a double-roofed one, handsomely painted in the way of the Crystal Palace, and nicely paved. Mrs. Bass, witli the exception of such work as could be done by any labourer, has entirely managed them herself, and has reason to be proud of her success. The first season she had a good crop : this year almost every tree was full. Though so late in the season that most of the fruit was gathered, and such as remained would hardly bear touching, yet some fine specimens were exhibited. When staged three plants had thirty or more fruit each, besides those which had fallen, and the others had quite as much fruit aa they were cal- culated to bear. It was amusing to see the faces of one or two persons who have always contended that Peaches could not be fruited in pots. So much interest was excited by this Exhibition that it was proposed by some members of the Committee to have the Show a little earlier next season, and make fruit trees in pots one of its principal features. If this is carried out, some of the gardeners in the neighbourhood stand a fair chance of again being beaten by a lady. I hope it may be so — it will have a very stirring effect. Why does not the Eoyal Horticultural Society of London offer a good prize for orchard-house trees? The result would be novel and attractive. — J. E. Peahson, ChilUveU, Notts. MARTYNIA FRAGRANS. Have any of your readers ever noticed the intoxicating or soporific effect which the leaves of this plant have on flies and caterpillars? I find quantities of flies dead or "drugged" on them ; and a day or two ago I remarked that some large green caterpillars, which had dropped on them from a plant above, were " hocussed " most completely. Would the plant be of any value to duggists ? — W. X. W. t^i tt - Septembers, 1862.] JOURNAL OV HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE. EPIDENDRUM REPLICATUM. , The accompanying is a full-sized ' representation of one of the branches of the flowering panicle of this pretty Dpidendrum. The pceudo-bulbs are crowned by the ensiform, or narrowly-elongate Unce-shapcd leave?, from bitween which proceeds the flower-fcape, 4 feet long, the upper half forming a large branched panicle. The flowers though not gaudy, are very pretty, and being numerous, they render this species ornamental. Tlic sepals arc cuneate-Bpatiilatc, with a mucro dull yellowieh-brown ; ihii petals are spa- tulate, narrowed below, mucronatc above, of the same ground-colour as the sepals, and marked with a large chocolate-coloured blctch at the broad apex. The lip is white, veined with purple, tliree-;obed, the two lateral lobes large, oblong-ovate, appressed to the column at the base, spreading above ; the middle lobe is cordate- acuminate, folded together backwards, and having a waved margin. It is a stove epiphyte, and requires the same kind of treatment as other tropical orchidaceous plants. 436 A FEW WORDS ON ROSES IN 1862. Now that all the bustle and din of the contest is over, tlie arena beeu swept, and fresh sawdust been put down, we may sit quietly down and consider what has been the result — who have most deserved the palm — whether Fortune has favoured the brave or beeu blind to her devotees. Doubtless we shall find, as in every contest, some cherished names have failed to fulfil their promise ; repu- tations that seemed to stand on a sure basis have been scattered to the winds, and names hardly ever heard of before have assumed a prominent position. We may criticise both the combatants and the field of battle — may find fault as the lookers-on at a game of chess so well can do with moves in whieh they had nothing to do ; and, undazzled by the glare and glitter, may be able to give an impartial opinion oa matters connected with the fight. Three great exhibitions have been held daring the year— at Kensington, the Crystal Pilace, and Birmingham ; the date of the former one, June 26th, being somewhat too early, especially as the weather preceding it had been very sunless. The Bir- mingham one was, as far as my judgment went, the best ; al- though, fine as tlie Town Hall is, it is not so suitable for this purpose as for some others. The tents at Kensington were excellent ; but for ea«e, comfort, and general advantages the Crystal Palace must bear the palm. With the difficult task that judges have to perform, it was satisfactory to find that only at Kensington was there any fault found, and that only in one section ; while the difficulty that was felt in getting a view of the flowers only shows how unceasing is the popularity of this favourite flower — a popularity which I imagine will be progressive. The general character of the flowers exhibited was excellent ; but I must take exception to what seems to be a too prevalent thing — viz., to cultivate eo highly that colour is entirely sacrificed to size. There were flowers as large and as coarse as Paeonies, and others as flat as a breakfast-saucer, and quite as dull as they could well be. That this is an evil I feel every lover of the flower will agree in, although they will tell you that they are compelled to grow them to that size because others do ; just on the same principle that people will not close their shops early because others keep them open. Unquestionably if you could get flowers as large as Anna de Diesbach, of the sliape and refine- ment of Comtesse Cecile de ChabrilUnt, or with the brilliancy of General Jacqueminot, they would be a sight worth looking at, but as it is coarse and large it ought to take a low place. Thus, I would say, if twelve blooms of Comtesse Cecile de Chabrillant, and twelve of Anna de Diesbach were put up for competition, 43»: JOUKUAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ September 2, 1862. even tliougli tlie former might be somewhat inferior in quality to its ordinary character, I sl)Oulcl give it tlie prize ; for in all florists' flowers I hold that shape is first, colour next, and size last, and I believe if such.a principle came to be acknowledged generaljy, it would twjd, greatly to tlie advantage of Eose- fanciere. Itv is somewhat ourious to see how the fortune of war changes,, the ever-shifting hue of victory resting now on one and then on anotilier. Hertfordshire, which seemed to he the home of tjie Bom, has been dead beaten this year by Essex ; for the two most successful exhibitors in nurserymen's and amateurs' classes have been Mr. Cant, of Colchester, and Mr. Hedge, of Reed Hall, close to th-? same town. The nnivereal admiration that the Btoaids exhibited by these gentlemen elicited, allows how com- pletely they have attained the foremost places as growers ;, not •only, however, were their flowers well g.rown, but great taste was exhibited in the manner in which they were set up. The con- trasts in colour were excellent, and neatness pervaded all their stands. This, let me say to exhibitors, is not a trifle. The best box may be marred by a want of it, and I have seen myself stands passed by which half an hour's skilful handling of would have made presentable, and, perhaps, achieved honours ; for great advances have been made in this, as also in the method of naming the Bowers. The stand of ninety-six, exhibited by Mr. Mitchell at Kensington, was the best-named collection, I think, that I saw the whole year. But that which has signalised the season of 186iabova all its predecessors, is the introduction of seedling Boses of English growth, heralding a new era in their history. It may be we shall be independent by-and-by of foreign growers, who, al- though they have given us a vast number of beautiful Roses, in fact well nigh all we possess, yet do manage to freight it with Buch an intolerable quantity of rubbish, that growers are out of heart at the apparently hopeless task before them ; while the pro- bability is, that Roses raised at Ipswich or Cheshunt will be better able to stand the variations of our climate than those pro- duced at Angers or Lyons. In the earlier part of the season Mr. William Pnnl exhibited some very taking blooms of his seedling Beauty of Waltham, which fuUy justified the award given to it by the Floral Committee of a first-class certificate ; while at the Bose Show on June 26th, " John Hopper," raised by Mr. Ward, of Ipswich, fairly took the "fancy" by storm. It was so grand, so rich, so vigorous, that there could be no doubt of its value. There was another, exhibited by Mr. George Paul, of the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, which we think will prove a good addition to our catalogues, " Lord Cl^de," but which was not brought forward with that empressment which it deserved ; had it been better set up it would have claimed more attention. At Birming- ham it excited a good deal of attention, and thus we have three good English R ses in one year. Those who have been thus successful will hardly be contented with these honovirs, but will look for still further ones, and we doubt not but that they will succeed. Out of the large number of foreign Roses tliere are a few which will, I think, be considered worthy of cultivation for some years. I do not think that one can go wrong in order- ing the following : — Francois Lacharme, Olivier Delhomme, Marechal Vaillant, La BrUlante, Souvenir de Comte Cavour ■(Margottin's), j\lexaiidro Dumas, Due de Rohan, Maurice Bern- hardin. Madam Charles Wood, and Mademoiselle Julie Daran— all these are H.P.'s. Gloire de Bordeaux and Comtesse Ouvai-ofl', are good Teas— at least, the latter is, .ind the former has been shown well. It seems a shy bloomer as yet, but this it may probably get out of. One may be, of course, mistaken in one's opinion of new Roses, but I do not think there are many in the above number which will be found indifferent. And now may may I ask a favour ? I have endeavoured in my blundering way to give what little information I could on this subject, and I should be veiy much obliged if any one will tell me how to grow Hoses. Yes. I mean it, here at least. My plants look well in the spring and bloom fairly, but in the •summer black blotches (of mildew I suppose), appear on the leaves, and towards September many of my plants are left with- out a leaf. My situation is very open and sunny. My soil a rich, open, friable garden loam, which will grow almost any- thing ; but I am baffled by this black enemy. I tried sulphur; it may do good, but prevention is better than cure. Would the addition of clay to the soil be of any use ? or what would do good. I hope some kind Rose-grower will come to my rescue, and let me have the pleasure of seeing my Roses as they ought to be.— D., Deal. PEIMULA FARINOSA, In your Xumber of tlio 17th of December last "BcsTic Robin" recommended me to save seed fur the purpose of raising varieties. I have just gathered my seed. Does " Rustic Eobih " recommend me t-o sow it now, or to keep it until next sprirg? I am dis^jnsed to sow it now, because Kature certainly intends it,, for the seed is evidently ready to bo scattered from the gaping cnpsules by the first rougii wind. I often thiiik that we should be much n;iore successful in raising plants if we took the hintd given us by Dame Nature. It must be quite evident from the: way in which the seed-capsules of many plaiits buret as soon as the seeds are ripe, that the seeds ought to be sowu as soon as mature — for instance, the Delphiniums, the Digitalis, and the Salvias, as soon as ripe the slightest touch or breath of wind scatters them abroad ; whilst others, if we may judge from the retentive character of their capsules, are not intended to be sown so soon, probably not until a drying frost has split or cracked theii- hard case. Perhaps this may be theoretical ; at any rate I throw it down for consideration and discussion. I may mention that my British Cypripedium has some aeed- poda-on it this season. Whether it will ripen them I know not yet; but when should they be sown? "Rustic Robin "will find Achillea millefolium rubra in a well-known garden at Tod- morden ; it is, I think, also sold elsewhere imder another name. By-the-by theie is a strange peculiarity about tlie -nord Tod- morden — Tod means a hill, mor also a hUl, and den a hill, iu three distinct languages — Kunie, I think, and two others ; so that two races have adopted the name given to it by their predecessors, and have added their conviction that it is a hiH — W. X. W. WHAT TO LOOK FOE ON THE SEASHOEE. yLoLLVSClL— {Continued from page 417.) ACEPHALA TUNICATA, OE HEADLESS TUNICATED MOLLUSCS. The TtraiCATA, as before observed, are Molluscs which have no true shell, but are enveloped in a coriaceous tunic or mantle, whence they derive their name. This mantle takes the form of a sac with two apertures, or in some instances is shaped like a tube, open at either end ; within this tunic are the viscera, which consist of well-defined organs of digestion, circulation, and respiration, with a neiwous and muscular system. They have no distinct head, nor any organs sirving the purpose of hands- or feet. Occaeior ally they are free, occasionally and more fre- quently fixed ; but in every case they are free during a portion of their existence ; and they are all inhabitants of the sea. The Tunicata, of wliich we possess British specimens, may be' divided into two orders — the Ascidla, from a Greek word signi- fying " a bottle," from the creature's resemblance to a leathern bottle ; and Salpa, from a kind of fish called " Salpe," the outer tunic being elongated, compressed, and open at both extremities. We will commence with the .isciDiANS, which have been subdivided into compound, social, and simple Ascidia. Compound Ascibiaks. — "If"— we quote from the "History of British Mollusca" by Messrs. Forbes and Hanlcy — "if, when walking on the seashore about low-water mark, we turn over large stones or look under projecting eaves of rock, wa are almost sure to see translucent jelly-like masses of various hues of orange, purple, yellow, blue, grey, and green — sometimes nearly uniform in tint, sometimes beautifully variegated, and very frequently pencilled as if with stars of gorgeous device — now encrusting the surface of the rock, now dcj ending from it in icicle-like pro- jections. These are compound Ascidians." Tbey are otherwise known as Botrj/llidfB, so called from a Greek word (Boiri/s), which signifies "a cluster of grapes," to the liktness of which a mass of these creatures very nearly approaches. It would well repay the curious observer to secure a bunch of these strange Molluscs, and after placing it in a vessel of sea-water to subject it to a minute and careful exami- nation. In this examination, however, the naked eye will not be sufSeient to assist him, he must call in the aid of a rather powerful microscope, when he will plainly perceive that that which appeared to be simply a massof coloured jelly is in reality a cluster of many individual animals, each one possessing an independent and remarkable organisation ; and torpid, motion- less, lifaless as they appear to the naked eye, he will i-emark an energrtc system of vitality carried on chiefly by the absorption and expulsion of the surrounding water, which double action, if September 2, 1862. ] .JOURNAL OF nORTICULTDRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 437 tho creatures bo disturbed, is increased to a eoneiderable degree of violence. This nrrangcment is contrived so us not only to answer the purposes of rospirution, but tliut it nuij servo also as tho means of propelling into tho stomaeli of the Aseidian such minute particles of food as tho necessities of tho creatures may require. The internal etrueturo of these little Molluscs is as perfect as it is cjrious; but the scope of our work does nut permit us to examine it in detail, it is sunieiont to say that it is surpassed by but very few of the inferior forms of aiiimal life. AptiDiuM Ficus {The Sea JiV/).— This Aseidian has received its somewhat singular appellation from tho resemblance it bears to a fig when cut opcTi. Tho name was, doubtless, originally given to it liy the fishermen to whoui it was a common object, and wlio ordinarily give a sutlieicntly expressive title to such creatures as eomc under their notice, being directed in their nomenclature by tho likeness which they perceive in the animal named to some object familiar to their everyday experience. The .Sea Fig is of a fleshy substance and of a dusty olive colour when divided and examined, which must be done with the co-operation of a microscope. It is found to contain a large quantity of little ycUowisli bags or egg:^, somewhat resembling in mass the interior of a fig. These bags arc filled with a thick transparent liquid which emits a very otTcnsive odour. Septoclinum MACULOsuii. — ThisAscidian is common to most parts of our coast, and occuis plentifully at the roots of Lam- iniiria, in Belfast Bay, and the north of Ireland generally. It may be easily recognised by its thin, hard, 1. athery crust, which is variegated with white and blue. The substance of which the crust consists is composed of needle-like crystals. BoTRVLLrs. — This compound Aseidian is very common on stones and seaweeds near low-water mark all round the British islands. It ii thus described by Mess-es. Forbes and Hanley :- — " Mass, a thick, gelatinous, semi-transparent, glaucous crust, wiih yellow marginal tubes. Systems numerous, cm- posed of Irom ten to twenty or more individuals. YcUowisli and reddisli. Branchial aporture white, surrounded by a circle of broad ferrugineous spots, a red spot on the centre of each individual. Mass often measuring several inches across; in- dividuals one-twentieth of an inch in diameter." There is also the Botri/Uus violacetis, the tunic of which is of deep blue ; and t c Botri/llus smaragdus, where it i ' a deep green ; both these are common on tho coast of Cornwall. There is a third, again, very common at Falmouth, which has an intensely red integument. SoctAL AsciDiA»s. — These are intermediate forms between the compound and simple Aeoidians. The Social Ascidians are individuals and groups connected by creeping root-like pro- longations. The Ascidians arising from these have long, erect, and more or less stalk-supported bodies. The branchial and anal orifices arc destitute of rays. The exterior tunic is smooth and transparent, and the thorax generally marked with coloured lines, Clavelina LEPADiFORins. — This creature u abundant in many pKaces, on rocks and stones at low water. It is most com- mon, however, on the west coast of Scotland. Mr. Alder says, ■ " It is very generally dilTused. I have met with it on the Devon- shire, Cornish, and Northumberland coasts, and in Lamlash, Rothesay, and Oban bays, in Scotland." It is thus described by Messrs. Forbes & Ilanley. The thorax forms one-third part of tho length of the adul' individual, and is marked with yellow lines. The stomach is of a bright orange, placed near the middle of the abdominal portion of the animal, part of the intestine being of the same colour. Its usual length is from one-half to three-fourths of an inch. — W. (To he continued.) EXTRACTS FROM A TOO-MUCH NEGLECTED BOOK. A Veteran re the Wild Woods.— Oc/oJe;- lO.— Mild. Showery morning, bright afternoon. Pleasant walk on the lake road. The Pines are clear green again, having east their rusty leaves. A few cones also are dropping, but many hang on the trees through the winter. A few years since, those who followed this road, along (he lake shore, frequently met an old man coming and going in this direction, whose venerable appearance would probably have attracted a stranger's attention. His head was white with the honours of fourscore and upwards, yet his tall, slender figure was erect and active, showing few marks of ago ; and his face was remarkable for a kindly, benevolent expression, a bright, healthy eye, and ruddy complexion. This old man led a singular life, partaking of the retirement and simplicity of that of a hermit with the active benevolence of a diifcrent class of men. Willi children living in tho village, and calling the hou.40 of a daughter his home, ho loved the quiet solitude of the fields; and, unwilling to be idle so long as ho had strength to woik, the good old man applied to the owner of the land in this direction for a spot to till ; his request waj com- plied with, and he chose a little patch within a short walk of the village. Early in tho morning, before sunrise, hi would go out into the woods, fretpiently rcmaiuing out the whole day, only bending his steps homeward towards evening. Often he might be seen at work with his spado or his hoe, about the little field which he was the first man to till ; he made a fence of the decayed logs lying about, collected tho rubbish and brushwood and burned it, then ploughed and planted Maize and Potatoes. Often, when missed from his field, he has been found sitting among the bushes reading his Bible or his hymn-book, or kneeling in prayer. On the hill side, at no great distance irom his little clearing, there is a shallow cave, well known in the neighbourhood, and many a summer morning before the village bell has rung for sunrise, the good old man has been kneeling there in earnest prayer for the people of the sleeping tonn at his feet. Much of his t-me was passed in prayer, in reading the Uoly Scriptures, and singing pious hymns with his pleasant old voice. He always had a SQiiling, friendly greeting for his acquaint- ances, and expressed a very warm interest in the children and gi-andchildren of those ho had known in earlier days ; he never met a young person of his acquaintance without some solemn words of good advice, and a blessing given with earnest sincerity. Occasionally he would visit his different friends in the village ;. and although his object was generally of a charitable or religious nature, yet he loved to talk of past times with those whose memories went back to the first years of the little colony. He had been a miller by trade, and came into the county at an early day, and, of course, knew much of the history of this rural community. But he had also other recollections of a more ambitious nature ; for he had begun life as a soldier during the troubles of the Revolution, having belonged to the " Jersey line ; " and it was with some latent pride that he would relate how he had, more than once, stood sentinel before the tent of General Washington, and seen " His Excellency " go in and out. His recollection of the battle of Long Island, and the cele- brated retreat across the East River, was particularly good ; his old cheek would flush, and his mild eye grow brighter, as he told the incidents of that day and night ; while the listener must needs smile to see the young soldier thus getting the better of the peaceful old solitary. His activity was unus :al for such advanced years: a great walker, he never used horse or wiiggon if he could help it ; and at the age of eighty-two he walked forty miles in one day, to visit a friend in the next county. He ate only the simplest food, and never drank anything but water, or a bowl of milk now and then ; and this temperance, added to regular exercise and light labour in the fields, with a mind at peace, wero no doubt the cause of the good health and activity lie enjoyed so late in life. This excellent man was a striking example of what the- Holy Scriptures alone may do for the honest, simple heart, who endeavours faithfully to carry out the two great commandments — loving our Maker with all the heart, and doing unto others as we would have others do to us. Full of simple piety and benevolence, temperate, frugal, and industrious, single-minded, and upriglit in word and deed, his conduct in all these respects was such as to command the respect and veneration of those who knew him. It was like a blessing to meet so good a man in one's daily walks. Such an instance of honourable integrity and simple piety was a strong encourage- ment to perseverance in duty, among tho miny examples of a very opposite character — examples of weakness, folly, and sin, which hourly crossed one's path. Not long since, durin':; the cold weather in winter, the villago heard with regret that their venerable old neighbour had f Hen on the ice, and broken a leg ; from that time he has been com- pelled to give up his field labours, having become quite infirm. Bowed down with age and debility, his mind often wanders ; but on the subject nearest his heart he is still himself. He may be seen occasionally, of a pleasant day, sitting alone in the lant 438 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September S, 1862. near hia daughter's door, scarcely heeding what passea before him ; his eyes closed, his bands clasped, and his lips moving in prayer. If one stops to olTer him a respectful greeting, he shakes his head, aclsnowledging that memory fails bim, but he still bestows a blessing with his feeble voice and dim eye — " God bless you, my friend, wlioever you be! " The little patch of ground enclosed by logs, just within the edge of the wood, and the frequent turning-point in our vcalks, was the good man's clearing. It now lies waste and deserted. A solitary Sweet Briar has sprung up lately by the roadside before the rude fence. This delightful shrub is well known to be a stranger in the forest, never appearing until the soil has been broken by tlie plough ; and it seems (o have sprung up just here expressly to mark the good man's tillage. Tall Mullein stalks, Thistles, and weeds, fill the place where the old husband- man gathered his little crop of Maize and Potatoes ; every season the traces of tillage become more and more faint in the little field ; a portion of the log fence has fallen, and this summer the Fern has gained rapidly upon the Mulleins and Thistles. The silent spirit of the woods seems creeping over the spot again. — (Miss Cooper's Journal nf a Na/malist in the United States.) WOEK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Broccoli, where there has not been sufficient planted, large plants may yet be put out with success ; to be laid-in with a spade in a elanling direction. Earth-up the advancing crops. Cardoons, earth-up for blancliing in favourable weather. Celeri/, the crops that have not yet been earthed to be abundantly supplied with water. JSndii'e, continue to blanch, and plant-out from successionnl sowings. Lettuce, another sowing of the various sorts may be made. It is always better to have a superfluity in the spring than a deficiency. Mushrooms, beds may now be made either in sheds or in the open air. Tarslev,'lhin the summer sowing while in a young state; the plants will have time to gain strength to stand the winter. A portion of the spring sowing to be cut down. FLOVTEK GABDBN. The propagation of half-hardy plants should still be carried on as directed last month until all be completed. See that there is an abundant supply of eveiything for next year's operations. ■Root a good stock of Maurandyas, Lophospermums, Ivy-leaved Geraniums, and other climbers that add so much to the beauty of the pleasure grounds; also Salvias, Lobelias, Ageratums, Campanulas, &c. Continue to plant-out Pinks as they strike root. Besides keeping every part of this department in the neatest order, the propagation of the stock for supplying next season's demand will engross all the time and attention that can be spared. In all cases the number of plants which it will be necessary to provide should be noted down, allowing a wide margin for losses, &c. The early-struck cuttings to be potted-oCP, placed in a frame, and sh;ided, and after they become established to be placed out of doors in an open situation. No delay should now be made in the propagation of the more delicate bedding Geraniums ; for if they have not sufficient time to well fill their pots with roots before winter, many will be lost. Attention should also be given to the amount of accommodation for them during the winter, which, whether in the shape of frames, pits, or larger structures should be got in readiness for their reception before bad weather sets in. FEDIT GAEDEN. Apples and Pears require constant attention now. Gather the various sorts as they ripen, and let the operation be per- formed with as much gentleness as possible ; for wherever an Apple or Pear is bruised, it lays the foundation of premature decay. Peaches and Nectarines to be looked over daily and gathered as they ripen, as a fall, even when nets are suspended to receive them, is fatal to their flavour and appearance if they have to be kept a day. STOVE. Plenty of atmospheric moisture and plenty of air are still the essentials, increasing the air and inuring them to more sunlight as the wood progresses to maturity ; shading will, therefore, be dispensed with, except during very bright sunshine in the middle of the day. Continue to pay every attention to such useful plants as Allamandas, Stephanotis, Dipladenias, Echites, Eu- phorbias, Luculias, &c. Shift on a good stock of Gesnera ze- brina ; it delights in equal parts of good fibrous loam, heath soil, and leaf mould. If the plants are then placed for a time in a gentle bottom heat, shaded from bright sun, and syringed occasionally, they will make beautiful growth. GEEENHOrSE AND CONSERVATORY. Any of the inmates of these structures which have not been placed out of doors would still be much benefited hy being out even for a fortnight or three weeks. If drenching rains should occur, any plants likely to suffer damage should be taken in- doors again. Where Camellias, Chinese Azaleas, and the hybrid Indian Rhododendrons were not potted in the spring and require shifting, the present is the most favourable time, as the young wood is now getting somewhat firm and the flower-buds are perceptible. As these plants require a liberal supply of water during their season of growth drain the pets well, and use very turfy peat and sand, adding an equal portion of fibrous loam for the Camellias. Pay attention to Chrysanthemums ; they must not be stopped later than this to have fine heads of bloom. Climbers will always require attention to keep the shoots in their proper places. Take care in training that the parts of the trellis or stakes nearest the bottom do not get bare of flowering shoots, as the beauty of these depends upon being clothed with foliage and flowers from the rim of the pot upwards. Pot-otr seedling Cinerarias, Chinese Primroses, and herbaceous Calceolarias into small jjots, and keep them close in a frame for a few days, and when established to be exposed to the autumn dews, which are of great service to all young stock in a healthy condition. "W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. MrcH the same as the week previously ; in fact, the work of the one resembled the other as much as two peas lying close together in the same peacod. In the kitchen garden, clearing, hoeing, and forking, were the order of the day, and watering fresh-planted vegetables. The week since tlie 20th has been the most beautiful and sunny of the season, and gave a chance for settling a host of the weeds that the heavy rains had encou- raged. Tied-up herbs for drying, early Onions in bunches, &o. FEUIT GARDEN. Proceeded as last week with Strawberries, fruit trees, &o., cutting down the used-up canes of Raspberries, and thinning and shortening the wood of Currants and Gooseberries, from which the fruit had been gathered. Find it necessary to keep what remains under netting and bunting, to keep birds and wasps out. The latter threaten to be troublesome with Peaches, &c., and where no other protection can be given must resort to traps and other devices to entice the marauders. Every damaged or decayed fruit is useful as a decoy, as they seldom go to a fresh fruit when they get a broken or injured one. Will be obliged to gather Morelio Cherries from the wall to save them from such devourers. As yet we have been able to discover no nests. This plague is just one of those incentives to activity that keep us gardeners always alive and active. ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. Moved plants, fresh-potted Cinerarias, and should have been deep in the mysteries of propagation but for noticing that from the heavy rains wo required to go over all the flower-beds again, to remove yellow leaves and fading flower.^, and now the trusses of bloom are as good as the plants presented before the drench- ing rains. It is no trifle to get a large lawn and a great many beds all in good order up to a certain day, and to do this many things must be neglected. The most we have done in the way of preparation is to get some fresh sandy loamy soil from the sides of the highway ; and some days before our readers peruse this, we shall have some thousands of cuttings in, going ahead with almost everything, except Calceolarias, which we shall leave to the last. That new beginners may go along with us, we will mention what we deem most important to success at this season. First, Fresh sandy soil with little or no manurial matter of any kind; the roughest to be placed at the bottom of the pots or boxes. Secondly, A sprinkling of sand on the surface to prevent the air getting too freely into the soil. Thirdly, Watering the cuttings when inserted, and never allowing tiiem to flag afterwards ; keeping close or shading all that will not stand the sun during the day. Fourthly, Preventing damping and mere elongation upwards, by less or more au- according to circum- September 2, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF IIOLITICULTUHE AND COTl'AGK GAKDKNKR. 439 elancos, from tlio time the sun leaves lliem on an arionioon until it ivauliC8 them next morning. Fifthly, Frequent skills from the syringe just to damp the loHago, if thiit will prevent the necessity of shading. And, last'.y. At present using no bottom licot or artifieial heat whatever, for the generality of bedding plants, as though thus they take longer to strike, the plants are more hardy and stubby afterwards from being struck in cold pits or frames alone. It is too late novf to strike the generality of Geraniums even out of doors ; at any rate they will be none the worse of the protection of glass. The more succulent Scarlets will do well enough out of doors in the first fortnight of September. Kan a small Dutch hoe round the outside of llower-beds to prevent cracking, as there is little more than the outside exposed now. — K. F. TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIA'ED. Select List of Tlviicinths, Gladioli, and other Bulbs for 1863. by William Paul, ll'altham Cross, N. A Catalogue of Bulbous Flotver Boots and Tulips, bi/ C. 7\ir»er, Soi/al Nurseries, Slough. TO CORRESPONDENTS. •,* We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All oommunications should therefore be addressed solely to T7te Editors of the " Journal of Mortieullure, S[c.," 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardenmg and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to gel them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication imless under very special circumstances. Flower Garden (A Coustnitt Subscriber). — Tliere is no fault to be found wiih tile liuwer garden if it suits tlie place and pleases yuu. One side con- sists of a Kronp of circle in centre and four oblons beds round it (the tpace between the circles and beds being as wide as the width of the bitter beds, which will give relief), and a long S-sbaped bed. The other side consists of two groups each with a clicle in the centre and eight clumps round it, four of these beinc circles, and four rounded four-sided figuvts. Nothing is tolj us of the size of tticse clumps. Two ideas strilie us : — fiTst, the size of the paths between the outer row of figures is too small ; and if the fignrcB are not large the planting will be too crowded. No simpler corobination could be adopted ; but with the exception of the S figure there is no attempt at the artistic. We can hardly malte out the pencil v.-riting on the tissue paper ; but so far as we do so, we can find no fault witti the individual clumps if training is well attended to. As far as we can see, the aim is to have every clump distinct in itself, whilst in such groups we would prefer a centre and the beds being balanced in pairs. This is not attempted at all, nor is regaid seemingly paid to height and size. For instance : In one group of G the centre bed is edged with Cerastiuni, the higher bed opposite with Cineraria maritima, and the lower oppoj-ite with Centaurea, thus giving in a line three beds with while edgings. Besides this, the ted on one side of the one edgtd with Cineraria is to be filled with Verbena Mrs. Hulford, also white, without any other white bed to balance it. So mucli for balancing. Many who aim at so much variety get confusion. Then as to size. We find in tlie centre clump rings of Barnn Hup.el, followed outside by itanglesi and Canipanula, ■which will be apt to smother it if not kept well down. We al.-o find varie- gated Arabis as near the centre, with plants outside that will overtop it unless well Itept down. It is important to avoid much of the pegging and clipping if possible. This has been a trying reason in this respect. In "Doings of the Last Week " it would be seen that "It, F." had been dis- appointed in the growth of some things. In relation to Futteridge Gardens we may state that the last day in whicli they were open to the pulilie was Wednesday Ihe 27th ult. At other times no admission is given without application to the gardener. On the north side Hitchcn is the nearest station, 6j miles; on the south, Lu'on, ^ miles, per Great Northern by Hatfield. By Norlli Western from I.eighton to Luton. Wentworth Gardens {A Gardener and Subscribei-),~l!iQ such place in Surrey as far as we know. Lobelia {W. TT. y.). -Whitevarieties of blueLobeliashave not beenrarei but a really good one has not yet been out. 'J'he beautiful new one at the Crystal Palace, called Paxtoniana, is as much a white as it is a blue, and the feMow to it, called Gordoniana, is a par icularly good white one with a little blue. Both these will be out ne.xt spring. .\ good white one has been sent fo us from a gardener in the country, but tlie smoke round London would not allow us to judge it fairly, so we sent it down to Air. Beaton, and we are daily in expectation ol bearing from him about it. That is all that is on the card Just now about white Lobelias. Vou ought to save yours and not work It too hard for cuttings in the spring, and try it against the rival whites. We have seen those at the Crystal Palace and they are really an aequi.ition. Books (0. R X).— The book on training is published, and we think the price is fis. Carnation Seeds (fViri,s^;i^).—" Inoculation " Is the grand secret for getting double Carnations, If you got the right thing to "inotulute" with. We should like to be In the secret. As to the " advantage' of sowing the seeds as soon as they are ripe, there is no secret ; it is and ha? been of the utino-t advantage ever since the Hood, wh>n the span of life was cut down to llucescore years and ten. No man now, and much less a woman, can lose a single day in sowing experimental seeds like your inoculated Carnations. Sow them in pots (luite Ihliilv, and only Just round Ihe sides of the pot, and tlicn they will not lose an hour, for they will nut want transplanting or re- potting at all ; ibcn in April turn out the ball on the bench and make a slit ill it on the lop side the whole length of it; next taiie one side ol the cut in e icli h Old and o|ien Ihe ball out into a flat network of roots, and put it on a board, and lake the board to an open trench, and the transplanting Is done without ever touching a leaf from first to last. This Is our secret for gaining on old Time. PoLVANrinsES iAnnllla).—T:hc luxuriance of " Ansetta's " seedling Polyanthuses is a sure sign of her own luxuriance In garden experience ; some cannot keep a leaf alive on their seedling PoIyanihuF.es in June, July, and August, lint to keep them as "Annetta" keeps them is Just the way to give them the disposition she aims at-a dii-posl;ion to bloom, which they have not shown yet. But every one of them will bloom next April if they are done exactly .as they have been hitherto, and then what a quantity of new flowers and strange faces you will have. PiioFAGATlNu RiioPALAS I Mcdicus).-'!:he best answer Is this. When a partv has to ask how such diffleult tilings are to be effected, to tell him or her in plain words that he will not succeed in the first six trials ; but it "MEDicns" can get cuttings of M. de Jonghe's Rhopala, and of the one named after the great mountain Corcovado, on tlio north-west ot the town of llio Janeiro, he will very probably succeed in the leventh trial-seven being a lucky number. First, he must visit some one of the great London nurseries, and see the propagating department, for that kind of knowledge cannot be taught by books ; secondly, imitate the ways of such London firms to the very letter, then almost any half-ripe joint of these P.hopalas will root at the seventh hit as sure as a Rose-cutting if Manetti. Bee Plant (A. IT'.).— Your plant is Centaurea nigra. Bees gather bolb honey and pollen from it. Grapes Cracking [A. X.j.-It is a peculiarity of Ihe variety, unless the Vines are grown in a shallow border, and kept model ately dry at root when the fruit is ripening. Ferns fPa^r/in).— The Ferns might live, but it is not a good place for them. Try the commonest and freest-growing sorts you can get-such as Nephrodium molle, Pteris serrulate, 4ic. Why not put in a layer of soil and plant it over with Lyeoiodium denticulatum, wiiich would grow and look green and neat ? Namks op Plants iFatelm].—\, Polystichum anjulare; 2, Athyrium fili.x-foimina ; 3, Lastrea tili.x-mas ; 4. Bleehnum spicant; 5, Adiantum setu- lo-iim IB. B. T-.l.-Slachys lanata. The sport of variegated Alyssum is not uncommon, and it will not maintain that colour. [C. Y.).--l, Poly- gonum amphibium ; 2, CEnanthe fistulosa ; 3, Pteris aquilina ; 4, Artemisia vulgaris fJ £i.).-l, Bartsia edontilis: 2, Origanum vulgare ; 3, Aster tii- folium ; 4, Tanacetum vulgare. {F. H. A.).-\, Troiufolum speeiosuiil ; 2, Tropajolum pentaphyllum. Tliey are increased by cuttings, or occasionally by seeds. POULTRY, BEE, and HOTTSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS. Septemuer 2nd. Pocklingto.-, Yorkshire. Sec, Mr. T. Grant. Entries Sf-PTCMBElfrth.'WA'EEFIELD AND WEST RlDlNO. ««., Mr. J. Crosland, JUU., Entries close August 23rd. r j , t. nr. i>»Kn..> September 9th. Worsley and Armlet (near Leeds). Sec, Mr. Kobcrt Hoyle. Aimley, near Leeds. » , m, Septbmuek 10th and lUh. Manchester and Livbbpool. ^»m., Mr. T B P.vder, Church Street, LivetpooL Entries close August 11th. September 25th. Staffordshire. Sec., Mr. W. Tomkinson, Newcastle. SE?;»,BKR°25th."^"lLDLE;oN. Sec., Mr. T. Mills. Entries close Sep- Octobe" a's'th and 29lh. Calne. Sees., A. Heath and F. Baily. Entries close October 15th. t i.- t» 7^,(1,011 December 1st, 2nd, 3rd. and 4th. Bikminciiam. Sec., John B. Lythall, 14, Temple Street, Birmingham. CEYSTAL PALACE POULTRY SHOW. Human nature is an odd thing. Man has been called a reasoning biped. Buffon soys truly he is the only animal m creation that walks upright, and that his God-lilie gift of reason places hhn at the head of all beings. Others complain that he is crooked, and made up of angles and sharp corners that have lo be rubbed off or down before ho is half so approachable as he should be. There is a real superiority that raises its possessor, makes him indulgent to those who know less than himself, or do not agree with him. This would induce him to forward the enjoyment of others in the same spirit that a very learned man, a parent, will, like Henry IV. of France, crawl on all lours to be his children's horse, or patiently toil at the construction ol a pyramid of cards. Others, superior men also '?«'"="'/""' pursuit alone to be worth notice, and affect a (e.hng between pity and contempt for those who are content wnh humbler things. This is well described in Ihe humorous piece of bir J. Banks and the Butterfly." The great man visiting at hi 4^0 JOTJRlsrAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September 2, 1862. friend's house can hear nothing but the praise of tulips ; he is taken to see them in (he morning; he hears their names, thfir value, and their peculiar merits. He is perfectly satisfied his friend is mad, and wishes him and his tulips at the bottom of the eea. But a butterfly passes. " An Emperor ! by Jove," says Sir Joseph, and rushes in pursuit, overturning and trampHng all tlie flowering treasures. " Mad," says his friend, " to tread down my tulips in pursuit of a trumpery butterfly." We are led to make tliese remarks from the fact that in some quarters the poultry pursuit has been disparagingly spoken of in connection with this Sliow. Those who do so are generally utterly ignorant of it, and require elasticity in their sympathies. The j^oultry fancy is inherent in some people, however high their rank may be, and they carry it out. In others of tlie humbler class a few fowls, or a few Pigeons, or Rabbits ere the only objects within reach of their means or their accommodation. In them is centred the natural desire to be the owner and breeder of stock. Many of those who turn up their noses at beautiful specimens of animated nature cannot contain their joy at the acquisition of a spotless teapot of undoubted antiquity. Tliey will resort to all sorts of sh'fts and contrivances to " pick up " a cracked cup and saucer, and are in eestacies at the imroUing of a mummy. Many a young man spends days in blackening a pipe. We might continue for hours, but it would not help us. We only want to show that all have their hobbies. We may if we like laugh good-luunouredly at any of them, and we grant them tlie same privilege. " Or, piiisque cliacnn a les siens, Nons avons toas les notres. A votre tresorier les miens, Et je rirai des votres." As it has been notoriously a bad season for poultry-breeding we were not prepared for large entries, not so large as we found. We have not only had trying weather, but we have liad new diseases. We have had su h a demand for poultry for the table, and owing to its scarcity it has been dear; the temptation to sell it has been so great that promising early chickens died be- cause " the bird in the h.and is worth two in the bush." For these causes we looked wiih interest to the Crystal Palace Show, to show us what we might expect during the autumn. We will give the result of our expectation in our review of the cUsses. Mr. Rodbard's Spanish pens were very good ones, and Mr. Lane's young cock deserves notice. Some yomig cocks had the sprigs of their combs removed so clumsily it would have been better had they remained. All the classes of Dorl:i>ig were beautiful, and no plea of weather, season, or disease was necessary. Given all things in their favour, they could not be better. Ihe Hon. W. Vernon's was a beautiful pen, the pullets rather better than the cock. It would also be unfair not to mention Messrs. Frost and Tudman, and Sir J. Paxton. Mr. M^akeficld's Pullets in Class 5 were perfect ; the same may be said of those exhibited by Miss Milne, and of the Whites shown by the Rev. G. F. Hodson and Mr. Lingwood. Ihe class for Single CocJi-s was a noble one. We must point Out two things which interfered in some instances with success, and will interfere if it is not guarded against — the first is swelled toes, and the second the growth of the spur on the outside instead of the inside of the leg, both these will cause failure where the competition is close. The Buff Cochins were excellent, and the prize birds among the best we ever saw in the montli of August ; we would espe- cially mention those belonging to Mr. Kelleway, with respect to whicli we have not a fault or shortcoming to remark upon. The White were not very good. The Grouse were excellent, but they show better when older. It was a hard run between Messrs. Tudman, Cartwright, and Musgrove. The Cochin Cocks were weak. It is well to remind exhibitors that crooked or falling combs are fatal to success in these classes. The Srahmas were very good. Among the Game fowl there is always a larger entry of White and Piles at the Crystal Palace than elsewhere. The present was no exception, and the prize birds, especially those of Messrs. Crofts andEwen, deserve especial commendation. The next class of Black Reds was equally good. Mr. Fletcher distanced all others, although eight pens were mentioned in the prize sheet, and he was di-tanced in Class 16 by Mr. Archer, who showed a pen of tequi-ite birds, achieving an easy victory in a highly meritorious class. Mr. Vernon's Duekwings were very good ; they deserved their first prize. This gentleman was successful in the Single Cock class ; he was here hard run by Mr. Fletcher, who took second and third. We now come to that which we believe to be the best show of the breed ever seen at this season of the year. There were twenty-four entries of Golden-pencilled Bamlurgh chickens, many of them perfect ; Mr. Kuttall performed no mean exploit in taking first and second prizes. Many of the pullets were perfectly marvel'.ous in their !■ arkings, every feather in the tail l3tirg as well pencilled as a body-feather. We can say little for the Silver-pencilled ; there is nothing to remind us of Mr. Archer's days in this class. Messrs. Locke and Munu showed good Ham- burgh Cocks. All the Spangled were good ; but, reversing the order of things, (he Silver were better than the Golden. Messrs. Erooke and Collinge deserve especial notice. The Polands were not numerous. Mr. Ray sh wed an excel- lent pen of Blacks, Mr. Belclon a very good pen of Golden. By far the strongest class were the Silvers, and our old exhibitor, Mr. Adkins, was successful in taking prizes both for pens, and also for the best bird in the Single Cock class. It is enough to say the Mulags were excellent. The "Various class" was very itrong. Mr. Wakefield headed it witli the best pen of Crcre Coeur chickens we have seen. The Silkies were excellent, and tlie Black Hamburghs sufiiciently numerous to be judged as a class. Mr. H. D. Bayly took nearly half the prizes oifered for the different breeds of Saniams. The Game formed a very good and numerous exhibition. Eight pens were in the prize sheet, and Mr. Kelleway well deserved his second prize. In the Bantam Cocks Messrs. Leno and Locke were successful. Mrs. Seamons' first-prize pen of i>!icfe weighed 22 lbs., her second 19 lbs. Mr. Fowler took all the prizes forRouens; but even ho has not succeeded in getting these to large weights. The feather is now understood, and we hope the weight will be accomplished. The Blacks or Buenos Ayrean Ducks proved this class to be a success ; eight pens figured in the list. Mrs. Seamons' fu-st-prize White Oeese weighed 4Vi lbs., Mr. Manfield's second, 40-^ lbs. ; Mr. Fowler's first-prize Greys, 48^ lbs. Three first-prize Turkey poults weighed 291 lbs., the second 23 lbs. The " Various classes " showed Sebastopol, Egyptian, and Chinese Geese. The Pheasants, Calege, Bohemian, Chinese, Gold, Silver, and Pied. It was a most successful Show, and, as usual, well managed in all respects by Mr. Houghton. The sales were numerous, and there was one singular event — the whole of the pullet class of Dorkings was sold on the first day. It was matter of general regret that the numerous entries of a French exhibitor arrived too late for competition. Mr. Hewitt and Mr. Baily were the Judges. PIGEONS. The Pigeons at the Crystal Palace Show numbered rather- less than two hundred pens, divided amongst twenty-nine classes. The Powfers as usual headed the list, and were exhibited in two classes — namely, single cocks of any colour and single hens. The first prize for cocks was awarded to a very fine Blue of Mr. Fulton's ; the Mealy cock of Mr. Evans' that took first here on a previous occasion being second. Mr. Rake's Red Pied that won the third was a very promising young bird, long- limbed and clean-thighed, In hens Mr. Rake won with a mag- nificent Blue hen, Mr. Fulton being second, and Mr. Evans third with a Yellow Pied. As an example of the chances of the exhibitions, we may state that a veiy long-feathered, slender, and long-limbed Mealy hen of Mr. Evans', that won here last year, was not even honoured by a commendation on this oc- casion. The Carriers were about as poor a class as was ever seen at a large show. In the cocks, Major Hassard's third-prize Dun was a very fair bird. The second prize was awarded to a mean- looking hroad-skulied animal that was scarcely worth thirty pence, and was only priced at so many shillings, at which sum it found an unfortunate purchaser. As Carriers good enough to win at a large show realize readily from £10 to £15, the value of the character of the bird in question may be imagined from the price. From tlie general condemnation of the Carrier classes, we must except that for Dun and Black hens. Mr. Corker's first and second prize hens were magnificent in head, beak, and eye. September 2, 1862. ] JODENAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE aARDENEE. m. The carriage of tlie second-prize bird was much the best, and though not 80 stout some judges would have transposed their position. Mr. Rulie's two hens were nlso very good. Dragons are always an UDcertaiu class, varying from the sheary character of the Skinnum to the heavy stylo of a hall-bred Carrier. No two fanciers exactly agree as to what constitutes their points of excellence, and, conseqneutly, tlie decisions are ever varying. The present s. wards were to rather heavy birds, wanting in that raothorso-looking style we oui-selvcs admire ; and the hooked beak of tlie Yellow prize cock was still less to our taste. In Almond Tumblers, Mr. Corkir won with tlio birds that we have remarked upon before, as owing much to luiturc and a little to the early training of their wonderful heads and beaks. The same exhibitor nlso took the first prize in Mottles, with a very good pair of Blacks.' The best pair of Beards in the class, belonging to Mr. Esqui- lant, were disqualified from a snip in the wing having been used to mark one of them. If such a rule is enforced it should be rigidly carried out on all alike. Mr. Esquilant has some ground of complaint at losing his prize, whin the prize Powter cock had both his wings cut ; and Mr. Baker's Bronzewings that took a prize in tlie " Variety class," had marks tied ai'ouud their legs. The Owls were a splendid collection ; the Blue cock in Mr. Rake's prize pen behig the best for shortness of beak and round- ness of head that we have seen for years. The little White and Black African birds were also very excellent — in fact, this class of little Toy Owls is rapidly snperseding the older larger variety ; but no Blues have yet been imported. Nans were good. In this class was shown a very good pair of Wliite-barred Black Priests. Turbits were also good j the first-prize Reds were sold directly at £3 10*. The round owl-like head of the third-prize Yellow hen wanted altogether the frog-like appearance so characteristic of the class. The Fmitails were good. Barbs, as a whole, very poor. Magpies numerous and good. Trumpeters showed a sad falling-ofT, both in Whites and Mottles. Mr. Monis's self- coloured Blacks were singular, and also good. Runts were about as usual. The "Variety class" was numerous, and very interesting. The first prize was awarded to the seme Silvered Cliequered birds that won at Sheilield last month ; the second to Blue Priests ; the third to Australian Bronzewings, a very tame and good-pljmaged pair ; and the fourth to a pair of Australian Wonga-Wouga Pigeons. It would be interesting to know if these have bred or ever laid, as the Acclimatisation Society have them down on their list of desiderata. Several birds from Mr. Charles Bocquet, a Parisian dealer, arrived too late for competi- tion, amongst which may be mentioned two pairs of small Owls, under the title of Crarates de Smiirne, and a huge pair of Roman Runts entitled Bomains Tigres, verv tall, heavy, and scanderoou- like. Considering the time of the year (the worst that could be selected, as every bird, old and young, is in moult), the Show was very good. Mr. Harrison Weir's first appearance at the Crystal Palace in the character of Judge was satisfactory to all who value the opinion of an enthusiastic fancier, wliose practised aitistic eye enables him to delect alike beauties and blemishes that would be overlooked by an ordinary observer. SELLING CATALOGUES BEFORE THE AWARDS OF THE JUDGES AEE MADE. I WAS at Driffield Show a month ago, and walked up with the Judge, whom I met after leaving the station, and they were cry- ing the catalogues in the street. The Judge might buy one if he chose, and know the name and number of every exiiibitor, and he might as well be set to judge by catalogue at once. I do not care for my part, because I give our judges, generally, credit for honesty as well as integrity in their decisions, and make some allowance for die hurry of the moment — the difficulty sometimes of judging twelve to twenty pens of birds of the same kind, where a very small trifle, perhaps, makes the diU'erence between first and highly commended. But then, we must confess it, however loth to do so, the little weakness of our nature may lead us astray, and our judges are but men, and if six had the same work to do there would be three or fcur i)r-nbam (East Indian). Second. J. Phillips, Calne (While Decoy). Commended, T. H. D. Bayly, Biggleswade; J. R. je^snp, Hull (East Indian). Game Cocks,— Prize. W. T. Everai-d. Bardon Hill House. C(.mmended, J. Keable, Newbury (Black-breasted Red). CocVere/s.— Prize, S. Matthew. Stowmarket, Suffolk (Black-breasted Red). Commended, A. B. Dyas, Madeley, Salop CiAME Bantam Cocks.— Prize, W. S. Forrest, Greenhitbe. Single Cocks (Any variety except Game, or Game Bantams). — Prize, H. Lane, Bristol (Spanish). Highly Conimended. Lady Holmesdale. Pigeons. — Curriers. — First and Second. Major F. C. Hassard, Hilsea (Dun and Black). Highly Commended, A. L. Sylvester, Birmingham. Poivtcrs, —First, H. Yardleyi Birmingham. Seconti, A. Heath, Calne. Ttimblcru — First, A. L. Svlvcster. Second, F. Else, Westbonrno Grove. Bays^ater. jpnn((!i7s.— First, F. Else. Second, Miss J. Mihvard, Bath. Highly Com- mended, H. Yardley. Commended, Hon. and Rev. E. Talbot, Evercreech, Somerset. Any other Vurich/.— First, A. L. Sylvester. Second, H. Yard- ley. Highly Commended, W. H Beadon, Taunlon (Tuibits) ; A. L. Syl- vester; A. Heath, Calne (Isabels). Commended, W. H. Beadon (Black ^lagpies and Porcelains); A. Heath (Isabels). Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, and Mr. G. S. Sainsbury, of Devizes, were the Judges. FEOME POULTRY EXHIBITION. The third annual Exhibition of poultry in connection with the Fronic Agricultural Society's Show was held on Wednesday the 15tli ult., and tliough the number of entries was not large, the quality of the birds exhibited was vastly superior to any pre- vious show. This is in a great measure to be attributed to the competition having been thrown open this year, whereas last it was confined to the district. Game fowls headed the hst, the first prize going to a pen which had travelled from Rochdale, and in spite of their long journey they appeared in good condition and obtained an easy victory ; Mr. EUmg being second with another pen of Black Keds. In Spanish Mr. Rodbard was again triumphant, taking both prizes with two of his well-known good pens. Mr. Muspratt's highly commended pen of chickens are very promising, but scarcely old Korember 4, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULXDllE AND COirAGE GARDENEK. 631 enough for competition. DorJcings were repreaented by two pens only, till- first prize !,'oinf» to a noblc-miitclierl pen of chickens, but they wcfo smiill. The Silvpr-ponniUeil J[iiiiliui-i//i.i wero not piir- tieuliirly good, m suUiuiont attention hnd not been paid to the saleotion of birds with good combs and enrlobes. The two prizes giren for Buci-s of "all breeds" produced a very spirited co-npetition, the first prize going to a very good pen of Kouens, the second to Ayk^sburys ; whilst two beautiful pens of East Indian had to he content with high commendatioua. The pen of this breed exhibited by Lady liath were small and of a beautiful colour, but it is hardly fair for these to have to com- pete with the larger varieties. The ]>rize pens of Turkei/s and Geese were very fine. In the "extra class" was exhibited a very pret'y pen of Gold- pencilled Hamburgh chickens. The "cather was not favourable, the attendance therefore was not quite so large as might have been wished; but, as is usually the case to the most of those who were there, the poultry appeared to be the greati-st attraction. CiAMr.— First (the Rift of the lit. Hon. the Countossof Cork! C W. Btlerley, Kochiliilo. Lancashire. Second (civen by tlie SiicietyJ, Miss A. £Uin^. Sntton Parvii. Commended, W. Ilardino^,' ,M.^rston. PoiiKiKii^,— First (the uift of the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Cork). F.. liaily. Cftlne. Second {given by the Society). .1. Card, Norton Feiris. Spani-ii.— First .ind Second (the gift of the ]:t. Hon. the Countess of Cork, ami the Society), J. It. Rodb.trd, Wrington. CommcndoJ, J. iMuspr.itt, Heytesbury. HAMronoits— (Silver-pencilled).— First (the sift of the Itt. Hon. the Countess of Cork), — Grant, Sprint; Gardens. Second (given by the Society). — Porteourt, Mnr^toil. Tucks (Any breed).— First (the t practical poultry-keeper?, and they all agree that no specific quantity can be assigned. Not only do the varieties differ in the amount of food they require, but individuals ot the same variety differ in the quantity tliey need, and the same fowl will eat more during one day than it will during another. The best mode of giving no more fond than fowls require is to scatter il before them, a little at a time: and so soon as some of the fowls go away, and the others do not run eagerly alter the morsels, or grain, scattered, then have they all had enough at that time. Hooped Belgian Canaries iO. C.) —First-class birds, such us you re- quire, are about 505. or 60s. a-pair, with good plumage, lit for showing, can be purchased at Mr. Hawkins, Bear Street, Leicester Square. Parrot Moulting [A Conntfint Jleadcr, lioss^.—Yom-h'nd ismoultinff. Do not give it at anytime hempseed, for it is very heating. Your otiier food is correct; but you may also give bread softened with milk, and any (ruiC the bird will eat. Above all let it have a bath daily. Fill a soup-phite with tepid water, and let the bird bathe in it. If the bird does not take to the bath, pour the tepid water over it through the rose of a small watering-pot. Kovembev 11, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OF nORXICDXTURE AND COTTAGE GARDKNER. C2S WEEKLY CALENDAR. 1 n n Weatheh near Lo.ndo.v in 1861. 1 of of .M'nth Week. NOVEJIBER 11-17, 1SC2. Moon Sun Sun KiBes Rises. 1 SciB. and Sets; 1 Moon'a Age. Clock after Sun. Dav of I Barometer. Thcrraom. Wind. Rain in Inches. degrees. m. h. m. h. m, h. 11 1 To Citriobatus multiliorus. 29.CSI-29 .'Hi 64-21 W. ■01 18af7 1 15af4 4 8 19 15 49 315 12 W Cornea spcciosiu 29.7ilO-2!).677 4C-2H s.w. •08 15 7 1 14 4 9 9 20 15 41 316 13 Tii Coronilla ^'-auca. 2!1.«37— 29.912 43-34 N.K. l-iu 17 7 12 4 18 10 21 15 31 317 H F Cytisus AttlcAna. 29.2S0-29.27C 48-.'12 W. ■03 18 7 11 4 26 11 ,s 13 24 15 ' S Paphne indica. 29.IS9-29.421 47—17 N.W. 20 7 9 4 1.5 14 319 16 1 Sen 22 SuNjjAT AhTER Trinity. 29.M2-29.Si2 43—24 W. — 22 7 8 4 37 0 24 15 3 320 17 M Eoheveria Scheerii. 30.017—29.837 31-14 w. - 24 7 7 4 49 1 25 14 62 .21 Mkteoholoot op thh Wei^k.— At OhiBwick, from observations durinjj the last thirty-five years, the average highest and loweBt tempenituves of these duvs ore 4!l.2" .and 34. 7» respectively. The prentest heat, G3', occurred on the 12th. in 1811 : and the lowest cold 15^ on the 10th, in lS-11. During the period 133 days were fine, and on 112 rain fell. CHETSANTHEMUMS, AND CALCEOLAEIA CITTTINGS. JIB. BIEd's, r.RI'BN LANES, STOKE NEWINGTON. HERE is nothing, perhaps, more really and more perfectly at- tended to, from first to last, than the business of a practical man when he himself super- intends it, and can do any turn iti it with his own hands as handily as any hand in that line he could hire to assist him. Yes. there is another turn which could make the thing more real still. And pray what may that thing be the reader may inquire. Well, you must ask " D., Deal," what that one thing can be, for he has seen it often over in France. You re- collect Madame Laffay Rose, the oldest and yet the very best of all our very late blooming Roses ; if you have it on its own roots, and allow it a place near a wall facing the south, and let the yearly shoots attain to 5 feet, G feet, or 7 feet, or even more, in the early part of the season, it will give a crop of as good blooms in November and December as any of the Perpetuals would do in the end of September. Well, when the Eose Madame LafTay came out first, Mr. Rivers de- clared it would turn out just what it has proved, and told us the reason why it must be so. He said, that over in France the Rose-growers' wives assisted in cultural operations ; and as wives all over the world are sharper than their husbands, they can see before their lords which is and which is not to be the best seedling, and, as far as their foresight can go, the best is called Madame so-and-so, as the name may be. All this we have in black and white, on Mr. Rivers' authority, which au- thority will be a good precedent for me to say that Madam Bird's share in the practical parts of this business makes it "the still more real." And to tell you what I have seen with my own eyes will add a Bird's feather into Mr. Fish's cap— he to whom we are all indebted for the first thorough-going way of propagating Calceolarias properly, and he, too, who has stuck to the real way ever since, till that last ten thousand of last week's correspondence. Well, Mrs. Bird was putting in the middle number of her ten thousand Calceolaria cuttings of this season, when I called ou the Ith inst., the middle day of the month of propagating that part of the stock ; so that by adding the four days to the middle of November, we may say Mrs. Bird finishes her ten thousand Calceolaria cuttings by the 20th, and it was about the 20th of October she began them. But her mode is different from our mode— more Fo. 85.— Yoi,, III., New Series. like what was familiar to me in m)' kilt-going days ; two dairymaids going along as fast as two Strawberry-carriers for Covent Garden, with their milk-pails on their heads, gossiping and laughing at the turns of the war in the Peninsula, and their fingers going at a rate you could not count them, knitting stockings. Nor could I count her fingers at putting in Calceolaria cuttings. First of all, she made a row of holes for the cuttings, across the breadth of one light, as quickly as a spinning machine, and as regularly as print, in depth and distance about an inch both ways, then took up as many cuttings, by guess as I take it, as would fill the one row of holes, dropped one in each faster than saying so, and so left them loose, and went on with the ue.\t and nest to the last row at the front. Here, then, were one thousand cuttings in one thousand holes, each an inch deep, and each cutting as loose in the hole as the ramrod in a gun barrel. Then a dash with a rose waterpot filled, fixed, and settled one whole light in one minute, and the next minute she was on to the nest light. I took out my watch and reckoned the old slowcoach go of fifteen years since, when it would take just ten of my propagating hands to do the same quan- tity of work in the time. I did not ask what the master Bird expects, but Madam allows herself only one death in one thousand cuttings. As long as the weather is damp and muggy the lights are left off day and night, up or down, to the end of February, then the whole are potted into No. 60-pots, and when the balls are as firm as bullets, and each wrapped, without the pot, in a quarter of a page of the Times, with two folds under the ball, and the folds over the plant loose, the whole put into a strong wooden case would go to New York, or New Orleans, as safe as lead balls and bullets, and ten times more safe in the un- packing and handling of them. Fifty thousand General Tom Thumb Geraniums will be ready for the same journey- just in the same way of packing, by the time of the April- fooling ; and now there are 150,( Wj'Cyclamens ready to go and bloom on the persicum model, also 100,000 Crocuses showing well up already, .50,000 Tulips ditto, and ,30,(XH) Hyacinths the same, to say nothing of Narcissuses and Liliums. But of the Lilium lancifolium rubrum, the deepest and the best of the Japan Lilies of Siebold, there are .500 potted for Covent Garden alone, and, perhaps, twice as many of Lilium eximium, which, I believe, we owe to M. Van Houtte ; this eximium being none other but a sweet-scented chance bulb of our dear old Lilium longiflorum of Japan, and the sweetness has not yet de- parted from any one of the bulbs which have so been obtained either in Belgium or at Yeddo, and thereabouts. But the Crocuses got over nie more than the (lying fingers putting in the Calceolarias. Not one of the KXl.OO© has been potted at all, and now they are all in pots. The pots were first placed where they stand, in brick pits, to save the roots from mice ; the bulbs were then placed on the surface of the soil, and no more: the roots soon can.e atfd took possession, and one or two kinds had a little of the hempseed husks, in which they pack them in Holland, No. 737.— Vol. -VXVIII., Old Series. 626 JOtJBNAI; OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1862. white Camellias, by the middle of October. Lady Hardinge this season is the finest of the lilac race, it is also tipped or turned- up with a gold shade ; and General Hardinge, which is one of the darkest, iias also the finest floret, not petal, in the whole family. Tl;e best new ones out this last spring are really very fine, the following in particular: — Madame Leo, ivory white ; Little Pat, a darling blush white flower ; Queen of Lilacs ; Nil Desperandum, a magnificent flower of a rosy amber colour ; Orange Perfection; Lady Russell, very chaste two-shaded flower in lilac ; and Putoni, one of the largest dark red turned up in a shade of lilac. The three purest whites are Madame Domage, Snowball or Gueldres Rose, and Virginia. White Formosum is nearly as pure, and Cassandra, stopped at the second " show," or bud, is quite as pure a white ; so is Vesta when stopped at the second bud ; but stop both of them at the third show — or say, send their heads higher up, and every bloom on them will come v/ith a i-osy tip or shade, when Cassandra and Vesta are the two most ladylike flowers in the family, and, after Jardin des Plantes, are most sought after in Covent Garden. Amazon is of a beautiful violet crimson, with a large flat-faced flower. Rifleman, which we had new last year, turns out a much finer thiug this season, after the shades of Dupont de I'Eure; Pandora, a soft creamy yellow flower ; Anaxo, better than I ever saw it. But as we shall have another turn at them next week from the Exhibition at South Kensington, and that without competi- tion at the Crystal Palace, and, if all be well, also at the Versailles Nursery, 1 shall say nought of the novelties of this season just yet, but go on to say there is a partner here for Little Harry called Little Anne, a beautiful shade of yellow, next to that of Jardin des Plantes, and just such another flower as that of Little Harry itself. The Pompones are not much in demand as cut flowers in Covent Garden, and Mr. Bird does not grow them iu such numbers as the large kinds, only for country and foreign orders for spring distribution ; but the quantity he grows of the best for cut flowers is what surprises most people ; and where can they a'.l go to ? is the usual exclamation. Why, go to London, which is a bottomless pit for quantities. What would you say to four hundred cut blooms of Jardin des Plantes alone in one week? that was just the number for the week I was there, and you could hardly miss them. Wonderful is nearly in as great demand ; and if Cassandra, Vesia, and Novelty could be kept to Christmas week, a thousand blooms of each could be sold in four or five days ; and if that is not cut-aud-come-again I know not what else it can be said to be. D. Beaton. thrown over the bulbs when so placed. And it is, also, possible that one pair of hands could work off, at this rate, as many as some ten hands have done this very autumn, in the retail way, as one might say, of garden potting, as compared to wholesale potting and " putting-iii." I forget if it were 1000 or 10,000 plants of Gauntlet Geranium for cut flowers I saw ; but the way I do know. The plants are got from cuttings in July, August, and September, and at the beginning of October three plants are put into one No. 12-pot, on what you might call the one-shift system ; the flowers begin to come in February, with very little or no forcing, and the same big pots continue to produce flowers for cutting to the end of September, then the plants are thrown away as quite useless. All the scented-leaved Geraniums and Cherry-pies are in the same proportions. A whole generation of Indiarubber-plants, Fious elastica, from ayes like Vines, for drawing-room decoration, and faney-leaved Begonias the same the whole of the winter, and full demand for them ; and a more full cry after Golden aud Silver Ferns, and gynocrankums in that line ; and a new house for each kind since this time last year, besides another long lean-to house for more Chrysanthemums, a new propagating-house, and a house j,ust begun to be put up to meet the demands of the market. .; Mr. Bird, by his ready-money business aud his advertising, has more than tripled his business, his glass, and his hot water in four years. He has all his pipes and the saddle boiler from Mr. Jones ; his red de il he buys in the rough, and has it cut to his sizes by the steam mills, brought home, and made into hot- house work in his own sheds to his own liking ; his bars are a foot apart, and his glass is thicker than the IG-oz. to the foot ; bis squares are a foot broad and 14 inches long, all in cases of 100 feet lor 11*. 6d., and the iiutty at so much per cwt. direct firom the mills. All that 1 learned as no one knows how, while Mr. Bird and his men were packing eighteen specimen plants of his biggest Chrysanthemums for one of the members of our Floral Committee. Every flower was wrapped in a square of wadding at double the usual price of cotton wadding, the whole head then tied to a stake stout as a broom-handle, and all put into a spring van to go with tliem just eleven miles, all for one set sum of money, and that is just how I should decorate my conservatory here if i had one and could afford the money. And now the van is off, and I take Mr. Bird by the wing to see the blooming stock of Chrysanthemums. The first thing that struck me was the enormous quantities he had of Jardin des Plantes Chrysanthemum, and the next the immense size Iw had induced the flowers to attain. You may judge what they are like from the fact that Mr. Buck, of Covent Garden, is now selling cut blooms of the "Jardin" for Is. 6d. a-piece as fast as they come to hand. A good strong plant of such kinds is allowed to carry twelve blooms ; from five to twelve blooms are the allowance for the very large kinds throughout the col- lection, the rest are picked-off in the bud. Even then the blooms would not get to the largest size if the plants were grown bushy, as specimen plants, or if they were not stopped at the right time and to the proper bud. This season the plants have been grown on the one-shift system, and the flowers were never so large before, yet there was no liquid manure to give them. The water is now from a water company with a strong pressure from the " main," which pressure, through the hose, will water the grounds, houses, pots, and all, as for a house on fire, Madame Poggi, which I Cist had from Mr. Mackie, of Nor- wich, about twenty years back, has not yet been beaten in size or in its dark purple colour. This year the flowers are enormous, with ten or twelve to a plant. Prince Albert with seven flowers, and Beautc du Nord with five flowers to a plant are the next to it in size ; and Jardin des Plantes, with twelve blooms to a plant, was tlie most perfect-shaped flower of the same size, and of the very colour of the Buttercup of our fields. The Golden Hermione, a sport in gold and oraiige, improves in size as the kind gets older, and is a most perfect flower. The Queen of England, with all the sports of it — such as Alfred Salter— golden, and pure while, and striped, are all up to the mark of the pure original Queen. Progne is still the highest-coloured in the family — the nearest to crimson, and IJr. llosas is the next shade to it. Julia Lagrave is the nearest to Madame Poggi, purple ; and Grand Turk, new last year, is the next to Dr. Rosas, a splendid flower. Novelty was very early this season, and of the largest size. It was in Covent Garden, along with double HEMSTEAD PAEK, ITS FLOWEE GAEDEN AND OTHER FEATUBES. This new and beautiful mansion is situated on one of those gentle eminences which form so pleasing a feature in the land- scape of the southern portion of the county of Kent. The undulating country which surrounds it extends some three or four miles northward, where it settles down into the level plain called the Weald of Kent, while a few miles further south is tlie still more level district washed by the English Channel, called Romney Marsh — a tract more rich in its agricifltural pro- duce than picturesque in its landscape. The well-wooded and liighly-cultivated district which intervenes between the Weald of Kent and the Marsh is composed of gentle hills with smiling valleys ; and if we are to be guided by the general character of the timber, the hedges, and the crops, a more than ordinary share of fertility or good management may be accorded to it. The neighbourhood is well, if not profusely, wooded ; and the commanding position of this mansion, and, more especially, the view to be obtained from tlie more elevated parts of it, must carry the eye in a circle for many miles. The mansion, which has recently been built by the spirited owner of Hemstead — Gathorne Hardy, Esq., M.P., is near the site of a former edifice, which, in accordance with the mutability of earthly affairs, had in its turn superseded a still older build- ing; thus carrying the n-itiquity of 1' _■ >stead back to a period to which it is not our proviiice to juiioiv -t. The liberality of former possessors is excmplilic't by the q;untity and age of the timber by which the park and neighboui'ing woods are studded. One was pointed out as affording a useful sea mark, and in a sheltered valley some Silver Firs had attained an unusual size. November 11, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. G27 One is said to have measured, some years ago, 127 feet hipli, and rom their healthy condition a still greater nltitudo might he looked for. As it is proper always to state the eharacter of the soil and situation where large trees are found, it is right to pay that the Silver Firs formed a little group on the side of a damp wooded valley, they being several feet above its lowest level, and the sod is a sort of yellow sandy loam ; the sand so very fine as to retain water rather than allow it to percolate, atid from its appearance I should think that iron abounded. The healthy appearance of Rhododendron and similar shrubs indicated its presence. There were several other large trees, as Oaks, Ash, &c. ; but leaving them alone we will introduce the reader to the pleasure grotmd, which extends to a considerable distance on the south and west sides of the mansion, and when complete will encircle the whole. Of late years, the number and size of the various specimens of Conifera' have often been regarded as one of the points of merit in a pleasure ground, and certainly such features ought to rank higher than mere bedding plants. In this respect, therefore, Uemstead is in no way behind situations of similar extent. A Taxodium sempcrvirens was 40 feet hii;Ii, and a Cryptomeri* japonica the s-ame. Tliere was also a very fine Cupreesus Uhdeana : the exact height I omitted to take, but it must have been con- siderably upwards of 20 feet, as also that of some other Pinuses. But not the least important feature in the grotmds were some of the largest specimens I ever saw of hybrid Rhododendrons. Many of them were said to be of the choicest kinds, as likewise were the Azaleas, and both exhibited that luxuriant health which indicates the place tliey live in as bemg suitable. They had been planted some years ago to form a sort of irregular frame or back to the dressed grounds, wliich position they still occupy, though they have been several times thinned. Several other objects of interest were to be met with, but these must be omitted, and a short explanation given of the accom- panying engraving of the flower garden, or rather that part of it which is represented, for some others exist, and the formation of more is contemplated. The design, dilTering as il does from most that have appeared in The Jouhnal of Hokticultuee, is certainly deserving a place, as bemg of a character but little known or little brought into use elsewhere. O o z M m S o X ■< It is some years since the old-fashioned striped borders of our forefathers received the more fashionable name of " the ribbon- border ; " but this title is certainly anything but appropriate in many instances in which it has been applied — so much so, that I am not acquainted with more than two or three places where [ would give the name. Cliveden, the seat of her Grace the Duchess of Sutherland, is one ; the irregular serpenfiiie form of a long border, of uniform width, displaying the true character of a " ribbon ; " and the present case, where the ribbon has been re- arranged so as to assume a form adapting it to the space it is wanted to occupy, is another. The general features of the ground may be thus summed-up. A is a central plot to be occupied as may be deemed best here- after. Hitherto it has been a basin of water. B is a conservatory in the course of construction, which by its dimensions no doubt w-ill be a noble one. c is a point much farther in the straight line of walk, where it abuts against some noble trees, and, doubtless, some suitable summer-house or alcove will be erected hereafter. But the main feature which displays the serpent- like curves of the long flower-border to advantage, is the de- clination of the ground on all sides to the central point A. Tbe fall in the space occupied by the ribbon-border I should think is not less than 6 feet. This enables the observer to clearij see the outline of that part of the ribbon which is farthest from him with great exactness, and there being ample space between every part, it shows itself clearly and eH'ectively. The plan given is certainly not to sc;de, but sufficiently near to convey a good idea of the effect, which was much better on the ground than on paper, wliich is generally not the case with purely mathematical figures. The width of the ribbon is about 5 feet, and it was planted very effectively by Mr. Bring, the intcliigent gardener. I regret having mislaid a note I made of the different hnes of colour ; but a continuous line of Perilla in the centie, and one of a white- edged Geranium on each side, were prominent features which could not be improved ; and looking in whatever direction you chose, the winding snake-like form of the bed showed these colours to great advantage. The tri-lobed beds in the recesses were planted with bedding things not found in the stripes, and in all eases lower, so as not to interfere with the outline of the more important part of the display, which, as before stated, could be advantageously seen from all quarters, but, perhaps, best of all from the centre, A, from which the whole rose in an amphitheatre-fashion on all sides. Having devoted so much space to the above description of the flower garden, I am obliged to merely give a hasty glance at the kitchen garden, which is well sheltered and surrounded by good walls, and contains Grape and other houses all in good condition, and which, it is needless to say, would be well filled when cold weather sets in. Mr. Bring was endeavouring to obtain a quan- tity of that most useful white-leaved plant, Centaurea candi- dissima, and for that purpose had planted some in the Vine- border, where they formed a number of side shoots, that showed that this plant with liberal treatment may be increased faster than is genernliy supposed. Some other things not very plen- tiful were also treated in a similar way, and all seemed equally prosperous and good. — J. Robson. JUDGING GRAPES. I MUST confess that I am very much surprised to End by an article in your Number, dated October 28th, that an autliority like Mr. Thomson should attach so little importance to the art of Grape-colouring as to assign it only a secondary position in his list of qualifications, when all growers are quite aware that it is the most difficult operation in the successful cultivation of tlie Vine ; as a proof of this, how seldom do we see at any of the principal metropolitan exhibitions more than, at the most, two or three first-rate-coloured dishes of Grapes, though not 1 uncommonly hearing the inquiry, " Are those Red Hamhurglis ? " ] If the rich amber of the Mupca't and blackness of the Sloe in the Hamburgh is wanting, the beauty, " like Othello's occupation," I is gone, and the eye does not care to rest on them; and if • 628 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTXAGE aAEDENER. [ November 11, 1862. eertain ivaiit of colour in the Grape produces a better flavour, Tvliv aliowld not the same rule hold good with other descriptions of fruit ? Premising this theory to be correct, would it become finer, more aromatic, or keep better if its natural hues were un- developed? As a cultivator of Grapes, " and I flatter mvself not an entirely unsuccessful one," were I to fill the unthankful ofliee of judge, I should consider colour as the first point, size and evenness of berry the second, bloom third, weight and symmetry of bunch the fourth. Were these attributes combined in perfection, I think tile possibility of excellent flavour being absent would be 7ery remote indeed. — G. J. O. I A5I glad Mr. Thomson has deemed this subject worthy his ponsideiation, and at the same time given us his opinion as to what points judges should be guided by when deciding the merits ©f Grapes upon an exhibition table. Whetlier all Societies will agree with the eight points time alone will prove. Be this as it may, I consider it the duty of all Societies when printing their schedules to insert a rule to guide the judges when deciding the merits of Grapes. Whether such rule embraces only a portion or all Mr. Thomson's points is not of great importance, so long as they know upon what points to give judgment. Such a rule would be of equal benefit 10 the competitor, as he would then know upon what points bis productions would be judged. Our schedules are, I consider, somewhat vague. For instance : " the best buueh," " best three bunches," as the case may be, is not suflicient. One may consider colour the principal point ; a second, size of berry ; a third, size of bunch ; and on tlirough the whole of the eight points as laid down by Mr. Thomson. As far as my experience goes, I am bound to confess that too iVequcnily tlie best-fliivoured Grapes at an exhibition table are passed by without any notice, just for the cause that they were not so highly coloured as the successful ones. Grapes with a brownish tinge, in my opinion, are invariably highest flavoured and far more lleshy than those which are in- tensely black. I have a striking instance of such here this SL'ason. My earliest house was not so higldy coloured as two later houses, hut the earliest house is, without any doubt, the highest flavoured, and by far the largest and most fleshy berries, and at table would lie considered superior to those with a blacker skiu. As the present judging of Grapes goes it would be most damaging to any judge's reputation to award a prize to Grapes which were slightly deficient in colour in preference to those that were black, if the former were perfect in all other points. But now that the subject is started by such a really practical grower as Mr. Thomson, I hope that something of a definite cliaracter will be arrived at, enabling those wlio take upon them- selves the unenviable position of judges to know upon what points to give their decision. — .John Edlixoton, Gardener to the Earl of Erne, Crom Castle, Ireland. JUDGING GEAPES AND MELONS. Several years ago I suggested in the Gardener's Chronicle a somewhat similar plan for judging Grapes by points to that recently proposed hy Mr. Tliomson in your pages. I cannot just now explain the number or nature of the points I proposed, biit I know that they did not agree with Mr. Thomson's. For instance : I did not include flavour, although that is an essentiiil quality in good Grapes, because as Grapes are sent to public exhibitions for the express purpose of being looked at, it is not advisable to mutilate or disfigure them in any way, which arast be tlie ease to a certain extent, if they are to be tasted. As to firmnese of flesh, I believe that judges would differ quite as much on tbat point as they would about flavour ; for while one would yirefer a firm-fleshed berry, another would favour a pulpy juicy Grape. As to thinness of skin, I do not see how that point is to be satisfactorily ascertained even by tasting ; for when Grapes of one kind compete against each other, as Hamburgh against Hamburgh, Muscat against Muscat, ic., the difference in the thickness of the skins would scarcely be appreciable. In • he matter of colour I differ totally from Mr. Thomson, holdin» that colour is essential to perfection in a Grape ; while Mr. Thomson would seem to be of opinion that a thoroughly black colour indicates inferiority. If a Grape which ought to be black is not bhck, that surely must be considered a defect. It will certainly prevent much bickering and unpleasantness between judges and exhibitors if some simple rules can be agreed upon for the judging of Grapes ; and I liope that Mr. Thomson's proposal will elicit the opinions of Grape-growers, or, rather, Grape-showers, on this matter. While on the subject of exhibiting, I will ask why the Melon should be the only fruit to be judged by flavour alone ? Of all other fruits, the finest and best-looking gain the prizes ; of Melons, it is not uncommon to see the sliabbiest little thing upon the table take the first prize, because two out of the three judges happen to be of opinion that its flavour is a degree better than that of the noble fruit which stands beside it. Granted that flavour is the most important quality in a Melon, still I maintain that other properties, such as good growth and beauty, ought to have some weight in the decision. At any rate, it will be a step in the right direction when horticultural Societies fix upon a certain minimum weight (say 24. ozs.) to make a Melon eligible to compete for a prize. — J. B. W. CLAIM OF THE DISTEESSED WOBKINGMEN BOTANISTS OF LANCASHIEE ON THE GARDENING PUBIIC. It would certainly be out of place if party politics or subjects of controversy unconnected with horticulture were to find a place in your Journal ; but the cause of humanity, being one in which all parties must alike feel equally interested, may with perfect propriety be allowed a place — nay, more than that, it becomes the duty of every one, in so far as he is able, to plead the cause and assist the innocent sufferer. I for one can, there- fore, hail with pleasure tlie design of Mr. John Hague, mentioned in No. S3, of aflbrding some worthy admirers of nature the means of encouraging a study of botany amongst a class in more allluent circumstances, by disseminating amongst them specimens which none but the ardent botanist can have the patience to procure. Mr. Hague's plan for the Lancashire collectors of wild plants forming collections to be sold at the reasonable rate he speaks of will, I trust, meet with the liberal support it so much deserves, and I have no doubt but the subscribers to a fund for so worthy a purpose will be amply repaid by the receiver in the manner explained ; so that, apart from the consciousness of having assisted poor men struggling against a misfortune they had no means of averting, the subscribers are likely to receive each a donation of specimen Ferns and Mosses, in return for the loan of the few shillings they may hand over to the sufferers. To enable this to be done well requires, like most manufactur- ing operations, to be done on rather a large scale. The collector of plants could almost as easily procure a dozen or more speci- mens as one, and these could be assorted, named, and dried by otliers in the same calling, not, perhaps, so able to undergo the fatigue of a march through a morass or over the moors, and who could, nevertheless, assist in the home arrangement. Care should, however, be taken that every plant sent out from such a source should be correctly named if the numbers were ever so' few, as tlio^e qualified to give an opinion would be the better pleased if this were well done. But the matter will easily arrange itself into working order if the funds be only forthcoming. Of the untiring zeal that many of the Lancashire operatives have for gardening and botany we have many examples, and I believe I am right in saying that shows for heavy Gooseberries were held in Lancashire before any horticultural society now in existence was tliought of, and most of our popular garden favourites have been largely cultivated there. I have the testi- mony of a valued friend for saying, tbat in no district that he was ever in did lie meet with so many ordinary labouring men who were so well versed in structural and svstematic botany. Though I am but imperfectly acquainted with the habits and customs of the mill hands from not having ever resided amongst them, I have, nevertheless, known young men, ardently fond of following their favourite pursuit of botany, take two or three day holiday, and in a band of three together (never more), make a pilgrimage to the Welsh mountains, climbing and making their way to the almost inaccessible places in the pursuit of some plant that report said was to be found in such a situation, and, perhaps, finding several other plants in their rambles. Some useful treatise on botany, with a small pocket compass and map of the country to guide them on their exploration, was all their luggage, with" the invariable bread and cheese, which for tourists is, perhaps, after all the best food that can be carried. November 11, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 629 Anotlier time n trip would be taken to the Derbyshire liiUs for u siuiilur purpose, the stiulents taking eonie elieap railway journey as far as they eonlil, and sturdily travelling the rest on foot. I remember some years ago crossing one of the wild bleak mountains to the nortli of Bolton, with a friend residing in the neighbourhood, wlio repeated the iiunio of every plant we eame in contact with, and assured me that there were plenty of factory people who could do so also. In our journey we came upon the garden of a gentleman connected with the district, in perhaps as uninviting a situation us could well bo imagined, but in which I wa8 never more surprised in my life. The gardener, whose age could be little short of sixty, was as great an enthusiast in Ids calling as the most energetic young man of twenty-five. Florists' flowers of various kinds were done to a nicety, and the litile stove he had contained the most select plants that could be obtained, and these too in excellent order, and this on the edge of Bolton Moors. That he follows his calling yet I have no doubt, unless he has been called to his long home. It is not for such as him that I now plead, but for the distressed weaver or cotton- worker whose ordinary calling has been taken away ; but who, while under more jjromisiug circumstances, patronised the humanising calling of horticulture, or pursued with scientific perseverance the study of botany. That such men sliould be allowed to starve will, I hope, receive the unanimous verdict. No! and the circumstances of the case admit; of no delay. I at once send my little subscription to the address indicated by Mr. Hague, with whom as well as all others I may say I am totally unacquainted, but in times like these ceremonious ob- servances are out of tire question. I hope, therefore, that the remarks of your leading article with those of Dklr. Hague will be the means of putting several small sums into the treasury for these deserving sons of toil. — J. IC. I BE8 to return the thanks of the humble botanists here for the ten shillings worth of stamps i received through you from " F. H. A.," of Tunbridge Wells. I have handed the money to John Whitehead, B. Schofield, and James Pickering, to be divided in seven parts, there being seven botanists in distress in this neighbourhood. Whitehead has also received twenty-five stamps from a friend at Dewsbury, and I liave received two orders, each for two guineas worth of Mosses ; one from Lady Cotton Sheppard, and the other from Lady Dorothy Nevill, whose children will also send 5s. to be divided between White- head and Schofield. I will acknowledge in your Journal all sums sent to me, and how distributed. I may say that Schofield has had no work since last Pjbruary, and since that time has had twins born to him, so that his distress must be bad. Nbvem!/er 1th. — Since I wrote to you about the distressed botanists of Lancashire we have received eight applications for Mosses and other things. Three of the orders have been sup- plied, and the others will be in a few days. A few of the cor- respondents wish for other things than Mosses, but it is difficult to get anything now save roots of Ferns. But with your per- mission we will give a list of a few things they could get — that is, the roots of them, for there n ill be few of them that could be got now as green specimens. Some of the botanists have fairish collections of Grasses, and some few other things. The following plants are found within a short distance of here — viz.. Ferns : — Polystichum angulare, aculeatum, lobatum. Polypo- dium vulgare, dryopteris, phegopteris, calcareum. Cystopteris frngilis, dentata, var. Scolopendrium vulgare. Asplenium adiantura nigrum. Lastrea Filix-mas, oreopteris, spinulosa, dilatata. Asplenium triohomanes, ruta-muraria. Blechnum boreale. Alosorus crispa. Osraunda regalis. Hymenophyllum AVilsoni. Lycopodium clavatum, selago, and inundatum. There are many other plants ; but the botanists, not knowing wliich are common in the other parts of England, will be happy to tell any lady or gentleman whether they can get the parti- cular kinds of plants they may want ; for to give a list of all that grow in this neighbourhood would, I fear, take too much of your space, but I will give a list of the most rare here next week with your permission. — J. Hague, 36, Mount Street, Ashton- under-Lyue. P.S.— The distressed botanists beg to tliank you and all the ladies and gentlemen who have put a gleam of sunshine through the dark cloud that now hangs over them. — J. H. SEEDLING POT MARIGOLD. I SEND some flowers and buds in diil'erent stages of growth (« show its frce-Uowering oharactcr. It is also dwarfer in habit than the common sort, and reproduces itself true from seeds. 1 have grown it two seasons and find that it makes a good ritibon- border plant, and brings up a colour which is telling, and not very common amongst the modern style of bedding-out plants. \ou will perceive its early tendency to reproduce flowers by examining the back part of the one full blown. — J. Weusteu, iioi-Ovn Castle. [This pot Marigold is the best example we have seen of that form of morphology commonly called " Ilen-and-C'hickens," from eight to twelve " chicken " Uowers on three-inch stalks come round each bloom. We sent it to Mr. Beaton for his opinion of it as a Hower-garden plant. He says it is a decided hit, and that it might also be now made a "pot Marigold" is another sense, and come in-doors in pots late in the autumn to push against the Chrysanthemums. The next best strain of pot Marigold known to us is with Mr. Whiting, of Deepdene, near Dorking.] GRAPES SWELLING AND KEEPING BADLY. Cau you tell me why it was that our Lady Downe's Seedling Vine did not do well in our late house, altliough it succeeded very well in the early one ? The berries, in very many cases, did not swell at all, but shrivcUed-up, and some are still doing so, thus giving the bunches a very miserable appearance. Will you also say if it is a common complaint this season tliat Grapes are not keeping well ? Ours have kept very ill indeed, the Muscats of Alexondria having become brown before being quite rijje, and the Black Hamburghs have got quite mouldy and soft. There was no fire heat in the autumn, and very little air, except from the back ventilators. Could this be the cause ? Fire heat has been given to some extent lately, and plenty of air from the front sashes, but the work of destruction still goes on. — DuMFiiiKS. [We suspect that there is something wrong with the roots of the Lady Downe's Grape in addition to the want of the same care which the early crop obtained. This latter fact alone ex- plains why there is often such a difference in the appearance of late Grapes and early ones, and in some respects that dilierence is aimed at by the gardener. The very large swelled berries that are delicious to eat in July and August, would not be the best to keep as they lolled on each other as thickly as possible in November : hence not only do late Grapes receive more thin- ning, but it is found that the berries keep better if they are not extra large, because they have more saccharine matter. This will not do much to explain, except indirectly, why your Ham- burghs are rotting, and the Muscats are getting brown before they are ripe, and that giving fire heat now does not stop at once the rotting, moulding, &c. If you have read some notes on this subject in " Doings of the Last Week," and then read over what you state, you will have the clue to the whole mystery. " There was no fire heat in the autumn, and very little air except from the back ventilators," and we might add, perhaps, not too much from them ; for we do not often in lean-to houses give a great amount of front air, and very likely the hjus^s were shut up close some sixteen hours out of the twenty-four. Now, though the autumn was a fine one in the south, so far as we make out by the public papers, it was extra dull and wet in your part of the country. The Grapes naturally would be more surcharged with watery matter than was good for them. A fire then and more air would not only have ripened them earlier, but would have made them firmer in consistence. As respects thorough ripening, one busliel of coals then would do more tliun six bushels now. Autumn Grapes always keep best and longest when thoroughly ripe before November comes. It is the worst of all economy to keep Grapes back as long as possible, and then begin forcing them in the end of October. If you can keep the inside of the house thoroughly dry, and the roots from being soaked with wet, it will be all in the favour of the Tines, and in all dull weather you will need a fire on, and air on night and day, unless iu foggy and frosty weather. This will be all yon can uianago now, except never allowing a spotted or damped berry to be seen twice. The chief causes of your disappoint- ment we believe to bo no fires, and too little air in auiumii. Of course even in that we may be all at sea; but that is our if- prsssion, and at least it points to the course to be adopted ir' future.] 630 JOUBNAL OF HORTICtTLTUilE AND COITAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1862. FUKNACE FOK GREENHOUSES. About three years since I built a new furnace to beat the Sues of my greenhouse, "which answers much better, is more economical, and easier to manage than the old furnace I had helore built on the ordinary plan. The ash-pit is 9 inches deep ; the furnace is 10 inches square inside, and 18 inches deep ; the fire hole that goes into the green- house flue is 2} mclies higli, and 1 inches wide, one brick from tlie top of the furnace. There are two iron bars built in, oue jiear each side at tlie bottom of the furnace, on whicli a loose i^rate is supported. The top of the furnace is covered by a cast- iron plate, 13 inches by 13 inches, and half an inch thick, with an iron handle riveted on one side, with a socket in which a piece of wood is inserted in order to lift it by. r c \y \ Hi tn o Z Ul Ul K L UJ 51 ASH PIT COVER II I I I I TT~1' Section of the side of furnace, Rf.ttnm nf rnmc..... win, «>, support the cover while the fuel is put in. which is easier than liftinjj the cover off. The advantages of this new furnace are, that it is more cheaply and simply constructed than the ordinary furnace ; there are no hinges, fastener, or cast-iron frame to support the door required ■ nothing but tlie simple plate to cover the top of the furnace'. Ihe draught is much better than that of the ordinary furnace. Tlie fuel I commonly use is cinders sifted from coal ashes, which answer capitally; coke broken small is still better, but the tmders cost nothing but the labour of sifting— a great con- sideration nith many amateur gardeners who now possess email greenhouses. Several parties who have seen my furnace have adopted the same plan with perfect success. My greenhouse is 18 feet by 11 feet inside. During the intense frost in December, 18G0, at eleven o'clock P.M. on the 23rd the tliermometer was at 8° in the open air. I then filled the furnace ■with sifted cinders, and attended no more until dnvlight next morning, when the thermometer was at zero in the open air, and had never been below 40° in the greenhouse. Thus, you see, my simple furnace and cheap fuel kept out one of the most intense irosts we have on record iu England.— J. S. A SELECTION OF GOOD OLD ANNUALS. A SCHOOLMASTER asking one of his boys in a sliarp winter's morning what was Latin for cold, the boy hesitated a little. " "What, sirrah ! " said he, "can't you tell?" "Yes, yes," said the boy, " I have it at my fingers' ends." So when writing in this way to The Journal of Hortioultcee we suppose we perceive a little requirement, or we fancy some of the many readers of our favourite Journal say, " Could you not give us an article on this little wish of ours? — Cannot you make and publish for us a list of good or useful plants for a mixed border ? We like the beds upou the gay parterre ; but we should so like to know what are really pretty or ornamental of the many we see in every nursery catalogue, called by varied names." We hesitate in the midst of our self-chosen task. We have many at our fingers' ends, but will they suit? will they meet others' wishes as of yore they pleased us ? They now again rush with strange force to our mind and thence to our pen, giving us a strange delight — a wish that it were our lot again to join their fair forms and faces as once seen by us, as we plainly trace their outlines with this bit of metallic mechanism now. Moderating our flight, we mean in this, our last paper, to bind ourselves reluctantly to sorts enumerated in catalogues of the current year ; yet, though such be the case, many of the few given below are great strangers at the present day. We will commence with a plant, one of those often wanted, to fill and make look gay a cold wet pi«ce of ground, under or near a shady north-east or west aspect — something that will grow where nothing else will to do well — a plant that if once sown wUl year by year rise, i>hcDnix-l)ke, from its own decay — and this is no other than the singular Nemophila-like LiiiNANlUES D0UGLA.SI. — It is an exceedingly free-blooming decumbent plant ; in habit, form of flower, and partly in its leaf not unlike a Neraophila. Colour of the flower white, with a centre ring of yellow. Altogether it is a pretty, interesting, old plant, flowering very prettily in May. It should be sown in July. Native of California. ScHizopETALOK Walkeri. — This, a white singularly-flowered plant, forms a very pretty companion to Saponaria calabrica. It is also very sweet. The singular flowers are cut, and again, apparently, cross-cut across the individual petals. I have used this plant as an edging iu the flower garden to Purple King Verbena. It looks pretty and is very interesting, but not quite gay enough, perhaps, for this purpose in these days of extremes. It does best treated hke Phlox Drummondi — either sown in patches where it is to stand, or in pans to be prieked-off into thumb-pots, thence turned out with a ball where it is to flower. Generally flowers from June. Native of Chili. Clintonia ruLOUELLA.^An exceedingly pretty dwarf annual (half-hardy), being in colour the trio — blue, white, and yellow. General height, 6 inches or 7 inches. I cannot do better than inform the reader, if this plant is a stranger, that it is in habit, form of flower, &c., not unlike Lobelia speciosa. Generally flowers June, July, and August. Native of Columbia. NOLANA PROSTEATA, PAKADOSA TIOLACEA, and ATRIPLICI- POLIA. — A very showy genus. Of the two last-named I know not to which to give the preference, as violacea is so beautiful and an improvement upon the last. They are Convolvulus-like in the form of their flowers : sown in a rich loamy bed in April, or first week in May at latest, they will form a very striking object in August and September. From Chili and Peru. Dkacocephalum canescens. — A bright-leaved, rather strong- growing plant, having very dark purple flowers, or rather the lip of the same is tipped with deep purple ; the exterior of the Salvia-like flowers being in colour an indistinct rose. Sow in March, giving each plant at least 3 feet of growing room. It flowers generally in July and August. Native of the Levant. Datura ceeatocaulon. — A fine plant, having very large white flowers striped with purple, running something in the way of Petunia Madam Ferguson. It is rather fragrant. Sow in a warm situation (with protection by a hand-light), where it is to flower, first week in April. Generally flowers in July and August. From Mexico. ScHiZANTEUS EETUSUS. — A not-Tcry-frequently-grown plant, with pretty orange and scarlet flowers. When sown iu good fibrous sandy loam and leaf mould, about the last week in March, it grows fast, and becomes a splendid object from about the middle of June to October. Native of ChUi. Calandrinia discolor. — It does not seem to be generally known that there are other species of this beautiful genus besides unibellata. Discolor has beautiful rose and purple flowers, which are liirge and pretty numerous. The plant is a very fast grower. Generally flowers July to September. Native of Chili. Calaxdeinia speciosa. — Another pretty species, with bright crimson flowers when the true kind is obtained, though I have received in lieu a dull rose-coloured variety. This plant is best suited in fine summers for edgings ; generally sown in rockery patches. It has one drawback (being a truer subject of the sun November 11, 1862. ] JOUKNAL OF UOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 031 than of man), tlmt of closing its llowers about noon. It sboulJ be sown wliere it is to Hower. Generally (lowers June and July. Native of California. GlLlA TRICOLOR. — A pretty interesting annual, and one of those tenacious sorts of plants which, when once sown, become seemingly perennial, as it generally comes up each successive season, being self-sown, as 't wore " To recomiiensc the hand, the generous mind, That plcabure took to sow Its humble kind." Flowers in July and on to September. Native of California. NiOBLt.v uisrANiCA.— A fine annual — the so-called Love-in-a- mist. Poor precarious being, what reverses he meets with! Though I cannot explain the complicated ideas which were the original cause of this plant's strange christening, I will endeavour to explain the plant as grown, leaving the reader to conjecture the other. Independent of the pleasing hue of its flowers, it has somewhat singular seed-vessels, which show themselves very prominently before the flower is past its best. Its colour is of a pleasing blue. Sow it thinly in a warm corner, leaving each plant abundance of growing room. The leaves are rather orna- mental ; in fact, the plant is by some named the garden Fennel- flower. Generally it flowers from June to August. Native of Spain. Cleome speciosissima. — This is a beautiful flowering plant with light red flowers, doing tolerably well with us at the present date, as it will occasionally ripen seed. It generally grows about 12 inches high. C. pentaphylla, a white-Uowered species, is also very showy. This latter should be treated as a tender annual. Both flower between June and August. Natives of Mexico. LoASA lATEEiTlA AyD OTHER SPECIES. — This, an ornamental semi-climbing plant, has curiously-formed red flowers, followed by equally singular seed-vessels, which from their very singular mode of growth and formation are very interesting. This, as also two or three other species, will do tolerably well in good garden soil, but best raised in a little warmth, to be turned out of pots where it is to flower. It will cover any space within a compass of 3 feet or 4 feet, and looks well with its lively blossoms amid a decidedly soft green prettily-cut foliage when trained upon any artificially formed object. It should be sown about April, and flowers about the first week in July. Native of Tucuman. I next refer to the various varieties of the genus Maettnia, of wh.ch I note in our catalogues five distinct sorts. They are each of them showy pleasing plants. In choosing I give the preference to the following, with respective merits corresponding with the order of their names. Well, first, the flower with two- fold merit — namely, fragrans. The name tells you it has at least one good string to its bow. Next (the colour of the above being purple, a sweet purple), lutea, with yellow flowers; pro- boscidea, light blue with beautiful markings. [Now, I am in- formed that this last should be first, but when I grew it (perhaps badly), it did not do as I inferred it would ; but I mean to have a more just settling with it at a future day if possible. They are, I believe, respectively natives of Mexico, Brazil, and North America, and generally expand their first blooms in July, lasting till August. In conclusion, if a singular, free-blooming, rather original- coloured creeper is wanted to train around an archway or rustic entrance with a north aspect, or even up a solitary pole, amid any of your favourites as contained in my hats as above, give a trial by all means to Clematis Hendebsoni. In close com- panionship plant the little white sweet-scented Clematis, with, in 8pring,'a plant of Teop^eolum coccisEnM eleoans; and you will admit the contrast of crimson, white, and purplish-bhio can vie with any other for eflect and pleasing harmony. — W. EAULEr, Dijsii>ell. SMALL PIT FOE V^AEIOUS USES. I TXTT.SD building a small pit, of brick, 9 feet long by 5 feet 6 inches wide, and about 3 feet higli at back, and I want you to tell me how I can heat it by glazed flue-pipes at the least possible expense, as I am an amateur not overburdened with cash. I want the pit in winter for keeping the less hardy greenhouse plants and cuttings, and in the spring for propagat- ing and growing Cucumbers, so I shall want bottom heat. What sort of stove should I have which will only require being made up once in twelve or fourteen hours ? Would brick or iron be the cheaper, and can I have it built into the wall at one end of the pit (to bo fed from the outside), without the heat being too great for the plants on that side 'i Must the fireplace or stove be below the level of the flue, and should I require for so small a pit top heat as well as bottom? — A Sudschiiieu, U. [We should only deceive you if wo led you to believe you could do so much as you suppose under the circumstances. In the first place you say nothing of fermenting material for bottom heat, ami, therefore, we presume you mean to get that from the glazed pipes acting as a flue. In either case you woidd not have room enough for pipes, covering of pipes, earth, and leaves of Cucumbers, as, if 3 feet at back, it could not well bo more than 2 feet in front. Unless, then, your heating pipes and their covering were placed beneath that level, the walla at the very least would require to be from 9 inches to 12 inches higher. Again, for such a small pit to keep out the frost, a small brick Arnott's stove placed close to the middle of the back wall, with a funnel through that wall, and a small furnace-door outside would be quite sufficient; but no such stoves will work well with much length of horizontal piping or flues from them, and the heated air from them will not go down to give you bottom heat. For this purpose, and using pipes, you would have to sink your stove considerably at one end, so that the bars of the stove should be from 15 inches to 18 inches below the bottom of your pipes and the floor ; but, then, that would just be the same as a common flue. Again, there is no advantage in having a stove that only wants lookmg to in fourteen hours. To have one such you must have fuel that will burn very slowly, or that will bo prevented doing so by a damper, or the fireplace must be large for the heat wanted so as to retain a quantity of fuel, and tliis is generally attended with waste, as the combustion is less perfect. And, once more, glazed earthenware pipes do not stand lire heat well, common earthenware stands it much better, and Portland cement better still. Now, were we required to do all these things you specify in a nine-feet pit, and use pipes or flues, we would have a little furnace at one end in iho usual way, low enough for the flue or pipes on the floor as stated above, that furnace or fireplace 1 foot wide, 18 inches long, and 15 inches to 18 inches high, the whole inside the pit, and the top covered with stoue, or, better, with brick supported on kon. For a yard from that fireplace we would have a flue of brick on bed, the rest of it going along within 15 inches of the front wall brick on edge, two bricks on each side with a tile for top forming the flue, and returning about 18 inches from the back wall. If it would be much cheaper, which I doubt, after a yard of brick on bed, earthenware pipes not less than 9 inches m diameter might be used, and pipes of iron or of earthenware might form the chimney. You have now the means of heating ; the what re- mains is how to regulate. AYell, fill the whole space between the flues as loosely as possible, making a chamber of it, in fact, with chnkers, stones, or anything most convenient, finishing with a layer of some finer pebbles or gravel G inches above the top of the flue. Here, now, you have the means of giving bottom heat to whatever you put above that floor, but top heat is wanting. Now, we have used the rubble and stones, &c., as a rough chamber through which the heat of the flues will not only have free pas- sage, but be also kept to a certain extent as a reservoir of heat. For getting top heat when wanted we would fix four earthen- ware pipes 18 inches m length upright, equally distant from each other in the space between the flues, and so that the heated air would have free access to the openings in their bottoms, and the top could be left open or be stopped by a wooden plug at pleasure. Were this rubble of stones not handy, and strong slabs of wood more comeatable, we would fix these slabs 5 inches above the flue or pipes, leaving 2 inches or so between them, which opening we would fill with small stones and a little plaster, and secure the upright earthen pipes in the same way. For ourselves we would prefer the first mode. You will observe that we do not recommend the upright pipes for top heat being placed over the flue. The reason is, that we not only want top heat from these when desirable, hut we want moist heat too. Now, pouring a little water down these pipes, if right over the flue, might not only injure the Hue but give off steam at times that would be too hot to suit the plants. When poiu-ed on the stones lying loosely between the tlues, none of these evils are likely to happen. This is the best way we can think of from our experience, if you are resolved on using pipes, and we go into particulars because it will suit several other cases where the pit is to be double and three times your length. But, now, for such a small aiiair as a nine-feet pit, and if, as an amateur, you will bestow a little nicety, we should just have a 632 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AITD COTTAGE GARDENER, [ November 11, 1863. two-feet-sqiiare brick Arnot-t's stove, and from 30 inches to 36 inches in height, plnced either at the end, or middle, at back, Tvitli a funnel from it into the open air furnished with a damper. The top of this stove we would cover with an iron plate, with a layer of bricks above it, and on that a vessel of water, with a door in the wall to examine that vessel at pleasure. Now, in your case, the only singularity that must be is this — the stove must be sunk inside and the doors be outside, that the top of the stove shall not be much above the top of your floor inside, but the whole of the brickwork of the stove free of earth, &e. This done, you may make a roush chamber of clinkers, stones, &c., or a more perfect one witli slabs, with the joints between filled with stones, and a more perfect one still with slates ; but in either case you must have the upright pipes spoken of, cither in the middle or at back and front, and these supplied with plugs, &c. ; and with the door that gives access to your evaporating-pan you can have bottom heat or top heat, moist heat or dry heat, pretty well at your command, and little danger of Emoke troubling" you, as might be the case with earthenware pipes, however carefully managed and well jointed. We prefer greatly brick to iron for such a purpose, as the heat is so much more kindly to plants, and it ■will also cost less. Very lately we described the mode of making such, and in a previous volume fuller details are given. As far as we recollect, Mr. Rivers first introduced these brick Arnott's stoves. If our subscriber wishes to please himself and astonish his neighbours with what he can do with little expense, we would say, Adopt such a course ; but before doing so, let him carefully read what Mr. Beaton said about such arrangements this time last year. We have not a word to say against £20 and £30 for a boiler for doing good work with its great quantity of pipes, but for small pits and houses stnnding by themselves, not to speak of flues, the most economical of all modes of heating, if much heat is not wanted, is these brick stoves, whether lighted inside or outside of a house. We were lately asked about the heating of a handsome lean-to, and we recommended a good-sized brick stove close to the brick wall, or nearly so, where there was just a nice place for the funnel to come out, and coke being used, as ought to be the case in these stoves, there would hardly l;ave been any smoke. The idea of lighting in the liouse was an insuperable objection, and a flue was resolved on, which from the peculiar circumstances will cost many times as much, and we are rather doubtful if it will answer as well. Tlie only reason why, in small greenhouses we would prefer a nice iron stove with a flat head for water, is that it can be removed in summer. Against tliis is the fact, that all these funnels of iron soon wear out. With a stove near a back wall there would be little funnel re- quired, and after all its obvious utility would constitute no great eyesore in summer which could not be hidden by a large plant. Thousands and tens of thousands of little places would be erected to keep, or attempt to keep, plants in winter ; but the keeping the frost out is the g)'cat drawback. We as yet know nothing so simple as an iron stove, nothing so good combined with economy as a brick Arnott's stove. Many of our ex- periments even with an iron stove surprised us, though much of the heat escapes up the eliimncy. The Inimblest means to secure a desired object is not to be despised, however much we may value heating by hot water. &c. — R. F. N.B.— " A Readeh," " i).," " An Amateur," " SiQjtA," and "Delta," will find answers in theaboveto their various queries.] POTTED PEACHES AND NECTAEINES IN A VINEEY. Having eighteen Peach and Nectarine trees in tubs, the only place for growing them is under Tines in a span-roofed house 20 feet wide, and a raised bed 5 feet wide on each side. These beds are planted with Vines. The path is 10 feet wide, and the Peach and Nectarine trees are placed along the centre of this path. The roof is occupied with Vines as before stated, a rod to every 4 feet, so that the trees are quite deprived of sun — in fact, almost of light. We had only a tliin sprinkling of fruit on the trees this season, and, worse than all, the wood is very far from being ripe : therefore, I think it quite useless to attempt to grow even Peaches, and much less Nectarines, in such an unfavourable place. This, of course, is very unsatisfactory. Now, as we have the trees, I shall be ever grateful to vou if you can give me a hint what to do for the best and cheapest to construct a more appropriate place for growing the above fruit. We have a good wall 12 feet high, with south aspect. I will endeavour to give the outlines of a passage suitable to tlie situ- ation named — say a passage 6 feet wide, and 6 feet liigh in front from the surface ; then excavate 2 feet for a brick wall ; buUd the wall 2 feet 6 inches high — that is, 6 inches above the surface ; then have shutters 18 inches deep, hinged in six-feet iengtlis to work with an iron handle to each (an iron rod from end to end would be much better, but would be too expensive), and the remainder of the front glazed with large panes of glass, say 1 foot wide, the roof to be a fixture also, with a board on the top a foot deep, and hinged in lengths to act as ventilators. We cannot ventilate through the back wall on account of out- houses being on the nortli side. I think in such a structure Peach trees might be planted against the back wall, and the present trees in the tubs and pots planted out, along the front, as bushes. — A. R. M., Ireland. [Your letter is one of those the subject of wliicli ought fre- quently to come before gardeners and their employers. We are constantly hearing of cases in which gardeners are getting into trouble, and sometimes forced to leave their places because they cannot perform impossibilities. We walk througli some splendid garden where everything is in its place and a righli place for everything. Plants ought to flourish in such places as these. Gentlemen, however, do not confine their visits to- such places ; they go to some where a clever gardener has to make one place serve many purposes. They at once generalise,, which is all very well, but after aU is of no great value when there is no thorough mastering of particulars. Many things may be grown in one house if attention to their requirements is given, and the shade of the one does not interfere with the well-being of anotlier. There is often such a haste in jumping at conclusions as to be unpleasant to all concerned. Not so long ago a gardener got the promise of some pits to winter his- bedding plants. His employer happened to see some of our earth pits filled with such plants, without any covering, in a fine day in the end of March. He came at once to the conclnsioa that they had stood there all the winter, and went home and told the gardener he might get some earth or (urf pits like other folk, but that he should have neither bricks nor glass!. Here is another case that came in our way not so long ago, showing how little knowledge exists in such matters. In a rather large vinery, where the fiuit was not wanted until July and August, the Vines could be taken out by a mode similar to that described at page 612, and the house was turned into a forcing- house for the winter. There, by the new year, we have noticed Mushrooms, Rhubarb, Sea-kale, Asparagus, bulbs. Privets, &o,,, and from the end of February and onwards good crops of Strawberries from a number of shelves. These were eaten, and praised now and then as they deserved to bo; for a little com- mendation occasionally gives an earnest worker such a jileasant fillip, that he could do ever so much more and not feel eo tired either afterwards. But unfortunately, though the Strawberries were liked well enough, they did not come in at the time when they were especially wanted. The great thing was to get an extra fine supply of these about the beginning of May ; and this could only be done by having the plants set before the house was rendered dense with the foliage of the Vines, and then the flavour was uniformly complained about. It was long before the proprietor could see he expected impossibilities, and that with a roof densely covered with foliage fine Strawberries could not be had beneath them. It was ultia.ately arranged that 3 feet at the top of the house — the best part for Straw- berries— should be kept free of Vines until the Stxawberries- came in from pits or the open ground. A rather singular case, bearing on that of " A. R. M.," came under our notice some time ago. To the inquiry of a corre- spondent whether he might not cultivate Figs under Vines in a vinery, we gave the reply that no doubt they would grow well enough ; but that if the roof was at all densely clothed with foliage, the i'ijjs would do less and less every year in the way of fruiting, and that to secure good crops of Figs the Vine stems must be from 4 feet to 5 feet apart, and a space left clear between each two Vines from top to bottom, and that the whole of the front glass must be clear. A gentleman, who will read this,, wrote stating that he supposed I gave the answer in question, but politely informed mo that in the present case I was quite in, error; for," whatever else might not do, Figs would not only grow but fruit well in pots under a rather thick shade of Vines, and informing me where he saw this result year after year, and where also I might see the same. Well, I could not go to the place, but I got a friend to go and let me know exactly how the IToTembcr 11, 1S62. ] JOUfi,NAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. 633 case was, and he wrote to fliis cfl'ict : " Tlit're ia no doubt a good crop of Figs every year, at least very fair, in this sliarty Tiiiery, tliougli the Figs seemcii deficient in high (lavour ; and now I think I ought to make you pay for the secret, which is this : — A great many Fijs are kept in pots, more than double of what are seen in this vinery. As soon as they have finished fruiting, the roots are pruned and the plants repotted, plunged in litter, and roots and tops protected for tlie winter ; a good pruning is also given. Kest summer tliey are placed under glass if it can be afforded, but out of doors at tlio foot of a wall facing tlie soutli in summer, nudched, and duly attended to ■witli watering, liouscd in good time, and then whrn they show fruit the best are retained. And so tlio plan is continued, the main features of which are to grow and ripen wood one season ■and then fruit it the next." As corroborative of the above, I may mention that a friend of mine clothed the back of a lean- to vinery with Fig trees of a prolific character. He never got a fruit on t!io hack wall owing to the dense shade of the roof, but could get plenty at the top where the wood of the Fig was .allowed to occu])y a little of the space that the Vines claimed as their riglit. Now, with respect to " A. R. M.'s " case, we would say that this has been a bad season for deciding what could be done on the floor of that span-roofed house. Our own impression is, that it there is much upright glass at the sides of the span, and 'the Tine shoots fi-om the stem are so thin as to admit of a clear space of 15 inches or so in the centre of each light, then with frequent moving Peach trees in tube, with heads not too large, will both ripen fruit and ripen wood underneath the shade of the Tines ; but, on the other hand, if such a crop of fruit is taken that the side-bearing shoots meet each other, and the roof during the summer is pretty well clothed all over with foliage, then the trees will become more unfruitful every year, and even if the wood is sufficiently ripened for the bloom-buds to stand, and they should even open and show well, few of them will set, because the great proportion will be imperfect, many wanting anthers, and more wanting germens. With such an extra house as our correspondent proposes, to which the trees could be re- moved to ripen their wood, crops might be got in this vinery by pruning some of the trees back, because the Peaches would be set before there was much shade from the Tines. The next best would be to choose a shady day, and take the trees out as soon as the fruit was gathered, place them against a soutli wall that the growth miglit be perfected, and the wood well hardened by exposure to the sun, along with a diminished supply of water. Mentioning these last plana more for others than " A. E. M.," we cordially approve of his proposal (see page 609.) There are just two things which we would dare to give a hint on in the way of improvement. The first is the width. We would have it at least 10 feet or 11 feet, or 12 feet. According to the plan there seems to be a great lot of glass for a small space enclosed. We would sooner have less height in front— say 4 feet or 5 feet. Be assured that the back wall will be one of the best cards in your hand ; but if your plants in tubs are any size, and you enclose only 6 feet, they will be apt to shade the wall too much, ■and give a little of the bother of the vinery over again. The extra roof would cost little more, and the extra width would give you so much more room to move about. The next is, that a wooden ventilator will answer admirably at front as you propose, and so it would at back, a foot wide, but it will look heavy, and if of the same slope as the glass from the apex under the coping, it will shade the top of the back wall. No doubt, however, it will answer ; but if going to the expense of brick foundations for such a nice-looking house as it would be, we would recommend glass hinged ventilators at top. We shall be glad to know what jou decide upon, as we are sure your plan will answer. — R. F.J KOSE CATALOGUES. TnEEE are few things connected with the literature of the garden of more value and interest to the amateur than a col- lection of good catalogues. They not only keep him well in- formed as to the progress and popularity of his favourites, but afford a never-failing amusement, whether in the retrospect of past trials and successes, or in the anticipation of future triumphs, ^iicy should also be valuable guides and assistants in planning and arrangements, which they too often are not, being mere meagre price lists. As the most favourable season of the year I for planting and alterations is now progressing, perhaps a few ' words on the current Rose catalogues may not be considered out of place by the patrons of that favourite flower. For the benefit, of such, therefore, I shall proceed to point out those which I consider, and in what features, to bo most complete and worthy of notice among the lists of the most eminent Rose firms, by consulting which intending purchasers, experienced or beginners, cannot fail to satisfy their requirements, however diverse or exteneivo these may be. It may bo promised 'liat all the under- mentioned have valuable introductory observations and cultural remarks. Messrs. W. Wood & Sons (Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield, Sussex), have adopted tho most desirable plan of afllxing the number of the nursery-tally to every variety. This not only eaves time m writing orders, but enables a visitor provided with a catalogue to examine and note plants at his leisure without the necessity of t.aking a man from his regular employment to accompany him for explanations; the consciousness of doing which by no means adds to the pleasure of inspection. The catalogue of Messrs. J. & J. Fraser (Lea Bridge Boad), may be noted for the judicious and copious selections of first- rate varieties, new and old ; the prices, too, are moderate for such superior plants as the firm is known for sending out. Mr. J. Cranston (King's Acre, Hereford), presents the ex- cellent feature of specifying the habit of each variety, a most elllcient auxiliary in the arrangement of borders and beds. He has also his very extensive assortment of H.P.'s and Bourbons into two sections according to merit. Mr. Wm. Paul's catalogue is extensive in varieties, and n ad- dition to describing the habit of each, it points out certain kinds suitable for cultivation in the neighbourhood of towns ; and Messrs. Paul & Sou (Old Nurseries), besides the above features, have adopted a separate tariff for half-standards, an accommo- dation and saving to those who prefer t'lat style of plant. Mr. Cant, of Colchester, has most of the above points, with a smaller selection ; and Mr. Rivers has much improved upon his last year's list by adding some interesting information upon in- dividual Roses. Unfortunately from its size his catalogue is not suited for binding-up with others. Now, what an excellent catalogue might be made were all the above good qualities united into one ; still would it not be possible to eflect a more satisfactory system of classification for the purposes of cultivators ? For instance : suppose that certain well-known varieties decidedly distinct in form of flower and habit of growth should be selected as types of classes, and those possessing similar characteristics arranged under them, colour and minor pecidiarities would follow as additional details. Every novelty could then be referred to its appropriate section, and those suiTicieutly novel and distinct might stand by themselves as heads for future divisions. Some few, of course, would at present stand std generis, but this would not materially militate against the principle of the system. By means of some such arrangement amateurs would be enabled to realise something like an accurate idea of any given flower. At present, without actual sight, purchasing is a mere lottery, too often followed by disappointment and discouragement. The following,! think, might be taken as representative flowers ; each has very prominent characteristics, and a great many of the best sorts might be coUeeted under them :^H.P.'s, Baronne Pre- vost, La Reine, Lord Raglan, William Jesse, Cointesse de Chabril- lant, Jules Margottin, Evcque de Nimes, General Jacqueminot, and so on. Among Bourbons, George Peabody or Paul Joseph, Louise Odier, Sir J. Paxton, and Souvenir de la Malmaison. Noisettes, Aimee Tibert and Narcisse. I hardly know which to select for types among the Teas, but any of the large globular flowers and strong growers, and the small flowers with weaker growth might be selected for the purpose. In throwing out these suggestions I must beg they may be taken merely as hints for the consideration of more experienced and skilful adepts than myself: indeed, it would require a long and intimate acquaintance with the Rose, and wide opportu- nities for observation and experiment to thoroughly carry out the plan. I would just venture to hint, in conclusion, that wlienever a catalogue is applied for through the post a stamp should bo enclosed for its transmission. It is too great a tax upon nursery- men, who present gratuitously to ajiplicmts such elaborate and well-got-up pamphlets as modern catalogues usually are, to subject them to the expense of postage m addition. — W. D. ParOB, Somerion. 634 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November U, 186:.'. GEEENHOUSE PLANTS. SllviA GESNEBJ^FIOEA (Gesnera-fioTvered S^ge).~^^'of. Ord. lamiacefE. Zhw., Diandria Monogynia. — A magnificent green- house softwooded snb-shrub, growing from 4 feet to 6 feet bigh and bearing throughout the winter months a profusion of large' brilliant scarlet flowers, which render it very ornamental. It has been compared with Saltla fulgens, which, howerer, it does rot much resemble, except in the general (crm and colour of its lowers, and m its habit of growth. It is a stouter plant than fc. lujgens, haTmg cordate-ovate leaTes with an acuminate point, a, more bullate than those of S. fulgens, the latter being aUo Salvia gesncrEeflora. much narrower, elongafe-ovate, but slightly cordate at the base, and not at all acuminate, h. The flowers grow in whorled, simple panicles at tlie ends of all the branches, and are of a brilliant light scarlet, larger tlian in S. fulgens, but nearly of the same orm ; the upper lip, however, of the corolla flatter, and less shaggy, the tube longer, and the style less feathery. From Central America. It was introduced about 1847. Flowers through the autumn and the winter. Introduced by Mrv Purdie, and was first flowered at Syon. — (Gardeners' Magazine of Sotany.) November 11, 1SC2. ] JOUENAL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COXrAdE GARDENER. G35 THE FRUITS OF GREAT BRITAIN. No. 1. — CoNSEILtEB DE LA CoVR PeaR. Stn. — Marechal de la Cour ; Beau de la Cour ; B6 de la Cour. This very excellent Pear was raised by Dr. Van ilons in 1811, and is worthy of the origin from which it sprung. The fruit is generally above medium size, but that from which our figure was taken is an unusually large one. It is pretty even on its surface, sometimes a little undulating. Skin at first yellowish-green, strewed with dark green dots, thickly covered with cinnamon-coloured russet on the exposed side ; so much so as to form almost quite a crust, and permitting only a very little of the ground colour to be shown through it. On the shaded side there is not so much. Eye large and open, with long, stout, and somewhat woody segments, set in a moderate depression. Stalk from an inch to Is inch long, inserted obliquely on tlie end of the fr\iit without depression, sometimes by the side of a fleshy lip. Flesh yellowish, very tender, melt- ing and buttery, with an abundant, richly-ilavoured juice, which is quite sugary and sprightly, with a fine perfume. ihis is one of the best Pears in cultivation. It ripens about the end of October and beginning of November, and is well de- serving of general cultivation. Our figure was taken from a remarkably fine specimen grown upon a standard, and sent us by Mr. George Lee, nurseryman, Clevedon, near Bristol, where it seems to succeed to perfec- tion.—H SYSTEM EMPLOYED BY M. GREGOIRE-NELIS, OF JODOIGNE, IN REARING PEAR TREES FEOM SEED. The extraordinary collection of now kmds of Pears exhibited by M. tJrcgoire-Ni'iis at the International Fruit Show, on Oc- tober Sth to ISih, must be fresh in the recollection of the Fellows ; and many must have been puzzled to comprehend how one indi- vidvial should have succeeded in raising so many good kinds. Their wonder will certainly suffer no diminution when it is known that M. Gri'goiro's plants have not been grafted, but raised on their own roots. It is notorious, that for one good kind raised by seed a forest of bad kinds appear. It is almost equally so, that it takes nearly half a century to bring a fruit tree grown on its own stock into bearing. The mode m which this long-protracted period of ex- pectancy has been shortened by cultivators has been by grafting the young plants on older stocks, and so endowing them with fictitious age. Yet M. Grcgoire's life has not been extended beyond the ordinary span allotted to mortals. He is not an old man. No doubt he has been engaged for a considerable period in prosecuting the experiments whose results have now been exhibited, but not for a period greater than many others. His experience extends over thirty-two years. He ought not, there- fore, according to rule, yet to have had a single crop from any of liis young trees ; but the fact is, that he has tried and adjudicated upon tens of thousands, and from among them he has kept 150 kinds as really good and deserving of preservation. That many of these were so is proved not only by the various kinds raised by him which have already acquired celebrity, but also by many oi' those now exhibited, whose excellence was acknowledged by the International Pomological Congress at Namur, and by those who saw and tasted them at the International Fruit Show at South Kensington. lie has now communicated his system to this Society for publication. His account is short, and to the point — 1, " He chooses his seeds about the middle of December and January — that is to say, when the Pear is at maturity. He take* the largest." 2, "He sows them in boxes (frames) at the end of January or beginning of February, and when the young shoots have shown four leaves — that is, the two cotyledouous leaves and two others, he pulls them up and cuts away the tap roof, as far up- as the beard of the root {recoupe le pivot jusqu'au cherehi), and replants them in good soil." 3, " He then leaves them for two years in the same place ; after that he takes them up again, and again cuts the tap roots- {retranche encore les pivots). The same operation is repeated every two years, and in this manner he has succeeded in making them produce fruit so early as in six, seven, or eight years." It is curious to see on how many points our British mode of cultivation corresponds with M. Gregoire's system without having touched it. M. Gr^goire attaches much importance to choosing large seeds. He finds that large seeds produce healthy strong plants, and small seeds weaklings, or to use an expresbion of his- own, " Gros pepins, gros sugets—petits pepins, petits sujeis." So does the English cultivator. Like M. Gregoire also, they adopt the same time for choosing and sowing the seeds. The usual way here is to take up and pot or replant the seedling when it is about a year old, and in doing so the root is trimmed either accidently or by design — a treatment which comes very near to M. Grcgoire's cutting off the tap root. Again, the young plants are very commonly transplanted every two years, but the roots are not again cut. The system, however, of encouraging the surface roots and preventing the descent of the tap root, if not as old as the hills, is at least as old as the monks who placed flagstones below the roots to compel them to spread. But it does not appear ever to have been applied at the early stages and in the stringent fashion adopted by M. Gregoire-Nelis. M. Grcgoire's experience throws light on a variety of points. For example, he finds that the development, size, and shedding of the spines or thorns borne by the young Pear tree varies much in dillerent trees — some ceasing to produce them in six or eight years, while others do not do so for double the time, and some cease to produce them so early as even three years. He compares their presence and absence to the period of puberty in man, only it is shown in a converse fashion. Man gains his beard on his arrival at puberty — the Pear tree loses its spines. M. Grcgoire's great experience enables him to diminish con- siderably the period of suspense as to the quality of liis seedlings. 636 JOURNAL OF HORTICITLTFEE AND COTTAGE GAaDESES. [ November 11, 1S62 lu many cnses be oan tell from tbe appearance of the youns; plant whether it is worth giving it a trial or not. If the wood is clear and grey it will probably turn out well ; if red or yellow, most likely not. M. Gregoire's investigations have also enabled him to pro- nounce with authority upon various questions which have agitated the_ horticultural world ; for example, the system of Van Mons, which found its origin and was mainly supported in the district adjoining the residence of M. Gregoire. This, as most of the Fellows know, was founded on the theory that the successive raising of plants by regular descent improved the breed ; that the seed of A produced B, a better kind than A ; that B pro- duced C, which was still better; that D, the produce of C, was an improvement on it, and so on. For a time this fancy met with general acceptance. It has still gome supporters^ — but M. Gregoire- iS'elis is not among them. It has been already pretty well proved to be nonsense, and it will go near to be thou'^ht so shortly. " It only remains to add, that M. Grcgoire'a statements are free from the bias of personal or at least professional interest. He is merely an amateur horticulturist. By profession he is a tanner, by nature an amiable and intelligent gentleman. — (Pro- ceedings of Sot/al Horticultural Societi/.) MAEEET-GARDENING IN WEST COENWALL. (Continued from page 613.) SnrcE the first appearance of the disease in 1844 tho culti- vation of the later Potatoes has gradually declined, till at present it is limited to a small quantity of Scotch Kidneys and Flukes, 'both of which yield well, and, the latter especially, suffer least from the disease. Theee are grown, however, rather for private consumption than for the local markets, for the supply of which importation is found preferable. Whatever may be the cause of the Potato blight, certain it is that no part of England has sufferi^d more severely from its ravages than West Cornwall. The earlier maturity of our crops -would, of course, lead us to expect ile appearance before it fell on other districts ; but here it acts with a power and a rapidity that I never saw equalled elsewhere. Many, indeed, have been ihe^ strongly-recommended systems for its prevention or miti- gation ; but here, carefully applied as they have often been, the result has proved throughout one and the same — viz., tlie failure of all remedial measures. The only general deductions that I am able to draw from a careful observation of many years are as follows : — that a certain height of temperature is requisite for the rapid spread of the disease ; and this I infer from the fact that undoubted blotches of the mildew are constantly seen in April, but not till May do they appear to spread over the field at large. Again, after a few dajs of overcast moist weather a bright sini developes tlie blight in its most virulent and rapid form. Lastly, where the tubers are so planted as to have some 4 inches of earth above them, they are found on drawing to Ii-vve far less disease than those nearer the surface, although the haulm Would be equally burnt up. The early Potato crop is now almost invariably followed by Broccoli, the seed of which is sown in March. The young plants slioidd be pricked-out when 3 inches or 4 inehes high, and dibbled-in as the Potato crop is cleared off from May till July. Two sorts only are grown, and the distinction between them is merely that of early and late ; the former being ready to cut from the middle of November, and the latter keeping up a succession till the end of April. The rapid growth of the Broccoli plant encourages a slovenly habit of tillage, the Potato- baiilm and weeds being seldom raked-olf before dibbling, or, as it should rather be termed, spitting-in ; as one person inserting his shovel opens the ground, and a woman following places the plant in its position, and fixes it by placing her foot upon it. One hoeing afterwards, and sometimes breaking-up with the shovel, complete the work, the rapid growth following on moist weather overpowering all weeds. Within the last few years the cultivation of the Broccoli crop has rapidly increased, about 1000 acres being estimated as its extent during the past year; many situations, as will easily be supposed, proving suitable for its growth, where early Potatoes ■would not succeed. The white or Cauliflower Broccoli is the only description in -cultivation. In such cases, as where this crop does not follow Potatoes, lay ground is generally chosen ; and frequently a crop of hay is taken, and the skim-coulter employed, and the Broccoli then put in with guano. Heavy crops are thus obtained. The market-gardener thus obtains within twelve months a double return ; and the following is an approximate calculation, on an average of seasons, as to the respective costs and profits on his Potatoes and Broccoli : — Land suitable for these two successive crops will not now ba obtained ibr less than £8 or £9 per acre, and even this price is often exceeded ; so that when to this is added the cost of seed, manure, and cultivation, less than £30 or £35 per acre, accordirg to circumstances, cannot be put down to the expense of the Potato crop. The Broccoli, however, goes in, and is taken oat at a email outlay ; seed, dibbling, hoeing, and cutting not ex- ceeding £3 or £i per acre. The seed, it shoxdd be observed, is universally saved by the growers themselves, that which is pur- chased being seldoir. found trustworthy. A very wide calculation must be made for the returns of the Potato in some years, a late frost causing such destruction that even the value of the seed is not returned. But from £50 to £60 per acre is a probable receipt, for as often would the value exceed as it woidd fall below these limits. The average produce of a good acre of early Potatoes drawn in the end of May or beginning of June would be from seventy to eighty Cornish bushels (each consisting of three Wmcbesters), at from 20.?, to 28*. per bushel. From this must be deducted the cost of hampers and carriage to the London or the north.ern markets, with commission, in all not less than from 6s. to Ss. per Cornish bushel. The earlier crops would be worth more, the later less than the above. So uncertain, however, is the produce, and so j varied the price realised, that this can only be taken as an ap- proximate calculation. Should the grower, however, be merely recompensed for his outlay, he has his Bro(^coli to fall back upon. But here, again, his returns, though not influenced by the effect of weather on his own crops, are materially intJuenced by weather elsewhere. In the winter of lSGO-61, for instance, when scarce a Cabbage but was destroyed in all other parts of England, the returns were very large — at least double what they had been in previous years. On one acre of ground the calcu- lation of SGOO plants is near tlie mark ; and this at Is. per dozen, clear of all costs of carriage, gives £10 per acre. Often as this is exceeded, the average must be put below, and £25 per acre would be a price that growers generally would be well satisfied with. During tbe last year production was greatly in excess of the demand, the high prices of 18G0-G1 already alluded to causing an unusual extent of ground to be put into Broccoli, and the markets were consequently thoroughly glutted. In many cases indeed the returns did not pay for the expenses of carriage. I do not, however, think that this should be taken as any lasting discouragement, inasmuch as early Broccoli from its immense increase of pries from the grower's to the consumer's hands, is yet considered a luxury within the reach of the higher classes only. But surely if the producer can sell with profit at Is. or even less per dozen, increased facilities of carriage cannot be long in rendering it an article of much more general consumption than we now find it. The subjoined table of the quantities of Broccoli and Potatoes carried on the West Corn- wall Railway during the last three seasons will throw muuh additional light on what has been said on this subject. — W, ■WEST COEN'n'ALI, KAILWAT. — VEGETABLE TKAEEIC, SKASOXS OF 18i;0, 1861, AND 1863. BKOCCOLI. Ko. of Baskts. Season of ISnO 6,306 ... ditto 1861 7,l)(>(i ditto 1862 18,SS4 Weight. 702 7 3 20 SS2 0 3 (5 2,2S4 17 3 21 POTATOES. Nn. of Baskts. Weigbt. 18,S-!0 ... 1043 10 0 20 31,872 ... 173S 4 45,713 ,., 2336 13 9 (To he continued^ SMALL BIRDS. I AM induced to bring this subject forward again, having » word to say in favour of small birds. I do not say they do no harm, but I think the good they do exceeds by far the damage done by them. In Switzerland, where small birds are relent- lessly destroyed, caterpillars swarm. Whole trees are covered with" caterpillar cocoons, and look as if a net had been spread over them. The fruit is all eaten, and drops long before it is ripe. Hedges also are covered with these cocoons, and present at times a strange appjarance. We should all be extremely IToTcmber 11, 1802. ] JOUKNAL OF HOBTICULXURB AND COTTAGE G-AKDENER. 69? fon-y to see our beautiful English hedges spoilt in this manner I am sure, and the most effectual luoilo of keeping them nice is to protect small birds. — Patelix. WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GAHDEX. Take the opportunity of bad weather to tie-up mats, prepare labcl-«tiek?, store-up roots, and see tliat a good supply ol cover- ing material is at hand. AHivhukes, inimodiate steps to he taken to protest the roots from frost if not already done. In some situations this may not he necessary, but it is best to be on tlie safe side. CiMages, all lliat are sufficiently grown to admit of heini cnrthed-up should have it done before severe frosts set in. ]{ed Cabbages for spi-ing use may still be j)lunted. Caiilijlowerf!^ those now producing lieaHa are very valuable : therefore, the greatest care shoukl be taken to protect them from frost, eitlier by digging tliem up and planting them in frames, or pulbng them up and himging them in a very cool shed, i'arfi'fe, take up and plant in a frame some of tlio most forward, so that should severe frosts set in, they would afford a regular supply. Sailishes, these in some places are required the year round. Where such is the case, it will now be nece.'i- sary to sow on a slight hotbod ; after they are up, air to be given at everj' favourable opportunity. If they are sown imme- diately, they will be ready to draw about the end of January. Sliubarh, a few old roots may be taken up and planted in boxes or pots, which may be placed in a Slushroom-house or any other place where the iieat is about CO". Small Salad, keep up a succession by sowing in boxes about twice a-week, FI.OWEK GATIDEN. The weatlier is still favourable for eiecufing alterations, and where these are in hand tliey should be j^roseeuted with the greatest possible dispatcli. Get in a stock of Briars for budding upon next season. Tulip-growers may be reminded that people begin to plant tlieir blooming bulb?, and that if they want any particular sorts they must be quick in their application. All offsets should be in the ground now, and the main beds liad better not be delayed. Continue to examine Auriculas, taking oiT dead leaves, and above all things seeing that the plants are well dried, and liave no drip from the frames. Plant Anemones and Ranunculuses for early flowering, but the choice kinds for showing are not put in till February. Plant Hyacinths and early Tulips, Narcissuses, &o., in the open ground, and continue to pot and glass ihera for forcing. As tree leaves are always in request, either as a fermenting raatenal or for leaf soil, they should at this season bo carefully collected. If they are required only as a manure they may be stowed away in any by-plnce and left to rot ; but if they are required as a cheap mode of affording bottom heat, they sliould be secured somewhere under covei- until wanted for use. FECIT GAHDEN. Make up nl! vacancies in the Gooseberry and Currant depart- ment. All trees of these kinds should hare a clear stem of at least IS inches high ; the old plan of growing lliem near the ground is objectionable for many reasons. The plan of rearing some, pillar-shape, from 8 feet to 10 feet high is adopted by 3Ir. Tombs, gardener to Major-General Fox, Addison Road, Ken- sington, and is one by which a great saving of space is effected. They are kept spurred-in from bottom to fop, and bear abun- dantly. Pruning to be now carried on in earnest with Pears, Apples, Plums, and Cherries, and nailing should be commenced. Lay the wood in regularly, using as few shreds as possible, and adapting the size of the shred to the size of the wood. The standards in orchards will also require attention. If the heads of these were kept well thinned-out, that flie air and sun could reacli tlio whole of the branches, there wojild be much finer fruit — a much cleaner and more healthy appearance. STOTE. Let the resting section of Orchids settle quietly down towards their habitual repose, by withholding water at the root, and by diminishing the amount of atmospheric moisture, by permitting a liberal ventilation in favourable weather. GBEENIIOUSK AKD COKSEUVATOET. Yery little water will be required hero at present, but the plants should be carefully' looked over twice or thrice a-wcek, so as to be sure that no plant is allowed to feel the want of it. If not already done, get the plants tied with the least possible delay, for it is rather difficult to tie a plant so that it will not look somewhat stiff and irregular, iiiul the sooner such attention is paid to them the better they will look when in bloom. If sucli things as Geraniums, Cinerarias, and Calceolarias, must be wintered in the same house with Heaths and other liardwooded plants, they should be kept as much as possible by themselves, as they will require a somewhat closer atmosphere than hard- wooded plants. Roses for early forcing to bo pruued by this time, and placed where they will be safe fi'om heavy rains. Where American and other shrubs are used for forcing, they shoidd be taken up and potted without delay, placing them in a cold pit until they are wanted foi' forcing, or in a turf pit where fhey can bo protected from severe weather by mats, straw, or other covering. Fires to be lighted occasionally in damp weather to dry tho house, and air to be given only when it is dry outside. riTS AND FEAMES. All stores intended to be wintered in these structures should now be finally arranged as soon as possible. A dry atmosphere with a liberal amount of ventilation when the external air is dry are the requisites. A useful hint may be taken from the A'erbenaa in the borders which remain out. How often do we see these plants green through a great portion of the winter. They are well established at the root, and would withstand a moderate dry frost much better than a damp and confined atmosphere. W. Kkane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. These have almost been a repetition word for word of last week. With the exception of getting Strawberries under cover, sulphuring an orchard-house, &c., little has been done except potting and moving plants so as to make them more secure ; getting all flower-pots cleaned and under cover before frost should crack them in their wet state, and in fine days root, pruning a few trees which were rather strong. It has been too wet to do much out of doors. The Dahlias are now levelled, but I like the roots to remain a little in the gro-uid afterwards. We will be at them the first fine dry day, and then clear the beds.— R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. #*# We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are suhjeeted to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed soleltf to The Editors of Ihe " Journal of HorticuUure, ,^-c." 162, Fleet Street, London, JS.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get. them answei-ed promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or. three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Fbdits for Jeksky \J, Lcvesqtie), — Apples for kitchen use — Dumelow's- Seedlinir. Golden Noble. Bcdl'ordshiro Foni.tUinK, AKriston. Rvmer, Hara- bledon Deux Ans, Yorkshire Greeninsr. and Small's Admirable. For dessert use— Kerry Pippin. Cox's Orstn^e Pippin. Golden I^usset, and Nonpareil. Tou will find all tlie prize Lancashire Gooseberries described in Dr. Hopg's " Fruit JIanual," which you can have direct from this office by enclosing forty-six postage stamps. PlGoiN'o GnoCND BY THE .\cnE [IT. S.l—The Hop gardens in Ken* are dug by tlie acre, the usual price being from \Gs. to 20s. per acre. They are dup shallow ivitb the fork, and the tumed-over part is nnt touched again by tlie digger. To dig "very stiff" garden ground, if well dene, might be worth nearly double tlie above amount, espeeially if dug a fair deprh ; much depends on the quality of the worlt done. Tire fork is a better digging tool than the spade in all soils except the very sandy and light ones. AsPAnAGCS CvhTvnT.(A Cmistan* ]icailcr).—TTom yonr want of fucccfsr in pist years we fear your soil is not suited to the growth of this pUmt. If it is a stifr clay, through which water will hardly percolate, a thorough draining -will be the first thing ; afterwards burn a part of the clay, i>nd mix with the top .'Oil, which ought to consist of about IS inches of gond staple soil. Digging-in large quantities of sand or lime will be useful, and if you can get anvthing like a loose, open, sandy soil, you may then improve it much bv frequent dressings of salt ; hut salt i» for from possessing all the properties alleged of it wlien given to ground of a stiff, clayey nature, as it onlv increases the moisture, and renders the pronnd sour, and less likely to part with it By first rendering the ground open and perfectly porous, yon may apply salt, which, in addition to improving the plant, will cestroy the- wircworm you complain of. 638 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ NoTember 11, 18G3; Eatibit. Goxir.DS. — " I hare a Pumpkin, or Squash I bellfvc it is. the seed of which I impoited from Corfu, and I call it Corfu Pumpltin. It makes capital soup, having a very aureeable flavour, and can be used in the -winter. The soup ismadelikeCatrot soup, and iamuch the same colour. It requires a warm aspect, and to be eot out earlv or the fruit will not ripen in tins climate. The seeds I now have are rather old ; but I shall be liappv to let ' P.. G.' have a few, or any of your readers, so far as 1 can spare."— H. ILis- SARD, Major R.jE., Milsea, near Portsmouth. Screen of Everoreen Trees U. .?.).— T,in hit upon the two best trees. Hemlock Spruce and Scotcii Fir, for screeninfr-nff the cottages on your lieht soil at Aeton. The Balm of Gilead Spruce, the common Spruce, and the hilver Fir do no cood whatever in sucli light lands in the valley of the fhames. There is rot a good specimen of either from Fnlliam to .ildershot on the one side of the Thames or on the other; but the Scotch Fir and the Hemlock Spruce do well everywhere in that quarter. But add some Yews and Hollies, young small plants for a change in the nest generation. On the strong loamy soil and rather damp, the common Spruce and the Silver Fir will grow the one as rapidly as the other— that is, if they will take to it, and they are the two most likelv to do so of their kindred. Wc would try tliem certamly. We have seen the Black Austrian Pine from the Tyrol, Pinus austi-iacus, do remarkably well on such land. CoTTiNG-BiCK Roses (B.;.— Your P.oses are all risht. What Mr. Beaton lishes amateurs to do has been already done for vou by Mr. Cranston, and you may be sure it was thoroughly well done. Amateurs would be amazed If they could see how Rose-growers cut-back their young stock in April when the sale is over: they might suppose there never would be another bloom of Roses in their grounds. A Hedge of .Mixed Box, Jdniper. and Privet ( JTcs^mnr/nnd).— Tour plan will never do; no other plant will agree with tree Box in a hedge, and there la no such kind as an Italian Privet. But Box or Privet will do all you require. The Willow-leaved Laurel is of no sort of use tor a hedge by itself, or m mixture. Dwarf Frcit Tre?s rM<.,„)._Y„u d'd wrong altogether with the fruit trees from Mr. Rivers. First of all, three spadefuls of fresh cowdung to each tree was grea'lv too much dung for any plant to be treated on the plan of stopping at every 3 inches of growth. With such manuring no shoot or twig ought to have bpen stopped at all, but they were stopped in June and again m August ; and in September the side buds, which ought to fruit next year, were forced into a late growth, and it will take you just two years to get the trees into the same condition as thev were in when you bought them, and no fruit to signify from them the while. Retrace your steps, shake them all out of that cowdung. au'l trust to the soil for a more moderate growtii next year, and do not stop a leader at all that season, only the side branches, and they at 6 inches from the stem. But all this is merely to get your trees in hand, as we say— that is, get them into a condition of growth which will allow of the very close stopping. Eij.ocAnpis CTAXECS Ci-LTOEE (G. /7., iee,Jj).—Your plant is the Elffio- •esrpus cyanens of the Bot. .Mag., t. 1737, which is synonymous with the E. reticulata of Smith. The plant generally produces its spikes of flowers from the axils of the leaves near the points of the shoots, and its hard Olive- like seeds are sometimes used as necklaces. It is a native of New Holland, and all the error has been that you have treated it too kindly. A moderately warm greenhouse will suit it better th.an a plant-stove. If the plant has had plenty of sun, however, this summer and autumn, we would expect it to bloom next season. Removing Yoong Vines {T. Pinsent).—\t ve were particularly anxious about the position of such young Vines we slionld not hositafe to remove >• hem, and place them close to the front wall or close to the back wall, just as it was intended the roots should go outside or were to be couflned inside. If the hitter were the case, and bending the stems were resolved on, we would sooner take them to the back than the front, and. bes des, th» distance wv)uld be much shorter. We have no doubt if all otherwise is right, the Vines will do well where they are, planted nearer the back than the luhidle of the house, and then tike two stems from the Vine, one up and one down, wlien It reached the rafter. We presume, however, there are reasons why the alteration is desirable, and if so we would advise replanting instead of layering. But if the latter should be resolved on, then lav the stems in a dry trougli as you propose, not because the present canes if laid 2 inches or 3 inches m the earth would get injured, for .all the buds being cut off there would be plenty of roots come from the stem thus covered with earth which would look after themselves and the covered stem too; but because, though many believe that this will give extra strength to the Vines, we have a strong opinion that such layering and rooting is verv much opposed to the obtaining line, regularly-swelled, and well-coloured bunches. Ehecmatissi ( Worcester).— lit. Fish ia exceedingly obliged to "Worces- ter, ■ for his recommendation of clogs. He once tried them, and goloshes often, but they were troublesome from "drawing" the feet and legs ; but that 13 what they do only with some people, and goloshes can now be got easUy. though even they are not so good as clogs made of wood. It would he well If a maker would let it be known where they could be easily procnred. we shall be glad of the other receipt, for, as a rule, gardeners and labourers suffer so much from these causes, that any easily-got remedies ur alleviatives are a gi'eat boon. We henrtily wish that voung gardeners would be more careful, for they will run out of a hot phice and do ever so much in the open air, and then back again, and they will not believe they receive any injury because they do not feel it then. As many gentlemen make a little preseiit to their working men at Chiistmas time, we otten think what a comfort a light waterproof cape would be, that would come down pa-t the middle, rhough kept indoors in wet weather, men are often soaked coming and returning Irom their labour. GEnANiDli Cuttings lAlmaY—Tbe wood though green would strike well enough in your tank-heated house, with the power to give plenty of air to keep the cuttings from damping; but if you kept the plants near the glass all the winter, and rather dry than wet, wc think vou would be more secure and lose nothing by waiting at least to the middie of January before you make the cuttings. Edging Rodxd a Mixed Border {A Suhstriiier).— -Yes, it is the best of all the ways to have an edging for the mixed i orders— an edging of Crocuses and then of Tulips in the spring, and of the sprig you sent, for all round the year. It is Cerastium tomentosum, and will do from one row of cuttings afser the border is dressed in the spring, the Crocuses to be in the front of the Cerastium, and the Tulips in the row of Cerastium. Moving Large Broccoli (A Market-Oardenei-).— Yon may move them safely enough if you cut irmnd each plant with the spade, and carry it with a bull of earth about 9 inches square, and deposit it in a deep trench previously dug so as to disturb the roots very little. We should bury the stems nearly down to the leaves. Insert the plants IS inches apart each way. Calceolarias for Exhibition (A Subscriber, fiat/i\ — These are strong herbaceous, spotted kinds, now in six-inch pots, wanted to bloom in May, and temperature, soil, and .stopping are required. First, these plants are always best when they get no stopping, either of shoots or flower-stems, unless it be the nipping-out of the points of the shoots before the plants are so large as to fill a six-inch pot, except in the case of some shoot or stem much stronger than the rest. Presuming that this has been done, we would give no more stopping to these plants now if it can be avoided, and the less stopping the more uniform and strong will be the heads of bloom. The great thing is to repot as soon as the roots get to the sides of the pot and before matting there, right on until about the middle of JIarch — that is, if iresti- potted now they will most likely need it again about the middle of January and again in March. If the roots get matted at the sides of the pot the flower-stems will soon besin to form, and stopping, though often resorted to, has a tendency to make the future stems come more weak and irregular. Then the soil should be rich and light at first, and become more stiff at the last potting. The first m.iy be nearly equal parts of good fibry loam and leaf mould, sweet and old, and silver sand. The Last shift should have three parts of loam to about one of the others, and be pressed firmly. The most important for success and avoiding insects, are position and temperature. They should be near th? glass and kept cool, but free from the least of frost. As little fire heat as possible should be given, but if it cannot be helped the pots should stand on moss and be by themselves so that they have more air than the generality of house plants. A pit would suit them better than a mixed house. One objection to growing great plants of these seedlings is, that you do not know what you may have until they bloom. Plantation to Shelter a House {D. C .Tf.l.- " A red and white gravelly clay soil" must first be drained, otherwise such a soil will never carry trees for shelter or for timber on the fiat lands of Lincolnshire. But you can anticipate the work. Fix on the boundary of the belt or piece of ground. Plant Black Italian Poplars at 10 feet apart all round just within the boundary line, the plants to be from T feet to 10 feet high. If the space is wider than 20 yards plant another row of the same Poplar along tlie centre of it. Plant them during this month ; then drain and trench the ground, and in February plant it witli a mixture of fast-growing trees of many kinds, as some kinds may not suit the soil. Elms, Oaks, .\sh, and Sycamores will be sure to do ; Plant them thickly, and thin-out as soon as they begin to hurt each other. When every other tree of the Black Italian Poplar is cut down the stakes and poles will pay the cost. Rare Bulbs ( TT. V. C, Liverpool).— Vfe have such another complaint from Bristol. *' I do not wonder your mouth watered at Mr. Earley's list of bulbs, mine did the same at his former list of hardy herbaceous plants. But I suspect they must still water, for I believe there is not a nurseryman in the kingdom (no, nor yet out of it), who could supply the two lists." Some of Mr. Earley's pi ints have been out of cultivation more than forty years, yet the publication of such lists is very useful na they proclaim what are desirable, ynd are not only suggestive to co. lectors, but often bring to light varieties that are growing in the obscurity or old gardens in out-of-the-way nooks of our land. Names OF Froits (P. Q.).— Apples —M, Hughes' Golden Pippin; 16 Golden Harvey. Pars. —4. Beurrd d'Areniberg ; 5, Fondante d'Autunine ; 6. Glou Morceau ; S and 12, Vcrulam ; 9, Winter I^elis ; 10, Beurre Kance. The remainder not recognised. All the Apples were bad specimens. (J. L., Newport). — Apples. — 1, Rosemary Russet; 2, Trumpington ; 3, Autumn Pearmain ; 4, unknown ; 5, Nortliern Greening ; t>, unknown ; 7, Braddiek's Nonpareil Pcnr.s.— 1, Gcndesheini ; 2, Beurr6 d'Aremberg ; 3. unknown. (An Inquirer). ~l, Beurii* d'Arembeig ; 2, too decayed to be identified. Names op Plants (G. Holmes). — 1, Lasti ea Filix-raas ; 2, Polystichura angulare, both in the young seedling state. The most comprehensive, low- priced Fern-books are iMoore's " Handbook of British Ferns," a well- known manual among pteridologists ; and Johnson's " British Ferns." The fourth edition of the latter may be hud free by post from our office for forty- six posuage stamps. (L. S. 1).). — Pteris aquilina, the commonest of all our native Ferns. {Aittiabihs). — \\'/,f)is. — First and Second (Medal), J. Linning, Glasgow. Tliird, D. Doucal, M.D . Stratliaven. Highly Commended, D. Doucal, M.D. ; A. Paterson, Al.drie. Commended, J. Anderson, iMeigle ; D. Logan, Netlierton, lienfrew. SvANisn.— First, W. Wilson, jun , Beith. Second, F. Somorville, Edin- burgli. Third, W. Jamieson, Bu^by. C/iicltens.— First (Merlal), W. Wil- son, jun., Beith. Second, .M. Gilmour, Inchinnan, by Paisley. Third, A. Paterson, Airdrie. Hifilily Commended, F. SomervlUe. Game (Blade. Brown, and other Ueds). — First, C. W. Brierley, P.ochdale. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Bradlord. Third, \V. Robertson, Polmadie, Glas- gow. Highly Commended, W. Uobertson ; J. Loudon, sen., Wishaw. Game (Any other variety). — First, Jliss E. BeldOD, Bradford. Second, C. W. Brierley, Rochdale. Chickens (Any colour).— First, J. H. M'Xab, South Artliurlie, Barrliead. Second, W. Robertson, Polmadie, Glasgow. Third, J. Anderson, Meigle. Medal. G. Baily, Waterloo Road, London. Highly Commended, W. Miller, East Bay, Gourock. Old Scotch Bkeed. — First, J. Horner, Busby. Second, A. Watson, Busby. Third, T. Clarkson, Newmains, Wishaw. C//ic/ic;is.— First. J. Killin, Jlearns. Second and Third, W. Thompson, Glasgow. Highly Commended, J. G. Brown. OocHiN-CniNA.— Prize, A. Paterson, Airdrie. CTucisns.— First and Third, A. Paterson. Airdrie. Secund, J. Sharp, Johnstone. Hambukoh (Golden-pencilled I.— First and Second, J Lindsay, Thornhill, Stewarton. Thud, J. Holboru, Stewarton, Ayrshire. Highly Commended, K. Cunningham, Stewarton. Hamiiuroh (Silver-pencilled).— First, A. Yuill, Airdrie. Second, W. Caa- nan. Bradford, Yorksliire. Hamuurgh (Golden-spangled).— First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. Wilson. Glasgow. Third. W. Robertson, Polmadie, Glasgow. Highly Commended, J. Holborn, Stewaiton, Ayrshiie. Hamburgh (Silver-Spangled). — Second, Viscountess Holmcsdale, Linton Park, Staplehurst, Kent. Third, W. Cannan, Bradford. Highly Commended, K. Cunningham, Stewarton. Hamburgh (Any colour).— CTiiVifaj.— First, W. Robertson, Polmadie, Glasgow. Second. H. Pollock, Rutherglcn. Third, J. Lindsay, Thornhill, Stewarton. Highly Coumiended, W. Robertson; J. Stewart, Springhill, Barrhend. Poland (Any colour).— First. A. Yuill, Airdrie. Second, Miss E. Beldon, Bradford. Third, D. Brown, Glasgow. Highly Commended, J. Stevenson, Chapidhdl, Airdrie; W. Roberlson, Polmadie, Glasgow. A.NY OTHER Distinct Bueed. — First, jMrs. M. Seamons, Hartwcll, Ayles- bury. Second, E. Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds. Third, J. Jamieson, Curse- hill, Stewart«m. Bantams (Game).— First, C. W. Brierley. Rochdale. Second. Miss h. Beldon, Bradford. Third, J. Anderson, Meigle. Highly Commended, M. Linning, Glasgow. Bantams (Any other variety).— First, C. W. Bricriey, Rochdale Second, A. I'ater.,on, Airdrie. Third, J. Andtr.son, Meicle. Highly Commended, E. Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds; J. E. Linning. jun., Glasgow. OuuKs (White Aylesbury ).-First and Third. .Mrs. M. Seamons. TTartwell, Avicsbiuy. SecoiHl, VV. Robertson, Polmadie, Glasgow. Highly Com- mended, Miss W. Ogilvie, Meigle. Commended, T. Clarkson, ^e«roiuus, Wishaw. , „. , , „ . 1)1 CKS (Rouen). -First and Second, Mrs. W. Whitehead Kinesand Road, London. Third, W. Whyte, Glasgo.v. U.ghlj Commended, J. Isaac, Drum- peller, Coaibndge.) 640 JOUfiSAL OF HORTICCLTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1863. Dicks (Any olhei- T.aiicly).— First, Mrs. W. Wliitclicad. Kincslaiid Rood, London. Second, J. AnriLison, Mtiglc. Tlihd, E. Hutton, I'udsey, near Leeds. Highly Commendpd. J. .J»niieson, Corsehill, Steworton. TtJRKETs.— First and 'liiiid, W. Robertson, Glasgow. Second, D. Brown, Glasgow. Gekse.— First, J. Jamieson, Sfewarton. Second, D. Drown, Glasgow SivEEPST.AKvs roil Game Cocks.— First, J. Mollison, Meigle. Second J. Loudon, sen., Wisliaw. Third, W. Robertson, Glasgow. Hi"hly Com- mended, H. Cliaworth, Jlusters, Diraach, Oban. Pif, Tiast S/reef, Leeds. [I'his statement needs no comment. Taking for granted that its particulars are correct, the Committee clearly are bound in honour to bear their proportions of the loss. — Eds.] FRAUDULENT EXHIBITORS. In tlie article last week we have shown that the committees of exhibitions cannot avoid paying the dibts and liabilities they incur a^ officials, and we will now jjlaoe before them an example they will do well to follow in resisting and |)unishing unfairness on the part of exhibitors. In the ease which follows, the unfair exhibitor was so indiscreet as to sue the Committee for with- holiiing a prize from him, to which by the letter of the Society's rules liC was entitled, but which the Judges withheld from him, and justly withheld from him, on what they considered a fraud- ulent attempt to deceive. A convicted felon forfeits all his property, and by a parity of justice a fraudulent exhibitor forfeits his tith- to each and any prize that may have been awarded at that show. We would go further, and advise all committees to add the following to their rules : — "'No one who has been adjudged by a Society's officials guilty of fraudulent practices, can be allowed to exhibit; or, if inad- vertently permitted to exhibit, wdl he be allowed to retain any prize which miy be awarded to him." HpGH Dickson, Newtowptakds, v. the Membeks of the DOWNPATEICK HOETICVLTURAI. SoCIETi'. At the Newtownards Quarter Sessions, on Tuesday last, an action was brought, as tlie process stated, " for that plaintilF, being a subscriber to a certain holy, society, or association call- ing themselves ' the Downpatrick Horticultural Society,' and also an exhibitor at the Downpatrick Horticultural Exhibition, and, as such, became entitled to, and was duly adjudged and av.arded by said society or association at their last exhibition in Down- patrick, for certain agricultural and garden produce exhibited thereat by him, a silver challenge cup, value £10 lO.s. ; ten prize certiCcates ; a barn barrow, value for £1 ; and 10s. as a first-class prize for six parsnips." The plaintiff averred that the defendants refused to deliver up said prizes, although de- manded, and his claim now was for a return of same, or the value t, hereof. Mr. Dinnen, in opening the case, said it was an action brought by Hugh Dickson, who is a farmer in Newtownards, iigainst the defendanta, the Committee of the Downpatrick Horticultural Society, and also against the Secretary of the Society. It was an action of dete.iue, in consequence of the defendants with- holding f -om his client certain prizes which were awarded to him by the Judges at the late Show of the Society in Downpatrick. The plaintiff was an exhibitor not only at the last Show, but also at the previous Shows of the Society, and was a competitor for the silver challenge cup on the last occasion. The cup was value for £10 10?., and it should have been awarded to the person taking the largest number of certificates, two second prizes being of equal value to a certificate. The rules of the Society were to the ell'ect that the cup should be given to the competitor who obtained the largest number of prizes, the competition to be con- fined to farmers belonging to County Down. As hie Worship would see from the rules of this honourable Society, the more successful competitor at the previous Show must have held the cup in Ids possession during the past year, which his (Mr. Dinnen's) client did ; but to become the final holder it was ne- cessary that he should again be the winner of it. The plnintiif was a very successful competitor, and had carried off a great many prizes. The Judges had inspected the produce he ex- hibited, beans and vetches, and deliberately gave their opinion, awarding to Mr. Dickson the silver challenge cup. The class was open to farmers holding thirty-one Irish acres or upwards, or gentlemen who kept land stewards. After enumerating the difierent classes in which his client had been successful, Mr. Diimen went on to say that Mr. Dickson had obtained the majority of prizes at the Exhibition, and that, even if the chal- lenge cup were taken from him, he wotdd still have far out- numbered the other competitors. However, after the certificate had been given by the Judges, when the card was put on the articles it was considered the final decision ; it was considered that the prize had been awarded to the article on which it was so placed. On the card being placed on the beans, some rival competitor made an objection to the prize that had been awarded to Mr. Dickson. These beans, it appeared, had been very nicely and very artistically fixed and arranged, so as the better to show them to the Judges and the public. Now, although the thing had been done without his client's knowledge, it appeared that some one in his establishment (he believed his son) used a small wire to fasten on some of the pods which had fallen off the stock. The Judges had examined this article, but the rival, who thought he had discovered a mare's nest, took ob- jection to it. Without any notice, and behind his client's back, the Committee came to an agreement that they woidd expel him from the Society, and would not give the cup to him, which he had fairly won. Suppose his Worship would hold that these beans had been improperly put up, he would say it was very unfair and very disreputable on the part of the Society to with- hold the cup when his client had taken the majority of prizes. He had taken no less than eight or nine over and above his rival. The question, however, would turn on the Society, to which he would claim his Worship's attention. The seventh ride said that the Judges had power to award first and second prizes, according to merit, or withhold prizes altogether, if they did not consider the articles worthy, and that their decision in all cases should be final. He considered, therefore, that the Committee had nothing to do with the matter. The Judges' finding was final and conclusive. If his AVorship would hold that the case in question came under the ninth rule, in which it was stated that all disputes and objections should be referred to the Committee, then he would say that the objection or refusal of prizes applied only to the beans ; and he, having the majority of prizes, leaving out the beans, was clearly entitled to the cup, however valuable it might be, and however much the Society might wish to retain it in their possession. Hugh Dickson, the plaintiff, was examined by Mr. Dinnen. He deposed — I was a member of this Society, and paid my sub- scription. Last year I competed for the challenge cup, which I had in my possession the previous year. I was an exhibitor at the Inst Downpatrick show. I competed for potatoes and barley, and got first prizes. I got first prizes for the beans and vetches, but they were taken oflf again. They arc the same as those for which I received prizes at the Newtownards Show previously. [The witness enumerated the other prizes which he had re- ceived.] With the exoept'on of the beans and vetches, I had eight first prizes and three second prizes. I was not aware that there was any wire used with the beans and vetches. To the best of ray knowledge there were no pods on the beans but those which belonged to them. I got no notice that the Committee were going to investigate the matter. Mr. Carter told me on the day of the Show that he would call a meeting, and that he would send me a note. Cross-examined by Mr. Murland— I believe this paper to be in my handwriting. [This was a certificate that the articles of pro- duce had grown on Mr. Dickson's farm, and that the producs was fairly exhibited.] Mr. Murland said he would now state what the case of this Society was. His Worship had heard what the rules were, and 642 JOTTRITAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 11, 1862. he knew that it was impossible forjudges goina: round to detect fraud in the articles exhibited. This and other societies of the same kind were entirely in the Imnds of the contributors as to whet!:er they honestly brought forward tlie.ir articles. Indeed such Societies must depend on the honour of their members. The beans were exhibited by Mr. Dickson in a sort of sheaf, for the purpose of exposing them the better; and in tills way the pods appeared Tery numerous, upon which the awarding of the prizes depended. The Judges went round, never suspecting that tlie pods upon which they looked had been put on by the competitor's own hands. There were a good deal of articles exhibited by this Mr. Dickson, and by the way in which they were put up depended the prizes. In the course of the day an objection ■was put forward which called the attention of the Judges to the beans. Upon examining them, they found one of the most ingenious devices that could be contrived for the purpose of showing more pods on the stalk than really belonged to it. The pods, as his Worship could see, could not drop off when the stalk was green. Holes had been cut in the stalk, and beans whicli had never grown upon it were fixed in ; and the Judges found this so fraudulently and so disgracefully made up that they said, "We withdraw this prize," and re- ported it to the Committee. They were very indignant. That fraud disentitled him to a place in the Downpatrick or any other Society. The Committee met, and said, very properly, " We shall not give the prize to this Mr. Dickson. He is guilty of a gross fraud ; and, having been detected, we shall give him no prize." In the vetches there was also a kind of fraud perpe- trated. The whole stalk should have been shown ; but the bare parts had been cut off. Now, it had been called a disreputable Society for not giving Mr. Dickson all the prizes. If the plaintiff himself did not iix the pods on the stalks, he was liable for the fraud. The Judges at once told the Committee that he was not entitled to any prizes. Mr. Murland read a portion of the Society's rules as to all disputes being referred to the Committee, and concluded — Mr. Dickson, as a member of this Society, is bound by, and a party to, the making of these rules. Now I would say that there was a dispute in this instance whether the cup should be awarded to a member of the Society or not ; and it was the unanimous opinion of the Judges and Committee — a very large one — that the cup should not be awarded to him. No punishment that the Society could inflict upon this man ■would be sufEcient for the offence, because it strikes at the root of all honesty. If this be allowed to go unpunished, a man can take his beans in this way and endeavour by means of fraud to make his farm produce far better than his neighbours'. Nobody can fell whether the good produce has got the prize or not. If ever there was a case in which there ■was a breach of good faith, this is one of them. His Worship — Do the Judges concur in the views of the Com- mittee ? Mr. Murland— Perfectly. Mr. Murland also read extracts from " Addison's Law of Contracts." His Worship thought the Committee had a perfect right to investigate the matter, as, by their rules, all disputes were to be referred to them. That was his view of the case, and, if ho were correct, it would put Mr. Dinnon out of court. Mr. Dinnen — If the Judges have rescinded all the awards they have made, then, your Worship, you would be right ; but they have not done so. His Worship considered that the Judges were subject to the Committee ; and ho did not think it necessary to go into what the Judges had done. Thomas Taylor examined by Mr. Murland — I was one of the Judges at the late Show in Downpatrick, and my attention was drawn to the beans on the day of the Show. Under the place where the pods grew from the stalk a hole had been put in, and pods ■were attached with wire where pods never grew. It was a complete fraud. When inspecting, we first look at the stalk generally. 'J'hey were very artistically put up. I told the Judges the beans were fraudulently made up. Mr. Dickson came up and told us to examine the stalk, and said there was not a solitary pod on it which had not grown on it. He persisted BO strongly that I was about to give him into custody. We also examined the vetches, and found that they, too, were fraud- ulently put up. I directed the Secretary to -withhold the cup till such time as the case would be inquired into. Cross-examined by Mr. Dinnen — Are you not ashamed of yourself now ? — No. Are you not ashamed of passing over these, and giving them the prize ? — I am not, they were so artistically put up. I will swear that the pods could not have belonged to the stalk — there were more pods than belonged to the stalk. His AVorship — Were there any places which might have had pods, and had been broken off? Witness — No, I believe not. Mr. Dinnen — Do you happen to know that the wires would present the beans to the Judges in a better position ? AVitness — I don't know. We don't grow beans here with wires in them, Mr. Dinnen — Were you at Newtownards Agricultural Show ? Witness — I was not. Mr. Dinnen — Well, you should have gone to it, for it was a better Show than at Downpatrick. Would you be surprised if the same vetches got the prize at Newtownards ? Witness — I would not. I don't know if the plaintiff had the majority of prizes. He had a great many. 'This card [a prize card pro- duced] was put on some of the articles. His Worship said — I am still of opinion that we have no right to go into the grounds of the Judges' decision. If they say to the Committee, " Withhold the prize from this man" vce cannot go beyond it. In deciding in this way, I could, of course, go on and fortify my decision, because there would be another point — if this is not a case of contract— and we do not want to go into that. The whole matter is an entire contract, and one party coming info this court in this way to sue another would need to do so with clean hands. Mr. Dinnen — Well, sir, I do not wish to press this case fur- ther; but, when the Judges do not withdraw the other prizes, I think they have no control over this challenge cup. His Worship— I believe, if the Judges think it right to with- hold the cup, we liave nothing more to do with them. The case was dismissed. — {Northern Whiff.) DO BEES VARY? The insertion of Mr. Darwin's inquiry in the German Bee Journal lias elicited the foUovfing reply from Herr Kleine, pastor of Liiethorst, in Hanover, and one of the ablest apiarians, in Germany. — A Devonshire Bke-keepee. "do bees vaet in the diffebent taets of gebmant? " As Mr. Charles Darwin desires the apiarian experiences of German bee-keepers on deviations of bees amongst each other, this must induce them not to withhold their observations oa this point. I fear, however, that these will not give any par- ticular aid to his known theory. For although we possess in the one species, Apis jnellijica, two different races* the distinctions of which have proved constant from antiquity, yet amongst these no essential deviations have appeared. " No animal has drawn the undivided and continual attention of mankind to itselt in the same degree as the bee ; on no animal have observations been preserved to us from such an- tiquity, long before our era, more carefully and extensively tbaa on her ; but yet we find no change in her. We find that in every climate and under all circumstances she has always re- mained the same ; has kept shape, character, manners, and customs unaltered; so that it is, therefore, impossible for us to be able even to follow the traces of her extension by degrees over the old world ; and although man has brought bees into his own neighbourhood from time out of mind, yet has domestication had no influence on their way of life. In the wild as well as in the so-called tame state, in the garden, forest, and wander-bee- keeping have they remained fiiithful to their original manners- and customs, and departed not one tittle from the way pointed to them by instinct. " And so it is also with their inner and outer shape. We find them at present exactly the same as Aristotle, Pliny, and Virgil, Reaumur and Swammerdam, have described them to us. I know the bees not only of almost all the provinces of Hanover, but also those of the different countries of Germany, in the east and in the west, in the south and in tl.e north. From my own observation, however, I have not been able to perceive a specific difference in size anywhere. The inexperienced indeed are easily deluded ; an empty or a full stomach, more or less hair, makes one bee appear larger or smaller than another without her really deviating in the least from her normal size. * By this are meant Ains 7nelJ{fica and Apis Lifjustica^ wliicli are con- pidered in Gemiany to bo mere varieties of tlie same species.— A rEVONsniRB Bee-keeper. ^■oTo^lbe^ 11, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF IIOra'ICULTL'RE AND COITAGE GARDENER. 643 " Deviations in size liappon occasionnllv, but (wliich is tlio main tiling), tliey ave not specilic — not constiiiit. Tlic reiisons thereof may be of different kinds. Sometimes old combs witli cells narrowed from the remaining eoeoons may prevent the full evolution of the size of the body, so that a stock may contain a whole population of smaller bees than other stoclis standing near it. " But if a swarm issues from such s sfoclt, or if a driven swarm is made from it, tlie young bees reared in tlio new combs return beyond doubt, to their normal size, altliough lliey descend from the same mother as the former generations. Then, also, it may happen that all the brood even in the new combs hatcli miniature hees. I have had them of the sniallness of large ants —real liliputians. Their appearance, however, is very eusily ex- plained. Tt only happens in heavy stocks in wliii^h the bees were not able sulEciently to surround an inserted brood-comb with eggs and young maggots, and to feed t!ie latter suiliciently. As the workers increase it certainly ceases ; the brood hatched afterwards return to the normal size — proof enough tliat tlie remarkable deviation is caused only by accident. It is im- possible to preserve and increase such a small kind of bees. The size of the mother has not the least influence upon the size of her offspring. The most decidedly dwarfed queens produce a full-sizpd offspring. The bees of the south of JTrance I know as little as the so-called small Dutch one. However, I am con- vinced that the one as well as the other has not any diff'erence in specific size from our common bees, that the variation in size depends only on the illusion of superficial observation. I do not doubt that those bees would accept the combs of our bees as willingly, and continue in the same size as tlie Ligurians have done, which one would think sometimes larger, sometimes smaller than the German bee, although there has not proved any dif- ference whatever in size. It is quite inadmissible to make a dilferenee between so-called domesticated and wild bees. Both are of the same kind, they do not deviate in anything from one another. If a so-called wild people is brouglit to its stand, every specific ditlerence disappears even to the most careful observer. A colony livmg in an oak in a forest was once pointed out to me by an old bee-keeper as such a one, the bees of which would verify themselves as belonging to quite another species by their being covered with more hair. A closer examination, however, tiroved that they certainly had not any more hair, nor any longer than the bees in my apiary. " In the colour of the hair a'so there does not exist any dif- ference, only that of young bees is coloured differently from that of old ones. That of the young ones has for some time a light tinge of grey, which afterwards changes into brown. The in- experienced observer may easily be deceived by this, when he has seen, perhaps, the young bees playing before a hive and compared these with old bees of another stock. A difference in the colour of the abdomen may also occasionally be seen in German bees ; but it is not specific nor constant, it depends only on a freak of nature, and maintains itself here as little as with the so-called bastards originated from mingling the German and Italian races. " Differences in the temper of German bees happen at all events, but they are also only individual differences, often only temporary — at all events anything but constant. '' According to my observations, I, therefore, think myself entitled to pronounce, that amongst the common bees which are kept in different parts of Germany a perceptible and constant dilferenee does not exist. — KlElNE, hiiethorstP HONEY HARVEST ON THE DURHAM MOORS —LONGEVITY OF "WORKING BEES. I CAK confirm the " Devonshieb Bee-eeepeh's " account of the miserable state of hives this autumn. I had fourteen hives at the moors and the heaviest (which by-the-by was a Ligurian that swarmed four times last May), was 31 lbs., but some were only 10 lbs. and 12 lbs , and very few bees left in them. I, therefore, joined by fumigation five hives of tliese to the Ligurians ; and it would appear that not one of the fourteen, with the exception of the Ligurian named, have bred since last June and July, and a person tiiat took one of his did not find any bee-bread in it ; consequently if bees only live six months, I fancy all the bees in this district will have died out by next year. I also find on examination that none of the swarms have been able t3 fill their hives with comb. Would you, therefore, be so G'ootl as to sav how you would recommend me doing with two Li;;urianswiinns ? One was hived into one of Taylor's dividing bai- and-framo hives, and the other into a straw skep, and neither has more than iialf filled their hives with comb, although one swarmed May 27lh, and the other .Tune 2iid. The straw one I have superposed and must let it take its chance, but the dividing-hivo I do not mind if they will be able to exist the winter; and, therefore, shall be glad of your opinion what is best to do. I have fed it well with honey, and tliey have the combs filled, and I am going to put felt round the hive to keep the frost and cold out, but I am afraid they will all be dead by the spring. — A. \V. [Witli regard to the longevity of bees, Dzierzon says : — " Of bees bred in Jlay or June few live longer than two months if the weather be favourable, so that they can be constantly at work;" but " bees bred in September look just as juvenile in February and March as if they had left their cells only a few days ago. If they pass their time in summer in a similar state of rest, as ia the case in stocks without a queen or otherwise inactive, they may, perhaps, survive a year, or even more." We can fully indorse the statement that the life of the worker bee is prolonged by idleness ; and we do not, therefore, imagine that the stocks you rffer to run any risk of extinction from the death by old age of all their inhabitants, but we very much doubt if any worker bee ever attained, much less exceeded, the age of twelve months. As you state that the superposed stock must " take its chance," we can ofl'er you no counsel regarding it ; and with regard to the dividing-hive, if you have fed it up to a sufficient weight, and are careful to give it efficient protection, wo can see no reason why it should not survive the winter, as we have known many to do which were apparently in a far worse condition.] CROSS STICKS IN HIVES. If I had rushed into bee-print seven years before I did, I should certainly have put my foot down upon a person who re- commended cross sticks in a hive. Previous to that time, I had used common-sized, and Payne's straw hives only, which ought never to have crossed support-sticks under proper management, but, for my large-sized hives, I was compelled to adopt them, not from the melting or dislodgement of the combs, for, I never had a misfortune of that sort, but through the cautious instinct of the little workers, which would know better tnan I what was proper for large domiciles ; so they worked their combs quite down to the floor-board, and fastened them there, thus creating a sad difficulty for me when spring-feeding, and again for them- selves ; for when I moved the hive from off the board, then smash would go the combs more or less — a sad case in the spring, or any other time of year, costing both time and store to repair them. I have never found this to happen since my introduction of the sticks, and it really shows a power almost akin to reasoning on the part of the cunning little fellows, by their thus at once accommodating themselves to my assistance. I seldom "take" a hive until it is four years old, and then the combs are become old and tough, and through the agency of an inch protrusion of each stick laying out from the hive, as your correspondent " G. C, Gloucester" mentioned last week, a twist and a pull with a pair of pincers relieves them. I do not find that the sticks incommode the bees materially in large hives, and at least, of two evils, they are quite a counterbalance of the fastening of the combs on the board. Two bars and frames would obviate both ; but I write for the million.— UpwABDa and Onwaeds. FERTILE WORKERS. 1'S compliance with Mr. Lowe's request, in page 60 1-, I have much pleasure in relating all I was able to ascertain with regard to t!ie occurrence of fertile worker's in the only instance which has come under iwy observation. The phenomenon occurred -at the commencement of July, in tlie inclement summer of 1860, and was described by me in The Cottage Gakdenek of the 10th ofthat month as follows : — " The queen-cells in one of my small artificial swarms having turned out abortive, owing to the inclemency of the weather, f-ome among the working bees have taken the opportunity of usurping the functions of royalty, by depositing eggs in the FAi, JOUx^NAL OF HOraiCULITJRE ASD COTTAGE GARDBNEB. [ November 11, 1862. treeding-cells. I presume they will produce drones, althotigh laid in the workers' cradlps ; two or three being deposited in each cell. The depositing a plurality of eggs in a cell is not, however, peculiar to fertile workers, since a prolific queen will often de- posit two or more eggs in one receptacle. I am unable to detect the difference in size which is said to distinguish workers which have assumed the functions of maternity. These fertile workers are Ligurians." To these particulars I may now add that the eggs BO laid were developed into small drones as I anticipated, and that, although like Mr. Lowe 1 was never fortunate enough to detect fertile workers in the act of oviposition, nor could I ever identify such as were in that abnormal condition, the circumstances of the case were such as to establish the fact beyond a doubt. Being perfectly satisfied that the eggs in question were really deposited by workers, and not by a small queen which had escaped my scrutiny, I supplied the colony with another sealed royal cell, which arrived at maturity in due course, and the abnormal laying of drone eggs soon came to an end. Although it may appear somevihat presumptuous in me to attempt the development of a new theory from this the only instance of the kind which I have ever witnessed, yet, as I did theorise at the time, I now venture with all due diffidence to state the theory, having already proclaimed the small amount of experience upon which it is founded. My idea is that upon the first discovery of tlieir queen's loss, bees sometimes supply an extra quantity of food, and in fact accord a rudimentary royal treatment to a greater number of young larva? than tliey after- wards deem necessary to rear into queens, and that the ovaries of the bees proceeding from these larvoe receive thereby a sufficient stimulus to admit of their laying eggs, which, being unlmpreg- nated owing to their inability to copulate with the male bee, can only hatch into drones. — A Detoxshire Bee-keepek. MANAGEMENT OP COWS IN GUERNSEY. It is usual to speak of " Alderney Cows," but the truth is, that the pure breed can only be purchased in Gruernsey, and the breed, whether on those two islands, or in Jersey, are only improved specimens of the Norman variety. Perfection and entire purity of breed in the Channel Island Cow are demon- strated by the animal possessing twenty points of excellence, which are thus assigned — The pedigree of the parents being proved to be good, yielding yellow butter (the distinctive marks of which property are ears yellow inside, yellow circlet round the eyes, yeUow tinge at the root of the tail, and full udder), counts for 7 points. Grenerai appearance — colour cream or light red, or both mixed with white ; hair smooth and short ... S points. Handsome head ; handsome horns, slightly curved inwards ; eye bright and prominent 4 points. Deep, barrelled-shaped body ; flanks well rounded... 3 points. Handsome legs, not knocking together when walking 1 point. Hind quarters flat and right-angled ; back straight and level 2 points. 20 points. It is fouad that to feed Cows well and advantageously, two at the least must be kept, and so managed as to calve at'different times. For their keep three acres of ground must be cultivated ; and of these one acre is in grass, and the other two ate cultivated on the five-course-rotation system, the two acres being divided rato five portions, and each portion growing in its turn— 1, wheat ; 2, parsnips and mangold wurtzel ; 3, wheat ; 4, barley ; and 5, clover. From the produce of these two acres the Cows begin to be fed sometimes in September; but if the season be mild, as is usual in Guernsey, not until October. The daily allowance to each Cow is from lOlbs. to 15 lbs. of hay, from 75 lbs. to 100 lbs. of mangold wurtzel, 10 lbs. of parsnips, and wliat- ever straw they may choose to eat of that with which tliey are littered. If the fields are sufficiently enclosed the Cows are sometimes allowed to pasture in them untethered from October to December. During the spring, summer, and until about the end of Sep- tember the Cows are tethered either upon the acre of grass or the clover. The tether, varying m length from 12 feet to 15 feet, is sometimes entirely of rope, with a running noose to pass over the Cow's horns at one end, and the other is passed over a strong iron pin about 18 inches long, driven nearly its entire length into the ground. The best tethers, how- ever, as in the annexed drawing, have a small chain to pass over the cow's horns, looped round them by means of one large link, which is split on one side in the manner of a key- ring, hut with the splif; permanently wide enough apart to admit of the easy passage of a link of the chain. The iron pin is shifted from four to six times daily, according to the abundance of the pasturage. It is usually only moved from 3 feet to 4 feet fi-om where it was previously fixed. Milk and butter being the coveted produce, the calf is taken from the Cow immediately, very few cow-keepers allowing it to remain with its mother even a single day, and no one allows it to remain more tlian four or five days. The average quantity of butter a good Cow will produce, is one pound a-day— i.e., at the rate of a pound per day from calving to calving, although some are known to produce 14 lbs. to 16 lbs. a-week, or from four to five hundredweight during the year. From ten to sixteen quarts of milk for a considerable time after calving is what the average are considered to give. OUE, LETTEE BOX. Cross ef.tweek Dorkings and Cochin-Chinas (A. B. C).— Have a colouieil DoikinR cock, andPartridKO or Buff Cochm-China pullets. Have fresh pullets annually, as they lay in winter, wliich adult hens usually do not. The chickens are equally good, whichever way this cios3 may be effected. Deoopino Comb or DoHKroo Cock [J. Jf.).— The comb may have fallen from the action of the frost, or from temporaiy want of condition. If it has shown no inclination to do so before, we should think it will rise asain. A solution 01 alum in cold spring water may often be used with benefit in such cases. A dioopinfr comb is not a disqualification, but it ia a positive dis- advantago. Tlie silver wire should be as small as can be consistently with stren/^th to keep up the comb ; wire as large as a small pin is suf- ficiently strong, and the support may be derived Irom the thick base of the comb. Ear-lobes of White Game Cock iA Debtor).— The white ear-lobes are immaterial in yonr White Game cock. No leg is good or bad in a Black- breasted Red. If they are to be the old Knowsley, or Lord Derbv'.« breed, they must have white, as that is charactciistic of the breed. All that is necessary to observe is, that all the Ioks Ih the pen are tlie same. The prizes generally go to willow legs, but there are thirty of them to one while. Birds fok an Aviary.— We are informed that "A Devonian" m.ay obtain a large ornamental cage suiuble for an ordinary drawing-rnom window, from "S. B. Fox, Esq., No. 7, Southemhay, Exeter," from whom furtiier particulars may be obtained. Rabbit Griped (£. H. *).-The symptoms intimate that your doe was violently icriped. A teaspoonful of castor oil, and one drop of laudanum, might have relieved her if administered when first attacked. Inflammation of the bowels probably occurred at last. Teaching a Doo to Take to Wateh.—A. B. C, South Hants, will be obliged by inlcumation of a good metliod to teach dogs (that are grown up), to take to the water. LONDON MAEKETS.— NoTEMBEK 10. POTJLTEY. Tnerc is an increase in the supply, but none in the demand. The con- sequence has been a slight fall in prices. We imagine this will last till the approach of Christmas. Large Fowls 0 0 to 3 0 Ducks 2 0 to 2 6 Smaller do 2 0 „2 3 Partridges 2 0 „2 S Chickens 1 3 „ 1 9 Hares 3 0 „ 3 6 Geese 6 0 „ 7 0 Rabbits 1 3 „ 1 4 Grouse 2 0 „ 2 6 | Wild do 0 8 „ 0 9 Pheasants 2 G „ 3 0 Pieeons 0 8 „ 0 9 November 18, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 646 Day Day of of M'uth Week. 18 Ti; 19 w 20 Th 21 F 22 S 23 SCN 21 u NOVEMBER 18-24, 1862. Epacrifl nivalis. Epiiciis imprcssa. Sun's declin. ly-JS's. Prisckss Kked. Wm. born, 1840, Ericu (listauH. 23 Sunday attek Tuimity. Erica pUularia. WEEKLY CALENDAR. WeATHEU near LONDIIN IN 1861. 80.415-30 263 30.49.5—30.330 30.253-30.040 29.U16-29.574 29.014-29.293 29.51«— 29.370 30.029-29.8G8 Thermom. deffrees'. 33—13 47-28 51—31 53-43 49-30 47—23 45-10 N.W. s.w. s.w. s.w. s.w. w. IN. Rain in Inches. •03 •80 .Sun Rises. Moon Sun KiecH Sets, and Set;) m. h. 25af7 m. h. 5af4 4 4 Moon'a Age. Clock after i Day of Sun. Year. m. h. 6 3 27 4 49 5 Bets SI a 4 39 0 50 (i 26 27 28 • 1 2 3 14 .39 14 26 14 12 13 57 13 41 13 24 13 7 322 823 324 325 32« 827 328 MiTEOROLOoT OF THE Week.— At Chiswick, from observations during- the last thirty-flve years, the average highest and lowest temperatures of the»e davs are 48.2" and 34..5<> respectively. The greatest heat, 59>. occurred on the 20th, in 1844, and 2l8t, m 1833 ; and the lowest coid, 9'% on the 23rd, in 1858. During the period 130 days were line, and on 113 rain fell. PLANTS FOE DINNEE-TABLE DECOEATION. ATELY, as well as on a previous occasion, I gave my views on the subject of dinner-table decoration in tke plant or cut-flower way. I should not have troubled the readers of The Journal of HoBTicuLTUEE again on the matter but for the invitation of Mr. Perkins, the worthy gardener atLordHenniker's, who asks, at page 605, for a list of plants suitable for such a purpose. Fortunately Mr. Perkins gives at the same time the names of many of the most suitable ones, thereby rendering it unnecessary for me to repeat them ; but before giving the additions that may be pru- dently made to his list, I will offer a few general re- marks on the usual require- ments of plants for dinner- table decoration, and purposes of a like kind. In the first place I will say, that although the views that I have hitherto held — that every plant intended for dinner-table decoration ought either to be below the line of vision from one person's countenance to another, other- wise above that line — have experienced no change ; yet, as the general public may not be all of the same opinion, I will include the names of a few plants whose height may exceed that of IS inches, and thereby come in the way of the prescribed line 1 would otherwise have wished kept clear. Nevertheless, the list of plants that may be kept at the proper degree of dwarfness is by no means a meagre one, so that I still hope my views may receive more general adoption when utilit}' asserts its dominion here, as it has done in so many other cases where appearance was quite as essential as in the at- traction of the dinner-table. Leaving, however, the question of using dwarf plants or tall ones to the taste of those requiring them, let us consider which description of plants will suit the purpose best, and what will tell to most advantage in such a place. I think it may be taken for granted, that more than nine-tenths of the fashionable entertainments in high life take place by lamplight, which exhibits many things in a different manner to what they appear in daylight. Tellows, if pale, look like white ; and most pale colours, if not surrounded with a dense green foliage, look badly ; and pale blue flowers, however agreeable they may be in bright sunshine, have a washy look by lamplight. It is, then, for these reasons that I would advocate the deeper and what are called warm coloura of deep rose, No. 86.— Vol, III., N£W Seems. scarlet, purple, and the like ; for apart from the rays of lamplight, these colours tell to most advantage when contrasted with the tablecloth, plate, china, and glass by whicli they are surrounded, and which all, more or less, require high-coloured plants or foliage as a contrast. As all the accompaniments to a table and sideboard in the way of cloth, china, glass, and precious metals, glitter more or less amongst viands which, in a general way, are either brown, pale brown, or some lighter colour of no particular tint, it behoves the purveyor of plants to furnish the table with colours that will contrast as widely as possible with the other attractions of the place. To do this it is quite legitimate to use plants that are either remarkable for their foliage, their fruit, or their flowers. The list given by Mr. Perkins contains examples of all these ; and what additions I make may, doubtless, receive accessions from the ideas and practices of others, as there are many plants which may be available of which one individual can scarcely hope to be aware. Thus the mutual exchange of experience in this matter, as well as in many others, is of the utmost importance to the general manager. Commencing, therefore, with plants in flower, I will mention only such as I have seen used, excepting in cases where it is mentioned otherwise. Plants in Flowee Adapted foe this Puepose. — One of the earliest and one of the best plants I ever saw used for this purpose was a nice little plant of Cactus (now Epiphyllum) truncatus, and the deep rosy purple blossoms, with the tropical appeai-ance of the plant, gave it a very attractive appearance. It is many years since I saw this used, and modern introductions have not presented us with anything more appropriate for the pur- pose. Some others of the Cactus family, especially of the dwarfer varieties of Cereus speciosus, may be very profit- ably used, care being taken to hare a well-formed plant with flowers on all sides, and not on one side only. A nice compact plant of Indian Azalea of some good scarlet or rose colour is al.^o an admirable ornament to the table, and the adaptability of this plant for such purposes will be apparent to every one who has seen the exhibition specimens at the metropolitan and other shows, although, of course, the plant must be small compared with them. A Pelargonium may also be admitted now and then, and some of the dark-tlowcred varieties of the Fancy breed are invaluable, as they can easily be kept within due bounds, and there being great variety of them, changes are easy. Cinerarias in like manner look well, and I am not certain if all the Aster and star-shaped fiowers do not show best in candlelight. For variety a plant of Acacia grandis, Urummondi, armata, or any of the dwarf class, may be now and then admitted, or, where several plants are wanted at once, one of these kinds may be introduced. Although, in general, yellow does not look so well as some other colours, yet for the sake of variety a Cytisus or Coronilla may be admitted, and if full of flower they are far from despicable, while the pretty and interesting Cuphea platy centra looks best when closely examined. When flowers, flower-buds, and fine fohage, are all No. 738.— Vol, XXVIII., Old Sebies. 646 JOUB>^AL OS HOSTICULIUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ November 18, 1862. ■wanted on one plant, tlie Camellia presents itself as one of the best. Some of the Veronicas of the New Zealand breed have also fine foliage, and with a spike of blue flowers look not amiss. Then we have the ever-useful Chinese Primrose, both single and double, and now and then a Chrysanthemum may be brought in at a time when other plants are scarce, and, as these afford many colours, much variety may be had. A well-flowered plant of double Petunia is also good, though not more so than the Fuchsia, of winch the dwarf-growing varieties are the best, and I should say the old F. parviflora, if it is still in existence, would perhaps be as good as any ; but some of the florists' varieties are also good, though generally they require to be grown to a greater size than is becoming for the table. Nevertheless, we often use a Fuchsia. A Cockscomb is likewise an ornamental object, but it seldom can be shown in a pot sufficiently small to meet the requirementB of the diuner-table. Perhaps some of the varieties of Celosia recently become very popular may be more accommodating, but I have not tried them. Of Begonias, the only flowering class suitable here are the small and sliiny-leaved varieties, of which B. fachsioides is the type, and well-grown plants of this look well. Those remark- able for foliage will be mentioned hereafter. Heaths of various kinds are desirable, the winler-ilowering kinds especially coujing in useful ; and as plants in flower in January are far from plen- tiful, the qualification of colour mentioned above must be relaxed in time of scarcity : it is needless, therefore, mentioning the species. Epacrises do not look so well ; so many wiry loose spikes as they present appear too formal for the freedom here wanted. Occasionally a Salvia splendens may be intro- duced with good effect in winter ; and it is possible, although I have never used it, a LobeUa speciosa may also show ofl' its blooms to advantage ; while there are numerous forced plants that may contribute their quota to the general catalogue. Perhaps no plant that is used looks more really graceful than Dielytra spectabilis, while the lovely Deutzia gracihs is an acceptable plant from the quantity and purity of its blossom ; the double- flowering Chinese Cherry being also showy, yet not more so than the profuse-blooming Weigela rosea, "which is, perhaps, second to none for general spring decoration. Of Orcliids my list is but a meagre one, a Cypripedium or two and a Dendrobium being all that I have tried. The latter of these makes a nice plant; but the general class of Orchids, as the Bletias, Oncidiums, Phajus, &c., are too tall, though a Cattleya may possibly be worked in to good effect. With this class, however, I sliould like to have the opinion of others upon their respei'tive merits. Plants Remarkable foe their Feuit. — This class is a much more limited one than the last, nevertheless there is a variety here. Solanum capsicastrum and one or two others may be worked in to advantage, and both the red and white varieties of Ardisia crenulata maybe used in a similar manner ; the sturdy habit of the plant with its dense green leaves making it a pleas- ing ohject at all times, and the plant bears profusely, and con- tinues for many months oimamental. The Capsicum also afibrds several varieties, one or two yellow ones as interesting as the red. The varieties of the latter are, however, more numerous, and the habit of some of the plants all that could be wished for. Perhaps the best of all berried plants is Skimmia japonica, the habit and foliage of the plant being as good as the berries are pretty, and the latter being placed in clusters on the top of the plant show to great advantage. If this plant could be made to grow a little faster it would-be invaluable, although for the purpose here mentioned its slowness of growth and compact habit are all that could be wished for. One or two stove plants, with which I am not sufllciently acquainted, are also said to be applicable to the purpose. Hajtdsome Gkken-fohaoed Plakts Suitable.— This is a numerous class, und I am far from arrogating to myself that those here given are the best, but aflditions from other quarters will be acceptable. First of all stand Ferns, and their name is almost legion. I cannot say that I admire the Golden-Fern class 80 much as many do; but, on the contrary, I like a foliage of a deeper green, when the form is also graceful. Some of the hardy Perns are far from unsightly. Even a compact plant of Poljpodium vulgaie, a Lastreo, Blechnum, or even Scolopen- drium vidgare, are as interesting and present as many beauties to the observer as the exotic species, while dwarfer varieties are also represented in other hardy sections. The Adiautums are great and deserving favourites with ladies, their wavy graceful foliage displaying a form as lovely as it is interesting ; "and to those who admire variegated plants, Pteris argyrtea and P. tricolor loot well. Indeed, the Fern tribe presents some of its members as ready for use every day in the year : therefore I hope some one well versed in this rising section of plants will give us a more com- plete hst of such as can be conveniently kept within the bounds suitable for the table. Almost equal to the Ferns in point of variety and numbers are the Lycopods, but these are mostly exotic ; although there is no doubt but some of the British species, if cultivated, would present forms as beautiful as the foreigners. Some hints as to these from some of our Lancashire friends will be very acceptable. Some Grasses are also good. The horse- mane-like tresses of Isolepis gracilis form an agreeable contrast with plants of a bold, broad foliage— as for instance, Eucharis amazonica, which, though a flowering plant of great beauty, has also a fine appearance in the tropical-looking character of its foUage. Grevillea robusta has also a Fern-like form ; and I am not sure but a plant of Arbor Vita; would look well, and, doubt- less, many others may be added. Vabiegated-foliaged Plants Suitable.— This class might, perhaps, be made more numerous than any ; but as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the white-edged foliaged plants are hardly suitable in some respects unless they possess proper- ties of consequence in another way. The whole race of varie- gated Geraniums are, therefore, shut out ; and though the beau- tifully-formed leaves of Centaurea eaudidissima and Cineraria maritime are acceptable in many instances, they do not look so well upon a white tablecloth unless they be separated from it by a foot or stand of some high colour, clearly marking out the dis- tinction. The prettiest of all plants for this purpose, not even excejjtiiig the best flowering plant we have, is Drr.csena termi- nalis ; its graceful form and compact habit, aided by a colour which cannot be excelled, commend it to our notice as the best- adapted of all the plants of high colour. D. ferrea and others are also useful in the same way, and, possibly, some plant- collector may have a better one "than D. terminaUs, but I am not acquainted with any. Next to these, and in the opinion of many exceeding them, is Coleus Verschafielti, than which no plant can exhibit finer colours or a finer form, but the smell is somewhat objectionable. It is, however, perhaps the most con- spicuous plant that can be set on the table, and a general favourite then. I have also had Mr. Veitch's new Amaran- thus, A. melancholicus ruber, on the table, and its appearance is good — better than the Persia, which in times of emergency has been used in such manner. I have never had Poinsettia pulcherrima in good condition at the time wanted, although I have seen plants elsewhere that were all th4t could be desired. Of Begonias there is great variety, but I confess admiring all of the plants whose names are pre- viously mentioned more than this ; but if one be really wanted I would have that having the least white marking that could be had. The old B. Eex has a clearer marking than many of the newer ones ; and as green is more wanted than white, it is of consequence to have this. The velvety-looking leaves of some of the Gesneras with their dark-veined markings look pretty well; and nice plants of Marauta zcbrina and M. vittata also look well. Many ladies, as Mr. Perkins justly observes, admire the Caladium, of which the small-leaved class, as argyrites and Chantini, are better than C. Belleymei ; while variety of form is given to a group by such plants as Pandanus javanicus variegatus, with its bharply-serrated »i;d long curved foliage gracefully bend- ing over the sides of the pot. More stiff is Aspidistra lurida variegata, but equally tropical-looking in aspect ; and I have no doubt but Alocasia metallica will equal any in its singularity of form and lustre. It has hardly become sufliciently plentiful to be tru^ted at all times in such places. A variegated Hydrangea is hardly admissible, neither is the variegated Orange advisable ; and for a like reason the variegated Duranta Baunigardi, though pretty amongst a group of other plants, is hardly so when placed on a white tablecloth, and I confess having much reluctance to advise plants requiring much framework to support them as suitable for this work, otherwise Cissus discolor is a gem that way, and a well-managed plant of Tradescantia discolor is also good. Obnamental Plants not Suitable.- In the lists alrea.fly giv«n, care has been taken to exclude those requiring many sticks, or otherwise showing much mechanical arrangement ; for the plant being placed so close to the observer, such appen- dages as wirework, sticks, string, &c., are objectionable. In accordance with this rule, creepers are therefore excluded. Per- , haps some will be pleading hard for a Tropseolum or two, but November 18, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. (517 I have no particular liking to tliem ; while the more robust j (Trowing creepers are decidedly objectionable. Plants also with long naked llower-stcms rarely look well, liowever pretty the f!owcr nmy be, unless that flower is below llio eye. For this reason Statiuo llolfordi and kindred species, though exceedingly handsome iu other places, are not so here, as likewise is Bletia Tankervilllfp ; and the mechanical combination of sticks and string, by wliich young gardeners are apt to set-off their Aphe- lexes in porcupine-fashion, is not admissible on any terms. All very strong-smelling plants, as Hyacinths, are objectionable; Roses, howcrer, need not be included in this, as forced and in- door ones are not so liighly scented as those grown in the open air, and no one complains of the perfume of a liosa. Migno- nette is not sulliciently ornamental to entitle it to a place here ; and many other plants, whose claims to attention elsewhere are undisputed, are, for reasons here giyen, unsuitable for dinner- table decoration. CoNcrA'DiNa Remarks. — The above having extended to a much greater length than was at first intended, I need only say that for general purposes of this kind plants that will bear cramping in small pots are the most desirable, and a suitable covering or stand for such pota is also wanted. At Linton we had some of Messrs. Barr & Sugden's covers, of which favour- able mention was made in the gardening papers in the early part of the summer ; but, though they are pretty enough, they are open to many improvements, and in j)oint of general adaptability are not so good as a kiud which preceded them, consisting of a coloured card folded up in flutes, so as to let-out or take-in to fit any sized pot. Some cheap and useful pan or saucer is also wanted to save the tablecloth, and at the same time not to show itself. Perhaps a few tin stands, exactly the size of the bottom of the pots to be used, or a trifle larger, might be made ; and if these were about an inch deep they would retain any moisture that might drain away from the plant, while the ornamental cover would go over all and down to the tablecloth. Perhaps some one also will devise some ornamental stand, but it ought to be low — not more than 3 inches high for the highest plants ; and as many dessert services are on stands, or, rather, consist of stands not more than the height mentioned, it is easy to find an example, but a more ornamental and better-adapted cover for the flower-pots than those we possess is most wanted. The tin or japanned bottom is an easy affair ; and if some enterprising manufacturer puts forth a stand for flower-pots, let it be without any side. I am not sure that even a rim is wanted, as the size of flower-pots cannot always be controlled at the moment, and it is provoking to find the pots too large for the allotted space ; for, as it is advisable at all times to exhibit the plant in as small a pot as possible, its bottom is needlessly increased when its pot has to be placed inside another, and that one, perhaps, not close-fitting. It is, therefore, for these and other reasons that I would ask for a class of ornamental card-covers of a kind that will enlarge or contract with ease and expedition, and would leave the highly chased and glittering wine-coolers and other articleg of plate and costly china to their more legitimate purposes ; for, however well such appendages may be adapted for cut flowers, I cannot say that I admire them for plants, and their liability to get broken or otherwise injured affords another reason for dispensing with them. As for cut flowers, I should like the opinion of some lady on this head ; my own ideas have already gone forth, and some one else will, I hope, give theirs. J. ROBSON. CHRYSANTHEMUM EXHIBITION OF THE ROYAL HORTICDLTURAL SOCIETY. November 11th. What with the meetings of the Fruit and Floral Committees in the same day and place, we never had an Exhibition in No- vember which drew together so many practical heads and such an amount of downright practical judgment, such opposite views and so much of the harmony of contrasts in opinions, as the French dyer said of so many of his colours when viewed on a dark grey ground in masses, and free from the influence of any other shade in creation. A frosty morning, of from 5° to 1° of keenness, in various situations within twenty or thirty miles of London, and a clear sunny day, a bracing air, and a thorough move in advance in the cultivation of the flower of the season — the Chrysanthemum, seemed to gather the craft together to make a pleasant day of it, even in November, But the coming of age of the Prince of Wales on the day the Lord Mayor got into his new boots and so boosed the people in London on the RIonday, caused them to have little relish for fruit and flowers when they arose next morning ; so let us gather wisdom from the event, to prevent the like next time. In the coming year we shall stage five days before the Lord Mayor gets into his stage conch. This has been tlie worst season for growing Chrysanthemnma round London for the last forty years, or, at least, since 1827 and 1828, when ihis Society had a whole house devoted to them in the Chiswick garden, and had a greater number and variety of more distinct kinds there tlian the whole of Europe could now produce ; antl if we balance the loss of three distinct strains at least against the improvements we have made on the two remaining strains, the remainder would just leave us where we stood at the end of 182S ia reference io tlio Clirysanthemum. Now, however, we had the first of Mr. Fortune's distinct strains from Japan exhibited by Mr. Standish, and the Floral Committee had to decide on the merits of a new strain among them of which we never heard before — the Fringed strain. Every floret is fringed as the frilla of a Scottish laird of the seventeenth century, not like the fringe of the Marabout feathers, as in the Pompone of that name. I put up at once for a first-class cer- tificate for the new strain, and none would second the motion ; then, to make up for the mistake of judging one strain from the merits of another, I put up both my hands for a second-class certificate, in which the Committee were unanimous. Now, I look \ipon a unanimous vote of the Committee to be of more value tlian a higher award would be on a divided opinion, as that might be carried by one in tlie majority : therefore I must be satisfied with the result of this vote. The Committee was fully represented : therefore, being unanimous on a new plant of an old favourite family, a second-class certificate was better in practice than a fir.'t-class one on a divided opinion. You will see what seedlings were awarded prizes from the pub- lished list; and I may add that we were also unanimous in the opinion that several others of the seedlings were, or would be, worthy of prizes, and possibly of higher ones, when the plants recovered from the effects of this unchrysauthemum season. But I must mention three of a family caste which will be very much sought after. One is " Her Majesty," a fine blush incurved flower, a good, dwarf, close-growing plant, well adapted for pot culture ; Princess Louis of Hesse, a beautiful delicate pink blush, incurved flower, about the same habit as "Her Majesty;" and Princess Alexandra, a beautiful rosy blush flower, incurved. This group possess all the qualities we ascribe to lady-like flow^ers. The rest of this collection of seedlings were — Aspasia, rosy purple and blush at the back, incurved ; a dwarf, good, pot plant. Ariel, a delicate pink blush. Antonelli, large, dark orange, incurved. Cardinal Wiseman, a fine pot plant, and very free bloomer, in nearly the colour of Madame Poiigi ; a capital "decorative" plant, as the florists say. Duchess of Bucking- ham, a fine wliite incurved flower, which had a second-class award — the higliest of the day. Lord Palmerston will be out next year amongst the " stunners " from Mr. Bird ; the colours are mixed, dark orange, and tipped variously. Cleopatra, lilac and blush centre, finely incurved. Cra??us, a dark golden orange, and finely incurved. Latona, pure white, incurved. Holman Hunt, a large dark rose, incurved, which will be as big as Lord Palmerston. Gavazzi, a fine, incurved, orange flower. Margaret Vatcher, large ro'y anemone. Oliver Cromwell, dark red, incurved. Rev. J. Dix, a tliorough decorative flower in the style of Little Harry, orange amber, beautifully incurved; and Abbe Passaglia, a large, light cinnamon orange, will be among the "stunners" someday. After these we had half a dozen kinds of new races from Japan, sent by Mr. Standish, but they were not forward enough to be judged, except the fringed one, as above, which is named laeiniatum. A remarkably handsome Fern, a seedling from the " Dusty Miller " of Peru, from Mr. Parsons, had a second- class certificate unanimously ; and Mr. Bull at last got a unanimous first-class for two plants of exquisite habit and look for high decoration and for show days. The Cyperus alter- nifolius variegatus, which took us all by surprise, will give you a fair idea of the looks and ways of this novelty, which is by Siebold, and was missed both by Mr. Fortune and Mr. Veiteji in Japan. The name is Ophiopogon jaburan variegaturo. Jlr. Parsons sent several cut flowers of Achimencs, from the strain of Meteor, and of most lovely colours, merely that we 648 JOUENAL OF HORTICIXLTUEE AND COTTAGE .GAEDENEE. [ Korember 18, 1863. mio'ht see the progress in that family and style. Mr. Salter sent a good specimen of Giinnera scabra, with a fruit-and-flower cone 2 feet long. This is the best of all the rocky-wilderness plants we have. The one out at Kew is now enormous — I think I counted nine cones on it in September. And the Messrs. Veitch sent a fine complement of Orchids, including the white and the crimson-eyed sorts of Calanthe vestita, Vanda coerulea, Lycaste Skinneri, and others, with the splendid Cattleya Pescatori. After these was a very pretty addition to hexandrous plants — B new hardy herbaceous plant from Japan, with upright flowers, variegated equally in black and white in bars and stripes. The botany of this plant is most beautiful and most singular in this order of plants, the parts being regularly arranged in whorls of threes, which give the index to the name of it, Tricyrtis sp. ; and whatever the cyrtis, or number of whorls, the specific ought to be ampleiicaulis, for every leaf is so arranged on the stalks, which rise a foot or more, with tassels of these blossoms on the tops. It had a first-class certificate with all consent. Then came Mr. Bird's big cut Chi'ysanthemums, followed by Mr. Cattell, the only other grower who could cut and come again. The two collections were, or might be said to be, at either pole — the one at the biggest end of it, the other not the farthest from the other end. The largest Chrysanthemums of this untoward season for them were Jardin des Plantes, Lady Hnrdinge, Queen of England, Alfred Salter, Pietoreum roseum. Nil Hesperandum, Anaxo, Dupont de I'Eure, Old and Golden Trilby, Madame Leo, Dr. Kosas, Alarm, Pandora, Eifleman, Golden Ilermione, Progne, and Little Pet. Mr. Cattell had two collections and one miscellany ; but some not more than one-half the size lie had them the last two or three years at the Crystal Palace. The competition collections, on the other hand, showed an immense stride of improvement m the growth, training, and blooming of the specimens. They were just in the size and form of the biggest Pelargoniums, all on one stem a-piece, and exquisitely done ; even Mr. Salter, who has hitiierto pre- sented them piire and simple from the way of Nature, took the inoculation from the *' growers," and did them on the country-conservatory model to a shade ; but that model being so different from that of the exhibitions, he allowed the " growers " to fight it out amongst themselves, and they did so, Potomac fashion ; for the Judges could not tell who was con- queror of the two foremost in the fray. It was a complete tie ; and as there is no lawful authority yet to untie this knot, they generally " serve " them both alike, as you will see by the list of awards. The kinds in the two first-class collections were these : — Mr. Glover, gardener to R. C. Lepage, Esq., Brixton, had Chevalier Domage, Dr. Maclean, Vesta, Alma, Trilby, and Golden Christine. These were one shade better in the getting- up. Mr. Ward, gardener to W. Fowler, Esq., Tottenham Green, had the original and the Golden Christine, General Have- lock (a usurped name for Insigne), Vesta, Alma, and Annie Salter. Mr. Turner, of Slough, had an extra in this class with Alraa, Chevalier Domage, Hermione, Golden Christine, Christine itself, and Golden Trilby. Mr. Ward had a second prize with Beaute du Nord, Chevalier Domage, Bouquet des Fleurs, Lucidum, and Prince Albert. Mr. Salter had Eifleman, White Christine, Julia Grisi, Ariadne, Sulphurea superba, and Christine ; and in another collection he exhibited ten or twelve more kinds exactly as the best gardeners do them for conserva- tory decoration. These were the principal : — Prince Albert, Dr. Maclean, Dido (a fine white). Alma, General Slade, Lady Hardinge, Sparkler, Mr. Murray (a violet purple flower of medium size, and the only one of that particular tint, therefore very desirable for variety), and Defiance. There were twenty-eight specimens of Pompones in compe- tition, averaging 4 feet across, and as flatly trained as a dining- room table ; although this is the usual way at flower shows, the plan is not worth one sti-aw, looking at it from a gardener's point of view. Nothing has ever been done more artistically than this flat-specimen training ; but, like the florists' roundness of flower, the form is of no use whatever out of the circle of that particular fancy, and it seems to me a misuse of our means to give prizes to that which is of no public utility whatever. There were three specimens of pyramid-trained Pompones very much better done than the bedroom-candle-extinguisher- like training we had this time last year. Another trial or two will assuredly bring out shape, size, and bloom that will suit everybody, and be worth all the money ten times over. The fact is, people will then go to Chrysanthemum shows to learn what improvements may be made at home ; but now as no home can adopt the " squat system," as Mr. Marnock happily called it, no one seems to care the value of a rush about them. Why, then, continue the waste of money in giving prizes to such forms ? There was a large collection of fruit on view from Canada and Nova Scotia, the specimens as good-looking as could be obtained in Europe. Some of them quite new to our pomologists, and some as old as some of the newest Grapes which composed the order of the day for the Poraological Committee. But, to go off at a tangent to another theme, the gardener at Buckingham Palace has a most valuable foundation for a new strain of Lilies between the Lancifoliums and the scarlet Mar- tagon ; and Mr. Standish is on the high way for a still more magnificent run of gems from the great master Lily of our day, the grand Auratum from Japan, now selling at ten guineas a-piece. Depend upon it that new-crossed Lilies will pay better than new seedling Grapes in a year or two. But Mr. Standish will be able to decide that question before any of us, for he has crossed over sixty or seventy kinds of Grapes this very season ; and from his experience with the Ehododendrons and with their back pollen, if anything can be made out of pollenising Grapes in our climate to beat the Lilies, we shall first know of it from himself ; and the mystery, if such there be, may throw some light on the present mode of cross-breeding Grapes, which at present is surrounded with obscurity. D. Beaton. BEDDING TULIPS. I EEMEMBEE reading some years ago in a gardening cotemp- orary the mournful complaint of some young man in the country (young at any rate he must have been as to greenness), who, captivated by the glowing descriptions (and I am not sure but that pictorial beauties were added thereto), of a London firm as to the beauties of spring gardening, expended thereon a large sum of money. Crocuses of various hues, Hyacinths fragrant and beautiful, gay and flaunting Tulips, with the pearly and elegant Snowdrop, and various other things, were to make the garden at the Grange the envy of aU beholders and the pride of the lady of the manor. In order that there might be no mistake the bulbs were accompanied by their own particular trainer, as horses are, and no sacrilegious hand was to attempt an honour for which he alone was deemed worthy. The bulbs were sound, the beds well prepared. Mr. Oldbuck, the gardener, looked on in mute astonishment — " Well I never ! If I had asked for half the money them things cost, wouldn't maaster ha' blowed-up?" "and all went merry as a marriage- bell." When January's snow had melted away, there, sure enough, were the bulbs all peering above ground. But alas ! he found — and this his complaint — that the Crocuses were so precocious they wouldn't wait for the Hyacinths ; while they in their turn would have nothing to say to those dissolute Tulips, all dressed out m such toggery, as if belles would ever associate with such swells as they were. You may be sure old Master Oldbuck did laugh over master's vexation, and wondered how " that 'ere Lunnun chap would look now;" while master himself fired ofl' an indignant letter about a matter which he ought to have known well enough had he ever so small a garden. One of those flowers on which he depended is, I am sure, very much overlooked in the decoration of our flower gardens in spring — the Tulip. We are told, though I never had the pleasure of seeing it, how tellingly the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland, has employed them at Cleveden ; and many saw and admired them, doubtless, at the Eoyal Botanic Society's garden in the Regent's Park in the summer. Having been favoured by the politeness of Messrs. Barr & Sugden, of King Street, Covent Garden, with a collection of them last autumn, I have made a few notes thereon, which, as this is a very favour- able season for planting, may not be unacceptable to some of your readers. For those who are beginning, the most desirable plan will be, probably, to grow them in clumps ; and as they readily increase, in a short time sufficient will probably be ob- tained to make them up in beds of various colours, for they are to be had in white, yellow, scarlet, and various colours ; and if planted early enough, can he taken up in sufiicient time for Verbenas, Geraniums, &c., to occupy their places. I would hero say that my decided preference is for the single varieties. I know some of the double ones, such as Marriage de ma Fille, are November 18, 1862.1 JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COXXAGE GARDENER. 649 very fine; but they bavo tliis objection — tbat nfter beavy rnin tho flower becomes filled witb wulcr, autl, from its great weigbt, 18 eitber apt to Imiig down its beud and boconio ortant addition to these pipes is a coating of sheet iron regularly perforated with holes, leaving an interval of half an inch wide all round. Au' is admitted from the out- side by two four-ineh sheet-iron tubes, fitted with valves, so as to admit or exclude at pleasure,into this vacuum between the sheet iron and the pipes, and, as will be easily conceived, it is super- heated before circulating into the house ; fresh air so heated in houses of this kind is an important element towards success. The Vines themselves, as has been told by Mr. Thomson him- self, are of considerable age, and were experiuiented upon three years ago, only prior to young ones taking their place, which, of course, has not been done, and will not likely be until another house is prepared to replace the one in question. The young wood was vigorous, and the leaves, as has been hinted at above, all that could be desired. There was no tlabbiness nor want ef eonsolidation about any of theu- parts — rothing, in- deed, to indicate that the year was any further advanced than Juno or July. The bunches were nil nearly uniform in size, many of them exceedingly handsome, and, so far as wo saw, none of the Vines lightly eroppc I to prepare for the coming struggle. But will they finish ? is the rub. Talk of bringing Grapes up to the mark that have to colour in the dark, dullest days of winter, is the cry of the doubtful; and the part that Mr. Thomson is taking in almost ignoring colour in black. Grapes, will probably make thom more doubtful still. This, to the looker-on, is oerlninly the most delicate and dilfieult point to attain ; but Mr. Thomson, with t wo previous years' experience to back him, says, "There is no fear of colouring : they would astonish you on that point." The late vinery is 110 feet long, by, I think, 15 feet wide, and is full from end to end of a very fine lot of fruit. Lady Downe's Seedling predondnating. There are also West's St. Peter's and Kaisui de Calabre. The Lady Downe's Seedlings are much finer than they have ever been at Dalki'ith, and, in- deed, are as fine as any oiio could possibly desire. The bunches are not large but they are uniform, and the berries far above the average size ; they wTre not ripe, but were gone half way in point of colouring. The West's St. Peter's were also very re- markable for their great size of berry, and the bimches, as is usual with that variety, heavily shouldered. Eaisiu de Calabre was in beautiful order, and is the best keeping late AVhite Grape at Dalkeith. Some of the bunches were not much under 6 lbs. weight, and the berries were of good size and of good colour ; the flavour was rich and vinous. At a moderate esti- uie.te, there would be five hundred bunches in this liouse which one might average, after hanging from Christmas onwards, at 1 lb. the bunch. This anybody who sees them will consider under the mark, and would realise a considerable sum of money at the high prices obtained during that season, and, moreover, would pay in full the £1G0 winch Mr. I'homson disbursed for the erection of the house, in one year. The house is placed towards a southern exposure, against a wall previously in exist- ence, which is not included in the estimate. The large sloping sash is a fixture, and veiitilutiou is provided for with a short perpendicular sash at front, and a small sloping one at back. These are so connected by longitudinal iron rods and transverse ones, jointed arm-like, that by means of a lever, in both eases at one end, they can be opened simply and expeditiously as much as desired tlieir whole length. The process is one of the simplest we know of, and one of the most economical. There is a house here also devoted to the trial and cultivation of seedling Grapes, of which there was a considerable quantity. The fruit of two "crosses" were then hanging. The one was Lady Downe's Seedling crossed by Muscat of Alexandria, of which there had been a goodly batch, but only one reserved as being thought worthy of further trial. This bunch was as imlike Lady Downe's Seedling as possible, only it apparently possesses ite late-keeping qualities, and being a White Grape will be worthy of further trial. It is a round berry of a faint amber colour, and its skin is hard, but so crisp as to leave the mark of any puncture as distinctly as it would do in a green state. It is a firm flesh and far superior in flavour to Lady Downe's. The other is a cross between Parbarossa and Muscat. This has black oblong berries, of a medium flavour, making up a handsome bunch of berries, upon the whole rather below the average. Such trials as these, irrespective of their results, are exceedingly interest- ing, and show what skilful manipulation can eU'eet. — James Andehson, Meadow Bank, Uddinjstone. GEAETING VINES. Theee are two best seasons for grafting the Vine. First, when both stock and scion are in a state of rest, and about ten days or so before you wish to set the sap moving artificially, or leave it to move naturally. The Vine cannot be grafted when the spring sap is flowing freely and thin ; and, besides, any inci-ion then would waste the energies of the plant. Suppose, then, you commenced raising tlie temperature of a vinery to incite it into action on the 1st of January, we would graft in the last week in December. If the sap began to run naturally in the end of March, we would graft a fortnight previously. We mention this because, thougii it may only be a notion of ours, our ex- perience would lead us to the conclusion that the grafts do best when they are put on before, but not long before, the sap is in motion. The modes of grafting are endless, and it matters little 652 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 18, 1862. _ CHRYSANTHEMUMS. MR. Salter's, Versailles nurseet, hammeesmith:. The winter garden this season occupies three houses, and the oolleotion has not hitherto been seen to such great advantage. There were nearly fifty kinds of new Chrysanthemums in blooai on the 10th instant, which I had never seen before ; and among which is resorted to. In small stems I prefer cleft-grafting — that is, cutting the stock straight across, splitting it down the middle for 3 inches or so, and making the scion into the wedge form, and making sure that at one side at least the inner bark of the scion joins the inner bark of the stock. The scions I prefer are pieces of well-ripened young wood containing two buds, and an inch of wood above the upper bud. In cleft-graftnig the scion is cut across at the lower bud, much if as you were making a Geranium cutting, and then in forming the wedge a jiiece of tlie harder substance across the bud is still left. In the case of larger stems we have cut a triangular piece out to fit a similar triangular shape in the scion, but I do not think there was any advantar-e gained over the more simple mode of just slicing a piece ofl' one side of the scion and a similar piece off the »tock, so that the barks of botli sliould unite. In rather thick stems we prefer placing a scion on each side— that is, two instead of one. The scions will be more secure if tongued, but that I have seldom done. The scion is put on so tliat the lower bud shall be on the outside. Sometimes we cut this bud through to prevent a shoot coming, and sometimes not. If so done the base will be sure to send out small buds afterwards. The two essentials of success are — clean cuts, on stock and scion to fit each other, and tight, careful tying, so tliat the libers or inner barks of both stock and scion fit. In order to keep the air from the junction, we generally use a little grafting-clay in the usual way, and over that we tie a little moss, which is kept dampish. As the sap begins to move, the scion and stock are kept moderately moist. For this nothing is better than a small bottle hanging above the graft with a worsted string suspended from it in the shape ofa syphon. As soon as the union is effected and growth is going on rapidly, the tying must be loosened, but not wholly removed until all danger is past. In fact, it is as well for the Srst season to have a rod fastened to the stock and going con- siderably beyond, to which the scion may also be securely fastened. The second best season can only be resorted to in a house where the Vines are forced so early that they will be in full leaf before a scion kept in a cool place out of doors has at all com- menced to move. Grafting then is often done with great success. As soon as a Vine is in full leaf —that is, when the leaves are nearly their natural size, you may cut and prune as you like without any danger of bleeding. The retarded scion may then be put on ; and a little more care given to keep it warm and moist, along with the free action of growth in tlie stock, will generally cause the scion to start quickly and freely. It will at once be seen that, keeping both modes in view, a person may have two strings to his bow. I on the whole prefer the first, though both myself and many friends have been successful with the second. Inarching differs from the second mode, inasmuch as instead of a scion a growing plant is joined to a young shoot by a splice, or laying, similar to grafting ; and when once the union is effected, the root part of the new plant in a pot is removed. Although not a word too much has been said of the Lady Downe's Grape, wliich you wish to graft on the Hamburgh, it is chiefly as a late Grape that it has acquired such a good repu- tation ; and though, as you say. Grapes in a greenhouse ai'e a great attraction, it should never be forgotten that if plants in pots are also of great importance, the earlier Grapes that may be cut and used— say before the middle of October, are often the most useful. AVe rather think that Lady Downe's will stand damp as well as any, but we know that some who planted West's St. Peter's, Earbarossa, &c., in their greenhouses, in order to have late Grapes, found that the damp from these plants began to injure them before they were ripe. Of course, such a state of thmgs would not apply to a house receiving a considerable assist- ance from fire heat ; but then that properly speaking would not lie a greenhouse, with which we associate generally no more fire heat tlian will keep it from 40° to 45". R. F. [The above is in reply to " A Subscriber of the First Year." To his other queries, the serial on Orchids is 10s. 6d. per part. There is a drawinz of the "Lady Downe's Grape" in the last Number of " The Florist and Pomologist."] them are flowers for all tastes and fashions, and every kind in Europe that is worth growing may be seen in bloom there every season, and that too in their free natural way as common herb- aceous plants. But one whole house was devoted to trained plants of moderate size in the style of country conservatory arrangements, very different, and very much better, and more safe for buyers, than the close compound training for exhibitions. If no man can make out if a plant has one stem only, or one and twenty stems, I say that is not safe work for purchasers. Every leaf and every joint of every one of these plants can be seen and examined. The pots are small, and the plants are rounded up to the centre just as one would choose for one's own house where, in our own eyes at least, there ought to be none like our flowers, like our plants and plant- training, and over all and above all the rest — none like our flower-beds and our arrange- ment of colours. Upon that principle Mr. Salter has put himself to the extra expense this season of having a fresh first-class trainer and grower of Chrysanthemums, as his customers choose them, and that will bring him in more money, more custom, more care, and more pleasure than he ever yet had in tliis plant-family. Every trainer of note has his name entered in the stud-book as regularly as the horse and his rider, and our new trainer must be booked that we may not lose sight of him; but I must beg pardon, for I forgot his first name in the striking coincidence of his being the third great Knight in gardening in my day. I knew Mr. Knight, of Downton Castle, and first President of the Royal Horticultural Society ; I knew Mr. Knight, of the Exotic Nursery, Chelsea ; and I know Mr. Knight, of the Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith, who first introduced the domestic style of growing and training the Chrysanthemum into a London nursery, and 1 would advise every one who can and who values that inestimable treasure — domestic peace and comfort, to go and see that style of growth and trainmg, and to go home and follow the example ; and the best way I can impress the injunction is by doing the next best thing myself in the same mood — that is, to give the cream of the best and newest of the seedlings, not naming those which are mentioned in the report of the Show in another page. Loyalty demands the first turn ; and Queen of England, worthy of the name, is a splendid large blush, together with the sports from it — namely, Alfred Salter, Golden Queen of England, Striped Queen, White Queen, and Lady St. Clair, all considered, both as regards form and size, as the finest flowers in cultivation. The original Queen of England was raised from seed by Mr. Salter in 1847, and ten years before that he raised Madame Poggi, which has not yet been exceeded in size or in the deepness of its dark purple colour. It was named after an English lady who married a Spaniard of that name. The first in my notes is Victor Hugo, a large deep ruby, in- curved flower ; ruby in this family being a deep shade of Indian red. Pyramidalis, orange and red, hybrid, or one-half large and one-half Pompone ; a foot or 18 inches of every shoot blooms in pyramid fashion : hence the name. Daphne, bright sulphur and darker centre ; a fine, conspicuous flower, and very large. Golden Fleece, in the way of Plutus, and the best of that style of flower j the plant is dwarf and remarkably well suited for pots of a smaller size than usual. Hugh Miller, dark red chestnut, and incurved. Jane, the best foliage and habit in the collection, a most delicate pink incurved flower, and an excellent pot plant. These, together with the eighteen kinds mentioned from the Exhibition, include all the seedlings which have flowered up to the 10th of the month. The next move was to go over the flowers which were sent out first last spring, and the newest of the last two years. Boadicea, rose and cream, with a high centre, was very large. Caractacus, a blush-tipped carmine rose ; Ariadne, very large creamy rose, a new shade ; Alma, rose crimson, according to Chrysanthemum colour ; Dido, sulphur white, one of the best for specimens ; Draco, dark ; and Dr. Brock, reddish-orange, all first-class for specimens. Also, Dr. Maclean, which is a sport of Minerva, and here it is sporting into quite a different colour; Cherub, a beautiful golden amber; Ion, the purest white of all ; Emily, a beautiful blush ; Julia Grisi, a fine new shade of rose and pink, and now sporting buff; Leda, large white; General Dumesnil, very large dark fawn ; General Slade, Indian red ; Garibaldi, red chestnut ; Le Bureau, red, tipped with golden yellow ; Pandora, mixed rose, yellow, and nankeen ; Prince Consort, next shade to Progne, purple; Miss Prim, a clear yellow hybrid, prim as a Primrose ; Miss Slade, paloish i November IS, 18G2. ] JOUBNAL OIT nORTICTJLTtJRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 653 sulphur ; Lord of the Isles, large rosy orange ; Sparkler, red tipped with orange, after Augiiste Mie, a splendid kind ; and with Siiccoi Vera.rosy lilac ; Eilleinan, Lord Ilanelajjli, and White Christine, ■B-ill finish this division, and it is almost needless to say they are all incurved ilowcrs. Out of the general collection I give an alphabetical list of the very best kinds, on tin- joint autliority of the Messrs, Salter, father and son, and their humble servant the writer ; but to save room I shall refer you to tlieir catalogue for descriptions. Alfred Salter Albin Alma Annie Salter Ariadne Aregina Auguste Mie Bixio Caractacus Carissima Cassandra Cherub Christine Dido Dr. Brock Duchess of Wellington Emily Etoile Polaire General Slade Globe, White Golden Hermione Golden Queen Ion Jardin des Plantes Julie Grisi Julia Lagravere Lady Uardinge La iielle Blonde, very large white Li'on Laquay Le Trouvere Little Harry iiord Ranelagh Marechal Duroc Miss Slade Mr. Fleurian Mrs. W. Holborn Pandora Pio Nono Prince Albert Princess Maria Prince Consort Progne Queen of England, and all its sports Rifleman Seraph Sparkler Sulphurea superba Versailles Defiance White Cliristinc I noted besides some very interesting plants and some new ways of doing them, which for want of room must stand over till our columns are a little relieved. — D. Beaton. PLEEOMA ELEGANS. This splendid Melastomad is chiefly interesting from the fact that it produces abundance of its deep blue purple flowers on comparatively small plants, and may be managed without a plant-stove, which most of its neighbours require. The fact that the large flowers are produced most freely on the points of last year's shoots furnishes the key-note to its culture. The next thing essential to success is that it will not thrive if kept in a plant-stove, nor yet will it thrive if kept in a c'ool greenhouse. In the one case it will get straggling, and the wood will not ripen well cnoi^gh to bloom freely ; and in the other the plant will assmno a starved appearance, and become brown and unhealthy. In propagating it by cuttings any time during summer would do, but as a matter of choice we would prefer March or April. The points of shoots getting firm at their base would answer ; but we prefer firmish side shoots from 2i inchi's to ;! inches long, rather green at the point, but brownish and firmish at the base. These are to be cut across at a joint at the bottom, the leaves there removed ; the pair above either removed or shortened, and, if long, a little shortening given to all but the terminal ones. They may then be inserted in a well-drained pot, in silver sand over very sandy peat. The success will be all the raoro certain if a small pot is reversed in the centre of the cntting-pot, so that the base of the cuttings may abut on the centre pot. Fill any holes made by the dibber with silver sand ; water well ; and, when the sand is firm and the plants dry, cover the pot with a bell-glass, and plunge the pot in a mild bottom heat, shading the glass in bright sunshine, but giving no shade when cloudy ; removing it early in the afternoon, and giving a little air under the glass at night, replacing it before sunshine in the morning, and preferring to keep the atmosphere ot the cuttings and the bed round them somewhat moist instead of watering the cuttings much. When struck, pot-ofl' singly in small pots, or three round the sides of a four or five-inch pot, using at first a light soil, as three parts of heath soil to one of loam and one of silver sand, and increasing the amount of loam as the plant gets older. Under tlie most favourable circumstances a cutting could hardly be expected to make a show as a flowering plant under three or four years, or even more. Amateurs would therefore be nearer their purpose to procure from a nurserymen a nice, bushy, healthy plant, in a four or a six-inch pot ; and though we give the process of propagating, yet with all such things it. will be the truest economy to keep in mind the division-of-labour principle and purchase a nice plant, as propagators by profession can do all that sort of thing at half the labour and expense that any amateur, or any gardener with a great variety of plants demanding his attention, could by any possibility do. Supposing the plant to be obtained, our cultural remarks will chiefly have reference to getting it to bloom early in the summer of the following year. The plant, then, home-raised or purchased, being a nice little stubby plant in the end of March or beginning of April, and occupying a five-inch pot pretty well filled with roots, we would keep the plant in a temperature of from 50° to 55° with a view to promote free growth, and this, especially in a bought plant, for a fortnight or three weeks after obtaining it, so that all the stagnation of the journey might be got over. The next thing to do is to give tlie plant a larger pot. Unless in skilful hands that will regulate watering to a nicety, very large shifts are to be avoided ; hut so are very small ones, as the plant seems to need a little nursing after every shift. Well, supposing the plant is in a five-inch pot, we would transfer it to a seven or an eight-inch, draining the pot well, using a little broken sifted charcoal over the drainage — that is, getting rid of the dust ; then gently disi'ntangle the roots outside the ball, so that they shall run at once into the new soil, taking care that before shifting the ball is thoroughly and sufGeiently moistened, as fresh-potting such a plant dry is next-door to throwing it away. The soil should be in good order, neither wet nor dry, and picked-in pretty lightly among and to the roots Soil Used. — What is best for young plants has already been stated. For plants about this size three parts of heath soil to two of loam, should be used ; and one part more may consist of silver sand, broken pots, and nodules ot charcoal, so as to allow free passage for water. When the plants come to stand in a ten or twelve-inch pot the fibry loam and heath soil may be in equal proportions, and then the loam will insure more stubbiness in the growth. Then, too, a little fine aerated leaf mould may also be used in the soil. A little moss will likewise be an ad- vantage between the soil and the drainage. First Summer's Management. — After potting it would be well to raise the temperature gradually from 50° to 60°, using a little shade in bright sunshine, and frequent sprinklings overhead, until the roots are working freely in the fresh soil. Until then, water should be given carefully, so as not to deluge the fresh soil until the roots get into it. A skiff from the syringe will be useful in sunny afternoons until the end of July. As soon as you perceive the roots are taking fresh hold, the training of the plant should commence, fastening some shoots nearly horizon- tally, but letting their points have an upright direction, so that the plant when fall grown shall have an orbicular form. Many 654 JOUaNAl OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 18, 1S62. of the shoots wiU need eo stopping owing to their comparative ■weakness; but all the stronger shoots will need to be slopped several times, so as to insure compactness and regularity of growth. When blooming next season is resolved on, no stopping of shoots should take place after the end of June. Water will be required in greater quantity as the sun gains strength ; and as the roots get to the sides of the pot, manure water will help to give strength and colour, using it in a clear and weak state. Were we not to think of blooming the platits the following year, we would shift again in June ; but wishing to have flowers we will not do so, but, will gradually give the plant more air, after July, to consolidate tlie little shoots. Autumn and Winter Treatment. — In August, in addition to giving more air in a greenhouse, we would prefer the plant to stand in a cold pit, with glass over it, and air back and front. In September we would gradually diminish water, and by the end of the month put the plant in a house where the temperature will not be below 45°, nor above from 50° to 55° with fire heat, during the winter. Water, also, should be given carefully, and the plant will be safer if the pot stand inside of a larger pot, with damp moss stuflVd between them. In spring the plant may have from 5° to 10° higher temperature as the sun gains power, and more moisture in proportion, which will cause the flower- buds to show and swell. Future Treatment. — When in bloom the plants will keep their beauty longer in a cooler atmosphere, and with a little shade to break the iierceness of the sun's rays. When done fioweritig give what little pruning is necessary ; encourage the plant to grow, shift into a larger pot if necessary, keep close and moist imtil there is free, fresh rooting, and in autumn give more air and sunlight, as already described, and house in time for the winter. Insects. — If a little ily appears, smoke in the usual way. The most troublesome customer is the thrips, and the best preventive is a Iree use of the syringe when growing, and frequent smokings and washings as soon as one is seen. If "manure water is used from the droppings of animals, it would be advisable to soak the droppings at first in boiling water, which will destroy all vei-min and their eggs, and the water may be reduced enough afterwards. In watering in winter, the water should be soft, and a few degrees warmer than tlie atmosphere of the house. — R. F. Ebratum.— In the fortieth line from top in first column, page 633. the firRC word, "pruniug," sliould he " moving." Will " A. R. Ikl." correct INSCEIPTIONS OjST EXHIBITION CAEDS. It is the practice with our Dublin Royal Horticultural Society to have on the entry-cards, with the heading of the particular class, also the name and address of the exhibitor. These cards are placed on before the Judges go round, and remain on during the day. It is very satisfactory in this way, as not only the names of those who take the prizes are before the visitors, but the names of all the competitors. It appears to have a good effect, too, in making exhibitors careful — much more careful than they would otherwise be — not to bring forward anything that, even though it shall not get the jirize, would not be at least creditable. I have heard, too, that impartial judgment is more likely to be had in this way tlian when the names are concealed. Will you be so good as to favour me and other exhibitors in your next issue with your opinion on the subject, and also say is tills the practice with your great London and other leading Societies in England ? — An Old Subscbibee. [At the Exhibitions of the Royal Horticidtural Society, those of the Crystal Palace Company, and at some of our leading provincial exhibitions, the name of the exhibitor is inserted on the exhibition class curd before the Juilges go round ; but each card is turned so that the blank side only is seen, untd after the Judges have made their awards. — Eds. J. of H.J EASILY-MANAGED HEATING. Mt apology for intruding on your space is the hope that my experience may be of some use to other amateurs, who, I ob- serve, often write for information as to the best means of heat- ing small houses, and on the most economical plan, or that will admit of the removal of the arrangements on the expiration of a tenancy. I must premise that I have tried flues, gas, and hot water at different titnes, and have been successful with all ; but my pre- sent plan, I can safely engage, most fully answers the above so- often-repeated questions. The boiler is an upright one, and the pipes are on Truss's patent, which are put together with vulcanised indiarubber bands and screw collars, which are so simple, that, by having a spare length or two at hand, either the master or his man can in half an hour take out and replace any piece in case of accidental flaw. Since the early spring I have kept a propagating-tank, hot- house, and intermediate-house in full work without any cost for fuel, having only made use of the ashes and cinders of the house and laundry. In five minutes after lighting the fire the fiow- pipe becomes warm, and in half an hour the circulation is com- jilete through about 200 feet of two-inch and four-inch pipes. If the fire is made up about ten p.m. it requires no further nttei:tion till the next morning, and I generally find it burning. The heat from the upright boiler is sufficient to keep off excess of cold from a greenhouse or range of pits, and the whole apparatus can be removed in a short space of time without the assistance of skilled workmen, and without leaving any traces or causing any destruction of material. I think that my ease will answer many of your correspondents' questions ; and should you or they require further information 1 shall be most happy to afford it, and for this purpose enclose- my card. — Subscbibee since 185(5. LAMBTON CASTLE, ITS GAEDENS AND SCENEEY. Having, on a former occasion, described Eavensworth Castle and grounds as a place of much consequence in the county of" Durham, I now endeavour to give an outline of another noble- man's seat, differing considerably from the former in its general features of landscape scenery and in position ; while in its archi- tectural construction there is some similarity, as both are castel- lated mansions, and both were built about the close of the laet and beginning of the present century. Lambton Castle may,, perhaps, of the two combine a little more of the ecclesiastical style of building in its construction than the other ; but massive Norman towers characterise both, and at Lambton the builders have been fortunate in obtaining a stone that stands well. Much of the building has the same clean light colour it had when first erected, and this is much to say in a neighbourhood where coal' smoke abounds so much. The situation of the Castle is on the precipitous banks of the river Wear, which flows at about a stone's throw from the terrace wall which surrounds the Castle, the bed of the river being some 150 feet or more below the terrace. This great elevation gives the place a fortress-like character; and the oppo- site side of the river, being also steep, rocky, and abrupt, is planted with trees, which in many places reach into the stream. It is easy to conceive the bold scenery which is here brought before the eye, while occasional cross ravines tumble in their waters into the mother stream, which here shows little signs of the many uses it is put to only a short way lower down ; for- the busy port of Sanderland is less than ten miles off with its closely-packed-in forests of vessels ; and ship-building on the banks of this river has been carried on, perhaps, to a greater extent than on those of any other in England. An almost closely-united string of building-yards extends up the river to near Lambton, giving employment to a busy population ; besides which, the surrounding country is dotted over in all directions with coal mines, or intersected by their necessary adjuncts — railways. It has often been a source of wonder that a demesne like that of Lambton should preserve its retirement, its sylvan beauty,, and the other features which form so important a character;, for at the distance of two or three miles, or less in some points, we come upon those deep and extensive coal mines which from lime immemorial have been regarded as the Durham coal fields. Unfortunately, the workings of these mines in years gone by have been much nearer the mansion of Lambton than was ex- pected, for subsequent events have proved it to have been under- mined. To those who are not acquainted with such matters, I may mention that coal is usually found in scams lying hori- zontally, and from 2 feet to 5 feet or 6 feet thick. Seams less than 3i feet are seldom woiked. These seams lie at various distances — say from 50 yards to 500 yards deep; the latter depth being, I believe, about the lowest-worked seam hitherto November 18, 1862.] JOURNAL OP HOariC0LTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. 653 tried. Now, it appears that one or two of the scums nciiroat to the top had been worked out, and tlie coul all, or nearly all, taken away from the part immediately underneath the Castle. The residt was that some ten years ago tho ground sunk in a broken manner, carrying the Castle with it ; the irregular shrinkage, creating great fraetures and settlements, disliguring and deranging the whole. Tliis settling of tho ground, I was told, went on for some years, creating great alarm, as may bo imagined, amongst the inmates. Of course, means were taken to remedy the evil by securely building-up the excavated part underneatli, or filling" it in witli material that will bear the super- incumbent weight ; but this serious calamity necessarily deranged the mansion as a residence for some years, so much of it had to be taken down entirely, and some alteration or addition will be made. Not tho least important, and one that will give the reader some idea of the magnitude of the whole, is an entrance- hall 90 feet long by 60 feet high. The width, I believe, was to be about GO feet also. A local stone of good quality and of a pale grey was to be used in the interior ; outwardly the Castle is built of a light-coloured freestone. Tho approach is on the nortli side. One of the lines of carriage-road, after curving towards the river, is carried over it by a noble bridge of one arch, lofty and well-proportioned, and forming an imposing object from the Castle terrace. The steep bank of the river, with the exception of the strip between it and the Castle walls, is thickly wooded on both sides for some dis- 'tance, and affords some beautiful drives and walks. The kitchen garden is to the north-east of the mansion, and at this spot the rise from the river is more easy, giving the kitchen garden a gentle slope to the south-east ; nevertheless the garden is formed into terraces by intervening walls running parallel with the river. The north wall is devoted entirely to a range of Grape and other houses, and in length is little short of 300 feet ; the houses are also of good width — a central one, higher and broader than the rest, being a greenhouse. They are in good working order at the present day, although they have been in use between sixty and seventy years. In breadth and general chai'acter they much resemble those previously described at Ravensworth. On a rising ground behind were some forcing- pits of more recent date, and also frames, cold pits, and like structures ; while to the south the kitohou garden descended for some distance, a terrace wall retaining the platform upon which the range of houses spoken of were built, a broad gravel walk and the Vine-border being also included. I believe there are upwards of four acres inside the walls. The walks, as well as tliose leading tlu'ough the woods and elsewhere, were of a beautiful white gravel ; the particles, by carefully sifting, being all of uniform size — a trifle larger than large Peas. In the immediate neighbourhood of the mansion, the presence of a hundred workmen in the building-way prevented anything in the character of dressed ground just then ; but the walks, lead- ing in v.iriou3 directions through the woods and by the side of the river, had many fine and beautiful openings, which were made use of to plant here and there Pinuses of the various popu- lar kinds. Shrubs, especially Rhododendrons, were liberally scattered about ; and there were magniticeut specimens of native Ferns meeting the eye at all tnrns. Occasionally a large area had been cleared, and a group of Pinuses introduced, some of which gave promise of becoming useful trees at a future date ; but it was evident many others required a warmer climate. The hasty glance I was obliged to take of them prevented my noticing them in particular. Some other objects of interest were also occasionally met with, not the least important being a fancy dairy, which, in addition to being highly attractive as regarded its outward appearance and inward embellishments, was also well adapted for the purposes intended, which is not the case in all fancy buildings of a like nature. Following the broad and well-kept walks leading through these romantic woods, we often get glimpses of the river ; while its rugged banks on the opposite side are also cut into drives and walks of a like nature. Amongst timber trees the Oak seemed to thrive as well as any, and of the evergreens the Silver Fir and its kindred were also in tolerable health ; while among shrubs tho common Laurel was certainly not so much at home as the Rhododendron : the severe winter of 1860-61, which had been fatal to so many Pinuses here as well as other places, had also severely cnt up the common Laurels. The Portugal Laurel was in better plight, the moist soil and climate being more favourable to the one than the other ; but, so far as management could be brought to bear on the case, everything was being done whicli liberality and skill eouM suggest to make this luio place as attriii^tire as possible. Mr. Stevenson, the worthy gardener there, often lamented the losses they had sus- tained by the hard winter of two years ago ; still abundance is left to testify to the libernlily of a bygone time, and I have no doubt but a place which has been carefully attended to for a century or more will continue to receive all the accessions which its situation and climate render advisable, though more favoured districts may excel in the heights of Wellinglonias, Cedrus deodaras, and the like. Lambtoii Castle, which, 1 believe, occu- pied a proud position in the annals of the country five hundred years ago and more, will, I hope, still continue to do so ; and, when under the care of such public-spirilCil noblemen as the late and present proprietors, there is not much chance of a place of modern growth excelling it. — J. RoDSON. CELEEY-GKOWING AND FAILURE. IIavino sown the following varieties of Celery — Ivery's Non- such, Laing's Mammoth, Manchester Large, and Incomparable Uwarf White — on the 15th of February last in seed-pans, and plunged them in a bottom heat of 75° ; when the plants were fit to handle I had them pricked-out 3 inches apart on dung-beds with a covering of 3 inches of soil, protected with box frames. The bottom heat was 70°. Thev grew vigorously, and were hardened-off gradually. Meanwhile the trenches were being prepared as follows in an open quarter of the garden, the soil of which is light, resting on gravel at a depth of 2 feet : — I had a trench taken out 15 inches deep, 12 inches wide, and filled with good rotten farmyard manure to within 5 inches of the ground level, over which 4 inches of soil from the trench was put. Then, with a space of 30 inches from side to side, the next trench was proceeded with in the same way, and so on till the quarter was all ridged. Selecting a damp day, the plants, which came up with good balls, were planted with the trowel, and re- ceived a watering with the rose on the pot. Damp weather pre- vailed for nearly a fortnight alter they were planted, so that they never had a check; but, on the contrary, being strong stubby plants when put out, they grew vigorously. During the summer, when they required it, they had a good watering from a tank that drains the stable and cow-shed and receives the rain water from the roofs. This was in every instance followed by water from the pump equal in amount to one-fourth part of the whole of the manure water. The earthing-up was attended to about every three weeks until the 8th of October, when they were attacked by the blight or maggot in the leaf On its appearance I had the diseased parts picked off and destroyed. The Celery received its last earthing-up on the 1-ltli of October : and now, when we come to use it, it is stringy, bitter, and rotting very fast in the hearts, so that I have to discard about three heads as unfit for one that is good. In former years I have grown my Celery in four-feet beds ; but as it was in precisely the same condition, I tried the single rows this year. If you or any of your correspondents can assign a reason, or prescribe a cure, I shall feel deeply indebted. — P. L. C. [This is not a solitary instance, and we publish it without comment in the hope that some of our readers will impart some information. — Eds. J. of H.] DEATH OF MB. GLENDINNING. We regret to announce another loss which the gardening community has sustained — that of Mr. Robert Glendinning, of the Chiswick Nurseries, who died on Sunday the 9th inst., after severe and long-continued illness, at the early age of fifty- seven. He was a native of Scotland, having been born at Lanark, September 27, 1805, and took to gardening at an early age. He came to England in 1824, was for three years at a place in Somersetshire, and went from thence to Lady RoUe's, at Bicton, in 1829, whei-e he continued for eleven years, giving during that period ample evidence of his skill as a practical gardener and forester. After being in partnership with Messrs. Lncombe and Pince, of Exeter, for some while, he took the Chiswick Nurseries, formerly occupied by Mr. Williams, in the spring of 1813. This place, which was then in a very decayed condition, he entirely remodelled, building fresh houses and greatly in- ; creasing its extent so as to enable him to meet the require- I ments of a first-class business. As a cultivator of Heaths ha 656 JOUKNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 18, 1862. was unsurpassed, and his collection of these was very complete, whilst for Conifers and fruit trees he always held a high reputa- tion. As a landscape-gardener he was extensively employed, and in that capacity earned out with great skill several important works. Mr. Glendinning was the author of an excellent treatise on the Pine Apple, and contributed papers on subjects connected with horticulture to Loudon's " Gardener's Magazine," and other gardening periodicals of the day, as well as to the " Journal of the Horticultural Society," of which body he was a member for upwards of twenty years. We are happy to learn that the fine nurseries which he may be said to have created will not be broken up, but will be carried on by his sons. OENAMENTAL PLANTS. EOGIBEA AMCENA (Pleasing Rogiera). — Sat. Ord., Cinchon- aceae. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia.' — A handsome cool stove or greenhouse shrub, with di- or tri-chotomously divided branches, broadly oblong acuminate, opposite downy, deep green leaves, 2 inches or 3 inches long; the young leaves are faintly tinged with brown. The inflorescence is a many-flowered trichoto- mously branched terminal cjme, the blossoms of which are crowded, of a 'pretty rose colour, deeper on the tube. The corolla is salver-shaped, with a tube about half an inch long, slightly thickened upwards, and a limb of five oblong, emar- ginate, spreading lobes. The flowers measure about half an inch across the expanded limb. From Guatemala ; temperate regiOBB.. Introduced to Belgium in 1848. Flowers in summer. 1. Eogiera amcsna. 2. Cuphea verticillata. CrPHEA TBETiciLLATA CWhorled-leaved Cuphea). — Ifut. Ord., Lythracefe. Linn., Dodecandria Monogjnia. — A pretty half-hardy pl.int with lierbaceous or sub-shrubby hairy stems. The leaves are in whcrls of three or four, sometinjes opposite, and are nearly sessile, oblong, or ovate-oblong, somewhat rounded at the base, scabrous above, hairy beneath. The flowers are extra-axillary, from opposite sides of the stem, and consist of a curved calyx-tube, about an inch long, pale yellowish-red, an a very irregular corolla of five to eight deep violet petals, o? which the two upper are more than half an inch long, oblong- obovate, and undulated, the rest minute. FiomPeruand Columbia. Found by M. Linden at Pamplona upwai ds ol 8000 feet abov the level of the sea. Introduced to continental gardens in 1848 Flowers in autumn. — (Oardeners' Magazine of Boiant/,) NoTcmber 18, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF UORXICULTURE AND COTTAQE GARDENER. 657 TEITOMA UVABIA CULTURE. I rUECHASED a plant of Tritonm uvaria lately, and was directed to keep it in a cold frhnie during the winter, and plant it out in the spring ; but I have ventured to plant it out in the open ground, and covered it «ith 3 inches or -1 inches in depth of eoal ashes, and in addition it is covered at night with a tub and mat, as the leaves are still green. The tub and mat are removed every day, but in case of severe weather I intend to keep these on altogether during the continuance of such weather. I can etill take up tlie plant, pot it, and move it to the cold frame or greenhouse if you recommend it. — CouNTitT Cukatb. [You are treating it particularly well, and much better than in a cold frame or greenhouse. Your mode of protecting it is one of the best contrivances possible for svich a plant, but the mat is hardly wanted. About the end of November the leaves might be cut down to the ashes, then another layer of dry ashes from the fireplace put on, and the tub put over it and left so day and night to the end of March.] GEEENHOUSE PLANT. Cantua buxipolia (Box-leaved Cantua). — Naf. Ord., Pole- moniacea;. Linn., Pentandria Monogynia. St/n., C. ovata and C. tomentosa, Cava- nilles; C. uniHora.Per- soon ; Periphragmoa dependens and P. uni- tlorus, Suiz and .Pa- von. — A most beauti- ful greenhouse bush, very much branched, the branches downy. The leaves are vari- able in form, gene- rally oblong - ovate, and either entire or sinuate - serrate, and are downy or glabrous. The very large droop- ing flowers form a leafy terminal corymb ; the thick tube of the co- rolla is 3 inches long, the limb spreading li inch across, deep rose, almost crimson, the tube reddish-yel- low. It appears to be an easily - grown greenhouse plant, re- quiring something the treatment of Fuchsias. From the Peruvian Andes. Introduced in 1849. Flowers in AprilandMay. Messrs. Veitch & Son, of Exeter and Chelsea. — {Gardeners' Magazine of Botanij.) Cantua buxifolia. MAEKET-GAEDENING IN WEST COENWALL. {Continued from page 636.) Potatoes and Broccoli are the only vegetables here cultivated for the supply of the London and otlier distant markets. The growers, however, have a large local demand from the thickly- populated mining districts in the neighbourhood, and their waggons ai'e consequently dispatched as far as Falmouth and Redruth. Cabbages are next in order with respect to the acreage em- ployed iu their cultivation ; but all accounts unite in repre- senting them as not giving a good return for the outlay. Woollen rags are the usual manure, and this in larger quantities than for Potatoes. Planting is done in November, and cutting begins in March. Attempts have been repeatedly made to introduce the Fulham and other like Cabbages, but hitherto without success, the only demand beuig for the Cornish Cabbage, which is a poor variety of the Paington, having large and straggling leaves with thick midribs, and a email heart. Double the produce that this gives might bo obtained from better sorts ; but the latter are unsaleable. A severe winter, or the contrary, makes the wholo difference with respect to the value of this crop, and in chf«p seasons I have little doubt but that the opinion of its not UMially proving a productive one is correct. The land, however, is left m excellent condition for whatever m.iy follow. The largo Flatpole or Drumhead Cabbage, commonly grown for the winter food of cattle, is also found in a prominent place on the market-stall. These are sown in Soptcniber, stand the autumn in tlieir seed-bods, are pricked-out in early spring, and finallv planted about the end of June. I have grown con- siderable quantities of them for some years, and whether sold or consumed on the farm, the return has been satisfactory. A much larger breadth was formerly sown in Onions than is now the case, and Wales was the market to which what was not required for the home supply was then sent. The small profit of this crop, also, is complained of, and probably correctly, aa the weight per acre is undoubtedly far below what is obtained in the districts around London— such as West Ham and its neighbourhood. The cost of weeding, also, in a moist chmate like our own, is excessive, and to the same cause the inferiority of the sample may often be attributed. Radishes are sown m considerable quantities in November, the crop bemg fit for market by the time that the sprouted Po- tatoes are ready to go in in March. The White Belgian Carrot finds a place in most occupations for consumption in the stable ; but the same expense in hoeing adds considerably to its usual cost elsewhere. Some years since it readily sold at £2 per ton, but the price now rarely exceeds £1 5»., which, probably, as compared with Oats, is its full value. The Altrineham and other red Can o;s yield well ;. but there is a difil- culty in keeping them through the winter, from the early period at which worms and grubs attack them. The warm sandy slopes around Mara- zion, as already men- tioned, are very favour- able to the growth of both white and yellow Turnips, with which the adjoining markets are abundantly sup- plied almost throughout the year. Swedes are seldom satis- factory on tlie lands occupied by the market-gardener, and where they used formerly to be planted-out after Potatoes Mangold Wurtzel now takes their place. Rhubarb was till lately grown largely, but at present it is not in BO much favour, though the soil is most suitable, and sea- weed the best manure than can be given to it. Asparagus has a fair share of ground allotted to it, but its quality is not that which would recommend it to the London consumer, who requires so large a proportion of tough white stem to its edible end. Earthiug-up the beds and keeping the plants at greater distances would, of course, produce heads fitted for this London requirement ; but a large local sale seems to. render the growers indiflerent to a more extended market. Sea-kale, with few exceptions, is raised only for private con- sumption. This vegetable, however, I fully believe, would be a very remunerative speculation to the Cornish grower, if he would study the condition in which Covent Garden requires its pro- duction. And the same may be said with rei-peit to early Cauliflowers, which stand our winters without any protection. This concludes the list of vegetables grown lor sale, and it will be observed that several are complained of as giving bat 658 JOtTHNAl OF HORTICULTUEE AND COirAGE GARDENER. [ November 18, 1862. indifferent; returns Such complaints, lioweyer, are capable of being, in many instances, sufficiently accounted for. "VVith re- spect to nearly all of them, for instance, the comparison is com- monly made between their habit and that of the combined Broccoli and Potato crops, which latter will be easily understood, as giving a very liigli average retuiu. Defective cultivation is another cause, and m this respect it would be a useful journey for many of our growers to visit the market gardens in the vicinity of London, and thence try to introduce into their own system the same careful eradication of weeds, attention to the constant occupation of the ground, and the proper rotation of crops, that they would witness around Fulham and Hammer- smith. In all these respects we have much to learn ; but what has for a long time done well is only with reluctance altered ■on the chance of doing better, and where Nature has been as bountiful, both as respects soil and climate, as she has proved 'here, this difficulty is always increased. The fruits in cultivation may be shortly summed-iip. Apples, especially Codlins, and other early varieties, are extensively planted where the requisite shelter from wind is attainable ; but they are not, generally speakijig, well managed, standing too ■close together, and the pruning being carelessly done. Little attention is given to their due succession, so that by Christmas ■we are generally dependant on importation, the home-grown supply being by that time exhausted. The climate, doubtless, is unfavourable to the late keeping of either Apples or Pears, both of which, in respect of their late varieties, ripen six weeks or two months before that state would be attained in the colder districts of England. But still hardly an effort is made to produce ■what easily might be provided for the early months of the year. Few Pear trees are seen in the orchards of the market-gar- ■deners, though in regard of the hardier varieties their average produce is encouraging. Beneath and between the rows of Apple trees. Black Currants and Gooseberries are largely planted, the produce of the latter being sold green ; and it is by no means an unusual practice to grow between the bushes one or more rows of Potatoes ; but the constant disturbance of the ground necessitated by this practice is not favourable to the well-doing of the trees. Plums were formerly in extensive cultivation around Penzance, but are now out of favour, and the supply beyond what conies from Eea, a parisli near Truro, is brought down by steamers from Bristol. Many acres were once given to the cultivation of the Carolina Strawberry ; but this has given way in a great measure to the Broccoli and Potato system, so thiit this fruit has now become ■an inconsiderable item of production. On the greenstone formation many of the larger varieties of this fruit, such as ICeens' Seedling, and the British Queen are too apt to run to leaf, notwithstanding all efforts to check this tendency. Sir Harry and TroUope's Victoria, however, bear well. Cherries are hardly ever seen beyond a garden wall, and where they have been tried elsewhere the result is far from satisfactory. Walnuts and nuts generally must be spoken of in the same ivay, and their failure is, doubtless, in a great measure to be attributed to the mild autumns, which prevent the due ripening of the young wood. Severe pruning of the roots, and their 'exposure during the winter, have given a small crop from Filberts, which for years have borne nothing ; but no system of manage- ment is likely in this climate to make them worth the groimd ■they occupy. Such are the general features of the market-gardening of West Cornwall, and from what has been said, it will be evident that much has yet to be learnt before it is brought to that point of excellence which soil and climate warrant our looking forward to, A great advance has been made within the last few years, and its future progress ought certainly to be maintained at an equal rate, if due care and intelligence be given to the work. — W. PINES NOT SWELLING. I HAVE now several plants of Black Jamaica Pine in fruit. For this last month they have made very little progress ; and on ex- amining them I find a great many of the pips very brown and shrivelling, having the appearance of being bruised or rather ■scalded, and the fruit not swelling. But the crowns grow fast, and tile plants look healthy. The house has been kept at from 70° to 80°, with bottom heat from 80° to 85°, and air given at every opportunity. The plants are syringed in the morning with water of the same temperature as the house,and the pipes sprinkled in the afternoon, causing a little steam. I should feel obhged if you could enlighten me on this subject. — A Subsceibee. [In this dull weather, be saiisfied willi 70° as the maximum for fire heat, with a rise of 5° to 10° in bright sunshine. Let 65° to 70° be the average at night. Place evaporating-pans on the pipes, but neither syringe nor steam. A little skiff of the syringe might be given on a very bright day.] PEOPAGATING STEUCTUBE IN A GEEENHOUSE. I WISH you would publish a plan for a cheap way of propa- gating plants that could be used in a corner of a greenhouse. Something 4 feet by 3 feet would do well for most amateurs. If one had gas a small tank could easily be kept warm ; but such an auxiliary as gas in the country is out of the question. Could a small stove be used as described in " Greenhouses for the Many," set as in on oven ? or -would heat sufficient be kept up in a small tank by using a few common paraffin lamps? I have been puzzling my head to try and invent some easy plan of securing bottom heat to strike plants, such as Verbenas, in spring, better than a hotbed, which is very unsatisfactory. I 'must look for aid to some of your worthy correspondents, as I am sure they are willing to help an amateur in difficulty. I should also be glad to know whether it is better to keep young rooted plants of Verbenas in a cold pit, or on a high shelf in a greenhouse near the glass ? Would it be advisable to repot Verbenas which are now well established in three-inch jjots ? I imagine that by letting them grow a little they would run less risk of dying-off than if they were kept standing still in the small pots. — Kilwoeth. [We should have liked to have known how your house was heated. Could you not manage with that ? The stove in "Green- houses for the Many " would do if you could manage it, but we do not like stoves without chimnies. The propagating-case recom- mended by Mr. Beaton, heated by suitable caudles, would suit you no donbt. If your greenhouse is near the kitchen boiler, a case such as you mention with a double bottom would be cheap and most useful. Make it of good inch deal, say 15 inches deep at sides and 20 inches at centre. Place in that a water- proofed box of galvanised iron or zinc, 3 inches deep, with a tap or cock-hole at one end, and a hole for a funnel in the otlier, which thus you can fill with hot water, or remove when cold when you like. Place some bars across the top to equalise tlie weight, then 2 inches or 3 inches of charcoal finished by sand for the pots to stand on j set the case at the warmest end of the house on the top of pipes or tlue. You will be surprised how long the water will keep warm. You can hinge the top or use loose squares of glass : the latter could be easily turned when the damp condensed ngainst them. We know no simpler, cheaper, nor better mode than tiiis when access can be had to a kitchen boiler. The changing of the water will be a trifle to the bother of candles, stoves, &c. In cold nights a cloth could cover the whole. Much could be done with an Arnott's stove (see page 632), and even by a little alteration in heating the greenhouse ; but of that at present we say nothing. An idea of this simple case will be found in " Window-Gardening." We would not touch the Verbenas ur.til the sun was gaining power. If you do, there is more danger of their dying-off than if you let them alone.] LILY OF THE VALLEY FOECING. If this should meet the eye of Mr. J. Dunn, of Harrock Hall Gardens, Lancashire, would lie kindly tell your readers how long he continues the inverted pots or boxes over those in which the tubers are planted, mentioned at pageG12of this Journal? as every particular in the successful culture of this charming plant for early blooming is desirable. — Lily or THE ViliLET. The Weathee near London during the past week has fully justified the reputation of gloomy November; fog, more or less dense, having prevailed throughout, accompanied on- Tuesday and Wednesday last by frost of considerable severity, the November 18, 18(53. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICTJLTtTBE AND COITAGE (JABDENER. G59 tliermometer foiling to 20" on the former dato and 19° on the latter. On Thursday night the frost was but slight ; but the fog was extremely dense. CLOSE-PBUNING VINES. TnE Vines in my hou^e (Black IInmburf;h, Sweetwater, Mus- cadine, and Golden Ilumburgh) had made such hideona lorif; spurs from year to year, ?ome of them 4 inches to 5 incites in length before coming to a bud, and so crooked, that in n lit. of utter disgust this week, t have pruned them all oft' close to tlie rod. Will they " break " next year at the places I have cut off the spurs and bear fruit ? One party has told me they will, and another the cnntrnry. Your opinion will be worth botli )iut together. I should mention the lirst three Yines are about ten years old.— T. T. T. [Before wo could answer your question satisfactorily, wo should require an answer to two otliers. Did your Yincs bear well this year ? and, another. Was the wood well ripened ? If these two questions can bo answered satisfactorily in the affirm- ative, then by leaving no single piece of young wood — not a single bud, mind — the Amines will break and show fruit well. If neither, then you will be disappointed. We attach less im- portance to appearance than crops. If that, liowcver, disgusted you, unless sure of the fruitful state of your Yines and their ripeness, we would have advised bringing up a strong rod from the bottom, and cutting the old stem away altogether, making the rod the bearini-stem next year. Start the Vines gently this season, keeping them moist ; if all is right you will have to thin away a great many shoots.] NEYT BOOE. Travels in Peru and India ii'kile Superintending fJie ColUctinn of C/iinciiona Plants and Seeds in, South America, and their Introduction into India. Si) Clements S. Markham, F.S.A., if'c. London : J. Murray. rNTRODVCTION OP CniNCHON.V PLANTS INTO INDIA. The volume leading us to this notice is in every respect highly sitisfactory. It demonstrates that Mr. Markham's mission was fully suceessftd ; it refute?, without the slightest reference to them, the calumnies heaped upon him ; and the contents of the volume are replete with interest, not merely for the naturalist, but for the reader who peruses chiefly for amusement. Those who prejudged Mr. Markham, founded their prejudice upon the fact that he is not altogether a botanist, and a more unsound foundation could not well have been selected. If the mission of Mr. Markham had been to discover in Peru its previously unknown plants, then a more deep acquaintance with botany than he possesses would have been absolutely neccssarv ; but that was not his mission. Ho had to search for and secure plants already well known, and which the natives tliemselves knew how to distinguish as well as the best-endowed man of science. The qualifications, therefore, most needed in the director of the proceedings for obtaining and securing these well-known plants, were a good knowledge of the country and its language, sound sense, discretion, and resolution. The task of taking-np and packing the plants could be readily completed by the vtry able assistants who accompanied him. Mr. Markham possesses the qualifications we have specified. He had travelled in South America, and the results of his travels had been published in his " Cuzco and Lima." He was in South America during 1853, in which year Dr. Royle was impressing upon the Government that, "after the Ciiinese Teas,''no more important plant than the Cinchona could be introduced into India." " It is a curious coincidence," says Mr. Markani, " that at the very time when Dr. Eoyle was writing this report I was actually exploring some of the Chinehona forests of Peru. Ent the object of my travels was of an antiquarian and ethnological character, and I was in ignorance of the desire of the Indian Government to procure supplies of those plants, which I tlnn only admired for their beauty." That Mr. ilarkham possesses the other needed qualifications we have mentioned, is testified bv the volume before us. It will be noticed that Jlr. Markham his departed from the spelling of the generic name usually adopted by botanists, and this is his defence : — "The botanical name for the plants which yield Peruvian bark was given by Linna>u8 in honour of tlie Countess of Chin- ehon, who was one of the first Europeans cured by this priceless febrifuge. The word has been generally, but most erroneously, spelt Cinchona ; and, considering that such mis-spelling is no mark of respect to the lady whoso memory it is intended to pre- serve, while it defeats the intention of Linnajus to do her honour, I have followed the good example of Mr. Howard and the Spanish botanists in adopting the correct way of spelling the word — Chinehona.* The Counts of Chinchon, the hereditary Alcaides of the Alcazar of Segovia, do not hold so obscure a place in history as to excuse the continuance of this mis-spelling of their name." In the Quiehna language, when the name of a plant is re- duplicated such reduplication usually intimates that the plant has medicinal qualities. In the present instance the native name is Quina-Qnina, or "Bark of Bark," yet the Peruviaus attached little importance to its febrifugal qualities. " Poeppig, writing in 1830, says that in the Peruvian province of Huanuco the people, who are much subject to tertian agues, have a strong repugnance to its use. The Indian thinks that the cold north alone permits the use of fever-bark ; he considers it as very heating, and, therefore, an unfit remedy in complaints which he believes to arise from inflammation of the blood. Hum- boldt also notices this repugnance to using the bark amongst the natives ; and Mr. Spruce makes the same observation with respect to the people of Ecuador and New Granada. He says that they refer all diseases to the influence of either heat or cold ; and, confounding cause and effect, they suppose all fevers to proceed from heat. They justly believe bark to be very heating, and hence their prejudice against its use in fevers, which they treat with frescos or cooling drinks. Even in Guayaquil the prejudice against quinine is so strong that, when a pbysiciari administers it, he is obliged to call it by anotlier name." Its first notable employment by the Spaniards was in 163S, when its use cured of an intermittent fever the wife of Count Chinchon. "While the Countess Ana was sufl^ering from fever, in 1G38, in her sixty-third year, the Corregidor of Loxa, Don Juac Lopez dc Canizares, sent a parcel of powdered Quinquina bark to her physician, Juan de Vega, who was also captain of the armoury, assuring him that it was a sovereign and never-failing remedy for 'tertiana.' It was administered to the Countess and efl'eeted a complete cure ; and Mr. Howard is of opinion that the particular plant which had this honour, and which, there- fore, yields the true and original Peruvian bark, is the Chahuar- guera variety of the C. Condaminea.f This kind contains a large percentage of chinchonidine, an alkaloid, the great import- ance of which is only now just beginning to be recognised, so that it is to chinchonidine, and not to quinine, that the Countess'a cure is due. " The Count of Chinchon returned to Spain in 1640, and his- Countess, bringing with her a quantity of the healing bark, was thus the first person to introduce this invaluable medicine into Europe. Hence it was sometimes called Countess's bark, and Countess's powder. Her physician, Juan de Yega, sold it at Seville for one hundred reals the pound. In memory of this great service Linna;us named the genus which yields it Chin - chona, and afterwards tlie lady Ana's name was still further im- nioitaliscd in the great family of Chinchonacetc, which, together witli Ciiinchontc, includes Ipecacuanhas and Coffees. By modern writers the first /( has usually been dropped, and the word is now almost invariably, but most erroneously, spelt Cinchona. '' After the cure of the Countess of Cliinchon, the Jesuits were tho great promoters of the introduction of bark into Europe, In 1670, the Jesuit missionaries sent parcels of the powdered bark to Rome, whence it was distributed to members of the fraternity throughout Europe by the Cardinal de Lugo, and tised for the cure of agues with great success. Hence the name of 'Jesuits' bark,' and 'Cardinal's bark;' and it was a ludicrous result of its patronage by the Jesuits that its use should have been for a long time opposed by Protestants and favoured by Roman Catholics. In 1679, Louis XIV. bought the secret of prcpiring quinquina from Sir Robert Talbor, an English doctor, for two thousand louis-d'ore, a large pension, and a title. Erom • " The only valid argument against this ohanpc is, that it may c:iuse con- fusion, but tlie alteration is loo ^li^ht for this to be poKsiblo ; and it is not uncoinmon, ;imnnff hotanists, to correct the usual spelliner of genera or f) eci'--* of plants, when it is found to be erroneous. AmouK otlier examples of such chani^'-s may be enumeraterl those nf Plumeiia, now altered to- I'lumit'fia ; Bul'onia to Buti'onia; and Gesneria to Gesnera." T A largo sui'idy of seeds of this kind has been BCnt to India and Ccylo& CGO JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB. [ November 18, 1862. that time PeruTian bart seems to have been recoguieed as the most efficacious remedy for intermittent fevers. "The first description of the Quinquina tree is due to that memorable French expedition to Soutli America, to which ail branches of science owe so much. The members of this expe- dition, MM. De la Condamine, Godin, Bouguer, and the botanist Joseph de Jussieu, sailed from Rochelle on the 16th of May, 1735, to measiire the arc of a degree near Quito, and thus determine the shape of the earth. After a residence at Quito, Jussieu set out for Loxa, to examine the Quinquina tree, in March, 1739; and in 1743, La Condamine visited Loxa, and stayed for some time at Malacotas, with a Spaniard whoso chief source of income was the collection of bark. He obtained some young plants with the intention of taking them down the river Amazons to Cayenne, and thence transporting them to the Jardin des Plantes at Paris ; but a wave washed over his little vessel near Para, at the month of the great river, and carried off the box in which he had preserved these plants for more than ^ight months. ' Thus,' he says, ' I lost them after all the care I had taken during a voyage of more than twelve liundred leagues.' This was tlie first attempt to transport Chiuehona plants from their native forests. " Condamine described the Quinquina tree of Loxa in the 'Memoires de 1' Academic ;' he was the first man of science who ex- amined and described tliis important plant, and in 1742 Linnreus established the genus Chinchona, in honour of the Countess Ana ofChinchon. He, however, only knew of two species, that of Loxa, which was named C. oiBcinahs, and the C. caribcea, since degraded to the medicinally worthless genus of Exostemmas." Let us follow Mr. Markham a little way on his journey after the trees : — " In 1859, my services were accepted to superintend the col- lecction of Chinchona plants and seeds in Soutli America, and their introduction into India ; and I was autliorised by Lord Stanley, then Secretary of State for India, to make such arrange- ments as should best insure the complete success of an enterprise, the results of wliich were expected to add materially to the resources of our Indian Empire. The urgent necessity of this measure had become more apparent since Dr. Roy le's time. Then *he Government of India expended .i'7000 a-year upon quinine ; but in 1857, the expenditure had risen to £12",000, and continued to increase during tlie following year." We have not sufficient space at command to follow him through his various adventures, but one quotation will give a fair idea of his proceedings, and of the skill with which he ■narrates them : — " I left Paucar-collo early next morning, and passed by several fields of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), the harvest of which was just beginning. Tlie stalks are cut and tied up in heaps, and then the grain is beaten out with sticks. It is used by the Indians in tlieir universal dish, the cliupe, and in various other ways ; but it is an insipid and not very nutritious grain. Just beyond the village there is a stream called the Illpa, which, in the dry season, scarcely wets the mules' hoofs ; but at this time of year it was swollen into a broad river, and it was necessary to cross it on reed balsas, with the luggage, while the mules fiwam. A very large troop of mules, laden with aguardiente, was passing over at the same time— along and tedious business." Here our extracts, for the present, must terminate, and we will only add, that Mr. Markham continues his narrative until he arrived with the plants at the Neilgherry hills, in India. It is not a dry detail, but is enlivened and rendered useful by de- descriptions of the people, the products of the countries, the soils .and climates, witli glances at the history of the localities and their customs. It is a volume such as is rarely met with, being a blending of amusement with science, and will be equally accept- able on the table of the naturalist's library and of the drawing- room. with egg-shells, and streamers of tow and coloured shreds to frighten away the small birds from the buds, and it answers to some extent. There can be no doubt as to the serious injury done to the crop of small fruit by these innocents, if means are not taken to protect the trees. I saw some large Plum trees in the spring which ought to have been covered with bloom, with scarcely a vestige of life. These had been disbudded by Bullfinches. In ray younger days I have watched and killed numbers of these birds, busy cropping the opening buds of the Larcli and Cherry, of which they seem particularly fond. Sparrows ! We have them here when the corn is ripening in flights of hundreds, and it is scarcely to be credited what a breadth of Wheat or Oats will be white over by their eating-out the soft, unripe corn, if the crop is not watched. A gun is the thing, they do not like being shot at. The Thrush class are more in the fruit line. I can endorse every word of your correspondent, " G. M.," as to their mode of treating Pears. My own have eulTered in that way this season, and a crop of Grapes on a wall has been entirely taken by these birds. There has been a good deal of twaddle in the papers about these small birds, and needless alarm. If materially lessened we should miss them greatly in many ways, I have no doubt, but as long as there is so great an extent of wood and other land from which trespassers are rigidly excluded by game-preservers and others, there is little chance of their failure. What I think most to be regretted is, that the rarer birds, when they make their appearance anywhere, are not spared, but specially marked for destruction. One fact appears to have been quite overlooked in this dis- cussion. The utility and aim of an All-wise Creator in the ap- pointment of "small birds," has been rightly and truly con- tended for ; but do the poor snnils, and grubs, and insects, the scavengers of our gardens, form no xiseful part in His great design ? If they were annihilated should we not miss them ? My watch stopped, I examined the works, but could not make out why it would not go, and so took it to the maker ; a little pin had disappeared. — IC. [Our correspondent views the subject through the untinted eye-glasses of common sense. Shigs and snails liave their uses as well as small birds, and the object which a wise man aims at is, not to annihilate the race if they happen to intrude where he does not wish for them, but to keep them from intruding. Lime sprinkled on the surface and around a bed keeps the slugs away from it, yet they may pursue their scavengering elsewhere. Boys in sentry-boxes and guns with blank cartridges will keep birds away from places where they are not wished for, yet they are spared to seek for caterpillars, aphides, and other insects in other localities. — Eds.] SMALL BIRDS. Mk. Robson invites observation on the amiable propensities of these. I live in a neighbourhood where acres of Radishes are grown. From the time the seed is sown until the plant is in leaf, it is watched from daylight till dark, or there would be do •crop. A rush sentry-box is erected as a shelter from tlie rain, and boys are heard for weeks keeping up an incessant din from morning till night, with tongue and clapper, scaring the birds. Gooseberry and Currant trees are also extensively cultivated. After the leaves have fallen the tips of the shoots are stuck over BIRDS. THE BIACKBIED, THRUSH, STABtWO, &C. The present chapter I shall devote to the above-named birds, and those of similar kinds that are met with in this country. The Blackbird, known also as the Merle or Black Ouzel, is one of our common and melodious songsters. The bright black plumage of the male with liis yellow beak, and the brownish- black of the female, and still browner colour of the young, are familiar to most persons. They are frequent in aU parts of England, and very early and productive breeders. The immense number of their eggs taken by birdncsting boys is something extraordinary. The Blackbird feeds on insects, their larva> and various grubs, as well as berries and small fruits. In the destruction of slugs, grubs, wireworms, the larva; of the gadflies and many other destructive beetles and insects, they render great service to the agriculturist and gardener ; but as they are also fond of berries and small fruits, they are much persecuted by the latter, who too often entirely overlooks the good they perform and as often much exaggerates the depredations they commit. If persons would only reflect that the time when fruit is accessible to these birds is but short compared with that during which they feed on insects, they would be obliged to acknowledge that these black musicians really do much more good than ill. But the loss of the fruit is a great annoyance : it is a tangible fact, yet the good they do is not so visibl •, and, consequently to the superficial observer, it is all injury and no good : thus the birds have a very black repute. Novomter 18, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTtJRE AND COTTAGE aABDENER. BGl It might be an interesting study for some to compute tlio number of insects ileatroycd by these and other birds; tlio probable produce of the pests if not destroyed ; and wlint amount of corn, hay, and other crops they would devour, or, rutlier, prevent growing wore they not kept in check by the birds ; and whether this injury in raising llio price of bread, meat, and otlier food would not bo of more nationaUmportance than the failure of tlie fruit crop. Still I see no reason wl\y the fruit cannot be preserved without destroying the birds. Mr. Loudon observes (" Encyclo- paedia of ttardeaing," page 420) :— " It is a too common practice amongst gardeners to destroy without discrimination the birds that frequent their gardens. This, in my opinion, is a bad policy. Although I am aware some kinds of birds are greiit enemies to some crops, it certainly must bo a trifling crop indeed that will not bear the expense of a person to watch it, or a net to protect it, until it is out of danger: thus the gardener preserves tlio birds to perform a double oflice — eating up the vermin from the trees, and tlie seeds of weeds and eggs of insects from the ground." The Ring Ouzel is something like a large Blackbird, the male having a wliite ring or crescent on the breast. They are more of a mountaiii bird, and not very common : consequently, but little known to the gardener. The Rose Ouzel and Golden Oriel are too rare to require a description here. The Water Ouzel or Dipper is found about hilly streams and rivulets, and is accused of doing injury to the spawn of salmon and other fisli. It is, however, a disputed point ; and as they feed prmcipally on aquatic insects, which are in a high degree destructive to the spawn of fish, it stands to reason that tliey save much more than they destroy. Having discussed the Blackbird we will proceed to the Thrushes, the largest of which is the Missel Thrush, or Storm l>illars, and the wireworms and many other larrro make up their bill of faro. When the broods leave the nest they collect in small Hocks, and towards autumn into large flights or shoals, often feed- ing with the Kooks, and in hard wealhcr collecting in the marshes and fens, where they are said to do some damage by settling on the reeds in such numbers as to break them down, which is the only injury that can be laid to their charge. Nothwithstanding their iimoccnce and very great usefulness, that ought to cause them to be everywhere protected and encouraged, there are those wlio make unfounded charges against tliem. They have been accused of sucking the eggs and killing the young of Pigeons ; but tliis is incorrect, and they are innocent of the charge. Mice sometimes suck the eggs of Pigeons, and young Pigeons often die trom cold, owing to the old ones leaving tliem at night before they are sufficiently feothered, and when dead they are gnawed by mice, the eyes being the favourite part, and the poor Starlings are accused of that in which they did not participate — B. P. Beeni. CITY GARDENS. Why should we not have gilt upon our gingerbread ? Wliy should not our squares and closes and waste places be made to blossom like the Rose, and emit something of the smell of country ? Nobody will do it except the honourable Societies of the Temple ; and for centuries the City has been mocked by a company of lawyers, supposed to be hopelessly committed to parchment and red tape, but who all the while have made a better display of geniality and warmth of sentiment than any other section of the community. In the annals of the City we hear of a Company of Gardeners. It has a name still, and that is all. There is a Company of Fruiterers, too, and they have more than a name, for they, once a-year, make the Lord Mayor a present of cook, or, as it is called in this part, the Schweecher. This bird 1 some choice Apples. If these Companies are worth the gelatine is much more of a berry-feeder than the Blackbird ; he is a shy, noisy fellow, but becomes bolder during the breeding season, and I strongly suspect liim of robbing the nests of smaller and more useful birds ; and from his berry-eating propensity I suspect that he is the real aggressor when damage is laid to the charge of the Thrush ; for gardeners are not very discriminating, and as but few arc ornithologists, all are Thrushes that come in grey plumage. The Song Thrush, the iliusician of our woods and coppices, is a delightful performer, and is known by vorious names, as the Mavis, Throstle, or Greybird. He is as common as the Black- bird, and, like liim, feeds on insects, grubs, larvic, and snails. The latter he is very lond of, and has a peculiar mstinct of extract- ing them from their shells. Seizing one by the rim of the shell he carries it to a stone, against which he raps it, swinging it over his head much as a woodman uses his axe, and thus breaks the shell. Many thus broken and empty shells may be met with lying near the stones in the paths during a country walk, telling plainly of the good service of these birds. As to fruit, it is not much to his taste. The injury laid to his charge I believe would be more justly attributed to the Missel Thrush ; and even in cold frosty weather, or when the ground is covered with snow, the Song Thrush is the last of the tribe to resort to the berries to save liimself from starvation. The Redwing, or Redwinged Thrush, sometimes called the Swedish Nightingale and Wind Thrush, like the Fieldfares, wliieh are sometimes designated Blacktails, are only winter visitants ; and as they come when our small fruit is over, they do not trouble the gardener. They feed on insects, and resort to haws and other berries when frost or snow covers the ground. They are shot by the sportsman and considered good eating. The last bird of this group I shall here allude to is the Stare, or Starling ; more, however, allied to the Crows than the Thrushes. They are among our most useful birds, and perform great benefit for the agriculturist and grazier. They feed entirely on insect food, never eating any corn or other vegetables. They are beautiful-plumsged birds ; the feathers are black, with iri- descent gloss, the body-feathers tipped with white, and tlie wing-feathers edged with brown ; the young in their nest-pluniage are, however, of a dull greyish-brown, and lighter underneath. They have a peculiar song, containing many pleasing us well as harsh notes. In confinement they are amusing, and may be taught to whistle a tune, and even to speak words or short sentences. They breed in holes in trees or walls, and under the eaves of houses and such like places, and find their food in the fields, where they destroy many insects ; grubs, beetles, cater- that may be boiled out of their deeds and charters, they must take shame to themselves once a-year on hearing the approving murmurs of people who have visited the Temple Gardens. If they have a single flickering spark of their old life lelt, the flower shows of the city got up, sustained, admired without their help or countenance, ought to kindle that spark afresh, and beget for us some warmth from its generous flame. But, unfortunately, the general public are as cold as the Companies ; it is one thing to see a sight that costs us nothing, and another to lend a hand in adopting it as the idea of a local institution, and the foundation for some improvements in our domestic life. We may not be able to stir the deeps of the general apathy, and it is not our business to inaugurate public gardens. All we can hope to do is to "mention the matter" as circumstances alTord excuse, and go on hoping that some day or other the means will be found to bless the city with a sprinkling of flowers. — {Ciij Press.) WORK FOR THE "WEEK. KITCHEN GAKDEK. The occurrence of sharp frosts, severe for the season, will urge more effectually than arguments here the necessity of the •speedy adoption of precautions for the protection of vegetables liable to be injured by the severity of the weather. Artichokes, Oloie, clear away all decaying matter from them, and protect them with a covering of leaves. Artichokes, Jerusalem, a bushel of them may now be got up, and placed among some mould in any convenient corner for use when frost renders it difficult to take them up out of the open ground; Horseradish may be treated iu a similar manner. Celery, it is necessary to take advantage of every favourable opportunity to earth-up all that requires it ; rather let it remain as it is than attempt to do so while wet, as it will afterwards rot in a very short time. Cauli- flowers, those already headed should bo carefully taken up, and stacked in a dry pit, or within the protection of a wall where a thatched shutter may be employed in unfavourable weather to ward olf the wet. Callage, keep tho young plants, and also the young plants of Lettuce, dusted with lime and soot. Peas, sow, and also Broad Beans, in rich soil on a warm border. Parsley, shelters thatched with reed or straw should be prepared for its protection, and also for the protection of Endive, &c., in snowy weather. Sea-kale, a little leaf mould, tan, or cinder ashes should be laid over the crowns of the plants, pots mav then be set over a portion of tho plantation, and be covered with leaves as they are collected, or if required for use C63 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Noveuiber 18, 1S62. in a short time, stable-clung should be used. SpiiiacJt, in gather- ing the leaves tlie beds should be trodden upon as little as possible, as its growth is injured by having the soil so eonsoU- dated about the roots. Clear away decaying lenves from Winter Greens, and raise the earth ab^'Ut tlie stems. All sorts of refuse matter, of which leaves should form a large proportion, from the garden should be collected, and added to the dung-heap. L-t proper channels be kept to carry off quickly water from suddenly melting snows or heavy rains. FLOWER GARDEN. If the flower-beds are now empty, and to be left so durim; the winter, let them be well turned-up to tlie bottom, and il much exhausted by continued cropping, the application of a good dressing of haf mould will be found the most suitable restorative for this department. The introduction here of strong manures has frequently a tendency to do more harm than good, by ckus- mg an oveiluxurianee rather unfavourable to tJie free production of bloom. PETJIT GAEDEN. Continue to prepare for fruit-tree planting by draining, trenching, and pulverising the soil, and alter planting stake, tie, and mulch them securely in good time. Clear away all dead leaves from the wall trees ; remove the green fruit from tiie Fig trees. The established strong fruit trees that are tardy of pro- ducing fruit should be root-pruned. This must be performed according to circumstances. If the trees are planted too deeply, or the soil has been raised above or about them since plant ing, by all means fork the roots out earelully, and phmt again with care on the surface, spreading out the roots carefully, and then mulch them. If trees to be operated upon are planted high and dry, fork about them at a reasonable distance, and prune back the main or strongest roots as you discover them. Raspberry plantations may be cleared of the dead canes and superfluous wood ; the suckers to be taken off, and, where required, the strongest to be at once planted for succession. GBEENHOUSE AKD CONSERVATORY. While the principal collection of Chrysanthemums is in bloom a^ selection should be made of the best and most useful sorts. They are very imjmtient of a close, rather warm atmosphere, and if the house contains plants requiring this treatment, the Chry- santhemums should, as far as is practicable, be placed in the coolest part, where air can be given freely on every favourable opportunity. See that they are kept well watered at the root. Use fire only when absolutely necessary, either to prevent the temperature from falling too low, or to dry the atmosphere. Regularly remove all dead leaves, and prevent the spread of moss in any situation. Creepers should be closely tied, that they may interfere as little as possible with the fall of light on the house. Place Mignonette, Primulas, and tree Violets in a light warm situation. The present is the best period for the general potting or transplanting of LiHums, the flower-stems are now sufficiently withered to allow of their safe removal without injury to the bulbs. Any small bulbs of scarce sorts that may have formed on the flower-stems should be saved, and either potted separately in small pots, or planted out in a pit or frame in suitable soil, where in a year or two they will make strong-lioweriiig bulbs. The soil found most suitable for the cultivation of Liliums is a rich fibrous heath soil in a rough state, with a small portion of silver saud. JOECING-MT. It will now be necessary to introduce into this structure a supply of those plants usually employed in early forcing, such as the first-potted Dutch bulbs, liardy Azaleas, Kalmias, Rhodo- dendrons, of which the hybrids from R. caucasieum will be found the most suitable, being generally early and abundant bloomers, and of every shade of colour from wliite to scarlet. riTS AND EKA3IES. This is trying weather for the plants in these structures. AH that can be done fur tliem is to give as much light and air as their safety from frost will allow, and to pick oil" every decayed leaf when a favourable opportunity as regards the state of the weather permits. \Y. Xeane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Eeost, having succeeded the heavy rains, has imposed on us the necessity of getting most things under protection that would be apt otherwise to suffer. Artichokes (Globe) have had some litter placed tightly round them, so as to prevent the frost gftting to the roots, and a little earth from between the rows was thrown over the litter, ahke to prevent its behig blown about, and to make it go as far as possible. Collected a quantity of leaves from the pleasure grounds, which, with a little of the last mow- ings off the lawn, and tl.e clearing? of Verbena oiid Petunia- beds, when all thrown together, will produce heat enough for the first Asparagus-bed and the first Itadish-bed under a frame, which lias just been sown. We had nothing else with which to moke a moderate hotbed for Aspavagus, and we have no doubt it will answer well enough. A row of Parsley being sown in a cold house in June, and now strong, we will not require to pot or box any of that herb. Mint, Sorrel, TaiTagon, &c., will be placed iu a corner of the Asparagus-bed. Celery earthed-up has, as yet, needed no protection. Cauliflowers under hand- lights have had a little litter placed near, in readiness to throw over them if the ground get crusted inside. Those in the ground and protected there, being fir for use, have hem put into a shed to be secure. Lettuces and Endive have also been partly moved under old lights and straw covers, and a portion of the most forward Endive was covered over with dry leaves and stra-w hurdles, to blanch where it stood. Some Rhubarb roots and Sea-kalo roots have been placed in the Mushroom-house ; the latter, seven or eight roots in a hiree pot, which enables us to give less or more of bottom heat, and even to move the pots, if the Kale come faster than we want it. Beat down the last bed in the Mushroom-house for the present, and will earth it in a day or two. This is the fourth succession there. The first is in full bearing, the second just beginning to show, and as soon as we can wo will put up a bit more for the fifth succession. Got in all the Beetroot, &.c., before the frost injured it, and will earth-up Coleworts, and lay down and cover the stems of Broccoli as soon as we can get at them. FHTIIT gaeden. Looked over Grapes to remove a casual bad berry. Kept » little fire on to secure ventilation, but gave very little front air. Find that as the Figs out of doors are now done for with the frost, those iu the Fig-house are still rich in flavour though small. The leaves are now beginning to change, however, and to look ripe, and we must be content with a few more fruit as they are, instead of swelling them out larger with moisture, as wc would prefer instead having the wood firm fir next year, and keeping the plants rather dry all the winter. In a few weeks, therefore, we will clear away all the fruit avid leaves, for soon the flavour will be vtry iiat; and though we have sometimes made the Fig, with heat and moisture, an evergreen and a continuous bearer, we do not think there is any advantage gained from not making it a deciduous tree and giving it a rest iu winter. Melons aU cleared to make room for other things, are still ripening their fruit on a shelf near the fireplace m the vinery. Strawberries, in pots, have been put under cover, so as to keep them from severe frost, and heavy drenchings of rain and sleet. In frosty mornings, a ridge of rotten dung and tree leaves has been placed between the rows of Strawberry plants out of doors. A number of trees of Peaches in a cool lean-to house, with trees against the back wall, were smoked with sulphur as previously described ; and these we will wash and clean, remove surface soil and top-dress, and cover pots with litter to-morrow or next day. There has been no frost to hurt the roots yet ; but many plant» are ruined from being exposed to frost in pots, that would have sufl'ered little if the pots had been protected or plunged in thei- ground. The Strawberry plants, such as Black Prmce and Eeens', which we will start first, are now being kept dry. As the pots vfill absorb enough of moisture from the ground, the soil must not be allowed to get dust dry, or the buds will most likely perish, and there will be nothing but handsome leaves to gather. GEEENHOUSE AND CONSEETATOET. These have been well cleaned for the winter, and will require more care in giving air than hitherto, and that not by doors or in large openings, but well regulated over the building, con- fining the air chiefly to the apex of the roof in cold weather, and sliutting-up pretty early in the afternoon. All watering now should be done immediately after breakfast, and as little spilled as possible, and no plants watered that do not require it, for some things that would need it every d.ay in summer may not require it for a fortnight or three weeks at this season. The tenderer kinds of hardwooded plants, as Gompholobiums, November 18, 1862. ] JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUBE A'ST) COTTAGE GARDENEK. 603 Ericas, Epacrises, &c., woidJ bo betfor in double pots for Hie winter, »s, the reels are less liable to siuhlen variiitions ; and ether tilings, ns Boronia serru'ata and PlL^romn olegans, phoidil bo kept by tliemselves at the warmest end of the house. "When a general cellec-tion is grown the hardwooded things thould be at one end, and Hie softwoodcd things, as Geraniums and Cine- rarias, at another end. l''.xamine bulbs thai were potted, and see if ready for foreing from having the pots tilled witli roots. Tuberous Tropseolnnis will want training, and others will want potting. These alwajs do best on the one-slii(t system. The roots dislike being interfered with. Gave manure water to Chrysanthemums and Salvias, &c., and took care that Camellias and Azaleas were not getting too dry ; tlie forwardest of the latter nii^ht be placed in foreiug-pit. Regulated climbers bo as to give light to the house. rLANT-STOVE. JU^de as much room here as possible, allowed Orchids to rest, cur- tailed chmbers, watered Kerns and Mosses, and jiut lots of large fine-leaved Begonias under the Figs to dry pretty well oU', as they make a fine show iu greenhouses in summer when a Utile shaded. PITS. Tool; most of the bedding and other things out of earth pits, and placed them in houses getting empty, in A'ine-pits, &c., where a little fire heat can be given if necessary, to avoid so much covering- up. Tliis changing plants that were standing so verv' thickly furnishes a good opportunity for clearing the cutting-pots and boxes, and removing all signs of damping. Some kitids of Geratdums that were scarcely rooted got a little bottom lieat from fermenting tree leaves below them, with a cover of rough ashes and lime in case there should be some slugs. Even a very hot fermentation will not kill these gentry, but they 'do not like lime nor rough ashes ; and their trail, at any rate, <;an be followed williout the instinctive wisdom of a red Indian. The A'erbenas that were hardened-oif in earth pit, dipped as reported for thiips, and syringed several times afterwards, .and the worst put into a close box with a lot of Laurel leaves bruised, seem at present clean, and now stand thickly in a brick pit, where a little fire heat can be given on an emergency, and where they will have air night and day except in frosty weather. As the thrips did show itself afier all our care in wasliing the cuttings, I will be afraid to place them in any vinery or Peacli-house this season. ^Xe have not yet got all our Gera- niums from the beds that wo took up faggotted in pots, but they are safe enough under a lot of stubble in a shed. One wet day would finish all the lot ; and they would have been done, only the clean pots were all used-up, and the dirty ones outside were crying out not to blame them if, after so much rain, a good percentage of tliera came in for crocks and drainage after « sharp frost. Before the frost got severe took off roughly some thousands of shrubby Calceolaria cuttings, as we did not make ourselves sure of having quite euough in the brick pit, the filling of which with cuttings was previously described. In the brick pit I have not seen the signs of one going yet, and I am just as well pleased if there is little rooting as yet. Not being able to get a pit ready for these cuttings, we have daubed (hem in about li inch apart in shallow wooden boxes, and placed them under glass in frames. 'These will even stand more frost than those earlier planted in the pit, and if they do not begin to root much before JIarch they will be quite forward enough. The reason they will stand the frost better is just because they will be more limp and have less sap in them, for as soon as roots are freelv protruded the stems will get stored with juices and growth will go on. Now tile less growth before spring the less likelihood is there of losing one per cent, or one per thousaud of these cuttings. TLOWEE GAHDEir. What a wreck now ! Beds not cleared, leaves not all down, even more mowing needed after the frost is gone. Dahlias that had some earth thrown against the stems, and were left in tlie ground to ripen a little, have now been taken up. We have always kept them succes-fullj' on the floor of a shed that forms a stokehole for the conservatory. Some dry earth has been there for years, and the tubers arc placed on it, and then covered all over with it. A rough stage is put up above these beds, and these are now crammed with Fuchsias and old Scarlet Gera- niums. The shed has two skylights, and had I had my way it would have been at least half glass and cost no more ; but in this, and many things besides, we must put up with and make the most of what we have. Dahlia stems are for little use but the rot-heap. Most other things in beds, as Calceolarias, Age- ratums, &c., after the sticks arc pulled out and tied in bundles, are cut two or three times over with an old scythe, and then they mix with leaves and Utter in making a largo fermenting heap of good hot stuH', so useful for helping-on many things. Were such things some 18 inches or 3 feet in lieiglit eo used without cutting them at hast twice over, they would not mix so nicely with other materials ; and turning the whole over with a fork might lead the workman to say, " they were put there just to annoy he." Hollyhocks have bloomed until the frost came — nothing in their favour, however, making them more Uable to feel the frost. The strong stems cut with a bill may be mixed with the fermenting-heap, but we generally make them a porti©n of the cliarring-heap. As soon as possible wo will place a cone of dry earth or of ashes, and limo round each plant to keep frost and extra damp from the roots. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ff*^ We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticultui-e, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are suhjested to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed sole!// to Ke Editors of the "Journal of MorticuUwre, S;e." 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. Coi.D ViNERV (C. S.).— We conid have answered yonr questions better If you liaJ stated the case more clearly. We presume tliat in your large cool vinery, H feet wide, there are only 18 Inches of that space inside devoted to tlie roots of the Vines, and as these Vines have been planted this autumn, they will interfere but little with early crops on the rest of the ci'ound. We see no objections, therefore, to early Potatoes, nor yet dwarf Beans, as you propose, though, in tuch circumstances, we do not see any advantage that will be gained in having them in puts. If you had room after that, we should also fruit a portion of your six hundred pots of Strawberries in the sfiiue place, but we would keep them in pots, though wholly or partially plunged. Wo are told that the back wall is 9 feet in height, and we now perceive that two questions are maile in different places respecting it. The first is, " How many shelves, and how wide ought I to have them ?" That just depends upon wh.it you want them lor; we presume for Strawberries. Well, for theiii you could scarcely have move than two, one as near the top as will permit of watering, Ac, and the other about 15 inches below it, and the upper one at least not more than S inches wide. Tliese you could manage by placing the plants in bloom on the upper shelf, and, as soon as set, moving them to the lower shelf, where they will do well until your Vines shade them. For other purposes, and having nothing against the back wall, vou might have shelves Irom top to bottom. But that seems settled by another question, "Could the back wall be brought into bearing more quickly by planting maidens en cordon ohliqiic ? Now we do not know what your maidens are to be, but we presume Vines, though we are by no means sure ; and we would only say that, though this mode of training is much practised in Guernsey, and gives much facility for filling up vacancies, we do not think you would gain anything in point of early ciopping, and that must be the chief thing, for when once you allow the Vines to monopolise the roof, you will not do much with the back wall. See pages 632 and 633. YcccA IB. If. j:.).— We do not know Yucca Parmentieri, and never heard the name before. If any of our readers know it, can they say if it is hardy ? Cracked Peabs (i. T. P.).— We once had some Gratioli Pears that ripened well, though slightly cracked. Keep your Chaumontels and Beurid d'Arembergs in the dark and cool to give them a chance. Your soil is too dry, or those Pears are worked on a quince stock. In either case mulching over the roots aad watering in suiumer will be a preventive of the Iruit cracking. ItEMovisG Trees and Gkeeshodse (.SuJ.wriJrr).— The moment trees and bushes of any kind are planted they arc attached to the freehold, belong to the landlord, and cannot be removed without his pel-mission. A green- house on posts probably could be removed, but we could not say without seeing it; tlie glass sashes certainly could be removed. IIedges I.A liorv'iih SubsnWer).—An article on hedges of various kinds will appear in our next Number from one of our correspondents to wliom we had referred your inquiries, in which full inlormation will be given on all points. Cdttixg Down Newlv-pi.akted Froit Trees (A Sit'iscriher).— It is belter not to cut-in newlv-planted young trees until they have been esta- bll^hed ayear, by which'tiuie the roots will have taken possession of the ground. As the culting-in of young fruit trees at planting time renders them liable to send up a quantity of suckers to the injur}-, and, not unfre- nui'utly, the death of Ihe grafted tree, wait one year, and then cut-in as you like.' With old trees that have a greater abundance of top than root the case is different, the top then might be reduced, but not entirely cnt away. MescAT Crape {C T. B.. Dorsel)-— You will find either the White or the Black Frontignan do well in a greenhouse, and both are lluscats. MoviNo A Passion-flower (E. .S.).— The young Passion-Flower, which has only been planted two or three years, may be removed any time now in mild weather; but the beginning of April is the best time to transplant Passion-Flowers, and the middle to the end of May is the best '""« t" plant a Passion-Flower out of a pot. In your case, make a flat level bed f.i- the roots 0 inches below the surface, no matter how long they are. Wren tlu-v are all spread out. put nearly 2 inches deep of rough leaf mould over them', ai,d then put on the soil. After that add a thatch of something ti ihiow off the wet, and to keep the frost out of iho ground. Seethe stem all the wav up from the roots is 4 inches or .'> inches from the wall, to allow for a thici; stem without chafing itself against the wall for want of room to swell properly. 664 JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COINAGE GAKDENER. [ November IS, 1862. Viola pyeolji:polia {A. R,). — According to specimens which have been exhibited ten years since, there did not seem to be any difhculty in culti- vating this yellow Violet in any light compost ; but vphere it, or any oi the yellow kinds may be had we do not know. The list of Violets you sent us from an *' eminent nnreeryinan" is entirely wrong, except one ppecies, Nuttalli, and that is wrong as to colour. Any one making such a list could know httle about wild Violets. It strikes us both the lists you sent are made up of Oxalises and Violets in mixture ; several of the names belong to Oxalis, and were never given to Violets. There are no such names now acknowledged as Viola maculata, microphylla, and pensylvanica, nor does Don give either of them as synonrmea of pyrolajfolia in his last arrange- ment on De Candolle's method, ne'lthcr do any recent writers that we are aware o(. We have grown Nuttalli, which is a pale blue not a yellow. We understand the best collection of rare hardy species in England is in the Hull Botanic garden. Lilies of the Valley in Pots (i'/izndpWi).— We cannot sav that von could not grow Lilies of the Valley from year to vear in pnts, and flower them in a greenhouse, but we are quite certain the pot Lilies referred to will not bloom so as to please so good a judge of these "nice old flowers ;" there- fore, we would have them turned out of the pots at once, the most of the soil shaken from their roots, and then planted in bunches in a row, and next summer water them once a-week in hot weather, and by this time next year they would be fit, in your hands, for another start. The Geranum Spot (Mem).— A dreadful malady, of which no man knows the cause and hardly the cure. It is as infectious as the scarlet fever and quite as latal, and not one single plant has ever yet been cured of it, after all that has been said to the contrary on each of these heads. The only way to get rid of it is to destroy every vestige of the plants, to white- wash the house or pit, and not to introduce another Geraninm there for three months. The best preventive where, from the situation, there is a liability to the disease, is to make cuttings early in July in the open air, fiom the top of the shoots of old plants turned out at the end of May, to lift and pot the cuttings about the middle of September, and never conflne them much, or place them in damp places in winter.-D. B. Mealy Bug on Vises (A New Subscriber).— We hope that the bug has not got to the roots of the Vines, for then there will be g:ent difficulty ; but 11 conhned to the tops you may manage thus :— make sure of all the leaves ana prunings and burn them ; then wash the whole wood, -wash with s.iap and soda water as hot as it can be used. Wash all the Vine stems after taKing oa the rough bark w ith the same at about I60» ; scrape off a couple ifin""^ H , ""^ '"'"'"' inside the house, water that, too, with water about iou and fresh surface with new soil ; then paint the Vines with a mixture 01 cjay, sulphur, and tobacco water put on cool, and fresh paint all the wails, or colour them with fresh lime and sulphur. The difficulty will be with eggs and insects in the soil. ^yALL TitEEs Planted too close in a Peach-house (A Constant Reader). 11 you wish to rttain the whole of the trees the most vigorous must be root-pruned, and that will lessen growth and keep them fruitful. You do not say where you live, but there are few places where Peaches or Nec- tarines will do any good as standards out of doors. If vou should resolve to laae the stand.irds out, yon must in that case just thank them for past ser- vices. What like is your house! We have seen standards taken up and Dent down to cover a low trellis in front, so as not to shade the waU. Select Haedt RnoooDENnnONS (S. J/.).— Blandyanum, rosy crimson; Miuiant, scarlet crimson ; Lucifer, bright scarlet; Mars, rosy scarlet ; John ""'""'• frimson ; Sifleman. These are the six highest coloured. The nest three whites are, Mrs. Stnudish, Minnie, and Maid ot Honour. These splendid kinds are dearer than the rosy crimson sorts. New GntENHousE [N.).—\fe shall be glad to have an account of your nouses and how they answer. At present we can only sav that, in placing m «ne part one bed above another, that the upper beds will do for all you nw % '"""^ '"^''^ *'" ^° '" ^'inter, if you use little heat, for Fuchsias, rJaniias, Scntlet Geraniums, bulb.s tender roots, &c., and when ynu use heat to lorce on the beds above you could not have a better place for Mushrooms, Khubarb, Sea-kale, Chicory, &c. PaorAGATiNo Hahdwooded Plants (A Constant iDcorfcr).— There is no woik devoted to this subject. See what is said in '• Greenhouses for the stam''''' ^'''''' ^°" "'•'^ ^"■''^ 'r^e by pest from our office lor seven postage Names of Plants {W. (?.).—!, Alhyrium Filix-temina; 2 and 6, Poly, siicnum acuicatum, v. lobatum ; 3, Blechnum spicant ; 4, Scolopendrium ™R"« ; •'. Lasfrea dilitata ; 7, Lastrea Filix-mas. [H. M. X).— Drvnaria iviiidenowii. The production of sessile Oak-like trends is characteristic ot 1 ni y '^'■J''""'"!— ''.«■> Ll. quercitolia. (A Tu-o-i,ears' Subscriber).— J. litechnum occidentale, and apparenlly the variety minor, but it is a poor sample ; 2, Phlcbodium aureum, both stove Ferns. 'The Bouvardias require mieimcdiate treatment— that is, to be started in a warm pit, and finished in hRM^f !;'"'*''• I-^'""!-— It is the leaf of some leguminous plant, and pro- uaoiy 01 bw.'iinsonia Grcyana ; but we cannot be certain. All you can do is, oy keepmg the soil diyish, to try and prevent its damping-ofl' during the POULTRY,^EE,^iid HOITSEHOLD CHRONICLE, JUDGES AT THE JSfEXT BIKMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. It is with great regret I hear that Mr. Hewitt has declined to act as one of the Judges at the coming Birmingham Poultry Show. I have inquired but cannot learn his reasons for so doing. His objections may be substantial ; if not, it is unfortu- nate that exhibitors should be deprived of his valuable services. The arrangements in selecting the Judges I know are most un- satisfactory, and Mr. Hewitt may have some good reasons for decUuing. I always considered Mr. Hewitt's services of great importance at Birmingham, for exhibitors iu him gain the advantages of that great experience and truly straightforward honourable de- cisions that have gained for him the esteem of all exhibitors ; and I certainly think the Birmingham Committee, in not avail- ing themselves of his services, do that important Show a very serious injury, and the interest of exhibitors I think ought to be studied, or they will lose ground. 1 trust Mr. Hewitt will explain, through your columns, his reasons for declining. — As Old Exhxbiioe. [In consequence of several letters such as the above, and of others which contain personal allusions too strong to justify us in publishing them, we wrote to Mr. Hewitt, and requested from him some information on the subject. The following is his reply : — " As I find that even already a report is put into active circu- lation quite at variance with facts, permit me to state for the information of the poultry world — and to its members alone is this subject of interest — that I have again declined the ofEce of arbitrator at our fast-approaching Birmingham Exhibition, for precisely the same reasons as last year. 1 coupled my refusal of yesterday, however, with the courteous expression, to the gentleman who alone orders the appointment of the Birmingham Judges, of my still perfect willingness to fulfil the office as hitherto appointed during so many years past, and, as on all occasions heretofore, by my own request, gratuitously rendered. This offer of mine was declined. Again : I volunteered that if the classes of poultry were fairly divided among the arbitrators indi- vidually, 80 that the public might at a glance ascertain the responsibility applicable to esch one of us severally, I would, without a single murmur, at once accept the least covetable remnant of the poultry classes which might be left unappro- priated after each of the other Judges had made their own selections. This too was refused. " I certainlv never yet have, and most decidedly I never shall, accept the office of arbitrator at the meeting of any society in which my awards are to be previously made the subject of private dictation. " In conclusion, I combine mv best thanks to the many exhibitors who have favoured me with their unsought expressions of unabated confidence, with the heartfelt hope our Birmingham Show of poultry may still continue to maintain its now high position and prosperity. — Edwaed Hbwitt, Sden Collage,. SparJcirooh^ near JiirminffJiam."^ Since the foregoing was in type we have received more letters upon the subject, all from well-known exhibitors, and from among them we select this, as fully expressing their opinions. " I am sorry to intrude on your columns ; but, as one of the o'dest and most extensive exhibitors of poultry, I trust you will allow me to express my regret at the non-appointment of Mr, Hewitt among the Judges of poultry at the great Birmingham Show, to be held in December next. I will not enter into the merits or causes of his absence, although, if report speaks truly, Mr. Hewitt has good reasons for the position he has taken, but confine myself entirely to the serious injury that must arise both to the Society itself and the exhibitors generally, from his thus not officia'ing. " From the most reliable sources, I hear Mr. Hewitt has no ever objected tor a moment to carry out the duties he has always before fulfilled ; but refused the new position forced upon him by the gentleman who, of his sole dictum, appoints the Birming- ham Judges, amounting, in this case, to reaUy a sort of ' Hob- son's choice — that or none.' " Hence, alone, Mr. Hewitt's disappearance from the list of Judges. This quite alters the views of exhibitors, and I emphati- cally ask. What unknown transgression have the owners of Dorkings, Spanish, Cochins, Hamburghs, and so forth committed,, that we should be the sufferers because Mr. Hewitt refuses to be handed over to the Game fowls ? There can he no good reason for this intrusion on our rights ; for it is bad logic to assert that now the entries are, in these general classes, five times greater than a few years back, and besides the quality of the birds so evenly balanced as to need the closest discrimination, fewer and less practical Judges are requisite than when the disparity of merit was to be seen at almost first sight, as it was some time back. No ! Instead of this we now want the very best and most prac- tical men attainable to award these prizes, and such as are able and willing to do their duty faithfiUly, diligently, and well. Certainly we exhibitors have reasons to ask, Why are we summa- rily deprived of advantages that have already been most valued ? Xorember 18, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICtJLTTTRE AND COTTAGE aAIlDENEK. " I am fold Mr. Hewitt invariably gave his eerviees as a free gift to liis own town's Show, and tliat tlie other Judges were, as they oiiglit to bo, paid for theirs. This blocks out then, entirely, tlie item of espenee being the reason. " It appears to myself and other exhibitors, that the Judges ought always to be appointed by a vote of the whole Council a» a body, and not by any one person. All things ]irovo this to be the safest course ; but if the Committee ol Management for Birmingham feol themselves didident or uncertain in the appoint- ment, by all means let us, the now really-wronged exhibitors, have each his vote according to the entries his case affords, and the election bo dependant exclusively on this issue. Either of these two plans will give us popular and eflicient Judges, and do for ever away with these unaccountable divisions, and the owners of valuable and costly poultry will never be placed in the unenviable position of want of confidence in the awards. — An Exhibitor from the Year 1848." PIED OR PILE BANTAMS. The Bantams described by Mr. Clark in your publication of October 2Sth, are the Pile Game Bantams, a variety I have bred the last three years; and have exhibited a single coek and also a pen at the last Birmingham Show, both of wliich were successful. A pen of my breeding were also exhibited at Plymouth by Mr. Kodbard, and were successful in taking the silver plate for the best pen of Game Bantams in the Show. I have now a great quantity of them, and shall be very happy to give any fancier information as to how they were bred, and any other particulars. — R. Ha WESLEY, JUN., Sovthwell Notts. ARE FOWLS PROFITABLE TO THE FARMER? Tnis is a question often asked, and I now have in my posses- sion three letters from correspondents upon this question, and my positive answer is — Yes. Fowls will pay a large profit when properly fed and cared for ; a comparatively few in number will give a better return than a large flock ; although they may receive extra care and attention, it seems impossible to keep a large number, even in a spacious enclosure, without disease. Twenty good fowls will lay more eggs, and be in better health, when enclosed in a coop, than a hundred in the same enclosure for two years. A hundred fowls may succeed well in a large coop for a short time. Another mistake we are very liable to make is in keeping many breeds of fowls together. Have but one breed, keep them well, and ventilate their coops. A good hardy breed of fowls do not require such warm and close bouses as they are generally kept in, although they require a dry coop, free from draughts. Tentilate freely, on the top if ^possible, feedjthrongh the winter upon com and barley, and occasionally with raw fresh meat ; beef preferred. I still have a great preference for the Brahma fowls for our climate (America). They are hardy, and lay through the winter season as well as the summer, when eggs are worth double the price that they are in summer. They may be kept in the coldest coop, if properly fed ; and in regard to profit, no fowls I ever saw, if kept by themselves, pay in every respect so large a profit as this breed. A neighbour of mine, a shrewd and very successful farmer, has kept no other breed of fowls for many years ; he wintf rs about twenty-five pullets in his barn cellar, and has eggs from them through the entire winter. In March lie sits his hens, and hatches from one to two hundred chicks, and keeps them in his barnyard, allowing them to enter the barn at night ; by the 4th of July he disposes of all except his winter stock, alive, at an average price of 50c. each, to the butcher. He has now laying pullets, which commenced laying by the last of July, hatched in March. I know of no other breed of fowls that will do this. My flock, when hatched in Jlay, was 110. I have now 101, having lost but nine chickens this season ; they are very hardy, which in our climate is a great recommendation to any breed of fowls. Fowls may be unprofitable when kept as many farmers are in the habit of keeping them — allowing them to wander about the farm, laying where they please, and feeding themselves upon melons, tomatoes, corn, and other valuable articles of food. 1 lind, from practical observation, that fowls are like all other animals — they will be very unprofitable if not properly cared for, and very profitable if kept as they should be. — (John S. Ixes, in N.H., Farmer.) HYBRID LIGURIANS. Havino bought from n gentleman in the south of Scotland two hives of Ligurian bees, not having seen any of them before, I am anxious to know whetlier they are pure or not. I have, therefore, enclosed a few of them, and shall feel greatly obliged by your iufotming mo in the pages of your Journal, wliether they are the true Ligurian, Also, whether the same queen will produce bees differently marked as tho enclosed are, or whether some of them may be without any yellow band on the back. Your answer will oblige. — B. G. [Of the five bees which accompanied your letter, one was well marked, one but indifl'erently so, and tho others appeared iden- tical with the ordinary. If, as we suppose, all are the offspring of one queen, she must have been liybridisod by being impreg- nated by a drone of the other species. Either Ligurian or black queens in this state breed some workers of both species, and some intermediate ones partaking, to a certain extent, of tho characteristics of each.] " B. & "W.'s " APIARY IN 1862. {Continued.) AccoRDrN'O to my usual practice, I resume, from page 129 of The Joitknal of Horticclture, the record of facts in my experience as an apiarian. The story, unfortunately, is soon told this year. I began the year with every promise and hope of success. By the end of May the two swarms of April 29th and 30th respectively, artificially formed on Langstroth's ad- mirable principles— ^.e., making one swarm out of two hives, thus insuring absolute success without risk to the parent stocks, and putting the bees as to swarming entirely under control — were quite full of comb and brood, with supers also partially filled over each. The early part of May was perfection. Much honey was collected ; and all stocks and swarms, including several others made also on Langstroth's principle, were doing well when I left home for a three-weeks visit to London on the 19th. That date, however, seems to have been the turning-point of the year as to honey at least, for on my return I found everything exactly as I had left it. Not one particle of honey apparently had been added to their store, nor has any been added since, although in every hive the population had increased and was increasing so rapidly, that I was obliged to give them all plenty of room to prevent their hanging-oiit. The only swarm which had collected sufficient honey (and it is the only stock at present out of all my eleven which needs no feeding), is the one of April 29th, which contains my old Italians, thus corroborating strongly what has been said iu favour of this species, whether pure or hybrids. The contrast to the other swarm of the 30th of the same month was remarkable, as both appeared equally strong, and certainly the two queens bore comparison in point of breeding powers. The latter, however, did not contain 2 ozs. of honey when I examined early in August. This discovery led me to begin feeding at that time, and I liave continued it from time to time ever since with nine out of eleven stocks. Matters remained in afatu quo till the arrival of the Italian queen, which the " Devonshire Bee-keeper " sent me on the 5th of July. The mode in which she was received by the stock to which I gave her will be found detailed at page 324, Journal of HoRTicrLXURE. The offspring of this queen, a few of which I saw on or about the 30th July, being very dis- tinctly marked Italians, 1 determined to repeat the operation of last autumn, detailed in these columns, and to attempt to Italianise my whole stock once more. By the help of Lang- stroth's nuclei and other artificial modes, I compelled five stocks to rear queens from brood supplied to thera exclusively out of the new Italian stock. Their own queens, of course, were killed first, these being the queens raised last year in the same manner out of brood taken from my old Italian stock. Not one of them differed in the smallest perceptible degree from common English queens, although a good many yellow-banded bees were found in their hives. From this it was evident that the queen with which Mr. Woodbury supplied me last year was not a pure Italian.* I had suspected as much before, but my imperfect acquaintance with the Italian race and its distinctive peculiarities prevented mo from verifying the fact. One of tho young queens • She had, doubtless, been hybridised by one of my neiglibours" black drones, a contingency wliich cannot always be avoided, althouRh I need hnrdly say that I was not aware of it at the time.— A Dkvonshies B«e- KEErEK. 666 JOURNAL OF HORXICTJLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ Novtsiber 18, 1862. raised this autumn was nearly as well marked as her mother (of whose excellence as a breeder and as a mother of a beautiful offspring I have had abundant proof), but I am still doubtful whether this young queen or any of her sisters have been duly impregnated, as I was only aware of the existence of about two dozen drones in the whole apiary at the time I ccmmenced operations. During the last fortnight, it is true, I liare been partially re-assured in my hopes by seeing a quantity of pollen carried into most of these hives, but I can know nothing for certain till I see whether drones or workers issue from the cells. No drones, howerer, have been seen by me since the middle of August, which I take to be a good sign. Feeding is now, of course, in full operation. It is astonishing how little my bees have lived on since July. I know that seven or eight of them must have died but for my assistance, and yet I have only boiled about 55 lbs. of brown sugar as yet ; and I hope with this supply, or little more, to carry them through the month of February- — i.e., ten stocks in all. Whatever the expense, how- ever, they must be kept alive and in vigour. A little outlay now will be well repaid next summer, if only we have a moderately fine season, as there is no danger of any part of England being overstocked with bees for many years to come. A profitable time is at liand for all careful and diligent bee-keepers. This is as " a word to the wise ; " it remains for me only to arrange my hives in their present order, after the various shiftings of the season. Bee-house. A. {Pure Italian artificial queen, July, 1862.) D. (Hyt)ri(i Italian .artiticial queen, July, 1861.) n. (nybria from brood of D, artificial queen, Angast, 1861.) B. (Hybrid from pure Italian artificial queen August, 1S62.) — B. & W. E. (Same as B,) G. (Same as B.) Garden. I. (Same as H.) K. (Common English bees, artificial queen, 1860.) (Same as B.) (Same as B.) J. (Same as H.) THE HONEY HARVEST IN GERMANY. It will be perceived by the following article from the pen of Herr Dzierzon, and translated from a recent Number of the German See Journal, that the honey harvest in that country has been quite as bad as in England. With regard to t)ie early cessation of breeding among Ligurian bees, I may remark that my experience is very different from that of my distinguished cotemporary, since I have found that the Italian species breed much later in the season than common bee?. I would also warn bee-keepers against removing the queens from old stocks with- out some very cogent reason. It i-s true that young queens lay eggs in great profusion when onee they begin ; but setting aside the risk of the'r loss during their wedding flights, and other casualties of by no means unfrequent occurrence, I have gene- rally found their superior breeding powers a very inadequate compensation for the loss of their jiredecessors' services during the interregnum which must intervene between the deposition of one sovereign and the qualification of her successor. — A Detonshibe Eee-keepee. "the bee teae 1862, aud the italiait bees. " The year 1862 will long be held in sad remembrance as most disastrous for bees. It is just the opposite of the preceding, which although at first very unfavourable, afterwards became so good that neither myself nor my cotemporaries could desire a better. This, also, on account of the excellent wintering and early spring gave rise to the best hopes, but the unusually cold, wet, and stormy summer diappointed us entirely. Whilst in other only middling seasons, I have often scarcely known where to put the honeycombs which I was obliged to take out of the hives in summer, partly to make room, and partly to admit of repeated operations ; this year I have frequently not known where to find a small honeycomb when I wanted it. All my honey- casks have been emptied, because during many weeks when the bees should hare gathered the most, they could not supply their daily wants, whilst it was necessary constantly to feed the young stocks lest they should die of starvation, or leave their hives as hunger-swarms. " Bad years are, however, the best years for instruction. They afford opportunities for making many observations which are generally hidden from our sight when there is an abundance of lioney. A remarkable circumstance, confirmed by many bee- friends who have visited me, is the far greater richness in honey of Italian stocks, no matter whether true or liybrid. Wlien even the strongest stocks of the common species were nearly destitute of honey at the beginning of August, the Italians had nlwnvp some stores, although generally a much more scanty population, because they are not only more dihgent and intrusive, and, therefore, lose more bees, but because they leave olT breeding earlier, and expel their drones sooner. They are, therefore, particularly suited to countries where the honey harvest h short. But even in countries where the pasturage is long continued, and where the harvest is good, the yellow bees will not be in- ferior to the black ones. I expected that the Italian stocks would be overtaken and surpassed by the, on-an-average, more populous native ones ; but I do not find this to be case at present, because they make up by diligence what is wanting in population, and they will hardly allow themselves to be sur- passed, even if the weather permit a longer use of the buckwheat blossom. Another remarkable observation which I make at this time is, that all stocks from which the old queen has been re- moved in the course of the summer, either with or without a swarm, are more populous, and work stronger than those which have not been disturbed. Some even begin to lengthen their combs, which stocks with old queens no longer think of doing. This is owing to the great deposit of eegs, which, on the othef hand has slackened long ago, if it has not entirely ceased in stocks which have I'emained undisturbed. Those, therefore, ara mis- taken who believe that stocks in order to remain strong must be left undisturbed. A stock from which a driven swarm has been taken at the right time, may yet in the same year eclipse in point of population a stock which remains undivided ; for owing to the brevity of the bees' lives the strength of a stock is always dependant on the quantity of brood. During the gathering time the strongest stock soon becomes weak, when little or no brood exists, whilst the middling stock becomes strong, when by a rapid development of brood the increase of bees is greater than the daily loss. In a stock from which the queen has been re- moved, egg-laying is certainly interrupted for some time ; it is, however, taken up again, and continued more rapidly than before after the impregnation of the young queen. By inserting a reyal cell also, the interruption may be restricted to so short a time as to be imperceptible. Before all the brood of the old q\ieen is sealed over, the young queen may have commenced egg-laying. Of course, the bee-keeper must endeavour so to manage that the largest number of young bees may leave their cells at a time when they can be most profitably employed, and return with interest the food which has been expended in rearing them. — DziEEzoN, Auffiist 2St7i, 1863." OUR LETTER BOX. PooLTRT-HOusE {J. Sti/les).—^Ve are sorry we cannot furni?h you with a plan, yon can liave " The Poultry Bonk for the Many " from our office free by post for seven postage stamps, and in that you will find drawings which yon may adapt to your own wishes and situation. Cramp in Fowls (T. ff.).— Your fowlsdie sutTerine from cramp. Symptoms —unable to walk, and contracted feet. It is generally fatal. The cause is mostly to be found in the flooring of the house ; brick, wood, stone, or aspbaltum will cause it. The only successful treatment is by stimulants, and the best stimulant we know of is strong beer. Nothing is of any nso while a bad floor is permitted. If such exist, and it cannot be conveniently done away with, let it be covered with dry gravel 4 inches or 5 inches deep. Place all the sickly or lame birds in a perfectly dry warm place, and giv them stale bread steeped in very strong ale. Pied Bant.ams ( TF. CTnr/c).— After looking at the feathers you enclosed, we are of opinion that although the parents were white, there is a stain in them from Piles ; and this has shown itself in the chickens froai which you took the feathers. The mixture of White and Black-red makes .i Piie. For advertisements we charge 2s. 6d. for six lines, aud 6d. per line for every line estra. Small Drone (J. S., Junsel.— We have very carefully compared the drone you enclosed with an ordinary drone, and cannot detect the slightest difference except in point of size. 'Yours was probably bred in a worker or intermediate ceil. Dogs {H. Smi'h).— It is quite impossible to give an opinion about the breed of a dog without seeing it. But upon dogs we mnst decline giving opinions at all. Buy Meyrick's little book, " House Dogs and sporting Dogs ; " it gives much information about them. November 25, 1362. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. C67 WEEKLY CALENDAR. Day Dajr of of M'nth Week. 25 36 27 28 J29 • SO 1 To W Th F S SCN M NOV. 25-DEC. 1, 1862. Erica caffrn. Limtana :i!rieana. I.cucutipi'im'im liypophyllura. Cliiiuiinanthua IVugvanb. Krica pulpliurea. Advknt Sunday. St. Andubw. Acacia aruiatu. Mfteorolooy op the "^ temperatures of these days o 'Weatheh near London in 1861. Sun Sun Moon Rises Moon's Clock after D Rain in Inches. Barometer. Thermom. Wind. Rises. Sots. and Seta Age. Sun. y» flegrees. m. h. m. h. m. h. m. e. 29.907-39 677 51—42 S.W. •08 37af7 1 5Saf3 17 8 4 12 49 339 •23.6G9— 29.861 58-30 S.W. — 38 7 1 57 3 38 9 6 12 30 330 29.79.3—29.786 51-24 S.W. — 40 7 ; 60 3 57 10 0 12 10 331 29.918-29.884 63-SO w. ■09 41 7 i 56 3 morn. )) 11 50 332 29.739— 29.fi78 57-49 S.W. •04 43 7 54 3 12 0 8 U 29 333 29.780-29.748 60—40 8.\V. ■08 44 7 53 8 24 1 9 11 7 334 30.245-29.808 51-23 w. — 40 7 52 3 86 2 10 10 46 335 ck, from observations during thp last thirtv-ftve vears, the avera^f highest and lowest ■espectively. The yrreateet heat, 02 ', occurred on tlie Ist, in 1Sj7 ; and the lowest cold, 14" ys were fine, and on 12-1 vain tell. THE HOLLYHOCK. sVERY one wlio sees the magni- fieent spikes of Hollyhock exhi- bited at our au- tumnal shows must be struck with the won- derful advance they have made of late years, and the noble appear- ance that they present even when cut, while their appearance in their growing; state is so noble and stately that they ought to be more grown and appreciated than they are. Want- ing, it is true, the brilliancy of tint of the Dahlia, they yet can claim a superiority in their habit of growth; and wlien good people have got over a little of the mania for bedding-out which has now seized upon us all — when we want to introduce something like variety into the surface as well as the colouring of our gar- dens—when we get dissatisfied with this dining-table and polychromic style which has run away with us— then I doubt not the old English favourite, the Hollyhock, (for it has been such), will come again into favour. I question, however, when it does so whether the highly- bred varieties which we see exhibited will be found quite as useful as the unbloomed or bloomed seedlings, as the case may be ; for. if I may judge by my own experience, one pays for blood in this as in other cases. If the highly-bred hunter or racehorse requires more careful attention than their more plebeian associates, and if diseases are the adjuncts of a civilised life which are unknown to those living in a more natural state, so I may say that the highly-bred Hollyhock suffers from its very excellence. During the past summer, a most unfavourable one for this flower, after heavy rain I found my best varieties with their blooms all in a state of pulp, while those of a less perfect character did not look much the worse. It is, however, of the Hollyhock as a florist's flower that I want to write, and, it may be, to give them a lift in popular favour ; and having last season had an opportunity, through the kindness of Mr. Chatcr and Mr. Laing, of Forest Hill, of grow- ing some fine varieties, I am somewhat more interested in them. I think we may fairly call Saffron Walden the home of the Hollyhock. Just as we look to Slough for Pelar- goniiuns, to Bagshot for Gladiolus, and to Hammersmith for Chrysanthemums, so we look to Saffron Walden for the Hollyhock. There are other growers of Pelargoniums than Mr. Turner, of Gladiolus than Mr. Standish, and of Chrysanthemums than Mr. Salter, but they are never- theless the monarchs of those classes of flowers ; and so No. 87.— Vol, III., New Sebies. there are other growers of Hollyhocks than Mr. Chater, but he reigns supreme, I think, a.s the first grower and raiser of them in the kingdom. He generally takes the first prizes at the exhibitions, though Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing run him very close sometimes ; and the large number of certificates gained by him shows the excellence of the new varieties that he from time to time brings before the public. Indeed, the first step toward a real improvement of the flower was made at Saffron Walden, for it was there that Mr. Baron, a shoemaker, many years ago conceived the idea of improving it. Knowing little but the practical part of the craft, he, with the energy and perseverance so characteristic of our nation, year after year worked at it. Others after- wards entered the lists ; and the names of Bircham, Paul, lloake, Downie & Laird, Turner, and especially Chater. are well known to all lovers of the flower ; but Mr. Baron was the first to lead off the improvement. The Soil in which the Hollyhock thrives best is a ricli garden loam. Although it will not refuse any ordinary good soil, it is, as its large and fleshy roots indicate, a gross feeder, delighting in manure and in plenty of mois- ture, but, at the same time, in winter somewhat impatient of damp. Light soils do not suit it, and indeed it is almost impossible to get it to do anything in such situ- ations. The Situation it ought to occupy in the garden should by all means be sheltered, but not under the shade of trees. The height to which some of the sorts attain, together with the great weight of the flowers, renders them peculiarly susceptible of " windy " influences : and hence in my own neighbourhood, where one would almost think Eolus holds his court, it is somewhat diflicult to find a place to suit it. In my own little flower garden it would not have the remotest chance of being allowed to bloom — I should expect to see it carried away bodily ; and am therefore obliged to grow them in my piece of vegetable garden, where there does happen to be a shel- tered corner into which the south-westers (our worst winds), do not penetrate. At the same time other places should, if possible, have a fair proportion of sun, but this I hold to be secondary to the shelter. When one tells you to put them in an any place, perhaps he is sheltered on all sides by trees and does not appreciate the violence of winds. If I were to put mine in an airy place I should have to get some of our school children to sit by them when our gales blow here, or else anchor them with chain cables. The Time foe Planting is an important matter, but it seems to me that spring-planting is preferable to autumn. It involves, however, the necessity of a cold frame or pit in which the plants should be housed ; for although hardy, they are, of course, more liable to be affected by frost when in pots than in the open air. When the plants are received from the nurseryman in the autumn, the most desirable plan is to repot them at once, using moderate-sized pots and a light open soil. Ordinary attention should be paid them during the winter months, guarding against fogging, and not allowing them No. 739.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Sebhs. em JODRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 1862. to flag for want of water. In the beginning of April they may be planted out, the ground which they are to occupy having been trenched and laid up in ridges during the winter. It is desirable to plant when the ground ia in good heart — not too " stocigy," as the labourers call it here. Holes should be made about 3 feet apart, and a good basketful of manure, about half a bushel, may be placed in each. They should be planted firmly, but not too deep ; and as late frosts occur in May, it is always well to have some large pots at hand to place over them if the temperature threatens to be very low. A stout stake may be placed alongside of each, so that when the plant grows it may be I'eady without injuring the roots. They will now require but little attention, if the weather be at all favourable, for some weeks. Thk Aptek-manaoement depends entirely on the wishes of the grower. If he be desirous simply of ornamentation, he may leave three or four spikes on each strong plant ; but if he aspires to being an exhibitor, one only must be allowed. He must also take care to thin-out the bloom-buds, so as to obviate too much crowding together, which prevents the complete development of the flowers, on which so much depends. It is a good plan, too, to shorten the spike, so as to throw more vigour into the flowers left, and they are never exhibited with the full length of the spike shown. Those who are anxious for clean blooms will take care to protect them from the influence of the weather, and this can be done only by making calico shades to place over the individual spikes that are required. VAraETlES. — With regard to choice of sorts, there is here the same difGculty as in most florists' flowers, owing to the im- mense variety ; but I have not seen any catalogue of any plants, in which so admirable an arrangement is adopted as in Mr. Chater's, and all who wish to know what the best varieties are would do well to obtain it. It is arranged, not only in colours but in shades of colours : thus we have in rose colours nine different sections — rose pink, bright shining rose, deep rose, satin rose, amethyst, general rose, pink carmine tinted, rose carmine, and brilliant deep rose. From my own slight experience I can speak highly of the following varieties ; — Madingley Perfection (Chater), deep rose, dark base. David Foulis (Downie & Co.), fine bright rose. Rowley (Chater), very bold rosy carmme. Lady C. Neville (Chater), deep peach. Countess Russell (Chater), a beautiful rosy peach. Candidissima (Chater), beautiful clear flower, white. Empress Eugenie (Downie & Co.), large white, with rose base. Bianca (Chater), fine bright cerise. John Keith (Downie & Co.), a very fine crimson, of excel- lent shape. Lady King (Chater), an extra fine ruby crimson flower. Illuminator (Chater), splendid scarlet. Joshua Clarke (Chater), a most beautifully-formed flower, one of the best, if not the best Hollyhock grown. Black Knight (Bland), fine black. Ochroleuca (Chater), a very fine straw colour. Stanstead Rival (Downie &, Co.), a splendid rosy salmon, of first-rate quality. Lady Dacres (Downie & Co.), a fine flower of great substance, flesh-coloured salmon. Premier (Chater), very fine buff salmon. Invincible (Chater), a noble flower of orange salmon colour, with a grand spike. Beatrice (Chater), a very delicate and beautiful buff. Miss Lizzie King (Chater), a very fine bright yellow. Mrs. Fyson (Chater), beautiful pale lilac. Agenora (Chater), fine deep lilac, excellent flower. Gentral Wyndham (Chater), reddish-purple. Advancer (Chater), rose and white, a very fine and novel- looking flower, — D., JDeal. GLOBE ARTICHOEES AND EUROPEAN CYCLAMENS— AEE THEY HARDY? CEOSSING CYCLAMENS. With the exception of Scarlet Runner Beans in a row on one side of my boundary, I grow no other vegetable whatever. The whole space is devoted to flowers and fancies. But I read every word of the weekly calendar by Mr. Keane, and of the " Doings of the Last Week," by Mr. Fish, with greater relish than when I had to look out for the best ways to make both ends meet. And when I learn thence a better turn for doing anything than the old way, I enjoy it as a triumph as much as if I were in the midst of it ; and to say the ruling passion shall ever pass away to the end of the chapter is the very opposite of my personal ex- perience. But, at the end of forty years, there are some simple things yet in the calendar which I do not quite understand, and when- ever 1 think of one of these things it vexes me without knowing the reason why. Take last week as an instance of what I mean. In the first going-off Mr. Keane gives the usual annual notice to protect Artichokes from frost, and on the next page Mr. Fish says the " Artichokes (Globe) have had some litter placed tightly round them, so as to prevent the frost getting at the roots." Well, it was thirty-nine years ago next Saturday or Friday, I am not quite certain which, when three men and a lad were wheeliug-in littery dung from the framing ground into a large kitchen garden, to be placed tightly round Artichokes, the same as last week. The lad was your humble servant (a black sheep at the time) . About three in the afternoon of that day, a tall young-looking gentleman, straight as a ramrod, and wearing a white vest and blue coat and trowsers, stood above us, and as I can see him now, in my mind's eye, the handsomest yonng man I had ever seen up to that day ; but none of us wheeling the litter knew who he was. He was some visitor to Mr. Strachan, the manager at Beaufort Castle, twelve miles above Inverness ; had just come out of Mr. Strachan's house, now the gardener's house, stood on the bank over us, and viewing all around, and over and into the garden, as if he were planning something or other. He soon left, and so we did the Artichokes safe and sound. Next Tuesday, the extra lad, who was accused of having all the light jobs and the more pleasant terms given to him by Mr. Strachan, was sent over to Belladrum, the next large place to Beaufort Castle, with a letter to the head gardener there, and I knew him the instant I saw him as the gentleman stranger who was at " our place " the week before. I thought him very young to be trusted with a place of more responsibility than "ours," there being three glass houses, and lots of pits and framing on the place, while " we " had lights for Melons and Cucumbers only. I thought I was as old as he was, and yet I really did not know when to give air to the frames, or how much air to give, or, indeed, anything at all about them ; and as to the hothouses, the first range I had ever seen, I was awe-struck at the idea of a man of my own age being able to manage them, and to teach four young apprentices how to do the whole of the glass in two or three years. But, the pride of life came within me, and the new gardener at Belladrum, nor liis young men after him, knew aright of what was passing in ray mind. I could talk, even then, from reading books, so that they might think there was no lack of knowledge at Beaufort Castle at all events ; but one question which the young gentle- man gardener asked me was a stunner I could not answer, and I had depth enough to know that confession of ignorance was much more safe than to pretend. "What were you wheeling-in that dung for last week ? " was the question I could not respond to, and after forty-two years of it I cannot tell it now why it is done. He must have seen they were putting the dung on the Artichokes, and the purport of the question was to know from me what they did it for ; so I told him that I was not allowed to know such mysteries, that I was only an extra hand for a time, looking for the better times coming. "But you seem to me to know a good deal about gardening." I never felt " vanity-daft " so strongly as at that moment. I believe to this day that short sentence was the turning-point of my career. "But you seem to me to know a good deal about gardening," stuck to me for the next ten years, so as I could not get rid of the idea of being taken for a great man indeed, and I must do something to make the idea more than a shadow. Then, to be told so by a man infinitely above me in that knowledge, and to be spoken to as kindly as if I had been his own equal, astounded me. He took me all round the garden, and through the houses, and to the framing-ground, and told his foreman to let me see everything whenever I chose to call ; and I could now repeat word for word of all that was said on either side tliat day, at the distance of thirty-nine years this week. The gentleman-gardener was no other than Mr. N. Niven, now of Drumcondra, near Dublin. He told me then that he was not quite sure if frost really hurt Artichokes ; but he knew vety well the question was a disputed one— his own belief in his own very words was, that " the practice was the dictate of custom, and not the result of necessity," as far as he could make out. November 2D, 1S62. JOURNAL OF HORTICULXUBE AND COIXAGB GABDBNEB. CG9 A change of gardeners nt Beaufort Cnstle changed the eystem there of covoring Artichokes, and none of them were protected there for three years before I left ; but I forgot about the frost, and it w»ii the winter of 1.H29 and 1830 before I could prove it under my own eye. A dire frost set in after the new year in 1830, but my Artichoke-beds suffered not the least harm, and for the next seven years the plan was the same, with the same result; but as there was no tremendous frost from January, 1830, to the end of 1S;17, and not till the following winter, I cannot say even now if Artichokes are hurt by our severest frosts; but during our ordinary winters for seven years, I did not lose a sucker or a stool of Artichokes, and they were all un- protected. In the very severe winter of 1840 and 1811, my first winter at Shrubland Park, the Artichokes were not covered there, and they escaped one of the hardest winters of my day ; but then the ground was deeply covered with snow, and after that the annual dressing of dung was given to the Artichokes before the winter set in, as part of the routine more than as means of pro- tection. So that to the present day I am not quite sure if the Artichoke does, or does not, actually require protection. I am quite sure, however, of what took place under the cir- cumstances which I have instanced, and I think we might do worse now than canvass this question, as some gardeners did iu the last generation. But I have another string to my bow. I want to know if Cyclamen neapolitanum needs protection from frost. It is a native of England, of central and southern Italy, of Sicily, and of Algiers, and is as different in the leaf, in the different localities, as any plant in cultivation, if not more so. I have eight or nine different forms and differently marked leaves of it iu my own collection. But all my stock is from central Italy, from " my Sardinian correspondent," and I do not know how far it may need protection or not. The large-leaved Cyclamens of the London trade, which go under the names macrophyllum and africanum, are nothing more than genuine neapolitanum with different leaves, as far as my stock has yet bloomed ; and I have one of them in bloom now, and have had the same for the last three months with no appreciable difference iu the flowers. Hedersefolium is the name by which neapolitanum is best known to English gardeners. Has any one ever known that kind to be cut off by frost ? I believe not, yet my want is not supplied in the belief; and I am afraid the larger-leaved kinds of it from the far south, like our Globe Artichoke, will need some slight protection iu most places, although I am not yet quite sure of the point for either the one or the other. My neapolitanum has been too recently disturbed to be a fit subject for experiment this winter. Plants of the different-sized leaves of it ought to be two years established on the spot before experiments on them about enduring or not enduring frost, could be of much prictical value. This, if I live long enough, I shall be able to put to the test. Meantime I want to know how far you, the readers of this Journal, have traced the question. Have you planted out Cyclamen africatuim, or Cycla- men macrophyllum in the open ground, and left them out with- out protection any time within tlie last ten years, or before that period, and how did it fare with them if you did ? I shall have coum and vernum in bloom this winter along with the true old English neapolitanum, otherwise called hedertc- folium. The reason of that is this : My whole collection was frosted when in full leaf this time last year, or, at least, some of all my sorts which were planted out of pots for experiment on their hardiness, had their leaves frosted into jelly through au oversight on the part of the manager to put the covering over them for three or four days and nights, when we had the first hard frost last winter, and when I could not see to them myself. AU that frost did not seem to hurt the bulbs or tubers, even of any of the Suer races of persicum, for I had some of all of them in the wreck ; but the coums and Atkinsi in variety, all had their leaves destroyed, but they were pitted and brought on three or four months before their time for the experiment which so ended. The effect of that scourging frost was to throw them all out of their course of leafing and iloweriog; and, as in the case of young Nerval, what I had long wished for chance brought to my door, though to my sorrow at the time. You recollect how uppermost it stood with mo not long since to have the autumn-blooming Cyclamens — that is, europa^um and neapolitanum retarded ; and the early spring bloomers, beginning with coum, forced into late autumnal bloom, in order, if possible, to enable the two races to cross, and so obtain a race like vernum to bloom naturally from November on tlirough the winter. That very effect desired is now in my hands, and I can sec how the same may bo done every year, or every other season at all events, by just following my sad accident with part of one's stock. Order some London nurseryman who may have " a Sardinian correspondent," to obtain so many europceum bulbs, BO many bulbs of neapolitanum, of africanum, and of macro- phyllum from the wilds of Sardinio, and to lift them early in August before the kinds come into bloom. Then the lifting, the half-drying in the packing and during the journey to London, will put them off their blooming season, and you may keep them back from flowering a month or more after their arrival ; and if they will begin to bloom early in October, none of them will finish blooming before this time or later, for they seem to take twice the time to get through their blooming by being thus kept so long out of their natural course. Or, if we take such an instance at home as the case of Mr. Weaver, our Cyclamen correspondent at Winchester, who has large plants of the neapolitanum in the open borders, and pro- bably of europicum also. Suppose he had a mind for this trial, or any one having the same opportunity, all he would have to do would bo to lift a " root " with a large ball to it, as soon as he could see the buds for the bloom — say at the end of July, or early in August ; he could partially dry it, but not let it become quite dry in the ball, and so keep it back fully two months, perhaps much longer. Would it not seem one of the easiest things in the world to have a Neapolitan Cyclamen in bloom in November ? then vernum would be naturally in bloom, and there would be no difficulty in preparing coum to bloom in No- vember. I have a score of coums now in strong bud for blooming, which a few degrees of more heat would throw up and expand in a week or ten days. My recently-received vernums, and three roots of ibericum, are also in bloom-bud ; and I have no doubt but if Clusius's true hederffifolium— that is, the late spring- flowering Ivy-leaf Cyclamen, had been in my wreck this time last year, it would now be in this interesting condition along with the rest of tliem. Then, if the European Cyclamens will ever cross among them- selves, this would seem to be the best chance for them. I can- not yet get rid of the idea that they have done so by some acci- dent or design before I was born ; for I can see nothing in Goldie's ibericum to distinguish it as a true species, or mark it in any way as different from sorts of Atkinsi that I have seen. Of course I may be wrong, but the proof is wanting. As to vernum, it is exactly what I should predict if a northern variety of neapolitanum were crossed with coum. After seeing the way coum subdued persicum with Mr. Atkins, and the way the Atkinsi breed has already branched out into dissimilar varieties at the Wellington Road Nursery, it would appear as if ibericum were nothing else than a dwarf seedling from vernum itself. You may call that an odd way to account for the origin of species. Be it so ; but I have seen the origin of too many species of that stamp and style in my day, to allow me to enter- tain a different opinion until that is controverted by proof posi- tive, which proof can be made good again and again without a flaw iu the procedure. The next process is to bring the spring Cyclamens to bloom in November, without frosting them like mine, so as to meet the retarded autumnals for the purpose of crossing. I am quite certain now, from sad experience, that is also quite as easily to be effected as the retarding of europa^um and neapolitanum, aUas hedera;folium of old English gardens. Take any, or all, of the persicum breed and of coum, for there are two distinct varieties of coum in cultivation, the one having the flower much larger than the other, and that is the one which so many growers keep under the name of vernum. But take them botli, with ibericum and with the true hederffifolium, if you cau find it, and when any well-established plant of any of the varieties of the three races is throwing-up for bloom, be it in February, March, or April, cut off every one of the leaves, and all the flower-stalks and flower-biuls you can perceive, and shake the plant out of the soil immediately, to prevent another effort of growth for the time being. Dry the bulb iu that state — a far better state than that in which two hundred of my poor frosted bulbs were obliged to be dried-otf last January, and early in the year. If the drying began in February or Jfarcli, tho bulbs should be potted again early in May, and the April- 670 JOURNAL OF HORTICTTLTTJBE AND COXTAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 1862. dried ones in June, anci bo left to nature to get into leaf again, and to throw-off some blooms, probably, which you could not see to disbud in the spring. All this I have seen acted under my own eye this Terj season, only that the stoppage in the midst of their growth was by the frost ; and now, if I had known it sooner, I might have had a score of spring bloomers fall up to the crossing-point ou the first day of NoTember— that is, by giving them a lift iu-doors of from 5" to 10° more heat all througli October. Something about from 50" to 56" would probably do, but the degree they would soon settle themselves, and I could as soon see it. It strikes me, too, that the stimulus of about five more degrees than greenhouse temperature, would cause the persicums to cross the more readily — say from 40" to 45° or 47* of dry heat in November, would cause all Cyclamens to cross more readily than at their usual time of flowering. D. Beaton. HEDGES— USEFUL AND OENAMENTAL. A OOREESPONDENT from one of the eastern counties, whose case no doubt resembles that of many others, asks advice on the management of hedges of various kinds, as enumerated below ; and, as the subject may be of some interest to the general reader, the Editors have desired me to give such a reply as will meet the requirements of those similarly situated, and a few notes on hedges not mentioned in his list will also be given. Taking the various cases in which the term " hedge " is used, ■we find it implies a fence, screen, shelter, or ornamental partition. Long and well-established practice has decided beyond the possi- bility of a doubt which plant is the best for all general purposes of a cattle fence ; but otliers are at times used. For shelter or ornament there is, however, great diversity of plants, and very often accident is tlie cause of some of these being employed. Thus they may have happened to have been growing at the place where shelter was wanted, and were, consequently, made available to that purpose ; and in a like manner many of oar mixed hedges, crooked, and consisting of half a dozen or more different plants, have been simply appropriated to the form- ation of a fence, from having been found growing at the place that such fence was wanted. Hazel, Maple, Elm, Elder, Willow, Alder, and similar things, are often worked-in, not in conse- quence of having ever been planted by hand, but by being acci- dentally found there, and taken advantage of. The crooked, non- descript character of some old hedges may unquestionably be traced to this cause ; but (Iiey are disappearing more or less speedily as the agricultiu-e of the district advances. Bounda- ries of property and other causes will no doubt be the means of retaining many of them ; and in some neighbourhoods tlie long time it takes to rear a good Quickset hedge renders a tenant unwilling to destroy one, which, however crooked and unsightly, answers for a fence. Though the generality of hedges for farming and other purposes of a like kind are of White Thorn, the culture and management of which belong more particularly to another class, yet for the guidance of those who may have such fences to plant and attend to, a few notices on these "will be appended, as well as on the other kinds of hedge regarded as more ornamental. I will take them in the following order :— 1. White Thorn or Quickset. 7. Box. 2. Hornbeam and Beech. 8. Ivy. 3- Holly. 9. Arbor Titse. 4- trivet. 10. Laurustinus. 5. Laurel. H. Other evergreen shrubs. 6- ^^^- 12. High hedges for shelter. Quickset Hedge.— Nothing can very well exceed a good Quickset hedge when neatly trimmed and attended to ; and I am told that some small fields, not more than a couple of miles from where I write, are surrounded with hedges of this kind so closely grown and compact, that if a hare were turned into one of them she would not be able to get out anywhere but at the gate ; and yet these hedges are not more than a foot thick at the most, and often much less, and being planted on the level have no ad- vantage from an additional depth of soil. The great secret is, that the soil suits them, and they are duly taken care of both at the beginning, and ever afterwards. A sort of slight digging with the fork is given once or twice a-year to the ground, "about 18 inches or so on each side of the collar, and if the field is in tillage the cultivation reaches this margin ; if in grass, the line of demarcation is like that of a walk cut in a turf lawn. Sheep aire always kept from the hedges in summer by hurdles or something of that kind ; in winter they do not so much harm. The clipping or trimming of such hedges is generally done twice in the year, the first time often about the end of June, and the other in autumn or early winter, when the leaf has fallen. This is the treatment of an adult hedge. That of a young one is mnch the same ; but it will be better to mention the planting first, m that sometimes determines the character of the future plant, and what is here stated is applicable to all situations. Although this Quickset will gi'ow and make a good fence on all kinds of soil where other ordinary crops will flourish, yet it does best on a soil of a dry and stony character. Wet soddened clays or marshes are unsuitable ; neither is a very bleak situation, or one exposed to the sea spray, suited to it. The condition of neiglibouring specimens will, however, give the best explanation of this ; but if it be determined to plant one on the cold undrained clay of some districts, it would be best to plant on the top or side of an embankment, so that the roots being on a ridge will be drier than in the adjoining ground. This is the usual custom in districts less favourable to the growth of the Quickset than the one I write from ; but it is certainly re- commendable. On such uugeniai soils it is also advisable to plant more liberally — say a double row of plants about 9 inches apart, and about 6 inches in the row. On drier and better soils a single row will do, and that on the level, giving the ground, how- ever, the advantage of a good trenching ; and if particular success be wanted, manure may be added, either at the time of planting or afterwards. One peculiar feature adopted here in planting is worthy of imitation everywhere, and is the same as we adopt in planting fruit trees of all kinds. The young plant is not cut down at the time of planting, but allowed to remain for one year, when it is cut down. The cutting-away of top and bottom at the same time is an ordeal some plants will not endure, but die under ; and although the Quickset might not, perhaps, succumb to it, some solitary plants would do so, and leave the line gappy and bad. Some planters take the pains to bend the tops of the newly-planted Quicksets in such a way that the tips are buried in the ground at the collar of the second plant from them, forming at once a dwarf lino of basketwork, and sometimes the shoots formed that season are not cut down the following one as stated above. This bending-down, however, cannot well be managed unless the plants are something like 2 feet high, and we would prefer smaller plants than this. Good fibrous roots are of more consequence than a strong coarser top, and being planted in good time in the autumn, in soil suitable, &c., a good result may be looked for. The trimming of the young plant for the first two or three years must always be done in the autumn or winter, as cutting a deciduous tree of any kind in summer is an operation hurtful to it ; and as the hedge wants encouragement rather than crippling, allow all but some very gross shoots to ripen their wood before cutting them in. The cutting-in may be more or less severe, as may be deemed necessary. Generally, however, if the hedge is thriving and robust, a foot each year will be ample addition to its former height until it reach the allotted height — say 4i feet ; but it is often advisable to cut-in to within 6 inches or 8 inches of the former year's cutting. It is erroneous to think that extreme cutting-in strengthens the hedge : such is not the case. The collar of a plant left entirely alone would be thicker than with any cutting at all ; but a certain amount of shortening is necessary to secure a close compact body of shoots. The cutting sideways may, however, be more close, as narrowness is con- sidered a qualification, if the mass that is left be close and compact. In dressing Quickset hedges, the hook in the hands of one well skilled in its use is a much quicker tool than the shears. The latter, however, must be used for the first few years until an established shape and form be given to the hedge. Hoenbbam and Beech. — These are more generally planted for shelter than as a fence against cattle, and arc, consequently, allowed to get much higher than ordinary fences. It is also considered an advantage to retain the old leave? on them all the winter, and it is, therefore, advisable to treat them accordingly. The Beech and Hornbeam being forest trees of large size, the dwarfing they undergo to keep them in the condition of hedge plants causes more or less unhealthiness in their growth, and this is one of the causes of their retaining theu- leaves during winter ; but as another inducement for their doing so, it is advisable to cut and dress them once or twice during the season, taking care that the last time is not so late as to leave them no chance of making fresh shoots, for it is those late un- ripened shoots that retain their leaves wbioh give the shelter and November 25, 18G2. ] JOURNAl OF nORTICULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENKB, 671 warm appearance {lu-so hedges present in winter. Tlie Beeeli and Hornbeam thrive best on a dry challiy soil, and they quickly attain the condition of a full-grown hedge plant ; and on bleak, high situations lu>df;e? of (lie«e plants will be found useful and more deserving of attention than they often receive. IIoLLy. — Tliis is of much slower growth than the last ; but, ■when once established, the hedge is second to none either in point of utility or appearance. Its deep glossy green leaves, matted thickly on stems robust and strong, seem to bid deSanco to either man or beast. In fact, there is only one drawback to a Holly hedge — it does not grow so fast as one of Quick, and on 6omo soils dees not thrive at all. It has, however, the merit of doing well on rather damp soils — net those saturated with stag- nant water, b\it damp hill sides more or less stony. In such places I have seen Hollies attain to fair-sized timber. Growth is more slow than most hedge plants, excepting Yew and Box ; but when once arrived at that condition it will remain a long time without deterioration either in appearance or utility. Hollies are said to be best planted in September, and it must be confessed they are not the best things to move. Small plants that have been frequently removed are best for a hedge, and with a little patience an excellent fence will be forthcoming in time. What cutting is requisite had better be done with the knife in early autumn, and, if necessary, with the shears in March ; but to use the latler in September occasions the plants to look badly all winter, so many leaves being cut in two. Good soil will encourage the growth of the Holly as well as tliat of other things ; and it is not bad practice to plant an occasional Holly in a Quickset heclge, the green patches looking well at all seasons. Pbiyet. — AVliere a hedge is wanted in a very short time this is one of the best plants for the purpose, as it grows rapidly and bears cutting well ; but it is not by any means a substantial fence, being devoid of thorns, and, there being no thick wood in it, cattle are not easily turned by it ; nn'xed with Quickset it is better. Its general hardihood and adaptability to all situations are features not to be disregarded. It will also grow under trees better than most plants, and when a hedge is wanted quickly. Privet is the plant ; neither is its appearance bad, and it may be cut at any season. LAtrB£i,. — The common Laurel makes an excellent bant or hedge ; but in general it yearly increases in size, the spurs grow- ing out a little eaeh year ; still it makes a beautiful hedge, bank, or slope, and bears cutting-in to mathematical precision, and when once well established enow has no impression on it, which it cerrainly has on Privet and some otlicr plants of a like kind. A dry stony soil suits the common Laurel beet, and on such Boils it grows very freely, and also bears cutting well. We find the best way is to cut Laurel hedges over with the hedge-shears, about the second week in July, exactly to the shape wanted, and the after-growths of 6 inches or less we leave on all the winter, merely looking over them in autumn, and cutting out with the knife any long ones that protrude farther than the rest. At Linton these second shoots always ripen, and, consequently, stand the winter without turning yellow, which is not the case in places where the shoots do not ripen ; in fact, in some cases it is no unusual thing to see t'ne tips of such shoots all dead, and where the soil is not so well adapted to the Laurel, the plant often enough dies entirely, or now and then one succumbs to the un- favourable ordeal it has to go through. With us, however, this does not occur, although the number of years some of our slopes and banks of Laurel have been subject to close cutting would have sickened if not killed many other plants. Cutting with hedge-shears is a plan not to be recommended everywhere, for many of the leaves are necessarily cut through, and they look brown afterwards ; but we do it for expedition, and established practice has enabled us to make sure of the speedy second growth which covers with verdure the brown disBgured leaves that were out. A better way, and one I would recommend to all who have not gained their experience by practice, is to cut the Laurel hedge or bank with the knife, and if particular nicety is wanted let the cuts slant in such a way as not to face the eye of the observer. Generally in cutting between the finger and thumb the knife is so held as to make a slanting cut that looks one exactly in the face. This is wrong. All shoots below the eye ought to be cut from the under and not from the upper side, and a little practice will enable any one to do this as well as the other way. The same remark holds good with other hedges of evergreen that are cut with the knife. Yew. — Of all hedges far ornament, this is perhaps, the most ancient, and likewise ranks the highest in point of excellence. Wo are told of some hedges tliat have outlived two or three dwellings, and some are said to have been planted four or five centuries ago. An old Yew hedge is so venerable an object, that modern innovators generally pause before they condemn one. Being a native plant found wild on dry, chalky hills, as well as in other places, both on the exposed mountain-crest and in the shade, or enjoying the shelter of other trees, the Y'ew is very accommodating. Hedges of Yew are of slow growth, but tli(! plant is not the worst to transplant, and it often happens that plants of 3 feet high and upwards may be made into a liedge at once. If the growth is only moderate it is best to cut the \'ew in March ; but if more robust it may be cut in dull, damp weather in July, when n trifling after-growth will give it a more cheerful appearance for the winter. Box. — Like the last this is of slow growth, even more so than Y^ew. It is also of a paler colour, but in many respects resembles the Y'ew in habit. It will grow on a stilfer soil tlian the Y'ew, and bears clipping well. When cut at the end of June or beginning of July it has time to grow a little afterwards, and recover the brownness that follows clipping. If possible, the cutting should be done in damp weather, and the d-sfigurement caused thereby to the foliage is the more quickly remedied. Box hedges seem to be long-lived, and they also attain a fair size when allowed to grow on. They are, however, no protection against cattle. Ivy. — It would be wrong to call the Ivy a hedge ; the term " screen " is more proper. If a framework of timber or iron is fixed, Ivy planted against it will quickly occupy it and present an effectual screen in a shorter time than anything we know of, especially if the plants be good and in pots, and the soil they are planted in suitable. A little tying to the proper places as a sort of guide will enable the plants to ascend in the place most wanted, and it will be found that very little tying is wanted. The Irish and Heart-leaved Ivies are the best, and they quickly cover a wall, trellis, or bank. The cutting of Ivy is best done in this n ■ighbourhood in August — say the middle of it, when we closely crop many houses and other places covered with it, leaving scarce a leaf, yet it regains its foliage before winter, and looks well after the first three weeks or a month after cutting. The Ivy is not particular as to soil, but the better it is the quicker the growth. I may, however, caution some inexperienced in such matters, that it will in time kill forest trees to which it clings, and of this we have had several instances in this neighbourhood. Aeuor Vit.e. — This has risen into repute the last few years as a hedge plant, and, certainly, it seems suitable in many respects ; but as I have had very little experience with it, I can only speak from impressions formed of what I have seen. One good quality it has — it moves well and grows quickly, and, I believe, bears cutting, but I should think it is better adapted lor a high hedge than a low one. Good garden soil not too damp nor yet too shallow suits it best, and being pretty hardy it will endure any aspect. I am, however, not certain how it withstands the sea breeze and spray, but I expect not very well. It is, however, more of an ornamental plant than one adapted to hardships, and deserves to be treated as such. LauktjSTINUs. — This makes an excellent hedge or bank ; but it ought never to be cut with the shears, but large pieces cut out as wanted, so as to keep the mass in some degree within bounds, and in this way it looks as well as the most skilfully-cut hedge, and there is the additional pleasure of seeing it llower all the winter. A dry stony soil suits it best; but it will thrive and do well on one of a reverse description. Plant in September, and prefer good rooted specimens rather than large ones, and you will be rewarded in due time. OtUEH liVEEOliEKN SuKUBS OE TbKES OCCASIONALLY USBD. — There are many plants which the taste of individual growers have brought into use for hedges. Portugal Laurel will live, and some here (Linton), have borne cutting for twenty years or more ; but, generally speaking, this plant is impatient of the knife, and it will not bear cutting below the leaves as well as the common Laurel. Phillyrea is better and looks well. Alatermis is not so good, the leaves looking rusty. 1 have not had much experience in Sweet Bay, but in soils that suit it I have no doubt but that it will do admirably. Some single specimens in our grounds are upwards of 30 feet high, and as vigorous as the Siotcli Fir. Khododendrons rarely make a regular line, and cannot well be made to do so without sacrificing their most im- portant feature — the flowers. Whin or Gorse, single or double, looks well while in flower ; but if very severe weather folloWB 672 JOtrilNAL OF HORTICTTLTUfiE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 1862. after cutting in autumn, the brown, dead, and prickly masa loois badlj. The same may be said of Broom ; wliile Spruce and Scotcli Firs are better adapted for high shelter than for the purposes of a hedge. There are many other plants which may be worked into use in an ornamental way with advantage. I should think that Grise- linia littoralis might do very well : its glossy green leaves of a pale colour are inviting, and in favoured places there is no doubt but it will succeed well. There is also a plant whicli has been extensively used as a hedge plant by Mr. Eidgeway, of Fairlawn, in this county, and recommended by that gentleman as adapted even for cattle fences in situations where it will stand the winter. It is Osage Orange (Madura aurantiaca), a prickly half-evergreen shrub, of far from a disagreeable appearance, the foliage being bright, shining, and abundant ; the only drawback is, its points rarely ripen, and I do not know the effects of a very hard winter upon it. To this list many others might be added ; but enough has already been said on hedges of an ornamental character. High Hedges fob Shemee.— These are of various descrip- tions, and I think I have seen a Holly hedge, faced on one side, that was little short of 30 feet high ; and some Quickset hedges are higher than that. There are hedges of mixed trees— Elm, Maple, White Thorn, and others, trimmed-up on both sides as shelter to the Hop plant, which are upwards of 40 feet high, and by their appearance seem likely to last a century yet ; but I have never seen a high hedge of evergreen Fir trees at all satisfactory— they invariably lose their lower branches, besides which, as a single row, they never look well. The culd and high winds have so much effect on them, that a weather-beaten un- he-ilthy appearance is the result even when not pruned, and very little cutting destroys all the life there is in the lower branches. The hardier deciduous trees had better be used if only one line of some 8 feet or 10 feet in thickness be wanted, and that some- thing like 30 feet high. Some trees by their growth are not suitable. I am not by any means fond of Elder nor Willow. Some of the Poplars also quickly overcome their more useful neighbours ; but Oak, Beech, Elm, Maple, and similar trees along with Thorns do very well, and if these be not thick enough, the wild Honeysuckle may be allowed to run up amongst them. I do not think it is advisable to encourage Ivy, it is apt to kill the other trees. But so many things tend to determine the trees that are most advisable, that it is not necessary to follow the subject further. Before concluding I may say, I have omitted many plants occasionally used as hedgerow-plants, because in the most cases in which they were so employed, it was more in consequence of their accidentally being present than through the wishes of the cultivator. Black Thorn makes a formidable fence against cattle or anything else, but the live shoots are all at the top, and it 18 far below the White Thorn for general utility ; and Willow Sallow, Dogwood, Hazel, Bird Cherry, ic, are only tolerated because others will not grow. But the ornamental list may, doubtless, be much extended, those given being only what I have had experience of. j. Eobson. stated in our notice of this fruit, and that he received his trees from Mr. Kivers, of Sawbridgeworth. This announcement is necessary, as Mr. Lee informs us that, in consequence of our notice of the fruit and of his name in conjunction with it, he has been besieged with applications for trees of that Pear. WATEKING- POTTED PLANTS IN A SUNK FRAME. I HAVE always found some difficulty in watering crowded pots in a sunk frame without spilling much water among them, or, in the case of using manure water, without letting it touch the foliage. To avoid this dilEculty, which I believe is of considerable conse- quence, I thought of a contrivance this year so simple that I should never have thought it wortli your notice had it not been for the following re- mark of an eminent gardener to whom I men- tioned it. He says, " I Hke your invention so much that I think it is worthy of more promi- nent notice. Send it to The Jottenal of Hoe- TiotrLTBEE with a drawing." I can only add that if so simple a contrivance be of any use to your correspondents, I am glad to have the oppor- tunity of making some small return for the full and courteous replies I have received to any ques- tions (chiefly on bee-keeping) I may have had occasion to put through your columns. — A. W. B., The Vicarage. A small tin tube about 3 feet long and half an inch diameter, with a funnel at top ; to be held in the left hand while the water is poured into it from a jug or small can in the right. Mine is made to fit on to a small watering-pot at A, the rose of which will also fit on at B if required. CROSS-BREEDS OF STRAWBERRIES. Will any of your correspondents who have attended to the history of the Strawberry, kindly inform me whether any of the kinds now, or formerly, cultivated have been raised from a cross between any of the Woods or Alpines with the Scarlets, Pines, and Chihs ? Also, whether any one has succeeded in getting any good from a cross between the Hautbois and any other kind ? 1 am aware that Mr. WUliams, of Pitmaston, succeeded in getting some eterUe hybrids from the Hautbois and Woods ; but whether these were ever at all largely propagated, I cannot find out. I am, also, aware that Mr. Knight and Mr. Williams raised many seedlings by crossing Scarlets, Pines, and Chilis ; but what I want to know is, whether any one has crossed these three latter kinds with the Wood or Alpine. I should feel greatly mdebted to any one who would take the trouble to mtorm me on this head.— C. Daewin, Down, Bromley, Kent. [We shall be obliged by answers being sent to us in reply to this inquiry. — Eds.] BOTTOM HEAT FOR POTTED VINES. WiXL you let me know the beat way of managing my pot Tines, of which I have about three dozen two years old ? I have no bottom heat, but a flue all round the house. Must I put the bottoms of the pots on the bare flue, or must I put a trelhs under them ? I wish to start them soon. — Sam Slice. [A couple of bricks set on the flue would do well for the pots standing on, leaving a space between the bricks. A large saucer on the top of the bricks would be advisable if water was not allowed to stand in it. Such vessels on the flue would also be useful in giving moisture before the Vines were broken.] CouSEHLEB DE lA CoiTE Peab.— We have received a com- munication from Mr. George Lee, of Clevedon, near Bristol, to say that he is a market-gardener and not a nurseryman as we GRAFTINCJ ROSES BY THE FIRESIDE. At page 171, Vol. XXIIL, Old Series, of your Journal, Mr. Beaton states that Mr. Ruddock grafted Roses at his own fire- side in March. Am I to understand that the Manetti stocks were really grafted while the roots were out of the ground, and do you consider such a safe practice ? If so, is March a better season than any time during the late autumn or winter months — say at the present time? — B. W. [Mr. Beaton repeated the tale from Mr. Ruddock's own account of the experiment. They were Manetti stocks, a lot he bought cheap at a sale. He grafted them by the fireside, and then planted them, and hardly lost one out of a hundred. Tou may give credit to its being a safe practice. March and April, in our latitude and climate, are the natural season for grafting all deciduous plants ; and the autumn, and on to the new year, the most unnatural. That is thus accounted for : In the spring the sap is fast rising, and no time is left for the cuts to dry, but to unite by their edges. In the autumn and winter there is no perceptible rise of sap, or of growth "setting in" for months, and to graft when no means of healing or uniting is provided is just like grafting the wrong end of the stock. But gardeners often turn the autumn into spring, and graft and work accord- ingly. They cause their Vines to bud and blossom in the dullest months, and the Rose they bud and graft every week the whole year round — that is, they force the plants j and when once the Rose is under that natural impulse, the eflort to grow and extend itself, it may be grafted or inarched, layered or budded. Iforcmber 23, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE ANB COIIAGE GARDENER, 673 no matter what (lie time of tlio season may bo ; but it will not I do to graft Roses now, unleea tliey aro in a climate of from 50" to 60°, and kept so till tbe grafts have taken.] TINES IN A PLANT-STOVE. A Seatler having a stove 2 1 feet by 12 feet, well filled with good plants, will be glad to be informed whether ten Vines just purchased should be planted in a border outside the stove, taken through a brick wall 3 feet high, and trained on the spur Bystem between the sashes ? or should they be planted in pots, some of them trained between the sashes, and some on stakes in the pots ? As a liot-water pipe (one of four) goes very near the brick wall, would the Vines sufTer if exposed on the outside of the wall till near the coping ? Would the heat required for the stove plants be hurtful to the Vines when resting in winter ? [Ten Vines would so crowd the roof of such a house in summen when once established, that you could hope to do nothing below them then with plants. There is in No. 84 a sketch of a double glass front for a house where the Vines could rest in winter, and be perfectly safe. Supposing you planted the half of your Vines outside, or say six out of the ten, and brought them in not through the brick wall but over the sill, you could place a small box with three sides and a top over the stems of the Vines, and could protect the stems there in winter. If part of that covering were glass, so much the better ; and if there were some openings in tbe front wall, so as to shut and open at pleasure, the Vines might be gently excited before taking them into the house. Common frame-lights not used for the winter would do laid lengthwise. If you have any doubt about these Diodes, there need be none about growing the Vines in pots inside. The pots can be put in when desirable ; and if a moderate crop is taken, the pots, when the wood is ripened, may be plunged in a shed before they are wanted.] EEV. ME. BUSHBT'S VINEEY. As an encouragement to amateurs, we have much pleasure in clironicling Mr. Bushby's success in a vinery of very simple pretensions, but so managed as to give profitable returns to that gentleman and his family for a portion of the year. This gentleman is at the head of the Episcopalian Church at Dalkeith ; and mainly at Mr. Thomson's suggestion built a span- roofed vinery, about 25 feet long by 16 feet wide, which has produced, ever since it came into bearing condition, an excellent crop of Grapes, more especially the last two seasons. When we visited it some fortnight ago, there were some very good samples of Muscats yet remaining uncut ; indeed, from that very house were cut the Muscat Grapes that took the prize in the open class at the Dalkeith Exhibition. The one side of the span is devoted to Black Hamburghs and the other to Muscats ; and there were evidences enough remaining to show that such a house, so managed, is no more a luxury in the general acceptation of the term than the simplest fruit trees in the garden. Such a house as his could be built for £50 ; and if he was sending the produce of it to the market, it would pay very good interest for his money.— J. A. GEEENHOUSE FEENS. In answer to " Rusticus," we believe that many of the tenderer Ferns are hardier than is generally supposed ; but many that would stand uninjured a good amount of cold will not endure a dry parched air, nor yet dryness, nor a soaked soil at their roots. Of the list you give, Adiantum cuneatum and pubescens, Asplenium bulbiferum, Doodia caudata, and Pteris ro. tundifolia, will stand in a cool greenhouse, though the fronds may be a little injured ; but the fresh ones will come up vigorously enough. We do not think you will succeed so well with Asplenium lucidum, bulbiferum, and lanceolatum, Gymnogramma ochracea, Polypodium pectinatum, Pteris longifolia, and hastata, if they just get the common treatment of the house. The last two are pretty hardy, and, perhaps, the Gymnogramma is the tenderest. To make sure of tliese, we would keep them together at the warmest end of the house, and, if convenient, place a hand-light over them, or make a small wood case or box, and cover either with moveable squares of glass, or even a piece of glazed calico. tliat could bo put off in fine, mild, dull weather, and put on when cold at night or extra bright during the day. The pots should also be plunged in moss that had previously been soaked in hot lime water to set all slugs, &c., adrift. With such a contrivance we believe you will succeed, if the average temperature of the house at night ranges from '10' to 45°. In watering, use water abo\it 60° to 70°; but it will be safest to keep the moss rather moist. Attention to these minutiie will explain why the Trichomanes radicans, &o., that grow at KiUarney, under the canopy of heaven, requires to be protected by a bell-glass, when kindly treated in- doors. This is always found in moist places, and often on rocks, considerably shaded, and where there is a constant trickling and vapour from water. To cultivate it successfully, the roots, slightly covered, must not only bo moist, but the air ui which the fronds grow must also be moist, and the air well changed. In " A Few Days in Ireland " sketches, which, in answer to many inquirers, we may say will presently be resumed, you would notice what fine specimens were grown by Mr. Bain, at Trinity College Gardens, by attending to these conditions, and also how well these plants thrive at Mr. Bewley's, under Mr. O'Bricn'a care, in houses for the purpose, and in glass cases — such as a beautiful one in a parlour window. The glass or the box enables us to give the conditions in a small space. All the tenderer hardy kinds will do best in a cool greenhouse. A list of the hardier exotic kinds will ere long be given. We shall publish a volume on Fern culture next spring. SMALL FUENACE FOE GAEDEN STEUCTUEES. About eighteen months ago I wished to heat some small frames with flues instead of manure, and, preferring to do all I can by my own head and hands, I set to work to build a smal furnace. Having neither fire-door nor ash-grate by me, I deter- mined to devise something that should answer the same purpose. I accordingly built up the furnace of bricks and cement, leaving a square hole at the top to feed through, and over which, as a cover, I placed an old piece of sheet-iron about a quarter of an inch thick. As to the ash-grate, I secured the two portions of a broken iron bracket in the brickwork, and on them laid a move- able piece of strong iron wirework. Judge of my surprise at seeing in my this-week's Number an almost exact representation of my handiwork ! The sole differences were that, as my cover was only about 7 inches by 5 inches, I had to build my furnace to correspond, that the ash-place fronts the flue, and that I have not indulged in the luxury of an attached iron handle ; a trowel point doing duty for the same. I have only to add that it heated perfectly 18 feet of two-inch metal pipe (I have now brick flues), will keep alight for ten or twelve hours without any attention, and costs very little to make. It will, I think, burn anything : cinders, and occasionally small coke, being my fuel. A common brick placed before the ash-pit abates the draught, and makes the fire steadier. The singular coincidence may, perhaps, excuse my troubling you with this letter. The furnace is outside the frames. I almost think it would suit " II." and others. — Lbx. GEEENHOUSE FOE WINTEEING PLANTS. As I am strictly an amateur, and do not get home before half- past five, my cold frames often suffer. To-day (Nov. 12th), the frost was severe at nine A.M. when I left, and now, at noon, the sun has great power. I purpose to build a pit 20 feet long by 11 feet wide against a wall i feet 6 inches high, and to double-glaze it ; in addition I shall have a stout canvas roller-blind to cover all, and this, by keeping the divisions between the sashes deeper than usual, will be kept a few inches from the glass. The entrance will be at the east end : at the west I have a brick wall. As it is at the further end of my little reserve-garden I do not want the trouble of any night fires. The roof will ventilate like an ordinary old-fashioned greenhouse, and under the front sill I shall have a line of venti- lators 4 inches or 5 inches deep. Will this suit to keep a stock of standard Fuchsias for bedding, Veronica speciosa and vane- pata. Hydrangeas, Ehododendrons.Roses, Tritoma, Geni8tas,&c.? I fear the spring growth of the Fuchsia will gft frosted. I think of leaving earth banks and cutting-out the pathway ; if so, I shall 674 JOTJENAI; OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ November 25, 1862: plant many of the beclders (half-hardy) in the banks to save potting, &c. On tlie front bank I sliall plant-out Calceolarias, Parsley, Vinca major variegata, &e. In summer, as the sashes will be moveable, I can cover with tiffany, and get a very useful corner. I often wonder Veronica speciosa variegata is not more used n beddin» arrangements, it is a very pliant and very pretty variegated plant. Is Vinca major clegantissima hardy ? I have taken the trouble to pot and house about six dozen. — H. B. [There is a great dilEculty in meeting such cases where tliere is no one at home to give air or to throw a little covering on iu s keen frosty afternoon. As respects the plants you mention, they would be safe in the pit, as the double glass would prevent sudden extremes inside. But after the plants began to grow in spring they would require more watching, and the canvas might want regulating before you returned. We think that for any particular thing your pit, 11 feet wide and ii feet at back, will be very flat, more especially if the front wall is high enough to enable you to give air by it. You will be likely to have damp and drippings from the glass. As you want no fires, that settles the question ; but, approving of your double glass, we think a small brick stove in the centre at the back would save much nicety in covering, and save you from hurrying home. For instance : after a frosty night, a little fire in the morning would enable you to give a little air before leaving ; if there was much sun it would secure safety, if not much there would be no harm, and the heated bricks would keep all safe until jour return. The Vinca is pretty hardy. We have not tried the Veronica. You must have a fine stock.] And if so in committee, why not at the regular shows or ex- hibitions? If your correspondent "J. E. W." had asked why Melons, Apricots, Peaches, Plums, Apples, Pears, and otlier fruits that might be named, were invariably tested by flavour, and not Grapes, he would have been nigher the mark. — A Lookee-on. POINTS OF MEEIT IN GEAPES. I AM very pleased such an authority as Mr. Thomson, and several other correspondents, have commenced a discussion as to the relative merits the different points should bear in Grape-judging. I hope the pro and con. will be so well given by all who, like myself, like to see a good dish of Grapes, and the best to stand first at the exhibition, that a good basis may be formed for future Grape-growers and exhibitors. I saw the other day at a local show. Red— /.«., Black Hamburghs, supersede jet Black Hamburghs, because the berry and bunch were one size larger than the black ones : thus making size the premier quality. I then thought the Judges did not know their duty, but must suspend my opinion if Mr. Thomson is right with colour so low on the scale. It is very seldom in Hamburghs and Muscats but that good colour and flavour go together ; but bad colour and indifferent flavour accompany each other often. From these premises imagination through the eye has to be pleased on the exhibition table, and the eye as well as palate on the dessert table. I would place their points thus :— Colour 3 points ; size and evenness of berry, 2 points ; size and pro- portion of bunch, 1 point. One of your correspondents would take the flavour test from i • . *■ t t ^ ., .. Melons nearly away ; but, as all gardeners of experience know U f?"g"'"« expectations. I can assure you I have had a is harder to grow a good-flavoured Melon thai a larac hand- *"^' °V[' *"," ^ "•'^^'^^■^""i "°''k '^^°°'^ '« bemg none. THE EIVINA L^VIS AND CALLICARPA PURPUREA AS DINNER-TABLE PLANTS. The following description of a very beautiful dinner-table- plant, which we so much admired at Shrubland Park, is kindly given by Mr. Blair's own pen. " The Rivina Iffvis to which you refer is a very pretty thing, and is an acquisition as an ornamental plant for dinner-table decoration. Its small white flowers are not showy, but the berries, which might be mistaken for Red Currants, hang in graceful bunches all over the plant. It is propagated by seeds, which are produced in abundance, or by cuttings in the usual way» " Supposing cuttings to be rooted, or seeds sown in August or early in September, they will make good plants the following season. As soon as the young plants are 2 inches or 3 inches high, take off the top, and as they increase in size shift into larger- pots. Pinch off the joints as they grow, and keep them near the glass in order to make bushy and compact plants. Syringe gently in the afternoons of fine days, and keep a moist atmosphere. They succeed in a pit or intermediate-house, and grow well in peat, loam, and sand. After the berries drop a few of the old plants may be cut down, stored away, and kept rather dry until February, when they may be turned out of their pots and repotted into smaller ones, in wliich they soon root freely. When ready they can get another shift into the size required." That which attracted my attention at Hardwick House is,, according to a letter just received from Mr. Fish, the Calli- carpa purpurea, and Sir. Fish kindly adds — " That seed of this beautiful plant may be sown at any time, and should be grown in a temperature of about 60°. The more light it has the more- berries it will produce, and if kept clean the leaves are also pretty." I have no doubt that by sowing at various times, as Mr. Fish does, plants of this may be had at almost any time fit for use,, and in this plant we have beautiful fruit and foliage combined. This is only one of the many plants which we " fished out of Mr. Fish's collection," and particulars of some others, peAaps,. will be interesting when time permits. The above-named will, I feel sure, stand in the foremost rank as fancy-fruit-bearing ornaments for decorating the dinner-table. —J. Perkins, Thornham Gardens, Suffolk. DISTRESSED LANCASHIRE WORKINGMEN BOTANISTS. I AM happy to eay that my success has been beyond my most have had a busy , „ - large, hand- some one, the flavour test ought very much to predominate — J. A., Hunts. In your Number of the llth inst., three different individuals apparently well up in the art of Grape-growing, as well as that of Grape-judging, seem to differ so much in their opinion as to the best method of settling the vexed question raised by your worthy correspondent Mr. W. Thomson, that I fear after all that may be written on the subject much will have to be left to the discretion of the judges. But, in order to satisfy exhibitors, I think the time has really come when Gropes must be " tasted," as well as " looked at " and I am sure that judges carefully selecting a few berries from each bunch of Grapes, such bunches would not be disfigured to any serious extent j and, therefore, it is only to be understood by exhibitors that flavour is to be an esseniiul point with the •udges, and the decision in most cases will be satisfactory. All who do not think that a plea of necessity may be urged in favour of flavour being an essential point in judging fruits such persons should study the decisions of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, and they will find that flavour with the majority of the Committee is the most important point On Saturday the 15th inst. I paid a house-to-house visit to all the distressed botanists I could hear of ; and I could " a tale unfold" that would draw a tear from many who rarely shed one. I found all the botanists at home save one, and all the houses so clean that I could have eaten my dinner from the floor of them. I could tell you many anecdotes which would interest your readers. In one house we found the father sitting reading, and the mother making two petticoats out of one that she had pulled off from herself (o give her two eldest girls one each. To our question of " How do you find things now ?" the father replied, " Well, thank God, I can get us something to eat, but we've not been able to buy any clothing for the last nine months ; but I am thinking of trying to get our oldest girl into one of the sewing classes to get us a few clothes." When we told him I had some clothing tears started in the poor man's eyes, and several of the others shed tears when we told them we had some clothing for tlicm. I may say that I never met with a more honest class in my life ; for they that knew that we had some clothing to give away did not say they wanted things they did not want,, but honestly told us what they were most in need of, and the kind donor had never a more grateful class of recipients. Norember 25, 1862. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTtTSE AND COTTAGE QAEDENEE. 675 One man with a wife and five children told us they did not want any clolhino;, but could do with eomcthing more to out than they had ; so we agreed to give them a little money in lieu of clothing. I have reoeiTed since I last wrote to The JotrsNAi, OP HoK- TrrFLTTTRE from " A Clergyman's Widow," 2.?. ; from " Lex " for Ferns, 10.?. ; "Patelin,"' lOi. ; from Lady Hawke, £1 10,». ; from the Rev. B. B. Major, Rugeley, £1 Is." for Mosses ; from Dr. Bull, Hereford, £1 12s. for Mosses; from Mrs. Rami Wood, Hoolo House, Cliester, £3 for stockines, clogs, &c. ; from Fenry Dean, Esq., of Appleton House, Warrinetoti, £1 for Perns. Mosses, &c. ; " W. P. C," 16s. ; " N. B.," lfl«. ; and " A Orub-cateher " sends his mite to Mr. Hague's fund, 5s. I hare handed the last sum to ,Tohn Kinder, of 47, Charles Street, Aehton-under-Lyno ; and :Michael Ward, of Mary Street, Du- kinfleld, Cheshire. They are two working men who collect butterflies, moths, it.c, and are in great need at present. They desired me to say to " Grub-catcher " that they would be happy to make him a return or present of butterflies or moths if he would be kind enough to send his address. They would send him any of the northern things they have by them, or would be glad to supply to other persons anything they have with dupli- cates. These men have not studied botany and entomology for the sake of pence, but for the love of the sciences ; and one of them told me he would very nearly as soon part with his bread as his specimens if it were not for his children. I know it to be a fact, that some of them have travelled hundreds of miles to pronura what they have. _ I have £5 in hand to buy clogs, stockings, &c., with for the ^stressed families, and I will try to execute my commission to-morrow in that respect. I shall send the lady who sent me the clothing for these poor distressed botanists all the receipts from each family, and in the name of these humble but honest votaries of science, I have to thank all the ladies and gentlemen who have kindly taken or ordered quantities of Mosses and Ferns, and they vrill ever feel a debt of gratitude to those who have so generously sent dona- -tions for their relief. — John Hague, 36, Movnt Street, Ashton- under-Lt/ne. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The November Meeting of the Entomological Society was numerously attended, the chair being occupied by the President, F. Smith, Esq., of the British Museum. The exhibitions were numcoua and interesting, and the donations to the library included the publications of tlie Royal Academy of Bavaria and Stettin, the Canadian Natural History Society, the Linnccan Society, Society of Arts, &e., together with Mr. Beading's " Cata- logue of the Lepidopterous Insects of Devon," and Mr. Stainton's "Entomological Botany," reprinted from the "Zoologist." General Sir J. B. Hearsey exhibited drawings and specimens illustrating the transformations of Smerinlhus denticulatus, an Indian Moth belonging to the family Sphingidfe, the caterpillar of which is armed with a strong horn on the front of the head, in addition to the usual caudal appendage. The former horn is cast off at the last chance of skin during the larva state. He also exhibited some stems of Celery, the leaves of which had been infested by the mining grub of a small two-winged fly belonging to the genus Tephritis, of which an account of the transformations, with figures, had been published by Professor "Westwood in Loudon's " Gardeners' Magazine." Au interesting collection of leaves of various trees and plants, carefully preserved, and showing the attacks of the larvse of various species of Microlepidoptera and Diptera, which had been presented to the Oxford University Jluseum by Mr. S. Stone, of Brighthampton, was exhibited by Professor Westwood, who also made some comments on a paper upon the genus Acen- tropus, recently published by Mr. Newman, reiterating the grounds on which he had founded his opinion that the insect in question belongs to the order Lepidoptera ; and referring to the report of his paper read at the British Association at Oxford, in which the transformations of the genus were proved to be those of the order Lepidoptera, and not of the Triehoptera, the dis- tinctive character of which had been overlooked by Mr. Newman. Mr. .Stainton exhibited bred specimens of Bactra idiginoaa, belonging to the family Tortricida;, a species which differs from the majority of that family in being double-brooded, the summer brood differing considerably from the autumn one in the mark- ing of the wings. Thelarvas had fed on Lythrum salicaria. He also made some remarks on a paper on the genus Nepticula, publislied by Herr von Heinemann, in wliich ten new species were described, and in which some interesting observations were made on the moulting of tlie larvff ; the short duration of the larva-stnte, especially in the summer ; and the modification in the arrangement of the wing-veins, forming three sections in the genus. Mr. F. Bond exhibited, on the part of Dr. Knaggs, some bred specimens of Lithosia caniola, together with a drawing of the larviv. It was stated that the egcr-stafc lasted ten days, and tha larva-state ten months, during whioh time the insect changed its skin forty times ! Also a remarkable specimen of the Death's- head Mo(h, Acherontia atropos, in which the wings on the left side were singularly crippled. A monograph on the handsome species of Beetles forming the genus C'ataseopus, belonging to the family Carabidte, was read by W. W. Saunders, Esq., F.R.S., in which not fewer than thirty-five species were indicated, of whicli several brought from Sarawak, in Borneo, by Mr. Wallace, were described as new. The injury committed upon Gooseberry and Currant trees by the larvEe of a species of Sawfly during the last two or three years, has attracted the attention of numerous observers, and specimens of the perfect insects, reared in Gloucestershire, were exhibited by the President, who considered them to belong to the Nematus trimaculatus of St. Fargean ; the Nematns ventri- cosus of VoUenhoveu's memoirs on the transformations of this family, translated in the " Zoologist," being regarded as a distinct species. In the instance in question, all tiie larvae col- lected for observation proved to be females — a fact of some interest with reference to the economy of the species, and tha possibility of its extirpation. Mr. S. Stevens stated that the splendid insect described by Dr. Schaum at the September Meeting of the Society, under the name of Scaritarchus raidas, had been published in August last by the Count de Castelnau under that of Mouhotia gloriosa. Jlr. G. R. Waterhonse read a paper upon certain British species of the genus Quedius, belonging to the family Staphy- linida?. FORCING THE LILY OF THE VALLEY. In reply to " Lily of the Valley's " inquiry, as to how long the plants are kept in the dark, I answer. Until they begin to show flower, which will be when the spikes are about 6 indies high. The inverted pots or boxes may then bo removed, and, if dull weather, or if the plants occupy a shady situation, no further sliading will be necessary ; but, if bright sunny weather, and the plants are fully exposed, it will be proper to continue shading for a few hours every day — say from eleven A.M. to three P.M. for about a week longer. The plants are thus gradually inured to full exposure to light. I need not remind "Lily of the Valley" that occasional waterings with tepid water are indispensable, as, when once fairly started into growth, they must on no account be allowed to become dry. In my previous communication I recommended the second or third week in November as the best time to pot the tubers, and I still adhere to that opinion ; but, in consequence of having been requested to have them in flower as early in December as possible, my first batch of tubers were potted on the 28th of October. After potting they were placed over the flue in a Vine-pit, every corner of which is at present full of bedding plants, and a little fire heat used occasionally to keep out frost and dissipate damp ; the result of this treatment is, that they are now showing their flower-spikes, and, by the beginning of December, I expect they will be fully expanded. I mention this merely to shoi* that the Lily of the Valley can be had in flower prior even to Christmas ; but I do not by any means recommend such practice to tha attention of the amateur. Of Crocuses, Snowdrops, and Hyacinths, it is unnecessary to speak, tiA these are not in demand liere sooner than Christmas, or the beginning of the new year. A lot of each of the above were potted early in October, and the pots buried in a heap of half decomposed leaves, where they have since remained. On looking at them t)ie other day I found they had pushed considerably, leading to the conclusion that the pots are now pretty well filled with roots, and ready to be introduced into a forcing-pit as occasion may require. — J. DuMN, Harrock Mall Qardena, near Wiyan, 676 JOTJENAL OP HOUTICTTLTUBE AKD COTTAGE GAEDENEK. [ November 25, 1862. CULTIVATION OF PEACH HAvwe cultivated the Peach and Nectarine for many years, in various soils and situations, with a success bordering upon perfection, I enter on the subject with no small degree of con- fidence. I commence with the border, one of the most essential points, and one too often mismanaged. Too frequently all that is thought necessary is to trench the borders to a good depth. The borders which I have prepared, and which have produced some of the most beautiful of fruit trees, were made in the fol- lowing manner : — The width was 14 feet ; less, I consider, will not do. In the bottom, through its whole width and length, was laid 15 inches of drainage, sloping considerably from the wall to the front, where ran a main drain to carry olT super- iluous moisture. The bottom under the drainage was perfectly smooth, in order to give the latter more effect. Where one end of the border is higher than the other, a cross drain must run from between each tree to the main drain in frontjfor effect- ual drainage is the greatest point; without it, it is impos- sible to grow fruit trees well. The soil I have used is good friable loam, free from manure, not too hght ; in- deed, a stifBsh loam will be found to suit the fruit trees admirably, and in it they will flourish on the warm and com- fortable bed of drainage. The extreme depth of the foil for the border should not exceed 20 inches, and it should be allowed to settle thoroughly before the trees are planted. This is a point of no little importance, for if the trees are planted too soon, the settling of the border will cause them to be buried too deep. I recommend early planting; for I have always found it best. When trees are had from the nursery in the autumn, and laid in until spring, as is sometimes the ease, on their removal for their final planting they will be found to have made a mass of fibres, which, of course, must be injured and broken, and against this loss the tree has to struggle for the first summer, if, indeed, it survives it. I prefer half-standard trees, from 3^ feet to 4 feet high in the stem ; and so strongly do I recommerd this height, that I should rejoice to see dwarf Peaches, Nectarines, &c., banished altogether from gardens. It is a well-known fact that the finest fruit is produced towards the ground. This being the case, the principal object must be to well furnish the bottom of the wall with bearing wood of good quality, and keep it so at all times. Seeing that half-standard trees, trained star-form (fig. 3), afford the greatest facilities for this object, their decided superiority to the dwarf fan-trained frees must be apparent, as in the latter case the more a tree has grown the more old wood there is along the bottom of the wall. When the border has well settled down, it is fit for planting. The trees should be placed so as to have 3 inches or 4 inches of their roots above the ground level, as shown in Jigs. 1, 2, and 3. I invariably make it a rule to keep the neck of the trees two courses of bricks above what is to be the ground level, and, after planting, litter is put around each tree, so that they are well mulched for the first summer, and continue so until the following spring. If the summer should prove dry, they will require fre- quent and copious waterings. The following spring, whatever little remains, as well as the soil, among the forks of the roots AND NECTAEINE TEEES. will require levelhng down to the ground line (fiff. 3), in which state the roots for the future are to be left exposed. Trees planted in this way will be found to flourish much better than if theu- roots are wholly covered. I plant about 12 inches from the wall, it being advantageous to keep a reasonable distance to prevent the stem getting sunburnt, which it is more than pro- bable may happen if it is set close to the wall. Twenty-four feet apart is little enough for trees on a ten-feet or twelve-feet wall, and I have bad them cover the whole of that space in fsur years from the time of planting, and produce the most abundant crops. So plentiful indeed have I had them in the third year after planting, that I have sent fruit to the hall table by the garden.' sievefull. Six years ago I saw some trees in excellent condition, which I had thus planted fifteen years previously. I prefer two-year-old headed plants, with five or six branches (such as Jiff. 1). The head should be clean and healthy, not over gross; the stem should be quite clean, straight, and healthy. Hide- bound, can- kery, or knotty stocks, and trees with largo scars or with wounds in the head, should be rejected as likely to gum or canker. The branches form- ing the head should be, as nearly as pos- sible, of equal strength, as when headed-back they will probably then break more regularly. A tree with one or two strong branches at one side, will, in all pro- bability, become a one-sided tree. I will now explain my mode of pruning and training the Peach and Nectarine. Fig.. 1 shows a newly-planted tree, to be cut back to two or three eyes, where these appear most Hkely to break. Not more than two shoots must be allowed to push from each branch. As the loss of a branch would be irreparable, they should receive constant attention, and as soon as the shoots are long enough, they should be steadied by a loose shred, and this care must be continued through the see.son when requisite, using strong shreds, as the shoots will become of considerable weight. I have had them reach the top of the wall by autumn. All the laterals they produce must be allowed to remain, and the stronger ones tacked to the wall to prevent their being broken by strong winds. The tree, after its season's growth, will have become such as is shown at Jig. 2. Notwith- standing the size and strength of wood, it must be again cut back to three or four eyes, according to circumstances ; and when the shoots break the following spring, select the two best shoots from each branch, and such as lay well to the walL (These two first-year's prunings are shown at a and b. Jig. 3). As vigorous shoots will, or ought, now to make their appearance, they will require extreme care in nailing, for they are easily broken off, and the loss of a branch now would be of the most material consequence. I recommend tacking loosely as soon as the branch is long enough, and to lay it close to the wall as soon after as possible. The tree will now begin to acquire the form shown at Jig. 3. Where the spring growth has attained 6 inches or 8 inches in length, the shoots are to be topped for the first time, as shown at c. In stopping, bear in mind that it must be done as soon as the young branches are of the required length, in the very soft November 25, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, 677 fissua of the points of llie slicote, for if the latter are allowed to elongate, and are afterwards topped-back in the solid wood, they will not again break freely. In this system of training, this apparently simple point must never be forgotten. The shoots which now break out will be still more liable to break off than the first, if not carefully nailed to the wall. At this and the succeeding toppings, it is more thau probable that more branches than are wanted will make their appearance ; two or three more than necessary should be suffered to remain until those that are required are secured, when tliey must be removed. The growth of the shoots will now be found so rapid as to require almost daily attention in nailing and training. Again, when this growth has attained from 10 to 15 or 18 inches, the shoots are to be topped. It is impossible to prescribe any special length, as much will depend on the strength of the shoots what direction they take, and the general formation of the tree ; this topping takes place at d. The same care and attention as before must now be paid to the new shoots, and when they have grown an equal length they are to be topped again (at e). Some trees will be more vigorous in growth than others ; but many will require a fourth topping. This I have had to do frequently, and in the following spring had firm well-ripened wood, that cut more like a piece of Oak than what is generally seen as Peach wood, and the trees were well Clled-in with bearing wood. Whilst these various toppings are going on, there are, of course, many vacancies in the trees, which I take for granted are filled up with vpeaker branches at full length, that the trees may be completely furnished with fruit-bearing wood ; and instances will also occur (as seen mfy. 3) where it will not be necessary to lay-in more than one shoot at the regular toppings of some of the branches', yet these vigorous branches will require to be topped to bring them into a bearing state. The Peach and Nectarine are the only trees which will submit to this system of summer pruning on the wall ; the Apricot and others will not. — Thomas Hatcit. — (Gardeners^ Magazine of Botany.) POETRAITS OF PLANTS, BsBBZEiDOrsis COEAILINA (Coral-flowered Berberidopsis). — Nat. ord., Berberideip. Linn., Enneandria Monogynia. Native of the forests of VaUUvia. " One of the most beautiful hardy shrubs introduced of late years into this country." It is interest- ing botanically also, "completely uniting the orders Berberideae and Lardizabale«, and fully justifying their union into one order." Stalks, perianths, &c., of the flowers all scarlet. — (Botanical Magazine, t. 5343.) KiTCHiEA POimiALA (Many-petalled Eitchiea).— J\a<. ord.. FLOWEES, AND FEUITS. Capparideae. Linn., Polyandria Monogynia. Stove shrub from Abeokuttt in Western Africa. Flowers white. — (Ibid., I. 5344..) ARisTOi.ocniA GiBEETii (Gibert's Arislolochia). — Nat. ord., Aristoluchicae. Linn., Gynandria llexandria. "A fine, free- growing, tropical climber." Native of woods at Assumption, in Paraguay. Flowered in September, but its leaves are its best ornament.— (iSirf., t. 5345.) HiGGi2colony. No one can so readily obtain information concerning the medical properties of the plants of a foreign land, as he who mixes with its inhabitants and seeks from them that desired in- -formation. Such information is the result of experience accumu- lated during ages, and handed down by that best impresser on the memory from generation to generation. The "Prodromus" is a faithful record of the accumulated results of experience ; for Dr. Pappe says in its preface, " There are Cape plants of unquestionable worth which I have not enumerated, because they are not actually employed by the inhabitants." That the experience of the natives has led to in- formation not generally diflused in Europe, is testified by many of the pages we are now turning ever. Thus it is stated of Pelargonium scutatum, that it is " the KaSi'-sorrel (Kaflir zuring) of the colonists. The sap of its leaves is astringent and antisep- tic, and of good service in aphthie, sore-throat, &c. The juice •of its petals produces a blue colour of the tint of ladio'O, and may, according to Burchell, be used advantageously in painting. It is very common in many parts of the Eastern districts." Aa another example we take Arctopus echinatus, ou wliich Dr Pappe remarks :— " This plant, the Platdoorn or Ziekte-troost of the Boers, is one of those few indigenous remedies which, from the very establishment of the colony, have been constantly used by its inhabitants. At that early period, tlie European settlers, being often without their necessary stock of medicines, had to learn from their Hottentot neighbours, who held this plant in great esteem. It is demulcent and diuretic, and somewhat ap- proaches the Sarsaparilla. Tlie decoction of the root is the general form under which it is prescribed in lues, lepra, or cu- taneous chronic eruptions of all kinds. It also furnishes a sort of resin, which is easily procurable by making incisions into the root while it is fresh. It has been shown from chemical experiments, that the root of this plant contains an alkaloid, which, combined with acids, assumes tlie form of neutral salts. Thus the Arctopium sulphuricum consist of small, scaly white crystals, which are astringent in taste, and which in half-grain doses, produce coagulation of the saliva within the mouth." We will pass over the " Synopsis Filicum," because, although it contains good descriptions of 161 Ferns found in Southern Africa, yet there is nothing of particular interest except to the botanist ; but this observation will not apply to the " Silva Capensis," containing as it does the descriptions of 102 trees and arborescent shrubs of South Africa, with the uses to which they are applied by the natives and colonists. Dr. Pappe visited the primeval forests of the country and procured specimens of the woods of those trees and shrubs, forming the most complete collection hitherto made, and the specimens are now deposited in the Museum of Economic Botany at Kew. As an example of the information, we extract, without need of selection, this note upon the uses of Ptseroxylon utile : — " A tree, from 20 to 30 feet in height, and 2-4 feet in diameter. The leaves have some resemblance to those of Acer pseudo-pla- tanus. The wood is handsome, takes a fine polish, is strong, durable, and somewhat like Mahogany. It is used for various kinds of furniture and agricultural utensils. Being httle affected by moisture, it serves as a desirable material in the construction of bridges and mills. From the fact of its producing violent sneezing when sawn or otherwise worked at, it has received the name of Sneeze-wood. It is also said to ignite readily, even ia its green state, and is the Omtata of the Kafirs. Common in the forests of the eastern districts. Fl. October." In every instance, in all the pamphlets, a concise but efficient botanical description of each species precedes the notes relative to its uses, of which we would give more extracts relative to the trees if there were not an appendix, entitled " Contributions to the South African Economic Flora," from which we must make numerous excerpts. " 1. Aberia cajfra.—K shrub or middling tree, and native of Caffraria Proper. The fruit (Kei-apple), having the size and appearance of a large Plum or small Apricot, is of a sourish taste but edible, and makes good preserve. " Adenogramma galioides. — This little herb, the Mugge-grass (Gnat-grass), of the colonists, which during the wet season occurs abundantly, is regarded as superior fodder for cattle, which fatten when feeding upon it. " Asparagus laricinus. — The young succulent shoots of this and several other wild species of Asparagus furnish a most excellent dish ; they have an aromatic taste, and are preferred by many to the European kind cultivated occasionally in Cape gardens. Tile diuretic property of Aspar.igus is well known. " Apoiioffeton distachyon. — The root of this water-plant (Water- uintjes; Water-Onions), when roasted, is very palatable, and somewhat resenibles the Chestnut in taste. Its flowers, which are highly scented, are eaten as Spinach, and used as pickles. " Andropogoii Iioarancusa. — Tlie creeping fibrous roots of this grass have a peculiar and rather ferulaeeous smell. By the name of Akirwanie they are known to most colonists, and serve as a preventive against the destruction of wearing apparel, &c., by moths and other noxious vermin. This grass is also very healthy and nutritious food for all kinds of live stock. ^^ Annesorhiza capensis. — The Turnip-hke root of this urn- bellirerous plant is very nutritious, and has been used for many years past as food by the natives and colonists, who call it Anise- root (Auys-wortel). It is much improved by cultivation, loses its acrid taste, and becomes a vei-y good vegetable. " Cucumis africanus. — This species of Cucumber (Thorn Cu- cumber), which is easily recognised by its prickly coat, inhabits the more remote northern portion of the colony. It supplies horses and cattle with a welcome cooling food in those dry and NoTember 25, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OF HOETIC0LTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. en dreary regions, nntl has found its way into tlie gardens of tlie colonists, who uso it in the form of pickles. " Ci/perns fex/iUs. — A Rush, 2 feet or 3 feet high, whioh grows in marshy loealities and in the beds of rivulets. From it baskets and mats are nianufaetured by the natives, who call it Mat-rush (matiesgoed). " Eltflia ntiJa. — This useful Reed (Thatehing-reed ; Dakriet), covers the sandy trni'ts of a great portion of tlio Colony. Not only does it fix the otherwise shifting sand, but supplies the farmers with a most e:teellent material for roofing their houses. ^^ Emex sptnosu.i. — The yoiisg leaves of this herb, wliich belongs to the Sorrel tribe, are used as Spinach. They make a tolerably good dnh, and are sliglitly aperient. The colonial name is Dubbeltjes-bhiren. " FifiitiaJHifonnis. — On account of its elasticity, this Sedge is extensively used for stuffing beds, mattresses, &c. It grows in dense tufts, and is common in many parts of the Colony. " Gn'idia opposUifoUii. — The bark of the stem and larger branches of this as of all other Thymelejr, being exceedingly tenacious, is converted by the natives into a kind of very strong cordage or rope. It is the Kanna-bast of Hottentots. " Orvhlia siricia. — The big, bulky roots of this shrub, which grows on the mountains of tlie Stellenbosch, Tulbagh, Caledon, and Swellendam districts, furnishes superior charcoal. Its fruit, which lias the size of a peppercorn, is exceedingly hard and almost bony. " Sennas giijanferr. — The thick, white, woolly integument of the leaves of tiiis plant, serves the natives for tinder, and the women prepare from it very curious little fancy articles. The plant which grows on the mountains near Tulbngh, in Da Xoitskloof and on the ICaudeberg (Clauwilliam), is known as the Tinder-bush (Tondcl-blad). " Hiliiscus Luihflgii. — The stems of this Hibiscus furnish superior fibres of great toughness and strength, resembling Jute or Manilla Hemp, and well adapted for the manufacture of cords, ropes, and similar articles. This plant, which is common in the George, XJitenhsge, and Katriver districts, and known there as Eose-touw, deserves cultivation. "Bt/daora africana. — This interesting and extraordinary plant, which grows parasitically on the roots of Euphorbia Tirucalli and other succulent shrubs, is one of the numerous discoveries made by Thunherg, who mistook it first for a Fungus. Its fruit, which, like that of the Earth Nut, is subterraneous, has the form, size, and taste of a Potato. It is of a reddish-brown tint, thoroughly mealy ; and when frijed under the embers, very palatable. Some wild animals, and particularly the porcupine (Hystrix eristata), are fond of this fruit,_which is called Kannip or Kauimp by Hottentots, and Jackals-kost by the Dutch Colonists. " Moraea eiluUs. — The mealy bulbs, commonly known as TJintjes (bulbs), are nourishing and somewhat approach Chest- nuts in taste. In collecting them, it is necessary to have them dug up by persons surticiently acquainted with the plant, and I have had an opportunity of cautioning the public elsewhere (Prodromus tl. med. Cap. p. 37), against the obnoxious pro- perties of Homeria eoUina (the Cape Tulip), the bulbs of which had in one fatal case been eaten by mistake for those of this plant. " Moraea poIi/sfac7ii/a. — In fhe Eastern districts this species serves the same purpose as the preceding. Its young leaves, however, are said to be unwholesome to horned cattle. " 3fesemhrt/anthemum edufe. — The antiseptic virtues of this valuable plant are too well known to require comment. The fruit (Hottentots' Fig) has a pleasant, sourish taste and is eaten either raw or preserved, and used as sweetmeats. *' Osteofpermtim phiferum. — Tliebtny kernels or seeds are en- closed with an oblong berry-like fruit, which, though small, is eaten by the natives and called by them Biedouw-besjes. They are of a sweet taste and palatable. " OxaUscemiia. — A weed, common throncrbont a great portion of the Colony, where it is known as the Wild Sorrell (Wilde Zuring). On account of their acidity, the leaves, mixed with other vegetables, are used for culinary purposes. The bulbs, eaten raw, are pronounced to be a good vermifuge. " Pelargonhim peltatvm. — The juice of th'" petals produces a blue colour of the tint of indigo, and may be advantageously used for painting ; while the sap of the leaves is astringent and anti- septic, and of good service in ulcerateil sire throat. The vernacular name of tliis plant is Kafir Sorrel (Kaflfer Zuring). "Penicillaria Pli'.lcenetii. — The Poco-grass of Coffraria and Natal, from the grain of which the native^ prepare an intoxicating liquor or beer. " Phi/salis ptihescerui. — Although this plant, the Cape Goose- berry (Appel der Liefde), cannot in the strict meaning of the word, bo called indigenous, being a native of South America, yet it has become so common in this country, that it is found now in most shady localities, where it grows perfectly wild. The round fruit, a fragrant, smooth, yellow berry, of the size of a Gooseberry or Cherry, is agreeably acid and sweet, and very palat- able. Tt is eaten cither raw, or made into a delicious marmalade. " Poli/qala mi/rlifolia. — The grey bark of this shrub is used by the Mahommedans (who call it Langelier) for a particular purpose. It is scraped olfwhen fresh with a knife or piece of broken glass, mixed with water, and stirred about until it scums. With this saponaceous preparation they are in the habit of washing their dead before interment. " Prionium palmita. — -The bases of the macerated old leaves yield an abundant supply of strong, cOarse fibre, fit for the manufacture of brushes and brooms. The rest of the leaves abounds in a more elongated and finer thready substance available for a variety of economic purposes. The young rootlets of the Palmiet furnish a good dish for the dinner table. " Riihus pinnatus. — The fruit of the Bramble or Black berry bush (Braambosch) ripens in the month of January. It is equal in flavour and taste to that of Europe. The roots are astringent, and used in the form of decoction against chronic diarrhcea, &c. " Sorghum saccharaium. — This hardy grass, the African Sugar- cane, which abounds more or less in saccharine juice, is exten- sively cultivated by the Kafirs and Fingoes, who call it Imphee. The young shoots in particular are very sweet, and therefore chewn by these natives, while the mature grains serve them for the preparation of flour. Amongst the colonial farmers this plant goes by the name of Zoet Stronk or Suiker riet. " Stapelia pilifera. — The stem of this plant, which grows in the dreary wastes of the Karroo, is fleshy and of the tize and form of a Cucumber. It has an insipid, yet cool and watery taste, and is eaten by the natives, who call it Guaap, for the pur- pose of quenching their thirst. Infused with spirits, this plant is said to be a useful remedy in piles. " Suhria viffafa.—l'he whole of this handsome sea-weed is soluble in boiling water, and transformed into a gelatinous mass. In the shape of jelly or blanc-mange it is usefully employed in pulmonary complaints, as a demulcent and nutritive. " Trachijandra rerohda. — The flower-heads of this plant, which thrives abundantly in the deep sands near the seashore, furnish a kind of culinary vegetable, which somewhat resembles Asparagus, and is known as Hottentot's Cabbage (Hottentot's Kohl). When stewed and properly prepared, they make no con- temptible dish." In conclusion, wo recommend these three cheap pamphlets, for they are only Is. 6;^. and 2s. each, to be bound in one volume- and added to the library as " Contributions to the Flora of South Africa." THE POTATO, AND ITS LEADING VAEIETIES.. It affords me much pleasure, after a careful and studied in- vestigation, to lay before you the details of the respective merits of the collection of Potatoes, comprising between fifty and sixty distinct varieties, exhibited by me at the autumn Exhibition of the Eoyal Horlicultural Society of Ireland, at which they were recommended a special prize by the Judges, which was afterwards confirmed by the Council ; as also at the Meath Horticultural Society's Sliow, held at Kells, county Meath, August 26th. Of the earliness of many of the varieties I am at present unable to speak, in consequence of the delay encoimtered in procuring the seed, and thereby being precluded from subjecting them to the same trial as varieties I had in my possession early in January. So important a deficiency, I am aware, is much to be regretted, as the early maturity of so valuable an esculent is a point that should particularly engross the attention of those interested m its culture. It is only by careful attention, and subjecting the difl'erent varieties to the same treatment, that we can arrive at the desired information. I do not hold myself responsible for the identity of varieties of recent introduction, as I give the names as I received them, and merely lay before your readers a statement with regard to their respective merits from my own experience of them. In the event therefore, of any error having incautiously crept in, I shall be most happy to find it rectified.. — John C. Mobkis, Oaklands, Saiid^mount, Co. Dublin. 680 JOTJJBNAL OF HORTICULTURE ANB COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 1862. American Earlies. — Fine, rough-skinned, white variety, re- sembling in appearance the Regent Kemp, remarkably dry and TveU-flavoured ; very fine cropper, and large size, and free from disease ; very early ; a first class Potato. American Ladies. — Handsome, smooth-skinned, •white variety, with eyes well set, round shape, and flat ; abundant cropper ; medium dry, and fair flavour, not subject to disease ; late. Apples. — A well-known red variety, with deep-set eyes some- what resembling in appearance the Irish Cup ; medium dry, and weak-flavoured ; very productive, and free from disease ; late. Arromsmith's Seedlinff. ^Handsome, round, flat, smooth- skinned white variety ; with well-set eyes, diffused with purple blotching ; fine cropper, attains a good size, and free from disease ; a variety of recent introduction ; late. Ashleaf Kidney. — Fine, smooth-skinned, long, white variety ; most productive, very dry, and firee from disease ; one of the earliest. Sallygawley Finks. — Bound pink variety ; with deep-set eyes ; very productive, remarkably dry, and possessing fine flavour ; free from disease ; late. Birmingham PrizetaTcer. — Long, smooth Eidney, very dry, well-flavoured, and most prolific ; subject to disease ; early. Blue Ferts. — Handsome, flat, smooth-skinned white variety, in appearance resembling the Early WeUington ; eyes well-set, around which are difl'used purple streakings ; fine cropper, and free from disease ; early. Chapman's Early Ashleaf Kidney. — Very like Golden Drop, but rounder J very dry, possessing fine flavour ; free from disease ; ■very early and good forcer. Cheshire Fink Eye. — In appearance not unlike the last ; re- markably dry and well-flavoured ; medium sized and fair cropper ; free from disease ; early. Cumberland Bangor. — Long white Kidney ; very di-y, and well- ■favoured ; most abundant cropper ; and attains a large size ; subject to disease ; early ; a good variety. I>ainiree's Seedling. — Fine, rough, thin-skinned, round, white variety ; good cropper ; remarkably dry and well-flavoured ; free from disease and very early ; a capital variety. Dalmahoys. — Round, rough-skinned, white variety, remark- ably dry; a fine- flavoured, heavy cropper; medium size, free from disease, and very early ; a first-class Potato. Deane's Early Prolific Kidney. — Rough-skinned white variety ; shape nearly round ; medium size, abundant cropper ; dry, we'll- ■flavoured, and free from disease ; early. Early^ Sandetoorth. — Round, rough-skinned (better adapted for forcing than general culture) ; medium size, and cropper ; very dry and well-flavoured, and perfectly free from disease ; very •eirly. Early Wellingtons. —Handsome, round, flat, smooth-skinned variety ; surface blotched with pink streaking, resembling Arrow- smith's Seedling ; very prolific, possessing good flavour, and free from disease ; early. Early Badicals. — Rough-skinned round variety ; white, with pink eye ; medium dry, yet well-flavoured ; abundant cropper, and free from disease ; early. English Beds. — Long smooth-skinned variety ; wiih eyes well set ; attains a large size, very productive ; moderately dry ; weak flavour ; sound ; late. Flounders.— 'Elai, round, rough-skinned variety ; very prolific ; attaining a large size ; very dry, well-flavoured, and free from disease ; a first-rate variety for early field culture. Forty Fold. — Rough, red variety, medium size ; very prolific, dry, and free from disease ; early. Flukes. — Long, flat, smooth-skinned white Kidney ; medium dry ; very productive, attaining a large size, and free from disease ; late. Oolden Drop Kidney. — Long, smooth-skinned yeUow Kidney ; medium size, dry, and well-flavoured ; abundant cropper and free from disease ; early. Glory of England.— Long white Kidney; similar in shape to Cumberland Bangor ; very dry, and fine-flavoured; fine cropper, and attains a remarkably large size ; shghtly subject to disease, and very early ; a first-rate table Potato. Golden Seedling.— 'Eandsome, rough-skinned, round variety, with well-set eyes ; abundant cropper ; remarkably dry and well- flavoured ; free from disease ; a first-class early Potato. Haigh's Seedling. — Handsome, rough-skinned, long kidney- shaped variety, with well-set eyes ; very productive, remarkably dry, well-flavoured, and free from disease ; a fine early variety. Marlury Kidney. — Handsome, smooth-skinned, white variety ; very long, rounder than the eld Ashleaf; a first-rate cropper, dry, well-flavourecl, and free from disease; very early. Irish Blacks. — Round, with deep-set eyes ; remarkably dry, and possessed of good flavour ; very productive, yet subject to disease ; late. Irish Cups. — Round, light red variety, rugged, with deep-set eyes ; very productive, fine flavour, and free from disease ; late. A variety nearly extinct. King, The.- — Round, rough-skinned, white variety ; medium size ; fair cropper, moderately dry, and flavour middling j free from disease ; early. Lancashire Hero. — Round white Kidney ; medium-sized and cropper ; very dry, remarkably well-flavoured and free from dis- ease ; early variety. Lemon White Blossom Kidney. — \VTiite variety, similar in appearance to the Oxhorn Kidney ; small size and cropper ; dry and free from disease ; early. Mono's Pride. — An improvement on the old Ashleaf Kidney in appearance ; attains a large size ; good cropper ; not altogether free from disease ; medium dry, possessing a weak flavour ; very early. Myall's Ashleaf Kidney (Prolific).— 'Roani white variety, geod cropper, and medium size ; remarkably dry, well-flavoured, and free from disease; a variety well known in the London markets for its earliness. M' Mullen's. — Round white variety, with deep-set eyes ; similar in appearance to White Rocks ; good cropper ; dry and well- flavoured ; free from disease ; late. Norfolk Wonder. — Handsome, smooth-skinned, white variety, with deep-set eyes ; abundant cropper ; very dry and well- flavoured ; attains a large size ; slightly subject to disease ; late. Orkney Beds. — Long, smooth-skinned, purple variety, with well-set eyes ; fine cropper, remarkably dry ; flavour similar to Irish Blacks, and free from disease ; late. Oxhorn Kidney. — Long, narrow, smooth-skinned, white Kid- ney ; rugged shape ; medium size and cropper ; not very dry ; early. Pheasant's Eye. — A handsome, round, rough-skinned variety, with purple eye, inclined to grow long ; medium dry, very pro- lific, and free from disease ; early. Pink Eye, Kemp's. — Rough-skinned white variety ; shape long, resembling in appearance the Regent, with handsome pink eye ; m»dium dry ; fair flavour; abundant cropper, and free from dis- ease ; very early. Pink Eyes. — Handsome, smooth-skinned, pink-eyed variety ; with deep-set eyes; very dry; ofeolour, pale when boiled; possesses good flavour ; fine cropper, subject to disease ; early. Perkins' Seedling. — Round, rough-skinned, white variety, with well-set eyes ; in shape like the Regent Kemp ; most prolific, very floury and well-flavoured ; free from disease ; a good late variety. Primroses. — Pale red smooth-skinned variety, with well-set eyes ; medium round, very dry, and possessed of fine flavour ; a good cropper, and free from disease ; late. Red Martins. — Round rough-skinned dark red variety, with deep-set eyes, similar in shape to the Black Cup ; good cropper, medium dry, and good flavour, and free from disease ; late. Bed Irish ifoH^As.— Round, rough-skinned, dark red variety ; with deep indented eyes j medium dry, and weak-flavoured ; not productive ; late. Bed Rocks. — Light red, rough-skinned variety, with deep-set eyes ; round ; in appearance like the White Rock ; remarkably dry and well flavoured ; not subject to disease ; late. 'Eylott's Flourball. — Round, smooth-skinned, white variety; remarkably dry and well-flavoured, abundant cropper ; medium size and free from disease ; early. Shaw's Early. — Long, smooth-skinned white variety ; most prolific ; very dry, and well-flavom'ed ; attains a large size, and free from disease ; very early. Skerry Bines. — Round blue variety, with deeply-set eyes ; medium dry ; weak-flavoured, remarkably productive ; attains a large size ; free from disease, and will keep well ; late. Soden's Early Oxford. — Round, rough-skinned white variety, with eyes well set ; very dry, and possessed of fine flavour ; free from disease ; well known for its earliness. Walker's Earlies. — Very fine, rough-skinned, long white variety ; very dry, and ihie-flavoured ; very heavy cropper, and remarkable for attaining large size ; free from disease ; for early field culture is unequalled. Webb's Imperial Kidney. — Handsome, smooth-skinned, white November 25, 18G2. ] JOURX.VL OF HOKTICl'LTCaE AND COTTAGE GAIIDENKR. G81 ICidncv ; grows very lonj;, and attains n remarkably largo size ; abundant cropper, medium dry, good flavour, and free from disease ; early. WoniJerfid Red Kidiiei;. — Handsome, light red, smootli, thin- slcinned variety, abundant cropper ; medium dry, fair flavour, and free from disease ; very early. W kite Kemp's. — Rough-skinned round variety ; good cropper ; moderately dr}', flavour weak ; free from disease ; early. York Mecjenis, — Fine rough-skinned variety, with well-sot eyes; remarkably dry and well-flavoured; fine cropper, and free from disease; early. — {Dublin Agricultural Review.) I3.1LANCE OF BIRDS. Having had an opportunity of reading most that has been said about small birds, I have no hesitation in saying that Mr. Eobson, in the Number for October 7th, expresses more good, sound reasoning than anj thing said by any one I have read before, and which I tliink no one will deny that lives in a well- wooded country as I do ; and as to how far he is right in the balance ho has pointed out I think I can bear testimony from eiglit years' experience. I will begin by stating that the estate where I am gardener is about 600U acres, in a ring fence, with a walled kitchen garden of two acres in almost the midst of it. There are splendid timber trees all over tho estate, immense game covers, woods, Ash- beds, and great hedgerows, even close up to tho garden, and eight years ago there was no gamekeeper on the estate, nor for some years before — only some men that worked in the woods and about the place to look after the game at certain times. Con- sequently, there was no vermin-killer, and then and for three years afterwards, all around me there were lots of owls, white and grey, likewise hawks of three dilferent sorts, stoats, weasels, and fitchets, and a cat or two at every cottage and farmhouse, and I always had tliree cats about the place, and sometimes more. The white owls were very tame, and would come out in early evening and skim over the garden and all the adjoining fields, and up all the old hedgerows. They would come within 20 yards of me, and hunt all the place over like so many terrier dogs after the mice ; and the consequence was, I had no trouble in those days to net anything but the Cherries, and by being up by break of day for a few mornings to knock over a stray jay or two among the Peas, I managed pretty well. I would rather have ten jays than three tomtits. Now, mark the difference. There has been a gamekeeper for these last five years, and there has been a regidar war going on against my above-named friends. I cannot even keep a eat, neither have I seen but one cat in the parish for these two years, and I had but a glimpse of tliat one, for she was no more the next day. Well, the consequence is, that the small birds have had it all their own way for four years out of the five : therefore, the balance is lost, and to such an extent, that I cannot keep anything in the shape of fruit or Peas without nets, and hardly with, though I stand in the garden with a gun all day into the bargain ; besides my Gooseberry trees were disbudded to such an extent, that I was obliged this year to grub-up thirty-five trees, and all the others were sadly damaged. My worthy employer has been all for the protection of the small birds, but he began last year to see that it was being carried too far, and I got him in the humour to begin to restore the balance again, and we set to it in right good earnest. Early last spring we destroyed the blackbirds by hundreds, by taking all the eggs and young ones about the garden and shrubbery, and trapped, and shot, and caught in the nets all through the eummer, and served the tomtits the same j and up to the day that all the Currants, Gooseberries, and Peas were gone, the birds did not seem to be one whit thinner. There is a heavy load of Tjerries on the Hawthorn this time, and we shall wage war against the blackbirds if it come hard weather. No doubt I shall be called a most cruel fellow, but I cannot help myself. Only imagine having to net every row of Peas that is to be grown for a large family, and the destruction of nets, as the nets must be pegged down to the ground, up each side of the row, and that part is all rotten before the season is over ; besides the time it takes to net and unnet every day to gather the pods. Then, all the finest and best of the fruit on the standard trees and others, which we cannot net, are spoiled by the tomtits. 15 yards from my cottage door this season. As my cottage is in the garden, they were not netted, as I had not a net out of use. They were attacked one Sunday afternoon, and I was obliged to sit at my cottage door, and every ton minutes or so get up and throw handfuls of gravel or soil into tho Peas till the birds were gone to roost, or they would have entirely spoiled the crop before niglit. Only picture to yourself, al'O, from forty to sixty blackbirds amongst tho Gooseberries and Currants ; and as my employer walked tlirough tho bushes, tlu^y would (ly up two or three at a time, and just skim over the wall. He sliot tliem just going over, but never more than one at a time. Ho would kill six or seven every day for weeks, but you could see no diflorencc in the number, and they became so bold that tlioy would all come back in ten miimtes after the discharge of the gun ; and I have seen them fly straight across tho garden at an Orleans Plum tree against the wall, and twist off a Plum in a moment, just rise over the same wall, skim the top, and down into an old hedge- row with the Plum in their beak, or rather the beak in the Plum. I could not keep a red Plum without netting. Green Gagos they did not touch. In losing the white owls, I am overrun with field mice, and I may here add, that I have been attacked with caterpillars as usual, and I see no other way of proceeding than by thinning the birds or having the garden netted over from wall to wall. — WOKCESTEE. [There is no doubt that those who destroy owls and hawks act most erroneously, for these birds of prey benefit an estate much more by destroying small marauders, and keeping the balance of animal life corrected, than they do harm to the estate by killing its game. So far we coincide with our worthy correspondent ; but we venture to suggest that the old Saxon love for thfi exhibition of expertness in hitting a mark, and bringing down the quarry by a skilled shot, gives the casting vote in favour of the gun. We say this, because no one can deny that every small bird killed deprives the neighbourhood of a destroyer of caterpillars, aphides, &c., during the season of nestUngs ; nor can any one deny that two or three old women would scare away all the birds from the largest kitchen garden that ever was enclosed within four walls. They would not cost much more than do the powder, the shot, and the time of a skilled workman ; and we will add, never do we sanction the discharge of shot among fruit trees, — Ed3.] THE HOUSE-SPAEROW (Passee domesticus). In commencing my defence of this useful bird to the farmer and gardener, I will say with Barry Cornwall — *' Lone: live The household sparrow ! may he thrive for ever ; Long may he live ; and he who aims to kill Our small companion, let him think how he Would feel if fjreat men spurned him from their hearths.'* The sparrow, like the redbreast, is one of man's companions ; it seeks out his habitation, and unites its fortune with his. From tho north of Scotland to the African Continent, from the one side of tho Himalayan Mountains to the other, he is found. To the storm-tossed mariner a symbol of land, and to the lost pedestrian wanderer a token of the habitation of man. Though the sparrow neither attracts our notice by the sweet- ness of its song nor the beauty of its plumage, it is of the greatest use to the cultivator of the soil. If he was not so, he, like his black persecuted neighbour the rook, would not be so generally distributed over most parts of the world. Nor is he less abun- dant in great cities than about the rural homes of our cultivated districts. That sparrows do eat grain, and at times to a con- siderable extent, no true naturalist will deny; but we never, as yet, heard of a farmer or a gardener being ruined by them, as some of their enemies have endeavoured to assert ; but it is well known that whole fields of grass and grain, as well as root and garden crops, liave been destroyed by various species of insects which form the sparrow's chief food, Oftheselmay namethelargecab- bage butterfly (Pieris brassica"), the green-veined white (P. napi), the small garden white (P. rapoe), the cockchafer or Maybug (Melolontha vulgaris), which of itself has been known to destroy whole fields of pasture and garden lawns in its grub state, eating away the young fibres so efiectually that the turf could be rolled . up, as if i't had been cut with some instrunient. Again : the I had an excellent row of Champion of England Pea, not j wheat-midge, gnat, or fly (Cecidomyia tritici) ; the green fly 682 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAaE aABDENER. [ November 25, 1862. or plant lice (Aphidse) ; the black eaterpillar, black canker, or nigger (A.thalia centifolise) ; the turnip fly or beetle (Haitica nemorum). Nor are we exempt from the possibility of an im- portation of that dreaded and far-famed insect known to our American friends as the " Hessian fly," to lay waste our fields of corn, as ia the vast valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi, or those dreaded locusts which have in all ages been ranked amonget the moat dreadful of human calamities. That sparrows are the wholesale destroyers of our crops which some writers represent them to be is far from being correct. Let such watch them during the season of incubation, when they are most voracious, and no better locality for such can be selected than a farmyard, Furrounded with hedgerows, stretching away towards a wood side. The sparrow will be seen to fly out of its nests with a rapid and bounding flight, and after scouring the hedges, he returns with a caterpillar, or some other insect, in his bill, and is welcomed home with a chorus of sweet chirrup- jngs ; and bo on for many a long hour in the bright days of spring and summer, when there is not an atom of grain for him to devour — watching over the comforts of his offspring till they are able to ily and provide for themselves with a zeal and afTee- tion that would put many a Christian to the blush. A single pair of sparrows having young to maintain will destroy, by my own observations, upwards of four thousand caterpillars and other insects in one week ; and Mr. Abbey, one of our best writers on the subject, has shown in The Journal OF HoETiC0LT0KB, " That a nest of sparrows is fed forty times in an hour; and presuming that one bird is fed, or one cater- pillar taken at one time, we shall have, for sixteen hours for a working day, a grand total of 640 ; but as sparrows often take four and five caterpillars at a time, that estimate is considerably below the approximate amoimt. However, we will be content with the smaller number, and when we multiply the daily con- sumption by the period that transpires between hatching and leaving the nests (fifteen, and from that to twenty days), we have 9600, the amount of caterpillars destroyed by a pair of sparrows." The house-sparrow will rear three broods of young in one season, and each brood consisting of five to six individuals, so that the period of their insect-destroying and the number of their young induce me to believe that even the above calculation is very far below the amount of good they do in this respect. In France, the extermination of this bird has been carried to such an extent that catcrpillai-s have increased so alarmingly that Government has been compelled to legislate for the preser- vation of these useful birds. Bewick, in his " British Birds," endorses my calculation that a single pair of sparrows during the time they are rearing their young will destroy four thousand caterpillars weekly, besides the butterflies and other winged insects, each of which, if not destroyed, would produce several hundreds of caterpillars the following season. The late Bishop of Norwich found that sparrows fed their young thirty-six times in an hour, and calculating fourteen hours to a day during summer, will give 3500 times per week ; and another authority of equal credit calculated the destruction of caterpillnrs at 3400 per week. These calculations have all been made by close ob- servers and for scientific purposes. They are not the haphazard ravings of ignorance and prejudice. Now, what would these 9600 caterpillars destroy in that time of the food of man, supposing that only 3000, little more than one-third of these, arrived to the state of perfect butterflies and moths, and lay their eggs ? Why we should be overwhelmed with a far more serious pest than tiie poor house-sparrow is accused of being, which we could neither shoot, trap, nor poison. Who, I ask, has not observed the persecuted sparrows dart upon that all-destroying pest of our Cabbages, &c., the common white butterfly, while seeking a favourite spot to lay her eggs, which are to produce voracious caterpillars by thou- sands ? Watch them again in a field of Beans, clearing that im- portant crop of aphides, a race of insects that perplex natuiralists by their singularities, and the facility with which they increase their vast numbers, and their destructive properties to plants, of which we have this last year had painful experience — • These insect pests, powerful though pmall, Bhghting at once the green leaf and the grain.'* — {Graham.) Again, who has not observed them pulling the thatch out of the roof of cottages and outbuildings during winter ? What is this for? Not for mere wanton mischief, as is generally supposed, but for the myriads of flies (musca) which are quartered there for the winter, to issue forth in the spring to annoy us or our cattle, or to pollute our food, and otherwise to become an in- tolerable nuisance. The sparrow frequently attempts the capture of insects on the wing, but with poor success. Nature never intended him to catch flies in this way, though the hunting of butterflies by sparrows trained for the purpose, is said to be one of the royal sports of Persia. It is not only on insects that the snarrow feeds. I have watched them devouring snails and slugs (Helix and Limax), which are well known to be wholesale destroyers of vegetable life in its young state. It is quite amusing to watch them hammering away at the shell of Helis virgata and rufescens, which in some fields may absolutely be collected by bushels, particularly in the chalk counties of Kent and Dorset. If the mollusc is too large, they will place one foot on it, and tear it to pieces with their bill ; if small, it is de- voured whole. In this way thousands of these pests are de- voured unknown to man. No sooner do the leaves of the Hawthorn appear than the sparrows may be seen hunting the hedgerows for insects, even before they have young. I have for hours watched them in large Rose-quarters, in company with other birds, in nvn-series and gardens clear the young shoots of every apliis. I have watched them examine every crevice of a wall, clinging to its face like the " wall creeper," devouring spiders and other insects. A long series of observations enables me to assert that the sparrow prefers insect food to all other, when he can procure it. In fact, their summer haunts are chosen with reference to a supply of such food. To accuse the sparrow of nibbling ofi" the buds of trees, &o,, for food, is a most mistaken idea ; they do nothing of the sort. They are also accused of plucking off the flowers of Auriculas, Polyanthuses, and even of dieting upoa the petals of the Dahlia. They might as well be accused of dining off the hind-quarters of a hippopotamus or rhinoceros. Has it never occurred to these persons who thus accuse them that it is insecfs they are in search of, particularly that de- structive pest the common earwig (Forficula auricularia), that insect of unconquerable dislike in all countries and through all ages, from the absurd idea of its insinuating itself into persons' ears, though unsupported by a single fact? What I have already advanced is with reference to the rustic sparrow. The city-bred gentlemen are differently situated ; they are obliged to pick up all the nutritious particles from the streets, roads, yards, and dunghills — no part of the crowded city seems to daunt them. In the railway station, with its snorting, pufiing engines, as they dash through with a velocity that makes the earth tremble, you find the sparrow at home. In the Zoological Gardens you may observe him feeding with the majestic eagle, and splashing merrily about in his bath ; you may find him in company with the elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, or the wild swine, skipping about with utter indifference ; visit the crowded markets, especially where vegetables are sold, there you find the sparrow. Who has not observed him hopping about the streets, even under the very feet of the horses as they stand in the cabs for hire ? How frequently may he be observed pouncing upon the piece of bread which lies on the pavement within a yard or two of you as you walk along, and carry it off to its mate seated on a window-sill or roof of a house. Indeed, nothing can exceed the self-complaisance of the town-bred sparrow. You see him build his nest and rear up his young amongst the richest tracery of a church roof or window ; within the very coronet or escutcheon set up over gate of hall or palace ; he would build in the Queen's crown itself if it were placed con- veniently for his purpose. A pan-, some few years ago, built in the mouth of tlie stone lion on the Duke of Northumberland's house in Charing Cross, London. A pair built in the " bunts " of the main and mizen topsails of the "Great Britain" ship while it was lying for repairs in the Sandoun graving-dock. A pair built upon the furled sail of the " Aurora," of Belfast, which was destroyed on the ship's route to Glasgow. A pair built under the slings of the foreyard of the ship " Ann," of Shields, just before leaving port, and sailed out to sea, coming down on the deck to feed oa tlie crumbs which were spread for them by the sailors. The sparrow, in fact, suits himself to any spot or place, using any- material he can find to line his little abode ; he is alike at home under the roof of the poor man's cottage as he is hid in the ornamental carvings of Her Most Gracious Majesty's palace — " At home, abroad, wherever seen or heard, Still is the spaiTow just the same self bird." In Tartary, Thibet, and in China he is, perhaps, more im» NoTomber 25, 1S62. ] JOUKITAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 633 puSent tlian in Europe, for wo are well informed that his nest and his brood are always religioii'ly respncled, and he enters every house qiiito at his ease, and picks up whatever ho can from the food of tlie family. Would that this example were to some extent followed by his enemies in this country ! It has been the fashion of most writers on the history and habits of this bird to brand it as an ugly and vulijar-lookiiin; bird ; this is really not the case. Let us take, for example, a rustic cock sparrow, examine his plumage, and for a moment consider how much there is in that compact little frame wliich would baffle the power of the wisest man to explain, and you will not pro- nounce him ugly — " He wlio feels contempt F.u- luiy living thiiip, hath facnlties That he Imth never used, that thought with liim Is in its infancy." — ( ]i'ordswai-tti.) Tn South America, the sparrows were persecuted with sucli unremitting perseverance that insects increased to such a degree that many cultivated lands were so ravaged that it became quite impossible to raise any crops upoji them. Naturalists are ac- quainted with the results of the destruction of sparrows in one of the 'Wheat-growing districts of the Baltic, and wliere It was afterwards found advisable to import sparrows, to replace those destroyed, in order to keep a check on the insect pests. The same occurred in a division of Prussia. The farmers were much annoyed by sparrows, and sought to eradicate them by a kind of poll-tax. The authorities allowed part of the imposts to be paid in sparrows' heads. They succeeded, but what was the consequence ? In two seasons they were obliged to apply to the neighbouring countries for a supply of sparrows, for their crops were nearly consumed by flights of insects which the sparrows would have devoured ; so dangerous is it to act against the decrees of nature. Providence is wiser than man. I know a gentleman in East Kent, a large landed proprietor. He laid a wager off 1000 that be would destroy every sparrow in his parish. In this he succeeded only the night before the time expired ; he, therefore, won his bet, but he lost double and treble the succeed- ing years by the damage done to his crops by the ravages of insects. Man is justified in protecting his crops, but in this he should act with caution ; for let those " societies," sparrow clubs, Ac, or whatever their local name may be, for killing sparrows, beware, lest when they find their crops in the jaws of a more deadly enemy, which they can neither shoot, trap, nor poison, they may wish that they had paused in their work of destruction, and le't a few of their poor enemies the sparrows to rid them of the pest. — OjiiiGA, in Scottish Farmer. WOEK FOE THE "WEEK. KITCHEN GABDEN. EvBET opportunity of favourable weather should be promptly employed in carrying out whatever digging, trenching, and drain- ing have been marked out for completion during the winter months. Deferred until a late period, severe weather may set in, and thus the operations may be retarded to the loss of the ameliorating influence of frost and otlier advantages. Asparaijus, if new beds are to be made, trench deeply, ami apply manure unsparingly ; for it is better to enrich the ground well at first than to trust to subsequent top-dressings. Bow ia the time to see about getting ready for spring planting. Caalijiower.'!, the plants under hand-lights to liave the soil occasionally stirred about them, and abundance of air to be given in favourable weather. Jlirh-heds, if they are not; yet cleaned and done-up for the winter, they should be attended to without delay. A slight coat of very rotten dung to be laid on them for the double pur- pose of protecting the roots from severe frost and to enrich the soil. All wood ashes and soot to be preserved with care ; both are valuable as manures. As the labour can possibly be better spared at tliis than at the spring season, and as an advantage attends the practice, wheel on the manure to the land, and dig it in ; throw up the unbroken spits of soil to be pulverised by the frost. The land which should be manured most particularly is that intended for Peas, Beans, Cabbage, Onions. Do not manure the division intended for Potatoes unless the soil is extremely poor. PLOWEB GARDEN. We again urge the necessity of getting all intended alterations and improvements commenced or brought to a close as speedily «3 possible. Now is a fine time for taking-up and laying-down Box-odgings. This is also a good season for altering the surface of the tlower garden, and for laying down turf. If the ground is newly made, see tliat it is rendered perfectly solid before laying down the turf, «o that there may be no giving way afterwards ; when all laid down, to be well beaten all over with the turf-beater, which will close tho edges of the turf; flatten-out the surface, and level-down all irregularities. Rustic baskets and vases planted last summer should now have the soil taken out of them in order to keep tlioin from being in- jured by frost. Fuchsias and other half-hardy plants that have becTi killed down will now require to have their roots mulched to keep tho frost from injurmg them. Where shrub- beries are too thick take up some of the best specimens, and transplant them, or cut-down inferior sorts to give more room, light, and air to the others. Continue to sweep, roll, and clean lawns, walks, &c. Annuals and herbaceous plants killed down by frost should now have their stems cut down and taken to tho rubbish-heap ; the most choice kinds to be labelled to pre- vent them from being destroyed when digging the borders. Seeds not yet collected to be gathered on a dry day. rnniT oabden. The planting of young fruit trees, and transplanting or raising those of larger growth, to bo vigorously prosecuted, as the season is very favourable, and the earlier these operations are performed the greater the success. Fig trees to be protected : the best plan is to loosen them entirely from the wall, to tie the branches closely together, and to wind thick haybands round them from bottom to top. Let all superfluous nails be drawn from wall trees, and proceed on every favourable opportunity with pruning and nailing, except, perhaps, in the case of south walls, which had better remain till the end of January, as the buds are apt to become unseasonably excited. GEEENHOUSE AND 00N3EBTAT0EX. The Geraniums intended for early blooming should now be stopped and plenty of room afforded them. Let them be tied- out, and as soon as they begin to break let them be repotted and their growtli slightly encouraged, always keeping them near the glass. Give abundance of air on all mild days to keep the plants from growing. SIOVE. Keep the temperature rather low than otherwise that no new growth may bo promoted. Much more injury is likely to result from a high temperature at this season than is generally sup- posed. Sixty degrees of Sre heat is ample for all stove plants. Continue to look sharply after mealy bug, scale, and other insects. Tliis is the season more especially when stove plants can be got thoroughly clean, FOnOIKO-PIT. Get in all kinds of Dutch bulbs, American and other flowering shrubs. Lilies of the Valley, Heliotropes, Pinks, Roses, Double Roman Narcissus, Crocuses, Neapolitan Violets, Mignonette, and Cyclamens to begin with in gentle heat, as many of these bloom early without much forcing. Keep down the green fly by oc- casional fumigations of tobacco. PITS AND FEAMES. As the nights are now cold, the lights should be closed at night, and the frames well covered with mats and litter if required, avoiding fire heat un'il it is absolutely necessary. Look carefully over plants requiring water every fine day, but avoid watering at this season in dull weather. In a cold pit, should now be safely stored such plants as will furnish the forcing-pit in succession, such as good bloom-showing plants of Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Belgian Azaleas, Sedums, &c., to be selected and lifted with good balls and potted for the purpose of being taken care of in this useful structure. W. Kbane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN OAEDEK. Secured vegetables as mentioned last week. Covered over Sea-kale plants with a little ashes in the form of long cones ; planted the Asparagus-bed ; earthed-up Mushroom-bed ; gave protection to Radishes out of doors ; packed-up roots in sheds ; wheeled rotten leaves over Asparagus-beds on frosty mornings, &c. ; gathered a lot more of Capsicums and Chilis for cayenne pepper. These have ripened more slowly than usual this season, which I attribute partly to planting them out in a bed under glass, instead of keeping them in pots, and where much heat G84, JOCJBNAL OF HORTICULTTJKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 1863, could not be given them. The fruit was finer than usual, but the luxuriance given to the plants made it ripen slower. Much of the quality of the pepper depends on the bright red of the skin. I find the seeds are but little used, as they would detract from the colour — so much are we in everything the slaves of appearances. Even lovers of pickles must have them green, though well knowing that no artiste can make them so without spoiling them with copper, or something else as deadly. TEUIT GAEDEK. In frosty mornings rotten dung and leaves were wheeled between the rows of Strawberries, and a little used for surfacing dwarf Apple and Pear trees, jfot many years ago, I found at one time men making tallies on a hard frosty day, and not long afterwards they were wheeling manure and soil with the wheel of the barrow almost otit of sight in mud, and of course there was a constant standing dish of grumble that half enough of men were not allowed for the place. The making walks, &c., right after such work, would take up about as many men and as much time as doing the work altogether would have required in frosty, or even in dry weather. Timing work will often be the means of avoiding making work. Doing a job in such a way as not to mate another, is what distinguishes cliiefly the intelli- gent thoughtful workman from the careless, slovenly, six- o'clock practitioner. Cleared, pruned, and fastened-up Rasp- berries. After trying many modes, find no plan better than growing them in rows 4 feet or 5 feet apart, and fastening them to a couple of slight rails an inch in diameter, fastened to posts m the row. Syringed Cherries and other trees with soapsuds, holding a little salt m solution, which, in addition to being un- pleasant to insects, helps to remove mosses and lichens from the trees and walls. Commenced pruning Pears, &c. Orchard trees in pots, we have not had time to wash and secure the pots from frost, but the latter has not been severe enough to touch them. Syringed them, however, several times with water about 160°, holding soap in solution, and even after that found some of the black beetle creeping on the pots. Will, if possible, give all the soil in the house a watering with hot water, and will remove all surface soil from the pots. We have a vast deal more faith in prevention than in cure. Stripped most of the leaves ofi" the Figs in the Fig-house, and all the smaller fruit, leaving only the larger to ripen. The bed is ehicay filled below with large Begonias, and will soon be occupied with other things. The soil, though dry, we will not water for a month or six weeks to come. The plants had been originally grown in pots, but have now been turned out for a number of years in a shallow bed, and are allowed to fill the space in a rough manner, there being several longitudinal rods along the house, just to tie down a branch to that comes too near the glass. Looked at now, or shortly, there 18 roughness instead of symmetry, and wildness instead of train- ing. Well, our advantage is, that we save all the time it would take to make them look nice and neat, and the expense of a trellis ; and when the plants are full of fruit people think more about that than any training and tying. Our only secret is, plenty of rich manure water when growing and swelling, and dryness when at rest. The great thing is to give a little water by degrees before the young fruit get much larger than Peas, or they would drop oS, and a deluging then would have much the same efiect. The Vines in the houses attended to as last week ; all houses crammed where fruit is not hanging. In a narrow pit shut up, and filled with the latest bedding plants in pots, the Vines have been cleaned and painted, and the temperature raised from 43 to 48°, the roots of the Vines, which were very dry, being moistened with warm water about 90°. This will bring them along gradually. The Vine-border outside of houses covered with stubble, and not much of that, is still 50°, 3 inches below the surface. A few Strawberries will be placed on a shelf at the back of the Vine-pit. The Fig trees out of doors, which, on the whoiC, did pretty well, have had the whole of the fruit left larger than a Pea stripped-o£f, or, rather, cut neatly off, and the trees thatched with Laurel branches, either tied against them, or nailed to the wall by passing the nail through the branch.' I tried this plan last year, and it answered perfectly. It is a mere chance to be sure of them without some help here. Formerly I used to unnail the trees, and fasten them close together in bundles, and stuiled some straw about them, fastening a mat or something of that kind over them. The objections to that plan were, that the unpacking them was apt to be too long delayed, and the trees needed protection afterwards, either from bright sun or frost ; and again, from being so busy at that time in spring, the laying-out and nailing the branches were apt to knock off' a number of the fruit. By merely placing the Laurel branches against the trees, there is no unnailing wanted. They will be suflicient protection against a common frost. Additional protection can be given if we come near to zero. The air and light, too, will permeate among the young fruit, giving it a hardy green appearance, that will suffer nothing when the branches are removed by degrees. Swept leaves from Apricot trees ; some, however, are rather green yet. Dwarf Pears, &c., are ripe, as they ought to be, and most other things under cover. Tomtits are making their appearance ; but they look after insects now, but wiU go to the buds as soon as these fail. ORKAIIENTAL GARDENING. The frost having gone, commenced in the middle of the week to give the lawn the last mowing, rolling it previously. Have got the greater part of the dead (lowers removed from beds and borders, and (ound the quantity more than usual, as the whole were so densely packed and so vigorous before the frost came. The leaves are not yet all down, and until that is the ease it will be sweep, sweep, and sweep again. As soon as possible beds will be dug, borders ditto, herbaceous plants regulated, &c. Pretty well finished putting away in the faggot style lots of Scarlet Geraniums, &c. They had stood so long under cover and so thickly that the leaves were getting all faded and yellow, but that made them all the easier to come off, and as the roots and stems were all sound, that was all we cared about. A few of these were potted separately ; but most of them were put, a dozen or a score, like a faggot in a pot. We must, however, here give a little minutise. The soil used was just moist enough, light sandy loam and leaf mould. The roots were getting rather dry ; each lot of plants as dressed was set for five minutes in a pail as deep as to cover the roots and 2 inches or 3 inches of the stem, the water about G0°. This was to distend the roots, and the soil being packed firmly about them, no water will be given for a good time to come. A lot of these were put in a cold pit with a layer of tree leaves a little warm below them, and we believe that in moderation as to dryness the fresh roots will run sooner than in soil saturated with moisture. Others were placed beneath the stage in a vinery, the stage being filled with plants in pots. Those below the stage, if much fire heat should be used to keep out frost, will have a slight syringe during the day to keep the stems from shrivelling. We should do much the same if the plants were kept in stable, garret, or byre, and in all such places may such plants be kept, and beat in summer young plants that received the kindest treatment. We saw a lot last year in a garret that would have been first-rate if the fro»t had not nipped the stems. A woman's apron would pretty well have saved them. Another lot in an airy cellar would have been first-rate, but a girl, who must be doing something, soaked them with water, and they could not help themselves, and were obliged to rot. Had they remained as packed until the middle of March, and then got light on fine days, they would have been first-rate in the beginning of May. They will bo all the better if they make not a single leaf during the winter. I was delighted with our friend Mr. Beaton's account of the celerity with which Mrs. Bird pitches in her Calceolaria cuttings ; but what do jou think? my men and boys will not take it in that the lady's plan is any improvement on theirs, and do not believe it is managed a bit quicker, even than they dib them, as the lady could only use one hand when dropping the cuttings, whilst they would fasten the cutting with one stroke of the dibber with the other. We have, years ago, also done a great many by one of the dropping-modes. The holes were made from top to bottom of the bed, or a slit of equal depth ; a hand- ful of cuttings with the bottom ends are theu held in the left hand, and as fast as the right hand can go down goes the cut- ting, and before the thumb and forefinger leave it, the soil is pressed to it with one move ; or if only a few cuttings are held in the right hand, the left hand follows, and does this firming work, and then all the cuttings stand upright, which my men rather doubt will not be the case in the mere dropping-mode of Mrs. Bird. However, I am at present inclined to give the palm of victory to the lady ; and one thing I am sure of, that some who make such a fuss about a few Calceolarias will hare their eyes opened wheu they see such beds. Of our first batch I do not see one wrong ; the only thing I regret is that they arc Korember 25, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. beHtnning to root, and I would Imve liked better if that had not takpn place until nfter the new year. House plants, bulbs, A:c., much tho same as last week. — R. F. CS3 TRADE CATALOGUES KECEIVED. J. Scott, ;^^e^I•io(t Nurseries, Crowkerne. — Descriptive Cata- logue of Fruit T>ees. Carey Tyso, "\Vallinj;ford, Berks.— -Descriptive Catalogue of Flower Moots, Plants, S(c.,for 1862-3. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ^*, "We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are aubjeeted to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All onmmumcntiong should therefore be addressed solely to The Editors of the ''Journal of Horticulture, ^-e.,'* 162, Fleet Streefy London, F.C, We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under Tery special circumstances. Gr.ADioi.fs f ir. IT. Bn7.\— The accent is on the second syllfiblR, and the o is not uttered .at all, but rhe name is pronounced as if spelt Gladtlus. Books {W. C. IT. C.).— Hr. Lindley's *'Vepetable Kingdom" does not contain anything about plant-culture. The other bnok you mention, M'^Tn'rosh's "Book of the Garden," is very copious on all subjects cnn- irected with pardeninj;. It is in two volumes, price £4 7s. dd. In addition for a g'ood crardenev's library, we recommend Thompson's " Gardener's Assistant,'* "Tho Oottaj:e Gardener's Dictionary," Lindley's " Theory of Horticulture," and Johnson's " Science and Praciice of Gardening." Watkr for Aquarium {Ru.-itieti.s). — Rain water, conveyed from the roofs of buildings in the country, entirelj' uncontaminated by soot, would do very "well for an aquarium. Even a slight impretjnadon "with soot would be no objection if the water were quite pellucid, and plant.^ only placed in the aquarium. It would be injurious to fish and water insects. Wkekt.t Calp.xdar {L. R. Tf. Z.).— The temperatures in the table at tbe head of the firsr pa?e usually show in whole decrees the hiRbest and lowest of the thermometer durinj; each day, as " 33—13." If a fraction of a degree -s stated, as "35'*. 3," which rarely happens except when averages are griven, so many degrees, and so many tenths of a degree, are indicated : ftfins, in the instance given, the temperature indicated is 35" and three- tenth? of a degree. ExcFLt-ENT MoDF OF SHOWING A Flower-gakden Plan (Jf. 7). \— Capital. Six or 7 square inches of preen paper, full of flower-beds, with the names of the plants under them. Tlie shape of each bed is cut out of paper of the SSTue colours as the tlowers. the edgings the same way. The green paper represents the lawn, and with this way of marking the beds on it one can see the effect with half an eye at once. The letter was in three lines on the back of the green paper, and our answer is, The garden will, indeed, be a most effective composition. CrxERABiA Flowers not Opf-sing {Wm. ST., Jun.). — We suspect yon have repotted your Cinerarias into rather large pots, and rather late. When once the pot-* are crammed with ro^t3. and plenty of air is given, and the pi;ints are sufficiently supplied with water, we think you will have no want of flower-trusses. Cutting a Vine Shoot (J. G. D.).—lf yon had stopped the shoot, now 17 feet loiig, and allowed laterals to grow, the lower part of your vod would bave been stronger. Now, yon should not have more than 5 fept for next year. It would mdst likely bear a heavy crop if you let it; but it would be injured for the future. Lapaqeria RosE\f.lfr5. TT. 5.1.— Very full directions have been given for the culture of this beautiful plant in No. 575 of this Journal, which you can have lr--e by post for id. It will do well in your cool conservatory, and the chief care it requires is abundance of drainage to prevent stagnant water, good heath soil mixed with a little fibry loam, and never to want for irater. The roots do not naturally run deep, and, therefore, moisture is in- dispgnsable. If one end of the house is warmer than another, we would place it there. Liquid MANOREg of Sheep's and Piokons* Dung (A Sereu-nionths ^HfescriA/T).— Use them both, but weak and alternately, and altpmati ly with clear water: but nse them in none of the cases mentioned until tlie plants are knotted for bloom. In the case of Begonias, use it chiefly after the sun has gained power and they are growing freely late in the spring. Propaoatis'g Indian Azvlear {li/norajnus).—** Buy Greenlmuscs for fhe Manv," " In-door Gardening for the Many," and -'Window-Gardening t'>r the Many,'* they will give you all the Information you mention. Vou need pot be particular as to the time of propagating Azalea indica. You may pro- ceed now or as soon as the days begin to lengtben. Select a number of ?mall shoots of last season that have no flower-buds, greenish but firm at their base, and from 2i inches to 3 inches in length. Cut them across at tho base, and remove a few of the larger bottom leaves, and then insert in silver sand, in pots well drained, and a layer of sandy peat below the sand. Water well, and when tho cutting's are dry cover with a bell-glHss. Allow these to stand for a month in a shady part of the greenhouse, or if not shady, have a piece of paper to put over the glass in bright sunshine; ease thi glass a little to admit air In mild nlchts. In a month plnngo the pot In a mild hot- bud aiul uttund to air at night. Water when necessary, and shade In bright sunshine, and as soon as struck pot off and keep close for a time, until the young plants are growing freely. Stokkmia ctanka {liufiticus Expertnn.*wer quite as well for making walks and floors as gas tar. All tar when boiled becomes hard, and this would not be so deleterious to vegetable life as coal tar. It you train up the Cotoneaster microphylla, you may get it 6 feet liiuh in soil where it thrives. We have seen it against a wall much higher than that; but you need not despair of speedily getting a hedge 3 feet high, Phloxks (^f. iT).— On the supposition the Phloxes were planted out after bein^ the four years in pots, you have left them two years too many un- renmved ; and If they were established plants from old stools, you had left thera three years too long. The best bloom which the best management can get out of the best kinds of Phloxes is, when the plants are old and on the spot to lift the old plants any time tiom the end of October to tho beginning of March, and take four lumps from tht; outside of each ball or stool; or first quarter the stool and then take the outside of each qaurter, where the ro.)t3 arc soft, free, and fleshy, and where no wiry old " bottoms ** are met with ; to plant the young stock in fresh places, and no place was ever yet made for a Phlox of the present race so good as a Uhododen- droD-bed— that is, for a fine bloom ; but the plants will grow in any soil, even in the very worst. It depends ou whethrr the old plants were properly done or not, if the new plants flower be>t tlie first season or the second year after planting, Some renew their I'tiloxes every year, in February, but we always keep a certain portion of our stuck two years for two rea--ions— in order to have taller and bigger plants, which must overtop our Ithododendrons before the flowers could be seen; and, secondly, to make people, who see them from a distance, believe the Rhododendrons themselves are in full bloom in all the shades of the two families. But for the borders we renew our Phloxes every year, and givo each lump or plant a large spadeful of very rich light compost. Gardenkus' Rheumatism.— The way I have treated rheumatism for along time is this. As soon as I find it coming on I get some spirits of turpentine and rub well into the painful part. I then get some old piece of cloth, aa an old shirt or the like, and put it sis or eight times double, then dip it in a bowl of cold spring water, squeeze it just so that it does not run about from the cloth, put that cold on the part, and as soon as it begins to get nearly dry or uncomfortable, wet it again. I take some cold water to bed with me and follow it up night and day till well, and apply the turpentine once a-day, twice a-day, or once in two days, according as the pain is. When the pain ceases I leave off the turpentine. This is the best remedy I ever tried. No one told me this, neither could I ever get any one to try it ; every one seems afraid, and many have said I sliould have my sinews drawn up and lots of other cilamities, but instead, it has done wonders (or me. Turpentine eases the pain almost immediately, and the wet cloth brings down the swelling by evaporation. If the patient c;innot bc;ir the cold, the cloth may be just held before the fire to take the chill off.—WoRCESXER. • Heating a Pit {An Amatrur). — The other week you would see much on heating such a pit by a flue, and there seems nothing we can add to it. You must have a chamber of some kind over the flue or round it, or the heated air will not get out freely for top heat. Neither should the cocoa- nut fibre touch the flue. There is no doubt that otherwise your plan will answer. The flue will be much chenper than an Arnott's stove with boiler and pipes. The cheapest of all would be an Arnott's stove alone, placed at one end, where the furnace is proposed to be. This placed low enough so as to have a chamber and openings into it, would be the simplest if you could do It. (See page 632.) Such slopes do not work well with much length of horizontal pipe ; and, therefore, the smoke had better be conveyed in a rising direction to the back wall. We do not think these pimple stoves, or killo- gies, have ever had full justice done to them- If you do nnt understand their simplicity you had better stick to the flue. For such a place as yours, wo would go 4 feet brick on bed — that is, lay the brick on its flat 8ide,4{ inche?, the rest brick on edge— that is, "ii inches wide. For such a flue two bricks on the side or edge would be suflicient, and 7 inches wide outside would be enough, so that a foot tile would cover all. We plaster none inside, a little outside if you like. Portland cement pipes would do 6 feet ftom the furnace. You have missed detaili about flues. Propagating Hp.n-and-Chicken Daisies et sebd (C. D.).— The condi- tion called hen-and-chicken in the flowers of Composites being not in the nature of sports, nor yet in that of a step towards doubleness, but a firther development of flowers through the scales of the involucrum, and not through any portion of the florets, we have every reapon to believe that a Hen-and-Chicken Daisy will reproduce itself at some certain rale per cent. But the cajie has never been tested as far as we know. All deviations from the normal type come more true from seeds in Composites than in any ord of plants, as far as oar observation extends. Little Dot Geranium {J. JJ., Frame). — Your Geranium Little Dot is the most dwarf, the best horseshoe mark, and the most profuse bloomer we have seen of the breed of Lucia Rosea, and we would recommend it as a distinct kind for edging large beds with. As you have proved it under the shade of a large tree, we should like to see a bed of it under one of the Yew trees at Hampton Court. Grates (John JVrjHc).— We do not know whether the Ahbee and Black. Monukka Grapes are to be had of the nurserymen ; iit least, we do not know of !iny who have got them. If you are a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society, you could procure some cuttings of both. The Hubshee is not the same as the Ahbee of Dr. Hogg's "Fruit Manual," but is a long dull red Grape, in shape like a long, narrow Filbert, and with no particular merit to. recommend it. 686 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 25, 1S62. Maitore for Azaleas (An Old Subscriber).— Manure is not only not good, "but i3 actual poison to Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Heaths. Never think of such a thin^, nor of givinR them manure water. Beating fboh a Cistern [E. L.).—Your cistern (not tank), is a general reservoir, whence the heated water is to proceed and ha regulattid. If wo, then all your proposals are wrong. The most simple thing for yon to do so, is to have your cistern, or tank— say IS inches by 18 inches— larger if you like— raised 18 inches above your highest pipe for top heat, which will be 36 inches or 42 inches above the highest pipe likely for bottom heat. Tlace the top of your boiler lower tlian the lowest pipe. Take the tlow-pipe from the boiler into the cistern by a hole in the cenlvc of its bottom. Aecording to your plan of heating each side of vour house separately, and to have top heat and bottom heat at will, you will require four more holes in the bottom ot your cistern for pipes to be placed in them. One lor each side for bottom heat, one for each side for top heat. These pipes you supply with pluL'S or valves, to open, shut, or regulate at will, and at first they will need a little attention. After this you have nothing more to do with this cistern or tank. All your returns will communicate with the bottom of the boiler by means of a single or double f-Pi'^cs. Now, supposing that the cistern is at the end of the house, settle upon the level for your top and bottom heat ; only trom that level, in a length of 40 feet we would let the flow-pipe gradually rise from 2 inches to 3 inches to the extreme end, and fasten a small open gas- pipe on the circular bend 3 there. Of course, then the retura-pipe would slope backwards in the same way until it descended to join the boiler. No air will thus accumulate ; and so long as you keep the cistera supplied, and apply heat, there must be circulation. Some plans were given some time ago by Mr. Fish, showing how many places might be heated from such a cistern. The above is the simplest you can try. Forcing Lilies of the Vallfy (Idem). — That was an excellent sugges- tion about forcing the Lily of the Valley for Christmas. The reason for covering them to keep them in the dark at the first going-otT, is the grand secret of all about lorcing them and many bulbs, and you have been doin^: the very same thing all your life without knowing it. You put so much covering over the Asparagus-bed every year, and 't was only a year or two back since you had long chimney-pots over your Rhubarb. Why did you do that, and how long did you keep the covering on? Spent hops, or cocoa- nut-fibre refuse, G inches dt-ep, over a Hyacinth or over Lily of the Valley, will cause the flower-stem to push up G inches before the flower-bnds will be more forward than when you could first see them ; then the bloom is obtained on a good stalk, instead of coming dumpies as they "would so early ■without the covering. Watch till the fiower-stalks are long enough to your liking— they will be as wjiite and blanched as ran be ; but, in a few days, the light and the heat will give the proper colour. Those who force bulbs for market do them just the same way— keep them covered in the dark until the flower-stalks are as long as they want them : that is the rule, and not how many days or weeks. Tou will see another answer in our columns to-day. Names of Froits [A. B. C).— Marie Louise Pear, undoubtedly. (^4. C). — Apples.— \. Alfriston ; 2, Yorkshire Greening; 3, Hanwell Souring; 4, Mfere de M^nagi^ ; " 1 small " Dutch Mignonne ; " 3 small '* Court-Pendu- Plat; "2imaU" unknown, frightfully acid, good for Apple jelly probably. Do you know anything about it? "4 small" Golden Harvey. Pears. — 1, Beurrt? de Hanoo ; 2, Passe Colmar. (/'. Lainj). — We have paid Is. Ad. for the carriage of the fruit you have sent to be named. We do not take cognisance of any fruit that is so sent, and beg that you will (orward us that amount. poultry, bee, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE, POULTRY SHOWS. Dfxembir 1st, 2n(l, 3id, and 4th. Birmikgham. See., John B. Lythall, 14, Temple Street, Birminjrham. Deceuber 9th, loth, 11th, jind 12th. Crystal Palace. (Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits.) Entries cloee November 8lh. .^>c., \V. Houg-htoo. December I6tb and 17th. Loed Tredi-:gar's, Newport, Monmouthshire. See., Mr. J. G. Pallinp, Newport. DECEjrsER 26th. Heckmokuwyke. Sec, Mr. J. Thornton. Entries close December 20th. December 29th, 30th, and Slst. Manchester. jANnARY 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Glasgow. (Pic:eons and Canaries.) Sec, Mr. T. Buchanan. Entries close December 22od. January 6th, 7th, and 8th. Kendal. Sees., George C. Whitwell, and T. Wilson. January 13th and 14th. Gloocester Oesithological. Sec., Mr. G. Cammings, 89, Southgate Street. January 21st and 22nd. Liverpool. Sec, J. T. Lawrence, 3, Cook Street. Entries close January 5th. POULTRY IN TEOSTY WEATHER. Theke is something exhilarating in a frost. When the early morning breaks on the earth covered with riine. and the hard ground seems to spurn the foot that treads on ic, and the sun rises like a disk of burning copper, there is something cheerful about it. Nature has donned her masquerade dress of white. Your horse cannot contain himself ; and the steady old friend for some months past, content to shake his head, or whisk his tail, as the only answer to what a granddaughter of our's calls a " good cut o' the whip," now seeks to devour space, and to try conclusions with yoiu* strength or that of your reins. In like manner your tried friend, the old dog, gambols, and, in the glee- eomeness of his feelings, he picks up a shred of cloth in the field and shakes and tosses it for very wantonness. Your eldest boy seeks his skates ; his sisters look out their warm clothing the stout boots, and they accompany their brother on mysterious excursions to old gravel-pits, lonely ponds and such places, and return glowing with health, although curt and uncommunicative on the whereabouts of their rambles, and it is not till the frost has broken up you learn that " Emily slides well," and " Adela can skate a little." The appearance of real winter is then a holiday to many, but (ah ! those tuts) not to all. It is none to the poultry. Water is frozen, the ground is so hard they cannot scratch ; there is not an animal of any kind on its surface, and they must depend on their owner for everything they want. .See they lack nothing. First, they must have water. Few people have any idea of the suffering caused to birds by the lack of water. Tlieir power of maintaining life on the smallest possible quantity of food is won- derful, provided they have water; but a practised eye can tell in a dead fowl or Pigeon whether it suffered or not from thirst. The skin becomes hard, dry, and red ; the flesh contracts, as it were, and becomes brown, and the whole body looks as if it had been suddenly shrivelled and dried-up. You must bear in mind they require more food and better than they do in milder weatlier, and, if you can, let them have a greater variety. Tliey want substittites for the worms and insects. Now, the scraps of meat and fat fi-om the table should go to the fowls. Save the drainings of all the glasses, pour them together, and sweep all the crumbs and odd corners of bread into it. Feed the birds often, and, if there is snow, sweep a place clean, and feed there. Never feed any kind of birds in such manner that they shall pick up snow with their food : it is strong medicine to them. The Lark that fattens in two days on the white hoar-fi'ost be- comes a wretched skeleton after two days' snow. The wild Duck that has cautiously crept into the stubble every evening, and laid hidden in tlie sedge or rushes all day till it has become plump and lazy, loses all the moment the melted snow has poisoned the water — it is then literally only skin and bone. Everything that depends on itself for food becomes thin during a frost. This has to be guarded against. Be careful, then, to keep them supplied with water. Feed often, and give more stimulating food than in milder weather. Do not let them have snow mixed with their food. Provide them with ashes — wood ashes are the best — in which they may scratch and take their bath. Yet if this seasonable weather gives some extra work to the amateur, it has its favourable side. It is healthy for the fowls ; it is dry, and it pttrifies everything. It searches out the nooka and corners, nothing escapes it ; unpleasant odotirs disappear, and other works being stopped by frost, all these jobs in poultry- liouses should be done. In hot weather many are put off; they can be better done when it is cold, or in the winter. Let them be done now. Save whitewashing or painting, this is the time for poultry-house work. LEEDS AND WEST EIDING HORTICULTUEAL AND POULTRY SOCIETY. We have received a letter from Mr. J. Wade, charging the Secretary with false statements in his letter which we published on the 11th inet., but it does nothing else, and we decline to publish it, for it leaves uncontradicted the glaring fact that the Committee have not paid the prizes awarded hi/ the Judges I It is no defence saying that the entrance and admission money did not amount to enough to meet the expenses, for the Com- mittee are bound in honour to pay the prizes which, in their prospectus, they offered without any such reservation. Mr. Holdsworth informs us that he resigned the Secretaryship because he was not able to attend the meetings regularly. We now leave the subject, regretting that such a number of Yorkshiremen can be found in Leeds to act so unjustly, and who would be ready enough to condemn such conduct iu any other committee. JUDGES AT THE NEXT BIEMINGHAM POULTRY SHOW. I WAS glad to find the question I asked respecting this im- portant matter in your last Number was answered by Mr. Hewitt in the same. His explanation to me appears to be most substantial ; but all this correspondence, unfortunately, I do not think will remedy the evil of the exhibitors being deprived of his valuable services. Unfortunately, the poultry by the Council is considered of very small importance in connection with the Show, and henee it is that this important arrangement, the appointing of judges, should be left for one only to decide. November 23, 1S62.] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. G87 The poultry is, no doubt, the backbone of that Exhibition. It commenced witii poultry ; it was poultry that made that S!iow what it is ; and if the Council do not more carefully study the interest of exhibitors, it will bo poultry that will ruiish it. Practical influence must bo used to settle this important matter, and I suggest that a meeting of exhibitors be called to meet nt the Queen's Hotel, Binningham, on the Tuesday of tho Sliow week. Mr. Hewitt, I dare say, will be courteous enough to attend ; and if some influential exhibitor will do this through the medium of your paper, or otherwise, it would be the time to get a stronger muster together than any other that could be ap- pointed. I am convinced it would be largely attended. I am in the habit of meeting weekly a large number of poultry exhibitors, and I know tlie feeling upon this point. This unfair system of appointing Judges to emanate from our mother Show, proves to me the iuiporlanee of a poultry club. This also might be dis- cussed at the meeting. — As Old KxniBiiOB. SALE OF THE L.4.TE ME. BULT'S POWTEES. O.v Tuesday last, November 18th, Mr. Stevens submitted the entire stock of the late Jlr. Bult to public competition. The reputation of this strain of birds attracted buyers from almost all parts of England, and the result was a very spirited com- petition, and a most satisfactory sale. ^ The birds were seventy in number, and in such capital con- dition as to reflect great credit on those in whose charge they had remained since the lamented death of their late owner. They comprised Blue, Black, Red, and Yellow Pieds, as well as the White and Mealy varieties. Four of the old birds — a White, a Red, a Blue, and a Black Pied realised five guineas each ; seven others went at between Xi and £5 each ; and the average of the remainder may be estimated from the fact that the seventy birds, old and young, produced upwards of £180. Some of the best of the old birds did not produce as much money as might have been anticipated from their very superior character ; several of them in private hands would readily realise £10 each, but the deficiency in their value was fully made up by the extraordinary prices of the second and third-rate birds, many of which went at from twice to thrice their value. When we state that two hens of no very remarkable character or length •of limb, one a Black Mottle and the other a Mealy, produced over £• '<, the Powter-faneiers amongst our readers will readily see that the inferior birds were well sold. We can only attri- bute these prices to the desire to possess some birds of Mr. Suit's strain, and the fact that this was the final sale of his stock. The best of tho strain remain in the hands of the members of the Philoperisteron Society, of which Mr. Bult was Chairman. Two of the members alone expended upwards of £100 in the purchase of the most desirable birds. Few events have caused greater interest amongst Pigeon-fanciers for many years than this sale, and the general attendance of gentlemen from all parts of the kingdom, must be, to the members of Mr. Suit's family, a gratifying tribute of respect to his memory. ME. TATE AGAIN! Soirn time since I wrote to a man named G. R. Tate, at Drif- field, for a white-legged Game Bantam cock. lie sent me two to choose from, first demanding payment. Fortunately, I re- fused to pay for them until I saw them. One I liked and re- tained, sending the other bai;k with post-ofEce order for his price, paying also carriage both ways. Mr. Tate wished for a wLUow- legged pullet, and as I had some very good ones I sent him one, stating tlie price in money, or that I would exchange it for a cock. After several excuses and delays, and much correspondence had passed, I wrote to him peremptorily demandmg the bird back again. Findmg I was in earnest, he writes to inform me that he cannot send the bird back, as he has " sold it !" With this cool communication, he forwards to me a miserable little Bantam cock, with white wings and splashed breast, not worth the 2s. 'Jd. carriage, and tells me I can have it by paying him 7s. 6d. more than the price I aeked for my pullet ! You are at liberty to make any use of this communication, and I will take the responsibility ; and if your readers are made aware of tlie facts, perhaps the man mav not succeed in taking-iu another.— T. C. Hose, Harpenden, Seks. HONEY HAEVEST ON THE YOEKSHIEE MOOES. Mr four hives togetlicr do not reach 40 lbs. in weight, so that I am feeding as fast as possible before tlio frost sets in. They were sent to tlie moors, but were lighter on their return than when sent ofl', liaving cost me at least 15«. — J. C, Mill Bridge near Leeds, BEES AND BEE-HIVES IN THK INTEENATIONAL EXniBITION. {Continued from page 581.) Pettitt, W. J., Dover, No. 2162, shows one of Major Munn's bar-frame l--'-- ■-' -i:-'- we five an engraving. It is stated that " each comb can be lifted out and examined without inter- fering with any other part of the hive, or occasioning the loss of a single bee. The whole of the interior of the hive is open to inspection at any moment, and a choice can be made of the combs containing the most honey ; or the apiarian is enabled to trace the devastation of the wax-moth and ascertain the pre- sence of any other enemy nitliout the assistance of any fumi- gation whatever. Ligurian queens can be introduced into this hive without difficulty, the glass observation-frame affording the necessary protection to the most timid operator." Major Munn's ingenious hive was invented, and, we understand, was patented by him both in England and France many years ago, but has never come into general use. Mr. Pettitt also exliibits a White's hive with a covered way between the two boxes. The communication with supers is formed by a sort of grating cut in the top of tlie stock-box ; the interstices between the bars of which being only three-sixteenths of an incli wide, are expected to exclude both queen and drones from the super. DowifiE, Robert, Barnet^ No. 2107 (in Taylor's conserva- tory), has a small wooden hive, 10 inches square by 9 inches deep, placed on a shelf, within a larger box, on what is usually called the American plan. The hive itself is fitted with frames, the interstices between whicli are closed by simple blocks of wood of the requisite width laid across the top of the hive and between the bars. When the bees have filled the small box, they continue their combs below the shelf, and may be inspected through a window in the back. Mr. Downie states that the under shelf with the combs attached to it may be taken out and returned without injury. This American plan is curious and interesting from the fact of the bees extending their combs below the hive itself, much in the same manner as they will sometimes do in the open air; but the queen cannot be kept from breeding in the combs thus built, and, as the plan affords few facilities for deprivation, we have been unable to discover the advantages which it offers. There is also a ventilator for bee-hives, which is simple and easily managed ; and a unicomb- case, which is proposed as a substitute for a unicombhive, and to supersede the use of bell-glasses or supers of any kind. It is a flat case with glass sides, accommodating a single comb whicli can be removed and returned at pleasure, and is intended, wa presume, to be worked as a super on the top of a hive. 83 JOUENAL OF HOETICCJLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ November 23, 1862. Denmahk. — TfiElSON, J., FrederiTcsherg, No. 66.— Dzierzon s bee-hive improved. — We have engraved this hive as tlie type of a class of bee-dwellings introduced by Pastor Dzierzon, and very generally used throughout Germany. Tliey are called " twin-stocks " or " double-stocks," the unit being a hive ca- pable of accommodating two distinct stocks of bees side by side on the same level ; and when this arrangement is doubled, trebled, or quadrupled, the hive is known as a " vierbeuter," " sechsbeuter," or "aohtbeuter" as the case maybe. The one before us is an " achtbeuter," or a hive for eight stocks of bees. From our point of view we see the entrances to four of these, whilst the open door affords us a view through their glazed sides of the same numljer of interiors. Were we to take up our position on the opposite side we should command a view of the entrances to the remaining four compartments, and a similar door would afford us the opportunity of inspecting their in- teriors. Taken individually, each compartment may be con- Bidered to form a complete " lager " hive, which a partition placed at a distance of two-thirds its length from the entrance subdivides into "brood-room" and "honey-room," communi- cation between which can be allowed or interrupted at pleasure. There are ten frames in every brood-room, and five in each honey-room, all being of the same size — viz., 9 inches wide by 10 inches deep, and of such width and at such distance apart as to be \\ inch from centre to centre. The glazed side of each com- partment is moveable, and by this means all operations of depriving, &c., are conducted. The whole exterior except the roof is well thatched with straw ; and we can imagine that the combined animal heat of eight stocks of bees, wliieh are only separated from each other by partitions of thin wood, is well calculated to set at defiance even the severity of a winter in the nwth of Europe. ^y^ j^ continued.) THE AILANTHUS SILKWOEM. The more experience we have of the management of this insect, the more we are convinced that its culture is destined to become an important branch of native industry. We have just received a communication from Lady Dorothy NeviU in which her ladyship says, "To show their hardiness even in tliis bitter weather (thermometer 25° Fahr.) ,Ihave60me worms spinning under some garden-lijhts just placed against the wall, where the frost has got in and killed all the leaves of the Ailanthus they are feeding on. Some have died, but I have got a few nice cocoon* otily gathered a week ago, and there are others still spinning." Nothing could be more confirmatory of the hardiness of this worm, and it seems to be only a question of supply of food and organisation on a sufEeieutly extensive scale when this industry shall be established in the country. OUR LETTER BOX. Cochin-Chisa Cock (A Subsi:nhcr).—Xour Cochin cock with a r<>ttlin^c in his throat has a cold, and notliing more. In an airy house, with door iind window, you naver want a stove— all artificial heat of that kind is bad. Extra warmth should be produced by extra fecdintr. Your selectiori of food is varied, but not judicious. Take off the Indian corn, potato peelincs, and sharps. Give ground oats mixed with water ; for a change, whole corn and the sweepings of the table after every ine.al. Lettuce is better than cabbage. Give the cock some bread and ale twice per day till the rattling is gone. M'e advise you to breed only from the white Cochina that are not vulture-hocked. There is no hope of breeding perfect birds from defective parents. Fowls Soffem.ng from DiARRHtE* (C. S.I.— Your fowls purged and voiding slime, &c., sufier from disease of the digestive organs of moat decided character, and we believe if you were to dissect one, you would find the gizzard flaccid and totally unable to perform its functions, which are those of a mill; hence the passage of the stones, which should remain to cruRh the food.' Shut np the diseased birds in a place where they can be easily caught and watched, give them daily a tablespoonfnl of castor oil, feed on stale bread only. Continue this treatment until the colour a! the evacuation is brown mixed with white. When this takes place the bird is cured. If the dose prescribed seems too much, you may lessen it. When the bird has visibly improved discontinue the oil, and give the bread steeped in ale. Much green slime will probably come from the bird, and when the evacuations are firm, brown tipped with white, the bird Is well. Fat would not account for this disease. GAJrc Cocks Bacicward ix Mooi.ting ( ir. /.). -Give your fowls stale bread, eggs if you liave any to spare, cooked meat chopped fine, especially the knuckle of" leg or shoulder of mutton, and a few peas or small Heligo- land beans daily. Let them roost in a clean house and free from draught. You will see a great change in a fortnight. Weight of Turrets, Dorkings, akd Avlesihirv Docks ^Fnrmer's Wifi-) — Thirtv-eight pounds would be a good weight for three six-months- oldTurkeys. 'You need not be discouraged if they weigh a little less. They should have, if thcr are to bo comfortably shown, a pen at least 5 feet long the same depth, and 4 feet high. There is no objection to its being rather longer. If you contemplate exhibiting, we advise you to put the birds together for some davs before they go to the show, as it is not ancommon for the eock to spoil and sometimes to kill the hen by beating. The Dorking chickens are hatched late if they are for exhibition this autumn but. perhaps you have neighbour's fare. Cock and two pullets should weigh 18 lbs., a pen of Aylesbury Ducks 115 lbs. Slake them heavier if you can We have given vou the oidinarv weight of birds not prepared in any wny for exhibition. Your Dorkings should have a conp or basket 42 inches high, 30 inches long in front, and .30 inches deep. If they are to be shown in the open air at this time of year, let the back and sides bo covered with carpet or sacking. „,,,,„, „ o-,, r i » White Downt-ff.athered Fowls (0(7,c»o).— They are the Silk fowl, or ■Silkies, natives of China, Japan, and some parts of India. They are noi rare and having no particular merit no special prizes are offered for them. Tkeyare found occasionally in the class for "Any oiher variety. They renuire the same treatment and food as the Bantam, or, indeed, any other fowl. Docks (J Srnilley).—rhere is no separate work about these birds. Tliere is an abridgement in our " Poultry Book for the Many ■ of the articles concerning them which appeared originally m "The Poultry Book with coloured prints, but which is now out of print. „,,.t,ii„ Rabbits (ffardra/ol.-If Rabbits are fed on green food, or even partially on green and partly on dry food, they do not require water ; but if they are fed wholly on dry food -such as clover hay, meadow hay, oats and bran, they sliould have water regularly twice a-day. The best daily food for Rabbits is clover hay, or oats, and bran inoruing and evening; and gicen food-such as sow thistles, endive, green clover, turnips, "^Iff^f j'\""';: zel in the middle of the day. As to the quantity. Rabbits will not eat more than they require. You will soon be able to ascertain how much to give them by noticing how much they leave after every feeding time. Bees Deserting their Hives {An Old Watcrlm PCTStowcrJ.-The insects you enclosed appear to be immature specimens of an ordinary species of Psocus, which is frequently found in old combs but which can exercise no injurious or other influence on the bees themselves. Sick Canary (Jf. T. S. i.).-The bird gasping and sneezmg, *=•. has a severe cold. It should be kept in a warm place free trom draughts, a. little chopped egg and bread given to it, and a piece of '"li""^ °''°"' '"^ size of a pea put in the water. It must also have a glass of fresh water every morning if liquorice be given. LONDON MARKETS.— NovEMBEK 24. POTTIiTRY Trade is very dull at Leadenhall, and we'see no prospect of an improve ment. The supply is greater than the demand. 3 0 to 3 6 Ducks I n '° 0 2 0 „ 2 3 ' Partridges \ k" % 1 3 „ 1 6 1 Hares f •; " - •^ " 6 6 1 Kabbits \ I " n 2 3 Wild do I I "a 3 0 ! Pigeons « » i> " Large Fowls Smaller do 2 Chickens 1 Geese 6 Grouse 2 Pheasants 2 December 2, 1S62. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDtNER. 089 WEEKLY CALENDAR. WlLiTI'.Ea SEAn LONUON I.*) ISGl. 1 1 Day D»y of of DECEMBER 2-S, ISCS. .Snn 1 Mnf>n 1 1 n^ck Rain in Inches. M'nth Wctk. Barometer. Thcrnjora. Wind. Rises. SclA and Sets] 1 Age. 1 Sun. Year. degreoH. m. h.j ra. h. m. h. J ni. 8. 2 Tu Acacia jiiniporina. 30.674-30.205 50—20 W.K. — 47af7 52af3 45 3 11 ' in 22 T,C, ■ 3 W Acacia uixiloha. 30.214— 3».10ri 53-lK .S.E. — 49 7 51 3 .13 4 l?l ' 9 59 337 4 Tu rninellias. 30.114-3!).fi2l 52—23 S. •30 60 7 51 8 89 5 > IS 1 9 .35 388 5 F chrysMnthemums. 20.744-20.69:! 40-22 W. — al 7 50 3 0 ? 14 1 0 10 339 6 S Corra;a |iuichclla. 20.U71-20.271 51-10 s. •46 52 7 .50 3 rises o 8 45 340 1 SCN :;: StNDAY IK AUV1:NT. 20.384-20.10.5 60-31 w. — 54 7 50 3 57 a 4 10 S 19 341 8 M Erica vestlta. 20.674-20.414 55-30 s.w. •23 55 7 ( 40 3 55 5 17 7 S3 342 ilKTEOnoiOGT OF THR Wkkk.— At Ch\m iclt, from observations during the last thirty-five yeare. the averaire highest and lowest feraperatiu-es of tUedo diiys nri> 47.2° and 35 2° resucctively. The greatest heiit. GO", occurred on the 7th, in 1836 : and on the 5th nnd 6th, in 1844. Bturing the period 114 da;« were fine, and on 131 rain fell. the lowest cold 14" SEA-KALE FOECING. A'*^ HE majority of cur ordinary fruits and vegeta- bles are in the best condition when grown without any application of arti- ficial heat. Forced Strawberries rarely, if ever, have the llavour of those fjrown out of doors, neither have Peache.s that come in very early, though later ones under j;lass, which receive almost total exposure at the time of ripenintr, are undoubtedly ,!;ood ; and Grapes rarely or ever ripen properly in this country without such assistance. Fruits that will ripen during our summer are invariably better flavoured than the same kinds when forced into \i8e at an earlier period. I do not mean that those which are starved into a sort of half-and-half maturity in the autumn are so good ; for these evideatly wanted a longer summer to perfect them. A like remark holds good with vegetables that are subject to artificial heat. Kidney Beans in February rarely taste so well as out-of-door ones do in July, neither do Khubarb and Potatoes, although tlie almost total exposure which is given to the latter before taking- up time makes them in a great measure out-door pro- ductions, and the season they come into use renders them acceptable ; in fact, all forced things are more or less esteemed in consequenceof the unnatural period at which they present themselves. Taking, therefore, for granted the fact of most forced fruits and vegetable being inferior to the same kind when grown in a natural way, it may be safely pro- nounced that the one I now speak of is an e.tception to that rule ; for when Sea-kale is grown in an ordinary way with full exposure to the atmosphere, it loses that crispness which is its most essential point of merit. Forcing, therefore, instead of diminishing the quality of this vegetable improves it, or, at least, a peculiar mode of cultivation is necessary to bring it to the condition fit for table, and this condition being so essential to the article, no apology is needed in bringing the matter before the readers of The Joubnal of Hobticultube at the present time. It is needless to point out the antiquity of this vege- table. It is likely its first qualities as an article suitable for human food may have been found out by some poor fishermen or others living by the seashore, who, attracted by the succulent and apparently edible character of the shoots rising through the sand, were induced to try how these tasted in a boiled condition. Having found them agreeable in this state, it is easy to conjecture that culti- Ko. 88.— Vol. III., New Sbeibs. vation followed on the heels of such a discovery ; not fast, it is true, as there was no Oottage Gahdeneb in those days, and the spirit of inquiry was only sharpened so far as to secure the requirements of Ihe individual rather than to compete for the fame which successful experiments invariably entitle the lucky discoverers to receive at the hands of a discerning public. It is, there- fore, likely that some ages elapsed ere Sea-kale was thought of in any other light than as a useful weed, available at a certain time for human food, and receiv- ing no further attention at the place it grow than field Mushrooms and some other things get at our hands al. the present day. Be that as it may, certain it is that Sea-kale has been in cultivation for a long time with but little change in the mode of treating it, which, simple as it is, has, nevertheless, certain featui^es in it which, if not duly attended to, the result is seldom satisfactory. I offer, therefore, a few observations on the subject.* Soil. — It is easy to conceive that a plant inhabitin;; the seashore must of necessity like a fair share of salt spray : hence some growers liave thought that adding large quantities of salt to a stiff clayey soil was all that Sea-kale wanted — nothing could be more absurd. Beef and pork require large quantities of salt to keep them : but no one ever thinks of using this useful seasoning to preserve summer fruits. .'i.nd although salting a piece oi p'lyey ground is not so bad, pei-haps, as putting salt instead of sugar into Mrs. Storecloset's jam, marmalade, or jellies, the difference is less than many would tliink who have not noticed the effects of large quantities of salt on stiff clayey ground. It is, therefore, better in all cases where Sea-kale has to be planted on such ground to dig-in with it as much sand as can possibly be obtained, removing as much of the clay as possible, and after ob- taining a depth of 2 feet of loose porous material witli a perfect drainage. Sea-kale may then be planted with a fair chance of success. If plenty of sharp sand has been added that is free from all mineral matters of a noxious kind, salt may, after a little time, be given as a dressing, very little at a time ; previous to that, however, I may say that some useful manure may be applied, for Sea- kale is not indiflerentto good living— it likes other things as well as urine. Soils possessing the above requirements 'The common people on the western shores of England have, from timn immemorial, been in the practice of watching when the shoots begin to push up the s.md or gravel, in March and April, when thc.T cut off the young shnots and leafstalks, then blanched and tender, and boil them as greens. The precise period of its introduction to the garden is unknown, i'arkinson and Bryant state, that the radical leaves arc cut by the inhabi- tants where the plant grows wild, and boiled as Cabbage ; ai,d ,Iones. of Chelsea, assured Mr. Curtis that he saw bundles of it, in a cultivated state, exposed for sale in Chiche.»tcr Market in 1753. Maher states (Hort. Trans., vol. i.j. that the Crambc maritima was known and sent Irom this kingdom to the continent more than two hundred years ago, by I.obel and Turner; but Miller, In 1731, was the first who wrote upon it professionally. About the year 1707, it was cultivated by Dr Lettsom, at Grove Hill, and by him brought into general notice in the m-ighbourbood of London. In the "Gardener's Dictionary," published in 1774, by Gordon, nt I'ounlain Bridge, near Edinburgh, directions arc given for the cultivation of thus vegetable, and for blanching it, by covering the beds 4 inches deep with sand or gravel Professor Martyn has printed some valuable instructions for its cultivation, from the MS. of the Bev. M. Laurent; and Mr. Curtis, by a pamphlet on its culture, did more to recommend it, and diffuse the knowledge of it, than any of his predecessors. No. 740.— Vol. XXVIH., Old Sekies, 690 JOUENiL OF HORTICULTUBE AND COl'TAQE GARDENER. [ December 2, 1832. ill abundfliico, or, perhaps, superabundance, must liave a little more depth given, and, if very dry, a larj^er proportion of salt may be added here than to the plantation resting on a clay bottom; for, notwithstanding the artificial mixture the roots may be in, such bottoms have a tendency to render composts laid on theni somewhat like themselves. Sea-iale, however, is very acconiniodating, and rarely fails to grow anywhere, but in certain places it d'^es so better than in others. Sowing and Planting. — It is a very good practice where a freah bed in wanted to sow the seed on a bed of good garden soil, and when the plants are about the size of tab'e Radishes to take them up carefully, and plant them where wanted. This operation ought to be done in moist weather. Sometimes the Beed is aleo sown in rows 18 inches or more apart. When the plants are allowed to grow, to be taken up for forcing, some little thinning here is also wanted ; but in very good soil, crowns witli roots like fair-sized Carrots may be had in one year, and these do admirably fortabiug-up and forcing. In planting for forcing on the ground, on the old-fashioned system of covering them up "with heating material — as leaves, dung, or tan — the plants may be about 3 feet apart each way, and if three plants were planted toi!etlier at one place, something like flowering Stocks in a mixed border, there would be a better chance of a good head than if only one plant were put in. Plants from seed are best, but we have FOmetimes taken up an old plant, and having cut up its roots into small portions of 1 inch or 2 inches long, scattered them on a bed of good soil, and slightly covered them with fine mould, taking care that they did not sutler from drought until they began to sprout, and when sufHciently established to move they were transplanted to their final quarters. Seedlings, how- ever, are better when they can be had. FonciNO. — Hardy as this plant is, and bad as the treatment it often gets, and yet recovers from, it is, nevertheless, not to be driven too hard at all times, and before Christmas it requires more coaxing than it does afterwards. The reason of this is ol>vioUH. The plant, like all others, reqviires rest, and as this does not take place until October it is not to be wondered at that it becomes impatient if urged into activity in loss than a month afterwards. Very urgent forcing then is, therefore, resented ; the plant either refuses to grow at all, or sends up a weak spindly head not much better than straws — a mere apology for what it ought to be. Slow and careful forcing must, therefore, be accorded to it for the first crop ; the second may bear a little more urging, and after the middle or end of January it will endure pushing-on without complaint. Generally speaking the easiest way to obtain an early batch is to prepare some plants for taking-up, to lift them with as much root as possible, and to plant them in some corner of the Mushroom-house. If that is not available, a good deep box may be filled with roots planted in soil, and placed in some warm, but not too dry, dark place. The Sea-kale will begin to grow in good time, care being taken to exclude all air and light from the growing shoots by a cover- ing of some kind. In some places where this vegetable is exten- sively grown there are, however, pits heated with dung or fire heat, in which are shelves of the proper depth to receive the roots at once. A moist heat must be given, otherwise the shoots instead of being crisp would be tough ; a common hotbed frame or box with a darkened top answers very well, and covering ordinary glass lights with litter is also successfully resorted to ; only at such times glass is much wanted elsewhere. But the modes in which this easy kind of forcing may be carried out are so varied and yet so easy as to present themseves to all who have only the most limited means. Forcing in the ground is another matter, and though much discontinued in places where heating materials arn scarce, it is still done extensively in most country places. The plants oc- cupying sites about a yard apart, pots somewhat like chimney- pots, or boxes of a like shape are put over the heads, and a sort of lid over the orifice of each. The whole ground and these pots or boxes are then covered over with heating material, the ground underneath and the air inside the pot or box being, consequently, warmed, the plant is induced to grow, and is examined lit times to see if all be going on right. Over-heating is the powerful evil to contend against liere. It is better, there- fore, to use leaves only if tliey can be had, as they seldom heat to injure anything; whereas, horsedung and tan often heat to excess. The gentle heat imparted by oak or beech leaves will bring on Sea-kale as fast as necessary, and the more slowly it is grown the stouter it is. Occasionally examining the heap to ascertain if any part of it lacks the ueceesary warmth is proper now and then ; for it sometimes happens that by a long suc- cession of drying easterly winds penetrating the mass there is no heat. In such cases a barrowload or two of hot stable dung inserted in a place altogether, not mixed with the mass, but in a lump amongst it will create a heat which will be imparted to the surrounding leaves, and a good result will follow ; but it is necessary to examine now and then to ascertain if any part be too hot, and if so, this evil must also be rectified by removing a part of the heating substance before it does much mischief, otherwise scalding, as it is technically called, will occur. Concluding Ekmabks. — It is needless describing what » good head of Sea-kale is, that only good, healthy, well-grown plants can produce early in the season, afterwards it becomes stronger from plants that were no better in the autumn. Forcing always sacrifices quality in proportion to the extent to which it is carried. Some care is also due to the plants after the heads are cut ofl", which they do not always receive, and suddenly exposing such plants to the severity of a February frost is trying in the extreme. Gradually uncovering them until mild spring weather sets in must be adopted, after which the ground may be dug wi.h the fork, and the plants allowed to grow on for the summer. Do not remove the flower-stems that will in all cases show them- selves until they have been all fidly out into flower, when all but such as may be wanted for seed may be cut away, and they will not form any more seed-stems then ; but cutting off every effort to flower at the beginning only encourages other efforts in that direction. Should any plant die off, remove as much of the old soil where it has grown as possible, and bring in fresh before planting others, as like most other things they do not like to grow on the same spot again. I had almost omitted to say that in addition to the successional forcing in the open ground, the last batch may be covered-up with pots or boxes in the usual way, and instead of these being covered over with heating materia! they may be filled with sand or sand and ashes, through which the heads of the plant will force themselves, and produce a better article than can be obtained by forcing ; it will, however, be late : nevertheless, on that account may not be the less useful. Darkness is the most essential thing to obtain good Sea-kale, whether in a forced or natural condition. J. Eobson. THE PLANT FROM NAZAKETH-CENTAUEEA CANDIDISSIMA AND GAZANIAS. What about the " plant from Nazareth," page 573, the Paronychia arabica — that "very pretty basket-plant out of doors in summer," and that " very pretty, interesting, and pe- culiar-looking plant?" And what about the fact, too, that nobody asks anybody else aught more about so "very pretty" a plant? a basket-plant, too, to hang outside the window in pairs, at the opposite corners, or from the doorsteps of the library, or from brackets, where you could see them, just at the height of the eye, glistening in the sun with their silvery, shining leaves, and their "peculiar- looking" tufts of emerald green, in close-jointed knots, along the full length of their gracefully slender pendulous stems. Surely all this is not going to pass off like that which goes in at one ear and out at the other. But what else can we have, or what so "peculiar-looting," and so " very pretty," as the plant from Nazareth, and more especially so wh.en grown as they grow plants in London ? The next thing will be how are we to procure a supply of it from seeds, for in no other way will it pay to grow it. Who has the best Syrian or Tyrian correspondent ? The one or the other, or both in one, might manage to obtain it in quantity. But the fact is, we have had it already in abund.ance in the London seed trade ; and in Surbiton, too, we had large supplies of it for ever so Ions, and no treatment would grow it half so well as that in the Waltonian Case. Jlr. AValton himself had the credit of surpassing every man and master in Surbiton in the management of the plant from Nazareth — the Paronychia arabica ; but whether be picked up the seeds on his travels, or bought them in London like the rest, I do not know, but I know some bought seeds of it in London, for I saw the plants four or five years back. In the long vacation, our best people in Surbiton travel all over the face of the earth. It was only last May that a lady here brought out two plants for me to name for her. The seeds were gathered the autumn before, on the very spot where Jericho is said to have stood. The plants were the common sweet Tarragon. The same party might have taken Nazareth December 2, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICDLTDRK AST) COTTAGE OARDENER. 691 on their way to Jcriolio, if they went by the low country. But it ia more likely I he plant might be seen all over the country. At all events, we must have a supply of iho seeiis next spring if they are to be had, and see what fan be done with it. I was not aware that the plant was such a Rood bastet-plant till I read of it in this Journal ; but, when 1 was on my botani- cal horseback. Ibis was just the sort of plant to pay for its keep, and if they had then spoken to me about a Dahlia witliout a buU's-eye, round as on a target, I would sooner spur against a five-barred gate than listen to such folly. Paronychia arabiea is a very niiiry plant for the first month after sprouting from leed, but, once established in single pots, it gives very little trouble. It often struck me as almost certain, that the way of lawyers in their studies, and in their practice of the law, is the next best way to ours to be first-class gardeners, and the best on the list for being tlie most successful amateurs. Vou might think the medical profession had a better start for gardening than that of the law : I thought so too at one time, but I am now sure of the contrary. It is not that deep study into the nature of jilants as into the depths of our being, which can make a man a first-class amateur in gardenmg. It is only through the application of tlio simplest niceties — the minutiip as we call it, that un amateur can oome up to a gardener in many things. Tlie minutisr, or the essence of nicsty, is constantly present in tlie mind of a lawyer, and by that quality of liis mind he can split a hair into two equal parts, whieli is equal to divid- ing his attention to half a fraction in the summing-up of a process, or in the doings for a plant however minute. And all this time he is on the exact road for a plant to go on its course to whatever its nature is cipable of being pushed to, while the man of means and medicine is still in the circle of the mysteries of the plant's being. Than, to grow Paronychia arabiea as Mr. Walton has done here in Surbiton, you must split the hairs between having it neither wet nor dry, too cold nor too hot, without too much or too little light for the first month of its coming from seed. Also, you must use very light soil, and the little seedlings must be put six together in a No. 60-pot at the first potting, and when that is quite full of roots divide the ball into six equal parts, and each part with its plant to have a No. 60-pot for itself, and the hair-splitting to go on all this time, and to tlie day that each No. GO-pot is fit to be changed for a larger, and from tliat day forth there is no more risk in doing it than there would be in growing Lobelia speciosa from seeds saved on your own premises, or at the Crystal Palace. The next plant on my list I must put off, to tell of a very pretty little Geranium, which is mentioned at page 685, or la^t week, in the column for correspondents. Little Dot is the name, and it belongs to our worthy friend, " Tub Doctor's Bor." Well, "The Doctoh's Boy" sent two cuttings of it in the summer of 1861, rather late, and they went the way of all Ge- raniums, in that frost which did my Cyclamens down to the roots ; and so it was till towards tlie end of the last bedding, when "The Doctok's Boy," nothing daunted, sent up a full- blown plant of it, and I had it to prove, in full bloom, to the very end of the season, and the ri"spouiibility of the verdict rests on my shoulders. Little Dot is the most dwarf I have seen of the Lucia rosea breed ; it is also the best horseshoe-leaf I have seen in that strain, and it is the most profuse bloomer I have yet seen of that much-admired section of the bedding classes. Young plants of it would make a match edging to a bed of old plants of Cliristine, and the flowers would be as much a contrast as the size of the plants, and the marking on the leaves of Little Dot. Tlie shade of colour is very near that of Lucia rosea ; but it might be a shade deeper or lighter in the height of summer. The next lowest Geranium after Little Dot is my own seed- bng Harry Hieover, which, when planted in two rows for an edging, makes the most perfect ring of all round the garden ; but unless the plants are two years old, one row of it is hardly Bufiicient for an edging. I saw another Geranium at Xlr. Salter's nursery the other day, which came out last spring for the first time, and I think it would take a place between Little Dot and Harry Hieover. 1 quite forgot to take down its name, but it is of the strain of Lucia rosea, and very lively and dwarf. These very dwarf sorts are gaining in public estimation year by year. Mr. Gordon tells me that Blush Minimum, the least conspicuous of tlie lowest order of bedders, is more talked of at the Crystal Palaec than any of the best large ones, and that is why he uses it in all parts of the garden so freely as an outside row, or as a row next to Lobelias, or plants like them. Now, Little Dot, Harry Hieover, and Mr. Suiter's seedling of last spring, will bo invaluable at the Crystal I'alaof, where people begin to look already for the best and greatest novellas. 1 saw another move at ilr. Salter o which ilescrves exteu.-ive imitation with Centaurea candidissima, the most noble-looliiiig of all our white plants for edgings, and for ribbon rows. A Ittrgo batch of it was planted out last spring in pots, as is now done with Unique Geranium, and other bedders about London, to have tlieni in bloom a month earlier for the London season. The plants must have been small in the spring, for tliey were in No. 60-pots ; hut tile roots grew out at the bottom of t!ie pots, and over the rims ai the lop, and made strong bushy plants, which stood all the frost of this November witliout a single leaf being hurt. This, then, appears to me to be the very best plan for amateurs to adopt with Oentuurea candidissima — to liave the plants in No. 43-pots in April, to phmge pots and plants 2 inches below the surface, to water the hole for the pot before putting it in, and to see the plant itself has been recently well watered, and if the time of planting is very dry, or very liOt, or windy, to see the pots watered once more in about ten days, tlieu to let them take their clmnce for the rest of the summer. Now what is more hondy, when we are all on the trot by the frost, than to find, or to know tliat the very best plant of all tlie bedders may be left out without injury, as long us the glass keeps on the safe side ol 20° of frost? Tlieu up with tliem, pots and all, and if you are hard-up for pots, as most people are at tliat push, why the candidissima may be plunged in some light, half- dry compost in a cold frame without any pots, and be as safe as any of the cold-pit plants in common use. There is no reason, therefore, why the cottager, who can have his Tom Thumbs in order, should nut also have the most princely plant of the day by the selfeame process, if not by a far more simple one. I think my own plan is about as siuipie as any for keeping nil odds and oddities over the winter witliout pots. I have twelve lights crammed as Mr. Fish crams his faggots into jiots, but not over a score of pots beneath, aud they with only one plant in a pot, some pot plant or another 1 cau keep the frost oif, and that is all. The secret is in two parts. I take every morsel of a leaf ofT, the leaf-stalks, and the blades which accompany the joints ; but I make no cuts to fester. TOvery shoot of Geranium is left ihe full length it was at the time of lifting, and such pruning as I may think necessary done some time before the liftiug ; then the whole are planted in a light moist coiiipoat as close to- gether as they can stand ; and as the work proceeds the whole surface is covered over with rather more than an incli deep of dust-dry compost, made so on purpose for tliis work, and for four months no water is given to tlireo thousand plants. The lights are open every aay that ia not wet or Irosty, and it is very seldom indeed that I see a damp shoot or any signs of damping. Lobelias, Cyclamens, Gazaniu aplendens, Clierry-pies, Arctotis, Farfugiiims, and all kinds of Geraniums, are thus treated the whole winter, and that puts me in mind of another turn I had this season, and wliich is not amisa iu its way. What would you say to doing Gazania splendens as Mr. i"ish does the Calceolarias? — put in the cuttings in the middle of November, and keep them as cool and as moist as tlie Calceo- laria cuttings through the whole winter. Well, from what has occurred with me, without trying for it, it strikes mo that wiU be the best plan with splendens. But I put in my usual stock of cuttings of it at the end of August in the open ground, just like cuttings of Scarlet Geraniums, and nothing could do better; they all rooted, and while they were rooting the stems ripeneU and hardened, so that no damp can hurt them at all events, planted in that pit as closely as they can stand. But I had three large old plants of it in pots the wliole season with some of the shoots 18 inches and 20 inches long, and kept half-starved in pots on a high stand full in the sun, the shoots hanging down as from a vase. That plan wasadopleU as the last I could think of to cause the plant to seed, and if it seeded to cross if possible ; but all would not do, the Uazanm splendens will not seed here by any means known to me or that I can think of, neither will Gazania rigens. In the beginning of October I shook the soil from their roots, cut off the long branches, and put the pliints in by the becis in the open ground, and in the beginning of November I hail them planted in my omnibus pit, and before I had all in i had to 692 JOUilNAL OF HOPvTICULTUEE AND COXXAGE GAEDENEE. [ December 2, 1862. change tho Gazania plants to another light, and then I found erery jiart of the stems wliioh was in tlie ground, or touclied it, had rooted as freelj as if it were July, perhaps more so ; and as the old roots were almost all cut away with the balls, and no sign of growth in the parts of the roots which escaped, while all the young wood or shoots were one mass of young roots, it ■would cecm that NoTember is as good as any, if not the best, time to put in the cuttings of splendens, and if so, probably also those of rigena and unifloi'a. AnDt);er way would he still as handv for people who are pinched fur loom at tho time of housing the harvest of the beds. it is this, and it is not too late now — to lift so many of the old plants out of the beds, or rows, to cut away all the spreading whoots, leaving only a cluster of very young shoots near the collar of the plant, and to plant the whole in a narrow box, or boxes, so that the young grovvth might hang out on either side cf the box without coming in contact with the soil which might cause dampness. Several boxes of that kind of make have been 80 planted this and last season hereabouts, and at planting-out time last May, every old plant made so many plants by dividing, besidfs a whole complement of cuttings by the middle of last March, and the plants so obtained were not one day behind those which were had from autumn-struok cuttings, which had to be carefully kept and watched all through the winter. But ■who v/ill put in a batch of cuttings now of Gazania splendens to eee if they do as the Calceolarias ? D. BiiATOif. rOETHCOMING fiOSES. The opinion that I expressed after my run through the Paris Eose-nui series in July seems to be but partially correct — viz., that this year would not witness so large a number of new Roses sent out as last. In the main it is so, and especially so far as the Paris folks are concerned ; but still the number is .sufficiently large — much, too much so, I have no doubt. Know- ing the eagerness with which any information relative to the queen of ilowers is sought after, I have appended to this a translation, as literal as I could, of the descriptions furnished by the several raisers. For tlie general list I am indebted to the kindness of Mens. Eugene Verdier, fils aine, although, of course, he is not responsible for their correctness. Those only which I have seen are Louise Margottin (Bourbon), and Madame William Paul ; and of both I am inclined to form a very favour- able opinion. If one is to ho guided at ail by the former doings of the several raisers, we might guess that 2, 7, 8, 11, 13, 21, 23, 28, 3G, and -12, are likely to be the cream of the others, but of this time can be the only judge. The raisers are extravagant enough in tlieir praises, and in the names of the colours they employ. There is some difficulty in comprehending wliat a "Eose virginal" is ; but what in the name of all that is matter of fact are we to understand by " cuisse de nymphe satine ?" A nation that can fight for '* an idea'* may be able to compre- hend it ; but poor John Bull can only hide his blushing face, and say it beats him. I believe that never since Eoses were grown have so many been sent forth from the various growers as this season'. From all quarters I hear the same story — overwhelmed with business, and unable to overtake the orders : and such contests as there will be for cups, and naedids, and prizes, surely have never yet been aeen. If the year 1863 be favourable it will be a Kose-year indeed. Many of the new Roses will, I think, take a good position ; and vigour of growth is, I think, likely to be a marked feature in many of them. I hear, too, of more new English seedlings. Mr. Cranston has some of which he hopes well ; and Mr. Ward will not be contented to be the winner in one battle, but hopes to bring forward others to follow in the wake of John Hopper. There will be work for all next year if wo are spared to see it; and may prosperity attend the court of her Eose majesty ! KEW EOSES OP 1862-63. TEA-SCriKTED. 1. Conitesse de Broseard (Oger), plant very robust ; very full of flower, full canary yellow. Standard. BOUrBOXS. 2. Emotion (Guillott pfere), plant robust ; flower pretty full. Perfect form. 3. Louise Margottin (Margottin), plant very robust ; flower largo, full, and very well matle ; rose, soft, very satiny, verging into a white. Very fin?. 4. Mons. de Lunieres (Robert & Moreau), plant very robust ; flower tolerably full. 5. Rochambeau (Robert & Moreau), plant very robust ; flower tolerably full, blooming iu clusters, fine lively rose. HYBRID PEEPETUAL3. 6. Trieolore (Robert & Moreau), rosy lilac. Very efieotive. 7. Alfred de Eougemont (Lacharme), plant robust ; flower large, full, well-made, tinted crimson purple and shaded with bright red. Superb. 8. Baron Adolplie de Eothschild (Lacharme), tree robust ; flower large, full, well made, lively fiery red, often tinged with white. Vei-y effective. a. Belle des Massifs (Ducher), plant robust ; flower moderate, blooming in clusters, form of Anemone, lively rose. Flowering very abundantly. 9* Belle du Printeraps (Damaisin), plant robust ; flower tolerably full, globular, rose striped with red. Sport of Uuchesse de Cambaccres. 10. Bellotte (Soupert & Notting), plant robust ; flower tole- rably full, form perfect, rose carration, darker in the autumn. 11. CaravanedeJN'imes (Damaisin), plant very robust ; flowers very large, well made, scarlet red. Blooming Ireely in autumn, and of higliest merit. 12. Deuil do Prince Albert (Gruad), plant very robust ; flower large, full, imbricated, very dark blackish-crimson, shaded in the centre with bright lively red. Very fine. 13. Due de Bassano (Portemer), plant very robust ; flower large, full, of a cup-shaped dark velvety crimson. Superb. 14. HorteuseBlanchette (Damaisin), tree robust; flower tole- rably full, well made, white centre, blush. Flowering in clusters, and producing a good efiect. 15. Impcratrice Maria Alexandiina (Damaisin), tree robust; flower tolerably full, very well made, v^hite. 16. Jean Gonjon (Margottin), plant robust ; flower very large, Well made, guard petals well-rounded, those of the centre smaller, fine clear red. 17. La Esmeralda (Fontaine pere), plant robust; ■wood and foliage similar to Jules Margottin ; flower large, full, lively cherry shaded w'lth dazzling carmine. IS. La Pivoine (Robert & Moreau), plant robust ; flower large, very full, globular, pseony-shaped, bright poppy-coloured j very flowering and efi'ective. 10. La Tour de Croucy (Fontaine pere), tree very robust ; flower very large, full ; very pretty, colour rose. 20. Laurent Descourt (Liabaud), plant robust; flower very pretty, nearly full, interior velvety purple, reverse shining rose, flowering very abundantly. Excellent for grouping. 21. Ll- Buron de liothsehild (Guillott fils), plant very robust ; flowers very large, dark red carmine, sometimes shaded with violet. Very fine. 22. Le Jiiif Errant (Granger), phiPit robust ; flower large, full, purple, blackish-violet. 23. Le Kh6ne (Guillott fils), plant very robust ; flower very large, full, well made, vermilion red ; colouring very rich and brilliant. Plant excellent f >r grouping. 24. L'Eelatante (Guillott fils), plant very robust ; flower medium sized, sometimes large, full, or nearly so, well made, black red, shading to purple viulet. Very fine colour. 25. Madame Bianson (Fontaine pore), plant very robust ; flower very large, perfect shape, tine bright red carmine, shaded with poppy colour ; free flowering. Superb. First-class plant. 26. Mad. Crespiu (Damaisin), plant robust ; flower tolerably full, regular shape, rose shaded with dark violet. 27. Mad. Email! (Pernet & conip), plant robust j flower large, nearly full, globe-shaped, slalish-rcd purple. 28. Mad. Freesmau (GuiUott pere), plant very robust ; flower middling, very full, oval, yellowish-white. 29. Mad. Helycr (Portemer fils), plant very robust ; flower large, full, glube-shaped, red carmine with black tinge. 30. Mad. A'alenbourg (Oger), plant robust ; flower largo, full, well made, bright purple, sometimes shaded with indigo. 31. Madame William Paul (Ch. Verdier fils), jjlant robust; flower medium, sometimes large, full, globular, well made, purple viok-t, shaded into crimson. Superb. 32. Murillo (Fontaine pere), plant robust; flower middling, well made, full cr nearly full, red velvety purple, shaded car- mine and violet, flowering abundantly. Very pretty. 33. PaulDeBgrand(Liabaud), plant vigorous; flowermiddhng. December 2, 18G2.] TOURNAL OF HOUTICULTtTRE AND COXTAGE GARDIiNEB. C93 full, globular, cloar red tinged with violet, flowering continually. Very good for groii|3iiig. 3i. Peter Lmsoii (Thomas), plant Tigorous ; flower Urge, full, elobular, well made, bright poppy shaded with velvety purple. Very hoautiful. 35. Prince ITenri des Pays Bns (Souport &. Nottine;), plnnt vigoroup, nnd tlowering freely in autumn ; flower mi(idliiig full, well made, nearly globular, briglit crimson ; petals velvety purple, tlie reverse lilac. Very beautiful. 3G. Princess Alice (Duclier), plint very vigorous, nearly thornless ; flower very large, full, bright rose, on tbo reverse whitish, very sweet-sceuted, and very beautiful. 37. Soeur des Anges (Oger), plant vigorous; flower very large, very full, very pale carnation rose, passins; to white. Sport of the Rose Duohesse d'Orleins ; s\iperb and first-class. 38. Souvenir de Clisirles Montault (Robert & Jforeau), plant vigorous, free-flowering; flower large cup-shaped, fine appear- ance, bright fiery red. Seedling of Geant des Batailles ; very fine. 39. Triompho d' Angers (Robert fc Moreau), plant vigorous ; flower large, full, flat, very well made, dark velvety purple, shaded with bright red and Bishop's purple; freo-flnwering. Superb and first-class. 40. Vainqueur de Goliath (Pernet & comp), jilant vigorous ; flower very large, full, fine, bright fiery red. Slalii firm ; foliage remarliable. 41. Valentine de Nerval (Robert & Moreau'), plant vigorous ; flower middhng, full, open, regular, flue bright rose colour, whitened on the edges, free-floweriug. 42. William Paul (Guillott pfere), tree Vigorous ; flower middling, or large, full, bright crimsoa red. — D., Deal. THTRSACANTHUS KTJTILANS FOR DINNER- TABLE DECORATION. I HAVE been much interested in the various articles on this head which have recently appeared in your Journal; and I write to express my surprise that Mr. Robson has omitted in his list Thyrsaoanthus rutUans. It is, when well grown, perhaps one of the most suitable as well as most splendid plants for this purpose. Its long, tropical- looting, jointed stem carries the crown above the line of vision ; while i"s delicate pendent racemes of brilliant scirlet flowers, show brilliantly by candlelight, without intercepting the viiiw. I speak from particular experience at my own table. — A. D. A. This is not tho first occasion on which the Colonial dinmissioners have testified thi'ir res()ci:t and goodwill towards these two gentlemen. During the course of the summer « dinner was given to them at tho Ship Uotel, Greenwich, and numerously attended. — Times. The Gheat ExniBixrox. — A meeting was held on the 26lh ult., at the Board-room of the Horticultural Soi'iefy, for the purpose of presenting to Dr. Lindley an address from the Co- lonial Commissioners, expressing then' thanks for the very valu- able services rendered by him during tiie course of th? Exhibition as Superintendent of the Colonial Section. The address runs ns follows : — *' Before the final closing of the International Ex- hibition of 1862, we, the undersigned Commissioners, beg to convey to you our warm acknowledgements for the admirable manner in which you have discharged the arduous duties con- fided to you by Her Majesty's Coramissionei's. No small share of the great success of our department, to which his Grace the Minister for the Colonies bore such gratifying testimony, a tes- timony echoed by the voice of public opinion, is due to your advice and co-operation. Personally, wo have to thank you for many acts of kindness, and we shall not fail to convey to our respective Governments our appreciation of the valuable services you hive rendered to tho agricultural, commercial, and indus- trial interests of the British Colonies." This document, whi?-h was signed by thirty Commissioners, was presented to Dr. Lindley by Sir Daniel Cooper, Commissioner for New South Wales, whose short but eloquent remarks were cordially ap- plauded by his brother Commissioners. Among those present were Sir William Holmes, British Guiana and Trinidad ; Sir Henry Drummond Wolfl; K.C.M.G., Ionian Islands ; Mr. Knight, Victoria; Mr. Brown Chamberlain, Canada; Mr. Cowpei', New South Wales ; Mr. Chitty, Jamaica. Letters of excuse were sent from Sir Charles Darling, Mr. Denison, and others. An address of a similar character was then presented to Mr. Simmon ia, a gentle-nan nho has ably assisted Dr. Lindlev in his duties. A resolution was then afterwards carried that, the address should bo communicated to the Duke of Newcastle. WATER IN GREENHOUSES. In greenhouses in the country, where soft water cannot bo ea'^ily procured, it is highly important that tiie rain water from the roof slioidd be saved, and in many cases underground cis- terns of a costly kind are constructed, out of which the water has afterwards to be pumped. This arrangement is both trouble- some and expensive, and ran be easily avoided. By purchasing one or more old oil-butts, which can generally be had at the rate of one cent, a-gallon, and which usually contain 150 to 175 gallons etich, and placing them on end under the centre stage and by bringing an iron, lead, or tin pipe from the eave-gutter (as shown in the wood-cut annexed), you can always draw the water from under the front stage or table by the tap at b. If more than one cask is required, they can be placed nearly in contact and conn.'cted with a short piece of leaden pipe bedded in white lead. I would also recommend that the centre stage should be boarded-in entirely. It not only conceals a part of the house which is always unsightly, but it diminishes the volume of air to be heated almost one-haif. By introducing a row of small lights in one of the risers of the steps at A A, suffi'ient light will be furnished for a good )iotting-room, access to which can he gained by a sash-door at one end. I had a greenhouse built on the above plan some five years ago, and have found it to answer perfectly.— (^»8er/cff« Gardener's Monlhly.) [Without advocating the use of the enclosed portion as a potting-place, for we should prefer it for blanching Rhubarb, Sea-kale, itc, there is much to be commended in the above suggestion as to the receptacle for water. A slate tank might be substituted for the casks. — Eds.] VINES IN POTS AT BACE OF A PINERY. I HATE just made a stove 20 feet long by 13 feet. It is a lean-to with south aspect; wall ] 1 feet high ; ventdation font and back near the top : door in the centre of one end. I have a six-feet bed in the middle for Pines, 2 feet 6 inches bt-iieh in front, and 2 feet bench at the back. Should I have a good chance of growine Grapes in pots on this back bench perpen- dicularly, or would it be better to have the pots in front,'and run the A'ines over tho Pines ? If the Vines would do well at the back, the front bench would be available for stove plants. —Junius. [There is no doubt but that the Vines in pots will do very well on the back ben-di, if the wood is well ripened, and the Vines are brought on gradually. The plants, if convenient, might have their buds swelled in a frame or pit nith a little fer- menting matter, and then they would lake no harm from being introduced to the heat of" tlie stove at once. Oth r means, rv.eri in the stove, might be resorted to, for bringing them on gradu- 691. JOUfiNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTIAGE GARDENER. [ December 2, 1SS2 a'ly. Of course, we are supposing that tlie pit and the Pines in the centre are not so higli m to prevent the light passing over to the back \vall. It" one hot-water pipe or more passed beneath the back bencli, all the better.] WHY DOES THE SAP EISE WITH MOST FOECE VERTICALLY? Has the reason been ascertained of the well-known fact tliat the sap of a tree pushes with most force in a vertical direction ? When a trainer of fruit trees wishes to reduce the vigour of a too-luxuriant branch, he bends it towards the ground. A weak branch, on the other hand, he trains as far as maj be in an upward direction, that more sap may flow into it. Otlier instances might be given: but how is it that the juices of the tree ascend most vigorously in that dh'eotion where there is the greatest resistance to their ascent from gravitation ? By-the-by, if the above law holds good, as I believe it does, was Mr. Fish right in saying in one of his communications lust year, that the fruit which hangs downwards on a Strawberry, will be larger than tliose whose stalk i» upright ? Of course, the larger fruit bends downwards with its weight. But I imagine this largeness is in spite and not in consequence of thebendmg- down, and tliat if the stalk were held up the fruit would be larger still. — WY£SIDE. [Had we time and opportunity we might enter at great length iulo Ihe subject of which your question treats ; and if we wished to look learned and conceal our ignoranee, we might introduce a great number of high-sounding phrases and scientiGo terms to show that, in our own estimation at least, we were perfectly con- Teraant with the reasons why, as a general rule, one part of a plant reared itself upright into the light and air, and another 25art as uniformly buried itself in the earth and darkness ; and J why it is, as a general rule, not now alluding to exceptions, that the upright stem of a plant receives more of the general nourish- ment than the subsidiary branches ; and why it is that the tei-- m nal bud of that upright stem is not only larger, but in general produces in the following season a stronger and longer leadin" fhoot than comes from the subsidiary branches. We think it, however, to be more philosophical, and a great deal more honest, allowing that, as a general rule, the sap flows most strongly in a vertical direction, at once to confess our inability to explain the phenomenon. We just so far recognise it as a fact, and act upon that fact, though wo are no more able to explain it than we are in the case of numbers of other facts connected with organised living existences, either in the vegetable or the animal world. In both cases we can investigate the machinery employed, and perceive its thorough adaptation to a destined purpose ; but we have little hopes of Ijeing able to explain how that maehinei-y works at one time in unison with, and at other times in opposi- tion to, what we are pleased to call the usual laws of nature, until we are able to comprehend the whole of the secrets and phenomena of life. Of that very common thing, life, we know Very little, though it be the mainspring in all the movements of organised existence ; and until we know more it will be sound policy to reason from facts observed, rather than to puzzle our- selves unnecessarily as to the wholly or comparatively hidden causes of these facts. Having seen nothing in our own observation and experience to enable us to give a satisfactory answer to our correspondent's queries, and having mot with nothing in the writingiof others, hut what to our dull comprehension seemed to reader obscurity more obscure, we should all the more willingly aud delightedly join our correspondent in wishing for more definite information on this interesting subject, and more es- pecially if such information were the result of experiments and facts, and not of mere theoretical ima»ining8. The two practical ideas to which our correspondent alludes are of eeneral importance. When we grow trees for timber, the m in stem is the chief consideration ; and we allow or direct the c ief flow of the sap thither, either by thick planting, in which case the lower branches drop ofl' for want of light and air, or we resort to side-pruning to produce a similar result. When we wish a plant that otherwise might grow too upright for our purpose, we stop the strong shoots frequently, in order that the tlesired bush form may be gained. When we wish to have a lar^e spreading tree as an ornament to a park, we allow the side sh jots to grow along with the main stem, and the sap flows freely into the former, because naturally most of the lar»e branches will start not at a right angle or horizontally, but at an acute angle, very often of 45°, from the stem. When we cultivate a fruit tree, as fruit aud not wood is the object, we must either wait until the stem naturally attains a degree of maturity, or we must resort to means to check the powers of growth, and direct them into processes of fruitfulness. In all such cases extra luxuriance and extra fruitfulness are thoroughly opposed to each other. Hence the whole system of disbudding strong, extra strong, shoots is more efiectual for diverting the sap into weaker ' branches than even removing such shoots altogether. Hence"'" the importance in fun-training against walls of giving a "cod start to the sides, and keeping back the centre until the sides are well forward, and when the space is filled preventing extra strength in the centre by disbudding, &c. Hence the im- portance of root-pruning for accelerating fruitfulness, and the mere bending of strong shoots for effecting that objeotj''" Bringing the shoot or branch from its upright position causes' '''' the sap to flow not only more regularly and slowly, but everyP leaf is more acted upon by sun and air, and from the increased '" elaboration of the sap and maturity of the wood fruitfulness is"* thus induced. But such a branch would in course of time be "' apt to lose its fertility from several causes — such as, for instance, " if the bent branch were forced to make a right angle or an obtuse''- angle with the upper stem, whilst the generality of the other™ branches were joined to it by acute angles ; if at the point ol'^ depression a strong shoot were allowed to grow upwards from . the branch, and thus so far rob the rest of its due supply ; or if',' a few branches were nmeh bent near the base of the tree, and the"" rest allowed to grow upward naturally. The bending process"" to be successful without weakening must be rather a general process over all the strong branches of the tree. The strengthen- ing eilect of elevating the weaker shoots, if we are at all righfc^ in our conclusions, will depend not only on the vertical position ' of the points of these shoots, but also on their starting at an upright acute angle from the main stem. It is true that'' this will be greatly modified by the law of use and wont ; for'' whatever the natural position of a branch, there will be a relative ' and correlative action between it and the stem. Hence, we shall ' be told, that in horizontal training, as in Pears, with branches on each side of the main stem, and placed at right angles or nearly so with it, there are not found the disadvantages of which you speak. But here we would say, that in addition to use and wont, the lower branches had Ihe start over the upper ones; but that even when the space was filled, and the branches ' very equal in luxuriance, the allowing the stem of the tree to expand into a head above the wall would often starve all these •" low branches into barrenness. Again, in these cases of standard ' trees, or hall-standard trees, trained in the star or circular ' manner, we shall be told that the depending branches will remain' as healthy and fruitful as the more upright part of the tree; ' but here, again, we submit that this can only be done by prevent- '. ing the upright part of the tree getting an extra supply of luxu- riance ; aud that something will also be gained by having these ' depending branches starting from the bole at an acute rathvr than an obtuse angle on the upper side. The bend would only be a little sharper, but we have no doubt the flow of the sap would be more uniform. Thus in the representation given of a tree, at page GlQ^fig. 1, the second branch from the base if bent dowTi so as to form the bottom of the tree, we should expect to keep in vigour longer than the base trunk shown, or ene leaving the stem at even an angle more obtuse on the upper side. '. "' Much, however, will depend after all on the law of use and'^ wont, as where the sap has once flowed, and buds are fomiedi ' the buds aud the sap will act and re-act on each other. In all such cases the more vertical parts of the tree must be kept under discipline. There are many cases where a knowledge of this vertical flow of the sap and the law of use and wont enable us to counteract it to suit our purposes, so far as to obtain an equal difl'usion : thus, in such a plant as the Vine, spur-pruning will be more apt to equalise the sap than long-rod-pruning, and if the main stem is placed horizontally instead of vertically the object will be still more gained. In the case of a long young rod, the placing it horizontally is almost necessary to the getting every bud to break regularly ; if placed vertically, the top buds would break first aud strongest. When all have broken, each will, afterwards, pretty well look after itself. The other practical fact alluded to as being somewhat in dis- cordance with these — namely. Strawberries swelling faster and larger when hanging down than when they are tied-up, we may not be able to explain ; though, after trying both modes repeat- edly, we still believe that the dependent mode has the advantage. December 2, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 695 Of course, if tlio main fruit stems were to be as much bent ns to be injured, that is quite nnother thing ; op if, grown in pots, they were allowed to be injured against the sides of the pots. When grown on a shelf, it may be necessary to guard against this by strings or otherwise, but still to allow them a bent position. Our practice is, that as soon as the ilower-stems appear we give them every encouragement ; if the leaves are luxuriant — at all extra — we take a lesson from our correspondent, and bcud them down over the rim of the pot, so that any extra strength may go into the flower-stems. When the fruit in these begin to swell, and to become pendulous of tlieir own accord, the proper juice passes freely througli the main stem and the little stem of the individual fruit, which is not the case when you tie the stems upright ; as, unless very great nicety indeed is used, there is not only this vertical flow, but there must be a directly ouposita flow through the little stem that supports each fruit. We think, judging by analogy, we thus get good fruit in conse- quence of this unbroken flow, and not in spite of it, and that the swelling fruit acts as a strain in drawing more nourishment to itself, niucli on tlie same principle that the blacksmith's arm becomes strong in sinew and muscle from the use of the hammer. We could give numerous illustrative examples, such as, this season more especially, the best Pears on dwarf standards were those near the ground, and near the point of shoots, where their own weight seemed to bring more of what was needed ; as Melons, which are always heaviest and best in proportion to size when the fruit lias hung from the vine ; as the fact that, in the case of Vines iu deep borders, when the incipient bunches have threatened to run-off into screwed tendrils, they have been kept and ultimately made bunches, by clapping a weight on their end ; and numerous experiments with bunches of Grapes when they had begun swelling, fastening some so that they should have none of their own weight, and allowing others to hang in their more natural position, and, in almost every case, the last turning-out the best every way. But wo candidly allow that on all these matters, as well as the Strawberries, our con- clusions may be wrong, even though we think that our obser- vation and eyesight may be right. We trust that, whatever our preconceptions, we will ever be ready to give them up when convmced of their incorrectness ; and although as yet we are unconvinced, we are not the less obliged to our kind correspondent for endeavouring to give us more light on the subject, and only regret we cannot answer his queries more satisfactorily as a compliment in return. When last we visited Hatfield House, of which we have lots of remin- iseences, we noticed some peculiarities in Strawberry-forcing, and chiefly, that a shelf, perhaps a yard from the back of a lean-to house, had all the fruit banging, not to the front of the shelf, but to the back of it, the reflection of the heat and light from the back wall seeming to be more powerful in drawing them towards it than the more direct light from the glass in front. We hope our friend Mr. Burton, a most successful Strawberry- grower, will not think us too intrusive if we say that we and many others would be glad of an account of his experience, as to tying or supporting the fruit of Strawberries upright, or allowing it less •or more to depend, and thus exert a greater or less strain on the flower-stems. — B. Fisn. PS. — The above was written very hurriedly, and without giving the subject the tliought it requires ; but wo may mention that we have omitted to state that weighting Cucumbers has often been resorted to, to cause them to swell large and come straight, and we believe the strain thus made on the fruit-stalk was the oliief cause of the effect.] [ crop and some very fine foliage, numbers of the leaves measuring IS uiehes and some over 1!) inches across. 1 have no doubt the berries will colour well, judging from ., their vigorous and healthy appearance. I have noticed to-day I (November 21st), for the Urst time, that some of the berries are I showing signs of colouring. — J. E. 1'"., Knuwdeij Hull. .(.NEW GRAPES ON NEW-YEAE'S DAY. ttOtTE correspondent, Mr. James Anderson, is in erior when he says, in No. 86, that Mr. Thomson, of Dalkeith, is the first and only person that has new Grapes ripe on the 1st of January. I had new Grapes both of Black Hamburghs and Muscadines ripe last January, and have had ripe Grapes ever einee. We had oid and new Grapes all January and part of February this year. Cur Barbarossas hung until February in fine, plump condition ; and we should have been better satisfied if our new Grapes did not ripen until February, as I consider it is more diflicult to get them to ripen in February and the first part of March than on the first day of the year. I have a house 60 feet long by 16 feet wide now, in which the Grapes will be ripe by the Ist of January next. There are a fair A FEW WORDS ABOUT PITCHER-PLANTS AND THEIR PROPAGATION. TnsSE ornamental and always-interesting plants should find a place in every collection, and with a little care they are not very diiliriult to manage. The species in cultivation that I am acquainted with are Nepenthes Rafflesiana, from Borneo, Sumatra, and Malacca; N. Hookeri, from Sarawak ; N. sanguinea, from Borneo ; N. phyllamphora, from Malacca and Singapore ; N. lievis, some- times called gracilis, from Borneo and Java ; N. ampuUacea (which makes quite a nest of pitchers round the base of the stem), from Malacca and Sumatra, and its variety, called picta ; N.villosa, from Borneo; Dominianu, which is said to be a hybrid; and N. distillaforia, which is our oldest species, and, I believe, peculiar to Ceylon. Besides these, however, there remain many more splendid ones yet to be sent home, and any one having friends living near their localities, cannot too strongly urge upon them the collecting of Nepenthes seed at every opjjortunity, and sending it home as soon as procured ; for such species as Rajah, the pitcher of which measures 12 inches in length, and 5 inches or 6 inches broad ; Edwardsiana, with pitchers 18 inches long ; Boschiana, with pitchers as long as the last ; and Lowi, with its most peculiar-shaped pitchers, and, indeed, many others would be grand additions to our stoves, and I hope to see many of them in cultivation before long. They are found growing in swampy places at elevations of 1 foot to »000 feet ; the mountain of Xina Balou being the head-quarters, apparently, of some of the finest species. It is a class of plants to which botanists have attended little, nothing having been satisfactorily proved as to what other plants they are allied to. They are dioecious, and, consequently, even in large collections the entire stock may consist of one sex only, no dilference being visible in them as far as my experience goes with the Ceylon species, so that few gardeners have had the opportunity of raising them from seed ; but I may venture to say those who have done so were never engaged in anything so interesting as watching their progress, having myself had the pleasure of raising Isevis from a consignment of Java seeds, and distillaforia from Ceylon seeds, and some ripened at home of my own saving. A word or two on the subject may not be out or place, and may induce others who have also been successful raisers, to give us a few hints respecting their experience. It is often said that the seeds will not retain their vitality more than one month ; but in that, from experience, I am an unbeliever, though I should always hke the seeds as new as possible, whence the reason of urging friends to send them ts soon as gathered. In N. distillatoria the seed appears about half an inch long ; but if opened the outside covering is like a loose tunic, the seed itself is in the centre, the coat being no doubt a provision to float it in the swamps till it finds a suitable resting-place. Having obtained seeds, I take a shallow pan, filling it rather more than half full with potsherds, then fill-up with soil com- posed of chopped sphagnum, peat, and sand. I then sprinkle the seeds lightly upon the surface, but never use soil as a covering, but lay a piece of glass over them, or what is better, if it can be had, is a small frame that can be kept close, with a bottom heat of about 85^ In this, providing the seeds are good, they will commence to grow in about three or four weeks. Here I may state the reason for doubting the notion of the seeds being short-Uved. Some seeds of N. distillatoria from Ceylon vegetated in about twenty-seven days, in a moist bottom- heat of 88° ; the remaining portion were placed in a temperature of about Go', and were eight months before they began to make their appearance ; indeed, I had giveu them up, and did not expect to see them grow at all. The very first leaf after the cotyledon has a pitcher upon it, or rather the pitcher is the leaf, and the first dozen or so of leaves they make more resemble Saracenias than Nepenthes. As the plant gets stronger, the leaf, (or, as some call it, the petiole, and the pitcher the true leat) , gets broader, and the pitcher appear j 6S6 JOUJBNAL OF HOBTICtTLIUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 3, 1862. eunt in the apex, soon after which, if all go on fayourably with them, they take their normal form. In striking them from cuttings, I have had various degrees of fuccess, and have for the sake of experiment used the wood in all states ; but I like one-year-old well, and that well ripened beat of all. With this, and the never-failing cocoa-nut fibre refuse, I generally obtain nicely-rooted plants in about six weeks. Tlie soil I use for growing my plants in is similar to that used for the seed-pans, but much rougher, and I always study to give more surface than depth, as I like to see the masses of black woolly-looking roots near the surface, and upon it. These plants flourish in a moist warm atmosphere : con- sequently the syringe should be used very frequently during the day, with the thermometer ranging from 70" to 85° iu summer, and 65° to 70° in winter, when less syringing must be done ; but the plants should never be allowed to be quite dormant. The time I usually choose for repotting is about the end of February, I intended to say a few words upon Cephalotus and Sara- cenias, under the head of Pitcher-plants, but must defer it until some future time. — Juvenis. VAEIATIONS EFFECTED BY CULTIVATIOI?. As you have been so obliging as to insert my query on the crossing of Strawberries, perluips you will grant me the favour to insert two or three other queBtior.s, for the chance of some one having the kindness to answer them. I am writing a book on "Variation under Domestication," in which I treat chiefly on animals ; but I wish to give some few facts on the changes of cultivated plants. 1st. The fruit of the wild Gooseberry ie said to weigh about 5 dwts. (I am surprised that it is so heavy), and from various records I find that towards the close of the last century the fruit had doubled in weight; in 1817, a weight of 26 dwts. 17 grs. was obtained ; in 1825, 31 dwts. 13 grs. ; in 1841, "Wonder- ful" weighed 32dwt8. 16 grs. ; in 1845, "London" reached the astonishing weight of 36 dwts. 16 grs., or 880 grains. I find in the " Gooseberry Register" for 1862, that this famous kind attained only the weight of 29 dwts. 8 grs., and was beaten by " Antagonist." Will any one have the kindness to inform me whether it is authentically known that the weight of 36 dwts. 16 grs., lias, since the year 1815, been ever excelled ? 2nd. Is any record kept of the diameter attained by the largest Pansies? I have read of one above 2 inches in diameter, which is a surprising size compared with the tlowers of the wild Viola tricolor, and the allied species or varieties. 3rd. IIow early does any variety of the Dahlia flower ? Mr. Salisbury, writing in 1808, shortly after the first introduction of this plant into England, speaks of their flowering from Sep- tember, or the end of September, to November. Whereas, Mr. J. Wells, in Loudon's "Gardener's Magazine" for 1828, states that some of his dwarf kinds began flowering in June. I pre- sume the end of June. Do any of the varieties now regularly flower as early as June ? Have any varieties been observed to withstand frost better than other varieties ? If any one will give me information on these small points, I shall feel greatly obliged.— Chas. Darwin, ZIowii, Sromleu Kent. ^ VINERY UNPRODUCTIVE. Mt vinery, a lean-to about 20 feet long, faces the south. The border, made fifteen years ago, 2 feet deep, bottomed with brick- bats; a good mixed soil, replenished on the surface with horse- dung nearly every year. Now, this vuiery has never done well. Tlie Grapes generally become clung, and fail to get any colour, at least two-thirds of them : I am speaking of tlie Black Ham- burghs. My man gives them plenty of air, and shuts them up every night. We do not force them by heat, but give them a little heat in March. We have had the opinion of ellicient men but their opinions vary. One says it is iu the house, others say it is in the border. Will you give me your opinion in your Journal ? This year the mildew spoiled those tliat would have ripened.— E. B. S. [We should have been more able to decide between the diiTe- rent opinions given, had we known more of the state of vour Vines ; and if, in addition to brickbats at the bottom of the border, it is also sufficiently drained. We will, therefore, just maketwo suppositions, and shall be glad if either meet yourcase If the wood of the Vines is vigorous, long-jointed, foliage large, wood imperfectly hardened, and somewhat pithy in the ceutre when cut, then there is no doubt either that the border is not drained sufficiently, or the roots have descended even beyond your brickbats, or the soil altogether is too rich for the Vines. In such a case, the most effectual cure would be a good deep drain in front, and raising the Vines and planting them in fresh soil, consisting chiefly of fibry loam lightened witli lime rubbish, and enriched with eighteen bushels of broken bones as the most lasting manure. This should be done now, and the roota as little exposed as possible, placed within 4 to 6 inches of the surface, and covered with fermenting matter to set them growing, and if the Vines breaknaturally, they will feel the operation but little the first season. The second remedy would be less troublesome. Secure drainage, and then remove the rich surface from the top of the border, doing it carefully so as not to hurt the roots ; but getting down to the bulk of them, and then giving 3 inches or 4 inches of fresh soil, and then a layer of horse-droppings, and a little litter above will entice the fresh roots into it, and a little may bo added every year. If the wood is firm, short -jointed, and moderately strong, then something of the last remedy may also be applied, but greater care will be necessary in the management of the house ; and, besides giving air plentifully during the day, air should be given early in the morning, and after the Grapes are set a little air should be left on at night, and fire used in dull weather in autumn to enable this to be done, and the heating medium, flue or pipes, brushed with lime and sulphur if never hotter than 160°. By these means and moderate cropping, you will secure colour and avoid the mildew.] THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. No one can be more alive than we are to the mistakes and misdeeds of those in authority over this or any other public body, and we never have refrained, and never shall refrain, from exposing them. The mistakes and misdeeds, however, must be specific — general and sweeping complaints never effect reform, and are unfair, because, like sneers, they cannot be refuted. On these grounds, and because we condemned the mistakes he notices as they occurred, we decline inserting the chief part of a letter which we have received, and at the same time assure the writer that he is labouring under a misapprehension, when he concludes that it is to Dr. Lindley that his causes of com- plaint are attributable. We believe we are correct iu stating, that Dr. Lindley neither exercises, nor wishes to exercise, any paramount influence in the Society's Councils, and, therefore, any feeling the writer may have on tliat subject is groundless. But there is an alleged fact at the conclusion of our corre- spondent's letter which deserves explanation, and so we pubUsh it without reserve. "All eminent nurseryman near London very generously offered prizes of £3 value for Hyacinths, of which he is an ardent admirer as well as grower. The offer was accepted, and he announced it in his catalogue. To his surprise no notice whatever is taken of it in the ' Proceedings ' of the Society, but he lieai's that the Council have changed the day of the Hyacinth Show from March to February, thereby making it a Show of forced, instead of unforced flowers, and entirely frustrating his intentions. He wrote, I am told, to the Secretary, complaining that it was not noticed in the ' Proceedings,' as other special prizes had been, and is informed they were only ' common prizes, and, therefore, there was no reason for discriminating between them and the other prizes.' Yet, when Sir C. W. Dilke ofl'ered his prizes they were announced; when the prize for dinner-table plants was ofl'ered that also was noticed ; and when Master Somebody gives two gold fish to the pond, it is duly announced in large type. But no place could be found for announcing a nurseryman's prize. What wonder is it that he will never trouble the Society again with special prizes for Hyacinths ? " This is one example out of many. I have more at your service if you give place for this." — Vigilans. New CTTCniTBEE. — We have received from Mr. Edwards, of York, through Messrs. Hurst & Son, of Leadenhall Street, fruit of a new Cucumber called "Keyiiolds' Perpetual Bearer." Of December 2, 1862. ] JOUaNAL OP HOUTICtTLTUEB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 697 courso, it is impossible foi- us to judge of its bearing proportios without scciug the plant growing ; but the fruit sent us was growiT'g in pairs, and it is said that there are sometimes four together. The fruit itself is of the Syon House raeo, about 8 inches or 9 inches long, and with a few scattered white spines on its surface. It is tender and very nicely flavoxu'ed. Sliould the bearing properties be what they are represented to be, and wa have no reason to doubt that they are, this will prove a very valuable Cucumber. NOTES FROM MY POCKET-BOOK. EiSi'iiEEEiES. — Why do so many gardeners plant Raspberries without cutting ofl' the canes ? To plant a Raspberry without cutting it down appears to mo a very erroneous proceeding. Can it be expected that a Raspberry newly ))lanted will the following season have strength to produce fine fruit and young canes sulllciently strong to insure a good crop the following year? It is seldom before the third year that the plants are in a good bearing state. If the roots alone are planted, strong canes may be expected the first summer and a full crop of fruit the second. Salt. — Is it generally known tliat salt is injurious to pigs ? Some years since, having a large quantity of Potatoes which it was feared might be lost by disease, I had them boiled, salted, and washed. Two pigs which were fed upon them died in a very mysterious manner. Every one wlio saw them said they were poisoned ; but no one could suggest the mode. Some years afterwards I lost another pig, which exiiibited the same symptoms during its illness. On inquiry I found the cook had put some brine in tlie swill-tub, and arrived at the conclusion that salt was a specific poison for pigs. I have been told by a friend that he has lost several from the same cause, and also a number of barn-door fowls. Though Pigeons are fond of salt and will eat it greedily, it has been long known that salt meat will kill Parrots. — J. R. Peaeson, Chihoell. SUBUEBAN ROSE CULTURE. TnKEE is no gem in the whole diadem of Flora more suitable and advantageous to amateurs with limited space at their com- mand than the Hose ; for, besides its inherent beauties, a single Rose is an appropriate offering to the highest lady in the land, while the garden may be half stripped of ordinary subjects to make up a presentable bouquet. No doubt many of the readers of TnE JoUEN'AX OF HoKTiCTOTrEE are enthusiastic admirers of this general favourite, many of whom would become culti- vators were they not deterred by anticipated difficulties, and fear of certain failure. There are no insuperable obstacles to Rose-growing, even in localities usually considered unfavourable, with a proper atten- tion to preparing the soil, a selection of suitable varieties, and the observance of a few minutisc of cultural management. Perhaps the record of the successful practice of an amateur within three and a half miles of St. Paul's, may induce others to enjoy the delightful recreation, and experience the pleasure of presenting adii.iring friends from town with a few bunches of fragrant flowers to enliven and refresh the gloom and monotony of their -city habitations. Besides, it is the least expensive of floral amusements ; for, when the plants are once obtained, with a little care and protection to the more tender kinds, they will last from season to season, improving with their growth, without the trouble of propagating and keeping bedding plants, or the cost of fresh annual supply. I have only one of those little plots usually attached to houses in the suburbs, some -10 feet by 20 feet in dimensions. The aspect is north, and it is divided from the adjoining strips by open palings, not walls; and this is no unimportant clement in success. The ground is naturally light, over gravel, but I have corrected that defect by a liberal admixture of loam and brick earth, enriched by an adi.iixture of old manure. Tiio Rose must have a good strong soil, pani'/ularly when worked upon t\\c briar. I have made up the beds very high, some 15 inches or 18 inches above the ordinary level, facing them with turf; this secures the maximum amount of air and sun:*hine, which, in the summer, is upon the garden the whole of the day — at times, perhaps, too much so. One long bed stretches down th.c centre, in which are grown the less hardy varieties ; while a border sur- rounds the remainder of the plot, in which arc placed standards of various heights, and plcnts on the Manetti, an admirable and tlirifty stock for unfavourable conditions of soil and atmosphere. Every autumn a good mulching of manure is applied to the beds to be forked-in in the spring, and during the summer a good dose of guano water is supplied to every plant once a-week. In this small space I have crammed about 150 plants on Briar, Manetti, and their own roots, and I find them all do equally well. There are about ninety sorts, new and old, that I am able to succeed with ; but some are more satisfactory in their beliaviour tlian others, giving abundance of blooms, of size and symmetry, and sending- up robust shoots of G feet in a single season. A list of these will form the matter of a future paper. Frequent syringing is an important feature in my practice, and the stems of standards are washed during the season with soap and water, and a scrubbing- brush to cleanse them from moss and prevent them from be- coming bark-bound. On the whole I should recommend begin- ners to commence with plants on the Manetti, and not try many standards till experience with one or two gives promise of a satisfactory result. Every other year or so I take up the plants and replace them after having well stirred the soil, and added two or three spadefuls of fresh earth mixed with manure. Drainage must he provided for. The gravelly subsoil of this district (the neighbourhood of Yictoria Park), renders it unne- cessary with me ; but when the soil is heavy and retentive some means must be adopted for getting rid of the superfluous mois- ture.^W. D. Price, Homertoii. (To be confinued.) WINTER VIOLET GRASS. Can any of the readers of The Jouexal of Hoeticulttiee give the botanic name of the above plant, and state where it can be had ? It is a delicate little plant, with violet-coloured flowers and tiny leaves, blooming in the winter, covering the surface of the pot like moss. — M. D. [We do not know the above name. The description suggests lonopsidium aeaule, which, being a near relative of Coehlearia (Scurvy-grass), may have been called a "grass" likewise. It has been called " Stemless Violet Cress," and a portrait of it is in the " Botanical Register " of ISiR, plate 51.J PROPAGATING STRUCTURE IN A GREENHOUSE. The question put by " Kilwoeth " in No. 8G is one of interest to many of your readers, I therefore make uo apology for asking space for the following. As the inquirer makes no mention of the size or form of his house I shall assume it to be a lean-to, and having the usual front shelf of say 2 feet 6 inches wide, have then a lank of zinc or galvanised iron 2i inches deep, made 4 feet long and the width of the shelf. Box all in 6 inches deep in front, and 10 inches or a foot behind, and cover with one or two lights as may be preferred. Under the centre of this knock out a brick, and cover the aperture with perforated zinc, or put in a cast- iron ventilating-brick. Round this aperture construct a box large enough to hold a large paraflln lamp, and of a proper depth to bring the flame at the right distance from the bottom of the tank. Have a close-fitting door to it opening inwards, and a small square of glass in the centre of it to permit of the lamp being seen. Of course a tap and funnel inlet to the tank are improvements, and it should be strengthened by soldering- in little pieces of zinc tube at every 6 inches previous to solder- ing on the top. I have worked a case of this kind with gas, and it was all the most experienced propagator could desire for ordinary cuttings. I should have no fear in going to work with a paraflin lamp, as I know it would give more than heat enough, and attention morn- ing and evening would keep it at work. Paralllu lamps are, however, ticklisli things to deal with, and unless the party thoroughly understood their working he would be sure to come to grief. The precautions are, however, very simple if care be taken. First, be very particular as to the even cutting of the wick, and secondly, never permit the slightest incrustation on the cone or burner; in fact, to secure a good result, the wick should be screwed down, and the edges of the burner poUshed 698 JOURNAL OF nOaXICULIUaB AND COIIAGE GABDENEE. [ December 2, 1862 each time the lamp is trimmed. Again : never extinguish your lamp by drawing down the wick j blow it out, and rub off the charred cotton. The reason for this is, that particles of charred matter are apt to get into the tube, and interfere with the regular tnounting of the paraffin, thus causing unequal combustion. I should have grave fears in permitting a paraffin lamp in any greenhouse of mine, as were it once neglected and began smok- ing it would play sad mischief. With the above-described plan, however, it might smoke its worst, and no evil could result, as the lamp is continually out of the house.— M. G. CnHKiNGHAM ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. IxoEA SAMCIFOLIA (Willow-leaTed Ixora). — Nat. Ord., Cin- I folia. — A splendid stove shrub, of erect habit, growing 2 feet to thonaoeae. Linn., Tetrandria Monogynia. Syn., Pavetta salici- | 3 feet high, probably higher. The leaves are opposite, rather closely placed along the atem*, almost sessile, narrow-lanceolate or willow-hke, a span long, shining green above. The flowers grow in large terminal corymbs, forming hemispherical heads, and are deep orange red or flame-coloured (in a variety with somewhat smaller blossoms, almost crim- son) ; they are upwards of an inch in di- ameter, and consist of a long, slender, almost filiform tube, and a spreading limi of four lanceolate, ovate, acute lobes. From Java : Mount Seribu. Flowers in summer. Introduced by Mr. T. Lobb, collector for Messrs. Veitch, of Exeter and Chelsea. Beebekis Wallichiajta (Wallich's Barberry). — Nat. Ord., Berberacese. Linn-,,. Hexandria Monogynia. Syn., B. macro- phylla of gardens ; B. atrovirens, G. Do*. — A very ornamental, half-hardy, perhaps hardy evergreen shrub, growing 10 feofc high, and furnished with dark green, dense, elliptic, sharp-pointed, serratod Isora salicifolia. Berberis Wallichiana. eaves, growing in clusters, the branches also bearing slender, three-parted spines. The flowers are clustered in the axils of the leaves on short stalks, and are Icrge, and of a deep yellow colour, giving the plant a very ornarrenlai aspect. From Java: mountains, 9000 feet elevation. Introduced in 1845 by Mr.T Lobb, collector for Messrs. Veitch, of Exeter and Chelsea Flowers in summer. It has stood three wintersj^at Exeter, without shelter. — (Gardeners' Magazine of Botany.) EAELY vEBsrs LATE PLANTING POTATOES. As the season for planting Potatoes will soon be coming on, I wish to state my experience in this season. I commenced the planting of Kemps in the month of Decem- ber last year, and continued planting them and Scotch Dons or Downs until the end of March, when I had all the piece planted (about two Irish acres), and which had never been under December 2, 1SC2. ] JOUBNAL OF nORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE GAEDENER. cuUiTtilion before, being part of an unreclaimed mountain, and full of boulder stonee. I had tlieni planted in four-feet ridgeo, tbe manure bein^; npread on the surface, the seed then dropped, and all covered from the furrows with about 6 inches of covering;. The Potatoes came up well, and continued healthy all the season until fully grown, and the stalks had partly died uway before the blight came, and when it did come, it took little or no elTect ; for at the lifting or digging-out of the Potatoes not one in fifty of them was diseased, and, in fitet, the men used to say that there would be no want of Potatoes this year, as the disease had all gone J and the quality is so fine that it is with difficulty that they can be boiled. So much for early planting. Now for April planting. I commenced planting about an acre and a half in driUs on the let of April, and had them all finished by the middle of the month, the ground being all trenclied, ploughed, and well pulverised ; the drills opened, and the manure spread in the drills ; the seed dropped, and covered up with the plough ; the after-cultivation being likewise well attended to, till the Potatoes came up beautiful and strong, and continued well and henllhy untd tbe diseaee came. They were in full growth at the time, and were soon cut down ; and the consequence is, that one-half of them are diseased and rotten, and the (juality not near so good as the carly-placted ones. You will see from this that unless the Potato is early planted, and brought too near maturity before the disease comes, that yow cannot depend upon having a sound crop. — A. Lindsay, Olendalough, — [Irish Farmer's Oazetle.) CHAIN FLOWER-BOEDER AT EAST SUTTON, KENT. FAsniONS alter in flower-gardening as well as in dress ; so would our grandfathers say, if they could but sec our masses of Geraniums, Verbenas, and the other flower-garden ornaments, and compare th.em with the double Wallflowers of old, from wliieh cuttings were only to be had as great favours, and when a yellow Piootee was the gem of all gems. Now these things have fallen into a second or even third place in general estimation, and colour, quantity, and conspicuousness are oil the rage. Even the arrangement and disposition of these has undergone, and is undergoing, considerable change. The small patches of one particular colour dotted orer a plot of turf has in many cases been altered more than once the last dozen years, and geometric gardens more or less intricate have at various times been predominant, and again superseded. More latterly highly elaborate designs, in which coloured ma- terials rather than colour in flowers play a conspicuous part, have been introduced with good effect ; these coloured substances being in connection with certain beds intended for planting. Of the particular merits of this style so much has been said of late, that it is needless here re-opening that question. It is enough to say that the opponents to the permanent system of poly- chromic embroidery, as such ornamentation is called, may with a little pains have their favourite bedding done to their heart's content, and the poljchromic work too, the latter being done in the winter, the former in the summer ; and the labour at- tending the change is far from being heavy or difficult, as has been shown in some former Numbers of TnB JoDEXAL OF HoR- Ticui^TUEK, accompanied by drawings of work of that kind that has been done here at Linton, and some other places in the neighbourhood. AVhen the easo is understood with which the change can be effected from a fading autumn flower garden to a winter one of bright, clearly-defined colours, which will last until March, or longer, the plan will become still more ashionable ; more espe- cially as the winter decoration allows of even greater diversity than the summer planting. Mr. Skinner, the intelligent gar- dener to Sir E. Filmer, Bart., M.P.,of Kast Sutton, has adopted the plan of introducing plants of a suitable kind into places allotted for them in the embroidery of his large bed, of which a design of the mode in which it was planted in summer appeared in Ths Journal op Hokticultuke a few weeks ago. This bed, which is somewhat between 40 feet and 50 feet in diameter, has now received its winter-dressing, and in the opii\ion of many looks as well as most beds do in the prime of the season — say August or September ; but as the mode of doing this has been already explained, we will leave this and point out a few particulars on the chain pattern, as planted at East Sutton the past summer,^ and which met with the approbation of eyery one who saw it. The design above is one often met with in mouldings of timber, stucco, or iron. I am not certain of the correct name it is known by, but I have long called it " the Florentine Chain," and whether this be right or wrong it is needless to inquire. I have more than once failed in planting it satisfactorily, although in winter decoration it comes in very well; but Mr. Skinner worked it in with plants admirably. The position it is in is remarkably well adapted for it. Oocu- pjing the face of a slope, and seen from the top of another one, the point of sight was riearly at right angles with it, or what might be called a bird's-eye view was thus obtained. This favourable position would not, however, have made an indis- criminate planting look well; neither would any mode of plant- ing, or every class of plants, have looked eo well as those em- ployed, which were as follows i — AAA. Circles 3 feet diameter, Geranium Tom Thumb. B B B. Chain band 1 fjot wide, Cerastium tomentoeum, C o c c. Outer groundwork, Lobelia speciosa. These were all the plants used, and what more colours are wanting in any design than red, white, and blue, which were here shown to great advantage. The white belt or band of Ceras- tium showed itself in its true colour before the Geranium came into flower ; but the effect was equally good then, the silvery whiteness of the Cerastium contrasting so well with the glossy green leaves of Tom Thumb, and also with the blue flowers of Lobelia, while the latter stepped in between the end of one band and the side of another, to prevent that junction which creates confusion, and which it is right here to point out to all who may be planting a chain figure to avoid. Tbe plants were all of a height until the beginning of September, when the Geranium shot a-head ; but even then it was excusable, as the place where it was most looked at was nearly at right angles with the face of the ground. There were several more links than shown in the diagram which is merely given to explain the planting. The chain pattern above given is of more than one season's standing, for I remember seeing it last winter. The Cerastium^ ?00 JOTJBNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 2, 1862. whicli had been planted at the usual bedding-ont time in 1861, ■was allowed to stand ; and though it does not always look well in winter, or even in autumn, in this case it did, and occupied the space above mentioned with scarcely a gap. Coloured ma- terial formed the groundwork C c c ; while the central circles, AAA, were rendered pleasing by piles of stones that were thickly coated over with a beautifully pale green moss. These stones had been picked-up from the surface under trees, where they bad lain undisturbed for many years. Of course, care was taken to keep the mossy side upwards again ; and common and homely as such things may seem to be, it would have been difficult to have found anything to look better. The band of white Cerastium surrounded this miniature rockwork, and in its turn was bounded, I believe, by brickdust of a bright rod colour. I have not been told what the present winter-dressing is to be, but I expect something simple, pleasing, and agreeable, and most likely very commou. I should like some one who has been successful with striped or ribbon-borders to report upon tbeMi in The Jouenai, op HOETICTLTUKE. Each season adds a little more to our stock of knowledge in this as well as in other matters, and it is not every planter that is successful with stripes. When there are really good and effective ones that have the necessary merit of coming into use early and continuing late, the fortunate, or it would be better to soy, skilful managers of such borders deserve all the credit we can bestow on them. Two years' experience has coo- fii'uied me in the opinion, that our mode of planting a narrow border of three single rows with the tallest in the centre, is better than many other ways I have tried. But as 1 purpose giving a few notes on this head in another article, I will only invite others to do so also. Tlie latter part of the pust season ■was prolific in good flower-beds, the early part was not ao. I hope, however, some of our travelling friends will give us their opinion on tliis and other matters, as useful hints may often be gleaned in unexpected quarters, and many out-of-the-way places pcssess objects of interest we look for in vain in others ■that are more fashionable. — J. Robson. ORCHAEDING- ON A LA"RGE SCALE. I AH about to plant 2000 to 2500 ,\pple and Plum trees in the neighbourhood of Eeading for the sole purpose of growing fruit to send to Covent Garden Market. The trees are to be grown strictly on the some principle as recommended for growing Cherries by Mr. Eiiers, in Dr. Hogg's " Gardeners' Year Book for 1802," at page 56. Being an experienced budder and grafter, I intend working my own trees. I therefore beg to ask your advice on the subject. On what kind of stock should the Cox's Orange Pippin be grown on to induce early iruitfulness and constant bearing? Do you know of a better kind of Apple for the fame purpose? One report on Apples at the recent great Show stated that the above Apple was the best Uavoured of the whole lot in London. Will it stand pinching-in ? Is it a good bearer ? What kind of stock sliould the Mitchelsou's Plum be grown on ? Would it stand piuching-iu, and still be a great bearer ? I intend growing a few May Duke and Morello Cherries on the Mahnleb stock on the samo principle as the Apple and Plum. — W. W., Liverpool. [To induce early fruitfuliie.-s you should graft yonr Apples on the Doucin or English Paradise stock. Cox's Orange Pippin succeeds very well grown in that way, and it is also one well adapted either for bush or pyramid training. There cannot be two opinions about the merit of the fruit, which is of the first order. Mitchelson's Plum requires, what is called among nurserymen " the commoner," or the common Plum stock. We hardly know how it would beer pinching-in, as we have never seen it subjected to that mode of culture ; but it would do well as a dwarf bush, and does not occupy much space.] Peeskxtation.— The presentation of the testimonial to Mr. A. C. Wheeler, of Gloucester, for his services as local Secretary to the Managing Committee of the late Agricultural Exhibitioii and Fete, took place on the 3rd ult. It is universally admitted that much of the success attending the arranirements of the great Meeting held at Gloucester on the 30th of July last, and of which a report appeared in this Journal, was undoubtedly due to the energy with which the Secretary carried out the instruc- tions of the Committee under whom he acted. At the dinner at the Spa, Mr. Holland, President of the Society, thanked Mr. Wheeler for his exertions on belialf of the Society, and sub- sequently presented him with a beautiful gold snuff-box as a souvenir of the Meeting. But at the audit of the accounts it was felt that the pubhc also owed a debt of gratitude to the Secretary, and a subscription for the purchase of a testimonial was deter- mined on, the Society heading the list with a contribution of twenty guineas ; between fifty and sixty persons, members of the Society or private friends of Mr. Wheeler, followed the example thus set. A sum of £60 was raised, and the Committee purchased a beautiful timepiece, a silver salver, and a claret jug as the testimonial. The following inscription was engraved on the salver : — Presented to ALFRED CDMMINS WHEELER, F.H.S., By the Gloucesterstiire Agricultural Society and Friends, As a token of their esteem, and as an aclvno\vled£nient of the valuable services rendered by him at the Meeting of the Society held at Gloucester in 186:. The presentation was made at a dinner at the Bam Hotel, at which between thii^ty and forty gentlemen were present, lEd. Holland, Esq,, M,P, , liad consented to preside, but was pre- vented by illness ; and the chair was ably filled by Alderman Kicks. PREVENTING THE ATTACKS OF THE CELERY FLY. In reference to your correspondent in page 655 I beg to ofi'er a few remarks, as 1 have for some time known a sure preventive, and, no doubt, a great many use the same both as a preventive and as a cure. Soot is the remedy. I begin to dust the plants with it directly I prick tbem out, and continue the dusting all through the season. When the foliage is damp is the time to apply the soot, and that mostly happens in the morning. A large portion of your readers will, no doubt, say that they have tried it, and that it does not answer ; but if such should be the case, I reply that the reason it did not prove efficacious with them is, that they either hegan dusting, as I call it, too late, or they only partially dusted. Every leaf must be covered with the soot; and the dusting continued, as I have said, the whole of the season. If this be done success will certainly attend their labours. I do not believe that soot or any other application is remedial after the plants are attacked. Respecting growing Celery I think a hint might not be thrown away. I sow in a pan filled with thoroughly rotted old Melon or Cucumber-bed dung mixed with a good dash of sand, I prick-out in similar rotted dung without sand, and plant in trenches in the same rich compost ; but before I put the rotted dung into the trenches I put 5 inches or 6 inches of less- decayed dung at the bottom of each trench, and then the rotted to mould on the top. In this way I have grown good sound crops for these last five years. Liquid manure I never use, as the plan I have described will grow Celery large enough for any purpose ; and however large, or however long it may be, not once in my life could I induce the cook to send it to table whole. — W. W. MANAGEMENT OF GREEN FROGS IN A PLANT-CASE. I OBSEETED from your No. 80 that "H. B." is desirous of knowing the proper treatment of green frogs ; and as Mr. Veitch does not seem either to feel quite sure upon the matter, and having myslf both a kind feeling towards my rather green countrymen, as well as a desu-e to assist, I venture to add the following. These animals live partly in and partly out of the water in and beside swamps and ditches. In Germany you find them in near'v every house, especially with farmers, who keep them principally for their great and valuable ability of propliesying the weather. They are kept in a tall tumbler filled more than half full with water, a small step-ladder being placed in it, and covered at the top with either tin or paper with small air-holes through it. In summer ihey receive, perhaps, six or a dozen files in the week ; in wiuler they receive nothing at all — perhaps a solitary fly which may have turned up somewhere — and they December 2, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTTJEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 70J seem to live parlly upon vpalei- and tlic green substance which in tiiuo grows ou the ladder. The water should be renewed occasionully. I do nut (hint that they could do witliout water at all. In fact, a t' lend of mine who kept tlieni ^-inulfirly in a fernery lost one utter the otlier until 1 drew his attention to it. In Germany they arc kept tlirousli the whole winter in the same way in front of tlie windows, whicli, altl\ou(;h in the people's cocimon sitting- room, are often thiekly frozen. II wet weather is likely to set-in the frogs keep below the water; if the weather bo changeable they sit half in and half out ; and the higher they rise out of the water the more settled the weather will be. — W. Hautio. THE NEWBUKY ORCHARDS. T DO not know whetlier in your travels you ever visited the orchards opposite the Carso of G owrie. If not, you should do so next season. Newbury, in File, on the south side of the Tay, is an extraordinary place for Pears. Dr. Lyall, a well-known botanist and horticulturist there, showed me a standard Cra- sanno tree in a neighbouring garden, for the fruit of which the owner refused £3 two or three years since. And many other tender sorts do well there as standards. The soil is dry on trap rock, and the surface rises gradually from the river's bank, witli a direct northerly or north-easterly exposure ; notwithstanding which the com crops are as early as tliosd on more southern slopes in the district. But thegreat secret in favour of the Pears seems to be, tltat immediately south of the town there is a con- siderable hill — in fact, what in England would be called a high mountain, which effectually shuts out the sun for the whole winter season, or till far on in Marcli, so that the buds are not excited to be again destroyed by late frosts. — W. G. NEW BOOK. Tlie Miniature Fruil Garden; or. The Culture of Pijramidal and Bush Fruit Trees, with Instructions for £.oot-prumng, £[c. Bi/ Thomas Rivers. Eleventh Edition. London : Longmans. There is no better indication of tlie increasing taste for the cultivation of fruit trees than the repeated issue of new editions of these little books of Mr. Kivers'. When we compare the class of horticultural works that are now brought out with those that were most popular twenty years ago, we cannot but remark the greater proportion of poiuological works iu the present day. To have v^'rittcu a book on fruit trees twenty years ago was to blaeken paper and add to " waste ;" and the unlucky wight who was rash ciiouuh to indulge in such a work might consider liimself lucky if his publisher did not bring a heavy charge against him for his ra.-hness. Here is " ihe Miniature Fruit Garden" in its eleventh edition, and with no indications of senility about it. We have so often reviewed this useful little work that little more is I'equired of us than merely to announce its reappearance, and to draw attention to some novel features iu this edition. Among the engravings there is a very excellent one of a pyramidal Morello Cherry, illustrative of the following extract :— ■ '■ The Morello Cherry on the Mahaleb stock, cultivated as a pyramid, forms one of the most prolific of trees ; but as birds carry otf the fruit when only half ripe, each pyramid should have a bag of tifiany placed over it, and tied round the stem of the tree at bottom. Any garden, however small, may grow enough of this useful sort by plunting a few pyramids, liftirg and replanting, or root-pruning them biennially, and pinching- in ecert/ shoot to three leaves (as soon as it has made live) all the summer. The Kentish Cherry, also a most useful culinary sort, may be cultivated as a pyramid with great success. A French variety grown near Pans, in large quantities, and known as the " Cerise Aigre Hative," which may be Englished by calling it the Early Sour Cherry, is a most useful kind for the kitchen. In going from Paris a year or two ago to Versailles by the " liive Droite" Railway, I was much struck by seeing in the market gardens between Suresnes and Putcaux, on the left, large plots of dwarf trees, about the size of laruo Gooseberry bushes, and S'lmo very low trees, all covered (as they appeared to me from the railway carriage) with bright red dowers. I found, ou inquiry, that these were Cherry burhes — literally masses of fruit, of the above variety, the most prodigal bearer I known. The trees are generally propagated by suckers, but succeed very well on the Mahaleb stock, and form very nice pyramids. " I need scarcely add, that the culture of all the Duke tribo of Cherries by elosely-pinched-in pyramids, biennially removed, or biennially root-pruned, is most satisfactory. It is, perhaps, more easily performed than root-pruning, and the trees soon form perfect pictures. I have seen nothing in fruit-tree culture more interesting than handsome compaet pyramids of such sorts of Cherries as the May Duke, Duchesse de Pnlluan, Empress Eugenie, and Archduke. One feels surprise to find that as yet but few lovers of gardening know of the exibtence of such trees. " It will much facilitate the operation on their roots if the trees be ]ilanted on small mounds. " In forming plantations of pyramidal and dwarf Cherries on the Mahaleb stock, it is necessary to arrange them with a little care. The two groups, those of the habit of the Morello tribe, and those of the compact habit of the May Duke, should be jilanted in separate rows. Bigarreau and Heart Cherries are too short-lived, when grafted on this stock, in most descrip- tions of soils, to be recommended." THE STUDENT PARSNIP. In the " Proceedings" of the Royal Horticultural Society for last month, page 739, I observe, "Parsnip 'The Student' ennobled from the wild Parsnip by Professor Buekman." What does this mean ? or rather what was the ennobling process to which the wild Parsnip was subjected ? Or was it the wild Parsnip at all which was experimented upon? I look upon many, if not all the wild Parsnips, which you see blooming in early summer by the sides of fields, on railway banks, &c., in the south of England, as being the offspring of cultivated plants, and quite likely under good cultivation to produce good large roots, although the parent plant grows away gross, and may have only had small and, it may be, woody roots. Sow seeds of this " Student " immediately when ripe among grass or in waste ground, and note the appearance next May, when they will be in flower, compared with the autumn produce of the same seed sown iu spring and well cultivated. — Inquieee. MAKING CHARCOAL. [In answer to " Iqnobant," and two other inquirers, wo reprint the following from a former volume.] My practice is to commence by taking a sufficient quantity of split wood that will easily ignite on the application of fire, and with a sharp instrument cut it into lengths varying from about 3 inches to D inches. I then place it in a dry shed until I have prepared the whole of the wood which is to be burnt into charcoal at one time, and to preserve it from being wet ; for I would have it particularly iiuderstood that the drier it is kept the sooner it will take fire when the whole is piled for burning, which wdl save much trouble, and probably partial failure iu the operation. The quantity of dry wood to be prepared will depend upon the size of the heap when complete and ready for being set fire to. A heap that measures about ■!■ feet in diameter at the base, and from 4-^ feet to 5 feet high iu the centre, will require st, quantity sufficient to form in the centre of it a circular heap about 18 inches through at the base, and 12 inches high in the centre. Charcoal is generally made, on a large scale, of the boughs of trees that liavo been cut down for sale, or of the underwood andprunings of trees that take place occasionally on the estates of landed proprietors. Ihe wood should be as firm as can be ob- tained, and as free from sap as possible ; but if it cannot be had of this kind take the best at command, and cut it also into lengths of about 6 inches, 9 inches, 12 inches, and 18 inches ; and when it is cut be particular to make the lengths into three loose heaps — i.e., those lengths that measure the hast in diameter into the first heap, tliosc of the greatest diameter into the second, and those which range between the least and the greatest diameter into the third. Also, prepare a smooth, circular piece of wood from i\ feet to 5 feet iu length, and 6 inches through. Attention to these things at this stage of Ihe process will greatly economise the amount of labour which will afterwards have to bo bestowed upon the building of the pile. The wood being thus prepared, next proceed to select a con- 702 JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUfiE AND COTTAGE GAHDENKS. [December 2, 1862. venient plot of ground upon which to burn it, and which, I would remark in passing, might be the corner of an adjacent fiejd, the Melon-ground, the comp3st-yard, or, for want of these, the centre of a spare quarter in the kitclien garden. The ground being fixed upon, level and make it firm by ■beating it with a beater or the back of the spade, and then, in the morning of a fine day, when the weather looks settled, wheel the wood to it, keeping the heaps, as already, separate from each other when placed round ti;e ground wliere the principal heap is to be formed, and also have brought from the field or common a -cartload of sound turf, and placed at a proper distance from the material already on the ground. Into the centre of the ground, which has been made even with a mallet, strike one of the thick pieces of wood, which, I would observe, must have been pointed at one of its ends when the rest of the wood was being prepared. Allow it, when fixed in the ground, to stand about 9 inches above the surface of the soil round it ; begin to form the pile by placing a few of the shortest lengths of the dry wood equally round the bottom of it, and then against these others, with one end resting on the ground, so that the end which is the uppermost will incline towards the centre of the heap. They must be placed as closely to each other as possible in an imbricated style. In this manner jjroceed until the heap reaches to the top of the stake. Afterwards mix with the wood a quantity of shavings which have been got from the carpenter's shop, which will cause the wood to ignite sooner than it would do if they were not used. Tiie form of the heap, when of the dimensions above stated, should be that of a cone, on the point of which must be mounted on end the long, smooth piece of wood which was made ready for the occasion as already stated. Bfl particular to make it firm by jjutting tlie end of three rods into the ground, so as to form the three points of a perfect triangle, and fastening the other ends of them to the top of the wood. Then take about one-fourtli of the length wliich forms the first heap of wood, and tile-form layer them equally all over the central pile; also, take the whole of the second and third heaps, and use them one after the other in the same way, finish- ing with a layer of the three-fourths which remain from being u.'ed of the first heap. The reason for arranging the wood in layers in this form is, that that which is of the greatest diameter, and which occupies near the central layer, is no more than ready for being drawn when the outward one is perfectly burnt into charcoal, and, con- eejjuently, the pile is ready for being taken down and the charcoal housed. The piling of the wood being completed, cover it equally all over with the turf which is close at hand ready to be used ; place the grass side downwards, and on the top of it a layer of sifted soil from 11 inch to 2 inches in depth. Having done this take out of tlie centre of the pile the smooth, perpendicular piece of wood, and deposit some light combus- tibles, in which a quantity of congreve mutches have been mixed, on the top of the dry wood in the centre, by letting it drop down the hole out of which the wood was taken. Set fire to it by casting a few live embers upon it, and when it has caught fire feed it with a small quantity of wood, and then close up the hole with a little turf, so as not to allow the fire to escape. After- wards take a rod sufficiently long to reach to the centre of the pHe, and with it perforate the sides, letting it run to near the centre. By these punctures a ventilation will be created that may be regulated so as to keep the fire equally burning through- out the whole of the pile. As the fire continues to burn it will require to be fed occasionally with suitable material. This must be done by uncovering the open space in the centre which was left for the purpose, and carefully letting down tlie things with which to feed it, and then covering up the orifice as before. The fire in its progress will consume certain parts of the turf and soil which serve as an external covering to the pile, and also to keep the fire smouldering, instead of issuing in llames, which is a point in the process worthy of being noticed by those persons who wish to have good charcoal with little loss of material. Therefore, on the first indication of the fire coming through to the surface, in whatever part of the pile it may be^ immediately cover the place with turf and sifted soil, which must be always at command. The length of time it takes to burn wood into charcoal varies according to the softness or hardness of it. Oak takes the longest and is generally thought to make the best, and on that account it is to be preferred to any other kind. JTow, if the pile during its burning be properly attended to the loss of material will be trilling. The ashes or refuse are, I consider, amongst the best article? that enter the kitchen garden for top-dressing the beds of Turnips, Carrots, Parsnips, Dwarf Beans, &c.; and for first early Potatoes, either mixed with any other kind of manure or alone, are equal, if not superior, to any- thing I have used. — B. B., near Halifax. THE DISTRESSED WOEKINGMEN BOTANISTS OF LANCASHIRE. I SCASCEIT know how to thank you and the many kind- hearted people who have put means into my hands to alleviate the distress of some of the poor naturalists here. I have to acknowledge the receipt of Gd. from three school- boys at Kilkenny ; £1 \s. from the Kev. J. Mague, of Killaloe, Ireland, for Mosses and Ferns ; from Lady Dorothy Nevill and Mr. T<"evill £6 ; and Lady D. Nevill intends to send me £1 monthly until April; £2 1.5«. from Mr. James Davies and the joung men under him at the Marquis of Westminster's, Font- hill, Tisbury, Wilts ; £1 l(3s. from "A Gardener" at Burton- on Trent ; £1 5i. from Julia Mastlutcer ; Zs. from the gardener at Clare House, Maidstone, Kent ; 3«. from C. EoUison, gardener ■ at FoUifoot, near Wetherby, Yorkshire. "A Mother" from Ipswich has sent for three weeks together 2j. Gd. for Roger Schofield, and Is. for J. Whitehead. Some one at Hull has sent lO.s. to R. Schofield ; and a gentleman from Hagley, near Stourbridge, has promised to send me 150 seedling Calceolarias of very good quality to sell for the benefit of these poor persons. Mr. M., of Prescot, has sent 5.5. to J. Whitehead, and "V. R." XOs. to me. I am also happy to say that the poor entomologists I named last week have received from Mr. Dean, A. House, and " W." 5s. each. I have made arrangements to satisfy any of your readers who might have any doubts of an honest distribution. Mr. H. Hall, magistrates' clerk, of Ashton-under-Lyne, has kindly taken a collection of Ferns ; and Miss M., Clonmel, has sent 5<. to K. Schofield. I have ]iut some of the botanists who are doing nothing to collecting Ferns and other things that are wanted ; and I have engaged one who is a book-keeper, but out of employ at present, to write me out a number of tickets, so that I can obtain a receipt from all I give anything to. The botanists request me to thank all who have so kmdly helped them in this hour of trial, which they never dreamt they should have to undergo. — John Hague, 36, Mount SIreel, AsMon-vnder-Liine. FLORA OF THE ROMAN CLASSICS. (Confimied from page 594.) ACONITUM. Tiegh, among other instances of excellencies by which Italy was rendered superior to other countries, says there '* Neittier do Aconites deceive tlie wretclied gatherers." — Georo. ii., 152. — that is, there are there no eatable plants so like to their Aconite, that the gatherers have mistaken this for them, and consequently have been poisoned. The plant known to the Romans as Aoonitum is thus describedf^ by Pliny (Nat. Hist., xxvii., c. 3) :— '' " It has leaves, not more than four, like those of the Cynlamen'i or Cucumber, slightly hairy, and springing direct from the root. This root, moderate in size, is like to the Sea Cammarus, on which account some call it Cammaron, others thelyphonon [be- cause used for wife-poisoning]. The root is slightly curved inwards like a scorpion's tail, wherefore some have called it Scorpion. Others have chosen to name it myoctonon, because by its odour, even at a considerable distance, it kills mice. It is produced upon naked rocks, which are called aconse, and thence some say it is called Aconite, there not being even dust for its nourishment [in Greek, a, without, and konis^ dust].* Such is the reason for its name given by some ; yet others derive its title from its power to cause death as speedily as the whet- stone [in Greek aJcone'] brings an edge upon iron. Its rapid elfect is immediately perceptible." The shape of the leaves determines that the Roman Aconite * Ovid tiius derives if, savinK—" Which, because tenacious of life, being produced even from the hiird rock, peasants call Xcomte."—Metamorph., Tii., 418. J December 2. 1862. ] JOUaXAL OF HORriCCLTUfiE AXD COIXAQE QARDENEE. 703 18 not identicnl -nith our common Monkshood (Aconitum ria- ju'llus), for tlio leaves of tliii are cut into mimv narrow sesmonts ; but wo believe it to bo tlie same plant as is now oallfd by botanists lian-anciih's t/iora. It was known to the older writers upon plants aa Thora Valdenshim, and the following arc some exttacts from Gerarde's description : — "Tiiis plant tooko his name of the Greek word Phlhora, sig- nifying corruption, poison, or death, which arc the certaine effects of tliis pernicious plant : for this they vse very mueli in poisons, and when they meuno to infect their arrow hea Is, the more speedily and deadly to dispatch the wildo beasis, whicli greatly annoy tliose mouataines of tlie Alpes : to which purpose also it is brought into the Mart-townes neere vnto tliosu places to be suld vnto the hunters, the iuice thereof beeiug J^rejiurcd by pressing lortli, and so kept in homes and lioofes of beasts, for the most specdie jioison of all the Aconites ; for an arrow touched therewith, leaueth the wound vncurahle (if it but ondy fetcli bloud where it eutereth in) except that round about the wound the Mesh bee speedily cut away in great qusnlity, argui'th also that Matthiolus hath vnproperly called it P^eudo- aeonitum, that is, false or bastard Aconite; for without question there is no worse or more speedio venomo in the world, nor no Aconite or toxicall plant comparable hereunto. The stalke o( this plant is small and ru?hie, very smooth, two or three hand- fulls high : whereupon do grow two, three, or foure leaues, seldonie more, whieli be something hard, round, smooth, of a hght greene colour tending to blewnesse, like the colour of the h'aucs of Woad, nicked in the edges. The root cousisteth of nine or ten slender clogs, with some small fibers also, and they are fastened toaother with little strings vnto one head, like those of the white AsphodiU." The drawing given by Lvte in his translation of Dodoen'a *' Iterbai " is the best we know. It shows the main root curved not unlike a scorpion. Indeed the root is more like a scorpion, for, as Jacquin describes it, the main root puts forth many sub- imbricate fibres, the imbrication slightly resembling the scaliness of th'* scorpion. It is a native of rocky places in the alpine districts of Italy. Parkinson says, " It groweth in shadowie places, on the snowie hills of Savoye, where there is scarce any crust of eartli for the rootes to grow in, neere unto Mura and in the top of Jura." All which facts agree in identifying it with the Aconite of the Boman classics. — G-. WORK FOE THE WEEK. PRESERVING FLOWERS IN SAND. Those of our readers who attended the late Horticultural Fair in this city, did not fail to notice those two framed wreaths of natural flowers that hung upon the wall near the liorticuluiral tools. They were the admiration of all, and many times did we liear visitors wondering by what process they were thus pre- served in their natural form and colour. It is this : — • Get the finest and whitest of river or lake sand, wash it so clean that the water when flowing from it will be pure as if from the well. Ileal it very hot, and while hot mix it thoroughly with stearic acid in the proportion of 1 lb. of the latter to 100 lbs. of sand. Let it cool. Take a small common sieve and nail boards under tlie bottom to prevent the sand from running through ; place enough sand in the sieve to hold the flowers in position, not covering them ; then with a sheet of paper twisted in the form of a cone or funnel, carefully let the sand pass through it, between, around, and over the flowers — cover about lialf an inch. Set by the stove or in some warm place where the sand will be kept at a tempernture of about 70° Fahr. "When they have remained suMolently long, remove the boards carefully from the bottom and let the sand run out, leaving your flowers preserved in perfection. The only difSculty is to know when the process is complete, different plants differing in the time required ; those with thick leaves and petals needins more than light ones. Seven hours are sulEcient for some, while others require twelve and even more. Experience alone can determine this. It is best always for a beginner to experiment with a single plant at a time at first. When he has succeeded with a certain variety and noted the time required he can proceed to others, and in a short time become versed in this art. It should be mentioned that the flowers for tiiis purpose should be picked dry — say midday, after the dew is all evaporated. — {American Gardener's Monthly.) KITCHEN OAKDEN. As the weather permits, trench and manure every vacant pieco of ground. Axparartvs, if the beds are not already diessed let them be done immediately ; half-decayed leaves or rotten dung laid on a few inches thick is all that is required. The alleys should by no means be dug out and thrown over the beds, as is sometimes practised to the certain injury of the roots. Any beds that are to bo dug-np for forcing' to be protected from frost; roots already planted in the forcing-bed will require a suflicicnt quan- tity of water to reacli the bottom of the soil they are jilanted in. Emlh-e, when the weather is mild give the plants in the frames abundance of air, to prevent them rotting. Leiluce, the Cab- bage Lettuce planted in frames for winter use will require no waTcr and but little air ; cover tlicrn up every cold night. The young Cos Lettuce for spring use, on the contrary, should have abundance of air every line dny. Sc-ils for uU the various garden purposes should now be collected : turfy loam from a sheep pasture is undoubtedly the best for general purposes, but there are other places from which soil may be procured MJthout cutting-up much of the pastui-e land. When the soil is pro- cureu it may be immediately choppcd-up roughly with the spade, and luid in a ridge or m a square heap, to be turned over several times during the winter. The compost-ground to lie dry, but at the same time to be fully exposed to the weather. FLOWER OAKDEN. Continue alterations in favourable weather, transplanting and pruning the trees and shrubs where necessary ; stake them securely, and give a mulching to the tender sorts. Take up Dahlia roots, and remove them to an airy shed to dry before being stored. If young Pinks have been loosened by worms or frost, secure them. Plant all hardy bulbs. Protect Chinese and Tea-scented Roses, the roots by cinder ashes, and the tops by moveable baskets, so as to expose them to fine weather. Clean- out flower-seeds from the stalks, and tie them neatly into packets, correctly naming each sort. When lawns are dis- figured by worm-casts, a stop may be put to these operations by watering the lawn with lime water in a clear state. ERUiT GAIIDEN. All heavy ground work — as draining, manuring, trenching, making new borders, &c.— should be proceeded with, always pruning and regulating the treea first, so that the ground is not trodden over afterwards. Transplant to fill-up vacancies, and continue pruning at all favourable opportunities. Keep the standard Apple and Pear trees open in tlio centre ; take out the strong upright leaders often formed by the Pear trees. Currants and Gooseberries to be pruned, manured, and dug between, so as to crop the ground. Transplant Peaches and Nectarines, laying out the roots to their full length in fresh soil. Prune and nail Pear and Cherry trees on wulls ; do not crowd-in too much wood. Manure "and fork over the Strawberry-beds if not done before, clearing away runners and decaying leaves. GREENHOUSE AKD CONSEIIVATOET. Particular care is now lequired to keep the conservatory com- paratively dry, water to be applied in the forenoon, and if any is spilled on the floor let it be mopped-up ; if a drying morning cannot be chosen, apply gentle fires, with a sufficiency of air to allow the vapour to pass off. Everything in the way of decaying blossom, leaves, &c., should at once be removed. Water Orange and Lemon trees very cautiously ; keep them cool. Admit air freely to Heaths and Hew Holland plants ; water sparingly. Shift Calceolarias and Ciner.wias, a few may be forwarded by a very slight increase of temperature. Shift and lie-out Pelar- goniums ; a few of the most forward may be accelerated by a little heat; give air and a little weak manure water freely to Chrysanthemums ; water Chinese Primroses with caution ; disbud those for late- flowering. Admit air freely to the green- house in favourable weather, but not in currents, and shut-up early; use water sparingly, and always tepid, giving little or none to succulents or plants in a state of rest. rORCING-PIT. Particular care should now be exercised in the application of water, atmospheric humidity, air, and heat; the latter should be generally applied a little extra bv day, and very sparingly, indeed, by night, for some time to come. Gentle fumigations with tobacco should be occasionally given. PITS AND FRAMES. If the soil in the pots has become green on the surface, it 704 JOUENAIi OF HORTICULTUKE AND COXTAaE GARDENEK. [ December 2, 1862; eliowld be carefully removed with the point of a Bmall stick. Thin must be done in mild weiitber. Scarcely any wnter will be required at this season ; if the plants flug, a Httlo should, how- ever, be given in fine weather. Remove dead leaves, and give ail' fr(cly on fine dajs. A cheap and tffectual covering for pits and Crames, are wood frame?, the length and width of eauh light, thatched 2 inches thick with wheat straw. The frames to be made of well-Beai'Oned tlcil, the sides, ends, and centre bar to be li inch thick by 2-^ inches wirle, to be morticed and glued to- gether, and pmall bars 1 inch square to be let in at about 1 foot apart, to support the straw. Any two handy workmen will thatuh one in as short a time as ii; would tako them to tie the ends of a garden mat. A more temporary framework may be formed of shinglee, such as are used for making sheep-hurdles. Such coverings are neater, cleaner, cheaper, more easily put on and Kiljen off, more efficient than mats, or any other covering that I am aware of, at present in use. W. Keane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Wkatheb mostly fi-osty : therefore, besides wheeling, digging, trenching, and clearing the remainder of flower-beds, and glad to get ihcra for fermenting-heaps, httle has been done out of doors. These flower-beds remain, and a few leaves from the pleasure ground have come in so useful, as, a shooting party being ex- pected, we must not let man or boy go after leaves in the park. Such matters, and the wliole of this extra game-preserving, not only throw us in want of material, but, as previously intimated, give Bunh a chance of extra numbers to the birds as threatens to be a nuisance. It is so far a satisfaction to find such a man as Mr. RobsoD, and other valued correspondents, seeing the mattt-r in the same light as we do ; and though, no doubt, as much cliarmed as we are with the sweet songsters, yet feeling, so far as their depredations are concerned, it is quite possible to have too much of a good thing. Most vegetables that require covering at night, as forward Cauliflower, and Lettuce, &c., re- quire also uncovering during the day, as the frost has not yet been severe enough to permit of constant covering. Before ever young Cauliflower should be covered-up so, it must be pretty well curdedj so that there shall be no growth during the covering. FETJIT GAEDEN. In the case of trees in the orchard-house, had, as stated formerly, all the surface soil removed for an inch or so, so as to get rid of the eggs of insects as far as possible, and then watered the surface with water from the rose of a watering-pot, not far from the boiling-point, to catch any that might liave escaped. Moved also the surface soil from all the plants m pots, and some that were very dry gave a little w«ter to, allowing it to soak into the soil by degrees. Then dug over the borders, or rather forked thera over, so as to bury what eggs of insects we could not till, and afterwards set the plants as tiiokly together as they could stand witliout being injured, and packed them all round and over with stubble. The trees that liava several times been syringed with hot water, will be washed with soap and water the first opportunity, and a top-dressing will also be given ; mean- while, the pots being protected, they will be safe whatever frost may come. Examined the border in which the roots of the trees against the back wall grow, and finding that rather dry, watere(( and covered pathways and all with a few inches of stubble, to keep the frost out. As the wood is well ripened, a little frost to these trees, and to the tops of those in pots, will do them good rather than otherwise. All other fruit departments much the same as in previous weeks. OKNAMr.NTAL DEPAETMENT. Used days, after the walks showed signs of softening, for packing Dahlias securely in dry earth; turned out Achimenes out ot their flowuring-pots, and placed the tubers in small pots in dry s;iiid, where they could stand until wanted to start them in a vin'^ry, as thus the pots in which they flowei'ed would be at liberty for other things. Frames and pita have as yet wanted little but straw hurdles put on rather early in the afternoon, and taken olF about breakfast- time, giving plenty of air, chiefly at the back, fo- several hours, if at all bright sunahine, and closing and covering in good time in the afternoon. Lights for which we havu no covers at present, have a little hay scattered over them, which we saved from the first mowing of a part of the lawn. Such- soft material is far before straw for sucJi covering. Ex- amined bedding plants in such cold frames, to remove any plants or leaves that showed signs of damping, though there was little of that, thanks to striking cool, and keeping cool and auy. Potted Geraniums and Cinerarias ; gave manure water to Chry- santhemums ; watered all plants when necessary. Bulbs and shrubs in forcing-pit must have regular attention, and the former should never be placed in heat until the pots are full of roots and the flower-stems showing freely. "We notice some interesting papers and remarks on the Lily of the Yalley, but we consider the chief point in securing fine pots at an early season has been overlooked — and that ip, selecting the roots, and nib- bling the bud of each, and only choosing those that feel hard and firm between the thumb and finger. This attended to, it is scarcely possible to miss hnving fine, massive pots of bloom, if the commonest care is exercised. 'Pook great care that Peach- house filled with plants rose only from 35° to 10°, with fire heat in frosty nights. — R. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. «{;*# We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gf-entleman." By so doing they are suhjccted to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All communications should therefore be addressed solely to The Fditors of the *^ Journal of Horticulture^ ^c.^* 162, Fleet Street^ London^ S.C, We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the parae sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communieations. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances, *' T,EX."— A letter and a parcel for you from Ashton-under-Lyne are at oiir office. White P.eont {Old Siihscrlhrr, Cheshire).— Vfhy tyo\i\^\e yourself witli a common white Ps^ony worth about 9rf.? Many ailment* may be the ciiuse of its not. flowcrins? nnd no one can know at ii distance "n-hich. "Von had better throw it away, and begin with a proper plant of a better white PfBony — say the common white. On yonr very sandy soil givo it very rotten dun.^, as much as for a plant of Celery. Let the ground be deeply duE- Mukli from April fo September, and water libeially in May and June wiih p. 'lid water, and yon will soon beat eveiy one in the parish. But do not waste time on a worthless subject. KosKs IN Pots {Idem).—The best wny for you to treat all Tea and Per- petual looses on their own roots in pots, is to grow them exactly as pot Pel .ri^oniums. The same soil, same quantity of it, same pots, same amount of water, and the very eanie Idud of prnnintr, will suit pot Rosea on their own roots and pot Pelargoniums. Tlie only ditierence is, that, the Roses need not the soil to be changed oftencr thtm once In five years. Scarlet Anemones will never do good In that very light soil. We were in the same position once— went to great expense, but all to no purpose. Anemone* never flourish except in a (;ood loam, in an open unshaded situation. Excessive moisture at the root is fatal to them. Akadcariv kot Thriving {A. S.).~We have no doubt but the severe winterof 1S60-CI, which you pay killed a Deodar near y our Araucana, and like- wise injured it, i-^ also tlie cause ot the slow growtli that has since followed. We have known several instances of alike kind, even in places where the frost was not so severe as with you (Cheshire). Most likely it will recover its wonted health and vigour in a year or two, but it i-^ not a fast-growins' tree under the most taconrablc circumstances. Grneriilly speaKln^, it is as hardy as most of our native trees ; but the winter alluded to, following suddenly on a wet and mild autumn, caught most things unprepared for it i hence the result. Quickset Hedge {A. B.). — Last week you will have seen an article by Sir. Robson on heljjes of various kinds, and his observations on a Quickset one will meet your case, Straweerkt Planting— JIoving EfoLLiKS [An Irish Snbscrihcr). — Under the favourable conditions you name, you may now rephint your whole lot of Strawberry pliints whenever the weather is open. The bi't;iNninK of June, find atriin thrnujih the v. hole month of August, is the best time to remove large Hollies in },^eneral, and hmall ones in particular, and Novemlier is about the very worst time to nmve Hollies. You cannot keep young Scarlet Geraniums in a cellar, or in the dark anywhere. Viola, pennsyi.vaxica— Yellow Violets [II. li. i7ro;?;7cf/).— Its flowers are blue. The V. pyrolETfolia you piitclissed is similar to that of which 'we publi>hed a portrait, but not as a HPit; flower. Our correspondent is very anxious to procure some of the yellow species of Violets, and would be obliged by information as to where they can be purchased. Various { If. if. £ozl.— No heat at all is employed by Mr. Bird in striking' Calceolaria cuttings. The little "white sweet-scented Clematis' mentioned by Mr. Eailey, is Clematis iiiimmula. They all should be planted in Ani'il. We have lu'ard nothing fresh about Spcrgula pilile;a. U ib certainly not to be depended upon generally. Chtap Pook on British Mosses (A Novice). — Miss Plues has published a sniiiU volume on the subject. It is entitled " Rambles in Search of Mosses." You will have seen what we said to other correspondeuts recently about Lapageria roica. December 2, 18G2. JOUKXAL Oif HOBTICULTUKK AND COTIAGE GARDE5EE. 705 Books (Tnquirer).--Yo\x can have the book at our office if you send pi)st- agc stumps. The t^econd uditiou of *' In-door Gurdealng," price la, titi.f couTains tlic »iim(.t iiifoniiiitlon ns the flr&t. DouuLK LouuLiA (/«/««»).— Tho namo Rasoll has never been in print as thtit »f a LobcUii i)r ;iny other phint. Ricasoli Is the name of one uf the best Horseshoe GciMniunis. A doutilc blue fjobella— such a^ your secdllmr, h,is not boon iiioiitiunf d before. But you should not hiivo allowed the piaiits to go on so hint: flowei inf?. It will uui cdiue truo from seuds, and the chances ure thiit you will lose it iiltoxether. \W said Inst September, the only >ccret In keepiii^c old plants of the blue Lobelias over the winter, is lu cut down bo many of them then. Wo have ii humlrcd ol them so man.itfcd, nnd there are twenty nond cuttin;;^ on each of them now, aud the plants are thus so tamed that none of them will '^o ulT. lKTEiiPKb:T\xioN (IF Name^ OF Fi'.TtNS {A Suh-Hcrilirf) .—Tho "Cottage Gardonii- s Dictionary " gives the interpretation of their nsimcs. Selkctio:* op ArPLRs (A 5«ftsr7fifr).—/)r«scrC.— Irish Peach, Gravcn- ^tein, Cox's OrmffO Pipphi, Golden Reinette, Margil, Nonpareil, Sturmer Pippin, A'*Yc/V(?;i.— YorKshiro GreeniiiK. Blenheim Pippin, Aliiistur., llei- uotto Ulanche d'Espagne, Royal Uussei, Haiiweli Souring. Am\i:yllis aulic\ (TT. if. X.).— Yonr beuntifnl Amaryllis is a true Hippeastrum, and is very far removed from auUtu. It is a cross-breed, auiica was its Krcit-urandmother, Joi-nsoni wii-j its KiiVUdraMier, and psUta- clnum it* (frandmuiher, and the immediate parents wore some gmden seed- lings. The Kround colour is from aulic.i, the wliitu star inside Is from Johnsoni, and the Ki'ueu shade inside and out is irum psittiicnmui. The number of llowers, (our in tlie umbel, is iuherited from Johnsoni ; aulica and pBittaelnum never produco but two fiowors on tha scape If they are truo wild species. Earlv Vinkrt {P. L. C.).— From tlie statements you havo given of the Vines, anl of the condition of tlie border out-idt;, we arc quite certain you will do no jTooa by doetorinjf either the Vines or the border, and tiio Vines will UngniBh more mid more from every suceeediug crop. The most econo- mical Wiiy of £;uardmtf aguinst a, dead failure some day or other, U to begiu again at the bi;ginning, and ^oX a new set of Vines established before thu old ones arc done with altn^'eiher, so as not to lose a year's crop. The best way would be, if you couM manage it, to make a four-feet- wide border inside the vinery to begin with, aud to widen it about a yard in the autuuiu each season tin'you j,'ot to the back w;ill ; to pi nut the yuun^j Vines iusidi-, and to train them up between tlie old ones till you h.id them fit to bear ; then to unspur the lower half of the old Vines, and Iruit the young ones along the bottom half of the roof. And after that i^rub out the old Vines, turn out thooid border to thu bottoni. put a foot deep o ruOble at tiie bottom of it, in order to raise it up higher ; then make a new border outside, also by degrees, beginning with 4 feet; but you should open spaces as large as the front wall v?ill allow of, so as to join the inside an.i V\c outside borders, and as mncli on the same level as you can manage it. Piiint the new Vines as shallow fts p .ssiblp, and put 2 inches deep of cocoa-nut refuse over the roots for mulchin *, and thit will cause the roots to ramify all over the surface. Cyanophvi.lum suGNTFicujt CoLTuai". (j/. C.) . — It is a native of Mad.i- gasear, and ie is also the beet for Ro^^es, and the very best soil for the Grape Vine is also the best for Rosea, both lor pots and lor border.-'. The followmg will tuit you better tliun all the rest :— Baionnc Provost, Madame Vidot, -Jules Margottin, Generals Washington and Jacqueminot, Senatcur Vaisse, Madame Cr^ipulet, Comtesse Chabrillant, Duchess of Sutherland, Geaut dcs Batailles, and Louis Peyrrony. Hbattnc. fk,om a Boiler at the Back of a Parlocr Fire iA. J. W.)— Wc see no dittlcully in the matter, provided there is hciit cuougii in your boiler, and your tank is ori a proper level. If the boiler is close the tank won d be all the better to be 2 feet or 3 feet ;ihove tho top of the builcr. "Whether clo>e or open, iino ca?c mu.n it be below the boiler, A small boiler would not manage sucli an amonut of water a? 3uo vyr 400 gallons ; but if you want that quantity or u.ore in summer, all yon have to do is to make your tank deep enough, but in winter to eoufine the depth uf water to 3 inches or -I inchi^. That will be heated move quickly, and tho lieat will equa.ly rise whatever be the .'■itles or covering of your tank. CoctiMBE I LEAVE>i Blotcheo {A Cotistfint Siif>.icriber].— \\Q think the holes are partly due to the fumes of the turpentine, and the aan shining on the leaves before the fumes escape, or they have beeouiu dry by giving air •early. Ga^ii^KitousB Feums.— We inadveviently afated at page 673, in answer (o " Ruaxicuc," th.it Asplenium lucidum, biilblferuin, and lanceulatum will not succeed in a conmiou gicenhou>e. The two first are moderatL-ly Irardy New Zealand species, and will ihrlve well in u temperature of about 38'' If no cold winds get to them ; and the last is a Britisher. PKNiiuLotM Pi..\STs FOR Haskkts IN GnKusHfiusB ( TT. f ./".).— Almost all twining and creeping plants will answer if suflieiuutly supplied with moisture, sucii as the giccnhouse Pas»itloraf<, and the ctrongi^r growing of thi! Kennedjas, and Gompholobiums. Allowed to depend, all training would be saved. Amongst stroiig-growinu' seuii-herbacecms evergreen Bhiui)by plants, we would Instance the Maurandyas, Lophospermuros, llhodoehiton volubile, Coboja itcandens, Dolichus llgnosui, Jusminum gracile. Among free-growing herbaceous and succulent in their stems— Tj-opipolum Lobbianum clegans, Triompbe do llyris, and the beautiful tricoloium und peniBphyllum. Of small lierbaceous evergreen irailcrs, we would instance— Lobelia gracilis and begoniiolia (bluej, aud Ilibbertia grosanlarivetolia (yellow), riaxifraga sarmentosa, und Tradescantia pro- cumbcns, leaves green, white, and purple. Of h irdwooded saiall plants, Kcnnedya prostrata would answer well. Where the assistance of a hotbed could be procured for cuttingn and seeds in spring, the beautiful Torenia u.^iatica, and the v.uious varieties of Thunber^iu M'ould look charming in summer if well eyrlnged. Ot succulents use Ctreus flagclliformla aud Mallesoni.— R. F. Various {Jlii/hla/ider). — In your circumstances it would behest to plant the strong Vines against the back wall. The nearer they reach the rafter the better. If you hud planted e.uiier yon might have had fruit next season. To got it now the ball must not be broken much, but tlut will be against the plants afterwards. Wo would rather spread the roots nicely out and thinlt little ot a return the first year. Those In pots had belter be kept in pots and top-dressed. The giving them tire heat or not is purely a matter of convenienee and the desired time to get the fruit. The Vine will bre^ik quite as well if left to its natural time of breaking. If your Peach tree is too vigorous, root-prune or raise cuiefuUy and replant in poor soil. Your watering with such L-esh rank manure water, would, of course, increase luxuriance at tlic expense of m:Uuration. We should use no liquid that flows from a decomposing-heap, of which iresh heated grass forms a portion, unless it were greatly dilated for any plants in pots, and would prefer droppings from animals in8tcat, Kent. Fourth, Capt. W. Hornby, Know.sley Cottage, Prescot. Chickens.— F'wsU J. Drewry, New'on Mount. Burlon-on-Trent. Second. C. H. W;ikefield, Malvern Wells. Third, W. T. Kverard, Bardon Hill House, near Ashby-de-ln-Zouch. Fourth, Right Hon. Viscountess Holmes- dale, Linton Park, Slaplehurst, Kent, jyc«js.— First, C. H. W^aketield. Second, Right Hon. Yiscounte^^H HolmestJale. Pullets. — Right lion. Vis- countess Hulmesdalo. Second, D. V. Allen. Inchmartinc, Inchture, N.B. Dorking (White).— First, Mrs. H. Fooke*, Whitechnrch, BUndford, Dorsetshire. Second, Mtf. Beardniore. Uplands, near Fan-ham Hampshire. Chuk&Tis.—Fhe,t, H. Lingwood, Netdham Market, Sutlolk. Second, J. Robmson, Vale House, Garstang. Spanish —First. R.Teebay, Preston. Second, J. Martin, Claines. Third, J.K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Fourth, H. Lane, Bristol. Chick e7}s.— Fir &t, H. Lane. Second, R. Teebay. Third, J. R. Rodbard, Wrington, Bristo?. Fourth, H. Yardley, Eirnungham. Uens.—T'wBt, J. Maitin. Second, R. Teebay. rullets.-FiTut, S. H. Hyde, Ashion-under-Lyne. Second J. R. Rodbard. CncHiN-CiijN'A (Cinnamon and Buff).— First and Mr. Wade's Cup, H. Bates. Edgbaston, Birmingham. Second and Amateur's Cup, H. Tom- linson, Balsall Heath Road, Birmingham. Third, G. Fell, Warrington. C/iicketi. s.—himt and Aniateur'a Cup, J. W. Ketleway, Merston, Isle of Wight. Second and Amateur's Cup, G. Fell. Third, E. Musgrove, Aughton, Orinskirk. If ens.— Fn&t, S. Statham, Forest Row, Sussex. Second, E. Smith, Sliddleton, Manchesttr. i'ulle's.—Firsi, C. Felton, ErdinjjtOB, Birmingham. Second, Rev. G. Gilbert, Claxton, Norwich. CocHiN-Cui.VA (Brt;iwn and Partridge-feathered).— First, P. Carfewright, Oswestry. Second, U. Chavasee, King's Heath, Birmingham. Third, Mrs. Herbert, Powick. Chirkeus. — First and Cup, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Second, R. White, Broomhall Park, Sheffield. Third, E. Musgrove, Aughton, near Ormskirk. H^Hf.— First. R. White. Second. E. Smith, Middleton (Grouse). Pullets.— FirBt, P. Cdrtwright. Second, J. Heape, Sparkbrook. Cocbin-China (While).— First, C. P^elton, Erdington, near Birmingham, Second, K. Chase, Birmingham. Chickens, — Firbt and Second, Master R. W. Chase, Birmingham. Bhahma PooTRA.^Fir.-t and Second, R. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston. Chtckeits.—FiiHt, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, D. V. Allen, Inchmar- Une, inchture, N.B. Mai.at. — First, N. Sykes, Mile End, Lonflon. Second, W. Manfield, juu., Dorchester. Chickens. — Fir^t and Sucond, N. Sykes. Hambvkoh (Golden-pencilleu). — First, Major Ward, Calne, Wiltshire. Second, J. Munn, Newchurch, near Manchester. Third, A. Nuttall, New- church, n ar Manchester. ChicKetis — Fir-t, Mrs. W. Kershaw, Manchester. Second, H. Snowden, Great Horton, near Bradford, Yorkshire. Third, J. Howard, Bedford, Hamduhoh (Silver-peneiilfd).— First, D. Harding, Middlewich, Cheshire. Second, J. Martin, Claines, Worcester. Third, Rev. H. G. Bailv, Swindun, Wiltshire. Chickens.— i^'ir&t, S. Shaw, Stainland. Halifax. Second, T. W. Walsh, Worcc-'ter. Third, J. Martin. Claines, Worcester. HAJmuRGH (Pencilled).— //cms. — Fii>l, J. Munn, Shawclough, New- church, near Manchester (Golden). Second, J. Martin, Claines, Worcester (Silver). Fulltls.—Fiiiit, J. Munn (Golden). Second, T. W. Walsh, Worcester (Silver). Hamburgh (Golden-spangled). —First, J. Dixon, North Park, Bradford, Yorkshire. Second. J. Robinson, Vale Uouse, Garstang. Third, W. R. Lane, Bristol Road, Birmingham. Chickens. — First. S. H. Hyde, Taunion Hall, Ashton-under-Lyne. Second, J. G. Sugden, Eastwood House, near Keighler, Yorkishire. Third. W. K. Lane, Biimingham. Haubvkoh (Silver-spangled).— Firit, J, Fielding, Newchurch, near Manchester. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford, Yorkshire. Third, W. Cannan, Bradford, Yorkshire. CAtcAflfj*.- First, H. Bcal, Wexham, Slough. Second, and Third, W. Cannan. Hamburgh jSpangled). — ITens.—H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley, York (Golden). Second. \V. Lawson, East Chevin. Otlcy (Golden). Fulletn.— First, I. Daviep, Bull Street, Harbornc, near Birmingham (Golden). Second, A. Nuttall, Newchurch, near Slanchester. Poland (Biack with white crests).- First, T. P. Edwards, Lyndhurst, Hampshire. Second, G. Ray, Minestead, Lyndhurst, Hampshire. Third, H. Beldon, Bradford, YorUshiie. C'Aiciefis. —First and Second, T. P. Edwards. Third, G. Kay. Poland (Golden).- First and Third, J. Dixon, Bradford, Yorkshire. Sfcond, H. Beldon. Bradford, Yorkshire. Chickens.— F'usx, J. Dixon. Second, C. Adkin8, The Lightwoods, near BirHiingham. Third, H. Beldon. PoLANUs (Silver).— First and Third, J. Dixon, Bradford, Yorkshire, Second, H. Beldon, Bradford, Yorkbhire. Chickens.— Fix^U G. C. Adkms. The Lightwoods, near Birmingham. Second, W. Kewsome, Bingley, near Leeds. Third, J. Dixon, Any other Distinct Vabiztt.— First, J. Dixon, Bradford, Yorkshire (Black Hamburgh). Second, Right Hon. Countess of Aylesford, Offchurch, near Leamington (Cuckoo Dorking). Third, C. Baker, King's Koad, Chelsea, London (Crt^ve CuL-ur). Gamk (Black-b^ea^ted RecU).— Fir-t, J. Fletcher, Stoncclough, near Manchester. Second, R. Woods, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Third, W. Rub-son, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Fourth, J. Hindson, Liverpool. Chickens.— F'w^l, G. Cargey, Stone, Staffordshire, Second, Hon. W. W. Vernon, Eccleshall, Staffordshire. Third, W, Robson. Fourth, J. Fletcher. Gamk (Brown and otber Ked3, except Black-breasted). — First and Cup, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. Second, 11. Swift, Southwell. Third, T. Robin- eon, Poplar Grove, Ulverstone. Foarth, C. Curtis, Lutterworth. Chickens, —First, E. Archer, Malveio. Second, G. E. Meredith, Wellington, Shrop- shire. N. Giiuihhaw, Pendle Forest, Burnley. E. Aykrojd, Bradford, (An extraordinarily good clasp. Best class of Game in the Exhibition.) Gamk (Black-breasted and other Reds).— TTf/w.— First, R. Alkin, Harts- hill, Atherstone. Second, W. Boyes, Beverley. Pullets.— F\x&i, R. Swift, Southwi'll. Second, Mesers. Parkinson & Lawrenson, Preston. Gaur (Duckwings and otJier Greys and Blues). — First, Col. Blackburne, Leamington. Second, H. Woirall, SVest Derby. Third, W. Dawson, Selly Oak, Birmingham. Fourth, G. Hellewell, Walkley. Shetfield. Chickens. — First, R. Woods, Worksop. Second, H. Snowden. Great Horton, Bi*ddford. Third. Hon. W. W, Vernon, Eccleshall. Fourth, T. Carle&s, Hoveringham. GAME;Blacks and Brassy-winged, except Greys].— Fiiot, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, near Manchester. Second, \V. D.iw8on, Selly Oak, near Birmingham. Third, G. Hellewell, Walkley, near Shetfield. Chickens.— First and Third, W. Dawson. Second, .). Fletcher. Game (White and Piles). — First, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough, Manchester, Second and Third, J. Camni, Famsfield, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. C/iicAeH*.— First, withheld. Second, B. W. Bretherton, Rainhill, near Prescot, Lancashire. Th.rd, J, Camm. Gamk (except Black-breasfcd and other Reds), — Ketts.— FiT^t, T. Good- win, Everton, Liverpool (Duckwing). Second, J. Percivull, Harborne, near Birmingham (Duckwing). J'ul lets.— Fiist, J. Wood, Wigan. Second, T, Goodwin. CLASSES FOR SINGLE COCKS. Dorking (Silver Grey;. — First, T. Staller, Stand Hall, Manchester. Second, D. Steel, Windermere. Third, T. W. Hill, Woodlands, Heywood, near Manchester. Dorking (except Silver Grey),— First, Right Hon. Viscountess HolmcF- dale, Linton Park. Second, Mrs, Arkwright, Derby. Third, E.H.GarraLd, Broadway, WorceBtershire. Decembers, lSfi2. ] JOURNAL OF HOETICCLTUEE AND COTTAaE GAEDENER. 707 Spanish.— First. .T. R Rodhard, "Wrington. Second, II. Lnno, Bristol. Tliird. lUuch A nmiUer, Shrfnolii. Cochin-Chin* {CiriTinmon nnil RuftV— -T. W. KpUpwuv, Isle of Wight. Second. U. While, Sheftiold. Third, H. TomltTTion. BinninL'h.un. CocHiN-CuiHA (except Cinnumon and Uutft.— First. E. Tudnmn, ^I'hit- rhnrch, Shroiishirr fPiivlridge or Oiouscl. Second, J. Shorthi-sc, New- cih-ile on Tyno (PurtridgPl. Third, K Cariwricht, Oswestry ( Prtrtridce). Urahm^'Pootka,.— Fir.it, II. Teebay, Fulwood, near Preston, Second, IVIrs. Sonnioim, Avlpslnirv. IlAMumtnii 'Cioldcn-poncillcdl.— Mr«, W. Kershnw, Ileywood, near M.incdfutev. Second, J. Munn, Manchester. TIamburoh fSilver-pencilled). — First, J. Dixon, Bnidford. Second, Miss S. Cotes. Hicton. IlAMBuur.u (aolden-spanslcdj.— First, S. II. Ilyd". Second, W. Ker- s)iaw. Manchester. flAMBURDH /SiWer-apangled). — First, J. Dixon, Bradford. SL'cond, ,1. Fielding. Manchester. Poland.— First, G C. Adkins, Eirmingbam. Second. J. Dixon, North Fiirk, Bradford. Gamk fWhitP nnd Piles, PHckwInps. and other Varieties, except Redt»). —First. T. CarlesM. lloveiingliam, near NottinKhiini. Second, Hon. M". W. Ternnn, Kcelenhall. K. Swift. Southwell. Fourth. .T. Hind«nn, Kverton. C.AMK (Blnrk-breastod Redsl.- Fir^^t. J. Sliibl»s. Stafford. Second, J. Fletcher. Stoneclougb. Third, Hon. W. W. Vernon. Fourth, N. Grim- s inn*. Ti irnlcv. OvMK (Brown nnd other Red*;, except Blatk-hreiiHtft'D. — Fin^t, K. Archer, Mulvcrn. Second. T. Stnller, Manchester. Third, G. Cargey, Sr.ndon Farm. Fourth. V,'. Rohson, Worksop. Bantams fGold-Iaredi. -First and Third. T. H. D. Bayly, Biggleswade. Second, M. I,eno. jiin., Dunatable. Bantams fSilver-laced't.— First nnd Third, T. H. D. Bayly, Biggleswade. Second, M. Lcno. jun.. Dunstable. Bastams (Wliite, Clean-legged).— First and Second. T. IT. D. Bayly, Blegleswade. Third. J. Rumser, Shndwell and South Hackney. Bantams (Black, rienn-leirccd).— Fir^'t. .T. Munn. Newchnrch. Second, C \V, Brierley, Onkenrod Terrace, Rochdale. Third, G. Maples, jun., Wftvertree. B*NTAMs fAny other Variety').— Fir^t. F. Musten, St. Alban's {Japunce White). Second. C. Felton, Erdington, Bnjninghara (Booted;. Third, G. D^tft, Sinithwrll. Gamk Bantam.* fBlack-breaRted and other Reds).— First nnd Second, T. II. D. Ravly. Biggleswade. Third, E. Mus-^rove, Aughton. Ormskirk. Gamk Bantams (Any other variety).- First, J. C'amni, Southwell. Second, R, Ilawk^lev. jun.. Southwell, Nottinghamshite. Third, Hon. K. N. Hill, Cronkbill'. Shrew.sbury (Duckwing). Bantam Cocks (Gamp).— First, T. H. D. Bayly, Bicgle.'^wnde. Second, R. Swift, Southwell. Xottiugbambhire. Third, E. Musgrove, Aughton, near Ormskirk (Duckwing). Ducks fWhite Avlcshurvl.— Firiat, IMra. Se^monB. Ayleshurv. Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Third, J. .Smith, Breeder Hills, Grantham. DfCKs (Rouen).— First J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Second, T. Robinson, ITlverstone. Third. H. Worrall, West Derby, near Liverpool. Dueics (Black East Indian}.— First, Miss Chiton, Second, J. Beasley, Northampton. DiTK^ t Any oth-^r variety).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, T. H. D. Bayly, Bigcli'swnde. OnNAMRNTAL Watkk Fowl.— First, T. 11. Bayly, Biggleawatle (Sebastopol Geese). Serood, J. Morris. Wolverhampton. GKtsB (White).— First, Sirs. SeunionB, Ayle.-ibury, Second, W. Manfleld, jun., Dorchester (Improved Dorset). Third, Right Hon. Lord Kinnaird, Tuchtnre, N.B. ffoa/iH*;*.— First, W. Manfield, jun. Second, Right lion. Lord Kimaird. Gkksk {Grey and Mottled).— First, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Second, D. V. Allen. Inchmartine, Inchture, N.B. Third, W. Lort, King's Norton, Birmingham. GosHnga. — First, J. K. Fowler. Second, Mrs. Seamons, Aylesbury. TuftKETs. — First, Mrs. A. Guy, Eaton, Grantham (C-imbridgethire.) Second, P. V. Allen. Inchmartine. Third, Mrs. C. Brown. Withington. Pow/rs— First,Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Acle. Norfolk ^Cambridgeshire), Second, J. Smith. Gr:intham (CambridKcshireJ. Third, Mrs. Wolfeislan, Tamwortb (Cambridgeshire.) PIGEONS. PowTKEs.— First nnd Second, P. Fdeu, SaUord, Manchea'er. Third, M. Rake. Brandon Hill. Bristol. CAitRiKRS (Blaok Cock).— First, E. L. Corker, Croydon. Second, Messrs. W. Sidied as a receptacle for brood. Small supers are very pretty, and may more frequently be obtained perfectly free from brood than large ones, but in my humble opinion are a sad hiulrauco to the full productive powers of the bees. I very seldom put on a super which will hold less than 15 lbs. or 25 lbs., and should the season be favourable to honey-gathering, the capacity of these is quickly increased by slipping between them and the stocks boxes of the same diameter, of greater or less depths, being mere ekes without tops or adapters. I do not know whether " Upwards and Onwards " claims the invention of the system of exelusiosi of drones as his own. He may certainly have unaided hit upr>n the idea, but he cannot claim priority of invention. In 18't9 and 1850 I eoiresponded on this very subject with W. J. Petitt of Dover, who then advertised for sale a hive on this principle. The letters reeeived from him were destroyed only a few months ago, as I did not think them likely to be of further use. He exhibited a hive fitted with the drone-excluding communication, the plan of whieh I should much prefer to that shown in page 603 of the Journal — numely on the ground of its being composed of a greater number of slits, forming in the aggregate a much larger aperture. This would seem to be an improvement on tlie ordinary modes of affording acjcss to the supers, and I have often reproaehed myself for not having given it a trial. Having tried most new ideas that have, from time to time beej promulgated, it seems strange that this haa not been ineluded in the category. But another season will, I t''u&t, see it somewhat extensively adopted in mv apiarv. With regard to the disputed matter of cross-sticks, although detesting thorn myself in ordimry straw or other hives, I am quite disposed to coincide with "Upwards and Onwards" in ad- vocating their use in hives of such large internal capacity as those he adopts. As it is intended that the eombs shall be a permanent fixture until, from ago or otherwise, these hives are broken-up, the objection to their use on tho score of diffieulty of remuvin:; combs comes to nothing. The obstruction whioh it is alleged is caused tj the breeding of the queen, which may be true as respects very small hives, cannot be of any importance in such hives as our friend uses. That they may often be the cause of saving an unfortun,ate downfall of the combs would be sufTieient argument in favour of their presence. I am, however, inclined to believe that the reason for the bees having fastencd-down their combs to the board did tint arise from their fear lor the stability of their works ; but that, owing to tho large diameter of the straw hive, the boards had beoame pressed-down by the weight, thus approximating the lower edges of the combs to the bottom board, to whieh, of course, the bees would quickly secure them. I do not like the feeder this exhibitor uses and recommends. No one who has become acquainted witti the plin of feeding by bottle but must, I fancy, be convinced of its very great superiority to that shown in page 603, or to those advocated by almost any other authority. Of the use of the milk-pan for a cover as a substitute for the straw hackle, I am rather inclined to think favourably, so long as the stock-hive remains unsupcred ; but the protection must be very imperfect whe^ rnised-up anolher story, and wholly inade- quate to keeping off either burning ^un or driving rain. I have used with advantage in such cases a ring made of old floor- cloth passed rather loosely rouud the lower hive. Two of my straw hives have been thus protected for more than four years. But I much prefer well-veutilatcd wooden cases which, however, " Upwards and Onwards " will conte:id do not come within the means or the requirements of the million. The cases moat approved of are so made that one only with a loose roof can be used for a single hive or box ; or they may be piled-up to any necessary height, to meet the wants of one, two, three, or more supers, the same roof fitting any one case. But what shall we say to the abomination, in the shape of a stone imitation of a human head, stuck-up on the top of the pan to prevent its being overturned ? How any one with the smallest amount of taste can complacently put-up with such an incongruity I cannot conceive. Better have the roughest old stone, or the most dilapidated of bricks than this monstrosity. But there is no need of either. A very fine ))iece of copper wire passed over the pan aud under the floor-board would effectually prevent the possibility of any accident from the clfecta of the most violent of gales. The small bell-glasses in this case were filled with beautifully white honeycombs. The various preparations of and from honey anfl wjx were also nicely ex- hibited, and worthy of a high meed of praise. I have dwelt thus long on the contents of this case, and the subjects for discussion, which have arisen from the remarks which have already appeared relative thereto, both from the pen of the exhibitor and others, because there was much well worihy of notice and of praise, and very strong proof shown that the well-known contributor to your pagjs is a thorot;ghly prac- tical man, whose opinion and judgment on apiarian matters are worthy of very high consideration.— S. Bet AN Fox, Exeter. {Tu be continued.) DZIEEZON ON THE BEE-YEAE, 18(33. Not one of the least benefits conferred by The Jodrnal of HoBTICULIURE On its various apiarian readers is the admission to its pages of the weh-weighed opinions and enlarged experiences of such distinguished and practical bee-keepers as Dzierzon, of Carlsmarkt, and Kleiiie, of Liiethorst. To Mr. Woodt^ury belongs the credit of having a translation inserted of several artieles written for the " German Bee Journal " by these eminent apiarians, and it is to be hoped that his good offices in this respect may from time to time be continued. The continental naturalists have always been foremost in exploring the hidden mysteries of bee-hfe, and it is pleasing to find that the German apiarians of the present day do not lack that patient indu-try and persevering endeavours after truth which distinguished their predecessors. Everything from the pen of Dzierzon especially, the celebrated 710 JOtTRSAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [December 3, 1S62. propounder of the wonderful doctrine of parthenogenesis in I he honey-bee, must neceesarily be fraught with interest; and, though, aftsr a long battle against what is called the antiquated notions and confirmed prejudices of bee-keepers, he has lived to see these partially mollified if not altogether subdued, and to witness his long-cherished hypothesis in course of being elevated in the hands of the scientific physiologist to the rank of a regular theory ; yet we find that addirional study and a more varied and extensive experience have compelled him to sacrifice his theory to liis convictions, and to leave the defence of this strange doctrine of parthenogenesis in other hands, such as Carl Theodor Ernest von Siebold, Professor of Zoology and Com- parative Anatomy in the University of Munich, and others who may choose to take it up. In such circumstances, it would appear, he has retired, bewildered and confounded, seemingly, amidst the conflicting deductions of his own experiments, to take shelter under the antiquated and untenable theory of a bygone age— the exploded hypothesis adopted by Swammerdam of the vivifying action of an avra seminaKs. No apiarian, however, will think less of Dzif rzon for doubting the correctness of his own theory in the face offsets, which, as they appeared to him, he could not conscientiously ignore. It is an evidence rather that he is not a man who can be led away by a preconceived opinion, whether right or wrong, but that his mind is open to the reception of the truth, come from what source it may. No one who is intimately acquainted with the history and habits of the bee, and who fully understands the eff'ects of those various influences which ever and anon are brought to bear on its welfare and prosperity, wiU fail to recngnise in the writings of Dzierzon the opinions of a man who knows his subject well. And yet there is one remark he makes in the article entitled the " Bee-year 1862," which if left unexplained might lie open to question and doubt, as not harmonisins with the findings of ex- perience in such circumstances. It is this : — " Another remark- able observation which I make at this time is, that all stocks from which the old queen has been removed in the course of the summer, either with or without a swarm, are more populous, and work stronger than those which have not been disturbed ;" and again, " Those, therefore, are mistaken who believe that stocks in order to remain strong must be left undisturbed." Now, these remarks, though put in too general a way, and without regard apparently to circumstances, contain, never- theless, a thorough knowledge of the bee community, and of what is most conducive to their increase and prosperity. Every experienced apiarian will have observed that in our climate, ar.d with our pasturage, there is a limit beyond which we fail to in- crease the number of bees in any one hive, however much we may enlarge their accommodation. In a good season, and with a prolific queen, I admit that a hive, if swarming could in such a case be prevented by an adequate enlargement of the domicile, would increase prodi- giously in population and in stores ; but there is a limit here also, nor can we always calculate on obtaining such results. In an ordinary season, and especially in a bad season, we find the aspect of affdirs totally diflerent, and the results also different. Indeed, I have almost invariably found, as a general rule, that my hives increase in strength up to a certain point, when, if by the intervention of bad weather swarming is prevented, then from that moment, increase the accommodation as I may, those thwarted hives become, if I may so express myself, demoralised, and their former activity and energy materially slackened and damped. The reason I assign for this is that swarming is strictly a natural act, aud when bees are thwarted in their swarming propensities, a certain check is given to their ardour and industry which has a prejudicial effect upon the whole community. That swarming is a natural act I hold in oppo- sition to a great many naturalists and apiarian writers of the present day, who, in my opinion, expend a great deal of un- necessary logic in endeavouring to account for what are termed the " causes " of such a " wonderful phenomenon." When, therefore, bees are prevented from swarming, when they are foiled in this their natural propensity, they are foiled in one of the principal objects of their existence, to the accomplishment of which the whole labours of the entire community in spring and early summer undoubtedly tend. Properly managed and timeously made, nearly the same bene- fioial results may be accomplished by artificial means. By both processes, the natural and artificial, a fresh vigour and a new impetus are impart«d to the bees, which, because in accordance with Nature's laws, will act most favourably on their welfare, in- stigating both bees and queens to increased activity and energy in their respective functions. In my apiary during this most disastrous summer, my strongest hives ultimately became the weakest. Those which did not swarm, and which, consequently, had a crowded popu- lation and abundant brood, gave way first. The bees perished . abroad in hundreds from pure inanition, and the broods were, consequently, neglected and cast-out. It would not be right, however, to construct a general theory out of materials furnished in so exceptional a year ; but, never- theless, my experience quadrates with that of Dzierzon as to results. In regard, however, to the removal of the old queen in every case from a hive which has not swarmed, if such be the meaning of Dzierzon's observations, I could never approve of it ; and I most cordially join in Mr. Woodbury's caveat in this matter, to all bee-keepers, against such deposition of the queens regnant without some very cogent reasons. Indeed, I never do remove a queen alone from a hive in summer, unless I find, as some- times happens, a radical defect in her productive powers. At the same time, believing as I do that a queen has the ability to regulate the business of ovipositiou according to the exigencies of the occasion, and the circumstances and conditions in which she may be placed, I am decidedly of opinion, that in order to impart full life and vigour into the apiary, and to insure the greatest amount of numbers — in short, to have prolific queens and vigorous colonies, natural swarming must be tolerated, or such other substitutes adopted as shall most nearly resemble the provisions which the wisdom of Nature points out for the mul- tiplication of the species. — J. Lowe, Edinburgh, OUE LETTER. BOX. Egg? with Thin %n-Ei.-Lfi. {Ornithologist). —KW fowls must be supplic'd Witt the material for the shells of the eggs. Nature does not provioe it. and your birds lack chalk or lime. Throw down a good large basketful of bricklayer's rubbish near to their roostin^-place, or any other much- fiequeiited part of their run. You will soon have hard shells. Silver Phrasants (C. B.) — Your Silver Pheasants will hardly be worth more in the uprine than they are now. They are of no value till they are in colour, when they are nearly two years old. At that age they are worth about a guinea each. We cannot say what they are worth now; but think about twelve shillings each. Poultry with Diskased Livers {^Trs. Russell)*— ks you say your fowls are vcrtj fat, we are disposed to think they have fat livers. They are much enlarijed. and very pale. The cli:inge of colour is caused by the absorption of the bile into the liver, and tlii>* is caused by excessive fat. Indian corn and Potatoes will both induce this disorder. When over-fat, or confined too long for the purpose of fattening', poultry decreases in weight, while it gains in fat. The result is the fat liver so much esteemed by gourmands, and the principal ingredient in the celebrated ** P5t(5 de foies gras aux truffes de Perigord.'* Diminish the quantity of food, give your fowls ground oats mixed with water three times per day, and give jour Geese and Ducks plain oats ; if they are in confinement, add gravel. Fowr.s WITH Diseased Digestive Organs {C. Spencer). — Unless we know thf! food given and the treatment generally, we can offer no certain su;rgestion. Excessive feeding with insufficient exercise, vielent transi- tions of temperature, and mayy other causes, may be the origin. Spanish Pigeons (An AmfiteHr).—Xo\ir Pigeons are evidently Runts. Any weight over 4 lbs. per pair is a very good weight for this variety, and will generally win at a show. Two odd-coloured birds in the Fanta:! or any other class would stand no chance of winning. Prizes are given for pairs, not for odd birds. Milking (IT. IT. S.).—A. well-fed Cow miy be milked until within a month of her calving. She should then have a drench of 12 otis. of Epson* salts and 2 drachms of powdered ginger in a quart of warm water, and hare less green food until she becomes dry. You unreasonably And fault with, us for stating the yield of butter and milk from a aupffrior Guernsey Cow. Wliy should'an inferior Cow be kept, since the cost is the same ! We have only stated facts ; it is not the fault of the manager, but of the animal, il the latter has a full allowance of good food. LONDON MAEKETS.— December 1. POULTRY. There is more than an ample supply at market, and the trade is nominal. We do not expect any improvement till the approach of Christmas. Large Fowls 2 6 to 3 0 Ducks 2 0 to 2 3 Smaller do 2 0 „2 G Partridges ^ 0 ,. 2 S Chickens 1 6 „ 1 8 , Hares ? ? " T 5 Geese 6 0 „ 7 0 - Rabbits i J '* i o Grouse 2 0 „2 3 ; Wild do M "n 2 Pheasants 2 6 „ 3 0 Pigeons » » .. « » December 9, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 711 WEEKLY CALENDAR. ,, 1 WkATUIUI NKAIL I. ON DON IN 18GI. "■ Pav : Diiy of 1 nf DECEUBEll 0-15, 1862. Sun I Moon Sun 1 ItlKeB Moon's Cloolc after Day of Rain in Inches. M'nth Week. Bacooteter. Thcrmom. Wind. R18C8. Sett. 1 and nets Akc. Sun. Ytiar. docreoK. m. Ii. m. h.! m. h. m. 8. 0 To ICrica Taterponi. 29.8S2-5n 7R1 ,W-3G .s. — 5Caf7 49ar3 ' 59 6 IS 7 26 343 10 W Krica coccinoa. 29.783-2fl.7.'!7 57-33 s. •01 57 7 49 3 G 8 19 6 S9 344 11 Th Krica cx.surkens. 80.010-29.!)8S 5B— 37 s.w. •Ofl S8 7 49 S 13 9 20 6 32 U6 n F Diosina evicoidca. 29 87G-20.C.J0 54-44 s.w. •04 59 7 ] 49 3 22 10 21 G 4 346 13 S Kutaxia myriifulia. [died. £9.4Gi)_2il.3ai 54-34 s.w. •06 VIII 1 49 3 32 U 22 G 39 547 u Sun 3 Sun. in Advent. Pr. Consort 30.029-29,88.1 53—39 s.w. — 1 8 49 3 morn. ( B 7 §48 IS M Fuchsia serratifoUa. 30.147—30.119 63-40 s.w. ■07 2 8 49 3 44 0 24 4 38 349 METEonoLooT Or TUB Wkek.— At Chiswick, from observntions (luring tho laat thirty-five years, the average hiKhest and lowest temperattires of these davs nre 45.3^ and 33.7" respectivoly. Tho prc.itest hpot, GP, occurred on the 13th, in 1812 ; and the lowest cold 11' on the 131h, in ISIG. During tho period 152 days were fine, and on 93 rain fell. NEPETA C-ESIA— EDGING PLANTS-PLANTS FOii SOUTH AND NOETH WALLS. OME plants are so and so, and others arc so mucli like them, that people begin to say they are neither the one thing nor the other ; but the first plant on my list to-day has proved itself, by along course of service, to be the best plant in Eng- land for a poor niau, and a prince could not procure a better for certain effects, or for certain situations in his grounds. The name of it, as I booked it last September in the botanical arrangement in Kew Gardens, is Nepeta ea;sia — that is, in good old English, Grey Catmint. How many llower-gardeners should you suppose are in this, or in the next island, who would not join with those who would say that a Catmint was neither the one thing nor the other ? But I say it is the one thing Cor a poor man, and the other thing for a prince. It is also the best thing for a company in the arrangements of their plants in a public garden. There is now no question at all amongst a very large number of men and masters, that this same Grey Catmint is the very best plant, and the most telling plant in use in Europe, for certain situations and for particular purposes. Every good gardener in the three kingdoms knows the plant as well as your humble servant, and yet I question if there is one of them out of a thousand who could tell the plant I mean at this very point. Do you know the plant? No. Well, that is more my fault than that of any of you , but when you come to recollect it, I often wished to be able to tell you the name, what it is you have known for many years, and you have, all of you gardeners, cried up the plant more than ever I did. Mr. John Caie, when he was gardener to the late Dowager Duchess of Bedford, at Kensington, was the first person who brought out this Grey Catmint, about five or six and twenty years since; and Mr. Eyles is the last gardener who made the best hit with it at the Crystal Palace, for it is the very plant which everybody has admired ever since Mr. Eyles planted it round the large clump or bed of tree Peonies there. Although I still claim to be a gardener, and always shall be proud to be so called, yet now I am only an amateur ; and being but a poor one, I consider this Catmint would be the best plant in Europe for me to put round a bed o£ Rhododendrons, or a bed of Kalmias. or Ghent Azaleas ; also to put round a bed of Nepaul Ber- beris, or a mixed bed of the large evergreen Berberries, or one of Paeonies ; or if I could not afford to have such beds, and had to do with a bed or two of fine-Hower- ing common shrubs, as kinds of Spira;as, I am quite sure No. 89.— Vol, III., Niw Skeim. there is no other plant which would do for the edgings to any. or to all of these, and similar beds so well, so appro- priately, and so cheaply, and which could bo kept on for a generation with so little trouble and cost. I am equally certain of one other thing about it, and that is, that there is not one gardener out of ten thousand who knows Nepeta cajsia, and has seen it at the Crystal Palace, who will not agree with me in all that I have said about it, except it be the turn round those noble Ber- berises. Most gardeners are now aware of how much better these great Evergreen Berberries do under the shade of trees, and they plant out masses of them in the plantations, along the sides of walks and drives ; and in such places with so much shade, Nepeta cjcsia would be apt to get drawn-up and look weedy. But the poor man, whose case is now on the card, has no plantations, green drives, and shady walks, to be fringed with beds of Evergreen Berberries ; he must be content to take the north side of his house, or of his garden walls, or fences, and there these Berberries will do just as well, and there tlie Nepeta ca?sia will also do round them as well as if it were in the full sun, as it is where round the tree Pa;onies at the Crystal Palace. When we come to talk of a plant like this for a prince, no royal personage can have a better edging for a princely bed of noble things than the Gi'cy Catmint which Mr. Caie first brought into notice round London. Even up in the wilds of Argyleshire, in the Highlands, where Mr. Caie now dwells, there is no better plant to set round a bed of pure-bred Rhododendrons than his own plant — this very Nepeta crcsia. I have seen whole flower-beds of it with him at Kensington, and by his neat way of keeping it in high trim it did very well, but none of us had ever seen the plant in its proper place until Mr. Kyles. and after him Mr. Gordon, took it in hand at the Crystal Palace, and made it an edging plant IS inches wide, and nearly of that height. When left too long without being replanted it becomes higher than that, but is not so good-looking, and it ought to be lifted and reset every second or third year. It increases as fast as Box-edging, and every time it is lifted it could be so divided that one yard of it would plant three or four more yards of better plants. It also comes from cuttings as freely as a Salvia, and no frost seems to hurt it. It was never figured in this country, but it is believed by some botanists to be the Salvia cpcsia of Wildenow's Enume- ration of the plants in the Berlin garden. I examined the plant some years since, and my impression also is, that it must be a diandrous plant, and if so in reality, it cannot be a Nepeta ; but, like Mr. Scott, I am now satis- fied with the outward appearances of plants, and it is certainly down in our national collection at Kew as Nepeta cisia. Our Cineraria maritima is Senecio cine- raria of that collection. There are some remarkable hardy wall plants which I noted at the same time on the walls round the botanic collection at Kew, which are seldom mentioned in the current talk about garden plants. One of the most con- spicuous and out-of-the-way plants among them is a No. 741.— Vol. XXVin., Old Sibies 712 JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTtrRE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [December 9, 1862. running and very strong Bramble, called Siibus llflorus. This Kubus ought to be in every wilderness and Swiss garden, also in every large rock garden, and near ruins, and on rustic works. Every part of the surface of this Bramble, except the upper side of the blade of the leaf, is as white and shining as floss silk, with a milky-white down, which comes off by the touch like the "bloom" oil a Plum or Grape. Indeed, it is the most con- spicuous plant I know out of doors. If you had a pole or the stump of an old tree covered witli Irish Ivy, and were to plant Rubus biflorus against it, and tie the wide-spread branches here and there to the fore shoots of the Ivy, I cannot conceive any- thing that could be made so telling, and at sucli long distances from the eye. Without knowing it, half the world might think the Bramble was whitewashed that morning, on purpose to make the strong contrast with the deep green ol the Ivy. But it would face any kind of evergreens, and would be seen half a mile off, and no one could tell what it was, and you must all have it next spring if other things should go to the wall. A directly opposite kind of plant is the next on my list, and I wondered why it was I never recommended such a plant, if only on account of the shine in the leaves for a gardener when shaving to use instead of a looking-glass. I once saw a bride adjusting her cap by the reflection in a bucket of water for want of a looking-glass ; but if Cei-asus i/icifolia, tiie plant in ques- tion, had been trained against a north wall before the bride she could have arranged her dress witliout stooping. The beauty of the real shine and glossiness of the leaves, the closeness of growtli, and the turn it would give to the north-east corner of the house, or where the two walls meet near the summer-house, and the polislied contrast a bush plant of it would give on the north side of a summer-house, or rock, or rootery would be irresistible. Go and see it to convince yourself. The old fast-growing climber or trailer called Bridgesia spicata by Sir W. Hooker, after Mr. Thomas Bridges, who went out after plants to South America from the Botanic Garden at Bury St. Edmunds, is on that wall at ICew under the name of JSrcilla spicata, the genus having probably been pre-occupied by a former botanist. That running plant is not used nearly so much as it should be for the driest and hottest south walls in the south and midland counties of England, or to reach the tops of the highest Eucalyptuses or Gum trees in Australia; but in the flowers there is no beauty. Then there was the oldest and the rarest seen of our very graceful lawn-standard shrubs, a great favourite in my young days ; grafted standard-rose height on the Laburnum it would droop down as a " fountain" rose, and sweep the grass with its hoary and silvery leaves and thoois; it is the Salt tree, or llali- modendron argenteum, and was trained against the wmU like a Peach. If this reminiscence of my childhood had been fresh from China or Jnpan in the recent introductions, it would be cheap at 31s. 6rf. a-pifce as soon as rooted, but you could get a standard plant of it now for so many pence ; and although they give it a wall at Kew, the lawn is warm enough for it in Koss-shire, and there is not a better lawn plant of the same habit and looks hetween here and the bridge of Alness in tlio said county. Vihurnum suspensum was the next which took my fancy very much on account of its very thick deep green leaves. Here is a happy-looking standard plant if you please. Talk about pot and tub standards of Laurustinus, which is one section of Vi- buruum, and then look at suspensum in your mind's eye, how much more rich-looking it must be when both kinds are out of bloom, although tinus has the advantage over suspensum in the profusion of bloom. But for a noble mantle for the north side of a house or wall I know not a rival to Viburnum suspen.Kum. Let us hear, however, how it has fared in Edinburgh and Glas- gow, for it is of recent introduction, and we must be careful about how we recommend half-crowns, half-standards, and half- hardy plants, to be set out on the oiFeide of the borders. Forrestia puhescens was another peculiar wall plant, nearly as large as a Peach tree, with Fcemingly hardy wire-like branches, and soft leaves of the size and shape of those of the broad-leaved Myrtle ; but the plant is a kind of bastard Ceanothus, and it certainly deserves purcliasing when one is on the look-out for covering walls with suitable plants wliich are not very common. Ilex rotunda is one of the very best of the very thick, dark, glossy-leaved Hollies ; it is a Japan plant, and stands con- spicuously against a south wall, where it does not require much room. On the north side of the wall was Coriaria aarmentosa, a fine-foliaged and very curious plant, well worth inquiring after as distinct, on its own merits, and to make a variety where one likes to show off in this style. Then there was the old Supleurum fruiicosum, which one seldom sees now-a-days. It is 10 feet high, and as much along the wall. They do not train-ia the yearly shoots, but let them stare out all over the plant, these bloom at the extremities, and were then, last September, in full bloom after the manner of some Euphorbia ; great, open, upright bunches of pale yellow flowers. I suppose these summer growths are closely pnined-in before winter ; for the young wood of this plant is very liable to be frost-bitten, but as the bloom comes on the year's growths this can easily be avoided, besides being the true way to obtain a mass of very curious bloom all over the plant. There was a fine-leaved species of the prickly Toothache tree, which I had not seen before, Xanihoxylon alatum. It is on a south wall, and well deserves the indulgence on account of its fine pinnated leaves, for which alone these foliaged shrubs are so much admired by those who prefer collections of distinctly- marked species to the common run of everyday plants, which few gardens are without. But there is one thing above all others which I should see to myself. If I had a garden under two acres in extent, either in the country or next to a large town, I would not have more than one pair of any kind of tree or shrub as long as I could find good things to fill up my grounds. The repetition of common shrubs which one sees at every turn of the road I would never allow beyond Hollies, Yews, and Laurels — the latter I would never use but for screens in small gardens. You could not walk 10 yards in my garden without seeing and learning more about the finer shrubs and low trees, evergreen and deciduous, than you now can do in a day's march, yet I should never seem to be crowded, nor have an inch to spare. D. Beaton. COMMON PLANTS ADAPTED FOE, ORNAMENTAL PUEPOSES. The letter of Mr. Hague at page 592, recommends the foliage of Red Beet as worthy the attention of the flower-gar- dener, and adduces his experience in its use in an advantageous manner. Of this fact I have not the slightest doubt whatever; indeed, I havd long thought that Bed Beet, and some oth«r vegetables and common things, possessed an interest and beauty not usually accorded them. In the present age of inquiry it i( not unlikely that their claims to attention may be duly re- garded ; and names hitherto held in contempt may sound worthy of a place in more fashionable quarters than the kitchen, or perliaps the rubbish-heap. It is not so very many years since the bulk of our native Ferns were known only to the few deeply learned botanists who thought it worth their while to search for and investigate them merely as examples of scientific research, and the number of British species was thought not to exceed forty or so. Hooker's " British Flora," a work on native plants, held in high repute upwards of thirty years ago, enumerates only forty-one species ; and that work was an especial favourite with young gardeners at that time, and re- garded by them as an authority not to be controverted. Now the case is widely altered. The addition to the general flora during that time, though comprising some important specimens, bears no proportion to the additions made to the list of Ferns ; and these additions have not been all made by learned but somewhat pedantic botanists, but by the florist and ardent flower-gardener, whose assiduity in searching-out new beauties for their especial departments has been the means of breaking- down the traditional prejudice that arrogated to itself that true beauty was only of exotic growth. During that period rocks that were previously regarded inaccessible have been scaled, and obliged to give up their long-established treasures. Morasses have been waded through for a like purpose, and waste and cultivated grounds have alike been investigated with a view to discover anything new in the Fern way; while a new and altered mode of cultivation in the artificial condition the speci- mens find tliemselves placed in, when transported to the stores of the affluent cultivator, has in many instances so altered their original (brm that new names have been awarded them — often, I fear, without any claim to the distinction. The rage for new species, and the care and industry to secure them, have unquestionably led to many being discovered; and the list of native species of 1862 presents a strong contrast with that of 1825, while the public taste io like manner has under- December 9, 1862.] JOURNAL OF HOKXICULTDRB AND COTTAGE GARDENEK. 713 gone a proportionate change. At that time the name " Fern Bcrved only to e»ll vip a feelin» little short of contempt. Now, it is regarded as one of the highest forms of beautj', entering extensivfly into all tlie enibcllishmi-uts which pIiiTO the present luxurious ago so mucli in advance of the past. The joung lady of 182."), wlio would turn with a sort of half disgust at the mention of the word " Fern," finds her prototype of 18G2 proud to wear it in her hair. To attribute this change of popular feeling to any one particular class alone would be cer- tainly wrong; ami though much of the merit of plrtciug the Fern in its present elevated position in the scale of rcnl rather than ideal beauty belongs to the rich and enthusiastic class of plant-collectors and cultivators as well as the botanist, yet tliere is one class whose claim in calling-up the Fern from its former obscurity has never been sulTiciontly recognised by the gardening world, and that is the I'oet. No Scotchman who has road the heart-stirring effusions of Burns or the Ettrick Shepherd, but must have noticed how much of their force was imparted by the natural energy tlirown into them through contact witli the native vegetation, " the ferny brake" especially ; while the classic Byron finds an equally useful auxiliary in his nlpine scenery depicted in " Cbilde Harold." That the imagery thrown into their works by the glowing pictures they gave of tliis par- ticular branch of the vegetable kingdom should have been so long in directing the public taste has many parallels. They were men before their time; but it is now only fair to accord them some share of the credit of placing so beautiful a section of the vegetable world in its proper position, by the thrilling appeals they so often made to it so long before it was recog- nised. Let us see if other beauties do not also exist under names too common almost for utterance in fashionable company, and which, if they could only obtain the stamp of being fashion- able, would make their way. Beginning with plants whose claim to distinction for orna- mental purposes no one has recognised, wo may notice the common Globe Artichoke, not only for the singularly-formed head it presents, but for its foliage, which, when viewed at a distance, has quite a tropical aspect. The silvery whiteness of the under side of the leaf, now and then disclosing itself on a windy day, adds not a little to the soft grey tint of the upper side ; and the size and form of the whole give it a noble appear- ance when viewed at a distance, for which it is particularly adapted. Let us suppose a group of these plants fronting some shrubbery at the distance of 200 yards or so, and it will be difficalt to suggest anything more becoming. At such distances small forms of vegetation are lost to the eye ; so that, unless the foliage presents something unusual in shape, size, or colour, the appearance differs but little from surrounding objects. But this plant possesses in a remarkable degree all these qualifi- cations, and on that account is worthy of more extensive patronage. Following in a different line, but scarcely less interesting in the graceful and fairy-like form it presents itself in, is tlie common Fennel, whose slender but singularly beautiful stem is branched and sub-branched into an infinite diversity of grace- ful shoots, each sutficiently firm to maintain its proper position, yet in no respect rigid and unnatural. As a compeer to it we hare the Asparagus, whose slender summer shoots often enough assist in giving an easy gracefulness to a stand of cut flowers. I do not mean those bundles of packed flowers called hand- bouquets, but the nice agreeable stands which so often orna- ment a lady's boudoir, or, it may be, a dinner table. In days of yore a bouque', either for the hand or bowl, was thought incomplete if it did not possess a sprig of one of these graceful- looking plants. The one that commended itself most to our notice was the old-fashioned but by no means unsightly South- ernwood, which deserves better at our hands than it often receives. Some other plants in the same way as these may doubtless occur to some of our readers, but the above give a type. Diverging into a smaller class of vegetation, T am not ac- quainted with anything tliat presents a more beautiful and long- sustained verdure than Saxifraga hypnoides orS. tridactyhtes — the latter a close mass of little tults or heads of the most brilliant green, and each leaf that composes this thick-set head being in itself a gem of beauty. I have often wondered why this plant was not more extensively cultivated to cover vacant spaces amongst damp rocks or similar places. For at least nine months of the year it is a charming object ; the only period it may be called in deshahille is the period of flowering and after-growth. The family of Saxifrage also oilers several examples of ornamental plants differing widely from the yivid green moss-looking one noted above. Snxifraga marginata is sn interesting-looking plant, remarkable for the geomclncal- looking form it prestnts ; aiul diflering hut little from the last is S. longifolia, a neat compact-growing plant, at all times pretty wbether^in flower or not. 'Jhis family is, however, far from exhausted by their members being called on, (or there arc others scarcely less prcttv. But I will pass on to another group. The f-nnily of Grasses has for a long time been deservedly esteemed for the grae.-ful beauty of some of its members ; buncbeg of them very often adorn the mantelpiece of the greatest patrons of good tas'te. The Quaking Grass, Briza media, is and has always been the favourite of childhood ; and the same may be said of some of the Hair and Feather Grasses; and the Co' ton Grass of our marshes has often been a source of inquiry. Indeed, a selection of Grasses might be made, the spikes of which might safely be introduced into the choicest mixture of flowers. Some of them might even be cultivaleJ ; wliile bunches of the others, gathered where grown naturally, might take then- place in the front ranks of the aristocracy of the flower garden. Some of the Reeds, Sedges, &c., are also far from bemg unin- teresting ; in fact, inhabiting as they do the sides of ponds and ditches," their waving foliage presents a form m -vegetation we are not well supplied with ; while the variegated forms some of them are offered in, as Girdeners' Garters, tlie Arundo donax variegata, and others, are already amongst the fashionables, and need no comment here, but a Dactylis glomerata variegata is far from being so well known as it deserves. In a miscellaneous class of plants with pinnated leaves, the Taney is interesting and pretty. Scarcely less so is the foliage of tlie common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), a close exami- nation of which will discover beauties not previously thought; to be possessed by weeds having a bad name. Diflermg from either of these, yet possessing a striking Fern-hke form and habit of »rowth, is the common Carrot, the handsomely cut foliage of which entitles it to more respect than it often receives, as may easily be shown by any one taking a leaf and holding it against a sheet of white paper, not pressed against it. The shadow cast on the paper is not inferior to that of any of the Ferns over which the charm of poetry has thrown so much interest, but of which the Carrot has received no share. There aremanv other plants possessing foliage of an interesting kind in this way amongst the weeds of every plantation, but enough has been said to awaken an interest in them. Taking another class of plants of divers forms, yet still inter- esting, we have the Sweet Marjoram, with its top-knots of buds, formfng a feature in vegetation we have few examples of. Dif- fering widely from that is Parsley ; and in another du'ection we have several kinds of Thyme, one of a pale grey— a close compact creeper ; while in the list of low-spreading plants are the various Sedums or Stoneerops, not the lea't important being the Houseleek. Sedum stellatum is also pretty and interesting. This list might be widely extended. Passing on to other things, and lacking over the hedge, the Horsetail (Equisetum), pre- sents a form differing from anything else we have had ; whila in the far corner of the kitchen garden the wide-spreading leaves of the Rhubarb exhibit a form also unapproachable by anything in the exotic line; and if we make an erratic excursion to some cottage garden we will find the common Pink occupy a much more important position in the ranks of Flora than we assiga to it. There is also a plant of compact form, full of leaves, larger and more closelv inserted to a common crown or collar, spreading evenly on all sides, forming a sort of hemispherical outline of from 1 foot to \\ foot in diameter aU the winter through, and these leaves each more agreeably blotched or spotted than the Fnrfuaium grande or the yet more exotio Begonia. This plant, hitherto long neglected, forms a moo object all the winter, and may with confidence be recommeiided as an ornamental ore. It is the variegated form of the Pul- monaria offi inalis, and it is one of the hardiest plants I know. A fine specimen may be seen near the heathery m the botanical- arrangement part of Kew Gardens. -o j In the class of dark-leaved plants the Red Beet do^ not stand alone. An Ajuga of dwarf habit is far from an indifferent object. I have it as A. orientalis. It is of low growth, and a meet companion to Arabia alpina variegata, which is, by-tlie- bv, one of the most useful edging plants we have ; and being of compact habit, it takes up well and remains in autumn to supply beds that have been denuded of their summer ornaments^ 714 JOURNAL OF HOBTICtTLTUBE AND COITAaE GARDENEK. [ Deoambar 9, 1832. It is not the proper place here to enter into the merits of things already acknowledged. There is, however, a plant of admitted beauty which has not yet become fiishionable, although I drew attention to it two or three years ago. It is the old-fashioned Lavender Cotton (Santolina canescens), a plant more beautiful than any of the Grnaphaliums that I am acquainted with. That this plant should be rescued from oblivion is certainly advisable. The Calla acthiopica is also a plant of graceful and singular growth, deserving more attention than it. receives; while tlie humble-growing Ncja gracilis possesses a foliage at once singular and prepossessing. In giving the above hasty list it is likely many highly orna- mental plants may have been omitted. My object is to call attention to common things so as to admit the beauties they possess ; and now, as foliage as well as flower is an acknowledged ingredient in tlie flower garden and ground features, some of the plants above named may come in for a share of attention. No one denies tlie beauty of tbs Pampas Grass ; and trees of elongated foliage, as the Ailanthus and Sumach, have their admirers; the common forms of everyday life will eventually come in for theirs also ; and it is easy by study and attention to the commonest rules of flower-garden law to discover how feasible it would be to hare a striped or ribbon-border of ordinary vegetables that would look very well. Take, for instance, an edging of Parsley ; then a row of a dwarf-topped good-coloured Red Beet; next, a row of Altrincham or Orange Carrot; after- wards a row of the Variegated Kale (pink, white, and purple), and back this with a line of Asparagus, and here we have a ribbon-border composed of things all useful as well as orna- mental. These plants as well as others may be varied in many ways, but I leave the mode of doing so to other hands, con- tenting myself with having drawn attention to the matter, but may nevertheless report further on tlie same subject ou another occasion. — J. Robsok. POINTS OP MERIT IN GKAPES. • To meet the wishes of many cultivators of Grapes, it perhaps would be better to divide the Hamburghs into two classes. Red and Black. My experience in Grape-growing compels me to say, that colour and flavour are inseparably united, and I hold the opinion that Black Hamburgh A'ines producing red-berried bunches are not healthy. Has Mr. Thomson, or any of your other correspondents, noticed the fact, that red-berried bunches of Hamburghs will not hang so long as black ones? Perhaps some of your correspondents can explain the reason why some Hamburghs produce red, and others black bunches. There are many people who would, doubtless, prefer large green Muscats to amber-coloured ones half the size ; also, large red- berried Hamburghs to beautifully hammered black ones ; but give me the amber in the one, and the black in the other. , I fancy not one of the craft would take it as a compliment to be asked by a partv examining his Grapes, whether they were Black or Red Hamburghs. — T. J. VITALITY OF APPLE AND PEAR TREES. There are, perhaps, no fruit trees that survive a long voyage 80 well as the above. In 1861 I had a case of fruit trees pai-kcd for a present to a friend, living near Adelaide, South Australia. Owing to the pressure of business I could not send it ofi' so early as I wished to do (January is the latest month trees should be sliipped for that colony), so that the case was not shipped till the beginning of February, and the vessel did not sail till nearly the end of that month. I now give an extract from a letter received from my friend, dated Adelaide, January, 1S(J2 : — "The trees arrived at the port the beginning of July, and as soon as I had intelligence of the arrival of the ship I posted off for my trees : to my great disappointment the package could not be found, and so I returned treeless and much mortified. Just at the end of the month a message came that my case of trees had been found at the bottom of the cargo. As nearly six months had elapsed since you wrote me they had been placed in the case, I sent for it with rather gloomy forebodings, thinking it impossible I should find one tree alive. When it reached me I unpacked the trees with a heavy heart ; but to my surprise and delight I found all the Apple and Pear trees alive, and quite plump and healthy. August is our early spring, and I had theiu all planted by the first week. Out of seventy-four trees fifty Apple and Pear trees have grown nicely. The Plums and Cherries all failed, dying down to the stocks. Some Vines have also done well." Early in March of this year I sent a case of trees to the same friend, the ship did not sail from London till a month after the time advertised, and she laid in the port of Adelaide three weeks before she discharged all her cargo, so that he did not get the case till the 17th of August. He has recently written — " I opened the case and found all the Apple and Pear trees in full life, and the Vines the same without an exception. The Cherries and Plums were dead." These trees were packed in a close strong case, their roots in charred earth in a moist but not wet state, and their tops in dry moss firmly pressed down. This is the most simple and effi- cient method of packing ; and, if deciduous trees are thus packed and shipped in December, or early in January, there is but little chance of failure. I give you this for the benefit of emigrants who may wish to take trees with them. — Thomas RiVEKS. FRUIT-JUDGING. A COEEESPONDENT of the Gardener s Chronicle, complaining of the decisions of the Judges at the late Show at South Kensing- ton, "ventures to say that not one of them had tasted" the beautiful "Scarlet Admirable" Apple, to which the first prize was awarded. Vfhether this were so or not, I will venture to say that for any one set of judges to taste one-tenth part of the collection submitted to them in the time allotted for their judg- ment, it would have been quite an impossibility. With respect to the Ribston Pippins and Cox's Orange Pippins, I should presume that neither of these excellent varieties could be called ripe at that time, unless they had been gathered prematurely, tor these well-known sorts I think some kind of extra test ought to be adopted, similar to carrying extra weight as applied to racehorses, or that they should be shown in a separate class; otherwise many beautiful and excellent Apples, but rather in- ferior to them in flavour, will cease to appear at our exhibitions, and the above two, although notoriously subject to canker, would constantly divide the stake between them, a consumma- tion by no means to be desired. On the contrary, I conceive that the greatest variety of sorts ought to be encouraged in order to render such exhibitions interesting as well as valuable. -F. J. G. PLANTS FOR DINNER TABLES. Infokmation being desired on this subject, and as the man of limited means is expected to follow close in the wake of those whose means are like those of Croesus, I am induced to give my meagre experience— not that I have any particular relish for decorating dinner tables, but because I feel bound to keep pace with the requirements of the times. If such decoration be desired by employers, we, of course, must cheerfully comply : for to gratify an employer is a duty, and tends materially to render the pathway of life smooth and easy ; but employers do not always make due allowance for disparity of garden power. Let us suppose that Lady Bountiful invites Mrs. Cockles to dinner, and that in the centre of the table is a forced specimen of Dielytra speetabihs, and at one end a plant of Lastrea glabella, whilst at the other is a Lastrea acuminata. A conversation ensues. Mrs. Cockles finds on inquiry that the first is hardy, and the last two greenhouse plants. There are a greenhouse and two vineries at home. Why shoidd she not have her dinner plants like my lady ? There 's the rub. Mrs. Cockles' gardener has no forcing-house to afford Dielytras on New-year's day ; his plants of Lastreas are not in condition, and, his stock of plants being small, where is the substitute? " We never have anything like other people!" is the disagreeable unjust comment. Gardeners generally make the most of their charge, but it is impossible for a gardener with limited means to equal his compeer with extensive means, and no end of substitutes in case of subjects failing. As I happen to be one having the control of limited garden power, iiud not exempt from duties of this kind, I give the results of my practice. I give only what I have tried, leaving out my own individual notions as to adaptability in respect to plants untried. Decembor 9, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 715 Suppoflo T hara a large party to gratify— a long table, of course, lin.I three pandclabra or lamps, one light in iho centre, and tho otiicr8 near each end, TIius : — O If the liL^hts bo Innipi standing on the table two plants are ample, at x> but if the lights are chandoliors four arc an advan- tft!;^, at -, as well as at X; tbe two larger iu the middle, and 8m>tller ones at the ends. In no else ought pUnta to bo placed under tlio lights, for the grai.-eful forms of nature do not harmonise with the workmun- ship and design of a candel-ibrum, neither is it wise to distract the eye by gazxnir on two important objects at one linie : neitlier is seen to advantage, and one impairs the beauties of the other. Now 1 place two large plants at X) ^^ ^^'g^* "^ ^tem that visitors can see their friends on the other side of tlio table when seated ; for after the admiration of the plants ceases, conver- sation with friends ou the other side of the table commences. Plants of that dosi-ription are few, when of the proper size in suitable pots — not more than 12'inch. However, here are a few examples. Four plants on the table: — Cyathca deal- bata Blechnum cor- covadense PteriB argyroBa 1. Pteriascabe- Cibotium I'ula Scbiedei 2. Blechnnm gra- Dracrena aus- cile trails 3. Adiantnm cu- Nephrolepis neatum davailioides 4. Adiantirn Cyathea nmcrophyiluin ineduUuris 5. Nephrodium molle Adiantum corjii.biftrum cultratom 6. Ptatyloma Pteris Pblebodiam flexuosa umbrosa arealatum 7. Cheilanthes Croton pictum Croton leadigora variegatum 8. Cyperus alterni- Dractena Croton I'jlius variegatus termioalis angustitoliuru 9. Cypripediara Epiphyllum Rbipsalis iiisigiie truncatum 10. Solanum Citms Ardisia capsicastnun japonica crenulata 11. Cinemria Grim- Dielytia Weigela rosea son Pericctinn spectabilis 12. Lastrea glabella Cnpre^sas luuebris Davallia Nova-- Ztalandia? Lastreii ncuininafa Adiantum setulosuin Nephrolepis Adianlum piatyoti3 concinnum Adiantum Scolopendrium viil- trapezifurme gave muUifidum Platyloma rotunai folia Nnthochlfrna Ecklouiana Maranta ros'.-a-liacafa Impations Jerdonire Skinimirv japonica Azilea amccna Cupressna Polysticbum an- Casbraeriana gulai'e proUleium The end plants are low proportionately to the centros, thereby permitting of a view directly across tbe table. When two lights are employed, only one or three plants can advantiigeoudly be placed. In threes :^ 1. NothocbUena nivea Cycas revoluta NothochIa;na flavens 2. Cdieu!t speciosisslmns PUapi^ flabeUifoiinis Asplenium Belangeri Tillandsia splendens 3. Asplenium bifidura 4. Scolopendrium vnlgare ramosuai 5. Asplenium cicutarinm A. prasmorsum C. Aspidiura tritoliafura Croton discolor 7. Nephrolepis pectinata Aphelandra Leopold! 8. Pleopeltis phymatodes Pteris Kingiana 9. Adiantum assimite Begonia splendida SINQLK PLANTS. Greater part of the furenamed answer well as singles ; but tlu're being several left out that arc suited for the purpose, I add:— Epiphyllum trunca- tum RuiselUaumu Asplenium vi\*iparum Scolopendrium subcornutum A. redinatum Asplenium bemionitis Platylcnia falcata Drynaria diveisifolia Adiantum capillus- Venevis Moritzianum I'l-unns sinensis florcpleno Hoses, forced Prlmubis, not despicable Convalluria majalls vuricgata, gold striped Acacias, standards, 1 fof>t t> \\ foot Peach, dnuhle-bliiBsomed, stauUaid Dog's-tootli Violets Lnclien.ilia tricolor Kiikc'i) Plum, handsome l\iiclies. in nme iiuli pots Vines, Black, heavy ai)pcarancc Wliitu, not good Cne'rt Golden Uiop Plum, beautiful Maranta zebrina Atbyiium Kilix-frrmina apieiformc corymbiferum crispum d e pan pe latum multitidum {Tlie last five are deciduous : conse- quently require gentle forcing.) Adirtutum pedutum 10. NotbocbIa?na trich- omanoides Polystichum mucruuLitum Gymnogramma chryaopbylla 11. Blccbnum jamaicenae Gleichenia flabellata Blechnum occidcntale 12. Selaginella Lyalli Lomaria magellanica Selaginella Wildenovi 13. Selaginella atroviiens Alsopbila radeus Selayinellii ahicana 14. Selaginella umbio?a Asplenium caudatum Selaginella stolonifera 15. Lycopodium clavatum Microlcpia Lycopodium alpinum 16. Ananassa varicgata 17. Poinsettia pulcberrima polypodioidcs Diacainadraco Monocbcctum ensiferum Pandanns javanicus fDiiis variegatis Poinsettia pulcberrima 18. Solanum pseudo- Cordyline dracasnoides Callicarpa purpurea cap^iicuui variegatum 19. Buonnpartea juncea Nepenthes la?via jPincinectitia i^lnaca 20. Peach Royal Gtjorge Viae Sweetwater Nectarine Elruge Polyfiiichum aoulcnfum ciistatum annuhne prnlltcrum WoUastoni Sco upendihini vulgare latifoliQin vulgai'ti la'lfuttum mulLitidum vulgarc cornutum vulgaio murnlnuto-fimbriatum vulgare ramo-crislatum Asplenium cbLUCum Hallci'i Osmunda rcgalis clnnamomea HpectaOilis Woorlwardi-i radlcans Adiantum lormosum Leptogramma rupustria Cheilanthes hiita mic.omeid Goniophtcbium appendiculatum glancum (PolypuUiiim glaucum) loriceum Bubpetiolatum HypoU-pis mi lefolia Lastrea angC'^cens Stmthlopteris germanica ) if gently tin old plants the fronds produced pennsylvanica ( forced on stems, often a loot or more in these form centre plants secnnd to height.) none other. Old plants have stems Nolhocblxna distans from 9 inches to ISinclics in height, I:evis and are then most beautiful. Ellisiana Adiantum furmosum vestita Asplenium formosum Platycerium alcicorne laceratum stemmaria Blechnum lanceola (Often lop-sided ; therefore, not adraia- Carap\ lonenron nitidum sible wlicn in that condition.) Daviiliia aculeata Polypodiam ettusum bullata, deciduous Pteris aspericaulis dissecta tricolor tenuifolia Aralia reticulata Maranta regalis Begonia Kex Warscewic7.ii President Van den Hecke Snnerila margaritacea Reichenheimi Asplenium marinum (Most of the variegated varieties are Blechnum ppieant crii^tatura too white looking.) Lastrea Filix-mas cristata Begonia miniata dep;iuperata hydrocotylifolia ScholtieUli minicata Polystichum lonchitis Bilbergia acaulls zebrina aculeatum viridifolia All the plants mentioned are in season from Spptember to March, except some of the hardy sorts : therefore these require forcing ; and tlie hardy Ferns, if employed for decoration, must have greenhou!?e temperature to have them in good condition. Some of the greenhouse Ferns also require additional heat to have fine glossy fronds, for most Ferns make their growth in spring : consequently the fronds are frequently dingy in autumn and winter, which can only be removed by new growths ; and unless they are in good condition the farther from dinner tables we keep them the better, fcr no plants at an exhibition are so severely criticised as those on dinner tables. Some of the Tulips are pretty, yet no plants in flower equal those with fine green foliage ; and, as Mr. B^Dbson rightly ob- serves, where a goodly collection of Ferns is grown, there is no end of subjects ready at all times tor table decoration, Small plants of Conifera? are suitable, as — Arauc:iria excelsa Cupressus torulosa Biota miidenbis Libocediuh chiknsis Chamtecyparis thurifera Thuja aurea Cupressus Bregeoui filiformis Lawsonl nepalensis "When one light only is employed two plants only can advan- tageously be staged, which must be of similar hsibits, even in size, and so placed as to harmonise. For instance: — Ad'anturo cuneatum Blechnum jamaicense ITgly. Goniophlcbium loriceum Blechnum jiimaicense Good. Adiantum cuneatum Blccbnum jamaicense Beautiful, Thus it will be seen that it is advisable to grow some plants in quantity so as to be able to have pairs; for, although most plants are beautiful when individuul.y examined, unless our plant* harmonise with each other they will not correspond with the mathematical arrangement of the dnmer table— ull articles nt an equal d'stance, ahko in shajie, and ends to correspond with ends, and sides with sides. So with plants: they must not be lop-sided— one tall, the other dwarf; one gracfful, the other grotesque ; one elegant, the other drooping ; but each must be as near like its opposite as possible. 716 JOUENAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 9, 1802. Groups are sometitnea staged when two lights are employed, the plants in fives : — Primula - - Isolepls Kracilis Orange (1 ft. stem in fruit) Isolepis p-acilis - - Primula In seTens : — Callicarpa purpurea ... - - ... Coleus VerschafFelti AJiantum cuneatum ... - - - ... Adiantum cuncatvim Coleus Blumci " I - ■■■ Solanura capsicastrura Croton anpustifolium Vasbs of Fiowehs are also used ; but unless tasty arrange- ment be followed, and plenty of forcing-bouses at command, they are totally beyond the reach of most gardeners, for Lilies of the V»lley, Koses, Azaleas, Heaths, Cinerarias, Geraniums, Violets, Deutzias, Dielytras, Kalmias, Tborns, and bulbs are rtquired in quantity for such a purpose ; and who can find room for all those, besides the usual quota of greenhouse and stove plants that flower in winter ? Not many, certainly ; but a few may be grown in the most circumscribed limits, and a change from plants to Tasos and dishes of flowers is good — there is the novelty of them. In summer the garden teems with subjects for filling vases to any extent, and the lanes and hedges are decked witli flowers, the fields with Grasses, and dells with Ferns and Mosses, enough to satisfy the most tasteful arranger. Our hothouses abound with Caladiums, variegated and fine- foliaged plants for summer decoration, with numerous flowering plants. The beautiful Russellia juncea is seldom seen ; and for dinner- table, vase, or house decoration it stands unrivalled ; for its scarlet or coral-coloured blooms, produced along its graceful drooping branches, often a yard in length, are a rather out-of- the-way sight. Many plants that look poor by candlelight are handsome by daylight. As an example : — Cissus discolor Humea elegans Cissus discolor Ornamental Grasses, though much neglected, are very useful ; but as to their utility when dried, altbough they may please some, and look well in vases with Everlastings and in straw bonnets, they are fitter for the herbarium than to place along- side of Nature in her living freshness. — George ABEEr. AEE GLOBE ARTICHOKES HARDY? This is a question raised by Mr. Benton, at page 66R of your Journal, and my experience leads me to answer in the negative, providing that they are only from one to two years old, and, as with Sea-kale, they should never be allowed to remain in a garden after that age, if grown for profit. If older, I, for one, cannot say whether they are hardy or not. I will give my ex- perience in France, twelve miles or so west of Versailles. When I took charge of this place in the autumn of 1860, I found in the kitchen garden a quarter of an acre break of Arti- chokes, which, I was told, were planted in May of the same year, bearing very profusely fine heads — on an average two to four on each plant. They kept the kitchen supplied up to the end of November, when the frost set in, and in due course the leaves and stems were cut and cleared. I thought covering quite un- neces-ary, and accordingly they were left uncovered for the winter, which I know was intensely cold in England, although a Hatton-Garden registering thermometer never fell below 10° Fahr., making 22° of frost; but in the following spring five roots only threw up a few suckers, which were, with the whole, condemned to the rubbish-heap. Now, if we had had the good fortune as Mr. Beaton had in the winter of 1840, of having the ground *' deeply covered with snow," not one in a hundred v\'ould have been killed, snow being as good a non-conductor of frost as litter or leaves. In fact, I would prefer snow to either as a covering, it clears itself, and is never unsightly; but as we cannot always depend on having snow on the ground when we liave severe frost, pre- vention is better than cure, and I have always covered with litter and leaves since the lesson I learnt in the winter 1860-61. — Henet Kniqiit, Chateau de Pontchartrain, In No. 87, of The Jouenal or Hoetioulture, Mr. Beaton in his remarks on the protection of the Globe Artichoke states that he is " not quite sure if the Artichoke does or does not require protection." He also meutions one or two instances of Artichokes not having been injured by frost, although they had not received any protection for several successive years. I will now give an instance which I think will prove that the Artiehoke does most decidedly require protection from very severe frost. Having left a bed of about thirty plants unprotected through the winter ofl8G0-61, the whole of them, with but one exception, were completely killed, the surviving plant only threw up one poor sickly sucker which did no good ; thereby proving that although the Artichoke may withstand an ordinary winter with- out protection — and I know that it will do so, as the same plants I have just stated to have been killed in 1860-61, stood the two previous winters uninjured without any protection at all — it will not always withstand unscathed nor unkilled the test of a very severe winter. At least, not in this part. South Staffordshire. To all those, therefore, who grow and have the management of Globe Artichokes, and wish to keep them unhurt through the winter, I say Protect them, as the time occupied by a man or boy in putting a little litter over the roots and round the stems in the autumn, is no longer than would be in digging-up the dead stools in the spring, and which I expect would often have to be done after a very severe winter, if the plants were left unprotected. — J. H. M., Stourton Castle Gardens. EMPLOYING WOOD IN CONSTRUCTING A FERNERY. In No. 84, page 612, appears this sentence — " Stumps and pieces of wood are the very worst materials for a fernery inside a house or out, and should be used only when the better materials are deficient," the better materials being stones, clinkers, or brickbats. I doubt not that the writer had reasons for making the assertion, but I am at a loss to define the particular grounds on which it rests, unless it be that decaying wood breeds fungus. Certainly it does ; but that it is in any way injurious to Ferns I have my own reasons for doubting. I have made several small ferneries, and in every case the material used has been princi- pally old roofs and rough blocks of wood ; in the first place, because they were the materials most easily obtained, and best qualified to make a rustic appearance ; and in the next place, I have always understood that woody fibre in a state of decay is a material on which Ferns like to root and feed ; and, as far as I have observed, I have seen nothing to induce me to alter my opinion. A few years ago I wanted to make a good-sized clump of the Male Fern (Lastrea Filix-mas) on a hillock, or small mound, with the small-leaved Ivy creeping round it to the ground level, and not having suiTicieut earth to raise it high enough a foot of brushwood was laid on the ground, and a foot of soil placed on that. Half a dozen Ferns and some pieces of Ivy were planted ; the Ferns have now grown together, and form a solid mass 5 feet or 6 feet in diameter, with the Ivy traiUng about it most luxuriantly. Close by this a fernery was made chiefly of roots and blocks of wood bedded-in with the soil. About this were planted Lastrea Filix-mas, Athyrium Filix-foemuia, Lastrea dilatata and cristala, Scolopendrium vulgare, Osmunda regaUs, Polystichum aculeatum, Struthiopteris germanica, Blechnum boreale, and other Ferns, nearly all of which have grown to a very large size ; in fact, so much so that plants have had to be taken out at various times by way of thinning. Some of the Lady Ferns make beautiful masses of fronds 5 feet across ; the Blechnums make fertile fronds 15 inches in length, and barren fronds in proportion ; Onoclea sensibUis grows 3 feet high, and comes up in a fresh place every season. Altogether the Ferns do exceedingly well, and the wood is all grown over with moss, which is an improvement, as it looks green when the dead fronds of the Ferns are removed. I certainly cannot see why wood is obiectionable ; and when Ferns do so" well where it is used it would justify one in believing that the contrary is in reality the case — the more so when it is known that many sorts of Ferns are inhabitants of woods and forests, and must certainly be often surrounded with decaying wood. As a confirmation of my opinion in this respect I saw a fernery built some years ago in wliich not a scrap of wood was used ; the whole was built up of burrs, or bricks burnt together in the kilns, flints, and pieces of stones and rocks of geological interest. Of course the main body of the fernery was made up of soil, and this of a good loamy kind, such as I should choose myself. The Ferns were planted in due time, and looked pro- mising enough, but many of them died, and very few of them December 9, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nOETICXTLTDBE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 717 grew satisfaotorily. I do not profess to bo able to give an accu- rate account of tlio ciuise of failure ; tl>o time of jilantiug ond tlie situation appeared to bo favourable. Probably thay migbt have done bettor had peat or leaf mould been mixed "with the soil ; but this I did not do witli the fernery referred to. Probably, as the burrs were cemented together, sulllciont allowance was not made for drainage ; but whatever the cause was, the Ferns did not grow nearly &o well as those I have planted among stumps and pieces of wood. With regard to an in-door fernery, I should object to the use of wood altogether, as it is far more apt to attract woodlieo than stones and burrs, and is also more likely to breed fungus than out of doors ; it is also apt to smell musty ; and while cocoa- nut fibre is so highly recommended, although I never used it myself, wood fibre will not be required, and perhaps would bo injurious.— F. Chitxv, Stamford Rill. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S KENSINGTON GARDEN. Fkench Fountains and Beonze3.— Only £800 have been subscribed for the purchase of these objects ; and as nearly .C2000 more would be required for the purchase of even the smaller and cheaper fountains, it now seems pretty clear that the idea of re- taining either of them must be abandoned. So soon as this is put beyond doubt, the subscribers will be invited to say whether they wish their subscriptions returned, or if they may be applied to the purchase of some of the bronzes. Decoeations of the Gasdbn.— The dismantling of the Great Exhibition will carry with it a considerable number of the decorations in th» garden, even after mating allowance for tliose which may be purchased. The painful Milo will be taken down ; most, if not all of the bronze-painted iron will disappear, and some of the bronze antiques will go. The Fine Arts Committee, in their recommendations to the Council, discourage the pur- chase of iron objects. Their oxidisation is a strong objection to them, which has not yet been conquered, although very good palliatives have been suggested. So far as vases are concerned, marble or terra cotta is as cheap and more beautiful. Another recommendation of the Fine Arts Committee is in making pur- chases to give a preference to works of modern art over those of the antique. Every one is famihar with the latter. They meet us at every turn, and can be had at any time. With modern works it is not so. Even the best have not been so multiplied. There is more chance, therefore, of their offering something new and entertaining to the eye of the visitor, and there is no lack of beautiful modern subjects. The dispersion of the art treasures in the Exhibition building, however, is not wholly without compensation. Some trickling streams are finding their way from it into the garden — some of the articles there exhibited are now offered to the Society cither on loan or as a gift. Mr. Westmacott, nephew of Professor Westmacott, ha< lent his lovely marble statue of the Peri at the Gates of Paradise, and it has been placed in 'he conservatory. Mr. Sharpe's model of " Non Angli sed AngeU" has been placed in a niche in the Council-room, where is also placed a marble statue of David with th • liead of Goliath, by Professor West- macott. In another niche is placed a model of Ariel released from the cloven Pine, also by Professor Westmacott, which he has presented to tlie Society. Near it stands a terra cotta statue of Flora, which has been presented by Mr. Blanchard, who manufactured it in that material. Now that it is seen that statues can be successfully manufactured in terra cotta, as has been shown by this and other objects recently executed, it is recommended by the Fine Arts Committee that some of the models which have been or may be presented to the Society should be executed in that material. Mr. Durham has presented the model of his statue of Euclid. The bronze statue of Juno, presented by His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, which lias been detained from its place in the Garden by being exhibited in the Exhibition building, has now been placed where the Diiuia ;\ la Biohe stood, alongside the Memorial, symmetrical with His Soyal Higlmess's other gift, the Ceres, standing on the other side of the Memorial. Herr Geiss has lent for exhibition a beautifully executed group of a shepherd attacked by a lion and defended by his dog. The Marquis of Campana has sent for exhibition a number of articles executed in artificial marble. The Marquis Is a political refugee from Rome to Naples, where be has utilised his taste aud talents by establishing a manufactory of objects in a kind of artificial marble or scagliola, which has been invented by himself, and which has much of the appearance of real marble. Nothing strikes one more, in looking at the objects which were formerly in the Exhibition and are at present in the Garden, than the greater advantage to which they are now seen. They were lost lu the Exhibition building. In the (Jarden they stand out clear and distinct, and each can be seen and estimated as a whole. It proves the justice of our lamented Prince's views, and shows, by their success, tlic necessity which existed for such a show-ground. The gentlemen who have exhibited their bronzes and vases in the Garden have found their own account in it, having been successful in their sales. A list of the prices of all the articles lent is kept at the Secretary's Oflice. Mr. Durham's statue of fl.R.H. the Prince Consort has been submitted to and approved of by the Queen, who has expressed herself satisfied with it in all respects. It now goes to be cast without delay. It is satisfactory to know that Her Majesty continues to take the liveliest interest in the aifairs of the Garden, of which periodical reports are regularly sent to her. Considerable improvements have been and are in the course of being made on the horticultural part of the Garden. Bosquets of Rhododendrons and other evergreens now Hank the corners of the terraces, and large single bushes and clumps are being in- troduced here and there with good effect. The beds are planted out with Tulips, Crocuses, and spring flowers, which in due time will make everything gay. — {Proceedings of the Royal Horti- cultural Society.) CONSTRUCTING SMALL PITS. The subject of small pits is one of general interest with a large body of amateur gardeners who practise In a small way; and although the questions submitted by " A SuBSCEIBEE," "H," and others have been sa ably dealt with by Mr. Fish, a few further remarks may not be out of place. I have seen small brick pits, built both by amateurs who had never had any prac- tice before in such matters, and also by those who had other appliances and wished to have a small pit in addition, in which they could propagate bedding plants in the winter and spring without the trouble of making and keeplng-up the heat of dung- beds. The pits were, in almost every case, heated by means of flues ; tlieee being, in several instances, constructed of earthen- ware pipes. A short time ago, a friend of mine asked my opinion with regard to the propriety of building some such appliance. He has a neat little garden, and last spring he bought a great many bedding plants ; since which time, until October, his garden was a picture of gaiety and neatness in its way. On the approach of winter, he began to consider wlieiher it was really necessary for him to let all those plants die in the beds, and so put him to a similar expense the following spring. There was a great number of Calceolarias and Geraniums, which he was desirous of saving, if it could be done by building a brick pit a little larger than a two-light frame ; but be did not care to have it heated, as he would not be able to attend to the fire, nor did he wish to be at the expense of fuel. I told him that, provided he built such a pit, and potted-np the Calceolarias in October, he would find no diUiculty in wintering tliem, but that the Geraniums were not so easily kept in a cold pit, aud if he could not attend to the fire he would find it no eai. Linn., Octandria Monogynia. Si/n., T. pere- grinum, Linnaus. — A very pretty climbing annual, with the habit of T. adnncura, to which it forms an admirable contrast. It has twining succulent stems, bearing smooth, dark green, five- lobed peltate leaves. The flowers grow singly from the axils of in ]8t7 by Mr. AV. Lobb, collector for Messrs. Veitcb k Son, of Exeter and Chelsea. Flowers in summer. Metuosidekos tomentosum (Downy-leaved Metrosideros). Nat. ord., Myrtacero. Linn., Icoaandria Monogynia. — A showy, large-growing, evergreen greenhouse shrub, with copious, com- pact, but spreading ramifications. The leaves are opposite, leathery, elliptical obtuse, ovato-lanceolate, or lanceolate-acute, dark green and smooth above, whiiish and downy beneath. The flowers, the conspicuous part of which consists of the bright re3 filaments of the stamens, grow in corymbs at the end of the branches. From New Zealand : the rocky seaeoast and shores of the Bay of Islands ; introduced by Mr. Allan Cunningham before 1839. Flowers in summer. — {Oard. Mag of Botaru/.) the leaves, attached by long, slender, twisted petioles; the calyx is dull red ; the euneate fringed petals, orange veined with red. From Columbia : mountains of 9000 feet elevation ; introduced CEOSS-BEEEDING STEAWBEERIES. Iir page G72, Mr. Charles Darwin asks whether any one has crossed Scarlet, Pines, and Chilis with the Wood or Alpine. It may, perhaps, interest him to know that the other day I saw at the nursery of Mr. Standish, at Bagshot, several boxes of seed- lings, many of them, from their foliage, evidently hybrids. They were the product of a new Alpine variety — Eeine d'Orleans of some, Blanche d'Orleans of others — which blooms and bears fruit until October. Mr. Standieh, who is well known as a successful hybridiser, has been desirous of obtaining its free-bearing and late-fruiting properties, combined with size ; he has, therefore, hybridised it with La Constante, British Queen, and Myatt's Eliza, and the plants wliich I saw evidenced that the operatoc had been successful. The further question of their bearing, &c., time must decide ; but I thought that this information evcQ might be acceptable. — i)., Deal, MANUEES: LIQUID AND SOLID. Whatkveh difference of opinion there may be as to th» quality of soil that produces the best flavoured fruit, there is only one opinion about vegetables of most kinds doing best on a rich good sod ; and in order to maintain this state of luxuriance, manurial substances of various kinds are added from time t» time, to make up for the loss occasioned by the removal of an exhausting crop after it has arrived at maturity. Fortunately, however, tlie managers of a kitchen garden generally have sufE- eient knowledge of the value of manures to save all that comes in their way, and all vegetable substances that cau be dug into 722 SOUKS AIj of HORTICULTUBE and COTTAaE GARDENER. [December 9, 1862. the ground with the prospect of decaying there during the next tliree or four months, are buried under the surface at each digging, together with manure of some other kind. Annual weeds and herbage of all kinds are thus disposed of, and the ground which liad previously been cropped with some of the Cabbageworts is put under a course of preparation for some tuberous or bulbous crop differing essentially from the precedmg one. Now, as this rotation of crops is in most instances jiretty •well understood and foUowed-out by most cultivators, it is need- iees saying much on that matter here, but a few words on the manures which vegetables and other things receive may not be ■out of place at a time when provision can be made, as at the present moment, for the wants of next year. P.egimiing, there- fore, with the most common of all manures, and unquestionably one of th« best, if not the very best, it will be well to ascertain if the way in which we use it is the best for all the purposes it is intended for. From time immemorial farmyard manure has always been the most important of all manures, and, in accordance with its xjualitv, it has been estimated as the best and most nutritious, supplying most plants with the food they want to carry them onward to maturity. Its popularity has in no degree abated since artificial and highly concentrated manures have been more •common; and though each fresh addition to the list of artificiid compounds offered to us in the shape of fertilisers threatens to drive farmyard manure " out of the field," instead of " into it," the dungcart still keeps on its useful plodding course ; and until greater results have beeu accomplished without it than with it, we need not fear for the result. With all the well- tlirected skill of the chemist, and the puffing announcement of the quack vendor of sometliing wonderful in its way, good ■cowyard dung is still the standard by which other things are tested, and there is no doubt but it will long continue to be so. Now, valuable as the contents of the dungcart doubtless arc, the cowyard affords other fertilising materials as well. Solid manure is scarcely more useful than liquid, and the latter has so many claims to attention, that a few words on its utility have of late appeared so necessary, that I have been induced to make it the subject of an article lorTHE Joubnal of Horticcltuee ; •certainly not with the view of confining the obstrvations given to the d'rainings of the cowyard, but to treat of the subject of liquid manure in the manner that includes all kinds given in the liquid form. Commencing first with those from the farm- yard, let us see in what way their action on tillage ground is efTected, and in the first place it is right to consider the character of that ground, its requirements, and other features. It requires very little argument to prove that the addition of ■a proper quantity of solid manure to a given plot of ground im- proves that ground, and renders it likely, if not certain, to pro- tance, and when given to mother earth percolates freely through, unless some component in the soil impedes it, but in every case it leaves no stain behind. If it pass through, it leaves additional fertility by the air and moisture it carries with it ; but no sourness which the other does. Hence, we see the impropriety of giving liquid manure to naked ground, for however \iselul such a fertiliser may be to the growing crop, it certainly has the reverse tendency when given to the naked ground ; and this sourness is much sncreased when the liquid is thick and strons, as the inexpe- rienced miMit call it. Clear and diluted, the liquid manure may, perhaps, do good, but its uses are more apparent, and certainly more important when it is given to some growing crop at a period when such crop requires an additional stimulant to urge it on — say a row of Celery in September, a bed of Onions in June, a piece of Cabbage in April, or Peaa at all times when in flower or making pods. At these periods the stomachs of the vegetables just mentioned are prepai ed to digest, and even devour witrh becoming relish the food that at another time would surfeit them. Many other crops in like manner may be also benefited by the food here spoken of being always given them when, to use a common expres-sion, they are hungry. Useful as liquid m.anure is in another case, that of potted plants, it must here be given with caution, for it is quite possible to surfeit if not completely poison the grossest feeder with strong potations too often given. Even Chrysanthemums, which are, perhaps, the strongest feeders we have, may have too much of this stimu- lant, and the result is loss or disfigurement of many of the leaves. Areasonable qn.Tiitity, clear and well diluted, is best, as the plant is enabled to absorb all the grosser parts, and the soil is not soured to the injury of the roots. Much more might be said on this head, but sufficient has been advanced to prove that the application of liquid manure requires more prudence than that of solid, otherwise the chances are that it will do harm, or, what is nearly as bad, it will do no good. Giving it to plants while in the period of their most rapid growth will generally be bene- ficial ; at the same time the ground it is poured upon must, if possible, be stirred as soon after as it will bear it, otherwise the caked surface which usually follows all watering, excepting that of Nature's doing, will be hurtful ; for air is one of the elements to fertility as well as manure. Thougli an Oak or other forest tree will force its roots through very hard ground in quest of the food necessary to its enlargement, and will continue for many years — nay, centuries, to do so, plants artificially reared and expected to arrive at a condition not found in a wild state must be treated iu accordance with the artificial condition they have arrived at. Ground well tilled and manure prudently applied are likely, if not certain, to ineure success ; but let the inex- perienced beware of using liquid manure until he be assured that the o'j^-ct he uses it to can partake of it with advantage, for unless this be the case it is likely to sodden and sour the ground, and surfeit rather than benefit the plants it is applied to. — J. KOBSOK. FEW BOOK. Ramhles in Search of Wild Flowers, and How to Distinguish Them. By Margaret Phtes. London : Journal of Horticul- ture and Cottage Gardener Office. " Those who love botany would find themselves neither solitary nor desolate though they had no other companion than a ' Mountain Daisy.' The humblest weed or moss will ever afford them something to examine or to illustrate, and still more to a^-Jinire." Such is the testimony of one of our masters in the science ; and so fully do wo agree to that testimony, that if we would and could bestow mental propensities upon a child, foremost .imong them should be a love of botany. Let us give an illuslriition. Two cousins, one September morning, set forth from the neighbourhood of Honiton, one provided with a gun and pointer, the other with walking-stick and plant-collector's case. The sportsman in the evening com- plained of the "slowness" of the plaee, he had seen but one covey and that so wild that he had not had a chance. He was tired, bored, ate his dinner, told his sister " not to make that noise with the piano," and slept until tea-time. Wakening he saw his cousin busy with his magnifier examining the contents of his case, and inquired, "What he found to poke about ? " Now, his cousin, had bfcu more than usually successful in his botanising, giving full illustration to the lines quoted by Miss Plues : — *' But lie ainne that, 5toopinK low, Will stay with curious liand to cull. Can all the many virtues linow Tliat dignify the beautilul." We cannot afford space, nor would it afford much amusement to our readers, to enumerate all that that case then contained, but we will copy one leaf from the note-book, on which eventually were recorded the ingatherings of that day: — " September 18«A.— Foremost amongst this day's prizes must be noticed that rare Knglish plant Lobelia vrens. It is really an Eiifflish plant, for it has not been found either in Wales, Scot- land, or Ireland. I found it on Shute Common. This, like aU the Lobelias, is very acrid and poisonous— the blue Lobelia of ■December 9, 1S62.] JOUBNAIi OS" HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB. 723 our garden-borders is no exception. Tliey all, espeoioUy in their roots and secHs, contain a veffctablo iilkaloid called Lofielina^ on which their acridity sooms dopendimt. If Dr. Lubel had any participation in the nmrder of Sir Thomas Orerbury, which has ijeen suspected, this genus of poisonous plants has been made appropriately coramomorativo of him. The best account of Lohel I have met with ia in Pnltency's " Sketches of Botany," where credit is given him, I believe justly, for having first grouped jiUnts accordiiisj to a natural system. Some of the merit, perhaps is due to I'ena, a brother botanist, who aided him in })rc[i'iring the work in which this arrangement is adopted. " I am glad to see reason to think that our Lobel was not im- plicated in Overbury's murder. Those who raised the question were not aware, probably, that his name was illalthias Lobcl, and that the .apothecary suspected of being an accomplice in that crime was ' I*»nl de Lobell.' — {CaUndar of State Papers. Domestic Series. 1611-1(>1S. F.dited by Mrs. Green, pp. 312- 3-!9.) Our I/obel died at Higbgato in 1616, aged seventy-eight, and was superintendent of a physic garden at Hackney, cul- tivated at the expense of his patron Lord Zouch. When staying with M— — , I must see whether there are any records of him there in the church or elsewhere." But what has all this to do with Mies Plues' book ? Much, for it was just such a book as her's, and much stich a mother as she was blessed with, tliat led the writer of that note-book to the study of botany. The tone of Miss Plues' volume may be appreciated from its " DEDICATION. " In memory of the pleasant conversations on wild flowers, wliich ever followed upon our returning blossom-laden from childish rambles tlu'ough field and wood, and which sowed in our minds a love for the study of Nature, this book is dedicated with tender reverence and gratitude TO MT MOTHBR. Tims do we think of her, nnfi keep unbroken The bond that Nature gives ; Thinking that our rememhrancc, thoaf;h unspoken, Miiy reacli her where she lives." It is just such a book as should be placed in the hands of the young, yet it is just such a book as the young of larger growth will read with pleasure. It is a mingling of the entertaining and the useful— an epitome of plant-knowledge stripped of all dryness, and gaily and gently revealed. No better gift-book could be found, and whoever receives such gift, whether young or old, shall say in the words of its last page, " Great is the pleasure and profit we have derived from these rambles in search of wild flowers, and all around us testify to the increased health of body and mind which has followed this pursuit." We must not omit to mention that eighteen good coloured plates, from drawings by the authoveas, illustrate the volume, and as each plate contains from nine to fourteen specimens, there are about two hundred portraits of plants. THE DISTRESSED LANCASHIRE WOEKINGMEN BOTANISTS. Sucn has been the generous sympathy shown to the poor "distressed botanists" here, by the readers of The Jouhnal OP HOETICULTITEE, that I am enabled to put most of these poor votaries of science in circumstances such that they will be able to weather the storm with some degree of comfort witli the sub- scriptions I have and with what is promised ; and to see the expressions of gratitude which they display would more than repay the kind-hearted doners who have responded to their call. To see them has brought many a tear to my eyes, for they re- mind me of time past when I w..s a poor struggling lad with- out parents or guardians, endeavouring to bo honest yet sur- rounded with temptations, and I can assure you it is doubtful if I should have worked so hard for these poor unfortunates if I had not been as they are — in want of a friend to help me over the bridge of the river of difficulties. If there is one thing more than another that I should never like to be eflliced from memory, it is gratitude ; and many good Samaritans who read your Journal have engraven in the hearts of some of England's best workmen "gratitude," which cannot easily be worn out. X have been enabled to give out to my brother botanists in distress a lurge quantity of good clothing and some bed clothes, i.mongst which were one blanket, and some good men's and women's clothing. I have given out ninety-th.ee pairs of new stockings, fiftrcnpairsof flannels, or flannel to make so many, and thirty-seven pairs of clogs (shoes with wooden bottoms), and have made soino donations in money. I have received in money since I last wrote, from William Moult, Esq,, ICnowsley, £5, to be given out in twenty weekly instalments at, .5.?. ; Mrs. Ilors- fall, Derby, .tl; A Friend, £1; W. Bosanquet, 10.!. ; n Working Gardener, 2s. (if/., to be continued monthly ; P. P. Whitcombe, E.'iq., .t3 'Is. ; the Rev. J. B. Roberts and Parishioners, 8hil- botel, near Alnwick, £5 7s. ; and a kind-hearted lady, who styles herself " A Mother," from Ipswich, has sent four weeks togetlier 2s. Gd. to Iv. Schofield, and Is. to ,T. Whiteheail. And the following orders have come in for Mosses and Ferns — namely, from Lady llonora Cust 150, Miss Mngcr (second lot), 150 ; and some kind inquiries have been made by others, whom, I am sorry to say, that I cannot answer for a day or two. The following clothing, &c., have come to hand- — viz., from Miss Ager, Weston, flannel, one blanket, one pillow, three petti- coats, one pair of slippers, one pair of boots (women's), a po'kct, a bedgown, ar.d a book for R. Schofield ; from the Messrs. Har- rison, of Follifoot Ridge, Yorkshire, three pairs of drawers, five ditto trowsers, seven ditto socks, seven ditto of men's boots, one pair of gaiters, five coats, eight waistcoats, and nine neckties. I have made a weekly allowance to an old persevering botanist who lives about three miles from here, and he has, I believe, one of the best collections of British plants in Lancashire (dried). AVe have got up a collection of dried specimens of Sedgea (Carexes), Grasses, and Ferns for a lady, and the lady has ei- pi'essed herself pleased with the collection. I know where there are some good collections of Grasses and Ferns, nicely preserved^ which would be ornaments to anybody's cabinet. I fear we are trespassing too much on the columns of The. Journal of Horticultuhe, but these are exception&l times. — John Hague, 36, Mount Street, Ashton-undcr- Lyne. WOKK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GABDEN. Should frost prevail, advantage must be taken of it to wheel manures and composts on to the various quarters requiring- them, and if they cannot be trenched-in at once, let them be laid in heaps at convenient distances and covered with soil. Ridged ground to be occasionally forked over and knoclted about, to expose fresh surfaces to the ameliorating action of the atmo- sphere. Asparagus, if the soil in the frame in which the roots are planted should become dry, it will be necessary to water with water of the temperature of the bed ; but this is not often necessary if the bed heats moderately, and the roots- were properly watered when planted. There should be at leasl> 4j inches or 5 inches of a loose open texture — such as leaf mould or old tan, above the crowns of the roots. Admit air freely every day to tlie productive beds. Beans {Broad), where they have been planted in rows, and have made their appearance^ draw the eai'th in ridges on each side of them, so as to afi'ord them some little protection from cold cutting winds. Peas in rows should be similarly treated. Cauliflowers, watch narrowly for slugs amongst the young plants, and keep them free from dead leaves. If any are planted in pots for the purpose of pro- tecting them during severe weather, they must be carefully attended to with water, or they will prematurely button in the spring. Surface-stirring amongst the young growing crops of these and Cabbages, Lettuces, itc, must be as diligently followed up now as in the summer, when vegetation is more rapid ; in- deed, there is no season when these operations can be neglected with propriety. Frequent pulverisation of the soil acts as * great check to tlie penetration of frost in wiut«r, and to the- evaporation of moisture in summer. To realise such good eflects, the ground must not be trodden on after the operation ia com- pleted, llerhs, any that may be wanted in a green state to bo taken up with balls of earth about their roots, and immediately potted and placed in a forcing-house. Attend to keeping-up a. regular succession of Sea-kale, Asparagus, and Rhubarb, by in- troducing moderate quantities at short intervals into beat, PLOVran GARDEN. TiTow that the leaves are oU" the trees, let lawns and shrubberies- have a thorough cleaning. Examine pillar and trellis Roses^ and, if the weather is favourable, see if the soil wants renewing;' or the kinds changing. Preparatory to severe weather, it will be very desirable to go carefully over the stock of Carnations and Picoteea in pots, and if any of their lower leaves are withered 724 JOUENAL OP nOSTIClTLrU'RE AITD COTTAGE aAEDENSS. [ December 9, ISBS-, or mildewed, they should be remoTed with a small pair of sharp, pointed scissors ; and if any dirt or other extraneous substance be lodged in the axils of the other leaves, it must also be care- fully cleaned away. The surface soil to be stirred, and a constant circulation of air to be kept up among the plants in dull weather, except during severe frosts. Pinks on beds will require but little attention if well established. Where rabbits or hares are likely to attack them, give a top-dressing of soot : this is a great preventive. Auriculas and Polyanthuses in frames require but very little water, and the slight attention of removing decayed leaves. Store away Dahlia roots, and attach the name or number with metallic wire if the proper tally is desired to be retained to each root. PBUIT GAKDEN. Prune Filbert trees, and standard Pear and Apple trees, and where the latter have made an over-luxuriant growth, dig a trench 2 feet from the stem all round, and cut some of the strongest roots, and especially any " tap roots " that may be found ; this will induce a more fruitful condition. Although we have given 2 feet as the general average, it is to be under- stood that the distance from the stem must be more or less according to the age and size of the tree ; the larger the tree, the further it will be necessary to keep from the stem in making the trench, STOVE. Many things will now be sinking into repose here, and from such water must be entirely withheld. Of these may be named the Erythrinas, the Clerodendrons, the Achimenes, the GHox- inias, with many bulbs. It should be borne in mind that the Gloxinias and Clerodendrons are very liable to suffer from a low temperature, and that when at rest they are not safe at a tempe- rature below 50°. GREENnonSE AND CONSEEVATOKT. In foggy dull weather like the present, the conservatory will require very careful management. The best plan is to keep as low and dry a temperature as can possibly be permitted — that is, from 40° to 45° at night, allowing it to rise a little in the daytime. In mixed greenhouses, see that the young stock of Heliotropes, Cyclamens, and other flowers grown especially for •winter, have light situations and regular attention as regards ■watering. Pay attention to the plants intended for successive blooming — such as Bhododendrons, Azaleas, Persian Lilacs, Sweet Briars, Moss, and other Koses, Ledums, Kalmias, Daphnes, Anne Boleyn Pinks, Dutch bulbs, &c. PITS AND PRAMES. The present is a very trying season for the inmates of these structures, and every advantage must be taken of mild dry days to give air freely. Scarcely any watering will be necessary here for some time to come, and the plants will be all the better for being kept rather dry at the root ; but strong healthy plants will probably be found to require water occasionally. A dry awning, if possible, to be selected for the purpose, and air to be given freely during the day. All decayed leaves to be removed. W. Xeane. DOINGS OF THE LAST WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Asparagus being chiefly in rows, covered it with a few inches «f half-rotten leaves in a frosty morning ; this will not only enrich the ground, but by keeping out frost, enable us to get at what roots we want any time for forcing. We believe that, on the whole, the best plan for forcing Asparagus is to have pits made on purpose, heated either by dung linings, or by hot-water pipes, and forcing them every other year, covering the pits with glass after the shoots appear, that these may be green their whole length. Strange, however, people accustomed to white Asparagus, actually find fault with the green, even though they allow it is crisper and sweeter. For a long time we have de- pended chiefly on the dung-bed for early Asparagus, and though it destroys a great many plants, it gives the chance of rotation of cropping in the kitchen garden. Our first bed, made chiefly of the remains from flower-beds, as Verbenas, Calceolarias, Age- ratums, &c., has answered very well, and given us a good supply, just producing the mild heat that was necessary. In these mild days the glasses are slid down a good part of the day, to prevent too much coming on at once, and the glass has been well washed to let in all the light possible. Changes of weather must be guarded against, as a dry cold air will cause the shoots to eat stringy and hard. Extremes of heat and cold guarded against, forced Asparagus, independent of the rarity, we think even sweeter than what comes in the open air; though we prefer Asparagus green, yet the crop may be obtained in a dark place, in a temperature of from 50° to 55°, and the shoots when cut may be set in damp moss, and kept in the light a few days befora being used. A correspondent wishes for the minutiaj about a common frame for forcing the Asparagus, and says that we are not minute enough in describing operations, and that they fail oltener from that cause than anything else, as he has already burnt the roots of one lot, and in another bed few shoots are coming, because he is told the large roots he put in have hardly any buds. Now, we plead guilty to the charge. We are apt to suppose a certain amount of knowledge in our readers, because so many have been readers so long, and, on the other hand we do not like to clog them with the same tale over and over again. Now, then, as to these minutite, and first as to the hotbed. Any thing that will secure a bottom heat of from 70° to 80° will do. The most economical as to time and labour would be a bed from 24 inches to 30 inches in height, formed of equal parts of tree leaves rather damp, and the other part of clearings from the flower- beds, and dryish litter from the stable. The latter will prevent the former getting too compact, and thus allow of a slow, gradual decomposition. The leaves might be thrown into a heap to heat first. In previous volumes we have given full directions how to sweeten stableyard manure, &c., but we are so short of all ferment- ing matter that we sweeten or decompose it previously very little, and for such purposes as Asparagus-beds, little or none at all. We thus not only save labour, but save material, by making the bed at once. As soon as the heat rises, a few inches of rotten leaves are thrown into the box, and above that 2 inches or 3 inches of soil. Then we go to the Asparagus-bed or row, with fork, spade, and mattock, and take out a good opening at one end, so as to undermine the many-branched Asparagus roots, not losing any that are sound. If the bed is old, many of these roots will be deficient in fresh buds, and we, therefore, break-up the large lumps and remove those pieces destitute of buds. All the roots well furnished with fresh buds we place carefully in a barrow, and take to the hotbed. Placing a board across the bed to stand on, we commence at the back, placing the part with the buds close to the back, and bringing the long pipe-like roots to the front, and, thus finishing one row, scatter a little sandy soil among the roots. We then commence with the second row, placing the buds as near the first row as we can, though in doing so, we place them and part of the roots over the roots of the first row, and so on until we get 9 inches or so from the front of the bed. We then scatter a little sandy soil among the crowns and roots, and give a pailful of warmed water to a light, using a rose, but holding the pail high, that the water may wash a little fine soil among the rootlets. We then cover with an inch or so over the buds. With such slight covering there is little danger of over-heating, as, if the soil below the roots gets a httle extra warm, giving plenty of cool air would soon lower it, even with- out making holes through the bed. Little or no more covering of soil will be wanted, unless white-stemmed shoots are desired, and then as many inches of old tan or dry leaf mould may be used as the stems are required to be blanched. For Sea-kale nothing suits better than a similar bed, not quite so deep in material, the roots taken carelully out of (he ground with all their length ; the larger the crowns the better, the roots doing well vfhen strong of one year's growth, but better when two years old. These roots should be packed firmly in light, sandy, rich soil, leaving the crowns about an inch out, and about 1 i inch apart. As frames may be scarce, nothing answers better than four boards, about a foot deep, forming the sides and ends of a bottomless box, and an old door, or a thick thatched straw hurdle laid over the top. A space 6 feet by 4 feet well packed will yield a great amount of cutting, and a (ew good barrowloads of fermenting material would be sufficient. We have seen a couple of packing-boxes of equal size so used, close to the Hue in a greenhouse, the plants packed in earth in the one, and the other set bottom upwards over it, and a broad piece of list run round the place where the boxes meet. Good- sized pots may be used in the same way, but in such cases the earth will want more watering than when the plants are placed over a fermenting bed, and want of moisture always makes the Kale hard and stringy. When a httle bottom heat can be given in a dark place, as in a Mushroon^-house, and the plants are allowed to come on gently, the mere length of root is of less importance. We have found 3 inches or 4 inches do very well. December 9, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTPRE AND COTXAGE GARDENER. From 50° to 55°, and never above GO', are the best top tompeva- tuic3, iiml from 70° to 75° on lo SO', the beet bottom tempera- tures fertile forcing of tbis vejetable. The lieails to bo thorouglily good should not only be white, but not more than G inches in leilijth. Weare thus particular in muiutiiP tVom twosimplo facts. First, a grumble from an amateur tliat his Sea-kale was watery and had no substance in it. The stalks were drawn from excess of heat and moisture, were thin, and from 15 inches to 18 inches in length. They atl'orded scarcely any resistance to the thumb and fliiijer, we can fancy what they would be when boiled. The second fact wa^, meetini; with an amateur with a larf;o basket of larf^e roo:3 of Sea-kale, secminj^ly three, four, or more years old, and these were to be planted in a trench-bed, covered with pot?, and n lot of manure obtained to force them in the ground directly. Now, po treated, we could almost make certain that the smaller part of these roots, cut oil' and kept in dry soil in a cool place until spring and then planted out, saying nothing of seedlings, would rival if not beat these old plants in tlu> following year ; and after being thus treated, the roots might have been placed m a dark box above a small ferment ing-bed, and thus produced better Kale and with less than a tiilie of the manure and labour necessary to force it out of doors. Late in the spring it is obtained most economically by covering il^ up out of doors, the •implest modes being generally the best. We have had it very nice in beds 2i ft. wide, with rather deep alleys between, the alleys filled with litter, and the beds covered 8 inches with coal ashes or bog earth. As soon as a leatlet got through it was time to cat it. Those who force out of doors on the ground now, cannot use anything for giving heat so good as tree leaves, with a little long litter on the top to prevent the leaves blowing about. These leaves will, unless very wet, produce a mild sweet heat. Stable dung, &c., can scarcely bo used round the crowns without giving a rank taste to the heads. If we should use a little in a mild hotbed in which the plants are taken-up and put, tbis rankness is prevented by the covering of half-rotted leaves and soil. These in such circumstances are as useful as clay or loam for absorbing the ammoniacal gases, and this fact enables us to use the bulk of manure for hotbeds much fresher and ranker than otherwise it would be advisable to do. Cleaned away all the leaves from plants in the ground, and covered the crowns with ashes to keep snails and extreme frost from them. Must sow a good piece this spring as our stock is getting short. Gave plenty of air to Radishes, Lettuces, and Cauliflowers, either by taking the lights oil', or eleviting them back and front, this mild, muggy weather. Sowed a few Dwarf Kidney Beans, though of late have given up growing them in the dead of winter, tliough few vegetables are more tempting at that time, they eat so crisp and nice. The Newington Wonder is the best for small pods to be kept whole. Sowed a row of Tom Thumb Peas ; but, in general, prefer sowing tlie earliest Peas in March under cover, and transplanting when 3 inches in height. The weather has been too greasy and muggy to do much in the way of digging or trenching. Our Celery showed a little of the maggot in summer and autumn^ but tlie leaves being picked off, it has left no bad traces behind it. We have lots of complaints as to Celery being tough and coarse, or brown at the centre, and either bolted or rotten in the middle— the results of over-rich feeding, letting manure water get into the hearts of the plant without being washed out with clear water, and from tlie practice of bit-and-bit earthing-up of Celery, as generally followed out. We had next to forgotten the field of investigation opened-up by Mr. Beaton, as to the hardiness of the Globe Artichoke. So far as our own experience is concerned, we do not advocate placing some long litter around the stems without cause. We think three times we have known those under our care siiHer severely from frost. We should think that in the spring of 1861, we bad a score of applications for plants, and as lo the price they could be got at ; the places whence the applications were made being left destitute of thera, or nearly so. We are, however, so far of Mr. Beaton's opinion, as to believe that other causes besides frost contribute to such losses — such as allowing them to remain too miiny years in the same place; and, again, from growing in a damp shady place. From the first cause we have seen once-splendid plantations degenerate and die away. In the second case the plants died from damp and the extra cold, the consequence of damp. We have no doubt, that in light, dry soils, they will be found as hardy as Asparagus. We recollect of a ease of a plan- tation in a midland county somewhat in point. The plants had received a rough winter-dressing, and the ground was being forked-over before a little litter should bo added. The soil was deep, still' rather than sandy, bu* had no stagnant water, owing to an open, marly bottom. The first rows had been forked-over, and several inches of soil raised against tlie plants; another row was forked, but no extra soil put about tliu plants, and the frost coming rather sharp before the job was finished ; some rows had the surface soil unbroken and hard on the surface from the autumn rains. In spring, the first rows were all right; the second lot with the soil stirred on the surface, was a little in- jured; but the third lot with the unbroken, unprotected soil was very much injured, more than half of the stools in the middle of March being a mass of rottenness. In strong clayey, loamy soili, retentive of moisture, we have often noticed losses in winter, but that might be owing to excess of moisi ure, as well as to excess of cold. A little mound of earth, open at the surface, and a little litter over it, round the stools, would help to counteract the excess of either, and hence, under such circumstances, we would say, use a little protection. In exposed, light, dry soils, we should think that little protection would be necessary, though even there a ridge of rough dung could do no harm in the general run of years. The evil is, that when such a frost as 18G0-G1 comes, we may not think of the half of the things need- ing our aid, until the mischief is done. We are very glad the matter has been thus prominently brought before us, and would be pleased with a detail of facts bearing on this point; stating also the character of the soil as to staple, and its conditions as to dryness ; the frost of the above years furnishing us with a good test on the subject. Such facts will be of more extensive usefulness than as bearing alone on the Globe Artichoke, not but that it is a matter of importanco in many families, though our own opinion is, that Artichokes however dressed, are some- thing like good flint soup, depending more on the other aux- iliaries to make the soup palatable, than upon the flints. PKUIT GAEDEN. In addition to the routine of looking after Grapes, washing Peach trees in pots, &c., filled a two-light box with Keens' Seed- ling Strawberries. This bad had been formed with rubbish and tree leaves from the pleasure-ground, much the same as the beds for Asparagus about three weeks ago. There was a good heat in the bed, though the materials had been placed there without any preparation at once — far too much, in fact, to think of plunging or half-plunging the pots. If plunged at all at this season, the heat must be mild indeed. If very hot the roots will be burned ; if pretty hot an impetus will be given to leaf- production. It is better that the pots should stand on tiles or boards, and little or nothing about the pots ; in the beginning of December we were not so particular, but the bed was trodden firm on the surface, and then 2 inches or 3 inches of ashes thrown over it, and on these ashes the pots stood without any plunging. Whatever heat rises between the pots can also be easily regulated by air-giving. The plants seemed in good order — the ball like a firm cheese with roots. A few plants that were rather dry were watered. All the half-withered leaves — in fact the great proportion of the leaves, were re:noved, leaving in general two or three of the smaller next the bud. Wo do not see any use in retain- ing the withered and half-withered and spotted leaves. They have served their purpose in ministering to the strength and the maturity of the bud. Before we want to start the plant into fresh growth these leaves act as a protection. When growth is excited they first act as drags and robbers until they are finally removed, taking the strength and nourishment that should go to the central column of the plant. We think, therefore, it is best to remove these at once. There is then a better opportunity, too, for scraping off a little of the surface soil with a pointed stick, and adding a little fresh rich soil firmly pressed down. Another two-light box has been set on a similar bed of leaves and the remains from the flower-beds. This, about 20 inches deep, has a Kood heat. Four largebarrowloads of fresh horse- droppings were tlirown oter the top and levelled, and then two or three rows of Vines in pots were set on tiles from the back of the bed, and the shoots tied down to the front. There will also be room for a ridge of droppings in the front. The ammo- niacal gases thus given off would kill most things, but it will do no harm to the stems of the Vines, though it will cause the buda to swell, and give a quietus to any insect, if there should be such a thing. Uf course the pots have no plunging in such a bed. We have done little in this way of late, though our earliest experiences did much to show that, but for its appearance, a great lieap of fermenting manure is a fine thing in a vinery. We 728 JOTJRTfAL OF HORTICULTURE A?fD COTTAGE aARDSNER. [ December 9, 1SG2. did not care how rank the dung was at first if it came, os it gererullv did, fresh from the stable, or how dense the -papnur and ammonia from it, provided it was all sweet before a hud expanded. Under such treatment no insect of any kind could hope to hve. The cliief wort elsewlicre has been getting tlie lawn swept and cleaned.— H. F. = o f CyANcpHTLii'M jiAGNiFicvM ( Mfmi.— This haiidsonie stovo plant re Keppins in the sli.-idr part of a stove, otherwise the leaves speeriily 1> niotched and d'sficnred. It is said, however, to bear cuttinir-down TO CORRESPONDENTS. * « We request that tin onn will write privately to the depart- mental writers cf the "Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." Uy so doing they are subjected to mi;nsfifiab!e trouble and expense. All communications should therefore he addressed mlehi to The ISditors of the " Journal of Sorticulture, Svc" 162, Fleet Street, London, B.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Beesubieets, if they expect to get, them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under Tery special circumstances. i„r!!f,oT ^^J^'^'l^-^ '"'"u Scale f TT. 2!ra™l.-Tonr trees appear to be en.v . '• "■?'' pr.leners call the sc;,ly coccus, an insert anvthinfr but easy lo eradicate, thoucrh not so bad as the American hlicht on the Apple, iloweyer. we hive known the tollowinff remedies etHcacious, though, at the same time they ate troublpsome:-Mix cnwdunE, soot, and soft soap to- SPtliei , and add as much tnbncco liquor, pretty stronir. as will reduce the misture so aa to lay on with a paint brush, and try it, and if it dries too TJ r !!'"' '"^^ " '■"'« '™''- ™ ai* to "finff the mixture as near the colour 01 the tree as possible; then coat every part of it over, twica and stem, and let it remain until it shells off in 'summer of its own accord. A fUeht c^OhtiUK of oil will effect the same object, but it is more expensive as vecetable oils ought only to be used. We shall be glad to hear bow the above plan answers. Pkahs for Latr Use f /rfo/O —The followine will materially assist your alrear.y cnod selection :-Bcuir« Oris d'Hiver. Benrr^ d'Aremberp, Cale- w.^^f I^'f-'"- "'»'™"r.tel. Napoleon. Vicar of Winktield, Passe Colmar, Winter Nehs. No I'lus Menris, Shobden Court, Crasanne. and Prevost: in^e last we knoT,- only by report, but it is said to be a good late kind. requires ' become .„j ,. , , .^ . — owever, to bear cutti'nff-down well ■ and the top, bv being cut into lengths, forma excellent cutlines. Like most plants, however, it seems to like a rest in early .autumn ; and by being cut-down m December, and shortly afterwards placed in heat, it speedily throws up fresh -hoots and leaves. It is seldom, however, that more than two shoots arise, but this is plenty. BOOK.S (ff. Croejj.-Lindlev's "Theorrof Horticulture." 2l!.: Thomp- son s Gardeners' A83istant,"31.!. (iii. ; Geometry, in Chambers' "Educa- tional Conrse, Js. Brf Ifyou send a post-office order with your direction, you can have the whole from this office. Gas Stove (C. L.. LivrrpooD.—Vfe do not know the store you name- ^!,, .""•»''?? ",""' ''*'™'' '' '"''^ '"'■K'^ enough and quite tiglit, so as to i l^.'-i J. """^' arising from the burning gas without any escaping into the house, 18 quite safe for the cultivaion of Ferns or any other plants. A yes"=">o' 'lo IJetter than to throw it up roughly into ridges, aiiowmg these to remain through the winter, and y-uir fowls to have a free .^/? O'er It. Before doing so, if the soil is at ah heavy, we would pare Jl^r.i,"'" , '°P "P'' of ^^^ '"•lole surface. That destroys not only vermin out their larviE, more ettectually than any other treatment. Brick Arnott's Stove ( JT. Walden).-Ym will find a description of f„i ■?" «° other inodea of heating, with drawings, in our "Greenhouses 10. tne Many, which you can have free by post from our office for seven l^^llVr, 'm^p"- ^'^r^ 'i'' ''■•"^i"? "Id description of the Arnott's brick stove in Mr. Rivers' " Orchard-house." price Ss. tid. Phu.vino EscALLONiA MACRANTHA (An Amateur).— In the county Ty- rone the Escallonia macrantha must be a complete evergreen, and 'it shoitd be pruned there twice in the ye.ai— first in April, and all the young wood tobe cut-in very short, something between clo-e-spurring a Grape Vine and close-pruning a Moss Rose. From each spur then left, two or three or four young shoots will issue all over the face of the plant, which IS on a south wall, and is getting " out of bounds ;" all these shoots bloora at the points, and in Augurt, when the first bloomers are past their best, the plant should be pruned, or, ra'her, thinned, as one would do a Ro^e iii July; then the increased room, and the whole strength of the root« will goto keep the plant in bloom to the very end of the season. But as the plant IS getting out of bounds now, it may be necessarv at the first p'runing next April to thin-out some of the main shoots entirely, as the whole plant should lie in the way of a Feach tree against a wall. TRor.Tot,DM; PEN-TApnTi,i.mi fHrm.).— There is not a more graceful ciitiitrer thin this ; but lu ynur climaie it does not ffet a winter's Te>t, and tn.at IS the cause of its not being so grind as it has been. You ought there .0 take up so many of the Iwgest roots at the time of lifting the Potatoes, keep inen.ijilie Potatoes till Ihe spring, p'ant them like Potatoes. r.nd let tne smalt uv of roots take their chance in the ground— they will come in their ttii-n for lifting, ' CrrTunr opVpronicas (Meml.-Tonr plants of New Zealand Veronicas aie not yet big enough tor ynur climate to bloom freely. Whit thev really want with you is the treament which the London and Dublin market- gardeners give to their Ped and White Currants, to the very eye and letter ol tne priictice. First get Ihem into good-sized bnshes, not in po's; then, in Novemoer every year, prune them as clOfe as Red and White Currants; litt tnem with halls, place them hehiud a north wail, and put lots of hay, or fun. or straw among them, halfway up the shoots, keep someibinff at band to put over them during frost, and at the beginning of April plant them out in good ground, and tliov will all bloom as freely as Beans and Peas every year. A cold pit would he best in moat parts of England", but kind of pruning, and the lifting. the secrel 'is' the 1 Wkymoi.th Pine (A- 5.).-Quite right. It was your own tree, the Weymouth Pme. which we intended, and not the Hemlock Spruce ; and it IS the Weymouth Pine which does so well .all along the valley of the rhanics. The Hemlock Spruce, however, does remarkably well in some of the very pnnrest and driest soils along both sides of the Thames, although it does not rise so high as the Weymouth. Much obliged for the correction. RovAT. Horticulthrat, SocrvTY's CniswiCK Garpen (Pniii;iiniM).— You must obtain an order for admission from a Fellow of the Society. Ihe- garden is opt-n every day in the week but Sunday. Book (CnHioorf).— Hogg's "Vegetable Kingdom" will best suit yon. You can have it free by post h-oni our office for 5s. M. You will need no botanical dictionary to understand it. Passiflora Colvilli will do for your conservatory. White Scale on Pine Apples (An Eight years' Subscriber).— The safest thing we have tried is .soap water, at about I'ir, holding about 1 oz. of FO.'ip dissolved in 3 gallons of water. For small plants we have used clean water, at 120°, with about a quartern or gill of turpentine in 4 gallons, thoroughly mixed. This does not do well for large plants, as the water should not remain long on the axils of the leaves. We ha^■e known cases- in which syringing the pipes when hot with strong drainings from the dunghill, and double the above quantity of turpentine, has done for the insects, as they ciu'd not stand the am'moniaeal and turpentine fumes- The best plan for all plants in pots is to give them a good steaming from rather fresh horsedung. We hardly know a plant that would stand this, except the Pine Apple. If the scale has got to the roots, the best plan is to remove the soil and expose the whole plant to such steaming. Ptt for Propagating and Forcing I Kibi'orth).~'\, The back wall would be better to be 9 feet or you might make the front wall a foot lower.. 2, We are afraid thatsinking 5 feet under ground will involve more trouble from damp than you will gain in heat, and it is no joke removing such a mass of soil ; and if you went that depth you would have to go some .'i feet more f.^r a stokehole for your flue. A foot or 18 inches is a different affair, and sinking beyond 2 feet is seldom any advantage. We would our- selves, if we had the choice, prefer hollow walls, and the floor to be on the level of the surface soil, or a few inches above it. 3, It will be a great advantage to have the ends and front of glass, 3 feet from the ground. The ventilator may be in the front wall and the back wall ; ICoz. glass will do,, or rather about 15 oz.. for there is no 16oz., though called so, 4. We presume your i^it 5 feet derp and 5 feet wide will be sunk, or there will be no great space between it and the glass for plants of any size ; if bottom heat is to be given by flue, we do not see why 3 feet would not have done equally well as 5 in depth. Provided the pit does not stand too high in the house, your ai raneements will answer. There is no necessity for your plants being close to the glass, if there is nothing else growing above them. 5, Your proposed fine will do, but you must have openings for top heat; but of this you will see ever so much in late Numbers. Why should you have the furnace so far from the hnuse ? fi. Yon may do all you want ia your proposed house, with the exception of early Vines. To do them well and yet keep this as a hothouse, the Vines should either be in pots or, if planted in an outside border, you should h ive the means of taking the Vines out of the house when at rest. You would also see various modes for doing that lately, Oreenhopse (Prtfe7?rt).— We have no donht the plans will answer if well managed. Our suggestions are these ; — 1, The stage at back should be a foot or 18 incheshigher, otherwise your lower shelves will be shaded by the front pbitform. 2. That platform seems abed, beneath which are two pipes. You will require slides to let the heat out of that chamber. 3, In such a nice house do not think of a board partition, have it of glass. 4, That hothouse end you should be able to heat independently of the other bymeana of a box valve or tap. 5, Tou have shown no spouting lor the house. 6, Your mode of Jtlanting maj- do for the late house, but you should have means of taking the Vines out of the hotltouse part. See late Numbers, 7, We do not see the advantage itf the triangular termination of your front wall. 8. To make the most of the house for plants you must not plant too many Vines. In the hot part two would be enough — one Black Hamburgh, and one Muscat of Alexandria ; but if you preferred an early White,, substitute Dutch Sweetwater or Royal Muscadine. In the second, one Bowood Jluscat, one West's St Peter's, one White Tokay, and one Lady Downe's. If you venture on five one Trentham Black. Azaleas in Vinery— Sulphur Fumigation (A Constant Header). — You cannot do better than as you propose. When the Vines are in full leaf a cold pit after .lune would do, shutting up close in the afternoon. You will gain your object best by albwing no flowers next season. The best time to shift Az.aleas when established is after flowering and pruning, and the shoots are coming away kindly, shading and syringing until the roots- are tailing hold o( the fresh soil. Y'ou cannot use the sulphur more safely than by pu'ting it in the pans along with the water. That water will rarely be above IGO^. seldom so much, so that you will be safer than putting the sulphur on the flue. YoDNG itfSHROoMs DECAYING (An Old Subscriber).— fieveTity degrees was a good heat for the bed, or even 10" more for the first fortnight ; but 70^ was 10° to 1.5° too high for the atmosphere of the bed. We can hardly tell the cause of the decay, probably excessive heat and excessive moisture. I^ecember 9, 1862. JOURXAL OF HOariCULTtJKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 727 Dkohau (B. 5.)-— Deodar is moroly a contrxction of Ihebotiinlcnl sp-.^cific name DvodiirUf mid is used ia the siugulur uuuiber. Dcoduib, of cuui'sc, la its plural. SCRUcniNQ ViNK Stems (A Reader).— 3y castinjr your ej-e:* beck to "Duinus ol tho Lust Week," you would see that your propnsL-d plan of scrubbing ihe Vines is all rij,'ht. Take tlic loose bark off your Vines, scrub tiie stems well wiih solt soup water. Do ihe same with jiil the woodworK of ihp house and wall;?. Then pamt the stems of the Vines with clay and sulphur, und whitewash and clean tlie house. roKci.s'fl DiKLYTRA si-ECTABii.is ( Wo?)).— Yf>u may take np Dielytra BpictabiUs any linit) afttr tlie leiivcs fall, except In fiost. Use pots just lari;c enouRh to squeeze the roots in. It you cun give the niom a mild bottnm heat, whilst the atmosphere is kept cool for a month, they will do all the better, but thev will do very well without, raising the temperature gradually from 50° to 60'='. FiQ Trf.iis and ViNKs IS Pots I Dal key). —Your Fifj trees if yon see yonnR fruit iit tho axils, had better remain in the siuie 7.^-incli pots if you wisli to have fruit from them next season. Wlien you wi.-.h to start them, you mi|:ht stt the pots into lar^c pans half-filled v.itli e irth, or into larger pots so liall-aildd. If the pots should be very small for the plania, you may shitt into 12-inch or 14-icch at once, and set the pots in a butioin hea*. of about "H", and keep the branch^^s not higher lh;in iiP to 4.')^, until the mots are Hilint? to the sides of the pot, and then gradually raise atmospheric heat to frnir. 50^ to 00'^. Thua doing you may get tiio iirst crop and also a second. Il without such cure you shift now, you will get only ati autumn <'rup, the first crop being very apt to fall. Of course, we can only speak in Ctneial terms, in ignoiance of the appearance of your plants. We have seen nice little bushes in 71-inch pots, and very small plants indeed in the eamo sized pots. We do not think it is at all likely you will get any Jruit from your tj^i-injli pots of Vines. Unless there were some reasons to the contrary, our advice would be to cut them down near the soil, or to the lowermost bud. Set the plants in the bottom heat in your greenhouse in Jlareh, vater as they require it. As soon as shoots have pushed 2 mchesor 3 inches long, have some witrmed soil ready, take the plants out of the pots, shake away a good portion of the old suil, repot into nine-ineh pots, plunge again and shade a little for a few days, and about the end o( May give a shift to 14-inch pots, and treat Justin proportion as you wish to plant out or to fruit in pots. If you need minutite in either respect, jog our memory again, referring to cliapter and verse. HYACINTHS (Ignorance). — The piece of wire to be simply nsed as n stake inserted near the bulb and the spike tied to it. It is more sightly than •wood. KosKs Utinn),— The standards are not to be cut back till March. The Teas should be well wastied, potted, and thea cut back, but not close, if you wish them to liower iuthe house in April. Green Fkogs {S. Tehbs). — We believe you can obtain them from Messrs. Veitch, Exotic Nursery, CheUea. Tiiey niii^ht be kept in a fish globe with some clinkers to Imitate rockwork, rismg just above the water for the frogs «o rest upon when inclined to leave the water. Sekuung Cuuysantheml-ms [Elizaheth).— In the report of the Floral ■Committee on the Chrysanthemum eeedlings of tills season, it is stated that the members of the Committee were unanimous in their belief that many more of Mr. Salter's new seedlings would merit higher awards as soon as the seedling olants recovered from the ill eflfects of this untoward season for them. Your seealmgs with imperfect blooms must have been under the same influences, and it is only re-isonable to expect they will be much better another year, or, even if that should not turn out to be the ca'ie, there can be no harm in taking good care of ihem for another chance. The seed- ling plants want no pflriicular treatment from that of the old kinds. All old plants of Chrysanthemums are more sate out of pots and in the open air, in all pirts of the three kingdoms, than being kept; in pots and in a cold frame or pit. When turned out of pots, the side of a Wdll is the beet place to keep the balls, plunge-i a'l their depth, and in seveie frost some loose straw or fern to be thrown over them and taken oft' In tine weather. The suckers are then in the best natural state for making cuttings in April, or the balls to be merely shaken und divided at the tnd of the month. AcHiMENES (Idem).— The J cannot be grown in a greenhouse till they are showing for bloom, and then they would grow in the open air, i hey re- quire hotbed cuUuro till they are about to bloom. POTTiNo YouNu Pf:laiigo;*iums fiVfcsery Forem^7t).—Yn\i struck a lot «f most beautiful Pelargoniums last August, and have had them since in Ko. 72 pots— that is, in very small No. 60's. You say they ate ** quite pot bound ;" but they were more than pot bound two months ago, and they bave been slowly murdered every day and night since last Michaelmas, Such cuttings ought to be fine, large, bushy, and vry stncky plants in Is'o 32 pots on Lord Mayor's D.iy, and be in their flowering pots by the Ist of January. But, as it is. anybody could excel you now by cuttinus just put in. Starving young plants, wliether they be for pots, beds, or forests Is the ruin of plants, and the cau^e of so many coini)iaints about ihein afterwards. Pot the starvi-lings at once into No. 48 pfjts and keep them a little warmer for the next three weeks, and pot them again very early in February, unless yOu mean to sell them off in the 48 pots. Uut who will buy plants that have been so badly used ? The Punpi.E Satin Coleus ;7rffm).— How conld you think, much more attempt, to keep old specimen plants of any Coleus over the winter, when ten times better plants could be had next yeir, and plants, too, four times the size or those of this j-cason by merely making u few cuttings last Augnst, which should now and to the middle of January be cramped in Jio. 60 pots, just like your poor Pelargoniums ? Therefore, be it known to all men ami masters, that Colcu-* Veraehaffelti ia the, or one oi the, best drawing-room plants in the world ; that ladies are mobt particularly fond of it there all through the summer months, and there is only one light way of doing it for that work, and that way is to make it an annual like a Ual-'um, but f-om cuttings in place of seeds. Of tonrse, first-class gardeners will have it for dining and drawing-room decoration in Nos.48 and 3'2 pots all through the winter i but such men never have large specimen plants" of it to ikce a winter with. Kamks of Fkuit {71 G. F.).— Y'our Pear is Passe Colmar, and it is not likely to be better in a stiiT cold soil. Names of Plants {J. C.).— It is the good old Thunbergia coccJnea, bieh we have not been in bloom since the winter of 1834. It is one of the hardiest greenhouse climbers, and one of the most difficult to bloom freely. Keep it in tho pot, and it will now (lower freely enough every winter; but if you were to plant it out it would soon cover an uidinary greenhouse, nnd not bloom for another ten years. It comes froin ciutings as easily as Verbena-*. {iV. B., Bt4rton-on-'frent).~Vtt:viii tremuli; ^schyuanthus grandillorus. (Ah-thea).—A fiondof Polyatlchum anguiaie, too young to show it it be of any peculiar variety. (//. 5.).— 1, Acacia dtcurrens ; 2, Hrachyseina lancejiatura, var. ; 3, Asplcnlum trichomanes; 4, A. magel- lanicum; 5, Woodwardia (DoodyaJ caudat.i. (A. i/.).— Calampelis ocaber, also called Kceremoearpus scaHin, {A SubsuriOer, ./. /'.).— I, IJegonia ruom ; 2, Pilea serpyllitolia ; 3, Nothochlieua flavens; 4, Justicia speciosa. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHROiJICLE. BIBMIi^GHAM POULTRY SHOW. The merits of this greut Sliow, and the pjrfeot arrangements of Bingley Hall, are so well known, that they need no mention. Almost every one who takes interest in the pursuit is acquainted with the locality and its peculiar merits. All know the value put upon a first prize gained there. It is the war of the giants, and a success stamps a character on tho yard. It is the meeting of all others, and a high commendation is more than an equi- valent for the first prize at some small local shows. By great exertion we were able to give our readers the awards last week : it will, therefore, now only remain for us to comment on the principal classes and the prizetakers, observing that we hardly ever recollect such dissemination of the prizes. We like to chronicle the success of the old names of our old friends and ex- hibitors ; we also like to see our new names encouraged by prize- taking. Success makes people careless in all pursuits, and nothing is so beneficial as a check now and then. We have also to note the re-apptarance of many old exhibitors. Those who exhibit for the first time, and being very eunguino, are some- what disappointed that they get no liigher than, perhaps, a high commendation, may be comforted by the fact, tliat great success is never attained the first, and seldom the second year. It is a progressive thing, there is no royal road to it. There will, how- ever, always be enough to give zest, and to teach a lesson. The first class was for adult Si/ver Qrey Dorkinr/s. We confess we have doubts as to the policy of classes for this breed. For adults there were only six entries. There were four prizes to award, and the Judges were compelled to withhold two of them. This will at once prove there were but two out of six pens that answered the requisitions of this breed. They belonged to Mrs. F. Blair and Mr. Staller. We congratulate the lady on her success. It may be, perhaps, that as these birds get older they become grey, especially on the breast. This would explain that whereas only two pens of old birds could bo found perfect, that among the thirty-three pens of cliickens there were twelve found worthy of notice in the prize sheet, and many others that lacked merit had no positive fault to disqualify them. Those classes have been in existence long enough to come to a correct judgment, and we shall be curious to know next year how many of the thirty-three pens of chickens shown here retain a plumage that will enable them to compete among old birds. By this should be measured the amount of support to be given to these classes. They have accomplished one thing— they have gone far on the road to overtake their coloured brethren in size. They formed a beanliful class. Mr. Cargey took first and second, Lord Hill third, and Mr. Staller fourth. These all d.-serve especial mention, as did many of the highly commended. Xhe classes for hens and pullets do not fill as they should. They are made to suit those who have difficulty in sending a whole pen, and to meet the requirements of purchasers. Formerly in buying a pen, there was a dread that it contained brothers and sisters, but now they can be bought from difi'ereut classes, and different owners. We are at a loss to know why the hens and pullets are not as well represented as the cocks. The only classes that showed a falling-oft' were the Spanish. We do not wish it to be understood there were not good birds, but the general entries were not such as we have seen in former years. Mr. Teebay's adults, and Mr. Lane's chickens, Mr. Martin's second-prize adults, and Mr. Fowler's, wererery good. Here, again, the hens and pullets were weak in numbeis. Tho Cochin-chinas in every class were most excellent. We believe we may say they were as good as were ever shown. Mr. Kellaway's were perfect. The same may be said of Messrs. Bates, Fell, and Musgrove. The White, Grouse, and Partridge were eqnallv meritorious. Messrs. Stretch, White, and Musgrove, showed beautiful pens. In all these classes exrra cups -were given, and added much to tho competition and interest. There 728 JOTTENAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAaE aARDENER. [ December 9, 1862; was one feature that deservps notice — the absence of birds with faulty-coloured breasts. Messrs. Chaee and Felton deserved their prizes. JSrahma Footras were excellent., and are now thoroughly understood. Mr. Teebay, and Messrs. Fowler and Allen, took all the prizes. We can speak in terms of unqualified praise of (he Malaiis. The classes for this breed "were very numerous ; but we are always surprised that in large towns they are not more kept. They are made for confinement, and there is no hack yard that will not suit them. Their merits are uot appreciated. Mr. Sykes took three out of four prizes, and Mr. Manfield the fourth. The OoU en-pencilled JJamhuri/hs were a great class, and all that has been asked by Judges was shown by exhibitors. Formerly the pencilling was often complained of. In the Spangles the breasts were dark, in all faulty combs were common, but now every class has its perfect specimens. They were well re- presented in numbers, bringing 152 pens. Messrs. Martin, Munn, Dixon, and Lane, were large prizetakers. Nowhere was iuiprovement more apparent than in the Polish. classes. They were in all respects the best we have had for many years. We saw it with much pleasure. The Black brought nineteen entries ; the Golden fourteen; the Silver eleven. For some years we have lamented the dechne of these classes, both in numbers and merit, hut now we can speak in unquaUfied praise. Messrs. Ray and Edwards, in Blacks ; Messrs. Adkins and Dixon, in Golden and Silver, showed birds that were perfect. The BisHnct Tarieti/ class was very rich, and this also showed an improvement. Several breeds here brought in numbers that indicate a necessity, if they maintain their growing entries, of asking a class for themselves. The Black Hamburghs showed seven pens, Creve Coeurs five, Cuckoo Dorkings four. A class does not necessarily require three prizes, and we think nest year Creve Cceurs might stand alone. If they maintain their ground in public estimation, they will give good entries in 18fi3. We think they might have two prizes, and the Black Hamburghs the same. Good Silkies were shown. The next classes were for Sinqle Cods. Among Silver Greys Mr. Staller was first. Some exhibitors declare they cannot now understand what is a Silver Grey. Messrs. Staller and Cargey both know not only what they should be, but also liow to select them. Next were thirty-five Grey Dorkings, nearly all perfeijt birds. Lady Holmesdale won first prize easily, spite of compe- tition of no ordinnry nature. Mrs. Arkwright and Mr. Garrard were deservedly rewarded with second and third. Nearly the whole of this class was sold. The Spanish cocks were better ihan their brethren in the classes, and the competition was very hard and close. Messrs. Kodbard and Lane deserved their honours, hut it was not an easy victory. The names of those who won in the Cochin-China classes will be the guarantee for the excellence of the birds, and the nature of the contest. Mr. Teebay won witli a beautiful Brahma Pootra cock, but the class was numerically weak. With the exception of the Golden- pencilled, Hamburghs broueht few entries in these classes. The Polish were excellent, and Messrs. Adkins and Dixon showed birds of rare merit. We must now retrace our steps to review the Game classes, which form an exhibition in themselves. If our readers will refer to the list of winners published last week, they will see the truth of our assertion. Eighty-eight pens were named in the awards. Among many new names, some of the old ones will be teen— Messrs. Archer, Fletcher, Swift, and others. The Brown- breasted Keds were the best of these classes. The White and Piles the weakest. The Duckwings were very good. Tlie Blacks and Brassy-winged do not increase or improve. Among all the single cocks, Mr. Edward Arclier stood as the owner of the best bird. We thought very highly of those belonging to Mr. Stubbs, Mr. Staller, and the Hon. W. W. Vernon. All judges proclaimed it the best show of Bantams yet seen. The success of Mr. H. D. Bayly in these classes is no novelty, but it is an exploit to take nine prizes. Nothing can exceed the merit of the birds sliowH by this gentleman in Gold and Sdver- laced, White and Game. Fifty-six pens of Bantams received especial notice at the Judges' hands. Messrs. Musgrove, Leno, and Eumsey struggled well, but were obliged to be content with second honours. In the class for Any other variety of Bantams, some Japanese oddities deserve especial mention. They are very singular and pleasing birds, having large combs, ample tails, and no visible legs. The Ayleshtiry DucA-s were very good, but they seem almost to have reached their maximum of weight. The first weighed 26i lbs., second 2.5i lbs., and third 2 ti lbs. Soiiens rise ; first 21i lbs., second 20i lbs., third IHi lbs. One pen in this last class weighed 25i lbs. ; but, unfortunately, the only bad bill shown was in it, and disqualification was the consequence. The Black Ducks were very beautiful, and are fast losing the pro- portions that a mistake in breeding was giving them. They cannot be too small. Mandarin, Top-knotted, Wild, Muscovy, Brown and White Call, were perfectly represented in the Various class ; as were Cape, Sebastopol, and Barnacle among the Geese. This brings us to the most notorious and meritorious (rare conjunction), pen in the Show. Three White Geese, perfect in shape, colour, and condition, weighed 7Ri lbs. : they belonged to Mrs. Seamons. Mr. Manfild's weighed 65 lbs., and Lord ICinnaird's fi4 lbs. In the next class Mr. Manfield was first, 55i lbs. ; Lord Kinnaird second, 50i lbs. It deserves especial notice that Geese should travel from Perth to such a competition as the present, and bo successful in each class. Mr. Allen did the same in the next class. The Grei/ Geese weighed V2.^ lbs., (57i lbs,, and 53 lbs. The young birds 61i lbs., 57i lbs., and 55 lbs. We have seldom seen TiirTceys better shown, and Scotch birds were second among the adults. The prize birds weighed 62i lbs., 6Cii lbs., and 51 lbs. Young ones 50i lbs., 45i lbs., and 45 lbs. We shall have to do with some details next week ; our remarks are so lengthy we must postpone them till that time. One thing is. however, urgent. It is to tender our best thanks to Messrs. Luckcock, Shackel, Matthews, Wright, Adkins, Lowe, Mapplebeek, and many others for another successful and pleasant meeting. These gentlemen are indefatigable, and their continued success must be the reward of their long and unselfish services on behalf of their townsmen, and all interested in the pursuit. JUDOES.— Rev. R. Pull?ine, G. J. Andrews, Esq., Messrs. Bailv, Chaloner, and Fould. We published the prize list last week, and we now add a list of the commendations. DniiKiNG (Sliver Grej\ .~Chirkens.—'Uish\y Commeaded, Bieht Hon. LadT Haftnt, Blitlificld Hall, Rupdev; Eicllt Hoc. Lord Hill, HawliStone, .Slire'wihury ; G. CurEey, .Sandon Fnfm Stone, StaffordBtiire. Commended, Rieht Hon. Lady Bagot ; Mrs. ArkwiiBlit, Spnndon House, Derby Sent. — Hifrhlv Commended. G, CavreT. Commended, D. V. Allen, Inchmartine, Tnchtiire, N.B. PufWs.— Highly Commanded, Countess of Chesterfield, Bretby Hnll, Burton-on-Trent ; J. Robinson, Vale House, Garstang. Com- mended, Mrs, Seamons, Hartwcll, Aylesbury. TlonKiNG (Coloured, except SiWer Grey),— Highly Commended, T. TiV. Hill, Heywond, Manchester. Commended, Mrs, A. Guy, Eaton, Gran- tham: A, Potts, Hoole Hall Chester; ,1, D. Hew.son. M. D, Stafford ; C. H. WakeHeld. Malvern Wells. C7iictoi.t,— Hiebly Commended, Mrs Ark- wricht, Derby ; Right Hon. Viscountess Holmesdale, Linton Park, Staple- hurst, Kent; A. Potts; Rev, J. F. Newton, Kirby-in-Cleveland, near Stokeslty. Yorkshire; D. V, Allen; C. H. Wakefield. Commended, Rev. J, G. A. Baker, Biggleswade; Oapt. W, Hornby, Knowsley Cottage, Pres- cot; A. Potts; J. Robinson: E. Garrard, Broadway, Worcestershire. Hens, -Highly Commended. Capt W, Hornby; D,V, Allen; H. W, B. Berwick, Hclmslev, York. Pii/if^s. —Highly Commended, Right Hon. the Earl at. Chesterfield, Bretby Hall, Burton-on-Trent ; Miss L. D. C. Fenwick, Newton St. Loe. Somersetshire; J. Smith, Henley-in-Arden. Commended, E. Smith, Middleton, near Manchester. Dorking (White).- Highly Commended, Mrs. Beardmore. Uplands, near Fareham, Hamnshire. C/iiVAciis .—Highly Commended, Mrs. Beardmore, Commended, Mrs. Beardmore. Spanish.— r/iif tens.— Highly Commended, J, K. Fowler, Aylesbury; J. Smith, Hillingdon, Middlesex. Hens.— Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. PiWfrfs.— Highly Commended, J, K. Fowler. Commended,. H. Yardley, Birmingham. CocniN-CniN* (Cinnamon and BufT).— Highly Commended, H, Bates, Edgbasmn, Birmingham, Commended, E. Musgrove, Aughton, near Orms- k'rk ; W. Copple, Eccleston, Pre«cot ; S. Statham, F"rest Row, Sussex, CAtcA-oiJ,- Highly Commended, J, G. Sugdcn, Keighley, Yorksh're ; E. Musgrove ; H, Bates. Commended, J, Heape, Ladypool Lane, Sparkhrook, Birmingham ; T. Stretch, Ormskirk. Ffns.— Highly Co-nmendetl, T. Stretch. Commended, 11. Bates. Pn/Ws.— Highly Commended, Rev. G; Gilbert. Claxton, Norwich; S. Statham; H. Tomlinson, Balsall Heath Road, Birmingham. Commended, T. Stretch. CocHiN-CniKA (Brown and Partridge-feathered).— CTiciures.— Highly Commended. P. Cai-twright, Oswestry, Commended, P. Cartwright; E. Tudman, Whitchurch, Shropshire. ijc«s,— Highly Consmended, H, Cha- yasse. King's Heath, near Birmingham : T, Stretch, Ormskirk, Commended, Matter R. W. Chase. Moseley Road, Birmingham. Cochis-Chiha (White).— Miss E. Biggar, Netherrailne, MolTat, Dum- friesshire ; G, C. Whitwell, Kendal ; R. Chase, Birmingham. Commended, C, FeltoB, Erdington, near Birmingham, Chickens. — Highly Commended, G. Lamb, Compton, near Wolverhampton. Commended, D. V. Allen, Inchmartine, Inchture, N.B. ; C, Felton. Brahua FooTRA.— PZiirAvii,'!,— Highly Commended, Mrs. HargreayeE, Reading; Mrs. Seamons, Hartwell, Aylesbury; D V. Allen ; T. W. Hill, Heywood near Manche-'^ter, Commended, C, Dain, Southampton. Malav.— Highly Commended, J. Rumsev, Shadwell, London. Chickens% I —Highly Commtnded, J. Kumsey. Commended, Miss C. H. Ballanco Taunton. December 9, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND C0TIA3E GARDENER. n*Miitiinm fColilcn-pemmcd).- fflirfons.— Ilichly Commendcil, Rev. T L. Fellowrs. Btiijliton Itfctory, Acle, Nipilolk ; Mei<»rs. Carter .t Viilliint, PouIton-le-i"yIiIe ; A. Wilkinson. Bivminghiini. CummenUed, Mtj*. NVolfur- atan, Tiimworlh. HAMnuRoii (Slilver-pcncined).— r?uV/ifJi».— l liffhly Commended, E. Smith, Middleton, near Maiiohr'stfr. Cotniiien'ieil. W. Mitchell, Keiglily. FuUeta. — Highly Conimondc-d, Mf^eors Carter & Valiant. Hamburgh (Goldcn-Rpauj:lecl). — HiKhly Commended, S. II. Tlydo, Taun- ton Hall, Ash'on-under Lvno ; I. Davies, Ilarborno. [near nirminfhain. Oommcnded, W. R. Line, Bristol Road. Birmingham. CTiViriu — Hiffhly Comnnended, J. Dixim. Bradford. York-hire; W. Kershiw, lU'ywood, Manchester, roimiicndi d, G. Lingaru, Jan., Biiminglum ; N. Marluw, Denton, near Manchester. HiMBOiiGii (SdTer-spanplrd).— Hichlv Commended, W. Cannan, Brad- ford, Yorkshire. CAiVAfiiJ.—Hinliiy' Commended. Mrs. I'cttat, A»hc Rectory, Ba^inRstoke ; J. FieldinR, New Church, near Manchester. Com- mended, Kicl't Hon. Visconnte6.<( HolmcsdMle. Linton Park; .S. Snaw. Slainland. Halifax. 7/,nt.-HiKhly Commended, S. H Hyde, rulleln.— Highly Commended. H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley, Y'ork ; Right. Hon. Viscountess Holmesdale ; .'^. Shaw. Pound (Black with White Cres'.sl.— Iliehly Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford. Commended. T. 1'. Edwards. L\ndhurst, Hamiishire. Clnckenx. — Hiphly Commended, J. Ludlow. Solihull, near Birminsham ; T. Battye, Holmbndce. near Hudtiersfield. I'OLisii (Golden).— HiRhly Commended, Mrs. Pettat ; H. Child, Sher- bourne Road, Birmintrhaoi. Poi.»ND (Silver).— Hiahly Commended. G. C. Adkins, the Linhtwooda, near BirminKham. Commended, G. C. Adkins. Any other Distinct Variett.— Hichlv Commended, Hon. E. N. Hill, Cronk Hill, Shrewsbury rBiifl Polish—" Shamois leather") ; W. Chami-er- lain. Desford (Sultans) ; S. Shaw (Black namburgh) ; Miss Clifton, Whit- tington. Worcester (Nepro, or Scinde) ; D. V. Allen (CrevoCcDur and La Fl^che) ; W. Marlow, jun.. Dorchesrer (Humple-s). Commended, Miss C. H. Ballance, Taunton (Chine-e Silky) ; D. V. Allen (Houdansl. Oaub (Black-breasted Reds).— Hi^hty Commended. W. Boyes, Beverley, Yorkshire. Commended, E. Archer. Malvern. Chickens. ~\\\^\\\y Com- mended, G. Carney, Staffordshire: E. Archer, Malvern. Commended, J. Firth, Halifax ; J. Hay, Sudbury, Derby. Game (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted).— Hiprhly Com- raended. J. H. Braikenvidce, Chew Mazna. Bristol ; R. Swift, Southwell, Nottinshamshire; G, Cartrey. Stone Staffordshire ; W. Boyes, Beverley; E. Archer, Malvern. (An extraordinarily tjiod clas^. Best class of Game in the Exhibition.) /fens.- Hiphly Commended. J. Wood, VViftan ; T. Carless, Hoverinirh^m, near Nottincbrmi. Commended. E. Aykroyd, Bradford, Yorkshire; E. Archer, Malvern. FittUti. — Hit^hW Commended, J. Wood: Wigsn ; E. Archer, Malvern ; G. Cargey, Slatfordshirc. Commended, W. R. Lane. Bristol Road, Birmingham; J. L. Lloyd, Soho, Birminitham. Game (r>uckwing.s and other Greys and Blues). — Hichh Comtnencled, W. Kershaw, Heywood. near Manchester. C'^j.tfnj.— Highly Commended, J. Stabbs, Stafford. Commended, J. v/ood, Wigan. SINGLE COCKS. DoEKiNO (Silver Grey). — Highly Commended, D. V. Allen. Inehmartine, Inchture, N.B. Dorking (except Silver Grev). — Hichlv Commended, Jlrs. Rofherv, Haslemere. Liphook ; J. D. Hewson, M.D,. Stafford ; Rev. J. G. A. Baker, Biggleswade ; T. W. Hill. Woodlands. Heywood, near Manchester ; J. Smith. Henley-in-Arden ; W. Endall, Ilenley-in Arden ; T. W. Hill; J. Hill. Burton-oil-Trent ; Master E. A. Tiidman, Whitchurch, Shropshire. Commended, Rev. E. Cadogan, Walton Parsonage, near Warwick; E. H. Ofarrard. Broadwav, W'orcestersbi-e. Spanish. — Highly Commended, Miss E. de Courcy Drevar, Roso Hill, Black Ro-k, County Dublin; Miss E. Biggar. Dumfriesshire; R. Teebay, Fulwood. near Preston; J. W. Smith, uundle, Northamptonshire; T. P. Wood, jun., Cheste- field; Cochi^-China (Cinnamon and Buff). — Highly Commended, H. Tomlin- flon, Balsall Heath Road, Birmingham. Commended, Capt. Heaton, Lower Bronghton, Manchester. Cochin-China (except Cinnamon and Buff). — Highly Commended, P. Cartwright, Oswestry (Partridge). Brabma Pootra. — Commended, C. Dain, Southampton ; Messrs. Phil- pott & Weeks, Bromyard, near Worcester. Hauburgh (Golden-pencilled).- Highly Commended, J. Munn, Shaw- cjough, Newchurch, near Manchester ; Mrs. W. Kershaw, Heywood, near Manchester. Conimended, Mrs. W. C. Worrall, Knotty Ash, near Liver- pool ; C. H. Wakefield, Malvern Wells; J. Choyce, Atherstone. Hambdrgh (Silver-pencilletl).— Highly Commended, Messrs. Burch and Boulter, Sheffield. Poland.— Ffighly Commended. G. C. Adkins, Birmingham. Gams (White and Piles, Duckwings, and other Varieties, except Reds). — Highly Commended, G. Hellewei:, Walkley, near Shefiield ; H. Worrall, West Derby, Liverpool. Game (Black-breasted Reds). — Highly Commended, H. Shield. North- ampton; R. Swift, Southwell, Nottinghamshire; J. Keable, Thatcham, Newbury, Berkshire. Game (Brown and other Reds, except Black-breasted). — Highly Com- mended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough. near Manci-ester; W. Dawson, Sally Oak, Birmingham, Commended, T. Robinson. Ulverstnne; G. E. Meredith. Bantams (Gold-laced). — Highly Commended, R. M. Stark, Hull ; M. Leno, Jnn., Dunstable. Bantams iSilver-laced). — Highly Commended, R. Swift. Southwell, Not- tinghamshire ; Mrs. Pettat, Basingstoke ; .M. Leno, jun., Dunstable. Bantams (White, Clean-legged).— Commended, N. Sykes, Globo Road, Mite End. London. Bantams (Any other Tariety). — Highly Commended, F. Musten, Marshal's Wick, St. Alban's (Japanese KuflBes and Cream). Game Bantams (Black-breasted and other Reds).— Very Highly Com- mended, W. Wood, Walklev. Highly Conmended, W. R Lane, Birmingham ; T. Burg-'ss. Burleydam, Whitchurch, Shrop-hire ; W. N'ewsome, Bingley, Leeds; J. Grocott, Cheshire. Commended, C. W. Brierley, Rochdale; H. Bates, Ed/basion, Birmingham; J. W. Kelleway, Merston, Isle ot Wight; J. Camm. Farnstield, Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Game Bantams (Any other variety). — Highly Commended. Mrs, Sheild, Northampton (Duckwing); Messrs. Parkinson dc Lawrenson, Preston 7i9 'iPTi''"'""'- '''• "'>»'l"ley, jun. ..Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Commended, 1,. .Moon, (nn., Wavertree, I^iverj)ool (Duckwing); J. Munn, Nowchurch i.car .Manchester 'Duckwing) ; C. Brierley. Game Bantam Cocks.— Highly Co iimended, W. Pares, Ocbrook. Derby • I., ll.iwksley, jun., .Southwell, Moltiiigliainslilri) ; J. c.unm, SmtliwuU, iNoltinglianuliire ; W. T. Everard ; 'I. 11. 1). Bayly. Biggleswade. Com- mendod, W. C. Worrall, Kuotty Ash, Livcipuol; ,J. W. Ilaslam, Shropshire, (liljck-bronsted). UiTKs (White Aylesbury). -Highly Commended, Rt. Hon. Lord Kinnaird, RosMc Priory. Inchture, N.B. ; J. K. Fowler, Avlesbury. Di.CKs (RoiuMij. — Highly Commended, !;„,. II. G. Baily, Wiltshire; D. \ . Allen ; W. H. Deaison. Wohuru Sands, Bedfordshire ; W. Mitchell, liclghlcy; ,1. Holme, Knowsley, Prescot ; T. Hollls. DliCKs (Black Ea.st Indian).— Highly Commended, R. M. Stark, Hull; K « . Eurlc, Prescot, La:icasliiro. Commended, Miss C. H. Hallance, launtim ; J. R. Jessop, Hull; J. Martin, Clalncs, Worcister: A. Smith. Atherstone. Ducks (Any other varlely).- Commended, Mrs. Whitehead, Kingsland Road, Louden, N.E. (Grey Call); J. Divon, Bradford, Yuikshirc, (Grey (,a 1) ; r. w. Hill, Heywood, near .Manchester. Commended, Hon. Mrs. Colville, Lnlllngton , Top-knotted Aylesbury). Geksi; (Gret and Mottled). -Highly Commended, Hon. Mrs. Co'.vile. Lullinglon. Biirton-onTrent (Toulouse). Turkeys.— Highly Commended, Right Hon. Lord Hill, Hawkstone, near Shrewsbury (Black American).— /'oii(M.— Highly Commended, D. V. Allen ; S. 11. Truelove, Hoppesford. Coventry (Back) ; J. F Tempest, Wootton Hall, Heniey-in-Ardcn (White). Commended, J. F. Tempest. PIGEONS. CuiRiERS (Black Cock).— Highly Commended, P. Eden, Salford, Man- chester. Commended, E. L. Corker, Croydon, //ens.- Highly C immended P. Eden; Messrs. W. Siddons & Sons. Birmingham. Almonb TuMBl.ERS.-Highly Commended, G. C. Ar'kins, Birmingham. Jacobins— Hit;lily Commended, J. T. Lawrence, Liverpool. Commended, J. Baily, jun., Moant Street, Londou, W. Fantails.- Highly Commended, D. Thwaites. Cheshire. Commended, F. Else, Bayswater, London ; J. W. Edge, Aston New Town, Birmingham ; G. C. Adkins, Birmingham. TKciiPKTKRs.— Highly Commended, F. Key, Beverley. Commended, C. Fclton, Erdington, near Birmiugham ; W. H. C. Oates, Besthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire. Owls.— Commended, H. Morris, Forest Hill, Kent; F. Else, Bavswater, London. Nuns.— Highly Commended, S. Shaw. Stainlmd, Halifax. TuRBiTS.— Highly Commended, G. F. Nichollt, Cheltenham. Commended, Miss L. C. D. Fciiwick, Newton St. Loe, Somer.setshire ; S. Shaw, Stainland, H.ilifax ; F. Else, Bayswater, London. Runts.— Highly Commended, G. C. .\dkinB, Birmingham. Commended, C. Baker, King's Road, Chelsea, London. Dragoons.— Uishly Commended, F. Else. Bayswater, London. Com- mended, J. Lowe. Birmingham (White) ; H. Yardiey, Birmingham. ANT oTHKR New or Distinct V^ariety.— Highly Commended, Her Giace th« Dnehess of Sutherland, Trentham Hall, Staffoidshire (Spots): U. Yardiey, Birmingham. Commended, G. f. Nicholls, Cheltenham. THE DORKINGS AT THE BIRMINGHAM SHOW. The Birmingham Poultry Show is very justly considered the first ill the kingdom, and the description of bird which there obtains prizes or commendations in the respectiye classes may be fairly looked upon as the standard of perlection. Tlie colour, shape, size, and characteristics of such birds may be considered as establialiing and fixing the rules which should guide poultry- fanciers in the breeding and choice of their exhibition specimens. Now, I have just returned from Binglov Ilall, where I went, according to my wont, as a devoted Dorking-fancier, as well to improve my judgment by the sight of the perfect specimens of tliat class ot birds there exliibiterl, as to buy stock for next season's breeding. I have returned perfectly bewildered ! and I hasten to impart the causes of my astonishment to you, in order to draw the attention of your Dorking-fancying readers to what has puzzled me, and to seek for some explanation, if any is possible, of the strange things I saw. I am only going to speak of the Dorking class. I do not understand other birds ; but Dorkings I have bred successfully for some years, and with their points I am pretty well acquainted. From the results of all former Shoitfa the following rules have become established : — Ist. That a Dorking, whether cock or hen, must have five toes di-tinct, fu'.ly developed, and liealthy. 2ndlT. That excellence of condition and of colour, and of general symmetry should be preferred to mere size. (There is a special notice to this effect in the schedule of the Birmingham Show.) 3rHly. That the colour for a Dorking cock should be on breast and tail as nearly blaek as possible ; saddle aud hackle should be either white or straw colour, with certain well-defined mark- ings on the wings. ■Ithly. Tliat the hens exhibited in one pen should bs uniform in colour, marking, and size. 730 JOUSNAL OF HOKTICULTUaS AND COTXAGE GARDENER. [ December 9, 1S62. Such I believe to be the general rules which Birmingham Judges have up to the present time impressed upon Dorking- breeders the necessity of adhering to. Either the Judges liave most erroneously given their judg- ments at the present Show, or else they intend us for the luture to be guided by new rules, or, more probably, by no rules at all. As soon as I entered the Hall 1 hurried to see the first- prize birds in Class 5, old birds. To my astonishment, in the pen distinguished as the best pen of Dorkings in the Show (pen 81), I saw a cock, certainly of great size, but with quite as much white on his breast as black, and with as many white feathers, if not more, in his tail, as black ones. His fifth toe far from well put on, and like that of each of his two hens, sadly disfigured and swollen. I next turned to the eeeond-prizo pen in the same class. Here I found a hen positively with nothing more than the merest apology for the fourth or lower toe ! On one foot she had but a small, dependent nail to represent the lower toe, and on the other foot a tiny stump or excrescence, without a nail on it, to represent the corresponding toe. Are five toes necessary in a first-class Dorking hen ? Is any mere undeveloped or malformed toe to be accepted for the future instead of the " well-developed and distinct " formation ? I passed on to Class 6, young birds. Here I came to a highly comniended pen (128), in which one pullet had a pale whitey- brown breast, and the other liad a full-coloured salmon breast. The general colour of the two birds was also quite distinct, the one with the light breast being altogether of a lighter colour. In addition to this difference in their colour, which, according to all rule and precedent, should be fatal to the pen, the pullet with the light breast had not got five distinct toes. The hind toes had grown together, forming one thick toe, which had a short slit in it at the end, and two nails ! Is one pretty long toe with a short slit in it, about one-fourth the length of the whole toe, to be considered a sufficient repre- sentative of the c'laracteristic of the first-class Dorking? Amongst the single cncks, again, I saw one cockerel highly commended (pen 934), which had the fourth toe represented by a mere diminutive excrescence, as in the case of the hen in the second-prize pen of old birds. The toe had eitlier never assumed a defined form, or else it I'ad been partially removed; in other respects the bird was a good one. Another bird, also higlily commended, was in such wretched condition that, even at the early hour at which I saw him — viz., 10.15 A.M. on Monday, he looked dreadfully ill. His comb, face, and wattles were pale and flaccid, and he had evidently scarcely done moulting, as his tail-feathers were few, and he was otherwise ragged. Is " condition " represented by a bird in such a state ? There was another bird commended, whose most remarkable feature was a general bottle green hue toned down with soot. I saw another bird of this curious colour in Class G. Is a white or golden saddle, with clean, well-marked hackle, necessary to a good Dorking cock or not ? I repeat that what I saw, and what I have described, puzzled me very much. Nor was I alone in my astonishment, for several gentlemen, who were at the same time eagerly exam- ining the pens, expressed much the same feeling. I do not presume to say that this or that pen should have prize or com- mendation in preference to others ; I only pretend to assert that certain broad, well-established, generally-accepted rules and principles in the characteristics of good Dorkings have been broken and disregarded ; and if they are to be so broken, disre- garded, or even relaxed, I think it should be well understood that such is, for the future, to be the case. For my part, I shall be very sorry if more latitude is given in the choice of a first-rate bird. If delicacy and purity of colour — if well-formed, distinct, and healthy toes — if the brilliancy of plumage — if "good condition" are no longer to carry the day against mere size and weight, we shall soon have a coarse, ugly, and ungainly brute in the place of our present noble-looking and high-bred favourite. Huge size, if colour and "breeding" are no object, can easily be obtained by a dash of the Partridge Cochin or Brahma Pootra ; and I shall be quite surprised if the decisions of our Judges at this Show do not tend greatly to deteriorate the quahty of the birds at the next.^E. C. Crystal Palace Potjltet Show. — This Show commences on Tuesday the 9lh instant, and continues the three following days. We are pleased to hear that the entries are most satisfactory. The number of pens of poultry are in excess of last year. The Pigeons show a slight decrease ; but the Kabbits will be in greater number than upon any former occasion. The following are the number of pens :— Cochin-China, 83 ; Brahma Pootra, 19 ; Dorking, 178 ; Spanish, 79 ; Game, 184 ; Ham- burgh, 95 ; Polish, 31 ; Malay, 11 ; other distinct breeds, 26 ; Bantams, 92 ; Geese 13 ; Ducks, 69 ; Ornamental Water Fowl, 6; Turkevs, 10; Gold, Silver, and other Pheasants, 19; Pigeons, 277 ; Kabbits, 118. Total, 1310. CHIPPENHAM POULTKT SHOW. The Chippenham is one of those few Agricultural SocietieB which consider poultry to be worthy of their notice. They, therefore, ofier a sufficient amount in prizes to produce a very spirited, though principally local competition, which would, doubtless, be less local il the Show was more generally advertised, and in papers more likely to fall into the hands of distant ex- hibitors. That poultry adds materially to the attractions of an agricultural show admits of but little doubt ; and that it is not, as some imagine, a clog round the neck of the Society to which it is attached, the Chippenham Society does, we think, most definitely prove, as few local societies stand better in point of funds than this ; and we cannot help regretting, when we see agricultural societies so blind to their own interests as to ex- clude poultry from their li:t altogether, the result of which is they lose support they wouhl otherwise obtain, both as regards exhibitors, visitors, and subscribers. The exhitjitors of poultry are much more numerous than of stock, the crowds round the poultry pens at the shows plainly showing where the great point of attraction lies, especially amongst the fairer sex, and there are many who would subscribe to u poultry show, who would not care to do so to a society rigidly excluding their favourites. Borltings headed the prize list, though if we excejit the prize pens, we can scarcely say they were worthy of that honourable position, as they were neither numerous nor particularly good. Messrs. Blinkworth and Heath were the successful exhibitors of Spanish, the cock bird in Mr. Blinkworth's pen being very good ; but we fancied his comb a little inclined to droop behind. The Black-breasted Ked Game formed the class of the Show, pro- ducing a most spirited competition; Mr. Waller eventually carrying off the first }irize with a very beautiful pen of chickens, and we think the cock bird only required » little care and at- tention to make a first-rater. Many other pens in this class might also be well spoken of, especially Messrs. Hanks' and Bridges'. Mr. Filing showed two good Brown Red hens with a very coarse cock. In the other varieties of Game there was nothing of note. The Golden-pencilled Samhiircrks mustered well, though curious to say, there was not a single pen either of Silver-pencilled or Spangled, though there were special classes for them. Cochins were represented by two pens only, and those were inferior. In Polands, Silvers alone entered an appearance. The first prize for Game Bantams was withheld, there being one pen only of in- ferior Brown Reds. Black and White Bantams were well re- presented, but no Sebright? were entered. In the class for breeds not mentioned in the prize list, Mr. Fox stood Al, with a beau- tiful pen of Malays, there being also some good Brahmas and Silkies. Miss Milward, as usual, headed the list for Turkeys, with a remarkably fine pen. Geese were not particularly good. We have seen much better Aylesbury Ducks, but Kouens made amends, mustering ten pens, with scarcely an inferior one amongst them, Messrs. Hanks' and Fry's pens being particularly good. Mr. Phillips' East Indians in the " variety " class, well deserved the position they held. They were, however, hard- pressed by Miss Milward's and Mr. Fox's pons. In the sweeps'akes for Game (locks two very inferior Black Keds only appeared. The Judge was Mr. Geo. Saunders Sainsbury, Devizes. THE YOEK POULTRY SHOW. The sixth annual Exhibition of the Torishire Society for Fat Stock, Poultry, and Roots, was held in the new buildings at the Cattle Mirket, York, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday last. Much more space was allotted than in previous years for the accommodation of both the animals and visitors; indeed, it is said the Society's showyard is now one of the most perfect in December 9, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF lIOKTlCUIiTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB. 731 England ; and, wliethcr with regard to the aiTanfrementi", or the number and superior qiialily of theanimiils, tlii-< i?, undoubtedly, the best Show of fut stock that has ever been seen in York. We subjoin a list of the awards in the Poultry classes. Dorkings (Anv colour). — First, .1. Wliitt- ^Vllrl^lbr. Second, Ilov. G. HoldBworth, AlilborouKh. Tliird, H. W. I!, bern-ick, Hi-lmslcy. Sp\nisu.— Firat, J. Shorth'ise, Xcwcastle-on-Tvilc. Sccuilil, K. lil'own, Sheffleld. Third, II. A. Hudson, Ouscclittc. Cociiiw-nHiNA (Cinnamon or Buff). — First, H. \V, B. Berwick. Second, Kev. G. Giibert, Norwicli. Ttlird, K. D. Ewes, Kaare^hor.iuyli. fAny ottier Variety).— First, J. SlloMhosc. Second, G. Uutcbinson, York. Third, J. Bell, Thirsk. Gamk (Black-breant'^d and other Reds). — First. H. Adt»nn. Hcvorlcr. Second, F. H. Dodds, Ovendon, Halifax. Third, A 1). Sirid"rland, Oiik- worth. (Anv o:li?r Variety).— First, II. Adaiin. Second, A.Cittley, York. Third. J. Firth. Halifax. HAUBifRoH (Golden-penellled). — First, S. Smith, Northowram. Second, J. Sunderland, jnn.. Ilippei holme, Halifax. (Silver-penedh'd). — First, J. Sunderland, jun. Second, J. Firth. (Gi)ldcn-sp;mKled). — First, G. D. Mann, Ilemslett. Second, II. \V. B. Berwick. (SiWrr-spanu'ledl. — First, J. Mitchell, Hipperholme, Halifax. Socond, \V. B. Richard-on, York. Asr Fabuvard Cross or otrf.u VAiiifTY not Pni'.vropsi.T Ct-AssED. — First, Ladv Hawke, Fontefraot (Brahuias). Second, ii, M. Staik, Hull (Polish). Thii-d. T. Jo'ly, Warla\v. G'-lN-r.A Fowl. — First. J. K. Jessop. Hull. Second, G. Trottcl*, Poppleton. Bantams (Game).— First, H. M. St;irk. Second, K. IJrown. flilack or "White.)- First, A. Cattlev. Second, II. .\1. Stark. (Any other Variety.)— First, K. M. Stark. Srconi, A. Cat'ley. TnaKEi-s.— First, Lady Hawke. Second, J. S. Tonge, York. Third, !'.. 51. Stai-k. Gbbse.— First, H. Ambler, Halifax. Second, J. R. Jessop. Third, T. Dickson, York. Ducks (A\lesb;iry).—F'ir3t, T. E. Thcll, Welhevby. Second. B. Storey. Third. K. M. Stark, (Ronen, or any otlier variety). — First. \V. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. It. Jessop {East Indian). Third, if. Chadwick, Mauston, Leeds. The Jurlges of Poidtry were J. F. Smith, Esq., Sfcclton Grangj; and Mr. Charlton, of Bradford. THE PIGEON SOCIETIES OF LONDON. II. — THE NATIONAL COLDMBAKIAN CLUB. This Society, which was established in 1857, meets nt Ander- tou's Hotel, Fleet Street, on the evenings of tlie fourth Tuesdays of tlie months of October, Noveiubei", December, Junuai-y, and February, the annual Show being held on the ordinary day of meeting in February. The National Columbarian Club was started by some young but enthusiastic fanciers, and was originally formed by several members of the older Philoperistoron Society. At the present time the officers of the Society are— President, Mi-. Fry, of Brighton ; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. Jones and Fi-eeman ; and Secrel-.ary, Mr. Betty. The annual subscription and entrance fee are lO.v. 6iZ. each. Although so recently founded, this Club must be considered as lirinly established — a fact which is, in great part, owing to the active and zealous exertions of Mr. B.°tty, the Hon. Sec. The ntimber of its members is increasing, and the qualify of the birds shown at its monthly meetings is very good. Most classes of birds find supporters amongst the members : thus the Secretary is distinguished for his very valuable stud of Carriers. Mr. Jones is notorious for his Barbs. The Short- faced fanciers are well represented by Messrs. Pereivall, Jeans, Smith, and Freeman. Mr. Bacchus is very strong in Powters. In Toys, Mr. Morris is a host in himself. Amongst the n^embers is included Mr. Potter, one of the breedei-s to wliom tlie Carrier- fanciers of the present day are deeply indebted for short birds of very superior quality. We regret to record the fact that a large number of Mr. Potter's birds were stolen during the last season, and no trace of them has ever been discovered. The members of this Society are diligent in their attendance, and there is usually a very good show of choice specimens on every meeting night. At our last visit to this agreeable reunion of fanciers, we saw several new pattern show-pens well adapted to display large birds — such as Carriers in pairs. Tliese pens were cylindrical in shape, being about the size of one of the sale- baskets used at Stevens' auctions. The wires forming the sides were perpendicular, and inserted into a mahogany ring or moulding at the top. As sliow-pens for pairs of birds they were the most effective we have seen. merely odoptocl the peculiar entrance apropos to my hives havin;; central lioles in tlioir tops. I was led to do 80 to redeem their character from that severe condemnatory castigation which "A Kknkkhwsuikk 1!ee-kekpek" adTninistcrcd, who orst ei- plained his jilan in preferoneo, and whifli, if I remember riglitly, read mucli tlie same as that now propounded by Mr. Fox. Both the "KENKiiKwamiiK Bee-keepeu" and Mr. Fox, for their respective counties and practice, are right in what they say, but very large supers will not do here. I tried them for years and could seldom get them completed. Furthermore, for the million, the three side entrances would, I think, complicate a hive too much. Mrs. Barrett would bo sure to cast over it her wet blanket, and say, " Your gentleman's bee-keeping won't do for poor people." If I lived in Mi'. Fox's beautiful county of Devon, trust me but I should have adojited the plan when first broached by " A. It. B. K." long ago. I know his prolific honey neighbourhood, and I made more friends down there in one week than I have been able to make here during a residence of sixteen years. My large hives are equal to the propulsion of any amount of cold-shoulder-extraneous coverings, anil in summer they become shaded by the trees by twelve o'clock, so when supering I never find any dilliculty ; and if I did, I would cause larger, thin, topless hives to be made to slip over the stock-hive, in preference to the "oilcloth." I beg to assure Mr. Fox that my bee-boards would bear 1 cwt., at least, without bending. The bees certainly did work their combs down to the board, and that at once, and they would do so again if 1 dispensed with the crossed sticks. I do not lay any very gi-eat stress about central holes incommoding the breeders in these large hives through press of workers. The honey-gathei-ers, agreeably to my observations, instinctively take their ways outside, and along the top, and not through the central brood-combs ; and as far as the means of communication is concerned, I liave allowed for measurement more than half the main entrance to the hive, which is quite proportionate enough for the up-houey-gatherers — say cue hundred each minute. Much more room could be given by skeletonising the Haps with a few more slits, though upon repeated exaoaiuations and watchings I feel convinced the space I have given would do for almost any super. I wonder if Mr. Fox ever tried my bee-feeder? It answers with me very well. In fact, I have the very oi'iginal wliich I exhibited along with its quarter-of-a-peck-measure substitute, doing duty this very moment. I deferred feeding two of my hives till I had my second-best honey from tlie Exhibition, to make it into artificial food. I administered the feeders yesterday evening, the Ist iust., containing 7 lbs. of food each ; and tliis afternoon, the 2nd, there is scarcely an ounce of food left in both. Could bottles beat this ? Pray let it be understood, that I say nothing against bottle-feeders, never having tried them; but as Mr. Fox openly pits them, and every other feeder, against mine, I will merely observe, that it strikes me in the application of the bottle, the bees must take the contents whether they feel inclined to do so or no, or become saturated with it. I am sorry that I have off^rnded so much against Mr. Fox's good taste. Amongst visitors here, I have not met with a single instance of disapprobation, but considerable hilarity has been displayed at the caricatured conceptions. Again, at the Ex- hibition, I was told by a regular attendant upon an adjacent machine, that " almost every one who visited your case was very much amused with your liead." Now, is not that some- thing to congratulate oneself upon in this serious workaday world? For the sake of these good-liumoured people I hope Mr. Fox will reconsider his verdict. I fancy they form a prefer- able finish to the flat bottom of the pan being bound. I have tried cord in lieu of "copper wire," after that fashion, which, with the fragmentary bricks and rough stones, I must beg to be allowed to object to. I am now having some stone protectors against all comers sculptured, one in the shape of a lion couchant, and the other, old England's device — the rose, the shamrock, and the thistle. — Upwakbs and Onwaeds. " UPWAEDS AND ONWAEDS " DEFENDS HIS APIAIIY. I NETEE intended to claim priority of invention of the narrowed drone-refusing passages from a hive into a super. I DZIEEZON ON PARTHENOGENESIS IN THE HONEY BEE. No one can fail to recognise in the articles from the pen of Mr. J. Lowe, which have recently graced the pages of The Joitbnal of lIoBTxcuLTtrBB, the same qualities which he ascribes Tf32 JOTJRNAii OF HOaxidCLTURE AND COMAGE GAUDSIfBR, [ December 9, 1862. to i\\6 Writ!rig8 of his distingtiislied contemporary Dzierzon — Tiz., tiiat they enunciate the opinions of a man who is well acquainted with apiarian science. He has, however, made so ■great a mistake in his last communication, witli regard to the estimation in which Dzierzon now holds his well-tried and firmly-establiBhed doctrine of parthenogenesis in the lioney bee, that I deem it important to lose no time in correcting it. I speak advisedly in saying the estimation in which Dzierzon now holds his doctrine of parthenogenesis, since it is by no means one of the least singular of the circumstances wJiich attended the promulgation of this remarkable discovery, that the original promulgator of what was then merely a colourable hypotheJ*is, based on his own unassisted observations and experi- ments, should, at one time, appear to have succumbed to what Mr. Lowe terms the antiquated notions and confirmed prejudices of bee-keepers, so far as to doubt the perfect tenabitity of his own theory. This curious instance of a great originator of a new idea faltering in the advocacy of his own discovery, until it was raised by the investigations of others to the rank of an established scientific fact, seems to have occurred about eight or nine years ago, and this it is which has probably caused Mr. Lowe to entertain the mistaken notion which pervades the first part of his last article. Von Siebold, writing in 1S54, says : — " I must not omit to mention that Dzierzon himself, after calling a number of oppo- nents into the field by the promulgation of his new tlieory, and after all possible imaginable objections had been raised from tjie most various sides against its correctness, began to doubt the perfect tenability of his theory. Notwithstanding that very recently Dzierzon expresses himself with peculiar reserve and caution upon certain points of his theory, other eiperienced apiarians still held firmly to it, as, after it had once become perfectly familiar to them, by its assistance every occurrence in a bee-hive, however unexpected or apparently strange, was instantly understood by them. Above all, we must mention Herr von Berlepsch, who has set himself the task of testing Dzierzon's tlieory in every direction, with his abundance of bee- hives." Here follows an account of several interesting experi- ments made by Berlepsch, which Siebold considers "must again convert Dzierzon himself, since he appears to have become a doubter of his own theory." Whether the experiments of Von Berlepsch were attended by the anticipated result, or whether, as appears most probable, it was due to the conclusive investigation of Von Siebold himself, I am unable to state. All that is certain is, that Dzierzon was reconverted to a belief in his own discovery, which he, in common with all his apiarian contemporaries in Gu-rmany, now holds to be perfectly indisputable, as will be perceived by the following extracts from the last edition of his work, entitled " Rational Bee-keeping," and written no longer ago than 1861 : — " We find queens in many stocks, young as well as old weak ones, which are only able to lay drone eggs. Under certain circumstances workers also lay eg^9, from which, however, only drones arise. With a truly impregnated queen, however, we find the wonderful power of adapting to the cells the eggs which she lays in them — of laying female eggs in the small workers' and male eggs in the large drone-cells — thus fixing arbitrarily the gender of the egg. To solve this riddle recourse was had to the most diverse hypotheses, whereby, however, the matter only became more complicated. Why male and female eggs were laid according to the cells some tried to explain by supposing drones to be the offspring of certain workers, whilst the queen was supposed, in contradiction to all experience, to lay only worker eggs. Every attentive observer may, however, often see the queen lay eggs in drone-cells. Tlie long and acrimonious dispute, which, notwithstanding this was carried on with regard to this point, was brought by the Italian bees to a sudden end ; for when an Itahan queen was introduced into a common stock, not only Italian workers but Italian drones appeared also, proving incontestably that they owed their existence to the queen. Tlie appearance of mothers (whether queens or workers) laying only drone eggs was attempted to be explained by the hypotliesis of an imperfect impregnation, owing (according to Busch) to its having taken place within the hive, or (according to Huber) to its having been retarded. These hypotheses are, however, perfectly incapable of proof, and are found on closer exami- nation to be altogether untenable. Impregnation never takes place within the hive. Although a multitude of drones may exist, a young queen wiU not be fertilised if the weather or the season does not admit of her flight. Both parties are- indisposed to copulate within the hive. If, also, the sexual ardour of drones could be excited in-doors, the queens would have no rest whatever during their existence. So long, how- ever, as a young queen flies out for copulation, which cer- taiuly in the warm summer will, at the most, last four weeks, but which in the cool spring or autumn, when life and develop- ment in the stock is more at rest, will take place after five or even six weeks, she is able to become perfectly fertile. No reason can be assigned wliy a retarded impregnation should be less perfect, or why it should only enable the queen to propagate the male gender. The truth is this, that with queens which only produce drones no impregnation has taken place, or it has remained without effect, or has become inoperative, since fertili- sation is unnecessary for drone eggs, as they bring the germ of life from the mother's ovary, and become drone eggs from this circumstance — that they are laid unfertilised ; but if the egg be fertilised, if from the spermatheca of an impregnated queen, filled with semen, a spermatozoon is slipped into the passing egg, by this the germ of life for a different bee-individual, a worker or queen, is awakeneJ. In this proposition lies the key for solving all questions which have hitherto seemed inexplicable. This proposition forced itself upon the Silesian Bee-friend* when he had an opportunity of observing several young queens, which, from either having defective wings, or being hatched in the cold season, had evidently been unable to undertake the wedding-flight, and which afterwards were proved by dissection to have remained unimpregnated, but were yet laying eggs, from which proceeded drones only. Now, as these egg?, germinating first in the ovary, would most certainly have become worker eggs if impregnation had taken place, no other conclusion could be arrived at than that all eggs are originally equal or generically indifferent, and that they become male or female eggs according as they are laid unfecundated or fecundated. By this is easily explained why unimpregnated queens or workers, whicli are incapable of im- pregnation, can lay only drone eggs, whilst impregnated queens lay both worker and drone eggs, and this at will, since it is easy for the queen to prevent fecundation, or permit it to take place by the motion of a muscle. "This proposition, which the author ventured only to submit as a hypothesis in the first volumes of the ' Bee Journal,' and which in his earlier writings he more fully explained and proved,, met with the most violent contradiction because it was opposed to a law hitherto universally considered valid — that no life is possible without fecundation. As, however, this theory explains- the plienomena of the bee-hive as perfectly as the Copernican hypothesis the phenomena of the heavens, it found more and more adherents ; even pliysiologists began to take an interest iu it, and now it is received as a doctrine, after having passed the fiery ordeal of science under the microscope and dissecting-needle of the great physiologist. Professor Theodor Von Siebold, formerly of Breslau, now of Munich. t At this time there ia no longer any dispute as to the correctness of his theory." These, then, were the opinions expressed by Dzierzon on thia subject so recently as 1861. Having myself been a constant; reader of all articles from his pen which have appeared in the German "Bee Journal" during the present year 1862, lean vouch for the fact that since that time he has never in any one instance swerved from his faith in the truth of the doctrine of parthenogenesis in the honey bee, or even once referred to what Mr. Lowe so justly designates "the antiquated and untenable theory of a bygone age." — A DEVoxSHrsE Bee-keepee. • D:^ierzon speaks of himself under the above name.— A Devonshihe Bee-keeper. + Virle " A Tnic Pirlhenogenesis in Moths and Bees." By Carl Theodor Ernst von Siebold. London : Van Voorst. OUR LETTER BOX. Cows ( Inquirer). —There is no difference between the breeds of Alderney and Guernsey if pure. Of Devona. the usual colour of the best ia entire red ; but there are many brown, chestnut, and eren yellowisli. The last are said to be particularly liable to diarrhoea. Milk-bowls (A. B.).—'\Ve are of opinion that bowls or pans of glass are iu every respect to be preferred. Made of green glass one-eighth of an inch thick, they are very strong, are most easily kept deal, are neat in appearance, and yield as much, if not more cream, as vessels made of any other material. Sixteen inches wide at the top, with a thickened edge ; 12 inches wide at the bottom, and 6 inches deep. Is a good size, holding about eight quarts, but not more than six quarts should be put in. They only require to be rinsed with lukewarm water, and then with cold water, Scaldiog or boiling water is totally unDecessary, i December 16, 18G2. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICL'LTURK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 733: Day Pay of of M'nth Week. 10 Tu 17 W 18 Th 19 F 20 S 21 Sen 22 M DECEMBER 10-22, 1S62. Heliotropes. Rmiikr Wevk. Lrschentinltiu foraiosa. Cvpiipediums. Sun's declin. 2:!° 27' WEEKLY CALENDAR. Weather niiak London in 1861. Barometer. 30.100—30 124 30.IC7— M.012 29.944-29.89!) 30.222-30.177 30.370-30.303 4 Sun. in Adven Ceanothus Rsurous. St. Thomas. I 30.380-30.233 I 39.200-80.194 Tbcroiom. Wind. (lestreeH. 51-40 N.W. 49-3.5 N.W. 4li— 36 N.W. 4.5-30 N.W. 42-35 N.K. 41—37 N.K. 45-86 N.E. Rain in Inehes. Sim RiiteH. Snn Sel8. Moon ' ICineA I Mnon'H I and Sets I AKe. i ClfKSk I J «ftw n»f «r 4 Siin. 1 tar. 1 m li.) 01. h. m. 3af8 ' 49iif3 .59 49 3 49 3 50 3 r,o 3 .51 19 3D 0 12 h. 1 : 3 ' 4 ' 0 7 2.5 20 27 — 7 8 51 S 49 a 5 St Sit 3W Mktkoeolooy or thk Wrek.— At Chiswick, from observations during the last thirty-flve years, the average hljheat and tempeniturts of these dars are 44.7' and 33,5° rcsnectively. The gre:itent heat, .5S\ occurred on the 16th, in 1819 ; and the lowest on the 16th, in 1S53, and'lflth, in 1859. Dming the period 133 days were tine, and onll2r.iin fell lnive«t mM, J' COMPAKATITE MERITS OF POTATOES. AST summer twelvemonths, as we were walkinij in the garden, I said to the rector as I cast my eyes over many sorts of Potatoes — a motley group whit^h were growing there, " I really think I shall give up scouring the country, and confine myself to Mit- chell's Early Albion Kid- ney, Early Shutford Seed- ling, the Lapstone Kidney and the Fortyfolds — those four sorts that suit us so well. It costs a good round sum one time with another for the sake of introducing and proving for the people here the best kinds which are likely to suit them; and after all they do not care one farthing about the giver." " Well," the rector said, "you will do it." On the following autumn I paid a visit to Suffolk, to the old folks at home, and of course the ruling passion soon led me in search of Potatoes of the best local sorts ; and fourteen varieties were carefully packed in a hamper, soon to find their way to Woodstock, to be spread out in trays (see No. 48, page 4:56), and looked fondly upon as coming from the old homo, and in consideration of the trouble that the dear friends and villagers had taken to procure them for me. On passing through London I happened to go to a coffee-room, and the subject of Potatoes was on the tapis. Some tubers from Lambton Castle were being handed about and extolled as an excellent sort. Of course I turned beggar at once and got a sliare. Thougli their name was forgotten I hope, if Mr. Stevenson should cast his eye over this, he will kindly let us know their name, if he recognise the sort from my description. Well, not many weeks after my return a letter arrived to me from Mr. Daintree, of Fen Drayton, to say that he had for- warded me a peck of his Earliest Seedlings, reijuesting me to try them against any approved sort which I might have, and in due time to oblige him with the result. Now here was I, after having half vowed to restrict myself to four sorts, booked to a certainty for twenty during the following summer, which " is a thing," as Lord Dundreary would put it, " that no fellow can understand." I did not get that peck of Potatoes which Mr. Daintree was to have sent, so after an unreasonable time I wrote to him to say so ; and he replied that the Potatoes had been to Woodstock, but were returned to him with a superscription written on the label that no such person was known here. Now that was a thing I at once understood. So, having shortly to go to London, I sent Mr. Daintree my direction there, w here he sent me another peck of Potatoes, and they arrived there where I was known almost to the hour when I expected them. I had yet another peck sent to try with some late sorts at a late planting, and the results were as follows : — No. 90.— Vol III., New Series. COMPETITION 1. March IL— Planted Mitchell's Early Albion Kidtwy, Walnut-leaved Kidney, Shutford Seedling, Early Pto- lific. Early Shaw, and Daintree'a Earliest fii*iJi«g Potatoes. June 9tli. — Examined a root of each sort, and Bmjrfefi. out the largest tuber, wliich weighed reapectiveiy — Mitchell's Albion. 2;f ozs. ; Walnut-leaved Kidney, i <«.; Shutford V oz. ; Early Prolific, U oz. ; Early Sktw. ?^- toes. .June 9th. — The tops were all well abovegiXMstid, «6- cepting the Daintree's Seedling, which came ujj a, Saab- night later for causes above stated. July 29th. — Tried a root of Daintree's Secdlinc;, <^ai6r mealy, white, and excellent flavour ; ditto Lapstoae Kifi ney, ([uite mealy and excellent. These, which leamtUBe to be a first-class white Potato, appeared even to bameat No. 742.— Vol. XXVIII., Old Ssaim. 734 JOUENAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [December 16, 1862. tinee of yellow when side by side with the Daintree's in the dish. July 30th. — Tried a root of Negros ; waxy, white, and no flaTOur. Ditto Enrly Kitlg^ ; close, yellow, and poor flavour. Auijust Ist. — Tried a root of Fortyfolds ; mealy, wliite, and excellent. Ditto Cambridge Kidney; mealy, yellowish, and of very good flavour. August 2nd. — Tried a root of Freebearers ; mealy, white, and fair flavour. Ditto Fluke ; mealy, of a yellowish cast of coun- tenance, and fair flavour. August 3rd. — Tried a root of Blooming Aslitop, consisting of three long Potatoes ; mealy, white, and excellent. Ditto Salmon Kidney ; cloi^e, yellowish-salmon colour, poor-flavoured. "Lamb- ton" (pear-shaped) Kidney; mealy, slightly yellow, but of excellent fluvonr. Aneust lOith.— Daintree's, Fortyfolds, Lapatones, " Lamb- ton," and Earlv Kings, have their tops turning quite vellow ; whilst the Freebearers, Flukes, Negro, and Cambridge Kidneys, maintain their tops as green as grass. The Salmon Kidneys and Blooming Ashtops are quite withered and gone. August 17th. — Took up Daintree's Seedling. The tubers for 4 yards of drill or ridge, 42 inches between each apex, weighed 31 lbs. ; ditto Fortyf)lds, weight 27 lbs. ; ditto Lapstones, weight -'9 lbs. : ditto Salmon Kidney, weight 24 lbs. ; ditto Early Kings, weight 25^- lbs. ; ditto Blooming Ashtops, weight 18 lbs. ; " Lambtons," two roots, which is my extent of crop, weighed 2 lbs. 4 ozs., which may be compared for bulk to the Salmon Kidney. September 2yih. — Took up Freebearers ; 4 yards of tubers weighed 33:^ lbs. ; ditto Negros, 34 lbs. ; ditto Cambridge Kidney, weight 30 lbs. ; ditto Flukes, weight 24 lbs. The tops of these were scarcely yet turning yellow, and the haulm, with the exception of the Flukes, was monstrous. That of the Cambridge and the Negros, moreover, began to show symptoms of spot The tubers, howeTcr, were all free from disease. COMPETITION 3. May 19th. — Planted Daintree's Seedling, Haigh's Kidney, Lapstone Kidney, York Ilegent, Pink Regent, Freebearer, and a late sort from Suffolk partaking something of the appearance of an Ox-noble. I could not ascertain its name, so I will call it the Unknown. It is said to be never known to have had the disease. August 37th. — The tops of Daintree's and the Lapstones are become quite yellow, and those of the Haigh's, being spare and brittle, were blown completely away by the wind ; whilst the Kegents, the Freebearers, and the Unknown, are perfectly green — the latter are monstrous. I never saw such tops in my life. Some of the stems near their junction with the ridge would measure almost an inch in diameter. Dug-up and cooked a dish of Pink Regents, close, yellow, and unflavoured ; ditto York Regents, moderately mealy, whitish, and with the flavour that can be sworn to, let it come from what part of the nation it may. The Unknown was waxy, unripe, and tasteless. The Daititree's, Lapstones, and Freebearers of this late planting are equallv good with their relations mentioned above. On the 27th I dug-up the Daintree's, which weighed per 4 yards of drill, 20 lbs. ; ditto Lapstones, weight 22.', lbs. ; ditto Haigh's, 6 lbs. October 7th. — Took up York Regents, weighed 24j lbs. per 4 yards of drill; ditto Pink Regents, 23 lbs. ; and the Un- known reached to 30 lbs. I attribute the falling-ofi' of the weight of crop in the Daintree's and Lapstones mostly to the late planting, but something to the wind having lacerated their foliage when it was in full vigour of growth. The leaves of the Regents, &o., in a great measure defied it on account of their breadth and coarseness of foliage. I believe the Un- knowns wovdd have flourished till the frost; nevertheless, the time of planting was too late. They would all have given better crops had they been planted earlier; though even the Lapstone, as can be seen, now gains a step on the Daintree's, which I account for from its greater measure of haulm, which, again, helps to verify my previous recommendations — that all coarse-topping Potatoes are more suitable for cottagers on poor land and for field cultivation than the meagre-topping finer sorts. Starvation of root is made-up for comparatively by the multiplication of the mouths of the foliage feasting on the carbon of the atmo- sphere. The smaller the top the better should be the soil, and vice versa. I could never get a coarse-topping Potato to give me a crop at all in this garden. It was " all tops and no bottoms," as they say, till I took to the ridge-and-trench system, and I Bad most of the coarser-fohaged Potatoes that I have introduced miintain themselves amongst the allotment-holders here, light soil inclining to stone brash, whilst the finer sorts soon get lost to them. COMPETITION 4. June 30th. — Planted a row of Shutford Seedling, having shoots to the sets 4 inches long, on the site of a row from which I had taken my first Mitchell's Albion. August IHth. — Dug a dish : their skins scraped off as freely, and they were as firm and quite as full-flavoured as their predecessors of the spring time. They served us for a change as new Pota- toes into the middle of October, though their foliage by that time became much spotted, and some of the tubers began to he diseased. I shall adopt this plan again if I can instinct-out a good Potato season betimes next year. I can remember an instance when some of those late young Potatoes were tubbed iu nice moist earth, and sold as quite youngsters at a fabulous price in the next February to good people of an island town not one hundred miles from Portsmouth ! Much better to have finished them off in October and have done with them. SYNOPSIS. MitchelVs marly Allion Kidney. — Will do either to force or to come in as a first early in the open ground ; firm and slightly yellowish when cooked. An excellent Potato. Shvtford Seedling. — A small glazed-topper, very much like the Mitchell's, but it is a round Potato, very early and a tole- rable keei er ; precocious in mealiness, and of a yellowish oast when boiled. Its only fault is in producing a good many little ones. W ahiift-leaved Kidney. — Later, and of coarser growth than the Mitchell's Albion. It is a multiplied identity of that variety. Early Prolijic and Karly Shaivs are good-flavoured, white, mealy Potatoes ; but their tops are too coarse and sprawling to pleHse me as enrly sorts. Daintree's Earliest Seedling. — I should not like to positively aflirm that it will be the earliest Potato grown ; but, if not, it will be difficult to find a round-keeping hou-iehold Potato to beat it. It proved with me a first-rate second earlv, an excellent cropper, precocious for mealiness, perfectly white, and an excellent- ilavoured variety. Lapstone Kidney. — The best of all household Kidney Potatoes within my knowledge. It is a second early, and will do its work as quicklv as Daintree's, and will keep to the end of another year. It hns fine dehcate foliage, and requires room. It is pre- cocious as to mealiness, white, and of first-rate flavour. Every- body sliould grow it. Vhite-blossom AsMop Kidney. — Is long as its name ; rather early, white, and of first-rate flavour. A meagre cropper, though a fine Potato, and few in a hill. MaiqKs Kidney (Mottled purple and white). — -Is very satisfying. A rich Potato, so to speak, and requires a very rich soil to grow it in, and thus it will produce fine, showy, exhibition tubers. I grew it chiefly for that purpose ; but I shall give it up, for it is very subject to the disease, and its foliage will not stand the strong winds we are so often favoured with. Forty/old (Blue and white-mottled). — An excellent round Potato up to the new year ; second early, white, and mealy ; capital tor mashing, and of first-rate flavour. It has been for many years a favourite with me, but it must now give place to Daintree's. Cambridge Kidney. — Large, pear-shaped, and a bountiful cropper ; yellowish, though mealy, and v;ry well flavoured. It produces enormous foliage. The leaf is glazed and very hand- some ; but I fear it is disposed to disease, otherwise it is a poor man's Potato. Salmon Kidney is a kind I should say that would resist the disease ; and ttiat is all, I think, I ought to say about it. Early King would also suit the cottager, but it is not suit- able for a parlour table. It is close, yellow, and pretty well flavoured. Freebearer (Mottled blue and white). — A large, coarse-eyed Potato, and an enormous cropper, but without good flavour, and white. Suitable for the gardens of district unions, or any )>oor or rich man either who is fond of a large roasted Potato. Foliage immense. Negro (Dark blue).^This is another to astonish the natives; great parallelograms of gluten, farina, and water ; coarse, with many eyes, though when boiled white aa a napkin, and of middling December 16, 1862. ] JOUENAL OF UORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 735 flavour. It is monBtrous for crop and top ; but no longer llmii prizes rontinue to bo given for large coarse things would I entertain the idea of it. Fluke. — Of course everybody knows the Fluke, though T am rash enough to own that it is no favourite of min(^ : I never could think it a gooil-(lavo\ircd Potato. It is of a yellowish hue when boiled ; and let a I'otatoe be however good-flavoured, it loses caste with mn unless it is white as the driven spray. " Lamhton" Kidiiey. — A first-rate second early, pear-sliaped, a moderate topper and good cr.ipper. An excellent- flavoured Potsto, mealy, but with the shade of yellow when boiled. Vori- Rei/ent. — It is a popular London Potato, and known far-a-tield ; whitish when boiled, though in the spring it is apt to show the black nose. It is too astringent in flavour for a connoisseur, though a good rich Potato for a poor man's family, and capital to " bring on " his pig ; and there is no better judge than a porcine epicure of what a Potato should be in a general way. PM- Rfijeiit — This is a favourite amongst labourers, but a pig would much prefer the former, and so would I ; and the Un- known, which I feel also bound to say a word for, is a coarse, very late, whitish Potato, of no flavour to speak of, though if, as it is said to be, impervious to disease, it is a great point gained, and its coarse deep eyes would be winked at by the labourer's family. As a synopsis within a synopsis, I would say to cultivators of limiteel space. Grow the Mitchell's Early Albion ICidney, the Lapstone Kidney, and Baintree's Seedling, and you cannot do wrong. — Upwards and Onwards. PROPAGATING CYCLAMENS axd FAKFUGIUM GRANDE FROM CUTTINGS. Fob my theme to-day I have one of the moat interesting cases that have yet been broached in these pages. A man has a Cyclamen with leaves " as large and blotched as those of Farfugiura grande," and I happen to have some Far- fugiums now whose leaves are not so big as those of some of my Cyclamens : therefore, we shall say this Cyclamen hns \ery large leaves, and they are marked, or banded, or blotched out of the common run ; and for the last year no one, not even the owner, could find out or suggest how to seed it ; and if they did, it is a hundred to one if any of the seedlings would have the leaves similarly marked. Now, failing in the means of increasing this extraordinary variety of the Cyclamen pcrsicum, the owner of it is willing to give a leaf or two of it to our correspondent " T," if he, the ssid correspondent, can find the means of rooting them ; and "T." applies to us to know "if it bo possible to produce Cvclamens from leaves? " and I am not quite certain that there is a man in the kingdom who can say if it be really possible or not. There is nothing published in English, as far as I know, to tell either way. There may be many who have failed in rooting leaves of Cyclamens, but we have no account of them and how th y went to work. A thousand might have failed in rooting a par- ticular leaf, and yet the leaf be capable of rooting nevertheless. I never tried to strike a Cyclamen leaf, and I do not know of any person who did try them in earnest ; b\it I take it for granted, that as the Messrs. Henderson, of the Wellington Eond Xursery, have not propagated their new strains of persicum by the leaf, that they are aware of the impracticability of that mode of in- creasing them. But I have just said I had a most interesting case. So I have ; yet I must ask that no one be disappointed if what I say, as it were, in a private letter should not come to pass. Well, between "T." and Donald Beaton my opinion decidedly is, that Cyclamens of sorts may be so grown that they can be propagated by cuttings. It was one part of my scheme for the last three years to test this thoroughly, but the frost and the failure of this time last year put an end to the experiment for a time. But T will tell you how it was. Four years back there were very few of us who knew that any other Cyclamen than Sweet's vernum had spur-stems on tlie crown. I did not know it, and I took the spur to be a specific distinction. .Since then some of the great Cyclamen-growers put mo right, and said there were spurs on all kinds of Cyclamens occasionally, and even that they could be increased from spur- cuttings, but that such cuttings never formed tubers — a result as interesting as anything I know of in gardening. Meantime I had Cyclamens from Italy with spurs over the crown, some with one, some with two or three, and I hud one with six spurs. I'heu, it struck me as curious that one C\ clanu-n should have spur-growths, and another of the same kind, and by all appear- ance an older plant, should have none; and my experiment was designed to prove how such came to pass in the pastures and passes of the south of Italy. As far as my experiment went, I am sure that it is possible to cause all kinds of Cyclamens to produce spurs to flower on ; and if so, r have found out the reason why it is that Cyclamens m the wilds and woods of nature do occasionally produce crown- spurs, like those Sweet firet describes on the vernum he figured from. But I have not such a prool in my hand us I could wish, otherwise I would take the responsibility of dctaihng the whole process to all my readers as much as to one correspondent, but here they are. Italy has been said to be the land of rivers and fountains ; and we all know from the accounts of travellers how rapid and how strong the fountains and rivers roll down their waters from alpine regions in the times of heavy storms, and on the melting of the snow along the high ridges. By such means, and by other natural causes, quantities of soil, sand, and debris, are brought down and overlay the lower grounds near the margins of the streams, and cover the surface-vegetation deeply in some places, in others less so, and still less deeply towards the extreme limits. Then, when a Cyclamen field becomes covered with the less amount of sand and silt, and tlie bulbs are not covered so deeply as to ruin them, they make efforts to extend their leaves up into the light and air as ucual, and that effort causes the substince of the bulb itself to be expended iu the form and manner of these spur-growths. That is the only way in which I could account for the form- ation of many of the bulbs which I have handled for the last three years. I have seen some, and many of the best gems in the British flora, under similar conditions — from the Sundew on the margin of the lake in the bottom of the vuUey, to the Cloudberry flanking the verge of the limits of vegetation on the mountain side, and I had no reason to doubt the idea ; and, therefore, I made the attempt in that experiment to follow Nature as closely as mj garden would allow of, and the cocoa- nut fibre refuse helped me more than I had reason to cal- culate on. I planted bulbs of the persicum breed, and of all the sections of Cyclamens, from 2 inches to 3 inches deep over the top of the crown ; and in two years' growth, or rather in one growth and one-half of a season's growth, owing to the frost, I had evidences enough to warrant me in believing that all kinds of Cyclamens would form spurs on the crown of the bulbs, if they were thus buried in planting or in potting. Several of my persicum tubers have made two or three spurs, but very short ones, in the period just stated. Had the experiment not been cut short by that frost of last year, I intended to put one more inch of the cocoa-nut fibre refuse over these bulbs, and I think that would have been a more safe practice than to bare put too much, or say 4 inches deep, on at the first planting. When I used to say that I coidd make all kinds of Cyclamens look like macrophyllum, this was the means by which the leaves were to be had so large. One could not prove this in pots, because the pots, to allow of that deep plaijt ng, would be too big for good practice ; but in a pit or border the practice is quite safe, and not only so, but deep planting has given me finer leaves and larger tlowcrs than I ever saw in pot culture. There are two ways by which I think I could increase the Farfugium-grande-like Cyclamen in question. The first is to plant it out of the pot in the front of a cold pit where the sun could not strike it direct, for none of them like that ; to use good strong yellow loam, and to reduce the strength of the loam with the cocoa-nut refuse until it is as loose as sandy peat ; to plant the bulb in this stuff; to have the bulb fully 3 inches deep over the crown, and to press the soil veiy much under the bulb and all round it. At the end of twelve months I would put on another inch of half loam and half cocoa-nut fibre refuse ; and I am satisfied, from the age of the bulb and from the account of the size of its blotched leaves, that it would hear to have a second application next season— that is to say, in two years it could bear to have the crown of the tuher fully 4 inches below the surface, and that it would moke half a dozen spurs in its attempts to throw-up the leaves to the light; also, if the luxuriance of the tuber is the cause why the plant refuses 1S^ JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 16, 1862; iomrj^, ihi3 way of taking that pride out of it would be the anjKnat of siiakiug it a fruitful plant. Tlfcra), »Bppose you cut off five of the six spurs to within one- tffa*tsT»San inch from the bottom, and left the one for fear of iifce aymja going blind, the five spurs would make five plants arat^i, Sor one of the best authorities has said so not long since ioi SfefSB peges. Under such a gardener as our friend Mr. lloUancl, ■mba^ma » tfcree-year green Cyclamen euro|)Eeura, I should have 3»» fesi' Jsi>i tie rooted spurs would grow on and bloom as well «MB ihii-.r f\rn roots as from the strcngtli of tlie motlier tuber. JS wsisJi), jjxJeed, be a strange thing if we sliould be able at Jaei W ha-ze a generation of stemmed C'yclameus without tubers ; asjd fe» tijey, or some of the kinds, can be kept green from year to' y»»r, tie one of my vernums — my original, and like one of Mr. ICoSaad'a europa^ums, there can be no doubt about some Kjf *b(i stemmed plants keeping green, advancing slowly, and ifewesmg xe \hej go. Al ail events our correspondent " T." has two chances for gBlii»g boHl of the Farfugium-like Cyclamens which he seems so -jsttcls to hsve set his heart upon. The second chauce is even iBure eairioas than that just suggested, yet 1 am as confident of :3k as 1««) be. Since 1 planted-out my original plant of vernuni, whiM^Ji bleoins from a knotty burr of spurs, it has made two auBj* ®&«ii-lilie spurs from the lower sides of the tuber, not from fee BBskj side; and now if I were to break oiftlie spurred crown Hits* k»4te2a spurs would, or must, grow on the faster, and I e the last extremity by blinding all the eyes on the *3^ol»n Tcrei ose. As two distinct kinds have made side growths moSra- ctiUiTatioD, and as I have seen many bulbs of neapoli- *aiDi»s T»ilh side shoots on from their native wilds, and having utoire ^h»» one bulb of it in which all the growth came from the »j(3p3 of Jhe taber, and the crowns completely bUiid, I cannot CBsemre o? mtj structural difference in the tuber of a persicura TsrjelT of Cyclamen to render this Farrugium-hke variety proof i^ianait & second ehance for its propagation. By Ihe middle of next spring 1 sliall be able to resume the viptmsaejit e>( planting so many Cyclamens at such and such depths, m by. that time my frosted stock of last year will be up to Ihe Kiari again, and the same plants will do for the trial of endarjng so- much cold, and for this way of propagating the kinds. ji3?»!)4iTne-, seroe of our Cyclamen correspondents might set alMWil 4ha» woald be necessary for them to do would be to put two aBOTfiaishra ia depth over so many of the plants at one corner «sr*2e aid? oj the bed, and watch the diflereuce, and I would gasTOBtt-e tiat the extra depth would not hurt any of their iSBSiifbJishec} ylants, but rather the contrary. Anolfi«7 branch of tlie subject might be set about early in Sj^romy, Jong before I can do much in it for want of means, ace i»e and power of a propagating-bed or place. Any one who haa laote than one top spur on the crown of a Cyclamen, could iiirai Sry ©ae spar of each kind as a cutting, and, after rooting it, «a)s3»-JBax to ieep it green all the year round, for there is no at&esr s«an» of keeping in existence plants so obtained according lufow pissent experience; but who knows but in a fresh start siBSagst BO many, and all bent on the same ends, some one or tAher, fs- some eliance not looked for, may, or may not reveal (»»uiWoj»]3ijag for the preservation of spur-propagated plants ? D. Bbaton. CaimOF IN USING- GISHUEST COMPOUND. ©5 Sofuyday, while giving my trees their annual wash with 8eahsa»t coaapound, 8 ozs. to the gallon of water, I found many of the Cherry buds showing green ; this proves the trees to be earlier than usual. Will you allow me, therefore, to suggest to those of your readers, whose orchard-houses are like mine in forward situations, and who act on Mr. Rivers' directions and use Gishurst as a winter wash, that December will be a better time for its application than later. Strong applications of Gis- hurst, though most beneficial to trees at rest, have, when not followed by water-washing, been found in several places to injure buds when applied after swelling had begun. — Gboeoe Wilson. THE FUTUEE OF THE GLADIOLUS. Few flowers have, in one's recollection, more rapidly taken up a leading position than this easily-cultivated and most showy bulb ; and it is because it is so popular, so easily grown, and so showy, that I desire to say something in its favour, and to lift up both my hands against some false ideas which I conceive to have been Ijromulgated concerning it, and injustice from which it has suffered. I think no one can now deny hut that it is to be justly ranked amongst florists' flowers. The immense variety that it exhibits in its colours and markings, the points of shape which the eye of a connoisseur sees needful to its perfect beauty, and which those who only grow it for "effect" can also distin- guish, claim for it that position ; and hence the idea of treating it merely as a border flower and of exhibiting it in bundles must, I think, be pronounced as most arrant heresy ; and yet not only was this recognised by judges during the past season, but advocates for a continuance of the system have, unfortunately, made their appearance since. The two exhibitions at which it was brought forward during the past season were the Crystal Palace and South Kensington, and in neither case was there, I think, a true standard or correct arrangement set forth. It was a mistake at the Crystal Palace, for instance, to offer prizes for the best collection. Tt was this, perhaps, that led M. Loise to make that formidable array of pint bottles, which so offended the eye of any one with an atom of taste, surmounted, too, as they were wi:h starvehng blooms of Gladioli ; but doubt- less he thought, as M. Barral seems to have done, that we cannot grow any flowers in England except under glass, and that his must necessarily take first place. He must have been a little astonished at what he beheld, and perhaps laid it to the charge of that " perfide Albion" which is ever lying in wait to bring dishonour on " la belle France." It was this, too, that induced Mr. Youell to exhibit the bundles or sheaves of Gladioli that he did — very showy, very attractive, no doubt, but in no way meeting the requirements of a refined taste. If any one had taken twenty blooms of a sort, instead of three or four, doubtless he would have occupied the post of honour which Mr. Youell took. Mr. Standish, with a more correct taste and clearer appreciation of what is needed, exhibited single blooms, and hence was placed in the second rank. Another grand mistake was, I think, that of excluding amateurs altogether; not that it was done so positively, but the natural efi'ect of offering prizes in this way, and of not dividing the classes of amateurs and growers for sale, was that the former felt utterly helpless, and in not one instance entered the lists against those whose bulbs, perhaps, outnumbered theirs in a hundred to one. There is another autumn flower, the admired of all but a few — the noble Dahlia. Now suppose the same principles were adopted with this — suppose that it were to be exhibited in bundles — suppose that prizes were offered for a collection — would amateurs ever venture to exhibit ? And we must recollect that, after all, it is to amateurs that the grower looks for encourage- ment— it is the large amateur element which has made flori- culture what it is in England- — it is the lack of it which causes it in France to drag behind, to expend itself mainly in raising novelties for exportation, or plants for the " marche aux fleurs." There is one excuse which has been made that has some little weight in it — viz., that tlie flower has so lately become a favourite one, that there was not a likelihood of amateurs coming for- ward ; and their absence in the autumn of 1861, when a prize was offered for them at South Kensington, may justify this. Such is not likely to be the case again, and, therefore, in the future of the Gladiolus we hope to see this remedied. Passing on to the Royal Horticultural Society, there we find one of the errors existing — the non-recognition of the amateur class. But more deSniteness was given to what was expected by having the numbers required ; and some variety was intro- duced by ofl'ering prizes for dark-coloured flowers of the Brench- December IC, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 53f leyensis type, as well as for the spottoil, striped, and lighter ones. Will it he uUowublo for us to hope tlmt the other mistake will not be pei-petiiated ? If one may jii(lj»e from the number of advertisements, and tlie number of inquiries eoneerning the Gladiolus, it will bo very extensively grown during the cjisuing season ; and if only fair piny be given to it in tlie exliibilions, we ^lmll see it, I believe, occupying a prominent )ilaeo at our autumn shows. A word or two, then, as to its cultivation. I see Str. Beaton recommends the bulbs being left in Ibe ground all the winter. There seem to mo two objections to this, whicli I liave found more or less to affect all bulbs. First, tliat tlie eold wet soil is very apt to cause them to rot, and secondly, that worms and grubs of nil sorts are likely to prove injurious to them ; they work tlieir way through tlie bulbs, and this also causes them to decay ; hence I must still maintain that the old plan is the best of taking them up cnrefully, nnd keeping them in a place neither too hot nor too eold. So again with regnrd to soil. It is quite clear that they will flourish in any good rich loamy soil, and that they have no objection to a tolerably good coatmg of manure. And then with regard to sorts. Tliere ought to be, I think, a mixture of the best varieties of Frencli and Englisli origin ; and I have, therefore, given several lists, from which the needful information may, 1 think, be gained. As in honour bound, we will give the pre- cedence to the stranger ; and in list No. 1 will be found the newer varieties of the last three seasons. Those marked with an asterisk have only been let out this autumn, and have, conse- quently, not been seen on this side of the channel. List No. 1. Belle Gabrielle, rosy lilac, shaded with bright rose. Cuvier, deep amaranth flamed with crimson. Very large and fine in shape. *De CandoUe, clear cherry flamed with rose, and striped with brilliant carmine. Dr. Lindlcy, rose shaded, deeper centre, tipped with carmine. *Endulia, lower petals white, striped with violet, upper with white line. Eldorado, pure yellow with white stripes. *riore, ground white, shaded with liinc rose, with very large lively red spot. •Imperatrice Eagenie, white flamed with rose, interior violet, exterior lilac. Said to be the most remarkable of all known varieties. James Watt, brilliant vermilion scarlet, pure white spots, slightly striped with delicate rose. Leonardo da Vinci, orange, striped with violet rose. *John Waterer, clear cherry, with lively red stripe ; large white spot, marked with rose. Madame Adele Souchet, white flamed with rosy carmine. Madame Pereire, pure white with violet spots. Reine Victoria, pure white spotted with violet. Very large and fine. *Stephen3on, very beautiful spike; carmine cerise, wilh white lines. Tlie varieties in this list range in price from 5 to R francs in the French lists, and from 5f. to 10s. 6rf. in the English lists. List No. 2. Achille, bright currant red striped with pure white. A very attractive variety. Ceres, pure white striped with rose violet. Comte de Morny, bright cherry, spotted with white and striped with violet. Dnc de MalakolT, orange red flamed with a brighter colour; white centre. Linn^, orange cherry spotted with yellow. Eugenie Domage, bright red, beautifully shaded and striped. Madame Leseble, pure white spotted with violet rose. Ophir, yellow spotted with purple. Raphael, vermilion, white shaded aud spotted with violet. Rembrandt, deep crimson scarlet. Solfaterre, yellow. Very large and fine, Turenne, bright red spotted with yellow ; white centre, Victor Verdier, brilliant scarlet. Extra tine. The average price of the above is in the Erench lists about 2 francs, and in the English about 2s. Gd, List No. 3. Aglae, salmon rose. Brenchleyensis, vermilion. Showy. Cnlendulaceus, nankeen. Boctcur .'Vniln', bright orange. Don Juan, deep orange red. Giilathce, pnle yellowish-llceh spotted with whifc Faimy Uouget. bright rose, flesh centre. llcbe, delicate flesh Btri|)cd wilh carmiue. Isoliiie, bhish striped with red. John Hull, white. Mars, scarlet crimson. Mathilde de Landeroisin, white striped red. Napoleon III., crimson scarlet striped with whife. Oracle, roue cherry. Sulphureus, sulphur yellow. Vulcaiu, deep red. The above are cheap, varying in price from 4J. to **r.tSB. Some of them are very fine, and such kinds nj- NajtaiZ-aa il^ and Brenchleyensis very showy. List No. 4. Adam Bede, peach, lower petals deep scarlet. Bacchus, beautiful carmine, with delicate white lin«5 fwjts'oactec Basil, beautifully pencilled carmine, with deep ciuacou Uaislt. Earl of Carlisle, bright rose, deep lake featliere. General Cabrera, blight scarlet. Isaac Anderson, deep red, white throat, and puipVi fiirfiiim Isa Craig, pale lemon, purple stripes. John Leech, salmon, purple feathers, bronze lower fw^al. J. W. Lane, bright vermilion, centre yellow, deep ciu-iiiK«e«^ Lord Uownshire, bright yellow, blotch of reddisb-fan^wai av under petals. Mdlle. ^'lctor Balfe, clear white, distinctly luaHu:^ wilfe raSp blotches. Mrs. Dombrain, pale rose striped with lake, and late ! Mrs. Edward Nott, fine yellow. Mrs. Hole, pale butf' shot with pink ; purple stripes. Paul Bedford, scarlet crimson, purple throat. Robin Hood, scarlet, violet throat. Rosenberg, deep scarlet blood colour. Sir Walter Scott, creamy buff, with puce feathers. The Ensign, fine red, light crimson feathers. Tom Moore, crimson, with crimson violet feathen;. This list contains a selection from Mr. Standisir? ■ progeny ; such as I have myself, through his libcraiily, had £o opportunity of testing in my own little garden, wliece iltay flourish very well. Their price ranges from 2«. IkJ. to bt^anA although I have selected these, there are a nutuber oi atkeia equally meritorious. Those who desire to compete will find, I believe, fh«(r'w«»t» met in lists 1, 2, and 4; while those who simply dceice ofEjot wifl. find the most desirable for that purpose in lists 2 and 3, B^tf I have no great opinion myself of the Gladiolus simply «« • decorative plant ; its true place is as a cut flowei-, wiietlier 4w the exhibition table or the drawing-room. It has ttje tdtaiakie property of opening its bloom-buds regularly iii wi.i«c, «o tit^ all that is required is to shorten the stalk as the lower bioaaip decay. I hope that many will attempt their culticataut t<^» year who have never done so before, and that I may aot he Sir out in predicting a glorious future to the Gladiolus.— D-, ZismL FRUIT TEEES IN VANCOUVEE'S ISLANIX The following extract from a letter dated Sejutembwr 29th, 1862, received a short time since from a oorrespourfoctt wishing for a consignment of fruit trees sent to him " rotiad t!ie iinct<," may be of interest to some of your readers who tliiuicof mtkiag that fertile sjiot their home. — T. R. " The fruit trees imported into this colony are wK.hr>\«t namfls and not always good sorts. They are raised aoross (he saua4 at Olympin and other places in the Washington Sta'.e, aad sb» at Portland, in Oregon. A few arc sent from San Fr«tici8«». " The climate of this island, judging by trees alresdy pl^ate^ . seems specially adapted for the production of all Ivwdy frtnta. Little trees, planted only two or three years, are londcd •■ith fruit, the trees at the same time growing most vigorously, a.iid fKirCecOjf free from disense or blight of any kind. Plums hangoa thetfaaa literally in masses. I think every blossom produces its insi, which seem to be all perfectly formed, wilh scatveljr ui «lt- shapcd one among them. Young Pear tr«es on I'ear stodit that in England one would scarce expect to see produce » &ui[k for the space of five or ten years, here bear the seoond year 738 JOtJJlNAL OF HOSTICULTrEE AND COTTAGE GARDSNER. [ December 16, 1862. after planting. No Quince stocks wanted here. The soil is principally a blact decomposed Tegetable deposit, or what in England we should call peat, resting on a compost subsoil of drift-sand, gravel, and clay, liable to burn in summer. ** A very small proportion of the surface of tliis island will ever be available for agricultural operations, it being too moun- tainous, too poor, and too rocky. Some of the valleys when cleared of the heavy crop of Pines, of which you may have bushels of seed, will form good farms. There is a little prairie land, but not above, perhaps, 15,000 acres in the whole island." EOTAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. December 9Tn. EiOBAL Committee. — Kev. J. Dii in the chair. The most attractive of the objects exhibited at this Meeting were the new Chrysanthemums brought home by Mr. Fortune, and which are in tlie hands of Mr. Standish, of Ascot and Bagshot Nurseries. The most striking were a very large yellow of rich golden colour, called Grandiflorum, and which, Mr. Fortune siiys, " grows as large as your hat;" and a beautifully striped one, white and pink, also large and showy, called Striatum. The former of these was awarded a Seeond-claes, and the latter a First-class Certifi- cate. A pretty little quilled variety with fringed florets and pure white, called Laciniatum, was awarded a First-class Certiflcate. It is very beautiful and singular, but not so telling in its eti'ect as the other two. There was another sort called Speciosum, which is rather a singular-looking oddity. The florets are twisted- up tight, like lengths of brown twine, and are crowded close together. This, however, was not quite in full bloom, and no award was made to it. Among the other plants exhibited and to which no awards were made, were Plumbago rosea coccinea from Messrs. Veitch ; a fringed Chinese Primrose from Mr. Treen, of Rugby ; a fringed white Cineraria from Mr. Earley, gardener to F. Pryor, Esq., Digswell, Welwyn ; and a beautiful variety of Cypripedium insigne from Messrs. Maule & Son, of Bristol, a plant of which Messrs. Maule liberally presented to the gnrden at Chiswick. Feuit Committee. — Mr. Osborn in the chair. At this Meeting prizes were offered — Class A, for the best three dishes of dessert Apples ; E, for the best three dishes of dessert Pears ; and C, for the best three bunches of White Grapes. In Class A there were seven competitors. The first prize was taken by Mr. Simpson, of Stoke Farm, Slough, with very excel- lent specimens of Rose'iiary Russet, Cockle Pippin, and King of the Pippins ; and the second prize was also awarded to that gentleman for equally fine Cornish Gilliflower, Keddleston Pip- pin, and Cox's Orange Pippin. We cannot speak too highly in favour of the Rosemary Russets and Cockles in these exhibitions. The former, not at all a common Apple, is a very fine one, and these were some of the best specimens we ever saw. Cox's Orange Pippins were also excellent, and Keddleston Pippin, a small variety like a Golden Pippin, deserves to be better known. Mr. D. Cunningham, of the Palace Gardens, Fulham, had very nice specimens of Blenheim, Ribston, and Cockle Pippins, but they could not approach Mr. Simpson's in flavour. Mr. Earley, gardener to F. Pryor, Esq., of Digswell, near AVelwyn, exhibited beautiful specimens of Court of Wick, Golden Pippin, and Cockle ; very beautiful and even dishes they were, and would have graced any dessert. Mr. Hall, gardener to Capt. Tyrrell, Fordhook, near Eeling, had good examples of Golden Winter Pearmain, Blenheim Pippin, and Court-Pendu-Plat. The same may be said of the exhibitions of Mr. S:iiith, of Nassau House, Enfield, and Mr. Curd, of Sulliampstead. In Class B, Mr. McLaren, of Cardington Gardens, Ampthill, was first with very fine examples of each— Glou Morceau, Winter Nelis, and Beurre Diel ; and Mr. Simpson was second with Glou Morceau, Josephine de Slahnes, and Easter Beurre. Mr. Cun- ningham exhibited good specimens of Beurre de Ranee, Ne Plus Meuris, and Chaumontel. Mr. Earley had nice specimens of Passe Colmar, Winter Nelis, and Glou Morceau ; and Mr. Hall had Beurre Bosc, wrongly named, Bishop's Thumb, and Winter Nelis ; but they all came short in flavour of those that took the prizes. In Class C, Mr. Hill, gardener to Ralph Sneyd, Esq., of Keele Hall, exhibited three splendid bundles of Trebbiano Grapes, and, as a matter of course, had the first prize awarded them. These were the production of a Vine grafted on a Black Ham- burgh, and the result is larger bunches than are got from the plant when it is on its own roots, and such berries ! The three bunches weighed lOJ lbs. Bunches of two seedling Grapes were sent by J. B. Faviell, Esq., of Stockeld Park, near Wetherby, Yorkshire. They are both White Grapes, and produce large bunches. No 1 appears to produce the larger bunch, which is shouldered and ovate in shape. The berries arc thickly set, and are on rather long foot- stalks, quite round, and of a greenish tinge, witli the skin so thin and transparent as to show the texture of the flesh through it. Tlie flesh is very firm and crackling, crisp as an icicle, and with a sweet and refreshing Sweetwater flavour. Unfortunately it was not sufficiently ripened. No. 2 is also a large-bunched Grape, producing a large oval berry of the size and shape of the Muscat of Alexandria, but without any Muscat flavour. The flesh is firm and crackling, with a sweet, rich, and sprightly flavour. This was awarded a First-class Certificate, and is a very excellent Grape. Messrs. Jackson & Son, of Kingston-on-Thames, sent a fruit in a pot of Fairrie's Queen Pine, a small, dwarf-growing plant with a fruit which weighed li lb. Unfortunately it was so late in the season the flavour of the fruit was gone, and the Com- mittee reserved any decision on the subject ; for the same reason a nice handsome fruit of Gates' Seedling Pine, sent by Mr. Oates, gardener to Lord Doneraile, at Doneraile Castle, Ireland, was also passed without an opinion being given upon it; but as this variety has been before the Committee in its best state, and has already received a First-class Certificate and Sir C. W. Dilke's prize of £5, there can be no doubt of its merit. Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgewortli, sent specimens of Tangerine Oranges grown in the Orange-houses in his nurseiy. They were perfectly ripe and in flavour superior to those that are imported from Lisbon. The fruit was accompanied by some branches of the plants bearing fruit less fully matured, which show that the trees are quite prolific. Lieut. -General Rawdon sent a fine large Pine Apple, grown by Mr. John Davies, gardener to Sir Charles Coote, Bart., but it was far gone in ripeness. A nice collection of Apples was exhibited illustrative of the varieties grown on the coast of Sussex ; they were sent by Thomas Boom, Esq., Chidham, near Emsworth. A collection of Apples and Pears was received from the Local Committee of the Valley of the Tweed, accompanied by the report of a meeting held at Kelao. The report being read, the thanks of the Meeting were voted to the Tweed Committee. A very pretty exhibition of vegetables was sent by Mr. W. Earley ; it consisted of enormous Parsnips, excellent Sea-kale (forced), White Broccoli, admirable Salsaly, capital winter Lettuce and Endive, Variegated Kale, Jerusalem Artichokes, and a number of other things ; and the Committee unanimously awarded Mr. Earley a Label of Commendation for hia interesting exhibition. HEATING A SMALL CONSERVATORY. Would a boiler heated by gas be the best means of warming a conservatory about 12 feet by 10 feet, and very lofty for its size ? It is exposed to the air on three sides, and has a glass domed roof; it is, therefore, very cold in winter. Owing to doors, &c., on the fourth side, the hot-water pipe could only be carried round the floor on three sides, and on the fourth it; would have to go under the floor, which would diminish the amount of heat emitted. At page 38 of " Greenhouses for the Many," it is stated that the efiiciency of the boiler does not depend so much on its size, as on the amount of surface exposed to the fire. Economy of space being a great object in so small a conservatory, I wish very much to know on good authority what sized stove and boiler, and what sized pipe would be re- quired to keep the temperature in my conservatory at about 45° through the night in winter. I should also be very glad of in- formation respecting the probable price, and also the name and address of the best maker of such stoves. One has been named to me, a patent of Pettit, of Oxford Street. It is 2 feet high and 10 inches in diameter, and contains a tubular boiler holding a gallon, with a small feeding-cistern of a pint. The boiler is heated by gas jets, forty in number, in two rings ; the hot water to circulate in a two-inch cast-iron pipe — piice about .£15. This sounds well, but I should hke to have the opinion of an expe- rienced person before deciding. The conservatory faces the west. — Mbs. Gakland, 15, Queen's Oate, London, W. [We have no doubt tliat such a boiler as that given at page 38 of " Greenhouses for the Many," that you refer to would suit i Deoember 16, 1863.] JOURNAL OF HOaTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 739 your purpose ; and you would need two threc-ineli pipc9 all round, or at least on three sides, to keep the heat up if the house is so lofiy and domed. Instead of having the boiler with a convex bottom, we would have it concave, or, ratiier, with an open tube through it, for the gaa heat to play upon. We t!iink, however, that tor such a house a small gns stove to hold tlie burners, and tliree-iueh pipes round the house for the heat of the gas burners to go through, would be sulUcient. But for some necessity for using gas, the clieapest and simplest of all would be a metal stove with a square top for holdmg water, and a cast metal pipe for taking the smoke out where most convenient. The shorter the horizontal pipe the better, and if the most part is upright, or sloping in an upward direction, there will be little trouble in its lighting o ■ drawing well. The chief tiling for such a stove is, that it should be wide enough — say 18 inches, so that the firebrick little fireplace in it shall never allow the fuel to touch the eidea or make it red hot. This would be the most economical ; the gas stovo the next, where a small flue could not be placed under the door with a furnace outside.] NEW BOOKS. The Gardeners' Annual for 1863. Hdiled li/ the Sev. S. Segnolds Mole. With Coloured Illustration hi/ John Leech. London : Longman & Co. Not 80 long since there was a festival in the far far East. There were assembled the brilliant, the beautiful, and the gay ; there were damsels ripened by a warmer sun than ours ; there were music and the gentle song, such as Taza lutaza ta banou ; there were fireworks, and sprinklings with Rose water, and all were assembled in a Rose garden. The hook before us puts us in mind of that festival, and, like it, we fear that it will never be re- peated. Annuals are not the class of books in request; they meet nobody's requirements. There was a great effort made to establish them once, but " The Keepsake " was not kept ; "The Souvenir " soon ceased to be remembered ; and " The Forget- me-not " soon passed from memory. In the volume before us there is much that deserves success. A bright frontispiece by Leech, of five " daughters of England " looking archly over their souchong as they sip it among Tea Roses, and the Cupid turning his back upon us in that picture is no more than they ought to expect of whom it may be said " lime has thinned their flowing locks, and the few now left are grey." Then, all the contributors to the volume are "good men and true." There are such craftsmen as Reynolds Hole, Rivers, Dombrain,Paul, Turner, Dii, Standish, and Dean. There is not much of novelty in their contributions, but they write pleasantly and truthfully of what they thoroughly understand — Roses, Hollthocks, Pansies, Japan Plants, Pelargoniums, Greenhouses for Working Men, and such like. We shall gladly welcome their "Annual" for many lustrums of years, and shall rejoice if this differs in its fate from that of most of its kindred, which, true to their name, have died at the end of the year. Science and Practice of Oardcuing. Sy G. W, Johnson, F.R.K.S, if-c. Journal of Horticulture Office, l(i:i. Elect Street, London. FoK the last two years I have had many inquiries after sucli a book as the above from amateurs and young gardeners ; and ■within these three months 1 have had a number of private in- terrogatories as to the character of the above book, and if it was hkely to meet the requirements of those who wished to know the principles on which common gardening operations were based. 1 regret not being able to read it attentively earlier ; but now having done so, though thtre is not so much on practical details as the title would suggest, leaving these to be largely inlerred, though never left in doubt if the science is studied and comprehended, giving thus to the reader a generalising power more useful than minute directions, 1 can honestly say that the book will meet a want long felt, and enable young gardeners to know as much as those getting grey m tlie profession. In .judging of the success of a work, it is right we should keep the object of the author clearly before us. This is, as stated in the preface to the work, " to place before all who deiifilit in gardening, not only directions how to perform its various operations, but to explain how these operations are needful. In doing this the author has followed a cultivated plant through its whole existence, from its birth to its death j explained all the modes and phenomena of propagation, growth, disease, and decoy ; at llie same time illustrating as he proceeds all that can be done for the protection and prolongation of the life of plants. Sucli knowledge is absolutely necessary for nil who cultivate plants intelligently, whether in the open ground or in glass siructures ; and to place such knowledge within tlio power of the greatest possible number of readers, this volume is published at the lowest remunerative price." The above plan, which has both peculiar advantages and dis- advantages, has been successfully carried out by the author bringing all previous and modern experience and investigation, as well as his own, to bear upon the suhject of inquiry. That our young friends especially may form some idea of what they are to find in this three-shilling volume of nearly four hundred pages, we prefer giving a running outline of its more particular contents instead of a mere notice or review. Sowing. — After some introductoi'y remarks on the importance of chemistry to horticulture, the author introrluces us to the sowing of seeds, and here discusses the varieties of seeds — the processes of germination in exogenous plants — the great diversity of seeds as to their powers of retaining vhality, being low in the Coffee plant and high in the Celery ; and that this, too, is greatly dependent on the presence of starch and the absence of nitro- genous matter, being high in Rice and low in French Beans; but that seeds abounding in oil, though they soon lose their vitahty when exposed to the air, will often keep it for long periods when shut out from its influence, as in the case of Mustard and Charlock seeds growing when dug up Irom great depths. Interesting lists of seeds are given from Loudon and Mr. Baxter, of Oxford, as to the age in which seeds have ger- minated ; but the practical rule deduced is not to trust to old seeds. Tables are also given as to the time many seeds require to germinate, though this will greatly depend upon the treat- ment. Instances are adduced to show that seeds may be all right, though they do not grow when we do not place them in the right position for doing so, as De CandoUe found Tobacco plants came every year for ten years in succession from one single sowing, and we can fancy such seeds coming up for twenty years longer, just as those too much buried were brought in contact wi h the air ; and then we are treated in detail to the three chief agencies in germination and growth. The first of these is heat. Though many seeds, as Groundsel, will germinate at a low temperature, few or none will do so below the freezing-point. A few seeds will bear a high tempera- ture, even that of boihng water, for short perioils with impunity ; but, in general, a continued high temperature is much more dangerous to vitality than the greatest amount of cold and a long continuance of frost and cold, provided germination has not commenced. The influence of different soils in securing the necessary heat; dry, dark-coloured soils being heated more qu'ckly, and parting with it more slowly than wet light-coloured soils : thence the necessity of draining and pulverisation, as such soils will be less frosted in severe weather, illustrated by interest- ing tables of the temperature of the air and the temperature of various soils at various depths, the surface soil being warmest in summer, and the temperature increasing as we descend in depth in winter. The second agent in germination is MoiSTUKE. — And here, for general purposes, pure rain water is the best. All acid steeps should be continued only for a short time. Before sowing, seeds cannot be kept too dry. When sown, extra moisture is to be avoided : hence the importance of shallow sowing, and especially in stiiT soils, and well-aerated pulverised soil to sow in. I will add here, that all seeds that there is any doubt about as to their thorough ripeness or too weak vitality on account of age should be allowed to absorb mois- ture very slowly. 1 have sown some in dryish soil, and others in similar soil but watered ; and whilst the first have grown, the second from the same bag have all rotted. Ihe third agent is Am, or, as most books tell us, the oxygen of the atmosphere. I prefer myself the common term — air, as with few exceptions, such as experiments recorded by the author, seeds will grow better on having access to our common atmosphere than either in oxygen alone or any other combination of gases. Here, m addition to numerous interesting exiwriments, will be found additional reasons for shallow sowing, that the seeds may be within the reach of the air. I, myself, firmly believe that one- half of the complaints from amateurs of bad seeds would never be heard of could they be induced to sow more shallow. These three agencies our author considers, if properly directed, euflicient to produce all the wondrous phenomena of germination 710 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AUD COTTAGE aARDENEB. [ December IG, 1362. and growth; as he does not consider hght to be at all injurious, if the seed is kept suitably supplied with moisture. I know that this is now a general opinion among those qualified to be our teachers, uplield, too, by many experiments here detailed ; and yet I cannot help believing, tiiat if comparative shade aud darkness are not essentials, they are at least great auxiUaries. The covering of seeds not only secures them the requisite amount of moisture more easily than any other mode, but the keeping off the full force of the sun's rays I consider such an advantage, that I would advocate keeping seeds before sowing in a sliaded as well as a dry place. It may be only an im- pression, but observation seems to confirm it, that many seeds are deprived of their vitality by being exposed to the full force of the sun's rays for long periods before they are sown or germi- nated. Passing descriptions of phenomena in germination, times and rules fur sowing, regulated more by the state of the soil than the day of the month, we come to the EooT, and are here treated to its duration, its character, its direction to get nourishment : hence the importance in culti- vating such roots as the Carrot not only of deep trenching, digging, and pulverising, but of securing the richest soil deepest ; the number of roots in jjroportiou to the poverty of soil — a matter of importance, I think, when flavour rather than bulk is an object; the importance of roots being kept near the surface, when fine fruit is the object; no analogy between the extent of root and branches, {ov whilst the former at times may be measured by yards, the latter may be measured by inches, and yet the importance of reciprocal artiou between roots and branches in all eases, and especially of heating the soil for roots in the case of forcing (page 47) ; beneficial inlluenoe of rotation of cropping ; importance of pulverisation for securing the ne- cessary amount of moisture and air (see interesting tables, page 57) ; light sandy soils often need compressing, and the very difTerent eflects of stagnant water and running water on roots, owing to the access to oxygen in the latter. Then we have the whole processes of hoeing, digging, and trenching ; and in relation to the first we are with great truth informed, page 61, '■ Very few jieople ever consider in detail the expenditure of labour required from the gardener when digging. It is a labour above most others caUing into exercise the muscles of the liuman frame, and how great is the amount of this exercise may be estimated by the following facts : — In digging a square perch of groimd, in spits of the usual dimensions (7 inches by 8 inches), the spade has to bo thrust in 700 times ; and as each'spadeful of earth, if the spade penetrates 9 inches, as it ought to do, will weigh OQ the average fully 17 lbs., 11,900 lbs. of earth have to be lifted, and the customary pay for doing this is 2>^d. ; " and thence it follows, that the weight of the spade considered, and the weight of the soil in digging an acre, at least 1378 tons weight will be moved. Digging, therefore, is very hard work, especially when engaged in now and then; and I commend the above extract to tliose who can see no necessity for a labourer straightenmg his back, whilst they sit comfortably at a parlour table. Then, in addition to preferring four-pronged light forks to spades for digging, we have most interesting tables of the re- sistance to labour in various soils, in proportion to their character and their dry or wet condition ; the great superiority of hoeing over weeding, not only for eradicating weeds when young, but enabling the soil to be furnished with moisture and air ; the benefits of ridging ; the fact that when perpendicular roots are stopped fresh ones are pushed out more horizontally, and that "the lateral branches from perpendicular roots are always the more vigorous the nearer they are to the trunk, whilst, on the other hand, the lateral branches of horizontal roots are the less vigorous the nearer lliey are to the trunk" (page 67) ; and also that roots extend farthest in the poorest soils, roots of trees having been traced down perpendicularly 11 feet with- out finding their termination ; followed by very instructive tables, showing the efl>?cts of drainage in raising the temperature of soils, and others showing how that temperature is influenced by colour and density wheu exposed to the sun, though cooling more quickly m the shade ; analysis of soils ; ditto of water from drained land ; superiority of rain water to land watei', owing to tJie presence of more nitric acid and ammonia, and water for irrigation being chiefly valuable in ])roportion to its nourishing qualities; analysis of manures ; absorbent properties of manures, of charcoal, &c. ; mixtures of dung and artificial manures. On bru-ning weeds our author states, page 14.3, "It is a common practice to burn Couch Grass, Docks, Gorse, and other vege- tables, which are very retentive of life, or slow in decay. A more uneconomical, unscientific mode of reducing them to a state bene- ficial to the land of which they were the refuse cannot be devised. In all cases, if the weeds, leaves, &c., were conveyed to a hole or pit, and with every single horseload, and with barrowloads in proportion, a bushel of salt and half a bushel of lime were incorporated, it would in a few months form a mass of decayed compost of the most fertilising quality ; the lime re- taining many of the gases evolved during the putrefaction of the vegetable matter, and the salt combining with the lime to destroy noxious animals, which might form a nidus in the mass. By this plan nearly all the carbonaceous matters of the refuse vegetables are retained. By burning, all of them are dissipated. Tlie forming of a compost, such as that recommended, is jus- tified and approved by the experience of many." I may just add, that the more heat evolved, the greater the chance of de- stroying all seeds of weeds ; and if steam or gases are apt to- escape, a little earth thrown overthe upper layer will arrest them. Stem, and Beanohes, and Leaves. — Here wo are treated to an analysis of woods ; the composition and functions of the bark and the other parts of the stem ; the functions of leaves ; the- necessity for keeping bark and leaves clean ; the iniluence of light on leaves as respects decomposition and assimilation of carbonic acid, and perspiration through their pores ; the lowering of temperature thus produced by perspiration, even in the hottest days. Transpiration is influenced by dryness and heat, showing- the importance of a moist atmosphere in hothouses, especially iu the growing period ; as, if a plant in a house at 75° exhales fifty- seven grains of moisture, if raised to 80° it would exhale 120i grains in the same time, if no means were taken to increase the humidity of the enclosed air. But, on the other hand, the danger of scalding in high temperatures is also to be avoided ;. the danger of an atmosphere over-supplied with carbonic acid, sulphurous acid, and ammonia, as iu dung-beds ; and among many other matters the danger to plants from being placed in an atmosphere deprived of its usual portion of carbonic acid. Our author states, page 183 — "Though an excess of carbonic acid gas is detrimental, yet its partial absence from the atmo- sphere is equally fatal to a plant's leaves, for without It they wither and fall. It is not a matter of indifference, therefore, whether a greenhouse or hothouse be whitened with a solution- of lime, which absorbs that gas from the air, a fortnight or only a day or two before the plants are introdviced or forcing com- menced, for it is the infliction of several trivial injuries to a plant that prevents its successful cultivation. No one who is entitled to practise in the higher departments of his art ever makes such great blunders as at once to destroy the plants under his care. That fresh-limed walls do injure plants is beyond dispute ; for the plants in a row of small pots next the back wall in a pro- pagating-house, which had been thus whitened only the day before, have been more than once observed to be the only plants- that acquired a sickly hue and shed nearly all their leaves. Fleshy-leaved plants would not be so liable to injury if obliged to be brought into a house fresh-limed, for these require much less carbonic acid daily than thin-leaved plants. Fine plants of Cactus speciosissimus, in the injured row just noticed, were not apparently afiected. Thin-leaved plants consume daily from five to ten times their own bulk of carbonic acid gas; whilst fleshj'-leaved plants, such as Cacti, Aloes, Agaves, and Mesem- bryanthemums do not consume more than their own or double their own bulk of that gas." I consider the above extract well worthy of notice and of warning. I am not prepared to say from investigation how long quicklime would take to become mild under such circum- stances, nor how much it would affect the plants in its vicinity ; but I consider that the reflection of heat and light from such a white wall would be quite sutficient to produce the effect on the shelf near the top that is here stated. Would such effects have followed if the part above the wall had been somewhat darkened with lamp black or soot ? I have frequently been obliged to do so in the case of such shelves. In fact, the bright white, or the more subdued colour of the wall, should be regulated according as we wish that to reflect light and heat, or so far absorb these as to be safe fur plants placed close to them. That it would be advisable to allow houses to sweeten a little after lime-washing there can be no doubt, but I just think that any other bright white colour in the present instance would have been nearly as hurtful as the lime. Sap. — Under this head we are treated to its nature and com- position at different times, the force of its flow, the uneatisfac- toriness of the theories respecting it ; the theory of gralting. December IG, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTCraK AND COTIAG-E GARDENER. 741 budiiinjj, inarolung, ringing, ic, with numerous illustriitivo woodeuts ; inrtueiico of temperuturo on tho iiow of the PBp ; tho importance of knowing not the mere average temperature, but the liighest during tho day and the lowest during tho niglit, and the eame as respects tlje temperature in 8>uumer and winter at tliose places from whence cxotio plants come, in order to secure their successful cultivation ; high temperatures at night in iiotliouses generally unnatural ; reasons for stopping shoots to secure equally-balanced wood ; of pruning, to admit light, equalise growtli, secure fruit-spurs, &c. j the whole theory and practice of rooting cuttings, with numerous illustrations, wliether as respects cuttings by slips, buds, or leaves, and the due im- portance rightly given, in all cases where nicety is required, not only to secure abundant drainage, but to place the cut- tings close to the hard drainage, or, better still, to the sides of the pot used for propagating, not only " because there the atmospheiic air gains a salutary access," but also because in my opinion there is tliere not only less danger of damping, but tho resistance given by the liard sides of the pot to the swelling alburnum causes roots sooner to be protruded in self defence. TuE FlowKK. — Ilere we are presented with the various parts of a flower, the organs of fructiiication, the inhaling of more oxygen, and the eshaling of more carbonic acid by flowers than by leaves, with illustrative table ; changes of colour in flowers ; predominant colours ; fertilisation how naturally and artificially eBected ; cross-breeding known to Moses ; phenomena and principles of hybridising and cross-breeding, with illustrative experiments by various authors, and chiefly by Mr. Beaton, leading us anxiously to desire that that great experimentalist and botanist would give us a little book on the siibject, to which ■we might refer as au authority and a pocket-companion, facts being always so superior to theories ; convertibility of leaf-buds into flower-buds, and vice versii ; theory and modes for obtain- ing and retaining double flowers ; odours of flowers, day-scented and night-scented flowers ; and sweet scent of flowers not Bufii- cieutly attended to by cultivators — a charge to which I fear most of us must plead guilty. Under PjaniT AND Seed we are told all about the kinds and forms of seed-vessels and seeds ; that each fruit has an elaborating power, according to its condition; "during the green and growing state, they are usually converting growing matter into an acid, but during the ripening they are as commonly con- Terting an acid into sugar ;" — illustrative tables are here given of the constituents of fruit at different periods ; the contest that must ever exist between extra luxuriance and extra fruitfulness ; influenea of light and heat on ripening fruit ; theory and practice of shelter and protection in securing heat, illustrated by the I beautiful phenomena of dew and hoar frost (ses page 321 and I onwards, which thoroughly explains the whole principle of pro- tection) ; the influence of colour in absorbing, and retaining, and radiating heat ; artificial means of giving heat to glass houses ; tables showing the heating powers of different kinds of fuels, show- ing as the useful lesson that what may be the cheapest is often the most expensive in reality ; the diff'erent modes of heating, as stoves, flues, steam, and hot water, and the preference rightly given to the latter, where much is to be done especially, and a preference seems rather to be given to tanks instead of pipes; but witli illustrative tables showing the size of boiler, and the quantity of piping needed under various circumstances, accord- ing to size of house, and temperature required ; angles for the roofs of glass houses, so as to admit most light when most wanted ; followed with directions for gathering and storing keeping-fruit, tho chief requisites for keeping being a uniform low temperature from 34° to 40° and freedom from exposure to the atmosphere — setting the fruit on sand, and covering with the same thoroughly dried, being much recommended for keeping out air and moisture, and keeping carbonic acid round the fruit, which is one of the greatest opponents of decay, charcoal dust •being better still, if the fruit were kept clean, sucli fruit to be taken out and placed in an airy, warm place a few days before being used ; Pine deal shelves to be avoided, as likely to com- municate a turpentine flavour. Diseases of Plants. — Strange that so little attention has been paid to this subject. Comparative ignorance on the wliole matter ; analogy between the composition of animals and jilants ; canker in its various forms being chiefly alluded to, with shorter notices of spot on Pelargoniums, and shanking of Q-rapes, the latter being owing chiefly to a want of reciprocal action between roots and branches, and also, I may add, to deep planting and hoary cropping. Death and Df.oomposition'. — Exhausting effects of heavy cropping, unsuitable soils, improper sujijilies of moisture, tiele- terious food, uncongenial temperatures, and drficient light, tend to shorten tlui life of a plant, and the reverse to prolong exist- ence, though not to perpetuate it ; and tho processes of decom- position and putrefaction are cxpluini'd ; but much has been adduced on this subject in rules for making and preparing dung- beds for forcing, &c. I have thus glanced at some of the more salient contents of this closely-packL'd, interesting volume, leaving many, very many, matters wholly unnoticed ; but enough, I hope, to whet the curiosity of our readers to judge for themselves. 1 feel sure it will prove a source of great gratification to the intelligent amateur ; and though, so far as 1 know myself — and that is no easy matter — I am pretty well a stranger to v>'haf. I am told are the gnawings of envy, I rather think I felt some twinges of that failing when thinking of the improvement and advantages young gardeners might gain from such a volume in these long evenings. If they use these privileges aright they ought far to exceed the Beatons, and Spencers, and Flemings, and Thomsons of our day, as they can occupy the vantage ground which era long the forwardest of them must leave ; but even that they will not do without studj' and working. I would in conclusion express a wish that in a new edition, though costing a little more, the large sections should be thrown into lesser chapters, or the paragraphs so numbered as to aff'ord another means of ready reference, in addition to the excellent index ; and that the section of diseases and their remedies, so far as known, should be extended ; and a lu'vv section or chapter given to the insects and other vermin most troublesome to the gardener, and the best-known modes of preventing or settling their depredations. Such a subject would, with illustrations, be well worthy the attention of the author, either as an addition to the present, or as forming the nucleus of another volume to which we could refer in our difficulties. — K. Fish. RENOVATING STANDARD APPLE TREES. What will your readers say to standard Orchard Apple trees — say thirty-years' growth, being most wonderfully renovated by burying the stems 3 feet in depth in nothing but solid clay ? Three trees, as above, quite stunted, hidebound, and fruitless, have been changed into fine Iiealthy trees, producing a profusion of fine clean fruit of a large size, and making abundance of healthy young wood 2 feet long, by having the clay from con- structmg a pond thrown up against them to the amount of many tons three winters ago ; the effect is marTellous. I have always considered burying trees deep to be certain death ; such has not proved to be the case in tho present instance. The experiment may be worth trying by parties who have orchards and trees in a similar condition. I should say. Place three or four cartloads of clay on the roots, and around the stems quite close up, and try a few at first. My experiment is actual fact. — HENar Mat, i/ie Mope Nurseries, Bedale. SLATING VINE-BORDERS. I VENTtJRE to lay before you the plan I have adopted with my Vine-borders. In the beginning of September I felt anxious to secure my Vine-borders from the drenching rains we get in the autumn and winter months. I have found macintosh and asphalt very expensive, and not so durable as I would wish. The next thing I thought of was slate. I procured some of ." feet 2 inches long and 1 foot 8 inches broad. The next thing was to get spars. I laid them on the border 19 inches apart (rows of bricks will answer the purpose equally as weU as spars). The next thing I commenced was laying on liie slates, giving them a lap of 2 inches. I feel perfectly satisfied with what I have done, and intend letting them remain on all next summer. When the border wants watering I can draw out a few slates, as I have not used either laths or pegs. The slates are from 2 inches to 0 inches from the soil, and I think the roots will bi! almost as comfortable as though they had been planted inside the house. 1 have slated two borders each 50 square yards. Perhaps you will give mo your opinion of what I have done. — W. C. [We agree with your plan, except for summer : then, if we left the slates on, we should place them on the soil, and not leave air beneath them.j 742 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 16, 1862. CULTURE OP ERIOSTEMONS. The ErioBlemonB are greenhouse evergreen shrubs, generally ©f compact habit, and much sought after bj exhibitors of plants. They, as well as most other of the races with which gardeners have to deal, possess their peculiarities, which must be attended to in order lo insure success in their cultivation. Some of them, particuliarly E. buxifolium, scabrum, and intermedium, are better grown as pyramids, than as dense dwarf bushes. To have them of this shape, it is necessary to begin with young healthy plants having a leading shoot. It is immaterial whether the plants be grafted or not ; but the nurserymen generally graft them, as they thus obtain more readily a supply of plants. Eriostemon intermt ium. If the plants are obtained in the spring, set to work with them immedintely. Those that want repotting should have a liberal shift at once into the following compost, which will also serve to grow them in afterwards : — Three parts good turfy peat earth to one part of silver sand, using a liberal quantity of charcoal, both for drainage, and also mixed with the soil. The pots should be well drained with potsherds ; and a little of the roughest peat, or some moss, should be placed over the drainage to keep it free and open. This is a great point in the growth of potted plants. A'ter they are potted they should be watered freely, and then placed into an intermediate-house, if large good plants are wanted in the shortest space of time. If not, and slower growth is preferred, which is, perhaps, preferable, the ordinary greenhouse will do very well for them, if the part cf the house where they are placed is kept rather close, until they are esta- blished in their new pots, when they will soon begin to grow vigorously. It is tlien necessary to keep the middle stem, or leading shoot, protected by means of a small stake, which, for that purpose, should be a little longer than the shoot. If one side of the plnnt is inclined to grow more than the other, keep that side cut back a little until the other side has made equal growth, and that part of the plant which is thus behind should be turned towards the lightest part of the houpe, in order to encourage it as much as possible. If they go on favourably, they may be syringed everv fine morning, and a little air given. Bear in mind, however, that they must be shielded from cutting winds, which cheek them, and turn their foliage of a brownish colour. When ihey are growing freely, they sometimes show a disposition to callous up the stem ; if any sign of this should appear, discontinue the syringing, and give more air until the wood gets a little hardened, which will be a kind of rest for them. After a lime they may be examined, and repotted if they are pretty well rooted. This will give them as much pot room as they will require in one season. After the second shift, they would do best in a frame that could be kept close until they had got rooted into the fresh soil, and raised by degrees, to admit plenty of air round the bottom of the plants ; for it is necessary that the second growth should be slower and more stocky ; and, to this end, watering over head should, to a great extent, be discontinued, that the wood may become firm and well ripened, so as to withstand the winter. The plants will at this latter season continue rooting without any growth of wood, and will be pretty well pot-bound by the following spring, when they should be treated in the same way as before ; and this treatment must be continued year after year, until they are good specimen plants, which will be in the third or fourth season. The stronger-gi-owirg kinds maybe managed in the same way, except that they require more pot room, and should from time to time be stopped-back to produce bushy growth. The following are the best half dozen of the introduced species: — E. scabrum. — A dwarf evergreen shrub, with linear acute leaves, covered with minute asperities, and numerous axillary whitish flowers, deeply tinged with pink. New Holland. In- troduced since 1840. E. buxifolium. — A dwarf evergreen shrub, with small, smooth, broadly elliptic leaves, and white flowers, tinged with pale rose. New Holland. Introduced 1822. E. intermedium. — Amoderate-sized evergreen shrub, with large, oblong, obovate leaves, rather glaucous, and having glandular dots, and large white flowers, somewhat tinged with pink. New Holland. Introduced since 1840. E. myoporv'ides. — A moderate-sized evergreen shrub, with smooth lanceolate leaves, having glandular dots, and large flowers, white tinged with pink. New Holland. Introduced 1824. E. cuspidafum.- — ^A strong-growing evergreen shrub, with large, oblong, lance-shaped glaucous leaves ending in a hooked point, and pale pinkish or rose-coloured flowers. New Holland. Introduced 1823. E. saJic^folium. — A strong-growing evergreen shrub, having large linear-lanceolate smooth leaves and pinkish flowers. New Holland. Introduced 1824. They all bloom during the spring and early rummer months, from April to July or August ; and the flowers are, in all other species, more or less deeply tinged with pink or rose colour, when developed in a low temperature, and exposed to free air and light. They also generally open with more of the pinky tinge than they retain as they approach the period of their decay.- — (G. Fkkemak, Botanic Garden, Chelsea, in Gardeners' Ma(/azine of Botany.) CENTAUEEA AEGENTEA AS AN EDGING. I iM afraid the truly beautiful Centaurea argentea or candidissima cannot be very generally known, otherwise it would meet with the extensive circulation it meriis. I cannot remember seeing it this season either at Kew. the gardens at South Kensington, or the Crystal Palace, though there was not any scarcity of the much interior Cineraria maritima. I put out nearly 600 of it last spring, as edging for beds on turf, and in ribbon-borders I find it exceedingly efl'cctive when placed in front of the Crystal Palace Geranium. Rain or shine, it always looks well. It grows freely, keeps a uniform height, requires no attention in the way of stopping or pegging, "that pest to gardeners," and is in my humble opinion one of the best and most easily cultivated plants of modem introduction for the embellishment of our gardens. I trust some of your correspondents will endorse the character I have given it.-^G.J.O. HARDY CONIFEBuE. Theeb is nothing more pleasing to a benevolent mind than to observe, amid all the bustle and competition of this age of excite- ment, the daily increasing taste for the beautiful Coniferee diiTusing itself over the length and breadth of the land. In no other manner, to my apprehension, is the disinterestedness and the noble-mindedness of man so finely developed as in plantisg for posterity. How barren and dreary is a country without trees ! What scene so beautiful as the landecape adorned with the tail, stately, and conical forms of some trees, the gracefully drooping December 1(5, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 749 branehcB of others, and the ever-chanping and beautiful features that each revolving season gives to all. When wo now admire the landscape scenery of tlie country, adorned as it is principally by the natives of the soil — fine fellows, too, the brave old Onk, Elm, Beech, and many oiliors — we cunnot help picturing to our minds how great the cliango will bo, and how enriched the embellishment produced over the whole face of the country •when the Sne and noble race of Conifenc, having arrived at the perfect ttate ef maturity, shall contribute an oriental grandeur to the scene. Posterity cannot be too grateful to the many gentlemen — philanthropists in the true sense of the word — who have planted, or are preparing to plant, the hardy denizens of other climes, to gire splendour and beauty to the pleasure grounds and parks, to the hills and valleys of their own estates. Junipenis exceUa. The accounts given by travellers of the rich luxuriance of the large and handsome trees of foreign and distant elimes are interesting and instructive. Tliey are also useful, as it has been generally in consequence of such accounts that collectors have been appointed to different parts of the world to send home seeds or plants of all that would be useful or ornamental in this country. It is pleasant to picture to one's self the marked change that the whole face of the country shall undergo, when the nohle and majestic Araucaria imbricuta, the graceful Deodar Cedar, the beautiful Abies Douglasii and Finns insignis, P. monticola, and many other majestic Coniferse of varied and vivid greens, shall be "luxuriating with us in all the natural beauty of their native dress. Nearly all the Conifers are valuable for timber, or for orna- ment, and generally for both. The Thujas, Cypresses, and Junipers are particularly interesting in their habits of growth, and are suitable either for exposed situations or on very rocky poor soils about the home grounds. When we hear of some of the Coniferse being introduced from tropical climates, we are disposed to doubt that they will ever become useful in this country ; but we must consider that, although there are many parts, even within the tropics, exposed to a bright sky and intense heat, there are other parts exposed to frost and snows. In such climates the range of vegetation naturally adapted for each locality progresses as the range of temperature extends from the sultry valleys to the snow-capped mountains. With the uncertainty that always cxi-its about the proper management of plants introduced from countries but slightly explored, it is satisfactory to know that many Conifercc have been tested by the most severe winter on record in this country (1837-38), and have Droved hardy. As it is probable that many persons who have been nursing their Coniferse tlirougli a severe winter will be disposed to plant them out at the first approach of fine weather, I am induced to caution them against so doing, and to give them a few hints that may be useful when the time arrives for carrying them into practice. At present, the best thing to be done is to select the situations in which they are to be planted, and to turn up the soil into mounds 18 inches or 2 feet high, the better to ameliorate and puivtrise it by exposure to frost and other at- mospheric influences. The situation to be selected should be rather exposed, where a good growth could be mode sufliciently early to become matured before the nipping frosts of autumn ajipear. No practice that we can adopt will change the natui-o of a plant, but wo may be able to influence its susceptibility so far, by good management, as to enable it to withstand the many atmosplieric changes to which it may be exposed. The soil being well pulverised and raised into finely sloping mounds, about the middle of May, when all danger of frost is over, is the best time for turning the plants out of their pots into the open ground, where they are to remain to adorn the park scenery or pleasure- ground views. The object in planting them upon mounds is to produce a thorough drainage for the roots and a more agreeable appearance in the landscape. The soil being mulched or covered wiih the mowings from the pleasure grounds, or with leaves or any other litter easily procured in summer, will prevent evapora- tion, and the moisture in the soil will be retained for the healthy vegetation of the roots. During the summer, when the days are long, the sunlight powerful, and the temperature high, vegetation is excited to produce luxuriant growth. As the days become shorter, the sunlight less powerful, and the temperature lower, a change is produced in the system of the plant, and it gradually subsides into a comparatively dormant state — the leaves being dependent upon the influence of heat and light for their excitability, for the proper elaboration of the sap, and for their healthy perspiration ; and when these influences are on the decline the plant is ap- proaching the state of rest natural to vegetables in all parts of the world. It then attains to a state of rest in which it is able to withstand the severity of winter. Although roots are never entirely inactive, nevertheless their action will in a great measure depend upon the active vitality of the leaves. It is principally by the action of the leaves that the roots are excited to imbibe nourishment from the sod; but when the power of the leaves to perspire aqueous matter, and to absorb the nutritious gases supplied by the atmosphere, ceases, the roots gradually, and in less quantitites, imbibe food from the soil to supply the waste produced in the system during the summer and autumn growth of the plant, and to collect a store of organisable matter to supply the demand ef the leaves and branches the following spring. When the roots are surrounded with a superabundance of water in badly drained soils, they imbibe it in immoderate quantities, the Tesseb of the plant become gorged, the tissues lax, and the whole system disorganised; then they are most susceptible of irjiiry from frosts. It is for such reasons advisable to plant Coniferas in open or exposed situations, where their growth would be gradually arrested by the coldness and other atmo- spheric influences of such situations. The truth of the principle is proved by the fact, that in severe winters the more exposed the plants have been grown, the less they have suffered ; and, on the contrary, the more they have been sheltered, without ••eing protected artificially, the more severely they have been injured. The following is a list of hardy and handsome Coniferse, selected either for diversity of foliage or habit of growth : — Abies Brunoniana Morindu Kmithiana • Webbiana Thuja oiientalis Cryittoineria juponica Juaiperus cliinerisia MEXICAN. Pinus insignts Pious Ayaciihuite Lamberliana apulcen^ia rooiilicola Devuniuna Coulteri Hanwegii Sabiniana l.laveHnii SiT'Clairiana Monlezuma? .\bie« Menzie.sU macropbylla DouirlaKil patula Picea amabilis Husselliana gr.in(lis Teocute uobilis Ficea religlosa Juaiperus flaccida TKDiiif. tctraponii Pinus excetsa N. w. AURRicA. Gerardian Pinus maciueHi pa Cedrus aeudara — (W. P. Keane, in Oardenert' Magazine of Botany^ BUr-OPEAN. Pinns batepensis brutia Picea cephalonica Pinsapo Juniperus escelsa OLCidenlalia liASPBEKEY PLANTING. Aliow me to say a word or two on this subject. I never recollect seeing »iy mode of planting the Raspberry described in print or in practice, except by t:ie man I learned it from, and 71i JOtTRNAL OF HOKTICITLTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December IG, 1S52. that was thirty yearg ago : therefore, it may be new to some of my brother readers. In tlie first place, I prepare the land as any other gnrdeTier ■would tliat wishes the plants to do well, any day after Christmas when time and opportunity offer, and take core to have the ground in good condition by the time the suckers are about a foot or 13 inches high. I hare planted them when 18 inches high, but would ratlier have them lower, as the sun does not affect them so much. I select the strongest suckers that are well rooted. I am particular to have a good fibrous root with a good collar, though the cane is small, rather than a strong cane with what I call a carroty root. I then dig out the holes, and put tliree plants in each hole, in a triangle, about 9 inches apart, spreading the roots out nicely ; fill-in the soil, give a good watering, and then the work is done, all but paying attention to watering till the yilants have got good hold of the ground. I never shade ; but where time will allow, and the weather is very hot, shading -will benefit. As far as my experience goes, this beats all the ways of plant- ing Raspberries I have ever tried or read of. I have tried Mr. Pearson's way. — Wokcestee. FAILURE OF CELERY THIS YEAR. "P. L. C." inquires, as any one would reasonably inquire, why Celery should be bitter, stringy, and rotting at the heart after giving it such excellent treatment as he describes. I do not profess to be able to assign a reason unless it be that Celery is, like many people, the better treated the more perverse ; but if by giving my experience of the last few years I can throw any light on the subject, I am willing to do so. In truth, I believe the worst Celery I ever grew is the present crop, which is taken up daily, and which yields a very small pei'-centaee of eatable matter, although very few plants have gone-off entirely, and the flavour is pretty much as it should be. It has been tolerably free from the fly ; the worst pest appears to be a small worm that eats into the leafstalk, beginning at the bottom and working ■upwards. The crop is below the average size. In July and August it made little progress, being almost at a standstill, but in September it began to grow vigorously. It was planted in double rows, and had at least 6 inches of good rotten manure — rather more than I have usually given former crops. Another advantage it had was, that the ground had been unoccupied six months previous to planting in the trenches, so that with all these advantages and better treatment the crop is the worst I ever had. It was sown in March, pricked-out in April, and planted-out in the trenches in June, and well watered when •necessary. The sorts are Coles' Bed, Crystal Wliite, and In- comparable Dwarf White, the same as I usually grow. The best crop of Celery I ever grew was about, ten years ago, on a rather heavy soil sloping to the north. The ground was never to my knowledge trenched or dug more than one spit deep, and very little manure was given wlien the crop was planted-out. It was treated in other respects just the same as ■the crop above mentioned, saving that, whilst I generally prick it out on a bed of manure, manure having been scarce then, I had to prick it out on the common earth. When the crop was taken up for use it was of good flavour, very clean, solid, and of immense size. The excellence of the crop might be derived Irom the nature of the soil and a favourable season ; but I imagine •that Celery does not like altogether the peculiar mode adopted in its culture. The ground is generally thrown out to the depth of a footer 15 inches; the dung is put in the trenches, and either dug-in or some of the soil that was taken out is put in again. Generally speaking, ireither the manure nor the soil is in a fit state for the plants to root into immediately ; for, the soil being from beneath, the surface requires aerating, and the manure wants to be further decomposed ; and what is unfavourable to immediate root action is unfavourable to the growth of the ■crop the rest of the season, but is favourable to the development of grubs and worms. Five years ago I had a very bad crop of Celery on a piece of ■ground that had been trenched 3 feet deep the previous winter, after a crop of early Peas. The Celery was planted and it scarcely grew at all till the end of September, and tlie same thing happened two years ago, while that planted in untrenched ground did much better. I had very fine crops three and four years ago on untrenched ground, when the Celery was planted in very shallow trenches and received very little manure. I thus appears to me, that though Celery is a gross-feeding plant, it is possible to feed it too grossly, or, at least, that the soil may be too highly enriched with manure, and too loose and friable, and that a firm tenacious soil would suit it much better. Another important matter is in the time of sowing and pricking-out. It is all very well to sow in February in heat to get an early crop, but for the main supply I believe it is bad policy either to sow in heat or to sow too early. What has to stand the season should not bo stimulated in the early months by artificial heat. If for the main and late crops the seed is sown on the open ground lute in March or early in April, it will be quite soon enough if the plants can be kept in a growing state, and it will be far more crisp and solid than that sown in February, and placed under glass, harJened-off, &c. — processes which, but for the sake of getting it very early, are not only un- necessary hut inimical to the crop, which towards autumn becomes weak and sickly, and falls a ready prey to the fiy and the wireworm. — F. Chitty, Stamford Hill. CULTURE AND HARDINESS OF THE GLOBE ARTICHOKE. This plant is said to be indigenous to the countries which hound the Mediterranean, and is, consequently, a native of a more genial climate than our own. The soil best suited for the Globe Artichoke is a stifilsh loam, impregnated with a portion of saline or alkaline matter, as nothing is more inimical to the successful cultivation of the Artichoke than a dry soil ; in dry sandy soils where the roots of the plants are burnt up in summer the produce is rarely worth the gathering — diminutive in size, and of bad quality. We have attempted its cultivation in such a soil, and the result was a dead failure. As a manure, seaweed must have the precedence ; for Arti- chokes, Asparagus, and Sea-kale, there is nothing equal to sea- weed. I have been so situated as to be able to obtain it in almost any quantity, and am ready to testify to its superiority as a manure for the plants just named over all others ; it con- tains the ingredients which it would seem are essential to their full development, the only difference being that the sandy soil suited to the two latter is altogether unsuited to the Artichoke. The finest Globe Artichokes I ever remember seeing were growing in a deep loamy soil, and the only manure they ever had was an annual top-dressing of seaweed spread over the surface of the soil between the rows of plants to the depth of 5 mehes or 6 inches ; it was put on early in winter, and allowed to remain till sv)ring, when a part of it was taken away, and the remainder dug-in between the rows of plants. This, of course, is all very well where seaweed con be had, but this is not always procurable, and the next best substitute, so far as I am aware, is well-rotted stable-manure. It is better, however, to dig tlie dung in, and not to leave it exposed on the surface as in the case of the seaweed. In preparing the ground for the Globe Artichoke it should be trenched to the depth of 2 feet, and pretty well enriched with manure, and the plnnts placed S feet apart both wavs ; they will also be benefited bv having the ground betwctn the rows of plants sprinkled with a little salt at least once a-year in the same proportion as is usually given to Asparagus. Propagation is a very simple aiTair, as it is readily accomplished by suckers from theroots ; this may be done in March or April, or any time after the plants have pushed to a height of 5 inches or 6 inches. These will probably produce a few heads the same year, but not abundantly, but will do so the following summer. It is proper to make young plantations at short intervals — every second or third year; for, although the old plants will continue to produce for an indefinite period of time, the edible pnrt degenerates both in size and quality when they become too old. In our soil, which, for the most part, is of a stiff heavy nature inclining to clay, and resting on a subsoil of the same material, the Globe Artichoke does well, producing magnificent heads ; but though the plants grow well, even grossly, in summer, they are veiy apt to rot at the crown in winter, owing to our naturally damp foil' conjoined with the annual rainfall, which is pbove the average of most other countries in England, if we except, perhsps, the lake districts of Cumberland. We are, therefore, less apprehensive of frost than wet ; indeed, we are inclined to think that the plant is much more hardy than most December 16, 1862.] JOURNAL OF HORnOlTLTCraK AND COTTAGE GARDENEB. 7t5 of us are williiif; to believe. We scUloiii bave recourse to cover- in;; the plants in ordinary wint*'ia. We take away tbe soil all roinul the crown oi' tlio plant to tlio deptli d' li inches, and lill up eitlicr witli sand or riddled eoal usliee. This keeps the collar of'tbe pl.unt dry, and prevents rotting; and in general we lind it ample protection in winters of ordinary severity. It is recorded tliat the Globe Arlicliokes in England were almost annihilated bv tbo severe winter of 1739. How that winter would stand in comparison with 1860 I have no means of knowing; but I am not aware that they sullered extensively in tlio latter. Unt in winters of extraordinary severity, as we liavo recently exjierienced, protection, of course, is indispensable, and that, too, to a eonsiderublo extent. \Vben I uso pro- tective matter at all fjr Artiehokes it is usually dry tree leaves, with a sprinkling of soil put over them to prevent them from being blown away by the wind. But as Mr. Beaton has been the first to agitate the question, "Is the Globe Artichoke hardy ?" the opinion of others would be both interesting and instru,;tive to many of your readers. — J. Dvkn, Sarrock Hall Gardens, near Wigan. THE TREE AND FRUIT TRACE OF ANGERS. TnK trade in fruits and trees at Aiigers is so extensive, that the district may justly claim to be entitled the nursery of Kranee ; and in proof of this assertion we adduce tbe following statements of the quantities of trees and of Apples and Pears sent away by railway by the nurserymen and fruiterers of Angers. 'J'hese etatemer.ts have been prepared by M. Eaptiste Desportes, from the books of the railway company, and may, therefore be relied upon. Tile trees and plants sent by railway from Angers in the year 1860-61 weighed in round numbers 1 17G tons ; and it is esti- mated that about a third more, or 492 tons, is conveyed away by boat, carriers, and carts, making the total weight sent away 196S tons in a single year. This enormous quanl;ity of fruit trees is sent to all parts of France, to Belgium, Holland, Ger- many, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the coast of the Medi- terranean, America, &c. Although the trees sent by railway give such a large tonnage, that of tlie fruit, Apples, and Pears, is yet greater, as will be seen by the following table, which shows the quantity conveyed from Julv, ISBl, to February 180'- : — Month. Pears. APPtES. Fast Trains.lsiow Trains. Stow Trains. Total 18G1.-Jnlv ton.s.cwt.lb3. 14 19 21 04 0 49 38 1 59 19 7 82 3 11 90 2 12 9S 0 2 107 tons.cwt.lbs. 10 C 48 21t 5 101 158 5 79 113 3 73 16 5 11 tons.cwt.lbs. .■i23"i7" sa 503 1 2V 5.S4 9 53 220 7 87 128 13 3 tons.cwt.lbs. 25 5 69 Aiipu^t 308 6 33 SeptPiriher ... Octiilter .. .. 196 7 26 4.56 9 19 November .. Deeeniticr 1802— J.inur.ry l-'ebraaVy 523 18 16 287 2 36 220 10 82 128 13 3 Grand Tot.d 142 10 55 541 6 88 1102 9 34 2146 12 65 On glancing over the table, it will be seen that the fruit trair.o commences in July, and that during August and Sep- tember it consists in Pears only. The auantity conveyed is greatest in August, when it averages nearly 10 tons a-day. AVilliams' Eon Chretien, which is extensively grown in the orchards of Anjou, and which is in gref.t demand at Paris, is almost the only variety v/hich is sent by the fast trains. This circumstance is easily accounted for by the fact of its being of better quality, handsomer, and more sought after than other tinds ripening at the same time [more probably owing to its not keeping when ripe], and, consequently, it brings a higher price, which admits of a greater expenditure in carriage. It must not, however, be supposed that all the fruit sent otherwise than by the fast trains is of inferior quality, for at least one-fifth of such is estimated to be first-rate. The re- mainder consists of inferior fruit for selling in the streets, which is carried in the goods-waggons without being packed, a little straw being thrown over the bottom to prevent bruising. Ai;ain, referring to the table, it will be seen that the traillc continues brisk in September and October. The choice kinds ptincipally consisting of Louise Bonne of Jersey, Uuchesse d'Aiigoulome, Beurre Diel, Beurrt- d'Aremberg, and Easier Bsurre ; the others, witli few exceptions, are inferior kinds for selling in the tlreete. The total quantity of Pears sent throughout the season amounts to GH-l tons, and is of an estimated value of iCKMt, and taking into account tbo other railways in the department, this estimate may be doubled. The coinmou kinds of Pears are all sold at Paris ; those of superior quality only in port there, the remainder going to Havre for shipment to England and Russia. The traffic in Apples is oven greater than that in Pears; it begins in October, amounts to 323 tons in that month, and in November it reaches 505 tons, as much as 30 tons and 10 tons being sometimes sent off in a single day. The quantity of Apples carried by the Angers railway up to the end of April was 1727 tons, and it is computed that the other lines in the Department bring up the total weight sent by rail to 2950 tone, whilst about 1970 tons more are loaded on to boats, making altogether 4920 tons, of the estimated value of £19,230. The total value of the Apples and Pears sent from Angers to Paris, and abroad, approximates, therefore, closely to £36,000. — {Froceedinffs of the Cornice Jlorticole de Maine et Loire.) THE DISTSESSED LANCASHIRE WORKINGMEN BOTANISTS. I rnnroSED giving the many kindhearted people, who have eo generously answered my call for help to distressed brethren, a sort of epitome of the character of the men relieved, but must forego it this week. I have been under deep obligations to our worthy Mayor of "the Borough" (for we have two Mayors here), who has kindly sought out some information that I wanted about some persons I have relieved ; and others her© high in station have rendered me all the assistance I required, for it could not be supposed that I could know all who might come before me, and therefore I sought for reliable information. As a whole I have found the private charaetera of these poor- naturalists very good. Of course there are black sheep in almost every flock, but I feel convinced your readers who have helped these poor lovers of " humble-looking weeds " will hare nr> cause to regret their aid. T have received since I last wrote the following : — Mrs. Elliot, 2s. 6d. ; A Gardener, hs. ; Mrs. AVigaii, £1 1.?. ; Mr. J. Stollard, lOs. Gd. ; G. S. W., Esq., and family, £2, with a lot of very valuable bed and other clothing ; Miss Hummer, £1 Is. ; Miss Shore, Kensington, £2 (some of the above are for Mosses, Ferns, &c.), Mrs. Henley, and servants of Leigh House, Chard, Somerset, a box of very good and substantial clothing. The- servants at the above house have subscribed and bought a blanket and one pair of stockings for my poor scientific friends, and I wish especially to thank them. The botanists purpose to thank you and your numerous readers, who have so kindly helped them in this hour of trial, in the course of a few weeks. There is a little sickness in two families ; and the doctor, a worthy alderman, who attends them, has ordered me to gel; some wine for some of the invalids, and he will give it them in such manner that it will be used propei'ly. — JoilN Hague,. 30, Mount Street, AsMon-under-Lyne. CONSTRUCTING- SMALL PITS. Ix the letter of your correspondent " F. C." in last weekV Journal upon the above subject, it is stated, amongst the many other mishaps which befel his friend's flue-heated pit, that " it; was impossible to get heat enough to keep out a sharp frost." I think there must have been some mistake in the construction of the flues, as with my small roughly-made furnace (as described in No. 87), the following heat was attained. On the 1st inst. my frame thermometer stood at 51°, and as I have only Mushroom-beds under the lights at present, I lit the fire anti allowed it to burn for some five or six hours ; forgetting, however, to open the lights. On the 2nd, at 8 a.m., on inspecting the frames I found the thermometer at 95° ; the outside temperature- being 30°, and having been down as low as 30° during the night. The flue also retained sufficient heat in spite of day ventilation to keep the mercury up to 75° till the 4th inst., when it sank quickly. My forgetfulness has, I expect, in your correspondent's words, "stea'med to death" my Mushrooms ; and ihe degree of i heat attained is therefore the only fact worth notice. Unless, i however, the flue be covered to some depth with rubble, broken 71B JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 16, 1862. bricks, &c,, as advised by you in answer to " H," it is useless to expect the heat to got through properly. With regard to the Tapour from the flues kiUing the plants, I have experienced the same mishap when requiring top heat and removing the earth from the flue for that purpose, and I attribute it to a very minute escape of coke gas. To obviate this, I intend to adopt your suggestion to " H." as regards a pipe leading from the broken bricks, &c., into the frames; but, instead of a pipe, I shall construct a small square tower of brick, which I shall cover with a thin sheet of iron. This I expect will allow the upper air to be warmed without the slightest escape of coke gas, as I have never found it rise through the earth in the frames. WORK FOE THE WEEK. KITCHEN GABDEN. Peoceed with former directions as regards manuring and trenching. Gravel walks should come in for a share of attention in rolling, itc. Sifted coal ashes is an excellent materiul for tlie back walks, as it bears the winter trafEe well, and is always pleasant to walk upon. A coating of such material may now be ^iven if they are in a bad condition. Asparagus, if tlie heat of the beds should decline, a slight lining may be added, but care must be taken that it does not heat violently. Beans, those advancing should have the surface soil stirred and the earth drawn over them. Keep the Broccoli free from dead leaves, as after frost they materially injure the plants by causing them to rot. Celery, take advantage of every favourable opportunity till frost occurs, of earthing-up the late crops, both for the purpose of blanching and protection. Lettuce, those in frames for present use to be kept dry and free from dead leaves. Farsnips, where they have not yet been taken up they should be left in no longer, as they are not in the slightest degree bene- fited by remaining in the ground, and should sfvere frost set in there will be a difllculty in getting them up. Peas, those which bad been sown on a warm border, as advised, will now be peeping out of the ground, and should have the surface soil stirred about them, and a covering of decomposed leaf mould or any other light soil laid immediately over the rows ; and also in the event of cutting winds prevailing, some branches of spruce fir or bireh stuck in on the windward-side will be useful. Turnips, on the first appearance of severe frost it is advisable to get some under cover. They may be laid in sand after the tops are cut off. PLOWEK GAKDEN. Where the tenderer kinds of Koses are found to require pro- tection, this should be applied at once, or it may be soon too late to save the plants. Protection may bo given by strewin" a good thickness of fern or any other dry material amongst the stems of the plants. Those varieties which are budded upon the standards may be easily protected by tying on a few furze branches round the head, securing the whole with a strong stake to save it from being injured by the wintry winds. Those standards which, by the weakness of the shoots and the paucity of their blooms this season, are showing evident symptoms of decay, should have all the surface soil taken off down to the roots, and all the suckers removed, after which a ihickcoat of well- rotted dung should be laid about them and covered with a portion of the soil. This applies with equal force to those standards that are planted out on turf; in which cases, taking it for granted that tlie turf is not nearer to the stem than 18 inches, the soil should be removed as in the former ease, and a good dressing of strong compost applied. If this be covered with Hints or ■white pebbles the unsightly appearance of the soil upon the turf will be done away with. Valuable plants also, as variegated Hollies, &c., if not growing as freely as they should do, would be benefited by a liberal allowance of rotten manure or well- decayed leaf mould being applied as a top-dressing, covering it with a little fine soil, and working it into the ground around the ball, towards the extremities of the roots. FEUIT GAEDEN. Planting, hitherto deferred, should be immediately attended to. The roots of all newly-planted trees should be secured from the «fli'ect8 of severe weather by mulching. Fruit trees are injured by the accumulation of moss and lichan on their brandies • wh«e the hand cannot reach if, a dashing of lime will effect its destruction. Any of the more choice varieties of Pears which •do not ripen properly should be removed to a warm dry room for a few days, which will be found to greatly improve them. STOVE. Some of the early-ripened tall Cacti may now be introduced, either in the stove or the forcing-pit, and receive a liberal water- ing to commence with. If, however, the blossom-buds are not well matured it is of little use forcing them. Do not encourage any fresh growth among stove plants at this period ; rather aim at that kind of routine management which will serve to consoli- date the growth already made, and to develope the blossoms of the late-flowering things in a proper way. Great caution will be necessary to provide against drip. OEEENHOFSE AOT) CONSEEVATORY. The ill effects of humidity and stagnant air in plant-houses should be guarded against, most particularly at this season. Pelargoniums to be kept rather cool and dry, giving whatever water may be necessary on the mornings of fine days, so that the superfluous moisture may have evaporated before the even- ing; avoiding the use of fire heat, except when necessary to prevent the temperature falling below 40°, or to dispel damp, when this cannot safely be done, by giving air. Herbaceous Calceolarias require similar treatment, except that they are very subject to the attacks of tlirips unless afforded a moist atmo- sphere. They must, therefore, be narrowly watched for this enemy, and smoked lightly two or three evenings successively if this pest makes its appearance, keeping the atmosphere moist, but giving air on every favourable opportunity. FOECINQ-PIT. Dutch bulbs should be largely used for forcing at this season. A good batch of Roses to be introduced, choosing the most promising plants of Teas, Bourbons, and Hybrid Perpetuals ; Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Persian Lilacs, Sweet Briars, Honey- suckles, Kalmias, Daphnes, Rhodoras, &c. A sweet bottom heat of from 75° to 80° max., and a temperature from 60° to 65°. It may be necessary to state, that it is in vain to introduce any- thing unless properly set for bloom. PITS AND PEAMES. Now while the weather is open give cireful attention to tha bedding plants, taking advantage of the favourable state of the weather to expose them freely to the air. W. Keane. DOINGS OP THE LAST "WEEK. KITCHEN GAEDEN. Find that even with company our Asparagus comes quicker in this mild weather than we want, and wish we had taken up less, as even rich delicacies cease to be so whenever they are extra plentiful. Swept-over last earthed-up Mushroom-bed ; as it was rather damp and wet on the surface, put a little straw on the surface, which will help to dry it before the Mushrooms appear, as, if the surface is too moist the Mushrooms are apt to damp-off, as mentioned by a correspondent. This bed is on a shelf, and the next succession will be below it ; and as the dung for it there in preparation has thrown up some heat, that heat and the straw together will cause the extra moisture to dis- appear. The bed before this one has borne well, and the indi- vidual Mushrooms just too large and thick to bo easily cooked; the strong stems were so crisp and sweet that, if cut up, we are sure none would have detected them from the best little bits of button Mushrooms. It has often grieved us to see delicate white buttons, not half an inch across, pared deep as if they were rough Potatoes and Turnips, and half of the delicious things thrown away, and this even more so with large Mush- rooms. On the other hand, we have seen careful cooks save every morsel, even of the stems, and bring them in for use. In addi- tion to looking after slugs, and what is much worse — rabbits, that have got into a fenced garden from leaving the gates of the pleasure ground open, the chief work here has been removing all the last of the pea-stakes, clearing the borders of leaves, and picking what few weeds appeared on the walks, brushing them w 11 and rolling them firm, which will keep them better for walking on, whether wet or frost visits us. FEDIT GAEDEN. In addition to what was lately detailed, put in more Straw- berries on a bed of leaves, not plunging them, but setting them on the surface, examining each plant before doing so. The object of this is just to give the plants a slow incitement to growth, and thus bring them on gradually before they are taken into the forcing-houses, and thus gain time, as it were, before fire heat is used in these houses. We had also struck some Vines December 16, 1862. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OARDENER. 747 late last soason, which were in smnllijh pol;9, and for a purpose re^pecitiufX wliich we were disappointed in not being; able to carry it out. The pots, like a correspondent's last week, were too small for fruiting Vines ; but, as the youn); thinjs had many of thetn nice buds, wo gave them another »hift, heating tlie soil quite liard about the b'lU, wliicli was a little di3eni;n!?''d, so as to lot the roots out, and then th>se pots wore plunged into a bed of leaves with a fairish lieat in them, and some old sashes placed over tliem, and air given unless in times of severe frost. The object in this ease is quite diflerent from wliat was stated last week with Vines plaend on tiles and slates on a hotter bed. In this last case the pots were cra'nmtid witli roots, and extra heat at the sides would have besn prejudicial. In the present case our o'>jont is to ineria-«e root action, that the pots may bo pretty well filled with fresh roots before the buds break. If these small plants should, nevertheless, show fruit, as many dirt last year, there will be material in tlie pots to support them ; and if a few do not do so, nothing will be lost — for, if disposed, wo can grow them afterwards on the single rod, or bush, or branched-stera system. Gathered nb lut the last Figs for the season, leaving only a dish or two, though the loaves have all been removed. These Figs, thongli small owing to the dryness of the soil, were, nevertheless, owing to that dryness, very go id and sweet in flavour. A few late Melons we have not used much ; for, though the colour and the scent were pretty good, the 9avour was no great deal better than a Cucum- ber. Looked over late Grapes, which are now as much prized as early ones ; and removed all speckled fruit from the fruit-store- room. Unfortunately, we find that we had g»thered our Filberts earlv enough, as we like to see them plump and full. Pound, however, it was merely a choice of evils -. as, not to speak of equirrels which gamekeepers do look after, found the larger birds were carrying them off wholesale. Did a little pruning in fine days, PIEASUEK GEOtrNDS. Removed the last of the summer- flowering plants, cutting- down Phloxes, Solidagos, to the ground. Cutting-down also fit lols of Fuchsias, using the shoots when well frosted for stakes ; finding that even if the shoots of planted-out Fuchsiis are save 1, either by protection or the mildness of the winter, that they do not bloom so well next season as fresh shoots from the stool. Dug a little in slightly frosty mornings, but in general it was too sloppy for that. Most of the leaves of the deciduous trees iiaving now fallen, had the lawn well swept, using a small broom with a long handle, similar to what we described for the daisy-knife, which enables a man sweeping right and left to clear about as much as two or three mowers' swathes, leaving rows to be 9wept-np with the usual short brooms. Then rolled the lawn, and after brushing the walks rolled them likewise, and for two reasons, besides making them comfortable in the meantime. The first is, that the firmer they are on the surfdce the less will rains penetrate, and the less will the walks be influenced by alter- nations of frost and thaw ; and, secondly, as the surface of the walks is seldom disturbed by hoeing, digging, or otherwise, there is apt to be a little green mossy matter here and there on the gravel, and when thus s iioothed-over on the surface, and a sudden sharp frost comes in a morning, a few scrubby brooms used with a little elbow-grease will remove the most of the green matter and not disturb the gravel at all. Such operations are necessary wherever neatness in pleasure grounds is an object; much, however, as we may admire the changes in the colour of leaves as tiiey fade, there are few things in a garden more sug- gestive of melancholy feelings than wet decaying leaves on a w«lk or lawn. The smoother the surface of either the less will they be disposed to remain even when blown there. PITS AND FEAME3. This, for young plants in them, is the worst season of all the year, as the dull weather is apt to make the plants damp. The great preventives are — first, air hack and front in all mild weather, ehutting-up at night when the weather is a little doubtful, and especially if the moon rises after midoig'it, but giving no cover- ing unless frost is expected. To make a compromise when it is feared there may be a little frost before morning ; it may often be better to cover the glass, and leave a little air on — say half an i'lch at the top which, if frosty, may be taken away in the morning. It will take several degress of frost to penetrate through a small opening for air, if the glass is covered. When the laiti-r is uncovered, and air on likewise, a very few degrees will injure small tender plants. The second preventive is, using the nimble fingers and tho supple backs of boys to pick off all mouldy and decayed leaves as they appear ; and of those there will be few in pro"portion to the coolness, air, and light given to the plants. Old Geraniums (Scarlets) stuck like faggots into pots in a cold pit, have as yet had no water ; but as the .'Oil now appears dry, and on examination find now spongiole-roots protruding, would give a little water, if we could depend on a few sunny days. Tf the present mild, dripping, muggy weather continues, will refrain from giving water, as tlie plants, having no leaves, wiU suffer less from dryness than from excess of moisture. In conservatory, re-arranged plants, removing chrysanthe- mums past their best. Cinerarias, that hiid a little thrips, set in a frame, and placed a bushel of laurel leaves in front of them, which settled them. Potted-off some of the scarcer Ge- raniums ; top-dressed Orchids, and stove plants ; cut-off the most of the leaves of fine-leaved Begonias, and set them thick under Fig trees to dry, and be cool until spring. Vio'ets, bulbs, and forcing shrubs will require all the care several limes alluded to, though'of late we have done little in that way in comparison to what we used to do. Plants, in general, much as before, timing waterin" to the state of the plants and the weather. — B. F. TO CORRESPONDENTS. ,% We request that no one will write privately to the depart- mental writers of the " Journal of Hort icnlture. Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman." By so doing they are subjected to unjustifiable trouble and expense. All commumcations should therefore be addressed aoleli/ to The Editors of the "Journal of HorticuUare, ^-c." 162, Fleet Street, London, E.C. We also request that correspondents will not mix up on the same sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to got them answered promptly and conveniently, but write them on separate communications. Also never to send more than two or three questions at once. We cannot reply privately to any communication unless under very special circumstances. Advertisements.— A correspondent, ".T. n. W.," comiilains, and justly compliiins. that • Dunn's Gardener's Pencils," nml the •' llijou Drainer," are advertised as "to bo had of all seedsmen, &c ;" and that, bavins inquired of four or five seedsmen in Liverpool, they told hira that they did not keep either, md that " it is the usual mode of ad»rrtising." It is quite true that it would be worth wliile for seedsmen to keep tliose articles ; hut it would be more to the interest of those advertisers to appoint an aeent in each principal town, so that the public need not be baulked and troubled in the way complained of. Bur.Es Veoetitinc. Steonolt (Siihscriiri- 'incc IS.IB).— AH those sprinK- flowerinj; bulos which we pot in the autumn for forcing, and which we plunee 01- cover till the pots are filled witli roots, n'-ed not flower one day the sooner for beinc so treated, unless we wish If. and push them on accordinffly. You have done yours very well indeed, and ihov are now in the very best condition for the time ; and as you do not wish them to come in early, tuke off all the loose leaves you put over them and let them stand under the two inches deep of ashes only, and they will remain al nost as they now are tor the next two months— or'most of them will, ^o you are qv\itu safe yet ; but it hard fi'ost set in put the tree leaves over them aff lin, and affaln take them ofTin tine weather as long as you mean to keep back the bulbs. ZtaoPETALOM M»rKiTi (W. C. P., Olmf/niry — Ynar plant is the true ZyRopetalon Msckayi. the most easy to grow and to bloom of all the Orchids, and always blooms, or ought to bloom, at the cud of the autumn, and grows on .slowly all the winter. PBiL.«sop-ES (/liem).— No one knows how hilt Phalajnopses erow. The first p'ant that was sold of it, for one hundred Kuiness, had only one leaf and one-half of a young leaf coming and one spike of bloom. We had that plant in our hands soon after it was bought. We have seen them with one leaf and with one and twenty leaves; but Mr Fort me bnught a plant of it with probably hundreds of leaves, and it took two nitlves to carry it on a pole between them, as he says in one of his books of eastern travels. Camei.i.ii Buds FALtiNo (Timothi/;.—V,'e think it very likely that, if your plants are well drained, the balls of the larire plants have got dry m the centre, as the smaller plants do not shed their blossom-buds. RoMA.s Candle (/. Smilh).—\oa say your plant is so called, and that it is " like a dip candle with a tuft of baves on the top." We are not sure of the plant. Is it a succulent ? We think we have heard the Cacalia utricn- lata so n.imed. ar.d that has a little resemblance to vour description. » ery likely we might know something of it if we saw a piece of it. Stepkanotis PLORiBtJNDA NOT Di.ooMiNO {Bellsvue Piiril. — Suppo«ing the walled-in pit is well drained, pick away with a P'unted stick and tingcrs a good portion of tho old soil and replace it with Hbr/ loam and old cow- dung, and a quart of small broken bones. Give little water in winter, but plenty in the summer, and encourage the stems to grow down under the glass. PKI.ARC0NIUM3 AND FuCHSlAs {Beqinncr. J. (7.).— The six Pelargoniums are all good and so are the six Fuchsias, and any others from the same families might not please you so well as these; therefore we shall not alter your own lists. 74S JOURNAL OF nOSTXCULrURE AND COTrAGE aARDENER. [ December IG, 1863. Dooni.E WniTB PntMnLA and Cape Bni,BS (Young Bcqhincr). — Keep the bulbs as cnol a? Calceolarias for another week, wlien we purpope to (rive a iletailed account of the yearly management for them und for the Primulas. Intellectual Obsfrveu (F. /?.)•— With postiere \s. Ad. Or you can procure it throngli any bookaellcr. It is a periodical. Gkape Jddging [G. J. O.}.— The fiuliject is now ventilated, but we think will not be -settled unless an luitiiority like the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society will promulirate a code of merit. Cocoa-nut Fibre Dust (^T. 77.).— Yonr pardoner havincr dressed all the flower and kitclien garden heavily with the rufuse of the cocoa-nut fihre. his *' madness" is a bold attempt to keep a tcood comfortable place, and to shme in it to the satipfaction of his employers by improving in all the departments, and before this time next year von will be the first tn propose another heavy dressing to Boine of the parts, if not tn the whole. Jlr. Beaton informs ua that in his neighbourhood many are all hut mad on tlie cocoa-nut tibre dust, bub none of them use the short refuse fibre ; that they all put on heavy dressines ot it; that the Rev. E. Phillips is now m.ikincr Vine-borders with it, flower beds, aleo roaery, and a complete renovation of his whole grounds and plantings, in order to introduce this ureat improvement, which he, the said Kev. E. Phillips, characterises as " the nervous system for boils." Cyclamen Seedlings (?'.). —As you "always lose your Cyclamen seedling-s ■while in their first rest," turn ove- a new leaf and never let them rest at all till they have bloomed, as we recorded not lonu since as being- the practice of the Messrs. Henderson and Carter & Co. The only hook "profusely illus- trated in colours of hardy and half hardy pliints, with reliable cultural notes," is Sweet*s "Pritish Flower Giirden." Tlierc is snmethinji wrong in your account of the Cyclanien seedlings pnttin^r up two leaves at the first start. Are all your seedlings as you say? If so, pray send us one or two in a pill- box. We sent about your Farfucium Cyclamen to Mr. Beaton, and jou have his notes on it iu another page. Nelson Apples [C. B. A., Staffordshire).— TWxs, usually called Nelson's Codlin, is a very excellent Apple for kitchen use and even tor dessert. It is in season from September to January. 'LxTAKV^KThV.i.B. Scotchman).— k peck of freshly-slacked lime put into 40 gallons of cold water. The water may be used after they have been mixed for an Iiour and it has become clear. Weed, Seed, and Ant Killeu {IT. 5.).— Tlie apparatus described at p. 242 of Vol. XXIII is an American invention, but we have no further in- formation concerning it. If any of our readers have tried it, we shall be obliged by information as to its success or failure. Feuns for a Glass Cask {TT W. XiiirM).— Supposing you have three rows of Ferns, plant in the middle row the following, or a selection from them:— Adiantum pedatuni, A. brasiliense, Onychiurn lucidum, Atliantum I'orniosum, Davallia eanariensts. and Doodia aspera. On one side ot that row iJoodia media, Platyloma rotundifolia, Adiantum capilluB- Veneris, Lycopu- dium stoloniferum, and Pteris bicolor. On the other side Adiantum hirsutum, Pteris erotica, Asplcnium planicaule. Lycopodium variabile, Allosorus crispus, and Cystopteris (ragilis. G've air freely every day ; drain thoroughly, yet keep the air and soil moderately moist. Temperature not lower than 40^ at ni^Iit nor higher than 63° by day. Do not expose to sun- shine. We keep the sides of our Fern case open partly all day. Heatiko a Small Profagating-house {A. fi.).— We think yonr easiest plan would be a waterproofed box in the greenhouse supplied with hot water every nitrht, or when wanted. Your next best would be a small brick Arnott's stove in the chamber of the propagating place, arrani;ed as deeciibed several weeks ago. The next best, and best of all so far as the cold "pit" is concerned, would be to have a sriiall furnace and a small brick Hue all round the chamber of the propagating part joining the greenhouse chimney; but the flue so made that a damper should be inserted or taken out at pleasure, so that the heated air should pass along the coM pit and out at a chimney at the farther end when desirable. The heat for the furnace and the flue kept round the chamber for a time would give heat to last long enough until you could shut it off from the pit. The heat in the pit will enable you to give more air. After gettinglnto the pit, earthenware pipes, 9 inches in diameter, will do ; but Portland cement would do better. Begonia FucnsiocnES and Stbeptocakpds Ruexu Culture (5. H. L. C). — Begonia fuchsioidcs. — Cuttings put-in in February, potted when struck, grown freely and potted as soon as the pots are full o' roots, all summer, until August, and all the sun given in September, and water lessened in the end of September and October, will give nice flowering plants tor winter in a temperature of from 55'^ to (10°, and rarely 66° at night. The soil should be sandy peat, loam, and a little sweet cowdung or leaf mould. Your two- year-old plants in 32-pots we sliould tliink have been too stunted, or grown too much in the shade. You may get them to bloom yet ; but if not, either take cuttings next spring, or repot your plants, first into Ui's, and then into 12's. Give plenty of liglit from August, and lessen water Irom September, so that the plants do nut flag, and we are sure you will have plenty of bloom next winter and spring, Strepiocnrpus iS/n^j-i/.— Seeds sown in February in a hotbed, seedlings pricked-otf when they can be handled and then potted, first in 60'6 and then in 40',«, will bloom well the first autumn and winter, and almost constantly if more put room is ;;iven them. Afterwards the plants may be divided, or repotted, like any other herbaceous plant ; light, rich, sandy loam suits it— as two parts of loam, one of fine old dried leaf mould, and nearly one of silver sand. The plants get shabby if they are long kept below -iO" and floiuish better in a temperature from 50" to 55". A regular stove heat is rather too much for them. The other plants we cannot make out. You can have the Cottage Gardener's Dictionary free by post for 5s. M: Planting Rhododendrons U. 5., ITes^morc/nnfi).— You are running a very great risk in planting a large piece ot newly-trenched common soil ■with " the best kinds of scarlet Hliododendrons," which you say you want cheap ; but ten to one, if you have any notion of the prices. They are from 7*. 6rf. to 10s. 6rf. a-plece, and you will not get them one farthing cheaper. Brilliant is one of thebe«t of them, then Prince Imperial, Charlotte Bronte, Sunset, The Colonel, Sultan, Luciter, Robert Burns, Marmion, lago, Hilde- brand, Blaudyanum (one of the best and cheapest of them), and lirectum. If you buy tliese by the score vou miglit probably get them at fiom £3 10*. to is per dozen, and the best Hollyhocks are in " l3.. Veal's'" liot of Iu>t- class sorts a month back. Public jimrnalif-ts would act most unfairh if they were to recomnund one tradesman In preference to another. Any "house" in our advertising columns can supply any plant or seed that is on sale ; as, if the firm should not have it, the firm knows best where to procure it. Planting Flower-patterns [Kate'i.—XQXkY three ways of planting ■would be almost equally effectiv**. but they thus stand in our estimation :— No. 3 good ; No. 1 better ; and No. 3 best. Propagating CtNERARiA maritima [W. H'".}.— The spring is the best time t'f increase Cineraria maritima in a hotbed, the cuttings to be made of the smallest side shoots, about 3 or 4 inches long, and to be put in one row only round the sides of a No. 13-pnt, in one-half sand and one-half any litrht soil, with a thin covering of sanrl all over the top of the pot— that is. to keep in the moisture: and keep the place round the cuttings as free from damp and dirt as possible. Your flower is from a Vallota purpurea, much blanched for want of more light and air. Red Currants Failing {R. J. 7?.).— Ifc is difficult to account for vour Reii Currants failing as you describe at the time of ripening. We have often enough had them what is called blighted— (.e., a considerable portion of the berries in euch bunch either do not set perfectly, or fall-off imme- diately afterwards, the remainder Bwellinff-off the full size. Give manure, and try pruning a little harder, as we think your failure at the time of ripen- ing arises from the soil or plants becoming exhausted and unable to peifect the fruit. Generally speaking, thf. Ped Currant likes a deep, rich, garden soil, not too retentive of water, and at the samelime not too dry. Mulching- will doubtle-is do good; but we would advise manure during the winter, and a more than ordinary thinning of the shoots. Observe in digging not to cut the root>. A very" slight digging with the fork ought to be given, as we are far from certain that your present failure does not arise from the mutilation of the roots, and this would account for it at once. CoMFORTABLK CoTTAGEs M Suhscrihcr). — Wc congratulate VOU on your purchase and purpose. You can have C. V, Bernard's book, entitled " Healthy Moral Homes," if you enclose Zs. 4(i. in postage stamps to our office. It gives plans and estimates for the construction of good cottages for from £50 to £150, wit;h such full details that you cannot fail to please yourself. Flowers Mentioned by Shakespere [W. W.). — There is a volume upon tbis theme, but wo forget the names both of the book and of tho author. The " Gardeners' MagLizine of Botany " died ten years since- We presume from the site selected that there will be a garden attached to the Paris Crystal Palace. Prun-ixg and Training- Plum Trees [A Baf/inncr).—li your maiden trees are atraiuf't a wall, we would say, Do not cut them in much if they are only recently plant-^d, but just tip them ; and in spring, when the buds break, pick-oft' all the top ones, one or two a-day, so as only to reserve the lower ones, and by-and-by the shoot will die, and may be" cut-off a little' above the highest young shoot lett on. If, however, your ti-ees have stood a Tear where thev now are, they may be cut-in to about a font, or less_ if weakly. A careful spurrinu'' is better than laving-in such l:irge quantities of young wood each year, and is attended with less trouble, looks better, and bears quite as well. If your wall is above 8 feet hi^ii you may train them fan-shaped ; if lower, then horizontally. The Green Gage is not sf> vigorous a grower as S'lm.; of the others, and ought to have the best position. You will see more particulars about treating such trees in out" back Numbers, and very likely further instructions will appear ia future ones, "WiNTEB-pRnNixG Young Peach, Pixm, and Cberuy Trees {A Lover of Frjiits). — Your young trees, consisfing of five shoots each, may he cut- in thus: —The bottom two laid horizontally and left longest; the next two, tr;iined diagonally at an elevation of about 30'', may be 3 inches shorter than the bottom shoots, .ind the central shoot of all may be cut-in to about 8 inche? or about h.ilf the length of the middle shoots. This may be done at once if the trees be healthy, and tlie buds all likely to grow ; but if the trees have been infested Avith mildew, or otherwise diseased, it would be better not to cut them until the next year. But be careful in noting the swelling and bur-'ting of the wood-buds, and pinch the end ones all out by one at a time, beginning at t!ie tip and working backwards — say one' bud a-dfly. By doing this the end of the shoot dies, and may be cut-otT when all appearance of life has left it, This practice requires attention, and the operation must not be all done at once. Be careful to destroy every appearance of insect in the early growth of next year, and it is likely ynu will have nice trees by the end of it, attending to other iiistructiona that will be given from time to time on such matters. Name.s of Fruits (F. Lang].— !, Gilogil; 2. Catillac ; 3, Marie Louise; 4, Beurre Ranoe; 5, Easter Beurr(5; G, Glou ilorceau; 8, Too decayed. The large Aijples are Blenheim Orange, and the small Apples Yellow Ingestrie- The numbers were rubbtd off. Names of Plants fF. B. A.).—\, 2, 3, unnnmeable scraps of Conifers'— 1 and 2, apparently Thujas ; 3, a Juniper ; 4, Berberis Darwmii. (>/. D.).^ Lastrea tenericaulis, not palhidosa. [G. P. 6".).— No one can name such im- perfect scraps. No. 1 looks like a Cystopteris, but there is no evidence ; 2 is Asplenium lanceolatum; 3 is some deformed growth of Polystichum angulare. {Bishop). — 1, not recognised; 2, one of the Mitre Aloes, and apparently A. distans. {£. G.).— Apparently Atriplex hcelimus. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. THE CRYSTAL PALACE POULTRY EXHIBITION. The Exhibition of Poultry, held in December at the Crystal Palace, lias always proved itself to be one of the best collections of poultry brought before the public during the season ; and, consequently, the attention of those amateurs desirous of improv- ing their breeding stock, or of others requiring general informa- tion relative to poultry-culture, has been especially directed to this annual meeting. As a wliole, the Show just concluded holds quite as lionourable a position in public estimation as the best of those preceding it. As the entries were heavy — viz., 915 pens of Poultry, 227 pen» of Pigeons, and about 12(3 pens of Kabbits, it was obvious the December 16, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTA&E GARDENER. 719 office of arbitrator would not in any ra^e prove a sinet'iin-, more particularly as regarded tlie wi'll-IIIlo.l classps of poulirv. To meet tbis fontinpenry Messrs. Andrews, Baily, and Ifewitt were the selected ofilcials ; but, most unfortunately, at the last moment tlie first-named gentleman found it, impossible to be present ; and, tbereTore, the whoh> onus of judging so large a collection rested with llessrs. liaily and Hewitt alone. In no- i wise depressed by misliap, but encouraged by a day of brilliant sunshine, these gentlemen took the nmllorat once sniritfdly iu I band, finishing their labours long before daylight disappeared. ' When our readers redect, that at the Birmingbam Show some- ! what above three hundred pens of Game fo*ls are judged by | other parties specially appointed for these classes, it must be j obvious, when, as in this instance, the Game fowls are added to the category of arbitrations, the labour must be greatly enhanced, more particularly as Game fowls require a greater amount of time to arbitrate ujion ; as, to do justice, the " handiiug " of all the best of the specimens exhibited is indispensable. The Game classes at the Crystal Palace Show proved them- selves ""-n examination to be unusually praiseworthy. In the Huff Cochins, which headed the catalogue, the entry was a good one, and excited a great defll of attention, the birtis being mostly of high character. A remark may be made as to Mr. Bates's first-prize pen, which is also to a great extent applicable to others. It was surprising to see how much they !md retrograded in appearance since tbe week previous when competing at Birmingham. In the S'lff' Chickens, Mr. Kelleway's pen was remarkably good ; but wo have ofttimes seen birds throughout this class shown in better trim at the winter Crystal Palace Shows. As a wdiob we were quite disappointed in the adult ParfridqC' coloured Cochins ; in fact, the judges must have been of like opinion, as a prize was withheld altogether. The Chickens of this variety were much superior. The White Cochins were better than customary. We noticed particularly some chickens that will most probably figure highly in the prize lists of next season. The Brahma classes were as perfect throughout as we have yet seen. The great feature of the Show w.as the Dor/cinqs : and here Lady Holmesdale took not only precedence, but left scarcely a ]>rize unappropriated otherwise than to her extensive yards. All her ladyship's birds were shown in extraordinary condition ; but it occurred to us that, if less fatted, they would have been more useful as store fowls. Tbe White Dorkinr/s mustered better than on any previous occasion. The class for DorJcinr; Cocks was quite as good as have ever been shown at this Meeting. In the Spanish, it struck us that tbe birds were not so well recovered from their moult as we anticipated ; but tb.e quality of the principal portion of them was of tbe highest cliaracter. In ilie Game fowls were to be seen I'iles tar beyond accus- tomed merit, the Sroton lieds having a superiority over the Black-hreasfed, and the White ones being decidedly an iiujirove- meiit on those of former years. From some cause or other, tbe Kamhurghs were not so good as we had hoped for ; indeed, this was one of the weakest points in the Show. Perhaps it may have ari en from a large number of our best breeders having reserved their best birds for the l~)arlington Show, which biippened simultaneously, a laud- able desire to win at their own doors being a prevailing senti- ment. Taken iu this view, as the north is the stronghold of these breeds, tbe result seems not to be wondered at. The Poland classes were perfect, every breed being equally creditable ; and we rejoice to finrl these valuable varieties be- coming more generally prized, as few kinds of poultry lay better, nor can any be more pleasurable adjuncts to a villa residence. Tbe Geese and Tttrkeiis were prodigies of breeding and manage- ment ; but the Ducks were certainly not so favourable in tbe scale as we have repeatedly met with. The Sebright and tbe Game Bantams were tbe best varieties of these " little pets ; " but some most extraordinary Japanese, Stack Sitkies, and Friestond Bantams are worthy of favourable mention also. The Ornamental Wafer Fowls and tbe extensive class of vari- ous breeds of Pheasants were not without many admirers, and added very materially to the attractiveness of the Meeting. We must not let tbis opportunity slip of speaking in tbe 'highest terms of tbe general management of the Show on this occasion. Through the indefatigable energy of the Secretary, Mr. Houghton, everything was done well and in order; tbe catalogues were ready at the ojiening of the Show, and every card connected with the prize list was properly alllxed. As this attention was so highly appreciated, we hope for its continuance in future years. ro( nm-CaiN* (Cinnamon anil Ituff).— First and Secnnd, H. Imles, Blr- tninglmn. Tliiril, E, Miisgrovc, Au|iluieii,s.—Vhat, J. Krlleway, Isle of Wigllt. Seconil, G. .loliiKon. Sinrpy. Third, Kcv. G. Gilbert, Norwiell. CocHiN-CuiNA (liiown and I'uriridsu-feulhircd). -First, T. Cnrtwri]?ht, Oawestrv. Secnnd. B. J. Ford. Kxcter. Ttiird, withheld. Cltirkms.— First, T.' Stretch, Ornnkirk. Second, R. Adams, Birmingham. Third, E. Tudman, Wliitchureh. Sahtp. Corius-CiiiNA (Wliitc).— First, JLaster G. ChaBC. Birminghvim. Second, W. DawKon, llnpton. Chickens —Fhf.t, Master G. Cha«e. Second. O. Lamb. Wolvcrliumplon. Highly Commended, G. Lamb. Commended, Master G. Cha^e. Cociiin-(:bin,v Cocks (Colonrod and White).— First. E. Tudman, VrTnt- church, Salop. Second, H. Ransom. Ipswich. Hifhly Commendoa, J. W. Kellewav, Isle of W-.ght. Commended. Mrs. II, Fookes. EntHMAPooTni.— First, C. Priest, Muntham Court, WorthinK Second. R. Teebay, Fulwoad. Commended, R. Teebay. C/iicii in.— First. C. Priest. Second, U. Tcehav. Hifrhiv Commended, J. K. Fowler. Ayleibury ; J. Pares, Cherlsev. Commended, G. liotliam, SlouRh; J. Writ'ht. SufTolk. Corfs.- FoKt, .1 Wright, Sutlolk. Seconil. J. Hin'on, Bath. Huthly Com- mended, J K. Fowler, Avlesburv. Commended, R. Teebay, Fulwood. DoBKiNO (Colouredl— Mrst and Second, Viscountess Uolmcsdale, I.inton Park, Staplehurst. Third, H. Lewiv, Sussex. Fourth, A. Potts, CheKter. Hiehly Commended, Hon. W. \V. Vernon. Staffordshire ; II. Beal, Siough ; J. Frost, Parham ; S Griggs, Essex ; R. Warner, Broonifleld. Commended, H. LinRWOod, Suffolk ; C. Smith, Salisbury. Dorking Hens.— First. Viscountess Holmesdale, Staplehurst. Second, Mrs. Craigie. Chiffwell, Essex. Iliirbly Commended, T. S. Brown. Chard, S.imerset. Commended. Ladv 51. M.iCdonaM, Liphuok ; Sir J. Paxton, MP • Rev. >I. Amphlett, Church I.onch Rectory, near Evesham; VV. Brown, Nofthanipton ; E. H. Garrard, Worcestershire C/iu7.T;iJ.— Firstand Second, Viscountess Holmesdale, Linton Park. Third. C. II. Wakefield, Malvera "ells. Fourth, Hon W. W. Vernon, Staffordshire. HiEhly Com- mended, J. Frost, Parham; G. Griggs. Essex; H. l.inpwood. Suffolk; Mrs St John, Oakley. Commended, Lady M. Macdonald; Rev. M. Amph- lett ; G. Griggs ; H. Lingwood. „. , . DoRKiNo Pci.i.RTS.— First, C. Priest, Muntham Court, W orthmg. Second, Viscountess Holmesdale, Linton Park, Iliu'hly Commended, sir J. Paxton, M.P., Sydenham ; E. H. Garrard, Worcestershire; Miss Milne. Kelso, N.B.'; C. H. Wakefield, Malvera Wells. Commended, J. Simmons; T. Tatham. Northampton. tt ^ c DORKIKO (White).— First. Jtrs. Beaidmore. Farcham, Hants. Second, J. Robinson. Vale House, near Garstang. Highly Commended, Mrs. Beaid- more; H I.incwood, Suffolk. (Viic/tcns.— First, Miss E. Hodeon, Bridge- water. Second, Ladv M. Legge. Dorking, Surrey. Highly Commended, H. Lingwood : J. Robinson, Garatang. DORiiisG Cocks {Coloured a'd White).— First, Viscountess Holmesdalo. Linton Park. Second, T. L. Brown. Chard, Somerset. Third, T. Tatham, Norlhampton. Highly Commended, Viscountess Holmesdale; Major W. S. Altham, Somerset ; T. L. Brown; W. Copule. Present; C. Priest, Worthing; T. Tatham. Commended, Lady M. Macdonald, Liphook; T. Tatham." ^ , ,. „ , Spanish.— First, J. Martin, Claincs. Worcester. Second, J. K. Fowler, Ayles-jury. Third, R. Wright, Highgate. Fourth. T. L Brown, Somerset. Commended, R Teebav, Preston. C'/irctcns.— First and Third, .1. R. Bod- bard, Wrington, Bristol. Second. R. Teebay. Fourth. J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, J. Barrr, Wandsworth Head ; H. Dawson, Camberwell; H. Lane, Bristol; K. B. Postans, Essex; J. Smith. Com- mended, .1. Barry. . „ Si-is-isn Hkns and Pullets.— First, J. Martin, Clalnes, Worcester. Second, .Mrs. Craigie, Chigwcll, Essex. Highly Commended, C. CaytOrd, Northampton; J. K. Fowlei, Aylesbury; J. W. Smith, oiinulo. Com- mended, W. Parrott. Aylesbury. „ . , , „ Spvmsii Cock —First, J. R. Boilbard, Wrington. Bristol. Second, H. Lane, Bristol. Third. A. Heath, Wilts. Highly Commended, W. Parrott. Aylesbury; J. W. Smith, (lundle. Commended, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury ; A . Heath ; R. B. Postans, Essex ; T. P. Wood, jun., Chesterfield ; R. Wright, Highgate. Gamk (White and Piles).— First. J. Fletclicr, Stnneolough. Second, A. Guy, Grantham. Third, II. BaUcr, Worcester. Highly Commended, S. Matthew, stowmarket. Commended, R. U. Clayton, Slough. Cliicknia.— First. J. Wilders. jun., Grantham. Second, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Devon. Third, A.Ewen, Melton Mowbray. Highly Commended. H. Baker, Worcester. Commended, J. Fletcher, Stoneclough ; Messrs. Phillips & Winwood, Worcester. GA.ME (Black-hrcasted Reds) —First, J. Hindson. Liverpool. Second, Rev. F. Watson, Woodhridge, Sulfolli. Third, E. Archer. Jl.ilvern. Highly Commended. H. Loe, Isle of Wight: A. H. Philpott. Comoui.dc.l, J. Firth, H difax. c:VjiV/iVii.<— First. Hon. W. W. Vernon, Staffordshire. Second, .s. Matthew, Stowmarket. Third. E. Burton. Cornwall. Highly C(unmended, Rev. G. S Cruwys, Devon ; W. T. Kver.a'-d, Aahbv-dc-la-Zourh ; T. Moss, Ponlton-le-Fjlde. Commended, U. Hefler, Suffolk; W. Rogers, Wood- bridge, Suffolk. J. »- ^ Game (Brown-breasted and other Reds except Black-breasted).- First, Rev. F. Watson. Woodbridee. Suffolk. Second, E. Archer. .Malvern. Third, V. Sandford. PIvmoulh. Highly Commended. E. Burton. Cornwall: V. Sandford. Comi'iiende.l. J. Firth. Halifax. C/iiV/rcis.— First. E. Archer. Second, T. Moss, Ponlton-le-Fylde. Third, B. Vaughnn, Salop. Highly Commended, A. Heath, Calne, Wilts. Commended, R. Swift, Southwell, Game (Dnckwings and other Greys and Blnesi.— First. G. W. Langdale, Beverley Sieond, S. Matthew, siowmarkei. Third, .1. Bradwell, Sonlh- wcll. Notts. Chickens. -Vm^i. Jlon. W. W. \ernon, Staffordshire. .Second, R. Goodffvn, Suffolk. Third. W. P.urgfss. Dorset. Highly Commended, Hon. W. SV. Vereon; E. Burton, Cornwall. Coinmen'kd, W. Dawson, SellyOak; II. Griflilhs, Worcester; V. Sandford, Plymouth. Gamk {Black and any other variety).- First, J. Flctthir, Manchester 750 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUaE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [December 16, 1862. Second, J. Winn, Coventry. Hiptilv Commended, T. Burman, TTorkley Heath. Chickeu3.-Fir»t. J. Fletcher. Second. W- Dawton, Selly Oak. Game Cocks. -Fir»t, Hon. \V. W. Vernon. Staffordshire. Second, J. S. Butler, Poulton-Ie-FyMe. Third. S. Matthew, Stowmarket. Highly Com- mended, J, Fletcher. Slanchester; G- WilderB, Grantham. Commended, E. -\r.-her, Malrern ; J. Firth. Halifax. Hambuhoh (Gold-pencilled). — Firat, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second. N. Barter. Plymouth. Third, wi hheld. CAictcfis.— First and Third. A. Nultall, Manchester. Second, A. Houghton, Melton Mowbray. Commended, U. R. Clayton, Slough. Hamburoh (Silver-pencilled).— First, Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Norfolk. Second, J. Martin, Claines, Worcester. Third. T. H. Turner, Sheffield. CAtVtcii.!.— First, withheld. Second, C. Moore, Poulton-le-Fylde. Third, J. Martin. HAMBuncH Cocks (Gold or Silver-pencilled).— First, G. Botham, Wex- ham Court, Slough. Second, T. Boniface. Sussex. Highly Commended, Mrs. Patlisson, JIaldon, Fssex. Commended, T. Bowick, Kenilworth. Hamburgh (Gold-spangledi. — First. I. Davies. Birmingham. Second. H. Carter, Holmfirth, Yorkshire. Third. S. H. Hyde, Ashton-under-Lyne. Commended, W. C innan, Bradford. Chickens.— Virst, S. II. Hyde. Second. Eev. T. L. Fellowes, No, folk. Third, G. Brook, HuddersSeld. Commended, I. Davis. Haubdrgh fSilvcr-spangledl.— First, W. Cannan, Bradford. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Third. H. Carter, Holmfirth, York>hire. Chtrkms. —First, T. L. Brown. Chard, Simerse . Second, E. Collinge, Mddleton, near Manchester. Third. J. Dixon, Bradford. Commended, Viscountess Holmesdiile. Linton Park. Hambdrgh Cocks (Gold or Silver-spangled). — First, Mrs. Pattisson, Maldon, Essex. Second. Mrs. Beardmore. Farehara, Hants, Polish (Black with White Crestsj.- First and Third. T. P. Edwards. Lyndhur.^t, Hants. Second, II. Carter, HolmHrth, Yorkshire. Highly Commended, J.Dixon, Bradford; T. P. Edwards. Commended, G. Kay, Lyndhurst, Hants. Pot.isH (Gold).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second and Third, Mrs. Pettat. Overton Hampshire Polish (Silver).— Fir.st, Mrs. Blay, Wo-cestcr. Second, 3. Heath, Nant- wich, Cheshire. Third, G. C. Adkins, Birmingham. Highly Commended, G. C. Adkins; .T. Dixon. Bradford. Commended. F. Hiiidy, Bradford. Polish Cocks,— First and Second, G. C. Adkins, Birmingham. Com- mended, G. C. Adkins. Malat.— First, N. Sykes, jun.. Mile End. Second. J. Rumsev. High Street, Shadwell. Commended, Miss C. H. Ballance. Taunton. Chukrus. — First. N. Sykes, jun. Second, W. Hill, Bethnal Green. Highly Com- mended, J. Rumsey. Any other Distinct Breed. —First, S. Waters. Woodbridge Rnad, Ipswich. .Second, P P. Cother, Salisbury. Third, F,. Collinge. Manchester. Fourth. Mrs. Blay, Worcester. Highly Commended, E. Pigeon, Lympstone ; E. Hutton, Pudsey, near Leeds ; .Mrs. Prescott, Roehamoton ; W M.inHeld, jun., Dorchester. Commended, C. Baker, Chelsea; C. Bocquet, Paris Bantams (Gold-laced).— First, M. Leno. jun., Donstahle. Second, E. Jones, Clifton, BristoL Cornmended. Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Devon. Bantams (Silver-laced).— First, Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Devon. Second, E. Jones, Clifton, Bristol. Highly Commended, M. Leno, Dunstable. Commended, T. H. D. Biylv. Bigglesrwade, Beds. Bantams (White, Clean Legs).— First, T. H. D. Bavly, Biggleswade, Beds. Second, Mrs. F Tearte, Kittering. Highly Commended, J Riun.^ey, iShadwell. Commended Rev. G. S. Cruwys, Devon ; H. Loe. Isle of Wight. Bantams (Black. Clean Logs).— First, E. Hutttm, Pudsey, near Leeds. Second, R. Brotherhood, jun., Almondsbury. Highlv Commended, Miss J. Hodson, Bridgewater. Cummended, S. Ridley, Clayton. Sussex. Bantams (Game). — First, J. W. Kellewav, Isie of Wight. Second, T. II. D. Bayly, Biggleswade, Beds. Third. M. Torner. Preston. Hi.;lily Commended, W. S. Forrest, Greenhithe, Kent; J. W. Kellewav; R. B. Postans. Esses; V. Sandfoid. Plymouth. Commended, H. Bates, Birming- ham; M. Leno. jun., Dunstable. Bantams —First, Mrs. H. Fookes, Whitcchurch, Blandford. Second, Rev. P. w. Storey, Daventry. Highly Commended, G. Daft, Souihwell, Nott-j. Commended, Capt. F. Marten, St. Albans ; W. Brown, North- ampton. Bantam Cocks.— First. J W\ Kellewav. Isle of Wight. Second. W. S. Forrest, Greenhithe, Kent. Highlv Commended. C.ipt. F. Marten. St. Albans; T. H. D. Bayly. Bigglcjwade ; T. .Moss, Poulton-le-Fvlde. Com- mended, R. B. Poslalis, Essex. Geesr (White).— First, W. Manfleld. jun., Dorchester. Second, G. D.af% Southwell. Notts. Highly Commended, Mrs. E. Herbert, Worcester ; W. Manheld, jun. Gkesk (Grey and Mottled).— First and Second, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. Highly Commended, W. Peters, Devonshire. Ducks (Aylesbury).- First and Third, J. K. Fowler, .\yleshury. Second, J. Harris, Krighton. Highly Commended, Mrs. G. H. Cook," Cheshire ; J. K. Fowler ; Mrs. Pattisson, Kssex ; E. Shaw. Oswestry. Docks (Rouen). — First and Second. J. K Fowler, Aylesbury. Third, C. Priest, Worthing. Highly Commended, Capt. Barthropp, Wick'ham Market; Rev. T. L. Fellowes, Norfolk ; J. 11. Braikenridge, Bristol ; W. H. Dennison; Mrs. H. Fookt-a. Ducks (Black).— First, T. Twnse, Halstead, Esses. Second, J. W. Kelle- way. Isle of Wight Third. J. K. Fowler, Avleibury. Highlv Commended, Mrs, E. Herbert, Worcester; E. Phillips; A. Sm'art, Blackheath Park; W. Syson, Debach ; Mrs. Wolferstan, Tamworth. Ducks (Anv other variety).— First, A. S.Yates, Alrcsford, Hants. Second, T. H. D. Bayly, liiggleswa^le. Third, Mrs. Wolferstan, Tamworth. Highly Commended, U. Biker. Chelsea. Ornamental Water Fowl.— First, Second, and Third, C. Baker, Chelsea. Turkeys —First, J. Smith, Grantham. Second, Mrs. A. Guy, Grantham. Third, Mrs. H. Fookes Blandford. P')«/^5 -First. J. Smith. .Second, Kev. T. L. Fellowes. Norfolk. Third, W. Miindcld, jun., Dorchester. Pheasants (Gold and Silver), — First, A. S. Yates, Alresford, Hants. Second, Mrs. Welsh, Twickenham. Commended, Mrs, Pattisson, Essex ; J. Houghton, Mellon Mowhray. Pheasants (Anv other variety),— First, C. Baker, Chelsea. Second, C. Bocquet, Paris, Commended, A. S. Yates, Alresford, Hants ; Mrs. C. Baker; IL Leno, jun., Dunstable. , PIGEONS. PowTERS OR Croppers (Any colour).- Cor/.-.— First. T. H. Evans, JLambeth Walk. Second audThiid, K. Fulton, Deptlord. Very Hishly Com- mended. F.. L. Corker, Croydon. Highly Commended. E. L. Corker; Mrs. Evans, Lambeth Walk. Commended, R. Fulton, Deptford. (An excellent class.) //ens— First, E L. Corker. Second, F. Else. Bavswater. Third, T. H. Evans. Highly Com.nended. E. L. Corker; T. H. Evans; C. J. Samutls Manchester. Commended. T. H. Evans (A good class.) CAnuiERs.— C'lc^if rBlack and Dun). -First. E. L. Corker. Croydon. Second. F. Waller, Turnham Green. Third, P. Goss. Plymouth. Very Highl.' Commended, P. Goss. Highly Commended. P. Goss: J F. Mor- timer, Plymouth. Commended Major F. C Hassard, Hilsea, near Portsmouth ; T. Colley. Slieftield. (A very merltorlou.s class.) Corku f Anv other colour). —Fir.st, E. J. J. Holmes, t.ewisham. Second, J. C Ord, Pi rilico. ITtnts 'Black and Dun). — First and Second, E. L. Corker. Third. P. Goss. Very Highly Commended, J F. Moi-timer Commended. J. F. Motimer. Hcris (Any other colour).— First and Second, W. Vt. E Imonds, Westminster. DuA&oNS. — fi/Mff. — Prize, G. F. Treadaway, Patldington. .4ny nfhpr roloiir,— Prize, F. Esquilant, Oxford Street. Commended, Master E. Altham, Soiiieiset. Almond Tumblers. — First. E. L. Corker. Croydon. Second withheld. Third, G. J. Harris. Woolwich, Short-faced Mottles.— First, E. L. Corker, CroydoiL Second, F. Else, Bayswater. Com'iien led, J. Ford, L ndon. Short-faced Baldheads. — Fir«t and Second. F. Esquilant. Oxford Street. Short-faced Bkards— First, F. Esquilant, Oxford Street. Second, J. H. Fsden, rfammersmith. Highly Co nmended, G. R. Ellenden, Greenwich. Comm'-nded, F. Else, Bavswater. Short-faced Tumblers Self-colour).— First, W. H. C. Gates, Newark, Notts. Second. F. Esquilant, Oxford Street. Kites, Agates. Duns, and Grizzles.— Prize, E. T. Archer, Norwood, Comnended, F. Else, Bayswater. J'COBINES.— First, F. Esquilant, Oxford Street. Second, H. Morris, Forest Hill. Kent. Owls.— B;«c or SiVue/-.— Prize, H. Morris, Forest Hill, Kent. Highly Commended, G Fleming, Peckham. Yellow or any other co/owr.— Prize, F Else, Bavswater. NuNs.~Fiist, F, Else. Bavswater. Second withheld. TuRuiTs.— Fir.st, G Fleming. Peckham. Second, G. F. NichoUs, Chelten- ham. Third, Major W. S. Altham. Smerset. Fantails —/y'nct- —Prize, J. W. Edge, Aeton New Town, Birmingham. TT/iiVe —Prize. J. W. Edge. B/oe.— Prize, J. W. Edge, Maopiks.— First. E. M. Pierce, Taunton.' Second, W. H. Beadon, Tatin- ton. Third, F. Else, Bayswater. Trumpeters.- fl/ncA- .l/of(/en. Gold- spangled Hamburghs were numerous and good, Mr. N. Mar- low's being especially so. Silver-epangled Hamburghs were an arerage lot, but we thought the third prize a mistnke— in fact, the birds were deficient in every respect. In Polands, Miss E. Bi'ldon's were capital Silvers. Good Black Hamburghs took first in " Any other variety," and Brahmas second. The prize Black Bantams were excellent. Wliito Bantams, with the ex- ception of the first-|)rize pen, were inferior. Game Bantams were good. Mr. Dixon showed a good pen of Gold-laeed in "' Any other variety of Bantams." Turkeys and Geese were arerage classes. Duclcs were good. Mr. Kelt's Aylesburys deserve especial notice. There was a good show of Pigeons. Mr. Sylvester sent good Dun Carriers. In Powters, Mr. Robson'a Whites were once more successful. In Almond Tumblers we fancied Jlr. Sylves- ter's second-prize pen should have been first. Mr. Cannan's Blue Owls were very good. Jacobins were an average lot, the first-prize pen being rather coarse in head and beak. In Trumpeters both pr'zes went to excellent Blacks. The first- prize pen being unusually good. The following is the prize list : — DoRKiNos. — First and Second, II. "SV. B. Berwick, Helmsley. Third, G. Wtiicwell- '.endalL Uighly Couimeniied. J. Dixon, Bradford. Commended, F. Key, Beverley. SpvNisii — Fir.st, T. Greenwood, Dewsbury. Second, E Rrown. Shcftleld. Third, D. lllmprworth, Barley, Otlt-y. Hietilv Commended. K. Smith, Middle- ton Mlnchp^^le^. Commended, Lady Hawke, Womersley Park. CoCHiN-CmNA,— First, T. B. Stead, Leeds. Second and Third, H. .ind G. Newtnn, Leeds. Highly Commended, J. Bell, Tliirsk. Commended, E. iSmith. Gamk (Black Breasted and other RedsJ.— Cap and First, T. J. Charlton, Bradford- Second, J. Hodgson, Bowling. Third, T. H. Dodby, North- allerton ; G. Pease, Darlington; Rev. J. F. Newton; H. W. B. Berwick; T. H. Barker, Hovinghara. CocHiN-CniNA (Cinnamon and Buff\— First, H. Bates, Edpbaston. Bir- minffhum. Second, J. Shovthose, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Highly Commended, H. Tomlinson, Birmingham. Commended. T. Stretch, Ormskirk. CocHiy-CHiNA. fAny other rariety).— First, J. Shortbose. Second, R. White, Sheffield. Hiffhiy Commended. T. Stretch, OrmsKirk. CocniK-CniKA Chick>:ss (Any variety).— First, T. Stretch, Ormskirk. SL'cond, Rev. G. Gilbert, Claxton, Norwich. Third, H. Bates, Edgbaston. Highly Comnipnded, H. Tomlinson, Birmingham j R. White, Sheffield. Commended, J. Shorthose, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Gaue (Black-breasted and other KedsJ.— First and Second, H. Adams, 1 Beverley. Highly Commended, A. Perkins, Darlington ; W. Boye?, Beverley ; . D Parsons, L;nicashii-e. Gamk (DiK-kwings, Greys, and Blues).— First, H. Adams. Second, G, Hellewt-n, Slieffield. Commended, T. Clcminson, Darlington. Game (Any other variety].— First. H. Adams, Beverley. Second, G. S. Thompf^on. Yoik. Game Chickens ''Black-breasted .ind other Reds),— First, H. Adams. Second, H. M. Julian, Beverl^iy. Highly Commended, C. J. Dodds, Halifax ; G. Longbottom, Halifax. Gami: CnicKi:Ns (Duckwin:is, Greys, and Blues'!.- First, J. Groco*t, Haughtoii. Second, G. Hcilcwell, Wulkley. Highly Commended, H. Adams, Beverley; A. Cattley, York; T. Cleminson. Darlington. Gami: Chickkkb [Any other variety). — First, R. Adams, Beverley. Second, J. Croseland, jun. Hambl^rgh (Gold and Pilver-pencilled). — First, W, Cannan, Bradford. Second, .T, Dixon, Bradford. Hambukgh (Gold and Silver-spangled). — First, H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Highly Commended, G. C. Whit- well, Kendal ; W. Cannan, Bradford ; Commended, H. W. B. Berwick. Hahbdecjii Chickens (Gnldt-n-pencilled). — First, S. Smith, Halifax. Secon-i, J. Munn, Shawclough. Higbly Commended, J. Slunn. Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford; W. Caiman, Bradford. Hamul'rgh Chickens (Silvpr-pencilled).— First, R. and T. Longbottom, Bingley. Second, Frogget &: Harop, Sheffield. Hamburgh Chicken.s (Golden-spangled). — First, W. Cannan. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Hamburgh Chickens (Silver-snanglcdl- — First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford Commended, T. Kensnaw, Darlington. Polands (Black, with White Crc3ts).—First, H. Beldon,Biadford. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. PonNns {Any variety).— First, H. Beldon, Bradford. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Highly Commended, J. Dixon. Commended, W. Newsome, Bingley. Poland Chickens. — First, W\ Newsome, Rincley. Second, H. Beldon, Bradford. Third, J. Dixon, Bradford, Highlv Coinmendpd, J. Dixon. Any other Distinct Breed.- Fir^t, R. Teebay, Fulwood. Second, H. Adams, Beverlev. Third, J. Dixon, Bradford Commended, Mrs. M. Seamen?, Aylesbury. Bantams (Gold and Silver-lacen).— First, T. H. D. Bayly, Biggleswade, j Beds. Second, E. Yardly, Sheffield. Commended, Miss Elliot, Yarm. Bantams (WhiteL— First, J. Crnssland, jun. Second, J. Dixon, Bradford. Hitihly Commended, T. H. D. Bayly, Biggleswade. Bantams (Rlack).— First, J. Crossland, jun., Wakefield. Second, "W. Cannitn, Bradford. Highly Commended, A. Cattley, York. Bantajis (Game). — First, G. T. Allen, Sunderland. Second, W. Law- renson, Preston. Third, J. Cragg, Kendal. Hishlv Commended, J. Cross- land, jun.; W. R. Lane, Birmingham; T. H. D. Bayly, Biggleswade ; G. Hellewell. Wiilkley. Co'nniended, Hon. W. T. W. FitKwiUiam. Rotheram ; W. R. Lane, Birmingham ; H. Adam'^, Beverley; W. Newsome, Binffli.y; J. Munn. Sh.iwclough; C- W. Brierley, Rochaale ; T. Wilson, Kendal; J. Stainsby, Sunderland; J. G. Pearton, Whitecliurcb.. Ducks (Aylesbury).— First, G. Pease. Darlington. Second, J. Grocoft, Tarporley. Highly Commended, Mrs. M. Seamons, Hartwell. Commended, N. Cawthorn, iun., JMiddlesborouah. Dl'cks (Rouen).— First. J. Dixon. Bradford. Second, T. H. Bf.rker. Ducks (Any other variety).— First, J. Dixon, Bradford. Second, J. R. Jessop, Hull. Highly Commended, T. H. D. Bayly, Ickwell House. Com- mended, Mrs. Braithwaite, Stokesley ; W. Wooler, Darlington. Duckling-^ (Any variety).- First, J. Smitli, Grantham. Second, D. Parsons, Guerdon. Third, J. Dixon, Bradford. Hiehly Commended, Mrs. Seamons. Commended, W. Grey, Northg.ue; Mrs. Milner; W. Wooler. Geese — First, Mrs. Seamons. Second, G. Pense, Darlington. Highly Commended, J. Dixon, Bradford. Commended, Miss Sherwood, Yarm. Goslings.~V\rst, Jlrs. M. Seamons. Aylesbury. Second, Mrs. Sturdy, Greeiihow. HiRhly Commended, Mrs. Alilner, Thir.'^k. TuRKEVs.— First, Mrs. A. Guy, Grantham. Second, G. Pease, Darlington. Co'iim' nricd, J. Dixon. Bradford. Poults. — First, J Dixon, Bradlord. Second, J. Smith, Breeder Hills. Highly Commended, Rev. T. JU Fellowes, Norfolk; T. Ward, Whitby. Guinea Fowl. — Prize, G. Pease, Darlington. DoKKiNG Pullets (Any variety).— First, G. Mowbray, Bradford. Second, H. W. B. Berwick. Helmsley. Highly Commended. J. Bell, Thornton-le- Moor ; J. White, Warlaby; Miss G. E. Puliehie; H. W. B. Berwick. Game Pullets (Any variety).— First, H. Adams, Beverley. Second, A. Perkins, B^Ilevue. Highly Commended, C. J. Dodds, Halifax; G- Pease. Commended, G. Mowbray, Single Dorking Cocks (Any variety).— First, A. Perkins, Bellevue. Second, Rev. J. F. Newton, Kirby. HighlyCommended, J. White, Warlaby ; Miss G. E. Pulleine, Crake Hall. Commended, T. Biaithwaite, Darlington ; Rev. .1. F Newton ; H. W. B. Berwick, Helmsley. Sweepstakes (Game Cocks). — First, J. Firth, Halifax. Second, H. Adaoip, Beverley. Third, A. Perkins, Bellevue. SwEFPSTAKRS (Game Cockerels). —First, W. J. Cope, Barnsley. Second, G. W. Binns, Darlington. Third, H. M. Julian, Beverley. Sweepstakes (Game Bantam Cocks).— First. R. Wood. Stockton-on-Tees. Second, W. Liwrenson, Preston. Third, Lady Ilawke, Womersley Park. PIGEONS. Carrier Cook fAnv colour).— First and Second, J, W. Wooler. Hen. — First, .T. W. Wooler, Sadberge Hall. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. PowTER Cock (Any colour).— First, E. Brown, Sheffield. Second, W. Taylor, Sheffield. iTt'n.— First, W. Taylor. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Almond Tumblers.— First, A. L. Sylvester, Birmingham. TuMBLEKs {Any other variety).— First, W. Ctiunan, Bradford. Second, A. L. Sylvester. Birmingham. Fantails.— Fir^t, T. C. Taylor, Middlesborough. Second, W. Taylor, Sheffield. Trumpeters.— First, J. J. Wilson. Second, W. Cannan, Bradford. Commended, U. Fawdon, Gateshead. Barbs.- Firit, A. L. Sylvester, Birmingham. Second, T. Ellring^on, Woodmansey. Jacobins.— Fir-'t, T. Ellrington. Second, F. Else, Bayswater, London. TuRBiTS.— First, B. Fawdon, Gateshead. Second, T. C. Taylor, Middles- boroiitjli. Decembev IG, 1662. ] JOURNAL OF HOBTICDLTUBK AND COTTAGE GARDENER. !i53 Owls.— First, W. Cimtwn. Srcnnd, F. KUe. A.1V oTiiKit New on Diptinct V,vun;rv.— l"ir.«t, ,1. W. W'ooler, Sndbcrsc null ;,Suiiljiiiils\ Sccoml, T. U\Uo, Gilt.-ir^iti', Duiliiii.l. Tlui'il, \V. li. Viin lIaan«biTsen, Knflclrt LoJire. Kd.iith, II. Yaidlc-y. Judges.— PowWry, Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Spnrkbrook, Bir- mingham. Pyeons, Mr. T. W. Botoherby, of Dnrliiigtou. FATTENING POULTRY. 1 SKAD in No. SS, New Series, a reply to questions rcspei-ling the diniciihy in fattonins fowls, wliielj, I liuvo no doubt, all who have had the nianapcraont of poultry have met with more or less. I hnvo seen the attempts of others years ago, and the same results have taken place that your eorrespondents complain of; still they were not all failures, but the exceptions were effects that we did not then try to discover the cause of. Even in the early part of the present season I met with the same dilfundties ; but knowing there must be a cause for every ell'ect I tried to discover it, but there was nothing to discover. The evil and its remedy have been stated in t)io ])Oultry portion of the Journal times out of number ; even in the above Number sufficient is said to insure a good supply of lirst-rato fowls for any table whatever. The fourth paragraph in the editorial article I con- sider sufficient to put any thniking person on the right track. But there are people that, because they cannot carry out the exact instructions laid down, get fainthearted, and, lifter one or two very bad attempts, give them up as impracticable ; and yet those are the people that are always asking advice and always behind then- neighboiu-s. Now, in searching for the cause of my failure I had to look over several volumes of the Journal, orCoTT.iOE GAKDENi;it and Journal, and it was hardly to be supposed that I could find all I wanted in one or two papers, or in the exact words to suit my local circumstances ; but there I found the ideas which I had to enlarge or contract, or twist and turn, to bring them to fit my present means, and I succeeded so far that the fowls gave satisfaction when placed on the dining-table. I do not aim at anything beyond a well-meated and fatted fowl, and that I obrain with very little trouble, otherwise it would not be done where tliere are so many other things to bo attended to. My fatting-pen, which at other times I make use of to put broodi;ig-hen3 into, I found nearly ready-made. It is a email place between two walls, about i feet by 3 feet, with a slate covering ; and I put round larch sticks for a bottom, about 15 inches from the ground ; and the front and door are made of two inch strips of half-inch deal an inch apart. I made a box about a foot long, such as I use for cuttings, and that is fastened to tlie front, otherwise the fowls would stand on the edge of it and tip it over. I have another box a little smaller, in which I put their food. I place this food-box into the other and larger one, and the first thing after milking I give them their breakfast. By the time I have finished feeding the others and giving them water they have eaten as much as they want. I then take away what is left and throw it to the others. I feed them three times during the day ; the first and lost feed con- sisting of corn — oats one time and barley the next, and now and then a few crushed beans. The mid-day meal consists of any scraps I can get from the kitchen, mixed with barleymeal : this they always eat up clean. I give them fresh water daily, and always keep a box of the sweepings of the gravel walks in the pen, and it is surprising the quantity a fowl wdl eat. 1 endeavour to put in a fresh fowl every four days when there are two used weekly, as the fresh one put in stimulates the others to feed. I keep four or six in the pen according to cir- cumstances. I generally allow them three weeks, but I have them in five weeks well fattened. I have just used-up the old hens I commenced with last sp-ing, and this is the way tliey were managed. Alter being killed, picked, and drawn, they are hung-up in the larder for several days, then boiled ; the next day the skin is taken off and they are cut up into joints. With a portion of tlte breast of mutton stewed in the usual way accor.ling to taste, no dish of stew could be batter, and there is no difficulty about making it. — The Docioe's Boy. the tame ones all living, and the wild ones perishmg. I have been told that plucing them in tlia full sun as young Pheasants are dono, is beneficial; but then the old hen's opinion has to be asked on this point, and if she spit out her displeasure, what then ? 1 believe this is a question more for gamekeepers and others that wny than the patrons of fancy poultry ; but I am not particular trom whom the answer comes, so that it is to the purpose. — J. K. THE POETSEA CANARY SHOW. This Show took plaoe at Commissioners' Hall, Landport, Portsea, on Tuesilaj , November 2Gth. There were a {;reat number of birds, and from the most celebrated breeders in England. In the Norwich classes, Mr. Walter, of Winchester, took the lead, having some very fine specimens. In the Belgian classes were observed a cage of ten, called a colled ion, for which the highest prize was given, and most deservedly won by Mr. T. Moore, of Faroham, he liaving, as the Judge remarked, ten of the best altogether that had ever como under his obsorvation. The colours were ahnost brilliant, and some even of the deepest orange, and together with the points so much sought for by the fanciers, and there was the greatest satisfaction given in award- ing the prizes. The first [irize in the sweepstakes was awarded to a very good bird belonging to Mr. Trii;gs, of I/andport. In the Mealy classes the first prize fell to Mr. T. Moore ; his bird was a perfect speoimen of Belgian birds. The Show gave general satisfaction. In the British birds tlic Blackbirds were excellent; Mr. J. Nicholson's attracted some attention. A novel sight also ap- peared in a White Bhickbird. Too much cannot be said in praise of the Secretary, Mr. Baker, who was assirfted by Mr. Triggs in getting up the Show. The room was very tastefully decorated with llowers, and at the end were a few pairs of first- rate Carriers and Fowter Pigeons, lent by Major llassard, of Hilsea, which added much interest to the Show. — G. Gale. SPARROW MURDER. The following appeared in the Times of Friday last : — ■ "Cbawlet Spaki'.ow Club." " The annual dinner took place at the George Inn on Wed- nesday last. The first prize was awarded to Mr. J. Redford, Worth, having destroyetl within the year 1467. Mr. Heavsman took the second, with 141S destroyed. Mr. Stone third, with 983 affixed. Total destroyed, ll,94t. Old birds, 8663; young ditto, 722 ; eggs 2559. Yours obediently — A Real "Fkiend to the Faemee." WILD DUCKS. Can any of your various correspondents inform m^ how to rear a few Wild Ducks along with tame ones, subjc-ted to the same treatment as the latter? 1 have more than once lost a promising part of a brood whicli was composed of both kinds, PIGS INJURED BY SALT. Salt is vei"y injurious to pig-", but I never knew it kill them, but it gives them diarrha?a dreadfully, which soon would kill them if the salt were continued to be given. I have seen pigs in a dreadful condition from potatoes salted down as Mr. Pearson's were, and the same fate would have happened to my employer's pigs this year if I had not prevented the man tfiat feeds them doing tile same thing. The injurious action of salt is, I am sorry to say, not generally known, as I have seen a great many pigs suffering from it, and their owners did not know what was the cause. CuHE FOR DiAKRncEA TS Pitts. — Get a lot of scraps, the same that some people boil for young Ducks, from a leather- parer ; boil them up into a jelly, and if the pigs will not eat it drench them with it. — WouCESTEK. [We shall publish next week a letter denying that salt is in- jurious.— Eds.] swiss bee-apparatus in the i:nternational exhibition. I no not remember having seen in The .Todrnal op Hobti- CULTDHE any notice of the "apparatus for assisting the bees in constructing their combs," as the exhibitor stjles it, at the Great Exhibition. It is to be found in the Swiss department, on the side of the northern gallery npxt the nave, and within a few yards of the western dome. It appears to me quite novel ; and, as it may be so to others also, I append a description. 1 should likewise be glad to know if any of your readers have ever put similar contrivances into practice, and with what result. I 754 JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 16, 1863. only regret that I did not draw the attention of " A Devonshire Bee-KEEPEk " to it when he was in town, as it bears considerably on liis own inventions, and he would probably be able to say something on its use. One of the articles is a small metallic roller very similar in size and construction to the boxwood roller butter-prints in common use in many dairies. This is indented upon its edge, so that when passed along a wooden bar (similar in size to the Woodbury-bar), which has been previously coated with wax on one side, it leaves slight raised projections, which form the commence- ment of the walls of the first cells. I should think this would be a very use- ful plan for causing the bees to work the bars regularly, as I have once this year found Woodbury- bars commenced on the wrong side, notwithstanding the small space between them and the crown-board, and guide-combs being affixed below. The other matters are plates apparently of type metal, and very similar in form to printers' stereotype plates, indented in a hexagonal cellular manner, like the bottoms of the cells in a comb with- out the walls, and made so as to exactly fit the surfaces of each other. A layer of wax being introduced between them, and a pressure ap- plied, it becomes, so to speak, em- embossed with cell bottoms. The specimens exhibited are as regular and show as great an economy of material as if exeeuted by the bees themselves. There are two pairs of these plates indented, of sizes respectively for common and drone cells. As the foundation of every cell in the hive could be laid in this way, and the drone-cells arranged exactly as the apiarian desires, one would think this contrivance must im- mensely facilitate the labours of the bees. There is something in the way of description, but I am not sufficient of a linguist to decipher it. The question of practical utility would appear somewhat doubtful. The necessary fragility of so large and thin a plate of wax would almost suggest a negative. — G. F. B., Colney Hatch. [These artificial combs have recently been tried in England> and are found to answer perfectly. We believe Messrs. Neigh- bour & Sons intend to manufacture them.] "DZIERZON RECONVERTED!" In the article which I inserted in a recent Number of The JotJKNAL OF HOETICULTDEE, " Dzierzou On the Bee-year 1862," I made a passing reference to that distinguished apiarian as ihe original promulgator of the theory of parthenogenesis in the honey bee ; and also to the fact that he had afterwards been so perplexed, apparently by unforeseen difficulties and new uusolv- able mysteries, as to make him doubt the correctness of his own theory, and to have recourse for an explanation to the an- tiquated hypothesis of the action of an aura seminalis. In addition to the quotation made by Mr. Woodbury from Von Siebold's writings as to Dzierzon becoming a doubter of his own theory, I quote the following as Dzierzon's own words on the subject :— "Continued observations," he writes, " of the hybrid hives also must be no less adapted to raise tlie veil, more and more to penetrate into the obscurity, and finally bring the mysterious truth to light. If the drone egg does not require fertilisation, Italian mothers must always produce Italian drones, and German mothers German drones, even when they have been fertilised by drones of the other race. The Silesian Bee-friend (meaning himself) possesses hybrid hives of both kinds, and did not permit any want of observations so far as the limited time enabled him to make them, but he met with new unsolvable riddles. The Italian hybrid mothers have throughout com- pletely confirmed the supposition, and produced the most beau- tiful Italian drones, one almost more beautiful than the genuine stocks — the maternal stock itself. Of two German hybrid hives one also produced only the ordinary black drones, the other the same ; but unexpectedly amongst these a few appeared which glittered like gold, and were yellower than any single bee even in the genuine Italian hives. It certainly was possible that even here a beautiful Italian amongst the workers, of which a portion had the colour of the indigenous bees, and another portion that of the Italians, might have laid some eggs, from which the few yellow drones might have been produced. Nevertheless, the Silesian Bee-friend is not particularly inclined to explain the phenomenon in this way, so as not to expose himself to the sus- picion that only a predilection for his hypothesis led him to have recourse to this explanation, as, in point of fact, the deposition of eggs by worker bees when a queen is present is an exceptional occurrence of the rarest kind." Then follows the explanation of the problematical action of an aura seminalis. It will be seen, then, from Dzierzon's own words, and from Von Siebold's writings, as quoted by Mr. Woodbury in the last; Number of this Journal, the grounds of my so-called "mistaken notions." I find, however, from the extracts furnished from more recent writings in 1861, of which I was ignorant, that Dzierzon is re- converted, as Professor Siebold, bis great friend and defender, predicted and hoped he would be long ago. It certainly did strike me as strange, though perfectly allow- able under the circumstances narrated by me, that Dzierzon, after fighting-down all opposition against his theory, should himself stand out afterwards, isolated as it were from his friends, as a sceptic ; but it never occurred to me for a moment that, after having so taken up his position, no doubt from mature consideration, he should again be found to have changed eidea. Such unusual transitions of opinion, whether to be found in the politician or the naturalist, must entail upon the parties con- cerned, to say the least of it, not a little inconvenience; and they must bear the brunt of having their opinions occasionally not only less valued, but their ultimate and more mature views, it may be, necessarily liable to miaconception and misrepresent- ation. I, and other apiarians who have not had access to the pages of the German " Bee Journal," must, however, feel obliged to Jlr. Woodbury for making known the fact, which seems un- doubted, that Dzierzon is " himself again." Dzierzon, therefore, being now reconverted, and all Germany at one as to the truth of parthenogenesis, apiarians may be expected lienceforward to have a period of hitherto-inexperienced and unfelt repose ; for this theory, according to its author's latest views, " explains the phenomena of the bee-hive as per- fectly as the Copernican hypothesis the phenomena of the heavens," and by it " all the mysteries which we have hitherto vainly endeavoured to unriddle are completely solved." The allusion to the Copernican or planetary system of the heavens reminds me of the story told of the great astronomer Galileo, of whom it is recorded that when the Inquisition at Rome made him abjure on the open Gospels his belief in the fundamental truths of that system of which he was so distinguished a supporter, he, rising from his knees after this mock solemnity, whispered to a friend standing by in reference to the motion of the earth these emphatic words, " It moves for all that I " So Dzierzon, it would appear, after a temporary but unconstrained and voluntary re- cantation, or recording of his doubts of parthenogenesis, can yet say, not in subdued whisperings to friends merely, but boldly and publicly to the community at large, " It is true for all that." — J. Lowe. [Here the subject must cease from discussion in our pages, for to debate it fully requires details not suited for the columns of a Journal which, a friend significantly remarks in a letter, and for which we thank him, " hitherto has laid on his drawing-room table."— Eds.] OUE LETTER BOX. Drike's Foot (A Constant Subscriber).— We re!?ret that you will again be disappointed, for we have no sucli inquiry on hand, and do not remem- ber it. Write a;;ain the particulars. CuNSDMrTio.v IK PiGKONs ( /. T. 7*.)-— The Carrier with diseaeed lungs filled with purulent matier died obviously from consumption. As your diet iry is unexceptionable and the birds fly, the disease must have been due probably to hereditary predisposition. Many of (he high-bred birda have a tendency to tubercles which may be developed in their youn^: no medicine would avail in euch a case. The Hyacinth was treated properly by openinR the tumour. Is your loft kept sutficiently clean, or have your birits to pick up their food from the dung on the floor? Without cleanli- ness no birds can be healthy. Have they clean water to drink, and is there any ven' ilation at night T Canary Manaoemknt ( JT. J., yarnioutk). — We know of no good separate work on the subject ; but it is very fully given in a work we hav« now in the press, entitled "The Singing-Bird Manual," which will be pub- lished early in next year. December 23, 1863. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 755 Day Piiy of ' "f M'nth Week. To W Th F S SCH M DECEMBEIl 13-20, 1802. Polygalas. Heisteriap. CnitisTMAs Day. St. 8TKPHKN. St. John tiik Evahoi:ltst. 1 Su.N. AFT. ChuSMAS. InKOCESTS. Salvias. WEEKLY CALENDAR. Wkathkh neau Loniion in 1861. Barometer. Thermom. Wind. fnXs" 30,570—30.3.50 30.580—30.170 30.1(;9-S0.092 30.300-30.200 30.499— 30.433 30.45i-30.40n 30.4U-S0.327 degrceH. 45-33 45-30 4«— 18 85—20 40-25 S9_,10 31-22 N.E. E. N.15. N.E. N.E. E. N.E. .Sim Uiso. Run Sct«. Sloon I I Ktttefl I Moon'a ! and .Sets I Age. Clock aflKr Diy of Sun. I Vtor. 7ar.S 52 SrnrBS. ?S6 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 23, 1862. growtl), but tbe ordinary one is tbe most useful of all, and when wanted for a hedge it is unquestionably the beet. This subject will be treated of in a future article, so that it need not be entered into here ; and while our readers are admiring the twigs of this tree, which, with their rich coral-looking berries, ornament the market-stalls and windows of all that can obtain it at this season, let them make a resolve each in their respective station to do all they can to increase the number of trees of this emblem of festivity, which, in addition to the interest attached to it as such, is unquestionably one of the most ornamental if not the very finest trees we possess. J. Eoeson. Tfrdare. Even in the mutilated form in which its fragments appear in our dwelling-houses and elsewhere at this season, its leathery leaves carry it through a longer period than any other shrub. SiifBoient, however, having been said on its merits as a liome ornament, let us see in what way its advantages are used sutside. Tliere are few people connected with rural affairs but can point to some place where the Holly is found luxuriating in the wild profusion of the home it has selected for itself, seeding and reproducing itself, and in many instances attaining the dimen- sions of a moderate-sized timber tree, unassisted, or, I ought to say, uninjured by axe or spade. In some native woods when the general fall of the timber takes place the Holly is not unusu- ally spared, when such fine specimens are produced. It is sciHoni, however, that any quantity of fine trees are to be met with in woods of this description within a circuit of twenty miles OP more of London. The great temptation there is for frampers .-jnd others cutting it to supply the great London demand for this article at Christmas, is fatal to the well-being of trees within the reach of such marauders. Even the pet tree in the dressed grounds is not always safe from depredation ; and some parties, to save their trees from injury, take the precaution to pick off the berries in November. The Holly, however, like everything else, has its favourite plsc« of abode, and it is not found in all spots alike vigorous ; and, contrary to the condition of most forest trees, I have never seen it so fairly at home in the south of England as I have seen it in the north. At Gibside, in the county of Durham, I have seen some very fine trees of it, the stems of which had assumed the dimensions of several cubic feet of timber- — and these not solitary examples, but plentiful. The soil was a light- coloured hazel loam resting on a sandstone shatter, the soil itself being very stony. It was not a damp soil, and yet it couJd not be called a dry light one ; the hilly condition of most of the sites precluded stagnant water affecting the trees. I oelieve, however, the understratum possessed iron, and for a oertainty it did coal, but that at too great a depth to affect the surface. Most of the places wherel have met with theHolly in a wild state Slave been in such positions, the other woods being generally Oak, atid,. not often. Beech. In some of the natural woods in Kent Hohj is met with but sparingly. Generally these places are too dry for it, or the barbarous practice of cutting it every now and then for the sake of the boughs with berries on has checked it very much ; and it is provoking fo see a fine promising young h-eer, tall and uniformly grown, cut for some waggoner's whip- handle. This and similar misfortunes have tended to keep the growth of the Holly down in many places ; while in former times its bark was sought after for birdlime, and country car- penters, aspiring to some fancy piece of cabinet work, sought after a piece of Holly to make veneers, or rather stringing, of a pale or nearly white colour. I believe some other woods .irc used for this work now. It has, however, been often used for the teeth of corn-mill machinery, where wooden teeth alternately with iron ones are used, its hardness rendering it very suitable for that purpose. Many other duties it is often failed on to fulfil; but whether it is adapted to wood-engraviog in conjunction with Box I am not aware ; for the latter purpose I should think it scarcely equal to the White Thorn, but no doubt all have been tried. It is, however, more as an ornamental tree that I now write about it; and as a single tree on the lawn, or one amongst others 11) the shrubbery, a Holly is rarely out of place. It is, perhaps, :niore difficult to transplant than many other trees, and I confess jiofc having been always successful with it ; but I am told by ane, who has moved several with great success, that May is the heei time, and next to that early in September. Much, how- ever, depends on the condition of the plants to be moved ; to .ittack a plant that has been installed at its present place of abode twenty years or more cannot possibly succeed without some little loss one way or the other, and of course the more so ii done at the wrong period. It is, therefore, in most cases advisable to inquire if the plants have been moved some short 711-riod before they are purchased, as a little lack of vigour may i)« not only excusable but highly recommeudnble, as being more liiely to prosper in their new situation than more robust jpccimens. On the varieties of Holly it is not my intention to enter, as ihia- article is dedicated to the common one ; there are, how- ever, man; varieties of great beauty, and some of them of singular THE TEEE CARNATION. The question of a lover of Carnations as to the mishap that has befallen his new, and, to say the truth, somewhat expensive lot of tree Carnations, suggests, in replyiug to it, a few obser- vations on this interesting class of winter-blooming plants. A collection of them exhibited by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Co., at the Boyal Horticultural Society, showed that to designate them by this term was not a myth ; and that, whether for t)ie brilliancy of their colour or the delicacy of their perfume, they form an exceedingly valuable addition to the autumn and winter- flowering plants which we already possess. We are indebted for them, as for a vast number of our im- provements in floriculture, to our continental friends. I do, indeed, remember many years ago " when I was young," that a very earnest florist in Dublin used to have his tree Carnations ; but then they were only the ordinary florists' varieties treated as perennials, much in the same way as we make tree Migno- nettes out of the annual herbaceous plants, whereas the tree Carnations now grown are evidently quite distinct from them ; and although the French growers have sent over varieties whieh, from their dwarf habit, are little better than the older florists' varieties, yet Messrs. Henderson & Co. have been wise enough to reject them, and to retain only those which, from their height and general character, are deserving of the name. At first, as in the case of Fancy Pansies, the flowers introduced were but little better than Ragged Jacks, with no outline or form of any pretensions. But perseverance and skill have, to a great extent, remedied this, and many of the newly-introduced sorts are quite equal to what florists' Carnations, as a general rule, were some twenty years ago ; and this has been obtained without detracting in any way from their brilliancy of colour — one of the newer sorts, Perfection, being really a very excellently-shaped flower with good petals. The cultivation required to have the tree Carnation in perfec- tion must be, of course, different from that ordinarily pursued with the florists' varieties. They ought not to be allowed to flower the first year ; but when the plants are received from the nursery they should be at once, if well rooted, placed in the blooming-pots. These should be about 6 inches or 8 inches in diameter. The tops should be pinched-off in order to encourage them to throw-out shoots ; but, at the same time, no shoots should be allowed to come out low down the stem, the growth being encouraged on the head of the plant, while no flower-stems should be allowed to rise. They may be placed during the spring and summer months in a cool and airy situation, and when they have obtained their growth may be placed out of doors, but sheltered from very heavy rains, which are always injurious to plants in pots : they will then form their flower- stems and bloom-buds. Water should be carefully applied, the plants never being allowed to flag ; and then, when there is appearance of frost — say in October, they should be brought into the house. The soil in which they delight is a rich and friable one, but not too much manured, as this is apt to cause the colour to run. Loam about one-half, leaf mould and old manure one-fourth each, with the addition of some sand, form a very excellent mixture, in wliicb they will bo sure to thrive. It will be seen, I think, from these few remarks, how it is that your correspondent has failed. He received the plants with flower-buds on them. Now, if they were young plants, he would have done well to have left them where they were, nipped- off the buds, and waited patiently until the spring before he re- potted them ; if they were older plants, it was sheer madness to have treated them in this way. No one could ever take a plant of that nature, and, just before its flowers were opening, when all the vigour of the plant was directed towards that end J December 23, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTURK AND COIXAGB GAKDENEK. 7.^7 repot it— eet it to work making roots, without doing injury. The probabihty is that ho will lose most of his plants. The soil gets socUened, because, at this season tlioy will not make nnich root, and for the same reason the buds will drop off. 1 think his best plan — and without seeing one can hardly prescribe for a patient — is to put them back into smaller pots, pinch-oU' the buds, keep them rather dry, and then in tho spring give them a fresh start. It is to JCessrs. K. G. Henderson & Son that the credit is due of forcing tliis flower on the attention of the public, and they are each year adding to their lists of new varieties. From their catalogue I have selected the following varieties, combining great diversity of colouring with delicate and curious markings. Abbt? Boulard. palmon rose, flamed L'Hermine. pure wliite. and flaked slate colour. Madnmo AdMo Calmels, flesh, tinged Alptionse Kurr. cliiret ciound, striped vitilet. and suffused with purplf . Jtirabeau, duzzlinjr red. Arainis, yellow ground, striped with Oscar, clear yellow, marbled rose, cherry. ^triped with cherry. Ariadne, delicate rose, with purple Perfection, white cround, with bl- and crimson flake. zarre flakes of purple and crimson. Beauty, pure white, with rosy pink (^ucenot White.s, beautiful self white, narrow stripe and edt'e. flne form. Christian, violet purple. Roquelaire, yellow, striped with Flambeau, pale yellow ; towards the shaded crimson. base flamed scarlet, striped with Souvenir de la Malmaison, flesh; crimson. U'ood form. Garibaldi, rich fawn yellow, with Targioni, deep violet purple. heavy red edge. Ulysse, salmon ffround, flamed and Josephine Debray, orance salmon, striped with shaded purple. slifibtly suffused with slate lolour. Vandyke, rosy white, tlalied cherry. Louis Napoleon, large, white, flamed Vlrgiie, brieht yellow ground, flamed w-ith bright rose. and tipped with cherry. — D., Deal. NEW BOOK. Flower and Fndt Decoration. By T. C. March. With Many Coloured Illustratiom, tf-e. London : Harrison, 59, Pall Mall. This is, indeed, a very charming book — a book which the force of circumstance?, as the elder Napoleon would say, rendered inevitable, and the third original book which has appeared on a branch of our calling since I put my foot on the first step of the ladder. The first great original was Dr. Herbert's " Amarylli- daceee," in 1836 ; a few years later, " The Theory of Horticulture," by Dr. Lindley, the best book he ever wrote ; and this book now by Mr. March, the winner of the blue ribbon in 1861 and 1863 at South Kensington, in the running for dining-room and drawing-room decoration with flowers, fruit, and " greens." As an instance in illustration of the adage that some have achieved greatness while others had greatness thrust upon them, I may mention that gentlemen in arm-chairs in London have thrust upon the writer, against the grain, the agreeable duty of standing godfather to these three original and very diil'erent books. No matter how many gardeners there were who could have done the " Amaryllidaceto " and the " Theory " as well as any other, I only know of four, or, perhaps, five gardeners who could do this decoration-book more ample justice than I can, and here is my voucher. I had a regular college training for this very branch, and my college professor was the first who was appointed to be one of the judges where our author won his spurs. He, too, must have been in good hands for training before he could make such an appearance. There is no man and there never was one who could learn all that by induction. Depend upon it the ladies have been at the bottom of it all, for it is a most diflicult thing for a man to understand. I found it so, and, except in getting hold of the English tongue and in parsing the jEneid, I never met with so diflicult a subject as the dining- room and drawing-room decoration from the flower garden ; but as luck and long experience would have it, I succeeded so far that for the last seven or eight years before I left the college I was permitted to do it just as I thought best, and on the last best occasion I had the pleasure of conducting Dr. William Russell of The Times, and five other gentlemen representatives of the London press, round and round tho labyrinths, just before the select company who were invited to meet the Prince Consort came down to dinner. But all that has reference to jou only, and I mention it on purpose for you as a guarantee that I mean what I say, and that I know what I mean when I say that this is, indeed, a most charming book, an original book, a lady's book to the last page of it, and a book which lets the cat out of the bag entirely at last, at the end of eighteen long years. It is not much over twenty years since the subject of this book has had a fair trial in England. It was the fancy of a few ladies at first, and between them and their head gardcnem all the compounding was done. Gardeners, as is well known, de not keep secrets, but there did not seem to be any demand for such secrets as this. Vou must recollect how often I stated the wonder that no one ever thought of exhibiting collections of fruit after the numner of actting tho dessert, and that I had not seen any such collection which, if tested by tho rules of that " institution," would not be without a pig with one ear some- where round the table ; but as to decorating tho dinner table witli flowers and "greens" only, Hie public never seemed to me to care one single straw about it, and the cat was in the bag fbc wliole of this lime. But as Mr. March had the temerity to 'let it out as soon as he himself got to the top of tho ladder, I shall be Yorkshire too in tho cause of my calling, and let out a lot of the kittens before I have done with him and his most beautifully illustrated book of drawing-room decoration. The book is short and sweet, and to the point — 108 pages ; nine principal chapters, divided into sections according to the difl'erent branches which grow out of the principal leader of each chapter. Then there is a " list of ten large coloured engravings of flower and fruit arrangements pubUshed separately from this book, and recommended as working drawings in respect to the shape and colours most desirable for these decorations." Also, " thirty coloured diagrams intended to assist the judgment in the choice of colours," together vtith "thirteen coloured diagrams of ribbon-garden borders " for London gardens, which the author tells us, the cats use for their music-halls. Then there is a " list of bedding plants for the above ribbon-borders and rustic stands." The last pages contain a " reference to some of the principal nurseries round London." In addition to all this, almost every other page is illustrated with engravings ex- plaining the right and the wrong way of doing-up the decorations, and several of the highest order of these decorations in a finished state are given, and these are beautifully painted, true to nature, and to this style of high-art decoration. The style of the author is plain table tfilk, just as one neighbour would tell another across the table how all this finery could be done at home, how to manage it after it was done, and, if they were Londoners or in London at the time, how and where to look about for the next lot of things to try their taste and skill upon ; and if either their skUl or their taste should happen to ditfer from those of the rest of the company r.iund the table, there is no dogma- tism ; " all in this free country can indulge their liking," for " the sense of colour difl'ers with difl'erent people as the 6ense.of taste and smell." (Page 15.) The first chapter begins with " Glass as a Material for Dis- playing Flowers ;" and another reading of it might be to say that plain, clear, crystal glass is as essential to the decoration with flowers as it is to the growth, and health, and beauty of those exotic plants which bear so many of their numbers, as it were, for this only purpose. Another branch of the first chapter is that " flowers should be grouped according to some design," and "it will not suffice to crowd in a quantity of differeiUJiowers with no relationship to each other except their Iriyht colours." The italics are mine, in order to give me the opportunity to say how much I coincided with the Judges of 1861, who awarded the first prize to our author against a formidable and most profuse use of the exact opposite of every syllable so underlined. But under the fifth chapter I shall tell you another tale about these. Chapter II. is on colour and contrast, and " it requires much tact and good taste to manage many colours " in a composition. There is not the value of a shade between the author and the old Cottage Gaedenee on this the most important part of the chapter. In the beginning of Chapter III. you also begin to see the pricked ears of a tortoise shell rising out of a green bag, with tassels of drooping Bowers in a rosette of leaves hanging from each of the four corners. You begiu to feel as you never felt the whole season ; but you read on and on, and before you have done with Chapter III. you will know six times as much more of the secrets of the art of these decorations than I knew when I was eight and thirty years and seven months old, or whea I entered that college where I took my degrees. There is a slight diflerence here between the author and your humble servant in our mode of fixing the foundation for the furnishing ; and unless the "plastic clay " in the centre of the epergne is necessary for the support of the glass rod there ie not the slightest necessity for clay at all, even if the diameter of the base be a yard across, and the glass be as shallow as those 758 JOURNAL OF HORTICaLTPBB AND COTTAGE GABDENER. [ December 23, 1862. of tlie beautiful glass epergaes represented in this boot. I never used glass rods, or glass attaclied to the stem of an epergne ; but I made a thousand " tops " and " bottoms " quite as flat as tho?e glasses, and some mueli wider than these, without ever using one partiole of clay, but the stems had ring-sockets to screw on and off. Sand is the grand material ; and there is a better way of doing it, and a much easier process than is here described. The ■way I was taught to do it was to put so much common white sand — a peck or half a bushel at a time — into a horse pail, or a wooden tub, to t)Our in so much water as would float the sand and rise over it; to shake this mash two or three times, tliat al! the particles of the sand should get wet; and tlien to strain off the water gently by turning the bucket or pail on one side, an 1 let it remain so for some hours. Tliat was done as soon in the day as a boy could be spared from his other morning work ; or if the sand was mashed and drained two days or a whole week before it was wanted, it was none the worse. Then pack a soup-plate full of it, and in a cone as firm as you can beat it down ; then thrust your walking-stick into this cone — say 5 inches deep, put your hat on the top of the stick, and try the nerves of your new groom of the chambers by requesting him to be so good as to ourry it upstairs, and along the front corridor to the first turning to the left, and into your study or private sitting-room : you know the rest. Nevertheless, if you have timid young people about you, I can see very clearly that the clay bottom is a most excellent thing; but, as you must all read the book, it will not be amiss if you have two strings to tlie bow, and that is all that I mean by these precepts. After tlie foundation comes the fixing, and here you have a branch of tlie subject which will not be much improved on to the end of this century to begin with. In this " free country " they may arrange the colours differently, but they will not be able to fix them better : aiid there are two diagrams here, the one for the bottom, the next the top — the bottom and the stem of an epergne all in one, and both are fixed in the right way on one side and in the wrong way on the opposite side ; and if you believe me, if I had seen these two diagrams when I was eight and thirty and seven months old, each of them would have saved mo the minding of the substance of a lecture once a-week for nine months of the next two years, and very like the saving of an hour now and then in the examination-room — the hottest room in the house, of course, when I could ill afford the time. But the best part of this branch of the third chapter is this : — " Spergula pilifcra will also replace moss very effectively " — that 33 to say, to cover the sand and clay before the fixing, and the "also" pertains to Ivy as "a good substitute" for moss, and better still, as I can vouch for. German Ivy is much better than moss in many instances, for it will root in an epergne in a few days, live on the damp sand and clay, or sand, a whole season, stand gas, climb up the glass stem, run round and round the edges of the top glass, and will fall down in pendants even from a heieht of 20 feet. They do all sorts of " winter greens " with t in Russia. The next branch of this chapter is full of the most sterling ■instructions about the arrangements of all kinds and classes of flowers on a natural-system-like arrangement, with diagrams to show off the effects. This would be the best part of the book for the florist to study, Mr. Turner, of Slough, excepted; he has the eye for tffect already, and yet I am not sure if he is not the Tory type of those who need it most. I have learned a good many turns from it myself, after seeing as much of it in practice »B most men of my age. The epergne at page 11 is very beautifully set; but I was never allowed to put a single flower in that style in all my practice ; or if I did, I had to go to the front to be toltl never to depart from nature in giving a position to a flower. Nature has bunches of Grapes, bunches of flowers of Laburnum, and bunches of Glycine, or Wistaria (not branches) in the pendent form, but never a Lilac or a Delphinium, unless it were from the weight of tiie flowers. You will think it strange, perhaps, when I say a lady is set to the best advantage, in my eye, when mounted on a spiriteil palfrey, and a bunch of Grapes, or a score of them, is nothing " in my eye," unltss it hangs free as on a Vine, or as on the epergne on page 42 ; and yet I was never allowed to put a single flower in the same dish with Grapes, or any kind of fruit ; but more of that under the fifth chapter. On page 41 occurs the first and the only wrong spelling of the ■aame of a plant in the whole book. I refer to the good old Zebra plant, the llaranta zebrina, which has an extra « all through. The Maiden-hair Fern of the author, which Mr. Dunsford allows to cool before he parts with it from his hot- houses, is not that of books on botany. The Maiden-hair Fern is a native of the wildest parts of the Highlands of Scotland, of Scandinavia, and of similar places in many lands ; but it will live in a greenhouse. Adiantum cuneatum is the one Mr. March means, and is the best of them all for that purpose ; but with this exception, and one or two Covent Garden names, and the use of capitals in distinctive specific names, as Cissus Dis- color for discolor, Lycopodium Csesium for caesium, there is not a single error in all the names, which is wonderful, seeing the first edition was gat out in a hurry for Christmas presents, and it strikes me the whole edition will be out before Twelfth-night ; and if so, I would vouch for it the second edition will,be exhausted in wedding presents before Lent is in. I would not wish to seem to press this book on the bulk of our great gardeners, for they have all their own different ways, or the ways of the families whom they serve ; the ladies are sure to take it up, and to lead the fashion until the whole country is full of it. The last part of this chapter is a resume of what has been said and vrhat to avoid ; for there ia nothing left to chance, and there is no dictation. The fourth chapter opens with an array of most beautiful glass baskets with glass handles, of different shapes and sizes, with other engravings showing how they should be fixed, filled, aud set oil' in the most artistic designs ; also designs for " Fern cases and Mosses," and ends with the way Mr. March would preserve cut flowers and foliage for future use; and to this I would add a few words in addition to his very capital system. The late Mi'. Petersen, gardener to the King of Denmark, who made the decorations for the christening of the Princess Alexandra, told me in 1816 that charcoal water was the best thing to keep cut flowers and leaves in, and I have found it so ever since. About a quart measure of charcoal pounded into dust, thrown in a bucket of water for a couple of hours, and then straiued-off clear, is all the work. About 3 inches deep of this clear charcoal water should be put into some wooden vessel — say the half of a nine-gallon cask, or some such thing — then half fill the tumbler-glasses with the same kind of water, put in the flower- stalks and leaves in separate kinds, and place the glasses in the wooden vessel, and have a couple of panes of glass to cover it, but not very tightly ; and of all the means I ever saw that was the best for preserving cut flowers for future use or present ornament. But I think one of my men improved on it by double- sifting the pou'ided charcoal, so as to leave him a quantity of the size of Marrowfat Peas, and in that size to float the whole surface of the water in the wooden vessel with the charcoal, and the p'ai'ifyiug influ^n-'e of the whole, in the game larder, is some- times wonderful ; such things should not be long in the dark, or in a close or warm room. Our author is also alive to this purifying influence of charcoal. Chapter V. If I had been the fortunate author of this book, this would have been my first chapter. AVhy it is not so I think I can guess ; but as I may have to speak of the whole chapter some other day, I shall merely state the chapter is on the suhju'ct of " Where to Place Flower and Fruit Decorations," and that the author tells us on the next page, "it is not my intention to et.ter into the details of the dessert." The sixth chapter is on the " purchase of flowers in London." A town guide, in fact, if peo)ile would but get up m time, like Mr. March, and keep the middle of the street to Covent Garden, to avoid the girls shaking the door-mats, and the pot boys who tease them into duvt and fury not safe to encounter before the day is well aired. And tiien to be able to understand the market dialect about Jasmines, Creeping Jennies, " scents " by the dozen, and " tliumbs " by "the score," with Brady's "Clavis Calendaria," and a consequent supply of Holly, Leeks, Siiamrooks, and Palms, on all the days of tutelary saints and other occasions distinguished by floral emblems, you must read this chapter from first to last, and the next with it, which contains most useful lists of all the flowers and foliage you can buy in Covent Garden from Novenilier to October, with their colours and shades for evpiy month of the year, with references how to use some particular kinds, and not a single error in the names of that vast variety of plants, except that unlucky u in the corner of Maranta. Chapter Till, is prodigious in floral display — no less than "fifty different groups of flower or fruit recommended from December 23, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AXD COTTAGE OARDENKR. 759 experience," and a eectional chapter for each distinct colour, all of wiiiuh ore wonderfully good select ions. The ninth chapter is on Tjondon giirdcns and conservatories, lead fl'jts, and stone terraces, from which the Mijjnonelte nnd Stocks, tlio Cherry Pies and tho scented old-fashioned Gera- niums, are twice as sweet as wo liaTC them in the country, or rather they seem to \ie, fresh from the country, to ho scj, beeauae the London air is so much less rofreshinf; tlian with us. But 1 shall have a chapter on these London gardens myself, if only to keep the author before us in making them more beeouiing than as ** tnusic-halls for the cats." Then, there are thirteen beautifully-coloured engravings of plans of London gardens, and forty designs of coloured rustic baskets and vases to place upon the centre of tlie grass plots, and all thi.< on our own plan and principle of ril)bon-plautiug, our own tilants to do it, and our own selections of plants for the very piu'pose ; and, of course, I need not tell our readers that all this is ju«t as we have had it, and tliat there is not a single error in all this designery. The wonder is, how a Londoner could pick and choose all the titbits, and lot tho " Good Gracious " lie on our liands. Then, there arc thirty exquisitely coloured engravings, " showing what colours will agree when three flower-groups are placed on one table, a single colour being used for each decoration.'* These are placed in threes across the page, as the three epergnes are placed on the centre of the dinner table, or one epergne and the two flanks. Here the printers have made a desperate blunder in transposing two of the engravings on tiie first page, and two more on the tliird page. Tlie top and bottom rows or threes are so mismanaged on both pages ; and if you never understood the meaning of a pig with one ear, the explanation is liere, safe enough ; but, of course, it will only be in the first edition. After these there are three pages and a half of very select lists of plants and coloui-s for ribbon-borders, all as wo have been selecting them for the last dozen years. But, of course, the author selected them himself from the public gardens, as we did ; but he never saw our old friend, tlie blue variety of Campanula carpatica, when they had it at Kew, nor the wliite carpatica either. The author is a perfect Londoner in exactness in all these lists, and, therefore, one feels pleasure in drawing his attention to tho minutest error. There is just one such on page 106, where he says Amaranthus tricolor was lately introduced by Mr. Veiteh. Amaranthus tricolor was introduced long before Mr. Ycitch was born. What he means is A. melancholicus ruber, quite a different plant from the tricolor race. He is very fond of our Black-eyed Susans, the annual Thunbergias, for the Caladium shape of their leaves in high decorations, and for their free-and-easy manners and long endurance in the music- halls aforesaid — a thing I never was aware of Mrs. Captain Whitty, and Mr. Malleson, at Claremont, were the best managers of Thunbergias out of doors I have ever seen. If I had been introduced to the author, I would have sent him a specimen of " the plant from Nazareth," which is equal for effect to any plant on his lists for the top part of an epergne, and should come in with his Hop-borders and pendants, and a row of tufts of Briza major in the middle distance. But read the book, and we shall have plenty time to speak of auxiliaries to it. D. Beaton. inventions, while coverings for half-hardy plants have never been tliought of: and it is, tlierofore, to stir-up tho inventive powers of our mnnufneturing friends that I again call on them to furnish us with something suitable for the purpose — s nie- thhig that is stout, durable, waterproof, and reasonable in price. The article called titfany is much too slight, and even a material that preceded it — a 8"rt of felt under tho odd name of frigi- domo, was also too slight, and, I tliink, speedily fell into pieces. A cocoa-fibre matting is a more durable article ; and from what I liave seen of it endures the alternation of wet and drought better tlian most things, but it lets the rain through. Wooden shutters are, perhaps, the best thing, but they are not easily managed by one individual ; and sometimes things require overing for which they are quite unsuited, as single trees, and the like. For a cold frame I do not know of anything more suitable ; and I may mention, that for several winters I have kept great quantities of Calceolarias in cold pits with no other covering than wooden shutters when they required them — no glass. But everything is not so hardy as Calceolarias, so that a useful and portable covering is wanted, alike adapted to cover e, Cucumber-frame or a half hardy tree; and at the same time it ought to be cheap and handy to deal with, and something that will drive thatched hurdles from the field, as well as quantities of loose litter thrown on like tedded hay every evening. It is more my purpose in this article to ask for a useful article at the hands of some one well versed in manufacturing lore. Perliaps something in tlie oilcloth way, that would be pliable as well as strong — say a good canvas dressed in some way to turn the water, and finished with some other colour than black or green — say some light one, not white, which would not; become so heated in a hot summer's day. I think much of the dressing matter hitherto used in giving a face to waterproof cloth injured its texture, and a speedy decay was the result. If something different could be employed that would strengthen rather than destroy the substance it was placed upon, it would be better, at the same time retaining pliability, and a prospect of not being affected by the weather, or as little as possible. To accomplish all these qualifications, we must give up what manu- j facturers have for some years regarded as their first aim — appearance. But when they are able to furnish us with a good [ heavy wrapper of this description, we will by no means find fault with its colour, and assuredly the quantity of coverings wanted each year being on the increase, it is to be hoped our expectations of something good will ere long be fulfilled. I do not want a substitute for glass in the sliape of a transparent calico, or anything of that kind, but something that will super- sede Russian mats, thatched hurdles, thatched or wooden shutters, or the many other makeshifts we are obliged to use to keep out frost. — J. K. WINTER COVERING. Amojigst the many introductions of late years, multiplying the accommodations of various kinds in almost all the departments of industry or luxury, there are none which seem to bear on the subject now treated of, or at all events we have nothing in a general way better at the end of 1862 than we had ten years ago ; garden mats and the like being garden mats, &c., still. And though structures of timber and glass, or iron and glass, have undergone, or have been said to have undergone, many changes of fashion, and new and cheaper modes of erecting them have been said to be found out, the means of covering such of them to protect their contents from severe frost has not advanced in like manner. Bast and Indian matting, wooden shutters, and now and then an old carpet or piece of cocoa- fibre matting, may be seen doing this duty the same as they or like articles performed the same office thirty years ago ; but nothing new has been put forth for the purpose. I cannot say but I am sorry at this, as there are many things of much less importance for which patents have been taken out ; and they have been paraded fortli with all the pomp of new and useful THE BAUBADOES POTATO. CAlfl" any one give any information as to whether this species of Potato is still in existence? About sixteen years since it used to be with us the best sort grown, both for size and quality, and, being the best cropper, it was nothing unusual to see the tubers a foot long, and to turn- out a gallon to a plant. We used always to purchase about three hundred bushels annually for domestic purposes ; a farmer in our neighbourhood growing them especially for us. I have made inquiries at Covent Garden Market and of dif- ferent individuals likely to give information, but no one knows anything of it. Myatt's Seedling is about the best Potato with us, both as to cropping and quality ; but the Barbadoes would make four of them. The Fluke is also excellent, but not an abundant cropper If any one could give any information as to where this remark- able variety could be procured he would confer a great favour on — A Constant Rbadeu. FLOWER SHOWS FOR THE POOR IN TOWNS. The season is now approaching when those who intend next summer to have ilower shows for their poor people must set about making-up their schedules and perfecting their rules. I have no doubt that these most beneficial shows will be much more numerous next year, in consequence of tho success of tliose already held, and the prominence which you liave given the subject in your columns. As I had the pleasure of assisting ?K>' JOTTBNAL OF HOKTICULTUBE AND COTTAQE GAEDENEE. [ December 23, 1862. Mr. ParJes, the energetic originator and promoter of the flower ahowa wliicli have been held in the parish of Bloomsbury, perhaps you will allow me shortly to give some of the results of my experience on the subject. On more than one occasion I discharged the very diiEoult and equally thankless task of judge, and on that subject 1 shall have a few words to say to any who may in future occupy that position at any of these shows. From Wie fact of my being judge I was, perhaps, better enabled to observe what kinds of plants are most generally cultivated by the class of persons for whom these shows are intended, and when they are first started I think it is most important that this should be known and kept in view. Before the schedule of the prizes offered at the last Blooms- rtury Flower Shew was issued, there was some discussion as to what different plants should be allowed to compete. Judging from what I had seen in the previous year, and considering that we were still experimentalising, I advised that the competition should be confined to Geraniums, Fuchsias, and Annuals, the last-named being inserted as a trial ; for I was anxious, if possible, to promote the cultivation of a class of plants which are so easily grown and so amply repay for the trouble expended on them. Wow, the result is worth the attention and consideration of those who intend to follow our example and will avail themselves »f our experience. All the classes for Geraniums were well filled, snd I think all the prizes in those classes were given away. The Jaajority of the classes for Fuchsias were well filled ; but in scarcely one class for Annuals were there as many plants shown »3 prizes offered. This entirely confirmed the experience I had tJerived from the show in the previous year — namely, that the poor will not at first, nor until they become more interested in these shows, purchase or grow any plants for the sake of exhi- biting them, but will simply send any they may happen to have in their possession, and nine times out of ten those plants are Geraniums. The question, then, and it is a difficult one, is how to induce the poor inhabitants of the narrow streets and alleys to believe that they can, with scarcely any expense or trouble, grow otlier plants besides Geraniums and Fuchsias, which will interest them more and repay them better for the pains they take with them. At present I have been unable to think of any better plan than collecting together some evening as many poor people as possible, explaining to them the way to grow some of the most eommon hardy annuals, and sowing the seeds of one or two sorts ira pots actually before their eyes. I have not done this as yet myself, but should be ready to do so if no better plan suggest itself to any of your readers who may be equally interested in the subject. OPhere is one great difEculty connected with the exhibitors, aome way of overcoming which must be found. We made a rule that every exhibitor should have his plant or plants in his possession, and register them for exhibition, a certain number of weeks before the day of the show ; but no steps were taken to inenre exhibition of the identical plants registered. The result ■was that that some of the exhibitors purchased plants shortly before the day and substituted them for the registered plants. This is a serious difliculty, and one that will, I am afraid, cause much trouble. Can any oue suggest a way of overcoming it more effectual and less troublesome than marking every pot ? And now a few words of warning to the unfortunate man who may accept the ofiice of judge — an office which I am by no means dssirous of filling agaiu ! I cannot do better than recount my own experience. Immediately on entering the room where the plants have been arranged for my inspection, I am almost assaulted by some lady who takes a most active part in the district-visiting of the parish. Before I know what I am about, she drags me to some plant which belongs to an exhibitor who is a protege of hers, and begins expatiating on its various merits, and gives me directly to understand that it excels all the other plants ; and, indirectly, that if I do not give it a prize she will have nothing more to say to me in future. This same process is, perhaps, repeated by the same or some other lady until I am nearly crazy, and when I have set them at defiance by failing to award prizes to the miserable specimens exhibited by their yroteges, they undo much of the good which may be done by these competitions, by giving prizes of their own to their dis- appointed pets. In the evening, perhaps, the rector comes down to distribute the prizes, and is immediately seized upon by these aealouB ladies, who strive to prove the unfairness of the awards. The only way he has of silencing them is, to announce that he iatesds in no way to interfere with the decisions of the Judge. I When flower shoTS have been once held in a parish they should, I think, be continued every year ; or the interest of the poor wOl flag. For some reason unknown to me there was no Uower show in Bloomsbury this year ; and I am afraid " the good cause " has in consequence received a serious check, as many, relying on the promise that there should be a show, had provided themselves with plants and were disappointed. There is only one more point to which I wish to draw attentien, and that I also consider of importance : it is the inadvisability of having classes for mixed plants. At our last Bloomsbury Show one class for domestic servants was introduced, and (with- out my approval), they were allowed to exhibit any sort of plant. The consequence was, that I found it well nigh impossible to decide between the best plants of the different sorts which were exhibited, and some of them were very fine. I am, therefore, decidedly against classes for mixed plants, unless the prizes are offered for groups — as, for instance, for the best Fuchsia and Geranium together. It is my impression, however, that such a class would not be fiUed, and at the first show should not be thought of. I hope the importance of this subject will be deemed a sufficient excuse for my troubling you at such length. — Waltee H. BosANQTJET, 5, Tomngton Place, London, W.C. SUBURBAN EOSE CULTURE. ( Concluded from paffe 719.) Hating decided upon the varieties to be cultivated, amateurs must recollect that good plants require no more space nor at- tention than bad, and that, therefore, no pains should be spared to obtain robust and well-grown subjects for experiment, with- out which all previous trouble and preparation will be in vain. To secure this, dearly-bought experience during my earlier attempts at Rose culture has convinced me of the absolute ne- cessity of procuring plants direct from the first-rate nurseries only, where every improvement of culture is introduced, and from which the reputation of their proprietors forbids the dis- pateh of inferior trees. Besides, by so doing, the plants will sutler but one check by removal — an important consideration, and will sooner reach their ultimate position in the rosery. They will also be cheaper in price, as well as reliable in quality, to those who are content with old favourites of the highest merit. Of course, novelty must be paid for. This brings me to the " whereabouts." All the eminent Eose firms, I believe, advertise their lists in this Journal ; but for the information of the inexperienced, I shall name some of the most renowned as cultivators and exhibitors. For my own part, I obtain most kinds I require for carrying out my experiments from the Messrs. Fraser, Lea Bridge Boad, and Messrs. W. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield, Sussex ; not simply because their plants are fine, but because they endure removal well to the London suburbs, which is not always the case, however well trees may thrive at nurseries. I name this here because it has an important bearing on the object for which these papers have been written — viz., to en- courage and popularise the taste for growing Eoses in the neighbourhood of towns, particularly near the metropolis. Other celebrated Rose-nurseries are those of Messrs. W. Paul, Wal- tliam Cross ; Paul & Son, Cheshunt ; Bivers & Son, Sawbridge- worth ; J. Cranston, Hereford ; Lane & Son, Berkhampstead ; Cant, Colchester ; Francis, Hertford ; Smith, Worcester j Mitchell, Piltdown. These various growers may not only be depended upon for supplying excellent plants, but for good advice also to those who seek it. Directions for pruning, destroying insects, preparing manures, and a general routine of operations for cultivating the Rose, equally applicable to town or country, will be found in the pages of The Jotienai of Horticulttjee. To repeat them would be an unnecessary consumption of valuable spac?. There are a few hints, however, which it may be desirable to give. Do not be afraid of plying the syringe and garden engine ; but do not wet the foliage when the sun is on it. Liquid manure should be commenced with weak, and increased in strength gradually. AVhen it is applied be careful it does not settle round the collar of the plant, as, by doing so, it rots the bark, and injures the diffusion of the sap. It is a good plan to have a slight hollow, in a circle, about a foot or so from the plant, in which the water may lodge and soak through within reach of the spongioles, which will better collect the nourish- ment thus bestowed. When mulching is applied, a handful or December 23, 18G2. ] JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE aARDENEK. 761 two of charcoal dust first placed round the root will Tery much conduce to preventing mildew, and the tendency to damp-ofT, which affects young plants, particularly those upon tlieir own roots. In Manettig the work must be at least an incli below the surraoe of the soil ; but Kriars and plants on their own roots must not be planted deeper than the collar. Plant all Roses as soon as possible after they are received. If they are obtained very early, or very late, after having dug a hole the requisite size, pour in water, and mix the soil to the consistency of mortar, so that the roots may expand to tlieir natural extent ; then fill-in firmly with dry earth, and, if a standard, affix it securely to a stake. Sufficient chloride of lime mixed with tepid water (to the colour of skim milk), will make an effectual wash for destroy- ing blight and grub on Uoses, if applied twice or thrice early in the season. Let your beds and borders be well dressed every autumn with a coat of fresh loam and well-rotted manure, to be forked-in during the ensuing spring. I'igdung and charcoal dust, or wood ashes, form excellent manures for Roses. When Eoses are planted out of pots in the spring, protect them for a time with some kind of covering, leaving it off by degrees. Keep a watchful look-out for suckers, particularly those from the Manetti, and remove them as soon as they appear. I do not know that I can add much more. Many little points of culture will suggest themselves to observant amateurs during their practice; and if these little papers should encourage any to undertake the delightful recreation of Rose-growing, or assist them in the enjoyment of the pleasures attending its pursuit, I shall feel amply repaid for the trouble of penning them. — W. D. PiaoE, Somerton. ORANGE-TREE CULTURE. Me. Eivees has been lately growing the Tangerine and other of the more hardy species of the Orange tribe on a large scale, for the purpose of fruiting in orchard-houses for the dessert. I have this last year tried several plants of the Tangerine Orange in the soil near the back wall of a cool vinery, sheltering them with mats during severe weather, and I have reason to think they will turn out productive. They were removed from the pots last spring into a compost of peat, loam, and rotten manure. Tliey flowered in the early summer, and set pretty abundantly, though some of the fruit fell off when about the size of peas. The larger fruit are now beginning to turn yellow. I have been rather troubled with the black fungus and scale, but have suc- ceeded in getting rid of these pests by means of water and a penknife, with an occasional slight application of Gishurst, and they are now remarkably clean and healthy. I have two or three times given them a little liquid manure, and in mild weather I frequently use the syringe with pure water. I should like very much to obtain some hints from the Editors or corre- epondents on the culture of these hardy Oranges for useful pur- poses, and to be informed whether the fruit at all approaches in flavourthat of a southern climate. I should tell you that I have a brick Arnott's stove in the centre of my vinery, and light it about the beginning of March, for a few hours each day, to start the Vines. The Vines are close spurred, and not allowed to shade the Oranges too much. — Jas. C. Babnham:, Ghrove Cottage, Iiorwteh. [We think you have treated your Orange trees very success- fully. It would not be advisable to ripen these or any Oranges now, in our dark days. Those that are green we should just iceep healthy. In summer and autumn, we have no doubt you will find these Oranges delicious in flavour. We should be glad of the experience of those who have had more practice with these kinds than ourselves. We know they ripen well, and are •delicious at Sawbridgeworth.] TESTING POTATOES. I/ADY Georoina Oaklet has read with great interest the paper on " Comparative Merits of Potatoes " in the Number for December 16th signed " Upwards and Onwakds." Her husband, Rev. W. Oakley, and brother, Earl Dueie, have a large body of allotment tenants in this neighbourhood. Many of these tenants have suffered very much from the disease in that vegetable. She has determined to devote about four acres ■ofland next spring — partly an old pasture newly broken-up and partly old worked ground — to experimenting on the sorts best suited for general cultivation in this locality. It is on the rail between Bristol and Cheltenham, and many of the poor people might make good profit by supplying those markets with early and other Potatoes. The soil is a limestone rock, mountain limestone being the prevailing formation in the neighbourhtod. Lady Goorgina has tried many sorts on a smaller scale, and under worse conditions of soil and general culture. She now wishes, in the season of 1863, to give a fair trial to any sorts which may be sent her by growers of seed Potatoes, if sent in small assorted quantities by higgaije train, gratuitously, and prepaid, to the "Wickwar Station, Midland Railway." Her gardener shall plant each variety so sent, by itself, in ground of both sorts — fresh broken-up and old cultivated in equal propor- tion ; and, when the roots are taken up, will forward to each sender an account of how they succeeded, absolutely in each locality, and relatively to other sorts. Lady Georgina Oakley feels she must apologise to the Editors for this lengthy letter ; but she is sure that tliey will, under the circumstances, do what they can to forward a plan which has for its object the supplying a poor and industrious class — the allotment tenants, with the most prolituble tubers in future seasons for cultivation in the south-western district, where a damp climate so injuriously affects many of the best sorts of Potatoes. — Lisburne Bouse, Wickwar, Wollon-under-Edrje. [No greater boon could be bestowed upon allotment tenants than demonstrating which vegetables are the most desirable for them to cultivate, keeping in view not only which are the most abundant producers when they do succeed, but which are the least liable to failure. Foremost amongst such vegetables is the Potato ; and we hope such of our readers as have a variety characterised by prolificacy and healthfulness will aid Lady Georgina in the way she requests. If, in addition, the variety is an early ripener, it will be all the more valuable to allotment tenants. — Eds.] THE EIBSTON PIPPIN AND COX'S ORANGE PIPPIN. TouB correspondent, "F. J. G.," says, "These sorts are notoriously subject to canker," and I am sorry to say it is true ; but let us try if something cannot be found to militate against this sad feature in two of our finest-llavoured Apples. As regards the Eibston Pippin, I had it, I may say, as a standard under my doctoring, both here and in Shropshire, for twenty years at least ; and all that I could do or think of would not eradicate the disease, and at last I gave up the attempt in despair upon the standard here, and grubbed it up. I then sowed some pips of the Blenheim Pippin, as it is a fine, clear-skinned, and free-natured tree, and grafted two branches of a young two-year-old stock with scions of a Ribston Pippin. In the following season I rung-flayed the bark clear away from the wood to the extent of 2 inches close above the junction of one graft, then bent it down, and covered the excoriated part and half of the young shoot with earth, and kept it moist all the season. Cicatrisation and roots followed, and in the following (last) spring I severed the shoot away, and it is now growing as an independent dwarf Ribston Pippin tree on its own roots, having its bark perfectly clean. I intend to train it as a dwarf pyramid. It will bear the year after next, and, if I am spared and remain here, I shall report progress. I am training the other part of the grafted stock as a dwarf for the wall. It, also, has its bark clean, is perfectly healthy, and it will bear, I think, next year. I trust these experiments may, in a measure, prove satisfactory; and if I may judge by a feature which I think I can perceive in the Cox's Orange Pippin, I buoy myself up that they will. I rushed after the Cox's Orange Pippin the moment it was advertised, and a nice-looking standard tree arrived. It had been double-worked, grafted on to an Apple stock, which had been grafted low down. The first season induced a slightly cankered stem, and the next seriously so, which, of course, affected the grafted head ; and to that degree, that last year and this the Apples mostly fell off, and what remained on became precociously ripe, though they were of excellent colour and flavour, and fair size, but they soon became " woolly." The head of the tree now looks prematurely aged, and some of its shoots are affected with canker. I wrote to Mr. Rivers as soon as I saw what was going on 763 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [December 23, 1S62. ■when he immediately presented us with a dwarf pyramid tree of the same variety, which remains perfectly healthy, stem and branch. Its fruit ripens thi-ee weeks later than the standard, and keeps well. Now, the question that follows is — Are these Ribston and Cox's Orange Pippin trees to be cultivated more successfully as pyramids than as standards ? Perhaps some of your numerous practical readers can help us here. Mr. Rivers' opinion would be valuable, for we must not let the Ribston become lost to us and to posterity if we can possibly help it, nor Cox's Orange either. I quite agree with " F. J. G." in his remarks upon the great International Fruit Exhibition. My premature Cox's Orange Pippins were ripe at that time, and I should have much liked to have entered them, had not the fear of there being no com- petition in a separate class for them decided me not to do so. And now allow me to put a question as regards tasting. Instead of steel knives, would it not be much better for the judges to be provided with electro-plat«d or silver instruments ? The flavour of any fruit becomes injured in contact with steel ; and for a thoroughly ripe Pear or Melon, how much more con- venient it would be for a judge to test them through the agency of a dessert-spoon. Why, their slippery flesh on its way to one's mouth has the propensity of quicksilver to escape from the end of a knife, more particularly when one is in a hurry. I did not envy Mr. his Melon-tasting feat with a shut knife, whilst one hundred paii's of eyes were being concentrated upon him. In one instance he made four attempts to convey a luscious morsel to the desired receptacle (equivalent to tasting four Melons with a spoon) ; but he went through the trying ordeal bravely, like a true and hearty-looking Briton which he is. — Upwakds and Onwaeds. HOW TO GEOW GOOD CELERY. I AM not about to tell you to grow it to an enormous size, for it is no improvement to have it weighing more than 5 or 6 lbs., and even half of these weights is plenty if it has to stand the winter. In the first place it is necessary to get good seed and of a good kind ; and in the next it is indispensable that the seedlings bo not raised too quickly. I have found that if the seed is forced in too much heat the plants are hable to two faults — namely, running to seed, and to be hollow. In commencing to raise Celery, it will be found a good plan to get some well-rotted turf and well-decayed cow or horse dung in equal quantities. Mix them well together. If the dung is wet, dry it till it can be handled without sticking to the fingers. Place 3 inches deep of the mixture in a shallow box or seed-pan, and about half or quarter of an inch of fine soil on the top of this. Make it level, then sow the seeds, carefully covering them witli fine light soil or sand, but taking care that they are not buried too deeply ; a covering of an eighth of an inch is plenty. Place the box or pan in some place near the glass so that the young plants will not be drawn, and never let the heat get above 65°. Give a dose of clear liquid manure once or twice a-week when the plants are up. When they are grown so large as to have two leaves besides the seed-leaves, prick them out into beds or boxes, and let the soil into which you prick them be the richest you can get. Put them in some sheltered situation if not possessed of frames. They generally grow well enough if pricked-out in April where old bags or pea-rods can be thrown over them on severe cold days or nights. I raise my main crop this way, and have not Iiad half a dozen bad sticks in five hundred. I have found it a good plan to make Celery-trenches, leaving n little soil in the middle, to insert the plants before manuring, putting the manure in afterwards with a basket. It is a little more labour than the old or common plan of putting in the manure first, but I think it pays better before the end of the season. The Celery, being naturally a marsh plant, requires in its cul- tivation a cool bottom with plenty of moisture. This is one reason why I prefer planting before I put in manure, as the manure laid on the top, or rather up each side of the plants, helps to keep in the moisture. It can also be kept in by placing layers of short grass, or litter, or old sawdust, mixed with equal parts of good rotted manure and common soil. This I like better than manure alone for growing them in for the tabic. Never allow the plants to want water in dry weather, and give once or twice a-week a dose of liquid manure, which may be made of guano or cow, sheep, rabbit, or horse dung ; also, of potash or common house slops. The great point in Celery culture is to keep the plants steadily growing without too much heat. There are many plans for blanching Celery, but the best and easiest is to put a handful of clean sawdust into the centre of the plants when soiled-up for the last time. The sailing is best performed in three or four operations, and not all at once, but just as the plants keep in- creasing in size. I should recommend Bossom's Pink as the best. I get it very good from Mr. Watkinson, seedsman, &e., of Manchester. I try every new sort that comes out, but keep Bossom's for the main crop. I have, without any egotism, produced some of the best table Celery in this neighbourhood. I think your correspondent " P. L. C." makes a grand mistake iu having too much heat at the beginning or sowing time, for I have known an old gardener fail with the same seed as myself by too much heat at the beginning. It is quite unnatural to expect things to do as well in an artificial state as they would do in a natural one ; and I think that your correspondent " P. L. C." must reflect that the heat of the soil in any part of England, or in most other countries, will, probably, never get up to 75° in early spring. I have numerous testimonials as to the goodness of my Celery. I take a little pride in the matter, and if there be anything I have left vague to your readers, I shall be happy to give tlie best explanation I can. — John Hague^ 36, Mount Street, Asldon-under-Lyne, PROTECTING ARTICHOKES. In this part of the country, where ground is valuable, kitchen gardens are mostly of very limited extent. We are, therefore, obliged to grow only such vegetables as are in most request, and these are generally such as yield the largest return on a given space. The Globe Artichoke is not considered one of these, and is, consequently, not largely grown. I have of late years grown but a single row of a dozen plants. These, until the year 1859, had occupied the same spot for many years. In the spring of that year I transplanted them — that is, I took offsets from the old plants, and planted them in threes a foot apart ; each clump of three being 4 feet apart. I then destroyed tlie old roots. The new plants grew vigorously, and produced a small crop the same year. In the winter they were not protected : the leaves were cut off by frost, but they came up and bore enormously in the- year 1860. In the autumn of that year the old stalks were cut down, and'the plants threw up an abundance of offsets ; and as I had left off protecting them with dung and litter, they were left unprotected to pass the wint«r as they might. I had every confidence that they would pass the winter of 1860-61 as they had done former winters ; but the fact was they were nearly all killed, as nothing of them came up but a few weak shoots^ that bore no fruit. This, perhaps, is not to be wondered at, when it is known that Bays, Laurustinuses, Euonymus, and other presumed hardy shrubs, were killed to the ground, and some killed outright, within a short distance. But, Mr. Beaton calls into question the assumed hardiness of the Artichoke, and starts from the observations of Mr. Keane, wlio recommends protecting Globe Artichokes, and Mr. Fish, wlio reports on having done so. Now, we know that both Mr. Fish and Mr. Keaue are thoroughly practical men, as well as men of sound judgment, and not likely to recommend or to do anything solely from the dictate of custom. I rather think that when the chances are even that once in ten years we might have su3h a severe winter as would materially injure the roots, that it is worth while to be prepared for that emergency; besides the fact of giving the plants manure at a time when it will afford them protection, and further by reducing, possibly, the abstraction of heat from the ground, they are prepared to start earlier, even though it may be but a trifle, in the spring. Had I protected my plants every winter successively, the doing so for ten years when they did not require it would have "been repaid in the one winter, when it so happened that they did, and might have been saved. With regard to the hardiness of the plant, I agree with Mr. Beaton that time has not yet clearly decided the question either one way or the other, for it is not because a plant will stand the average of our winters that it is to be adjudged hardy or otherwise. On this point the Artichoke must take its stand among various shrubs, &c., that were wholly or partly killed in the winter of 1860-61 under like circumstances. But 1. _ Daoember 23, 1862.] JOUKNAL OF HOETIOULTCTaK ANO COTTAGE OARDKNEE. 763 do not tUink that a fair test, since tlia preceding season was unusually wet and cold, and plants were in no condition to stand the extra severe weather tlmt followed ; and I belioTe now, S3 then, that still harder frosts might follow a dry summer and autumn without having such a (lestructive effect. Again, sup- posing plants wore buried under a foot or more of manure, soarcely any araouiil of frost would injure them. Take, for example, the plants found in the arotie regions, among which are represented the Campanula and other families, as spoken of by arclio Toyagers. Thosa could not possibly survive the intense continued arctic frosts, unless covered by so excellent a nonconducting material as snow ; but then protected by such a thick covering, they do survive, and break out again as fresh as ever in the short summer that visits those inhospitable regions, and with it the reindeer, that finds its summer diet. Take another instance. There are several plants found in a wild state inhabiting our woods and forests which, when brought under cultivation, will not stand an ordinary winter, but re- quire the protection of a frame or pit. How is this ? Every gardener knows the nonconducting power of dry leaves, and how a few inches laid on the surface of the ground will prevent the frost entering it. Tlie leaves are shed by the Oak and Beech in the autumn, and are blown hither and thither by the autumn winds until they cluster round the Fern or Arum, and thus protect it from the nipping frost or chilling blast. Yet vrithout this protection the plant could not claim to be classed as hardy. Before we can decide what plants are hardy or not, it is necessary to ascertain what really constitutes hardiness. — F. CHiiir; Stamford Sill. from the glass. The flower-stems have always a tendency more or less to draw to the back. This I have always attributed to the heat and light reflected from the back wall ; but this is by no means a general rule, as some will inoline to the front, but these I invariably turn round : henco it wns that Mr. Fish probably came to the conclusion that they all grow in that position. My object in thus having all the fruit to hang on the back is that it gets more air and not quite so much sun ; as, when hanging in front of the shelf, I have often found the fruit injured by being exposed to the full rays of the sun, which will prevent it keeping any length of time should it be required. This is a very important object to mo, and I have no doubt to many others, as it often happens that I have to keep it a considerable time after it is ripe. But, on the other hand, should the fruit be required for table as soon' as it is ripe, I should in that case give it the full benefit of sun and air. So far as my own experience goes, I am not an advocate for tying or supporting the fruit of Strawberries upright, as I have never found fruit from plants so treated equal in size those that were pendent. However, should the flower-stems be of great length I would place a string, or some similar contrivance, the entire length of the shelf, so as to aiford a little support, at the same time allowing the fruit slightly to depend, and thus break the great strain on the flower-stems. As this is a subject which may probably interest some of your correspondents, I, with many others, would be glad of their experience. — J. B., Hatfield. DOES THE GLOBE ARTICHOEE EEQUIRE PROTECTION ? As far as my opinion goes I am bound to give an explicit No, notwithstanding the reverse of such from two correspondents in last week's Jouenal of HoKTictTLTUEE, and go thus far with Mr. Beatou. In the winter of 1860 and 1861, which we all remember, I lived gardener in a situation just at the foot of the Campsie Hills, about as cold a spot as is to be met with in the three coanlries. I had ten rows of the above in a bleak exposed situation, growing in a strong loam with a subsoil of the most tenacious clay. These stood all the winter without the least protection — all the loss was some half dozen plants ; the rest broke from the neck quite vigorously, and produced heads the following season. At this place they stood unprotected all last winter, growing in the centre of a four-acre kitchen garden in strong black loam, with clay as subsoil to a considerable depth. Up to the time I write they are as green as Leeks, and my inten- tions are to allow them to take their chance as usual, under the impression that they are constitutionally hardy — at least, sufli- cientiy so to enable them to withstand all the cold we are •subject to in this locality. — John Edlinotos, Crom Castle, Ireland, [It is quite certain, from the above reliable testimony which we have published, that in some localities the Artichoke will endure usually the winters of our climate. On the othei* hand, we have testimony that in other locaUties it perishes in winter if unprotected. We incline to the opinion that it is not altogether intense cold that kills the Artichoke, but the alternations of mild and severe weather — the mild weather arousing vegetation sufHcieatly to render the plants more tender. Be this as it may, we think it right, as the trouble is but trifling, to recom- mend our amateur readers to be on the safe side, and even if Liberals, to be thus far Protectionists. — Eds.] SHOULD THE PEUIT OF STRAWBEERIES BE SUPPORTED UPRIGHT i' I HATE just noticed Mr. Fish's concluding remarks in his reply to "WrKSiDE" (see page 095), respecting some peculiari- ties in Strawberry-forcing at flutfield. I am not aware there is anything very novel in our system of management, as we have hitherto pursued the ordinary course of treatment. But whit appears to have attracted Mr. Fish's attention was all the fruit hanging on the back of the shell and none on the front. The shelf alluded to by Mr. Fish is, as he has described, about ■3 feet from ihi back of a lean-to house, and about 18 inches MELON CULTURE. DUEING my various sojournings I had the good fortune to live with a nobleman's gardener, who has distinguished himself as being one of the most successful cultivators of nearly all kinds of fruits that are generally cultivated in British gardens, among which was the Melon ; and the means he adopted to do so were as follows. The soil used was merely the scrapings of the public road, mixed with small portions of turf that had been cut off the edges, the whole put together into one heap until required for use. The pits were heated both by fermenting material and hot- water pipes, which could be turned off or on at pleasure. The soil was just put-in in ridges along the centre of the bed, and firmly trodden to prevent overluxuriant growth. When these ridges had become sufUciently warmed through, the plants were put in, and bad a slight sprinkling with tepid water, and were kept close, and shaded for a few days till they showed evidence of laying hold of the fresh soil, when they had a little air and less shading. When the plants had made shoots about 4 inches in length they were then stopped, and when eacli shoot had made about three leaves more they were again pinched, and were then allowed to grow till they reached the sides of the pits, and by this time they were showing flower. Sprinkling was then dis- continued, and plenty of air admitted on every favourable opportunity. Kambling shoots were thinned-out, and others stopped and regulated as necessary. They were thus treated till a sufKeient quantity of fruit was set, when they were afforded an atmosphere more favourable to their growing and swelling, and occasional waterings with weak guano water at a temperature a degree or two warmer than that in which they were growing. They had a slight shading during the middle of the day if necessary, and were syringed, and shut up early in the afternoon to secure as much sun heat as possible, avoiding at all times pouring water near the neck of the plants, and giving at every opportunity plenty of air, but avoiding cold currents, or anything like having a certain amount of air on at a certain hour during the doy. Existing circum- stances ought always to be the guide of the attendant on forcing- houses. By the above treatment tlie plants produced large green foliage, and fruit that obtained a prize at the Caledonian Horti- cultural Society's Show. Having given you what I hove experienced to be a successful way of growing the Melon, I will now give au instance of a failure ; and hope that you or your numerous correspondents, after read- ing the treatment which the plants received, will be able to offer me a reason. When I say failure I mean that the return was not an equivalent for the labour bestowed. f64 JOUfiNAL OF HORTICULTURE AKD COTTAGE GAEDENER. [ December 23, 1862. The pits were originally intended for succession Pines. They ■were 5 feet deep from the top of the wall-plate to the hot-water pipes for supplying bottom heat. These pipes were one flow and one return for bottom beat, and the same for top. The pits were filled with dung and leaves to within a foot of the top. When the fermentation had subsided a little the soil was put in. It consisted of a strong adhesive loam mixed with decayed leaf mould to lighten it a little ; I think there was a little more of the latter than justifiable. The plants grew away very luxuriantly at first, and required continual pinching and thinning to keep them within bounds. When they began to show flower they had abundance of air and a dry temperature during the middle of the day. When leaves and flowers were dry I went round and impregnated every fresh-opened flower, but all to no purpose. In a few days they became yellow, and dropped oif, and continued to do so for several weeks. At last a good many set, and began to have a very promising appearance. They then had a watering with tepid water, avoiding pouring water near the necks of the plants. The water had to be taken out of hot-water pipes that have been in use for thirty years, the smell of which when running into the pots was very disagreeable. They had a shght sprinkling every bright afternoon, and were shut up early to lessen the expense of coal. Things went on in tbis favourable manner for some time until a kind of dirty slimy stufl" commenced to collect round the neck of the plants, when both plants and fruit apparently came to a standstill, or at least made very little progress ; and it was evident the plants were deriving no benefit from the roots ; for, on scraping away a portion of the stufl' the necks of the plants were found to be quite dead. Some of the most forward of the fruit became serviceable for the table, but were not first-class fruits, and others never came to maturity. The only sort grown was the Benares. — R. [Watering with fetid water, and sprinkling the leaves with the same was treatment calculated to produce such results ; in addition to which the soil was too rich. This would cause over- luxuriant foUage ; and such foliage is, more than healthy foliage, liable to suffer from the carburetted hydrogen and other gaeea- emitted from foul water. — Eds.] EXCELLENT FOEMATION OF BOKDERS. The enclosed is a section of a span-roof vinery, in which the trees are grown as described in a previous communication (p.632). The house is 75 feet by 20 feet. The trees are, as before stated, grown in tubs placed down the centre walk. The Vines are planted in the front of the raised beds 3 feet 8 inches apart, and trained to the uprights shown in the section, so the roof is densely clothed with foliage ; and, in addition to tliis, we have smaller fruit trees in pots on the raised beds, one between every two Vines, so it will be seen there is but little chance for the trees in the centre of the house obtaining a gUmpse of the sun at all. As our able adviser " R. F." hinted, in answer to my last article, moving tlie trcfs to get a peep at daylight or sunsbint, this, of course, would be quite useless in such a case as mine. My reason for sending the section is to give " R. F." a more clear view, also that the readers of the Journal may better understand it. I confess that I am not well versed in such matters as describing my case to so many well-informed horti- cultural readers ; however, I am anxious to do my best for my- self, and if any use to others, " Well and good," say you. The Vines ripeoed in August last about five hundred bunches of what I consider good Grapes, and I think you would second me in this if jou had only seen them. I have, at the present time, upwards of two hundred bunches hanging on the Vines in fine condition, most of them Black Hamburghs and Black St. Peter's. I have one Vine of Raisin de Calabre, named at your oflice a month later than this last winter, and it proves to be an excellent late Grape. I may add that, up to the present time, I have not cut-out 1 lb. of decayed berries. This I attri- buted to the border being well drained, and plenty of air during fine weather, a little in damp with fire heat. We have paid extra attention to the draining of the border, on account of its lying in a hole. The drainage consists of stones from the seashore — say about 10 inches deep ; on that 3 inches of concrete, made of hot lime and sea gravel ; over the concrete place 4 inches or 5 inches of stones from the fields. I prefer brick and lime rubbish over the concrete in the place of stones,, as I consider it drier ; but had not the latter, therefore used stones. I also send for your inspection a section of a Peach-passage proposed by me a few weeks back, which " R. F." kindly gave a hint upon as to width. I can manage 8 feet 9 inches, but not more, as the allotted place will not allow it ; this space wiM give plenty of room to the trees from the tubs. I cannot have the front less than 6 feet, as the trees will require all that ; they are not over-bushy, and I will allow a good space between each tree or bush, so that the trees on the back wall will not be overshaded by those in front. The front wall will be 2 feet 6 inches ; rubble stones to the surface ; 6 inches brick wall above ground ; boards hinged on in six-feet lengths, 18 inches deep, to act as ventilators ; the remainder of the front to be a fixture. The roof will also be permanent, all glazed with larga glass. The top ventilator would, as " R. P." states, be better glass, but I think it more liable to break, also expensive ; and these ventilators would mostly be open during the heat of the day, 80 that the top of the trees would have the benefit of the sun. Having not shown in section any middle supports to the roof, would it be advisable to have an upright 3 inches square — say one at every 12 feet, resting on a stone at bottom, and s piece of scantling secured to the rafters resting on the uprights ? — A. R. M., Ireland, [There is one fine feature of your span-roofed house, and that is the raising the narrow borders inside from 3 feet to 4 feet in height above the level of the floor, so that the inside border shall at least be as high as the highest part of the sloping border outside. With the thorough bottoming and drainage given to that border outside and inside, we are not at all surprised that the Vines should do so well and also keep so well. With Vinea in such a house 44 inches apart, of course there would not he December 23, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF IIOa,IICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 765 euii enough to ripen the wood of Peaches, &a., beneath ; but still if that house were allowed to come on pretty well naturally, as we presume is tliocaeo, then we do not see wiiy the Peach trees there should not be forwarded a little and set before the Vines can shade, and thus, when moved to tlie orcliard-housei give a crop a little earlier than those which stand there all the season. The width of this orchard-hou(o or I'each-passage, 8 feet 9 inches, will be mucli bettir than what was first proposed. No doubt the ventilation will do, though our first opinion re- mains unchanged. As respects the largo span-roof, we do not think that supports in the centre are at ail necessary, and the pillars would interfere with the open expanse of the open floor. The upright supports for training the Vinos on each side ought to be sulllcient, and if there are any doubts, a tie-rod across from one to the other at every second or third support would be quite sufficient, and not, break-up the outline of the bouse. Wiiliout infringing on the patent shown in Mr. Pearson's oreliard-house, you may get a good hint from it. Even a horizontal cross-bar would not bo unsightly, espeeially with the shoot of a Vino along it.] EVEELASTING FLOWERS. TnEKE is an appeal to the imagination from all flowers which retain their beauty after their life has departed. The young select them as emblems of affection that knows no change, and the old point to them as illustrations of life beyond the grave. They are appropriate, whether woven into the chaplet to be placed on the bride's brow, or hung upon the funereal urn. Such flowers are cherished in every country of Europe, but in none more than in Switzerland. One of these Everlasting Flowers is there especially coveted ; it is a Gnaphalium, which grows on the most inaccessible clilfs of the Tyrolese mountains, where the chamois dare hardly venture, and which the hunter, tempted by its beauty and by his love — for it is dearly valued by the Swiss maidens — cUmbs those cliflfs to gather, and is sometimes found dead at their base with the flower in his band. Bo- tanists call it Gnaphalium alpinum, but the Swiss know it as the Ede/weisse, or "noble purity." It was long since introduced into this country, for in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, old Gerarde says, " The flower being gathered when it is yong, may be kept in such manner as it was gathered ; I meane in such freshnesse and well-liking, by the space of a whole yeere ; wherefore our English women have called it Live-long, or Live-for-ever, which name doth aptly answer its effects." ATHELEXIS. Of the greenhouse Ever- lastings, the Aphelexes are one of the most beautit'ul groups. Besides thespectalilis grandi- flora, of which a figure is here given, thougli the whole fa- mily is worthy of cultivation, yet humilis and its varieties of macrantha purpurea, and rosea, along with the creamy- coloured sesamoides, are cer- tainly the most worthy of ex- tra attention. Coming all from the Cape of Good Hope or New Holland, the plants when established like plenty of sunshine, provided the sun does not beat too fiercely upon the pot in vihich the plant is grown ; and water should be carefully proportioned to the state of the plant and to the presence or absence of sunshine, a con- siderable quantity being wanted in summer, and but a very small amount of moisture in dull weather in winter. Propagation. —"We have struck these plants at two periods with equal success — in tlie beginning of April and the beginning of June ; and though the last were as sure, they took a little longer time to root. For April, slip ofi" some shoots from 21 inches to 3 inches long, that do not show flower-buds, dress- ing them at the base for half an inch or so, and insert round the sides of four-inch pots three-parts filled with drainage, a layer of sandy peat above it, and half an inch of sand above that. If a piece of charcoal fills up half the diameter of the pot in the centre all the better. This four-inch pot is now set into a six- inch one, so that both rims are level with each other, and tho space between them filled up witli broken crocks, and sand on tlie top. The bell-glass is to be put on between the rims of the two pots. In this case the plants may be placed, plunged in a mild hotbed, where the temperature may be about 5° higher than the plant had in the place whence the cuttings were taken. Water when necessary, a little air especially at night, and shada from bright sunshine, are the chief essentials for success. We have struck them exposed on a shelf, but they generally need longer time. When propagating in June (not later, or the young plants would not be estabUshed before winter), the cuttings should not only be firm at their base, but pretty well ripened all over. The same process as to preparing pots may be gone over ; only, if there are seve- ral pots, they may go under a hand-light in a shady part of a cold pit, and bell-glasses be dispensed with. In this case, the wood being riper, there must be no extra excitement given to the cuttings ; the beat of the summer will be quite enough. If not allowed to get too dry, nor yet be soaked with water, and air given at night to prevent damping, and no shading given, provided the direct rays of the sun do not reach them, the cuttings will be rooted in from six week& to two months. When rooted, pot ofi" singly into small 60's, using sandy fibry peat, and some small- bits of charcoal and broken pots from which the dust has been excluded. Set the plants in a cold frame or pit not far from the glass ; keep close, and shaded in bright sun, untd growth is going on freely ; then nip the points of all shoots to insure a dwarf bushy habit ; and expose to more sun and air by degrees, until in fine weather they are fully exposed in September and the first part of October, getting them by the middle of that month to a dry airy shelf in the greenhouse, and close to the glass for the winter, taking care not to over-water, nor yet to allow frosty air to play directly upon them. About the end of March they will want a larger pot, to be kept rather close for a fortnight afterwards ; if growing freely, the shoots to be stopped again, and another potting given about the middle of June. After this they will do best in a cold pit until growing freely, when the plants may stand in a sheltered place out of doors, or, better stiU, in a cold pit, with glass on, but plenty of air back and front, wintering again in good time. Next summer pursue a similar course, giving two shifts, the last in June into 12-inch or 15-inch pots ; and if duly attended to in stopping, not after the end of July, and well looked after in winter, fine specimens for blooming in the third year will be secured. To avoid much of this nicety, choose from the stock of a nur- Aphelcxis spectabilis grandi flora. 766 JOCSlfAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE &ARDENER. [December 23, 1862. seryman good, compact, bushy plants, in four-inch or six-inch pots — not larger, unless they hare been grown for specimens ; shift in April and June, stop as necessary, peg-down or tie-down to the rim the base shoots, and you may have a tidy specimen the following year, and a very fine one in the second year. Plants to bloom in 1863, should not be potted after June and July, in 1862, and should receive no stopping after July, as it will take all the autumn to ripen the shoots for Bower-buds. Established plants will often keep in health for several years without repotting, with merely a good top-dressing every season, and a little weak manure water when making fresh growth. When the plants are already in large pots, and it is deemed ad- visable to repot them, it is well not to increase the size of the pots much, but, rather, carefully to remove a portion of the old soil, and replace in a similar-sized pot ; and the best time to do this is after the plants have been pruned back after blooming, and the new growth is making way. A little shade must be given, and a rather close atmosphere kept until the roots are vrorking freely in the fresh soil. There only remain a few particulars as to Soil. This should chiefly be rich fibry heath mould. The sand, which is necessary for a young plant, to be lessened in its quantity for old established ones ; and the compost may well be rougher, consisting of three parts heath soil, and one part of broken crocks, charcoal, and silver sand. For the last potting, the soil may chiefly range in roughness from the size of peas and beans to a number of pieces like walnuts, pressing all, however, firmly together in the last potting. In earlier pottings it may be a little looser. Time of Potting. — As already iadicated, this should always be in time for the roots to get to the sides of the pot before winter. Time and Mode of Pruning. — After flowering never cut back into old wood, but yet cut far enough down on last year's wood to give room for the new shoots. In order that these shoots, at least •enough of them, be matured for blooming, never stop after the beginning of July or even a fortnight earlier. Long shoots then stopped, or short stubby shoots then existing, if matured in autumn will be likely to produce flowers next spring and summer. Many little stubby shoots that do not bloom in established plants will be sure to do so the following year, when more lioht and encouragement are given to them from cutting away or short- ening back the flowering shoots after blooming. Watering. — Extra care must be given to drainage ; a water- logged plant will never thrive. The roughness and openness of the soil are on purpose to help drainage ; but, with all tliis, great care must be taken not to over-water in winter. When the flower-buds show, a little weak manure water may be given ; perhaps the best is that from cowdung a year old, and then in bright days a little syringing overhead will do good in the morning and early forenoon. After tlie flower-stalks are cut back, the plants sliould he kept rather dry and cool for a fort- •night or so, and then they should be kept a little closer, and slightly syringed and dewed, to cause the young shoots to break. Temperature and Position. — The general average temperature in winter should be about 45°, with a rise of 10° to 15° in sun- shine. In winter the plants should either be near the glass, or, at least, no other plant should intercept the hghb. Though kept airy, no frosty air should beat directly npon them. This will be easily secured by keeping them near the front, and admit- ting air in cold weather at the back of the house. A cold pit, or a sheltered somewhat shady place out of doors, will do in summer. ^ We prefer tlie first ; but in autumn, when the plant ■would rejoice in all the sunshine, the pots sliould he protected from its full influence. Even in the greenhouse, large plants on a front shelf would be all the better in spring and early summer if the pots were screened a little from the sun, by being set in a larger pot, or a piece of white cahco hung in front of the pot. PH^NOCOMA rEOLrFEEA, Or Eliohrysum, or Heliclirysam proliferum, is, perhaps, the next most interesting of this class. It propagates rather more easily than the Aphelexis by using pots in a similar manner, but mois- ture must be avoided. We have struck it successfully with and ■without a bell-glass, the pot standiiij on a shelf, and merely shaded from the brightest sunshine. The silvery-dotted stumpy fohaga is almost as interesting as the bright brownish-white -flowers. In purchasing, a small bushy plant sliould be selected. The great thing to guard against in the plant is leggiuess and npwardism; unless well stopped and tied-down at the bottom, it will get bare and stemmy below. The chief feature in the culture, as distinguished from the Aphelexis, is using a little fibry loam in the compost, from a sixth to a young plant, until, in the various pottings, it may reach to fully a third in a large plant. The other constituents much the same as for Aphelexis. We confess being hardly up to the changes that have been made in this and other allied genera, but think we may mention the following Elichrysums as also well -worthy of cultivation for their lasting flowers : — Speciosissimum, spectabile, argenteum, retortum, and sesamoides, &o. GUAPHALlUJtS. These, also, have been much changed. They are very easily cultivated, requiring a cool greenhouse in winter, and light sandy loam to grow in. The most of these would bloom freely out of doors in summer. Of these some of the best are grandi- florum, congestum, tephrodes, ericoides, teretifoUum, stsechas, and the new edging plant Gnaphalium lanatum. The Aphelexes and the Elichrysums will keep their flowers in good order for years if gatliered before they are too far gone, and hence are useful for winter and room decoration. The Gnaphaliums are generally weaker in the flower-stalk, and need more support, such as a stick or a piece of wire, to keep the flowers up. Many who might wish to have some of these Everlasting Flowers, but wlio may have no greenhouse, may secure their object by sowing Elichrysum bracteatum in a mild hotbed in the beginning of April, pricking the plants out, and finally planting them out in rich light soil in May. The Gnaphalium luteo-album may be sown in the open ground in April ; and so may all the varieties of Xeranthemum, though in cold places they will do better if sown under glass and planted out in the end of April. These, with their large flowers, should begathered before they open, or they will open and shed tlieir seeds all about the room. For low-growing herbaceous plants, with their pretty everlasting flower?, such as you may see dyed of all colours in Covent Garden, I know of nothing more beautiful than the low-growing yellow-flowered Gnaphalium arenarium, wliicli flourishes in sandy loam in any flower-border ; and the wliite-flowered and white-leaved Gnaphalium margaritaceuni, which is even less particular as to soil, and is the same plant, we believe, which Mr. Beaton describes as being so much used for broad edgings at Hampton Court under the name of Anten- naria margaritacea. Any of our readers, therefore, who feel disposed may grow their own Everlasting Flowers for winter ; and when mixed with a few nice Grasses they will produce a nice effect, even where the ohoieer greenhouse ones cannot be obtained. — K. Fish. GERANIUMS FOR EDGINGS. Iir yonr Number for December 2nd, Mr. Beaton, when speak- ing of a new Geranium, " Little Dot," says — " After Little Dot is my own seedling Harry Hieover, which, when planted in two rows for an edging, makes the most perfect ring of all round the garden ; but unless the plants are two years old, one row of it is hardly suflicient for an edging." Now, doubtless on Mr. Beaton's authority, many of your readers like myself would be glad to include such a ring in their next year's arrangement. But I suppose, in the first place, two-year-old plants would be out of the question ; and, in the second place, will strong cut- tings of this year's striking be sent out at a price that we, who "love the good and the beautiful," though with limited means for such purposes, should feel warranted in booking a moderate number of each to bring on for two-year-old plants to carry out our wish the following year? — Edwaed Ollis. [If all the world were to look before they leaped, and were to cut according to their cloth, like our present correspondent, we should seldom hear an outcry or a grumble about the use and value of new plants recently introduced, or of old kinds which are from time to time brought to mind ; nor yet about particu- lar seedlings which are suitable for certain gardens, and for stated purposes only. And if the importers, the reminders, and the raisers of seedlings, were, on their part, a little more careful than some of them have been heretofore, and would state, as far as they kuew, the purpose for which this and that plant was more particularly suited, that also would go a long way to keep the pot from boiling over ; at all events I am sure these have been the views by which the writers in this Journal have been guided in their selections of plants, arid in their recommend- ations from the first day. Dooember 23, 1862. ] JOtTHNAIi OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAaE G-AKDENEB. 767 But good intentions cnn never over-rule natural causes. We can no move alter tlie consiitution of a seedling, even one of our own creation, so to epoak, than we can turn the tirlcs of the ocean. In a small number of genera some of us believe that through the pollen we ivm govern and guide tlie stature of the seedling, and some hnvo asserted, and do believe, that tbey can influence the eoniititution also; but from my own acquaintance with the bypaths of a wide field of practice, and of practical observation, I would much hesitate before I would subscribe to that doctrine. Harry Hieover is not the smallest of my seerilings, nor yet the third weakest in constitution of the kinds like it now in common use. If the oldest of our edging Geraniums were to appear now for the first time, and if it fell to my lot to describe it for general recommendation, if I may so put it, I should feel myself bound in honesty to say at once that you would need to plant three lines or rows of it for an effective edging to a mode- rate bed. But I have planted edgings of it, and with others smaller than Harry Hieover, with one row only ; yet to be on the safe side of (lie ferry with a new plant, and especially with a pet seedhng of my own, it looks better and tells best in the long run, that I should not put the best foot foremost about them at tlie first going-oflT. The smallest edging Geranium now in use is the oldest of them all, and is still the prettiest and the greatest favourite ■with the ladies— all but the name, which is Dandy ; and if you did but know wiiat ladies have told mo about their appreciation of the title you woiild never give that name to one of your own seedlings. But as luck would have it. Dandy and the Golden Chain, inseparable associates, were not seedhngs at all, but sports of nature, but not in the sense of the sport the ladies make of dandies. Golden Chain is an extraordinary departure from the " Cape Scarlet," the inquinans of botany, and is con- siderably older than Dandy, but not so old as Dandy as an edging plant. Dandy is four times more extraordinary in its origin than Golden Chain. It came as a sporting shoot from the bottom of the old scarlet variegated Geranium — the one of the shot silk bed. The flower came in the true stellate form and in genuine crimson in the Mile End Xursery with the late Mr. Thompson, and a friend of mine saw it there before a cutting was made from it. I like Dandy and the Golden Chain, as all the world knows — not from having been once a greater dandy myself — for the looks of them, and I look upon Harry Hieover with equal favour and partiaUty.— D. Bbatox.] THE DISTRESSED LANCASHIRE WORKINGMEN BOTANISTS. I PROMISED to give your kind-hcHrted readers an epitome of the character of the men I have been so fortunate in being able to put in a good position to weather the storm. I have not only been able to do much good by the means placed at my disposal by yo heat. Tacsosia. manicata Flowers Failing (A Cinistaut Header). —Yanv plant is extra luxuriant, and the tf^niperature is not hitrh enoush for tli'i flowers to open. If yon had a niuht temperature of from i.o'^ to SO*, and a ri«e of from 10'' to 15" from sun fUiriufr the day, the flowers wouiil open. You may prune back the plant when you like. Kvery well-iipen^d bud you leave will prn^lnce a .--hoot that will be likely to boar flowers next sea-^m. "We would not delay after Christmas, &i the shoots will then be induced to bloom more early. Jloat likely the roots want curbing. ViNE-BORnKR, &c. (-4 Cnn^tnnf Suhscribcr). — If you have provided ffood soil for the Vines, the pitching the surface wlLli stones above will not ke injurious. Dark-coloured stones would be best. To destroy rail spider you may try the lime and sulphur now saf'dv. But we should also well wash ■with soap and water afterwards, and then paint with sulphur and clay or Gishurst compound, not u?>ing it too strong. RooM-HEATiNO WITH HoT Watkr [R. J9.).— A'? farns we cnu judpe, you will need fully 400 feet of four-inch pipe to heat the unceiled room containing 72,600 cuhic feet, if you do n^it wish the pipes to be very warm. If kept as high as 200'', less would do, but it is healthier to have more piping and less heat in them. EsTAELisniNG A RooKF-nT. — " On the uorth-cast of my hoiPsc IS a small plantation of well-KTiwn Eini, Fir, Beech trees, »S:c., and oti each side of the drive are well-^rown tree>*; a l)ro:ik runs through one part of the garden, and on both sides of it i^ a belt of lofty trees. Can any one inform rae how to induce Rooks to build ia any of the trees!— Gatlkv.'* [The Rook is very pervan^e in scleeting a nursery for its young-, nor did we ever know any one who succeeded in overcoming their ptrversity. We shall be obliged by any relative information,] Protecting CROCus-Bur.ns from Mice {DHns}nnd).—T>\\%i over the surface of the soil where the bulbs are planted thickly with dry soot, and renew the dusting as often as it is washed away or soddened by rain. Cabbages, &c., at Chiswicc Gardes (5. ^.).— We published all that the Royal Horticultural Society published on the subject, and we had no means of acquirine further iuformatiin. No book contains a complete list of kitchen-tcarden varieties an:l their synonvmes. The numbers of The Cottage Gardkner containing outlines of Peas and their synonymcs mav still be had. RoTAL HoRTicuLTURAT, SocTETT.— " What a wouderful paper is the Gardeners' Chronicle for findinj; mares' nests! Let me, however, dis- tinctly state that the nurserymm alluded to at p. G96 neither wrote the letter nor had anything whatever to say to it; but the matter was a common topic of conversation amonff^t -i lartre body of dissentients. When I put the reply in inverted commas, I did not for a moment mean that those were the very words, but the jiurport o{ what was written; and I mii.^ht have added that I had known thiit the donor distinctly stated that he did not care about his name beinj; inserted, it only the prizes were announced. — VrOILANS." Plants Aoainst an Elizabethan House {S.. Northampton). — For the FOHth side no plant is po gnnd as Glycine or Wistaria sinensis; then the Chimonanthus fraurans trained as a Teach tree, the best front-of-the-house plant in this world; then the .(apan Honeysuckle, for the east and for the west front, and Jasniinum nudiflorum on the three sides, ao as to have it in bloom from October to Mji-ch. Spiraea Lindleyana is one of the most noble wall plants we have, and would do on the east front, and Magnolia crandiflorais grand indeed on the v.-est wall; but there ought to be a double- flowering PoraegraTiate on the best part of the south side of such a house. Of course, there will be some Roses on all the fronts— such as Lamarque, Triomphe do Rennes, Gloirc de Dijon, and Celine Forestier, from the Noisettes and Teas, and Sir Joseph I'axton the most telling Hybrid Per- petual for that way, though not the best-shaped Rose ; Senateur Vaisse, l!:ug'>ne Appert, Auguste Miu, Comtesse de Chabrillant, and such fast and vigorous growers, but unless they are on their own roots the fly aad the honeydew will " catch " them in hot weather. Pond Mud for Conifers (Wpin).— Your plan is most capital, all but the •'leaves." No leaves or sticks should ever be mixed up in compost for Conifers until they are entirely decayed, and the mud should hive a winter's fro^t and airing before using ; and if it had twelve months' ex- posure to the elements it would be ail the better, and then tt would be just the thing for those Roses, and the rest of j-our wall plants. The very com- position you intend for the Conifers would be better for the house-wall borders than any other. Removing an Old Asparagits-bed (irj/«5iVi?l.—Tt would bebet'erto take up your old plants at once, and force them on a dung-bed, as recommended by Mr. Fish in a late article, and plant young ones on your new bed. You would then have the luxury of forced Asparagus at a season when it is far from plentifnl, and you would have the pleasureof seeing your new bed go on vigorously. Old plants may be removed, but it is better, on the whole, to have young ones, prcpnriug the ground well bt;forehand, as recom- mended in former Numbers of Tav. Journal op Horticulture. Your question on the " Ascent of Sap," was answered at length, pag« 694. Clematis lanuginosa Hakdv {ldein).~\^c have every reason to believe this perfectly hardy, when planted in favourable situation!*. We have seen it in Kent growing- and flowering against the south side of a house, and in such a position it withstood the winter of 1860-Gl, with only a laurel bough or two in front of it. In damper or later places where it has not such a good chaace of ripening and hardening its shoots, it is not unlikely to sufl'er. Names of Fruits {J. -4.).— 1, Red Doyenni- ; 2, Beurr*? Diel. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. chimst-AIJlS market. An event looked forward to for many months. Tho axcifce- ment of it divided between the Lord Lieutenant of the county who has viewed his Shorthorna, Scots, and Southdowns during the two years fattening has lasted; and the weaver who has reared and fed a Kabbit that turns 17 lb«. ; or the good Suffolk datne who has tased her abilities, and pledged her reputation to produce two dpons weighing £4 lbs. There is more of heartiness about this market than about any other. The creeping customer who generally crawls to a sliop or stall, and adds to the wrinkles that already exist in his face, by endeavouring to contract his features so as to concentrate all his power in his eyes, that he may detect any fault in the article he is about to purchase — who never asks the price of anything till he has examined all and made his selection — who never releases his hold till he ha» bought or given it up, and who follows his purchase all over the premises if It be taken away to be trussed or packed — this man at Christmas asks the price cheerily, gives it cheerfully, and only stipulates for the best. Crowds who never dream of poultry at any other season of the year now flock into Leadenhall, and form a class of customers peculiar to the'Season. If the visit be deferred till Christmas-ove, Paterfamilias generally comes eiifainille. On these occasions retail shops are despised. Cus- tomers like to buy first hand, and father and mother show their skill in selection. It is part of the Christmas treat. ?fo little practice is necessary to enable a salesman to judge his trade on these occasions. Many turn thousands daily during this market, and a difference of 20 or 25 per cent, often occurs within twenty-four hours. The Turkey that on Monday may bo worth 155., will make 2l5. on Thursday, The Goose that was bougiit well at the time at 9.?., may, on the other hand, be worth only 7.*^. Hundreds of pounds depend on the weather. If the morning be dry, cold, and starlight, the goods feel the effect — they may be kept without injury ; the market may be described as firm with a tendency to rise. If the morning be- heavy, dull, and drizzling — if the gas lamps, instead of shining like stars, gleam dimly through their wetted glasses, and every man opens his great coat, unties his comforter, and says it is " mug^y," then it is safe to be — " things is down." We are like the old optimist in the smuggling galley. If the night were dark and slie lay at anchor, at least she was safe ; and if it were light they could see pirates as far as they could be seen. If the weather be unpropitious, senders wul be dissatisfied ; if poultry be cheap, buyers will be pleased. Nevertheless, seeing the uncertainty of these things, we, for credit sake, avoid giving any quotation. Like our old friend "Francis Moore, Physician," who declaree, *' rain about this time, four days sooner, or four days later," we affirm that Turkeys, being of good quality, were like roasting beef — the heavier they were the more they were woi'tb, und tiiat Geese were the same. W"e trust that all bought young, tender, and juicy poultry, that they bought at a muggy time, and that nothing connected with the Gillinaceue could impede or prevent that which we- wish to all A Merey Cheistmas, BLACK BANTA]\i:S AT DARLINGTON. In your notice of the Darlington Poultry Show, in last week's issue, you remark that the pen of Black Bantams, which at the recent Birmingham Meeting took first prize, were, at the Darling- ton Meeting, *' diequalified by the Judge, Mr. Hewitt, and a card 'Disqualified, the Cock's Legs being Coloured,' was affixed to the pen," and add that " the arbitrator carefully washed the right leg perfectly white, leaving the other as unnaturally blackened as when received at Darlington." There cannot be a doubt as to Mr. Hewitt having adopted the only eouric open to him ; but the question arises, How far is the owner of the bird to blame? That gentleman is un- known to me. If a close observer, even granting that the fraud had been perpetrated by another person, it seems curious, to say the least, that he should have been unaware of a fact so plain as to be a matter of general remark at Birmingham. An ex- planation is due, and it will doubtless be forthcoming. December 23, 1862.] JOUKITAL OF HOETICULTCRE AND COTTAGE aABDENEE. 771 It strikes me, however, that the identical birds were exhibited at the Crystal Palace Chicken Show in August, receiving high commendation at the hands of the Judges, Mr. Hewitt liimsclf, I believe, being one of them, the present owner then elaimiiig the pen. If tliis be correct, it appears they "passed muster" at that time. It would seem that Messrs. Day & Martin's patent had not passed also, by virtue of the claim ; and at Bivmingliam the cock's legs could scarcely have been " touclied-up," otlicrwise they would have presented a difTerent appenrauce. Then who is to blame ? The present owner is more like the scapegoat than the real offender, the ehiim at the Crystal Palace being, perhaps, much induced by tlie position the birds then obtained. A similar case was detected a short time ago, and it is believed there is at least another pen of Black Buntanis equally faulty being exiiibited ; therefore, it is high time sue.li impositions were put a stop to, and the subject ventilated. — Ju.stitii. [The most satisfactory course to be pursued by the owner of the pen at Darlington would be for hhn, through our columns, to declare that he neither caused the Dautam cock's legs to be blackened, nor knew that they were blackened. — Eds.] LORD TREDEGAK'S POULTRY EXHIBITION. This Exhibition, as its name would suggest, has been for many years past anxiously supported by his Lordship ; annually gaining ground in the good opinions of the residents near New- port, ami increasing wonderfully as to the importance and per- fection of the poultry exhibited. It is held in connection with a cattle and liorse show, forming one importa7it item in the varied sights that every year seem to draw a still greater attend- ance from those parties who feel an interest i?i such matters. The trains that hourly arrived at Newport from all jiarts of South Wales were filled to overflowing ; and tlie weather, we are glad to say, on the whole was satisfactory. There cannot he a doubt entertained that the Show of last week has been, so far as the poultry and Pigeons were concerned, an infimte im- provement on every preceding one ; and when we consider, too, how very commonly such meetings appear to clash their general interests during December, we cannot do otherwise than honestly congratulate the Newport Committee on their present success. The whole of the arrangements were both orderly and well matured. In Spanish Mr. Martin, of Claines, Worcester, stood first with a pen that are now getting not only well known, but which have also been adding very materially of late to the reputation of his yard. The second-prize pen were also very good. In the •class for Spanish chickens Mr. Oliver liad it all his own way, having no rival. The coloured Dorkinqs were, both old and young, of first-rate character, the whole of the birds shown being far better than ordinary. Some White Dorkings shown at Newport were also excellent. In Game, the exhibitors of the district around Newport were much interested by the exhibition of two pens sent by Mr. Harry Adams, from Beverley, Yorkshire. It was evident at a glance they were sent to win, and convince the Game-breeders of South Wdcs what the nortliern counties of England can accomplish in that direction. One pen were Brown Reds, the other Red Piles, and certainly such condition was not ever approached by competitors. They were one of the gems of the Show. Many capital local pens were most favour.ibly noticed in the prize list, belonging to the neighbourhood. In adult Cochins, all colours together, it is very long since we saw 60 closely balanced a competition as the prize pens — one being a very true-feathered Partridge-coloured pen, the other a lovely pen of Silver Cinnamons. The ultimate triumph was to the Partridge birds, but never were perfections more evenly deve- loped. In ihe chicken Cochins, a pen of really good White ones took precedence over a pen of the best Partridge cliickens we have seen for a long time, save that the cockerel betrayed an inclination to bo "throstle-breasted;" though we believe the elight ruddy tinge on the tlu-oat, now so truly objectionable, may moult out rightly at the next change of plumage. Very excellent Brahmas, both light and deep grey, were exiiibited. The ffamltirghs and Pola.uls of every variety were superior to our most sanguine hopes. The Black Polandi and Silver-spimgled ones were quite meritorious enough for even the largest shows. A pen of very good Silver-laced Sebright Bantams were shown, and some equally creditable Game Bantams. In the class for "Any other variety" were some perfect Malays, Indian Game Fowls, Silkies, both white, black, and brown in tlieir extraordinary plumage, for to apply the term "feather" would bo inappropriate altogether ; and some remark- ably good Black Uaniburghs. The Aylesbury Ducks were perfect, and weighed well. The Rouen Ducks, too, maintained a high ])0»ilion. The priKe pen of On-sc were the largest-framed birds we ever saw, but shown in really breeding order. The weight was pre- cisely that of the second-prize pen ; but, on handling the latter, they' bespoke much of the over-feeding so common among Geese at Christmas tide. The Turkeys shown were of high excellence ; but, as a by- stander observed, " they wore large iu size and advanced in years." In the Flgenns, the Carriers were remarkably good. Some extraordinary M'hite Runts were also shown, some Satinettes, a pair of very good Short-faced Rod Mottled Tumblers, and some exquisite Fantails. In the extra stock, a pen of red-legged Par/ridges drew especial public attention. They were in perfect plumage, and seemed as tame as the poultry around them. The Cottagers' prizes were well deserved, and caused rather a spirited competition, adding materially to the public interest. Special prizes were given to these parties, both for fowls and Ducks likewise. Spanish.— FIr.'it (Riven by Lord Tretleear), .1. Martin. Clnines, Worcester. .Second, J. Parsons, Maesteg, near Bridgend. HiRhly Commended, A. Heatli, Wilts. Commended. J. Llewellyn, CaorphlUy. Chickens.— I'uet, and Second, C. H. Oliver, Newport. DoRKiN-o (Coloured).— First (given by Lord Tredegar), F. T. Parker, RockBeld. Monmouth. Second, C. H. Wnkeacld, JIalvc-in WeUs. HiKhly Commended, C. B. Fox, Newport. Commended, 11. Cruwsliay, Merthyr ; J. Loiran, Newport. Chickens.— Virst, J. Jones, Llunarth, AberRavenny. Second, C. 11. Wakefield. Ilichlv Commended, C. B. Fox, Newport; F. T. Parker, Rockfleld, Monmouth. Commended, U. Crawshay. Game (Any variety, except White or Piles).— Fust (given by Lord Tredecar), H. Adams', Beverley, Yorkshire. Secrs, — Fir.«t, J. W. Edge, Birmiupham. Second, A. L. Silvester, BirminKbam. Commended, S. Dupe, Bath ; C. D. Phillipj, Newport. Pouters.— First, A. Heath, Calne, Wilts. Second, G. PaddoD, Swansea. Tumblers. — First, A. L. Silvester. Second, J. W. Edge. Com- mended, F. Biirfoot, Newport. Fantails. — Virst, J. W. Edge. Second, Miss J. Mllward, Newton St. Loe, Bath. Highly Commended, H. B. Prinfc, Newport Aiii/ other rnrif/j/.— First, H. B. Prinff. Second, A, L. Silvester. Third, Miss J. Milward. Ilighly Commended, C. D. Phillips. Com- mended, J. W. Edge. Edward Hewitt, Esq., Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, officiated as Judge, and expressed himself well pleased, both with the quality of the poultry exhibited and the whole of the general arrangements. ALPHABETICAL AERANGEMENT of POULTRY EXHIBITORS. Allow me to call your attention, and that of poidtry exhibi- tors, to the fact that the entries in the Crystal Palace catalogue have all been arranged alphabetically in each class, with the exception of those of the aristocracy and clergy, which take precedence in eacli class where they occur. I was not aware that this was the case until I looked into the catalogue of the present Show, and I find that it has been the practice at the Palace shows for the entries to be so arranged. Now, without desiring to make the least rettection upon the honesty of our Judges, I must say that I think this arrangement most objection- able ; and were I one of the Judges I would do all in my power to obtain an alteration of this plan, for the prosperity of the poultry interest requires that amateurs should possess perfect confidence in the arrangements at every exhibition for placing every exiiibitor whether rich or poor, aristocratic or plebeian, clerical or lay, in a position of equality, so that the merit of the birds shown by each may alone determine the awards ; and this cannot surely be accomplished where the above-mentioned sys- tematic classification of names is understood by all parties con- cerned to be the plan adopted in the catalogue. — Spkiqhtlt. REQUISITE CHARACTERISTICS OF BLACK- BREASTED GAME. Knowinq that your valuable paper is always open to those requiring instructions, I venture to ask you to enlighten me on the following points arising out of the late Birmingham Poultry Show — viz : — Ought a Black-breasted Red Q-arao cock to have a black breast, or may it be laced and blotched with brown ? Ought a Black-breasted Red Game hen to have a black tail or a partridge tail ? Ought a Black-breasted Red Game hen to have a red earlobe or a wliite earlobe ? Ought a Black-breasted Red Game cock or hen to have white toes and white nails ; or what should be the colour of the toes and nails ? I am led to ask these questions because I feel that in Class 48 (Black-breasted Red Game) the first prize was awarded to No. 666, which contained a cock having his breast throughout laced with brown, and two blotches of brown, one on each side of his breast, and the hens having partridge tails and white earlobes. That the second prize was awarded to No. 664, the cock's breast having almost every feather laced with brown besides two blotches of brown, one on each side of the breast near the wing, and the hens having partridge tails and red earlobes. That the third prize was awarded to No. 654, the cock's breast being perfectly black, and the hens having partridge tails and red earlobes. That the fourth prize was awarded to No. 653 ; that No. 601 was highly commended, and No. 651 commended, in all of which the cocks had perfectly black breasts and the hens partridge tails and white earlobes. I also find that in Class 49 the first prize was awarded to No. 716, the cockerel having a black breast, and the pullets black tails and white earlobes. Tlie second prize was to No. 669, in which the cockerel had a black breast, and the pullets black tails aud red earlobes. The third prize was to No. 713, the cockerel's breast being marked with brown with a bar of brown across the sickle-feathers, and the feathers from the bottom of the thigh having evidently been removed, and the pidlets having partridge tails and red ear- lobes, and the middle toe on each foot white. Tlie fourth prize was to No. 710, the cockerel's breast being again marked with brown, aud the pullets having partridge tails and one of them a white noil. No. 679 was highly commended, and the cockerel's breast was black, and the pullets' tails black and earlobes red. No. 689 was also highly commended, and the cockerel's breast was black, one pullet having a black tail and red earlobes, and the other having a partridge tail, white earlobes and white nails. Similar discrepancies in the markings will be found in the commended birds in this class. I also find that in Class 74 the first prize was awarded to a Black-breasted Red Game cock with willow legs, which had a white nail. And I observed that in the Black-breasted Red Game classes the heads of the majority of the prize birds were very thick and coarse, and that but very few had the thin and long head which I always understood was a prime charaoteristie of first-class Game birds. If brown lacing and blotches of brown on the cock's breast, partridge tails, white earlobes in the hens, and a white toe or nail and a thick coarse head are to be regarded as the proper characteristics of the Black-breasted Red Game, the sooner ths Game-fanciers throughout the country are aware of the fact the better, as many good birds are yearly consigned to the spit for these defects only, and which at Bingley Hall have proved to bo meritorious. At the time I made by notes in the show-yard, I had not seen your papers of the 18th and 25th November (The •Tod'knal of HoRTicuLTUEE reaching me only monthly), and although I have now read Mr. Hewitt's statement therein contained — viz., " I certainly never jefc have, and most decidedly I never shall, accept the office of arbitrator at the meeting of any society ia which my awards are to be previously made the subj ect of private dictation," I still fancy there must be some mistake ; and that these words are not intended to convey that the Judges do not form their unbiassed opinion, but receive instructions from others. Will you kindly enlighten the poultry world on this matter also ? When such things are reported of the first Show in the kingdom, who will take the trouble to send their birds to any show whatever ? — E. A. S. [For reasons easily understood by any reflective person, I de- cline to make any observation, pro or con., on the awards alluded to by "E. A. S." at the late Birmingham Poultry Show ; but he personally refers directly to a remark in my letter published in The Jouenal of Hoeticultuee just prior to the late Birmingham Show, in which I stated, " I certainly never yet have, and most decidedly I never shall, accept the office of arbitrator at the meeting of any society, in which my awards are to be previously made the subject of private dictation." I never for a moment intended to imply that private direc- tions were previously given, as to the parties who were to be the recipients of the Birmingham Society's poultry prizes. Such an idea appeared so foreign to common sense that I never thought so great a perversion could have arisen. My only objections to officiate as dictated were grave and sufficient enough — viz., that as the appointment of the Birmingham poultry Judges professedly rested with a single gentleman, I would not succumb to have my duties dotted out for me by any private correspondence carried on with a third party in the rear. — Edwaed Hewitt, JEden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham.^ A PLEA FOR BANTAMS. I AM one of the many who rejoice in the existence of such a periodical as The Journal op HoaTioULTUEE. Each week there is a rush among my boys in order to get the first look, and an exclamation from my eldest girl — " Anything about Bantams this week. Papa?" followed by "Oh! I am so glad," or "Nothing! Oh, Pa, I am so sorry." Now permit me, as an admirer and breeder of Bantams, ofi" and on for five and twenty years, to say a word in their favour, for I do think that these pets of our forefathers are not now sufficiently appreciated. First, there are many people whose premises resemble mine, having no fences between pleasure ground, kitchen garden, and stable-yard, except formed of easily penetrated laurel and other shrubs. Under such circumstances, it is clearly impossible to December 23, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICULTURE AND OOTTA&E GARDENER. 773 keep large fowls; but then people so situated may have, like myeelf, a yearning after poultry and iicw-Iaid I'sgs, aud can they not gratify such tastea ? Certainly they can by koepitig a few Bantams, and the better bred the birds are the less harm they will do with their feet, for they will he all the smaller j of course taking one precaution — viz., to give them, in some sunny corner, a heap of coal ashes for their dust bath. " Do you dislike the Bantams being in the garden ?" said I to my occasional gardener. " Lor' no, sir; bless the little things, I ha' been watching them while I was digging, and the heaps of live things they picks up !" It is 80. I saw, for instance, this last summer, a brood of half-grown blacks picking at something on a mignonette-bed. I went o see, and they were clearing it of green caterpillars. Then, too, who now-a-days has not, alas ! a delicate wife or chiid ? and how such relish a Bantam's egg ! Spanish ! oh, the huge horrors ! Cochin-Chinas the high-coloured ! Commend me to a Bantam's egg, or two if you please — no eggs like them. The eggs the old woman brings for tlie kitchen are well enough for kiltchen purposes ; but they will hare a taste sometimes : therefore defend me from them for breakfast, especially as the farm boys, the old lady's suppliers, put in a nest egg now and then. But, again, there is the pleasure of the thing. A garden never looks complete without some birds about it — Plovers, a Hawk, Call Ducks, Pigeons, or, best of all. Bantams — so pretty, so tame, 80 useful. But then I plead for real Bantams — little, strutting, impu- dent, wing-drooping things. I plead for a real Bantam cock and real motherly-looking Bantam hens, not merely large fowls dwarfed. See that Game cock walking across the yard. Take a child's shilling telescope, look in at the wrong end, and there Tou have a Game Bantam cock. Or again, see those Game Bantam hens. Take up said telescope, look in at the right end, and there you have Game hens. Perhaps I am writing with a strong bias for the older class of Bantams, from long associa- tion with them — as far back as my school days. Let every one situated as I am, with a garden open on all sides and having only a tiny yard, but who loves live things, keep Bantams. IIow many fathers who buy pets for their children still properly prefer pets that are of some use. Now my little Bantam friends are both ornamental and useful, and how right it is to bring up children to love and to take care of live things. Then, too, a "pet" must be a little thing. Who ever petted a giantess ? Uo man ever married one for love ; no, the sharp dog married such to make a show of her, and to earn money by the poor big thing. Yes, rely upon it, little pretty things are the things most loved. As to what sort of Bantams to keep, there is plenty of room for taste. I own I prefer the Black ; they are good winter- layers, their eggs are most excellent, and they are hardy as well as full of spirit. As to laying, I have had them lay at twenty weeks and three days old. Moreover, they never stray, and so give no offence to captious neighbours. White Bantams, another genuine kind, have their admirers ; so Irnve Sebrights, though clearly not a genuine race. Finally, good readers of TnB JouENAL OP Hoetictjltuee, if at all situated as I am, keep Bantams — pleasure, some profit, and perhaps a prize await you. By the way, what has become of that other genuine kind, the once-eommou " Nankin ?" — Wiltshiee Eecioe. WILD DUCKS BRED WITH TAME DUCKS. In reply to your correspondent " J. R." in reference to " the rearmg of young wild Ducks along with tame ones, subjected to the same treatment as the latter," permit me to give him my experience. I believe in all cases where a hatch of ducklings is composed of both wild and tame ones, the difficulty " J. R." speaks of will be almost inseparable — viz., that the young wild Ducks will die- off, leaving their more hardy brethren in undisturbed possession of their foster-mother's care. The difference of habit at the on- set in the newly-hatched ducklings almost entails such a result to a certainty. I never failed to rear wild Ducks, however, when I made the attempt, without the admixture of the eggs of tame Ducks in the same nest. Some thirty years ago, previously to going to reside at my present residence, I enjoyed th^ advantages of a small pond, with abundance of grass around it. It was then " the hobby " of my late sister aud self to keep wild Ducks — Pintails, Widgeons, and so forth. As the latt-er birds, though thoroughly domesticated and in perfect plumage, lived healthily, but only in a single case proilucod any eggs whatever, I will conline my observations exclusively to the wild Ducks. A tenant of ours could generally get tliree or four Bittinf^s of wild Ducks' eggs from the pits on the farm most years ; and, at my own request, they were forwarded to mo. I found a Bantam hen a capital mother to bring them out, and for after-attention also ; but, unfortunately, the Drakes thus hatelied, when adult, were troublesome among poultry. A small Irish Duck generally win substituted. As a rule every egg produced a duckling ; and, to render them more tractable, they were always closely confined the first two or three days. Whilst quite young we fed simply on bread, very small strips of raw meat, and plenty of white canary seed iloating in the saucer of a large Qower-pot. They also, as they grew on, ran about ad libilam on the grass, and evidently ate many slugs, &c. We also gave "duckweed" on the water. Thus treated there was very rarely a death, save by accident, the canary seed being especially to their liking, and to it I mainly attribute this success. Until a month old we " cooped " the old Duck, but left the youngsters free. They grew up invariably quite tame, and bred freely the next and following years. There was one universal drawback, however. Although not admitted when grown up to the society of tame Ducks, they always, in two or three generations, betrayed prominent marks of deterio- ration ; in fact, they became domesticated. The beautiful car- riage of the wild Mallard and his mate, as seen at the onset, changed gradually to the easy, well-to-do, comfortable deport- ment of a small Rouen ; for they, at each reproduction, became much larger, and the legs took the fineness and elasticity so easily recognisable in the first parents. As every year this retro- gression became still more extensively developed, simply from the power of domestication — for it is beyond doubt no common Ducks had access to them — we oftentimes reverted to a new stock from the eggs of wild birds frequenting the farm, always hatch- ing and rearing them successfully ; but, in about four or five reproductions, getting precisely in the same fix as before described. If your correspondent wants to rear some wild Ducks to keep as ornamental birds, or to use for the table, the difficidty, if attempted without rearing tame Ducks with them, will be very trifling. I will just mention that I have known many wild Ducks poisoned by eating the ripe fallen seeds of the laburnum tree, commonly in this county called the " golden chain," of which, although to them so deadly, they appear to be especially fond. — Edwaed Hewitt, men Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. Nothing is easier. Consider wild Ducks bred with tame Ducks exactly in the same light that you would if you were breeding some Dorking fowls with Bantams of the same sitting. What would become of the poor little fellows if the Dorking chicks were allowed their full swing at the food ? Why, the Bantams would most assuredly come to grief like " J. K.'s " wild Ducks. The great overbearing tame species have, most likely, been allowed to gobble-up all the food, whilst the poor little wild fellows were obliged to pop about like lightning, as their only chance of getting a few fragments. Only watch the latter in their youth up, and see that they get their share, and all will then go well. A few worms extra daily for the issue of the Mallard, introduced to them on a spade, would be highly relished and beneficial, they soon learn to patter on to it ; and the spade may then be lilted up out of the way, as a special dining-table, with the ducklings upon it. As to the hen, if she is placed in a coop with its back, top, and sides boarded, the sunniest place in the world would afford her shade. I had the pleasure of being amongst some of the first to write upon poultry and Pheasant breeding in The Cottaoe Gae- denee, and 1 illustrated a coop in No. 191, page 134, which would prove exactly applicable to " J. R." i will also further mention, that if your correspondent wishes his wild Ducks to breed on the premises, he must pinion them, or they will pair and bo off to a certainty at tlieir natural breeding season. Formerly we used to do a great deal in that intermixing fancy way, and the Ducks used to go and squat in the henhouse to roost. The poor things were so tame and pretty, that we could not muster up heart to kill them, and wo also thought it cruel to pinion them : therefore, at the breeding season, away they used to go, and the tame ones, too, very often — viz., down the 774 JOURNAL OF HOSTICTJLTURE AJTD COXTAaE &ARDENER. [ December 23, 1862. river Corve, where strny fishermen, by some unaccountable pecu- liarity of vision, used o mistaUe them for trout ! — TJpwauds and 0NWAKD3. AETIFICIAL DUCK-HATCHING EST CHINA. The hatching-house, at Chusan, is built alongside of the Chinaman's cottage, and is a kind of long shed witli mud walls and thickly thatched with straw. Along the ends and down one side of the building are a number of round straw baskets, well plastered with mud to prevent them from taking fire. In the bottom of each basket there is a tile placed, or rather the tile forms the bottom of the basket ; upon this the fire acts, a small fireplace being below each basket. The top is open, having of course a straw cover, which fits closely, and which covers the eggs when the process is going on, the whole having the appear- ance of a vase placed on a pedestal. In the centre of the shed there ai'e a number of large shelves placed one above another, upon which the eggs are laid at a certain stage of (he process. When the eggs are brought, they are put into the baskets described above; the fire is lighted below, and the heat kept up to range from 95° to 102° ; but the Chinamen regulate the heat by their own feelings, and not by the thermometer, and therefore it will of course vary considerably. In four or five days after the eggs have been subject to this temperature, they are taken carefiUly out, one by one, to a door in which a number of holes have been bored exactly the size of the eggs ; they are then held in the holes, and the Chinamen look through to tlie light, and they are able to tell whether they are good or not. If good, they are taken back and replaced in their former quarters ; if bad, they are of course excluded. In nine or ten days after this — that is, about fourteen or fifteen days from the commencement, the eggs are taken out of the basket, and spread out on the shelves already noticed. Here no fire heat is applied, but they are covered over with cotton and a kind of blanket, remaining in these circumstances about fourteen days more, when the young Ducks burst their shells, and the Cliinaman's shed teems with life. These shelves are large, and capable of holding many thousands of eggs. The Chinese who rear the young Ducks, know exactly the day when they will be ready for removal, and in two days after the shell is burst, the little creatures are sold and conveyed to their new quarters. — (Athenaum.) Bath and West of EucOuUfD Socibtt's Meetino. — This will be held next year in the city of Exeter, on the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, aud 12th of June. J. Pitman, Esq., and Dr. Brent are appointed Stewards of the poultry department, and Honorary Secretaries. SALT NOT INJURIOUS TO PIGS. An article in your Journal, December 2nd, signed "J. R. Pearson, Chihi-dl," stating that salt is injurious to pigs, has, I must confess, surprised me, as I do not think his statement is in accordance with the experience of those who know anything about the pig. It has been my lot to take many voyages at sea, on which oc- casions we have frequently had pigs on board ; and I appeal to all those who have been similarly tituated to bear me out in what I am about to state — that the pig is almost, if not quite, the only animal that does well — nay, I may even say, thrives at sea ; and I am sure their food has been salt enough in all conscience, and must have necessarily been so, as I am in a position to know that there was no special pig food on board. I remem- ber some years ago returning from Hongkong in charge of invalids, principally Artillery, and before leaving the port we took on board several pigs. Those pigs were fed ou pea soup boiled in the same water with the salt pork, and biscuit mixed with pot-liquor, the water in which the very salt beef taken to sea was boiled in. The sailors also made pets of them, and gave them portions of their own food, which was entirely salt provisions; yet the pigs, so far from dying, rapidly got fat, and when killed made most excellent pork, as I can vouch for. That Mr. Pearson may have lost some pigs fi'om giving them food into which salt had been introduced is very probable ; but weall know the carelessness of servants, aud the abominations they will throw into the swill-tub. I am, therefore, inclined to think that their death, if occasioned by the swill at all, must have been caused by some decomposed matter in the swill, not having reference to the salt at all — that is to say, not in its condition as salt. Again : Mr. Richardson, in his book on the pig, which is considered a good work, says at page 6S, and I will quote his own words : — " Do not omit adding salt in moderate quantities to the mess given. You will find your account in attending to this." That salt may be injurious to some animals (I believe it is not a good thing fur dogs), I do not deny, but I do believe, so far from being injurious to the pig, that the animal thrives better with it than without it. — AtJCtrSTUS R. R. PRESTOy, Surgeon, Outlands, near Plymouth,. AETIFICIAL SWAEMING. FEBTILE WOEKEBS, OR A DEONE-BREEDING QUEEN. Since my last communication on the artificial swarming of bees, I have had several private inquiries about the success of the one of which I gave an account, and of the process I adopted. With your permission I will now give an answer to those and others who take an interest in bee-keeping. It will be I'cmem- bered that, on our last inspection of the combs and bees of the artificial swarm, we saw that eggs had been laid in the cells, which we naturally supposed would turn out working bees, being laid in worker's cells. When we looked again, on the 9th of August, they were found to be all drone eggs. Here, then, was a case proving the theory of parthenogenesis — viz., that a queen can lay drone eggs without the aid of male bees, and not working bees. Seeing this, we took another bar-frame of comb and young brood from the original Ligurian to enable the bees to make another queen, being aware that the bees would not allow a queen to remain which could not produce working bees. We removed all the stocks of bees to the hills on the IRth of August, and consequently could not examine them until the 2Sth, when we found only drone eggs. We gave her other two combs of young brood, and examined her again on the 8th of September, and found hfr much the same, and on the 27th found no brood in any of the cells. StUl the bees seemed as if they did not want a queen, and we resolved to allow her to remain till the 13th of October, when we again found new-laid eggs. On the 29th of October, we examined her carefidly again, and found a number of drone-cells sealed-up, and new-luid eggs in workers' cells. We were then strongly impressed with the opinion that her majesty had this time been successful in her hymeneal flights. But, alas ! no. On the 22nd of November, we found only young drones running about, but no young working bees, and still some new-laid eggs ; but these X think perished with the cold. Such, then, is the state in which the first artificial swarm we attempted remains at the present time. Of course she must remain now till spring, and as soon as we can get young brood from the old Ligurian, I will give her some. Had this been the only one which we tried, it might have prevented us from trying it a^ain ; but the second one we attempted has been entirely successful. When we examined her on the 29th of October, she had a number of young bees out, others sealed-up, aud also new-laid eggs ; we had also a sight of her majesty. On the 28fch of November, we found all the young bees had been hatched, with the exception of a few which had evidently perishi'd from the severe frost of last month. I think I may safely say that the oldest bee-keeper will admit that this has been the most unfavourable season for bees, and that there may have been many natural swarms this season which have been no better than tlie artificial one, although not detected, from not having the power of inspecting them so minutely in the straw hive as we have in the bar-frame hive. It is well known that during this season there were many days and even weeks in which young queens could not get out on their love excursions, thus proving the truth of Huber's observation that after a time impregnation heeomes impossible. I believe, too, that breeding so late in the season as these have done is seldom seen, and that drones in the month of November are quite as rare. It will be interesting to notice the result, which 1 will do at a future time. I have had no reason to alter my opinion as to the hardy nature and prolific qualities of the Ligurian bees, as the old one, notwithstanding that it has been twice emptied of comb and brood, has made -10 lbs. of honey and comb. I am compelled, however, to alter my opinion as to their docility. They are perfect savages— AtEi. Sheaebb, Tester Gardens. [The above interesting narrative affords strong ground for Dojc'uber 33, lSu2. ] JOUA.YAL OF HORl.'IC[JLHJfta AXD COXIAGE U-IIIDKXER. 775 suspecting the non-existence of a queen in tlio first swarm, nnd for attributing the drone egi^a to iVrtile workei'd. So few iuatancea of this last-mentioned phenomenon liave been obaerveil by British apiarians, that we liopj Mr. Sliearev will ■ reply to the letter of " UrWiKDS .\nd O.nwabds," at page 731, I may remark, that it was not my intention to assert that he claimed any priority of invention respecting drone-excluding communications. I am very glad the plan has been tried by so practical a bee-keeper, and hope to adapt it to some of my own hires next summer. AVhere wooden crown-boards are used I cannot see much complication in making three side apertures instead of one central passage. A zinc slide, a large cork, or a flat piece of wood effects all that is required fur closing tham over. I may add, that side apertures were adopted by me long before the communications of "ARKNFEEWSuiEEBEE-KEErEu" appeared in the columns of this Journal. " UrwARBa A:fD Onwaeds" claims the character of writing for the million. If so, he may save himself the trouble. Not one in a million of the lower class of bee-keepers will perma- nently adopt any of his plans. I have for many years laboured to infuse ideas of very simple improvements in the management of their hives among cottagers. I have purposely avoided any recommendations which could be called complicated, and have frequently practically shown them, by hives of my own working among their own bees, and bv simple alterations for themselves of their own hives, what could be done in the way of improve- ment: but all, or nearly all, to no purpose. Witli, however, the upper and middle classes, if I may so term tliem, of bee-keepers, the resiUts are far more encouraging, and I claim in future to write for them alone, and would advise " Upwaeds and Onwaeds " to do the same, I wish to ask if there is anything in the adoption of side passages, plain boxes with loose bars, Stow- arton-hives, and other plans which might bo alluded to, which can be called complicated to any bee-keeping mind of ordinary inteUigeuce. Does " Upwards ant> Onwakds " think seriously for one moment, that one cottager out of a thousand will adopt his plan of drone-excluding passages? Which to them would appear the more complicated — tiie three holes bored with a large augur, or the nicety required in fitting up the affair described by him in his former paper ? To any bee-keeper really desirous of adopting improvements, there is nothing that can be called complicated in his plan ; and he does well in recommending it to the notice, not of the million, but of those who are likely to be beneBted by his valuable communications. " Upwards akd Onwards " speaks ia high, praise of the character of our district as a prolitic honey-neighbourhood, and of the friends he has made here. Of the first point I would say- that we consider this as a honey district a most uncertain one, and by no meant equal to many oilier parts of the kingdom. Of the second point I would say, that should ho over find his way again to this locality, I trust he will give mo the opportunity of being added to Ids li.st of Hevonshfe friends. With respect to the bee-feeder recommended by our friend my confession must be made, I have never tried it. It has the great objection in all such apparatus of compelling tht! bees to leave the stock to obtain the food. That large quantities of food may be supplied, and that such feeders answer the purpose intended I have no wish to dispute — in fact, tlie statement of quantity transferred and general effectiveness will admit of none. But for all this I prefer the bottle. I have never tried to give more than 5 lbs. of food in twenty-four hours by means of a bottle-feeder, but I know- that this quantity will be taken down by a good stock in that period of time. " UrwiEijs AND Onwards" makes the common mistake of all objectors to the bottle as a feeding mediam, when his ob- jection is on tl'.e ground of dripping of the contents, and that the bees must take it whether they will it or nut, or be saturated with it. There is no drip whatever. If from weakness, cold, or other cause, the bees of a hive refuse the food, it will remain for weeks or months undiminished in the bottle. Nearly every kind of feeder have I tried, but there is none I think that can at all approach in general exopllenee to the very simple plan of an inverted bottle. For gradual spring-feeding in diminutive quantities, a small bottle with contracted inouth is best. For autumn-feeding, bottles may be used capable of containing many pounds, having a mouth of 2 inches diameter. In neither case if properly managed will there be the slightest drip of the liquid, and there will bo generally found less excitement among the inmates than by any other system I have tried. But what shall I say with regard to the stone caricature of a head, used at a weight for the milk-pan cover ? Surely its adopter and recommender strengthens my position when he admits the universal amusement which the sight of it causes. There is a species of ehild's toy which causes amusement by shifting various heads on to dillerent shoulder.^. The more incongruous the result of the adaptation the greater the mirth aud laugh to be excited. I really think in this ease the head must be said to be on the wrong shoulders. It might well have fitted tho.se of some stono- wall-immured monk of former times, but will not appear in its fit and proper position as the crowuiug-point of a hive of in- dustrious bees. S'.ill, if "Ui'Wauds and Onwards" likes to have his laugh and see other people enjoy theirs, there is no earthly reason why he should not indulge in this little foible, and, doubtless, ho hopes that others besides himself will find " sermons in stones." To resume the consideration of the hives at the Exhibition. In due course of order we come to ILahkioxt's Stand. I was rather pleased with the appearance of the rotary observatory unicomb-hives ; hut for actual facilities afforded for stocking them with bees, and for inspection, they do not equal the flat single-combed hives. Of this character, one exhibited in Messrs. Neighbour's stall afforded the most perfect example of what an observatory-hive should be, and reflected great credit both on the inventor and exhibitor, llaving had one constructed on the same principle of shifting bars with combs and bees from an ordinary box, I can apeak confidently of its etficiency and the facility afforded for scientific observation of the interior economy of a bee-hire. There were also shown at this stand a number of well-made Taylor's bar-hivos, and the Woodbury pattern of the bar-and- frame hives, all of which are most admirably adapted for ad- vanced apiarians. Of the CoTTAGE-niTE brought out by Messrs. Neighbour, though very well and neatly made, I cannot apeak in such high praise, though, doubtless, it is an improvement on the common straw hive. The hives of " Upwards and Onwards" are far more practically useful in my humble opinion. These of Messrs. Neighbonr might easily be improved vnth a few slight alterations. Mr. Teqetjieiee's boxes are very moderate iu price, but a fatal objection to their use by me would be the distances he has adopted between the centres of the combs. Nor would I be bothered by the use of the, to me, very objectionable elides between the bars in lieu of a loose cover. Mk. Lovey showed some boxes which were altogether un- suitable for bees' domiciles on account of size, besides being fitted with objectionable slides. Of Boothman's Hive the less said the better. It leemed an absurdly comphoated affair, fitted-up with a nasty lot of wires aud bits:of zinc, looking for all tk» woild lik» >r«»«( gridirons. 776 JOURXAL OF HORTICULTORE AND COXIAaE GARDEKER. [ December 23, 1862. The wax-refining apparatus appeared to be ingenious, and doubtless well adapted for the purpose. W. J. Pettitt exhibited one of Major Munn's hives. I would praise it if I could. The oiBce of censor is by no means a pleasant one, particularly where censure and not praise is to be given. Of the ingenuity of the contrivance there can be no doubt, and it might not suit the capabilities of some manipu- lators ; but a bar-and-frame hive, with a thin bag of black muslin or net to slip over the hat, is much more to my mind. Mr. Pettitt also, as I have previously stated, exhibited some boxes furnished with drone-excluding communications, which seemed liliely to answer the purpose intended. — S. Betan Fox, Exeter. {To he continued.) Erratum.— In my last read " bands " instead of " boards," page 'oy second column, sixteenth line. BOTTLE-FEEDEE FOR BEES. I OBSEEVE from a letter in your Journal of the 9th inst. that your esteemed correspondent " Upwaeds and Onwaeds" entertains the idea, although it has been more than once con- tradicted in your columns, that when a bottle-feeder is used the bees are compelled to imbibe the syrup in self-defence, or would otherwise be inundated with the contents of the feeder. This is entirely an erroneous impression, as even when a very wide aperture is used (in my bottles 1^ inch internal diameter), if muslin or tiffany is tightly stretched over the mouth of the bottle not a single drop will fall, with the exception of o small quantity which runs out when the feeder is tii-st inverted, and if placed over an empty hive it would remain full for an in- definite period. Once or twice I have had the feeder, holding about 5 lbs. of syrup, emptied in little more than twelve hours, but generally find a strong stock in warm weather will empty one in about twenty-four hours ; this is, I imagine, quite quick enough to satisfy most bee-keepers. At the same time I doubt not that a still larger quantity would be removed in the same time if supplied underneath in a large feeder with Hoats, because a vast number of bees are then able to work at the same time on the large surface exposed for their accommodation, and in warm weather this system of feeding answers very well. In cold weather, however, the bees are disinclined to descend, and, if they do, many perish from the cold. Last winter furnished me with an instance which illustrates strongly the advantages of the bottle system. In December, my attention was called to a common straw hive which had been very populous in summer, but subsequently suffered so severely from the inroads of wasps that it then contained scarcely more than half a pint of bees, and these were at that season in a complete state of pauperism, and there was little expectation of carrying them through the winter. I recommended the use of an ordinary half-pint sauce-bottle. The bottle was filled with sugar and water, and the neck pushed down through a hole in the top of the hive, thus bringing the supply of food into the very centre of the cluster of bees. This hive progressed so wonderfully that it sent out a large swarm in the very beginning of June. No other plan of feeding would, I believe, have succeeded. The hive was large, and the population so very scanty that the life of every individual bee was of great importance, and I do not think they could have been induced to ascend into a feeder on the top of the hive if an ascent of only a few inches had been required, and feeding at the bottom was under such circumstances quite out of the question. — J. E. B. Exclusion ov Damp peom Beickwoee. — The following methods for obviating this evil have been described at the Royal Institute of Architects. Three-quarters of a pound of mottled soap are to be dissolved in one gallon of boiling water, and the hot solution spread steadily, with a flat brush, over the outer surface of the brickwork, taking care that it does not lather. This is to be allowed to dry for twenty-four hours, when a solu- tion formed of a quarter of a pound of alum dissolved in two gallons of water is to be applied in a similar manner over the coating of soap. The operation should be performed in dry settled weather. The soap and alum naturally decompose each other, and form an insoluble varnish which the rain is unable to penetrate ; and this cause of dampness is said to be effectually removed. The other method consists of sulphurised oil as a varnish or paint, and is said to improve the colour of brick and stone, as well as preserve them. It is prepared by subjecting eight parts of linseed oil and one part of sulphur to a tempe- rature of 278° in an iron vessel. It is said to keep out both air and moisture, and prevent deposits of soot and dirt, when applied with a brush to the surface of a building of atone, or even of woodwork. OUE LETTER BOS. Keepinq Podltry Profitably (//oy/«A:c).— Poultry may be Icept profit- ably when it is well attended to, and not over-fed. Do not attempt too many breeds at first. It seems to ua, you will be tryine enough if you start with two breeds — one for epKs, and one for table. When is your season ? If in the summer or early autumn, keep Spanish. Those accustomed to Spanish eggs will nerer cat any other. They are, besides. Intrinsically worth more, they weigh more, and contain more food. If it be in the winter, you must keep either Cochins or Brahtiias. You must always recollect layini^ depends on the age. and not the breed of the birds. Brahmas, or Cochins, or Spanish, will do in any conflncd place, but Dorkings must have a run. If you intend to sell poultry for the table, keep DorkiuRs ; if you do not, keep anv of the other breeds. A Dorking hen is a paragon in most poultry qualities, a full averaje layer, an excellent sitter, a good mother, and unrivalled for the table ; but she must have elbow room, and cannot bear conftnement. 13 yards by 8 yards is not space enough for forty fowls- You want really good, but not prize birds to start with. They must be young, and we doubt not you will succeed in making your poultry proftt- able. Do not, however, crowd too many into a small space. Better succeed with a smaller number than fail with a large one. Give them as much run as you can, and none is better than an old garden. Do not gT» to any expense with hnuses, the cheapest are the best, and all that is neces- sary is to have them wind and water tight, with gravelled floors. Do not make a particular enclosure for hens and chickens. They will have to be seattered about for the sake of health and run. Points in GoLDEN-rENciLLKD Hamburgh Cock (A Kovice in Hamburghs), —A Golden-pencilled Hamburgh cockerel must have a perfectly-shaped comb, well pointed, and the pike turning up behind ; perfectly white earlobe, shaped like a fourpenny-piece ; copper plumage ; and ample tail, the sickle- feathers being blafk in the centre, and shaded from the edge on both aides with rich copper bronze. Hen's Spurs (J. W. S.).— We should not consider the spurs of a hen at all important in a Dorking. They are common to them and to Game, bat they are unusual in Spanish. When aH the points have been enumerated, any addition in the shape of a new one is a disadvantage, especially when it cannot be called an improvement. It is not, however, a disqualiflcation. Brahma Pootras (.A Tf'.).— There are two breeds of Brahma Pootras— dark and light. The first are pencilled all over, and have silver-atripeil hackles. The cocks have straw hackle and saddle, black breast spotted with white, black thighs, and tail. The light should be white all over save the tail and flight, which should be black, and the hackle which should be striped. The pullet you mention will breed good chickens if put to a light cock. This latter should be marked like the hens. Silver Gkbt Dorking Hen (Mew).— We believe you will be as likely til breed some good birds from the hen you mention, as from any others. You will never succeed in breedine all Silver Greys from any birds, how- ever carefully chosen. You will have to breed a good number, and to choose from them. Bent Sickle-feathers (IT. S.).—\( you had named the breed of the cock you would have enabled us to answer more easily. Straighten the bent feathers, and, if necessary, bind them till they have recovered strength. If the bird is likely to be exhibited again, do not on any account pull them out. It is a great disadvantage for a cock to lose his sickles. No especial diet is necessary. Plumage of a Duckwino Game Cock ((?. J?. Zj/n(Wiurse).— The Duck- wing cock should have very light straw-coloured hackle; black tail, breast, and thigh ; copper-coloured saddle, and duck wing, with the mallard colour. The bird you mention would seem to be a Silver Duckwing. The Greys vary in many ways in colour, some being much lighter than others. Ducks Dying (S. L. Q ).— From the symptoms you mention, your Ducks appear to have picked up something of a poisonous nature. Had you any corn dressed for sowing that might have been dropped in their way » You will find oats and oatmeal good substitutes for Indian meal and potatoes. If you notice any more of your Ducks drooping, keep them penned-up for a few days, give them plenty of clean straw and gravel, and let them be fed on oats whole, and not allowed too much water. It is possible that the birds you mention as having pined and died had been fasting some time when turned into your yard, and then gorged themselves with food and were unable to digest it. A stoppage would cause the drooping of the wings and the cramp as described. RooEN Drake Sickly {A Constant Subscriber, Manchester).— 1[ your Rouen drake had been taken up from a run where he had liberty and plenty of water, the confinement in the enclosure you mention would account for his pining away and for the check in his moult. It is alwayo unadvisable to move a bird when deep in moult, as many of the young feathers are killed even by the most delicate handlmg. The thick white matter in the coiner of the eye is a sign of very low condition. If the skin around appears puffed or inflated wash it with vinegar and water, and gently press it with the thumb that any matter may be dislodged. The bird should be shut up in a dry, warm place and well fed. Pigeons at the Portsea Show.— In your last Number of The Journai OF Horticulture, I see a correspondent gives me credit for lending to the Portsea Canary Show some Powter Pigeons. This is a mistake, as they were sent by Mr. Body, High Street, Portsmouth, and are first-class b'ro». being from the renowned stud of the late lamented Mr. Bull.— J. C. Hassabd, Major, R.E., Hilsea. Black Bollfihchks (r. Cave).— Vie have seen many black Bullfinches, The colour is the result of feeding on food that is too stimulating. December 30, 1862. ] JO0KNAL OF HORTICtTLTUKE AND COIXAQE GARDENER. Ill Day of M'nth Day of Week, I Tu W Th F S SnK M DEC. 80, 1863.-JAN. 5,186S. VerT)enas. Fuchsias. Circumcision. Mi.•llCliu^ (lied, 1V37. B. J. Wedgcwontl died, 1795. 2 SONDAY AFTER CuitlSTMAS. MezcreoR UoA'ortj. WEEKLY CALENDAR. WSATBEn HSAB LONDO.I IK 1861. Barometer. 30.3S0— SO s:!i; 30.868— S0..3.TO 30.;i52-30.27'J 30.31)1—30.255 S0.07.'i-2SI.743 29.830-29.7-13 29.835— 29.1)77 Thermom. Wind. dc^reea. 36-21 39-29 39-30 45-29 43-27 45— M 50-21 N.E. N.E. E. N.E. S.W. N. W. IncUea. •01 ■01 Sun Rises. m. h. !)af8 9 8 S 8 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 I Moon Clock .''ua Rises Moon's ' before Day of Sets, and Sets Age. t Sun. Year. ni. h, ,'i7ur3 flS 3 59 8 IV 1 4 2 4 3 i m. h. m. s. 44 2 9 2 48 51 3 10 3 17 53 4 11 3 45 50 S 12 4 13 40 6 13 4 41 22 7 14 5 9 rises O 5 36 364 365 1 2 3 4 Mkteoroloot op the Wekk. -At Cliiswick, from observations durinf? the last thirty-five years, the average highest and lowest The kTcitest heat, 67°, occurred on the 3rd, in 1660 ; and the lowest cold, V id on 90 rain felL temperiitures of these days ore li.l" and 31.5° respectively. The k're.ite8t hea on the 2nd, in 1854. During the period 149 days were fine, and on 90 rain felL A PLEA FOR MODERN FLOWER-GARDENING. UCH has been said of late havinsj a tendency to dis- parage the mo- dern system of parterre flower gardenincf, and it is well worth while inquiringwhether the expressions of those who would have us revert to the individual beauties of the mixed flower-bor- der represent the general opinion of the country ; and whether, . after all the ex- cellent logic that has been spent to point out the defects of the one and to extol the merits and adaptability of the other, the real facts of the matter have been elicited. It is a mistaken theory to suppose that a mixed flower- border, however well arranged, excites the admiration of the general community in the same way as one having the dress and finish of this elegant though much-abused bedding system ; and it is also a mistake to suppose and promulgate that these mixed flower-borders are all but totally neglected or misguided since the advent of orna- mental nnd artistic flower-gardening. True, attention has been more fixed upon plants suit- able for this modern decoration ; and everv gardener and lover of flowers is on the alert to obtain— either from cross-breeding, hybridising, or selecting from herb- aceous borders— plants that are either remarkable for foliage, elegance of habit, or redundancy of bloom ; and every year is adding to the stock of novelties either in variety or species, so that before many years elapse there may be as many favourite flowers for this sort of work as there were select individual border ones before beddmg-out was known. Does anybody imagine for one moment that the thousands of visitors who throng and promenade the gardens of the Crystal Palace, Regent's Park, South Kensington, or Kew, week after week and year after year, and who have been neither slow nor sparing in their laudations of the gorgeous array of flowers, their happy combinations, and their general con- tour, would look on with the same amount of pleasure if the one half of the space were devoted to individual objects, from the Christmas Rose onwards and upwards, which the botanist and the gardener at all times admire either less or more, but which are lost or dwarfed as pictures of beauty in the artificial landscape immediately the eye or microscope is taken away from them? This, I con- tend, is the beauty of modern flower-gardening, because it introduces whatever is compatible to its interests, no No. 92.— Vol III., New Semes. matter whether it be annual, biennial, or perennial, and sets it oil', like any other well-arranged material, to the be.st advantage. The florist is a severe stickler for form and quality of bloom. The mixed-border pleader advo- cates a return to the objects of his solicitude and love, and promises a hearty welcome ; and each, quietly speak- ing, is a little empirical in his own way, but the much- abused innovator makes a selection from each, and de- serves a little more consolation and moral support from both. Some ridicule it because it is artificial. So is the fine smooth-shaven lawn ; so are the broad, straight, gravel walks ; so are the fountains ; so are the statues ; so are the very beds that in days of yore were filled with the much-vaunted herbaceous material, which the partisans of parterre flower-gardening are accused of banishing from their gardens, but which in fact are only removed to less artificial borders, where they are more at home. And what garden of eminence in the country, beginning even with some of the less pretending villa residences up to those which it is the pride and the boast of gardeners to revert to, but possesses either more or less of those adjuncts to the mansion, which is artificial enough to be sure ? By all means let the herbaceous subjects have proper justice accorded them ; but do not introduce the more cumbersome, which are neither remarkable for flower, foliage, or habit— nor those puny sorts which require microscopic examination to exhibit their merits— nor, in fact, any of them which unavoidably become a blank in midsummer— into these artificial parterres. They are nothing but an eyesore there. The proper places for these are in borders outside of the smooth-shaven lawn, and as a break iu the beginning of the true English landscape. There they may be introduced into wavy or straight lines in these irregular or other-formed borders, or in detached figures— in fact in many ways ; and a very interesting field of observation will they present to the amateur and botanical student, not to speak of their gradual relief between sylvan shade and the extreme ornamental landscape. Then, again, it is contended that this system is but a fleeting show at the best— that in the vicissitudes of this climate it is a great deal of labour and little return. Can any of the opponents of the system indicate a plan so efl!'ective as to disarm the criticism of all and .sundry ? Can they point to the experience of the past where an equal amount of gratification was aflTorded with less adequate efforts ? or can they read the admirers and promoters of this innovation such a lesson as to induce the former to see only beauty in its similitude to Nature, and thus ignore everything from a hand-bouquet up to a ribbon flower-border? This once accomplished, then the gardener must soon follow suit. There arc, no doubt, heavy engagements upon his time at the jiropagating and bedding-out seasons, but this is often accomplished at very little extra expense ; and his employers, as a rule, are so gratified at the generally improved appearance of their parterres — many of them residing in their country No. 7«.— YoL. XXVIII., Old Seeies. «B JOURNAL OF HORTICULTITKE AND COTTAaE GAEDENEK. [ December 30, 1862. rs3ic!cnce3 only during the gayest season— that the little extra expenditure incurred is passed over without comment; so that there is exceedingly little room for evincing a morbid desire to euHail, if not to annihilate, the system altogether. It lias been called monotonous because it presents a uniform dumpy surface. Its success has been questioned because an nnCavou^-able season occasionally occurs to mar or retard its growth and beauty; but the originators of this opinion forget that wiiat affects and retards the ultimate beauty of the one roust also considerably deteriorate the ornamental appearance of the other. Move than that, I maintain tliat this system affords much the best groundwork for advantageously displaying all iiorts of spring- flowering bulbs, as well as portable specimen Conifers and other ornamental plants, which can be lifted and disposed of in shrubberies and reserve gardens when the planting- erat season arrives ; and if the accommodation of the gardener he proportionate to the space he is expected to fill, there cannot be a doubt that his dress garden will be an object of interest throughout the whole year— such an interest in fact (for the earnestness of our opponents compels us to be candid with them), as will completely eclipse the best-arranged botanical mixtures. But I have something to say in conclusion concerning the dumpy monotonous surface which this arrangement and material presents. It is certainly by no means satisfactory to my own ideas : but the system is only in its infancy, and is steadily pro- gressing every year. The great public gardens in England should lead the van in this respect: and if there is one place more than another, with all the influence of English aristocracy aud Engli'h wealth at its back, where we should expect to see the best examples of modern gardening and modern design in- troduced, it is South Kensington. But there the design has all But been condemned. Even the graphic pen of our friend Mr. Beaton has failed to excite there a reactionary movement in its ferour. — James Axdeesok. CAPE BULB CULTDEE. i ITnE two ends or extremes of the management of the larger Mrids of Cape bulbs, but not of the largest bulbs from the Cape, laving been inquired about at our office by a young hand down at Leamington, it struck me as an excellent opportunity to refresh the minds of the Journal's readers on that subject, and to request once more that they will divest themselves of the old notions which have hitherto deprived this country of the enjoy- ments of some of the finest of flowers — the flowers of lialf-hardy bulbs ; and nine-tenths of all the bulbs on the face of the earth are eilher altogether hardy or half-hardy. The few kinds of atove bulbs inhabit the coast line in a narrow belt within the tropics round the globe, and a very narrow belt it is compared with the range on which the rest of " the Lilies of the field " are displayed. So far within the tropics, and no farther, will you find a stove bulb ; and so many feet above the level of the sea, and you "ill not discover a bulb to which the heat of a stove is not certain death in the long run. You may keep stove bulbs alive for many years in a lower temperature, and yet be able to bring them up to the mark again by changing the climate to their liking ; but there are scarcely any ot those half-hardy kinds which, if once deranged by the unwonted stimulus of extra heat, will recover from the over-excitement. Sprekelia formosissima, the Jacobiea 'Lily, is the only half- hardy bulb known in practice which will endure the heat of the stove and forcing-bed from year to year with impunity. This bulb, therefore, may be added to those in the extreme limits of different treatment under cultivation. Cyrtanthus and Nerine are the two kinds inquired about from Leamington, and they are at the extremes. The evergreen Gyrtanthi require a little more warmth while they are at rest, with their leaves on, than any other Cape bulb whatever. They and Tallota purpurea grow on the verge of marshy lands ; and from their roots being constantly supplied with moisture, the drought has not the power over them to cause them to shed their leaves like most other bulbs of that country or colony ; but Vallota being from a higher locality, and requiring less heat in winter to keep it growing, however slowly, it does not differ materially from the great family of Cape bulbs, except in being »n evergreen. But the Cyrtanthus obliquus, the only evergreen one we ever see now from the Cape, rests entirely from growth &T five months from the end of September, and requires 10° more heat during these five months than any other bulb from the same country — that is, it should be in a chmate of 50° the whole winter ; and no other bulb from the Cape of Good Hope should ever be in a winter temperature above 40°, at least not for long at a time. The whole secret of growing aU Cape bulbs to perfection, is never to let oue of them experience more warmth in winter than 40°, except the one in question, Cyrtantlius obliquus ; and if that is not up to 50° from October to March, it will never bloom in this country, although it may live. Many years since I had to look out for a couple of flowering- bulbs of this Cyrtanthus for experiment, and there were not in all the nurseries, or in all the private collections of this country, as many as two bulbs of this Cyrtanthus which the owners would guarantee to flower next year, or say had flowered the year preceding. And knowing that if the bulbs did not flower for the last three years, tlie chances were they could not be brought to do so for the next ten years, if ever it could be effected, I had to send out to the Cape for some bulbs, received them in good condition, bloomed them as freely as Gladiolus, crossed them, and subverted two botanical genera in doing so, sent a seed-pod to Dr. Lindley, who pronounced the seeds half ripe only ; but every one of them made a plant in the Chiswick Garden, though eventually every one of them was lost. Now, if this Cyrtanthus obliquus down at Leamington has not bloomed for the last three years, it is of no use but as a bota- nical specimen. All the gardeners in the country in a com- mittee could not caute it to flower under five years certainly, perhaps not under fifteen or twenty-five. So you see the necessity of placing Cyrtanthus obliquus at one of the extreme limits of the proper cultivation of Cape bulbs. Yet, to a cer- tainty, it would bloom every year as regularly as Vallota pur- purea— that is, it would bloom at any time from May to Christ- mas, as freely as Gladiolus brenchleyensis if it had the proper cultivation, which is extremely simple — that is, to be allowed to make the yearly growth from April to September in a cold-frame temperature, and that, of course, could be done in a greenhouse by placing the pot near to where the top or bottom air was given, and by keeping the bulbs in an inter- mediate temperature between a stove and a greenhouse from September to March, and giving very little water through the winter. In order to keep the fat fleshy roots from shrivelling the pot ought to be put inside another, and be placed in a saucer of damp sand, merely keeping the sand damp the whole winter, and giving one good watering to the bulb onee in six weeks. The Portugal Laurel never moves a bud from the end of September to the beginning of March, and yet if its roots were left to dry-up and shrivel, it would lose all its leaves, if not die right out ; and so it is with the " evergreen Cyrtanthi," as they say of one kind of bulb only, for I do not think the variety carncus is now in. After this explanation it would do to say in the column for correspondents, "Keep your Cyrtanthus on' the front shelf of your late vinery from October to March, and give it cold-pit culture for the rest of the year." Now for the other extreme of Cape bulb cultivation. The Lea- mington correspondent had received a supply of the last-named bulbs and of some Nerine, of which he did not get the name ; but from his description of it there is little doubt about its being Nerine curvifolia, a very pretty kind, and quite as easily culti- vated as a Dutch Crocus, and very much in the same way all the year round, only that this Nerine, and all the other Nerines we know of in cultivation, should not receive so much frost as would kill or pinch the points of the leaves. The only one of the Nerines which has the least dilEculty about it is the Guernsey Lily, Nerine venusta, of which there are four varieties, and the one which comes to us yearly through the seed-shops and nur- series is the variety samiensis ; and I am not aware that any one has ever taken in hand to cultivate the Guernsey Lily in England as all Nerines ought to be done in our climate. All the Nerines, like all the true Amaryllises, rest during the summer months with us, and grow on all the winter like the Belladonna Lily, the type of the Linntean Amaryllises ; and all Nerines but one, Nerine undulata, require exactly the same treatment from October to April as one-year-old plants of bedding Calceolarias. Nerine undulata is hardy enough to do in front of a greenhouse without any protection ; and if there were a demand for it here, we could so farm it as to be able to sell it at one-half the price per bushel which is charged for the earliest kinds of Potatoes. Then, if that be so, and so it is undoubtedly, the Nerines stand at the December 30, 1862. ] JOURS AL OF nORTIC0LXURB AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 7M opposite extreme to Cyrtnntlius from tlie tame country ; they also run out in a line, as it wore, Rett ing liurdior mid more liardy from Nerine oorusca, the brijilitest of tliom all, through pul- chella, curvifolia, or present plant, tU'XUOsa, sariiieneiBOr venusta, to undulata, which is quite hardy. There were two or three more kinds of them known years back, but thoy are now, in all probability, lost. There was a consignment of "roots" of undulata sent to me for tlie Experimental Garden from a kind correspondent in Guernsey through Mr. Salter, of the Versailles JJursory, to whom I gave some of them, and who has it on sale. The reverend gentleman below Bristol, who first discovered the value of the cocoa-nut dust for bulbs, wrote me at the beginning of last November that he had then " a lovely bulb in flower which he believes is scarce. It was given him by Dr. Burchell, of Fulham,the old African traveller, and was discovered by him, and is the Amaryllis undulata of AVildenow, but now goes by some other name." I thought it might probably bo the same as the Leamington Nerine curvifolia, as I take it to be, and I much wished a bulb of it if that were the kind. Next week I had a spike of bloom sent me to see the diflference, if any, and it was the true Nerine undulata ; and this will be the fust notice of the fact which his reverence will see ; and by so saying, the Lpamington possessor of Nerine with the " very curled leaves " will also see how much I should value a "root" of Nerine curvifolia, but not now ; for just at this time the plant has nearly finished the length of its leaves, and will not be fit to move until the end of May, unless it bo in a pot, or bo different from what I take it to be ; for there is no bulb like it in the waviness of the margin of the leaf except Ilajmanthua undulatus from the same country. All the Nerines flower in September and October, and at no other time. Most of them come like the Belladonna Lily, and at the same time with a host of flower-stems and flowers only ; and when the flowers are over then come the leaves, or with some of the kinds the leaves come simultaneously with the flowers. When they are bloomed in pots the best way would be to turn them out of the pots as soon as the flowers were past, and to plant them out with their balls in a light at the end of a cold pit, to grow on during the winter and spring, and to have the glass tilted at front and back the whole time, as long as the frost was not more than 5°, 6°, or 7°, which would not luirt them ; but when the thermometer fell below 25° to shut them up until there was a change of weather, to keep them well watered from the end of February to the middle of May, and to keep down the glass close over them all the summer months wlien they are at rest, for our hottflst summers are not too hot for them while they are at rest, nor for the Belladonna either, which requires the same treatment all the year round as the Nerines if they are grown, or rather bloomed, in pots. Another correspondent who has been growing the Belladonna Lilies in pots and who cannot get them to bloom, has been on the wrong scent altogether. He put them into CO' of heat after the blooming time was eone, and, of course, he put them ofl" flower- ing by 80 doing. The Belladonna must be in good hands to flower in pots one year with another ; but in a warm border in front of a stove or greenhouse they flower every year and in- crease fast by offset bulbs. If any one took the trouble to make a bed on purpose for Belladonna and Nerines at the end of a cold pit, he might pot them at the beginning of September, bloom them in pots, and then return them to the same bed after flowering for the rest of the year. They would give no more trouble than Gladiolus ; and a whole host of Irid bulbs could be grown in the same cold pit, and in front of these Araaryllids, if the first foot in depth of the front part of the bed was of peat and one-third loam. But the oldest plan of all is still the best for amateurs for their Nerines and for the Belladonnas — that is to say, make a bed for then\ on purpose in front of some hot- house or greenhouse. The bed should be fully 2 feet deep and 1 foot above the level of the ground round it. Any good garden soil will suit them. What one would use for a Peach-border would be about the best, but no dung and no peat should be in it, as, though dung and peat are good for one or two years, they are not safe for permanent beds for bulbs which do not require peat — as Irids and many Lilies. June and early in July is the best time to plant them ; and the roots or bulbs should stand 6 inches apart each way, be fully 6 inches deep in the ground, and have mulching in winter, for which coal ashes are as good as anything, and have straw put over it in very severe frost. D. Beatox. CKOSS-BREEDING STRAWBEEEIES. As you rc(iucst information from any one who may have it 'to impart relative to the cross-breeding of Strawberries, I beg t« say that I have crossed British Queen and the Alpmo, and Brilish Queen and the Russian Alpine. , Tlic produce of the cross first named was a lot of very diminu- tive plants, remarkably froo-flowcring, and having large llowcri but quite sterile. The plants of the cross named secondly were large and lre»- growing, shy-blooming, and also sterile. Enclosed I send vou three small runners of another crow between a wild Hnutbois (which I gathered on Bramham Common under a Thorn bush, where, apparently, it had bee» growing for many years, having a woody stem about 10 inclie* long), and a fine "seedling that I obtained between British Queea and Black Prince, having the flavour and nearly the size of the first, with tlie prolific properties of the last. I have only reared one plant. It was sown in March last, and it has made a large plant with four large crowns. It has not flowered yet, and i« very ehy in forming runners, having only produced about sii through the summer, and those have grown mostly since I took it up in September. ,, -r, • -i. ■ If you thought it might in any way interest Mr. JJ&rwin, it m at your option to send him one or all. I gathered some of Fragaria vcsca to plant on tlie rockery, and they are g«aj;'y improved in size and perpetual. Uas any one noticed thu before? — William Smith, I'or/c. [Mr. Darwin, to whom we forwarded all the runners, is verr much obliged, and has planted them. We had a large bed of Fragaria vesca (Wood Strawberry) some years since, and the fruit was double, both in size and quantity, that obtamed bom. plants growing wild. — Eds.] CHRYSANTHEMUMS. " I don't like Chrvsanthemums," said a London friend to me some time ago ; " there's a sort of mock gaiety about them. They mean to look handsome and attractive; but there a fog and gloom all round, and they are out of place. They are like ornaments on an old person— and so— and so I don't like them. I wonder whether this feeling is general, or how it is that the flower seems this season to have been very much in the back- ground. As for myself, I felt personally aggrieved— hardly done by, having never seen a really good Chrysanthemum show. I had made up my mind this year to do so. Alas ! it was nv use making plans, for neither the Crystal Palace folk nor th«, Royal Horticultural Society found room for one; and although Slo'ke Newington still continued loyal to the flower, yet I did not seem to be drawn towards that, and so contented myself with a peep at Kensington. It could hardly be called a show^; and therefore the conclusion which was drawn in the Society's "Proceedings"— that because so few persons went to the Gardens on that day, the wisdom of not having a Chrysan- themum show was patent, was what I should call a very fine noil sequi/ur. It was not a show— had none of the adjuncts of a show ; the sum ofi'ered was not sufficient to bring together many exhibitors, and was, moreover, so completely an after- thought, ofiered so late in the season, that there was no possi- bility of people preparing for it : hence I hope that it will not be taken a? a precedent. I look upon the Crystal Palace Company not having one as more ominous still. They are so ready to cater for the public in every way, provided it is likely to bring grist to the mill, that I fear they regard it as an unprofitable thing. I hope this may not be so, for I do not agree with my London friend ; and even now, as on Christmas-eve, I look at my little lot, and can see a brilliant bloom of Jardin des Plantes and Carissima, I do not think their gaietv forced, but am glad to welcom ? anything in the shape of a flower. Nor had I this season my usual treat at my excellent friend, Mr. Salter's, of Hammersmith. Had I known it, I should have preferred a visit there to that to Kensington ; but there were friends I wished to see and business to be done, and so the visit to Hammersmith was not paid. Mr. Salter has done what he could with his usual kindness to mike up the loss. I saw some of his seedlings at the Floral Committee. He kindly sent me blooms of some others, and has also furnished me with a list of those novelties which h« intends sending out in the ensuing spring. Of the flowers of this year which, through his kindness I 7«t) JOtrBNAL OF HORTICUIiTtJRE AND COTTAaE GARDENER. [ December 30. 1862. have lia<3 blooming in my possessiou, the following seem to me to be very desirable : — Carissima, a very beautiful largo flower ; blush white, and beautifully incurved. Duchess of Wellington, rosy carmine with blush tips; large incurved flower. Edith Dombrain, makes an uncommonly pretty plant ; colour a pinkish-blush. Sparkler. — When I saw tliis flower in the autumn of 1861 it struck me as being likely to be a more general favourite than General Slade. Although it only obtained a second-class cer- tificate while the General was first I still hold to that opinion, and think that, although both are good, as a general rule Sparkler will be preferred. Lord of the Isles, too, is a very fine flower, high in the centre ; and although not novel in colour, beautifully incurved, and a most desirable flower. Lord Ranelagh is a light reddish-orange, beautifully incurved, and of fine liabit. Of the Pompones Citronella is a very pretty clear yellow; and Lucinda, rose and lilac, and very full. It seems strange that the new varieties should run much more amongst the large flowers tlian the Pompones, but so it has been of late years. In 18(30 Mr. Salter had twenty-four new large flowers and only ten Pompones. In 1861 he had twenty- one large flowers and five Pompones ; while, as will be seen from the following list, he has this year eighty large ones and only six Pompones. The fresh blood that is likely to be in- fused into the flower by the late introductions from Japan wiU not make any alteration on this point, for they are larger than anything we have at present, one of them being described by Mr. Fortune as being as lai'ge as his hat. I now subjoin a list of Mr. Salter's novelties, and am the rather glad at having this early opportunity of doing so, as, owing to the very late season, Mr. Salter was unable to supply his list in time tor the " Tear-book." I have seen some of the flowers, and th.ink Her Mnjesty will take the place she ought to do in all loyal hearts, as the habit is so excellent ; whUo Lord Palmereton is as great a novelty as his namesake. Princess Alexandra and Princess Louis of Hesse are very good flowers : and amongst the Pompones Julia Eiigelbach, Mary Lind, and Fairest of the Fair, will, I think, be general favourites. Her Majesty (Smith), ivory blush, beautifully incurved ; com- pact dwarf habit. Every flower a perfect model. Abbe Passaglia (Smith), large, brassy orange, beautifully inoiirved. , Antonelli (Smith), reddish-orange, incurved. A splendid flower. , Aspasia (Smith), rosy purple, inciu-ved blush. A very pretty pot plant. Beverley (Smith), large creamy white, finely incurved. Cleopatra (Salter), blush, with rosy sliade, finely incurved. Cardinal Wiseman (Smith), bright red crimson ; dwarf, and fine pot plant. Duchess of Buckingham (Salter), fine incurved white. Excel- lent conservatory plant. Daphne (Smith), sulphur. Fine and distinct. Golden Fleece (Smith), clear golden yellow, incurved ; fine dwarf habit. Holman Hunt (Smith), clear rose. Large and very fine. Handel (Smith), large, dark rose anemone. Tery distinct and noble flower. _ Jane (Salter), large, silvery pink, finely incurved. Very dis- tinct and beautiful. Lord Palmerston (Smith), dark rose amaranth, incurved, and tipped with silvery white. A very fine and distinct variety. Mrs. Brunlees (Smith), dehcate rose, with light centre, in- curved, and fine large flower. Mr. Jay, reddish-orange, with gold centre, incurved, and fine. Oliver Cromwell (Smith), dark ruby red, beautifully incurved. Othello (Salter), dark rose carmine, finely incurved. Orpheus (Clark), large rose lUae, tipped blush. Fine large flower, after tlie form of Tliemis. Princess Alexandra (Smith), delicate lilac blush, with lemon centre, finely incurved. A lovely flower of exquisite form. Princess Louis of Hesse (Smith), bright rosy pink, incurved, blush. Dwarf, and excellent habit. Queen Margaret (Smith), large rosy anemone, with light centre. Fine and distinct. Samuel Broome (Smith), orange salmon, incurved. Tery full and noble flower. St. Andrews (Davis), orange nankeen, incurved, and fine show flower. Talbot (Smith), rose purple, tipped blush ; very close, stiff petals, beautifully incurved. Victor Hugo (Smith), dark brown crimson with chestnut centre, finely incurved. POMPONES. Fairest of the Fair (Salter), delicate lilac blush with silvery tips. Very double, and fine habit. Helen Lindsey (Salter), cream white, a complete ball. Pine, early, and free-flowering variety. Julia Engelbach (Smith), golden orange with brown points. Very double, and excellent habit. Lilac Cedo Null?, a sport of Cedo Nulli, with lilac flowers. Mary Lind, blush with purple shade. Very distinct. Pyramidalis (Smith), red and orange hybrid. Very free, every brauoli forming a pyramid of flowers. lAHGE PLOWERS. Croesus (Smith), dark golden amber, incurved ; very close and full rosette form. Very dwarf and fine pot plant. Pomona (Smith), dark rosy fawn with bright orange centre, incurved. Princess Mary (Smith), large blush white, finely incurred. Beautiful show flower. Fair Rosamond (Smith), rosy yellow with lemon centre, in- curveil. The above four flowers will be also in my first section ; but Dapline and Pyramidalis will be put in the second section, — D., Deal. PROPAGATING CONIFEROUS PLANTS BY CUTTINGS. I WILL add 3 mite relative to successful practice upon the above subject. Now is a very good time to put in cuttings of all the Unds desired to be increased by that mode. The cuttings will do either in a cold pit or hot pit according to convenience, the difference being only a matter of time. The warmer they are the sooner they will strike. Supposing some one wants to increase any of the beautiful Cupressuses, Thujas, Junipers, Thujopsis, &c., take some long strong pieces of the ends of the side branches — the larger the piece the sooner you make a handsome tree — say from 6 inches to 12 inches long, yet some of them will strike from bits of 2 inches. We have had a great deal of instruction about preparing these cuttings from time to time, embodying certain rules, which, of course, the writers considered unlawful not to observe ; but in these "trotting days," as Mr. Beaton calls them, if the laws that were made for a past generation do not meet our wants, we must go ahead and take the responsibility of making laws for ourselves. It is so with Conifer cuttings. Having the pieces, take one up and cut a shaving off its bark about \\ inch long from the base upwards ; cut that shaving clean oflT at one cut, so as to expose the wood from top to bottom of the cut, and so on till you have finished. Never mind about the bottom end of the cutting, whether it be square, round, or oval, eye or no eye, joint or no joint ; all that is non-essential. There is not a plant that will strike from a cutting that requires to be cut in any given form ; but if it will break with a bend without bending double, it will strike from that break as soon as from the most precisely cut end — in many instances much sooner — because there is more alburnum exposed, from which the roots proceed. Perhaps I shall be put down as an unmistaieable descendant of the "uncouth Goth." Be it so r my aim is success, and I base my practice on scientific principles — so I will next take a large seed-pan, crock it, and secure the drainage ; fill it with fine sandy soil, finishing-ofiT with half an inch of silver sand, and dibble-iu the cuttings as thick aa their tops will allow them to stand, water them, and give the usual significant rap on the potting-bench. Then I want a large saucer, and three little stones an inch or two thick placed in a triangular form in the bottom ; on these set the cutting-pan, and keep water in the saucer up to the bottom of the pan continually, and give no water at top. Put them into the pits above mentioned, and kee]3 close till growth has commenced, when they shoidd have a. Uttle more light and air, gradually exposing them till you get December 30, 1862. ] JOURJTAX OF HORTICDLTURK AMD COXXAGE GAKDENBR. 781 them out altogether, and when t'loy haTO heen out a woek or two, shako tlicm carofully out and plaut in a nurscrj-bed. — William Smith, rurlc. MEASURING THE ANGLES OF EOOFS. The following is in answer to "Patelin's" inquiries on this subject : — There is a want of a thorough understanding, as to the mode of calculating the angle between the perpendicular wall of a lean-to house, or the supjiosed perpendicular line in the centre of a spin-roofed house, and the sloping glass roof, because some authors count from one side of the quadrant and others from the opposite side. It is much to bo wished that the Editors of this work would give a corlain sound on the subject, as fre- quently when the angle of a house-roof is given, wo have nothing to judge from except the context as to whether that roof has a elope Tery steep or very flat. We presume the youngest of our readers are aware that a quadrant is the fourth part of a circle, formed by dividing the circle into four equal parts, by two trans- Terse diameters. The fourth part of the circumference thus forms the arc of the quadrant, and the two diameters, meeting in an angle in the centre of the circle, form the two straight sides of the quadrant. The are of the quadrant is then divided into 90°, being the fourth part of 3G0". So far all U clear. Sesfff. 1. There may be many other ways in taking the angles of roofs ; but I used to amuse myself dohig so with a quadrant formed of wood, or stiff paste- board, with a string and bob, fastened at the angle E. Thus : place either of the sides c or D parallel with the slope of your roof, and the string with the bob will mark the angle on the arc. In deciding on the slope of a roof to be made, you can just elevate or lower the bact part of a long rod intended to represent the slope of a roof, until the requisite degree is marked on the arc with tlie string. For instance : in a house 'J feet wide, and the back wall 9 feet higher than the front wall, as in fy. 2, either side of the quadrant, placed parallel with the sloping roof A, will show an angle of 4,5^. This will always be the case when the height of the back wall above the front wall is and early work, commandire most of the perpendicular rays of light in tlic diirk moiitlis. You will also perceive that 0° being the perpendicular, 24°, 14°, ic, would give you roofs all the more steep, until you cmuo to upright sashes at 0°. On the other band, however, many people calculate their angles by using the I) side of the quadrant, which is next to 90' on the are, and this, as specified above, alters the whole matter. On this mode your desired angle of 3 1° for roof would be shown at n, Jiy. 4. To secure this angle according to that mode, you would require to raise the back wall only G feet higher than the front, 12 feet in all, provided tlie width was 9 feet. We hicline to think that i\uf must be the angle of roof you require, as with u|>right glass in front, such a slope would prove a very generally useful house. On such a niodeof calculation, theroof and angle in fir;, i, of :H°, will be exactly the same as an angle of 56°, according to the first mode referred to. In one word, according to this lost mode, the lower the figure of the angle, as 10°, 15°, 20°, &c., the flaller wdl bo the roof. According to the first mode, the lower the number of the angle, as 10°, 15°, &c., the steeper will bo the glass roof. Thus the angle of the glass sush of a garden-frame, will, accord- ing to the last mode, be about 10°, according to the first mode it will be 80°. Such differences ought to lead to one general usage to prevent misconceptions. I approve of the first mode — that is, of using the side of the quadrant c next the units on the arc. Others have just as good a right to use the side next yO", until some authority shall settle the matter. By the first mode I have computed all angles of roofs mentioned by me. What is said of the garden-frame, and^^s. 3 and ■!■, will explain the difference. There may be some better method of deciding on an angle than a quadrant and a rod, &c., but 1 know of none. — K. Fisu. ng.l. rig. 2. Fig. 3. CO •J-o \ C \ \ Fig. 4. 9 feet. 9 feet. 3 feet. the same in feet and inches as the width of the house. But now comes the bother and worry about these angles. According to the side of the quadrant we tiius use, the difference becomes greater as we go from the point ef agreement at 45°. Thus you are re- commended to have a roof at an angle of 31°, as the best, and as your front wall and glase together are 6 feet in height, you wish to know what height the back wall should be. Now, the mode by which I always calculate, is to use the side 0 of the quadrant, or that which is nearest the numerals, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, and so on, on the are ; and to have a roof, E, in Jig. 3, at an angle of 34°, the back wall will require to be about 13 feet higher than the front one, or 19 feet altogether, supposing the width of the bouse to be 9 feet, and just so much higlier or lower as the honse is wider or narrower than the 9 feet specified. You will at once see that such a house would be chiefly useful for late A HEDGE OF EOSES. Yes, " A Hedge of Roses." The very words at any season give an idea of the beautiful; and they do not sound ungenia! even now at Christmas, the season redundant with its many happy reflections. So there is given an illustration of a " hedge of Koses," and does not the very phrase bring from the past some of onr sunniest memories ? But these pages are for the " real," not for the merely " ideal," so let us pass on to " a hedge," a veritable one — composed of the cream of the Rose-catalogues, a combination of colours and varieties ; the van being led by the warlike Geant des Batailles, followed by Generals Jacqueminot, Washington, and Simpson; accompanied by the flne-furmed, unwieldy Colonel de Rouge- mont, with the Mesdames Alexieff, Boll, Furtado, Melanie, and others ; having as companions such partners as Jules Margottin, with Monsieurs Rieaut, Lafitte, and a name that sounds strange — John Hopper, with many others, and last, though not least, Mr. Wm. Paul's Beauty of Waltham. Though I here enumerate a few essential ones, the outline of the hedge, as I devise it, admits of every facility for the further- ance of individual likings and fancies, giving each an opportunity to select for himself. So, now bring your rod and line, and let us proceed to peg-out the necessary space within which to plant our hedge. Yet, first let me tell you that, as usual, we again submit to individual fancies or desires as to the form, whether it be straight, abruptly curved, or rotund ; though it will be better where applicable to give the preference to a line more or less north by south, as thereby both sides will the better be benefited by the direct influence of the sun. Having selected the spot, well trench and manure the ground some 5 feet or 6 feet wide the whole length required, and, if possible, 2 feet or 3 feet further than just where the hedge is to be. Here let me state, that where the nature of the soil is really adverse to the growth of Roses, I would not advise the attempt to be made unless the proper space for the whole growth of the individual plants be made artificially, as however well you may prepare a certain space in one of those harsh ungenial soils, though it may suit them, and they may do well for a few years, yet it would not be wise to plant them for the purpose specified above, for in time the roots would roam beyond the limits of the artificial soil prepared for them, and the result would be very unsatisfactory. Having prepared the soil, returf if necessary tlio space to within a foot each way of where your centre is to be ( the centre of the hedge). By so doing you have a border some 2 feet wide. Now, procure some rough, knottj-, rustic-looking slakes, or poles, about 7 feet long, and drive them firmly in two rows. Each stake lez JOUENAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ December 30, 1862; in tliose two rows to occupy the centre of the interval between the opposite pair thus ; — Each of the said stakes to be some 5^ feet apart from each atber iu each row, tlie distance between the two rows of stakes in the line being IJ foot apart. This done, procure the necessary aumberof Rose plants, giving preference to the following sorts : — Glorie de Dijon, Blairu No. 2, Clion^dole, and, perhaps, the Queen of the Prairies ; although I am not yery partial to the last, it may do in some soils. But, suppose you take to the three sorts enumerated above, then proceed to plant them alternately all ways ; and if odd ones are necessary, give the preference to the former one. Having planted them as directed, cut each of them in to one eye — the bottom one, if it is Jikely-looking ; if not, and it appears weak, take the next, rubbing the discarded one out, as I have mostly found that eyes or buds, like shoots, consist of weak and strong ones, the weaker ones never doing like the others. Now, secure the plant firmly to the stake, but so tie it as to admit of its settling down with the soil, otherwise you may liacg eacli of tlieni. When they bieak, to use a gardening phrase, and are started to grow, encourage them by giving them repeated waterings with manure water, &o., supporting them by tying them to the posts. The next spring again cut them down to the one eye, and again encourage a good strong growth, treating them in all ways as they were treated tlie previous season. The next spring so prune them back to five or six eyes as to secure for the next summer's growtli fine, good, strong shoots. I say prune to five or six eyes, as I would wish you so to prune the single stem of each individual plant (as they may vary materially one from the other), as to secure the five shoots, for get the five tliis season you must by some means or other, so that if either does not look likely give six a chance to break. Then, when you have secured five healthy young shoots to each plant, encourage again each of those shoots to make a thorough good growth. Your requirement now is rather to attain good, strong, short-jointed, well-ripened wood than great length, as the after-growtli of tlio hedge will prove. As they grow tie them loosely and carefully. Pray do not bundle them together as Roses often are, tied for tying sake ; mxilch the ground, and give most copious waterings if dry weather should set in. "When the shoots get about 5 feet long pinch the tops off. When they are again safely started in growth secure the bottom shoot that has started in consequence of being pinched baek, and rub out all others upon eacli point save this one. By so doing, as doubtless you will see, you will materially strengthen the growth of all ; as vegetation, even when most luxuriant, benefits by a little relaxation, for this enables it to muster its resources and start again with strength and freshness. You, doubtless, perceive that I am quite an adherent of Mr. Beaton's mode of treatment when a thorough good growth is needed. By all means cut the shoots down ; cut away the whole growth of last summer, and in the roots below you have a firm basis upon which to set to work, and form a shoot or shoots — say three or four of them, 14 feet long if you wish. I have done it, so write from experience ; and let me tell those who have not done 80, and who may have now oldish plants of Roses, that if an eye can be found at the base of any of them, cut them down to it. Having pinched the points of the shoots off and given the unobserved hard-working roofs breathing time, we leave the thoots to make good hard wood for next spring, as we shall want it all. Leave them until a mild week in the very early spring succeeding, when the border should be thoroughly well treated as regards manuring and forking; and now the want is a wherewith to extend and support them when formed into " the hedge," — in a word, a Rose crinoline is wanted. A crinoline for a hedge ! how absurd ! Very well. Now take the pattern of your main support from the letter IT ; upon the now upper crosses of it place strong tines, or, as some would say, " legs." This, as you will see when inverted, will form when placed in the ground a permanent ahief stay, thus — Ihe bent part of this aboTe ground should be flattened. Through this when properly flattened, &e., holes will be made, in number 11 — that is, five on each side and one in the centre of the upper bend. The number of these bent supports which may be requisite will depend upon the length and the strength individual ones possess when made. I would have them about 3 yards apart. Through these pass the customary small feneiag wire so — ^n The Rose plants, grown as I have stated above, are to be trained to this fence, but first let me give a size for the same. It may be some 48 inches high — that is, above ground. The number of wires being, as I have stated above, five on each side and the centre one, might be equalised thus — six wires 8 inches apart bring the required figure by multiplication to 48 as above. How get the five shoots ready upon the first plant; select the weakest ; train it straight up to the centre ; when there turn and tie it some few inches along the top or centre wire ; then select the next two weakest shoots and train them up in a work- manlike manner, and in opposite directions along the fourth wire from the ground. Tie nicely, and leave at a tolerably good length until you have trained the next Rose, when you must arrange so as to cut them back where two eyes meet. If one shoot to do this must be longer, of course let it be the strongest from the strongest plant. By cutting them back so you have the means of getting a shoot to go up to the fifth wire, and down to the third at the very end ; try to fill out the ends and the bottom, as the base and the top of the shoots are sure to do so. Now, select the two last and two beat shoots to go along the second wire from the ground, the best in the worst place ; and if you follow my directions, treating the other side in the same way, you should not have an inch of vacant space upon either the second from the ground, the fourth, or the sixth wire — each will be a continuation of good well-seasoned wood, save just where the first shoot runs up, and this seldom fails to fill out. Well, now, perhaps, you have caught my idea and I need not go further, though if a thing is done it should be done well, and so we will proceed with the " finis." Try your utmost to get every eye to break, to start, to grow. Encourage each to grow well, and as they grow tie those you can, alternateiy up and down, to the vacant wires, Nos. 1, 3, 8, and 5 left on purpose. Some few shoots may not readily bend into their places now ; if so, stick a stake in the ground, and tie each such shoot to it. Overlook the appearance this one season, even if you have states protruding, giving you an idea of a bristled hedgehog. If when growing some of the shoots should be weaker than others, when the strongest are 4 inches long, or long enough to tie to the proper wire, stop them, and so encourage the weak ones ; next look carefully after them, and find out when the wood is just right for budding upon. Then, when you find the sap begins to lessen within them, and they are ready, bud, upon every conceiveable point of them where applicable, any Roses you like, but do it neatly and cleanly. You need not cut half the slit budders in general do. You need not also have more than half the heel to the buds you have been used to. If you notice three parts of all Rose-buds, those that have too much bark to them generally take hold of their fresh support close to and around the eye, when the outer part of the bark dies, and consequently there is a much larger wound for the foster-parent or stock to heal : so pray, upon this occasion in particular, bud in a clean, neat, and workmanUke manner. Try also so to insert the buds that when the shoot is tied to the next wire it may be at the side of it ; for these, when they grow, will in their turn have to be tied down and in with the others, and that neatly and tidily. Another thing let me tell you— when tying the buda December 30, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF nORTICITLTUKB AND OOTIAGE GARDENER. 783 in, wliether you use matting or worateil, pray tie them loosely. Do not catch hold of the shoot with one hand, and with the other twist your material around as if your only intention were to stop the flow of tlie sap. Take an example from your own finger when wounded. Tliere is a certain tightness at which a bandage wound round feels comfortable : either tighten or loosen if it is not. So with a plant. Excessive tightness of the ligature interferes with the equalisation of the sap. Perhaps it does not stop its upward flow, but it stops its downward tendency in the liber, sometimes wholly. I have seen instanses whore the untied bud grew the best. When your buds have taken and grown even Teas can be placed upon this trellis with impunity, as you can mat it in severe weather. if the contemplation of this our " Hedge of Roses," does not give a zest to your happy Christmas thoughts, I hope many and more worthy things may. — W. Eabley, Digswell. POTATOES AND THEIE QUALITIES. TOUE correspondent, " Ui'WAED3 and Onwabds," has written a very serviceable paper on this excellent root ; but he mentions one of the best Potatoes in this country in rather a flippant way, insinuating that it is now an old Potato ; but this is not the case, as it has not been known in Gloucestershire for more than twelve or fourteen years, and only more generally during the last seven or eight. I do not agree with your correspondent that the very white powdery Potato is best, as many of this description are very in- diiTerently flavoured. In praising the Fluke (from Lancashire it has been stated originally), I can only state that it is a sort which commands a higher price than any one of the late-keeping Potatoes named by your correspondent, and we are extremely fond of them at our dinner table. I consider the Fluke one of the riohest- tlftvoured Potatoes grown. This Potato is not so prolific as many others, but where the soil agrees with it, it is an excellent bearer ; but I have heard that newly-broken-up pasture ground is not favourable to its growth and numbers. The great thing to persuade all Potato-growers is to vary the Tarieties every year, and plant them not too frequently en the same soil. The custom of small occupiers of growing Potatoes and Wheat in succession for sometimes twenty consecutive years has favoured the increase of disease all over the country, and it would be well if this were guarded against for the future. In addition to this injurious custom. Potatoes have been planted for many years too late in the season. The public are obliged to your correspondent, "Upwakds AND Onwabds," for naming several new sorts ; and I trust in seasons to come Potato-growers will purchase their seed Potatoes from a distance much greater than heretofore, and then we shall have every chance of a cessation of the disease which has been so long a scourge, and which has certainly been in a much more modified form this year than in any season since 1845. — H. W. Newman, BilUide, Cheltenham. GRAPES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Wb have forcing and cool vineries, which give us an abundant crop of Grapes from May till December, and I am most anxious to produce fruit all the year round. Will you inform me what are the best proportions for pits or houses, and the method to adopt for top and bottom heating to obtain a crop of Grapes to supply the table from January to April ? Also, what sorts of Vines you recommend to answer this purpose, and how to retard the Vines till the required time for bringing them into action ? — A. BtlEGE. [Consult Mr. Sanders' book on " The Vine." He has no particular house for the purpose. See answer to correspondent about the angles of hothouse roofs. Could we have our wish, a steep roof at an angle of from 33° to 38° would be our choice. Then supposing we settled on a house 9 feet wide, we would Lave the front wall 3 feet high, the back from 15 feet to 16 feet, a raised border inside G feet wide, and 18 inches deep ; two four-inch pipes below it for bottom heat, either in chamber or rubble, with means for draining the bottom of the border, and at least four five-inch pipes for top heat, and plant the Vines inside, and keep the roots there. The wood of these Vines ought to be ripened and pruned early in summer, and rested by the roots being kept dry, and plenty of air and shade, and then started in August and September. If pots are used, they should, after being well ripened as to their wood, be pruned, and laid down against a north wall, and kept dry and cool before starting them. We shall be obliged by some correspondent answering more in detail.] WALKS. Whatetbti difference of opinion there may bo as to certain appendages of a garden, tliere can be no question but that a really good walk or roadway is a favourite with every one. A firm dry walk, or a good hard road, is so essential to the general character of a place, and very often is the first thing a visitor notices, that where these necessary requirements are indifferent in quality, it is not easy for the other attractions of the place to mend the reputation that suffers by the second-class pathways. Certain localities, it is true, lack the materials necessary to make a first-class walk or roadway ; but there are many makeshifts, which, when well and skilfully worked-up, make a very good road or walk ; and sometimes very unpromising materials, when so worked-up, do more credit to the manager than when a fine walk is made at great expense of articles that could hardly fail to be successful however used. Believing, therefore, that some light may be thrown on the subject by a few notes on principles generally applicable, as well as some having reference to particular localities, I will endeavour to make my remarks meet the cases of the majority if not of all classes. Commencing with what un- questionably was the first of all paths for human beings— the "pubhc footpath," let us see how this is best made in the localities where such exist. Public Footpath. — It is likely this still-necessary mode of communication between one place and another has existed since the earliest times of the world being peopled. Following the beaten track of the wild beast may have originated the first public roadway ; and, gradually, the removal of certain obstruc- tions in the way led by degrees to other improvements, until the wants of the times, and the better peopling of districts, led to the construction of thoroughfares exhibiting an industry which has won the admiration of succeeding ages. The paved causeways which are supposed to have been introduced into England by the Romans, and of which there are several remains in a good state of preservation, attest the skill and industry of that singular people ; but we are told that paved causeways, of still greater magnitude than any the Romans ever created, existed in South America centuries before that country was visited by Europeans. However this may be, a good paved causeway is certainly the most durable public road we now have ; and though there have, even in our time, been many attempts to substitute something else for a hard stone pavement by the advocates of Mr. McAdam, and the various schemes of wood and iron paving, it seems almost certain that good hard stone will maintain its supremacy after all. But the streets of large towns are not the only places a pavement is adapted for. In many parts of Lancashire and Cheshire, turnpikes and parish roads are ahke paved with large stones ; and it has long been a question there whether such paved roads are not, on the whole, better than those made of small stones. This question, however, need not be argued here. Suffice it to say that, for a public pathway through Tery dirty ground, a hard stone pave- ment is unquestionably the best of all pathways j but where such a walk passes through a dry grass field, the chances are that the turf is preferred to the walk, and an objectionable trackway parallel to the walk is made. This is not unusual even when a smoother material is used for a walk than ordinary paving stones, for the coolness of turf is much relished in summer. Some discretion must, therefore, be exercised in having paved walks only where there is much traffic ; and even then, if there be wheeled carriages or horses to traverse them, it is likely that something else than limestone or granite would not form a more agreeable path. Asphalted Walk.— The adoption of this article in the formation of railway platforms, pubUo thoroughfares in the neighbourhood of towns, and in many private places, has created quite a revolution in walk-making. Even the mode in which this article is used has undergone so much change of late years, that it is only in consequence of the most important material not being very plentiful, otherwise it is difficult to say how far the use of tarred walks, as they are often called, would be earned. It is certain that when well done nothing makes so easy and 78t JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE ftARDENER. [ December 30, 1862. agreeable a walk that we know of, neither 13 it wholly useless for resisting the action of carriage wheels ; but in thia case it raust only be as an accompaniment to a stone causeway or pave- ment, where it can be poured on ho.t, and by its fiUing-in ttie crevices and partly covering the stones the noise of vehicles is much reduced. Sometimes the stonework is entirely covered over with the soft plastic substance, which the feet of horses indent at every footstep, as I have seen in some large manufac- turing towns ; but pieces are liable to break off, and it is expen- sive to often renew it. Wliere the traffic of foot passengers only has to be sustained, a coating of gas tar and small gravel over stones makes an excellent pathway, rolling and smoothing at the same time. Generally, however, the formation of a walk on a foundation of another kind is adopted, the conditions for that being far from difficult to obtain in almost any position ; one of the most necessary qualifications for that purpose is a little descent one way to carry oif the water, for, although railway platforms are sometimes level, in general most other places done with this material have a sufficient declivity to insure the water being all carried oS. If water be allowed to stand in shallow pools on the face of the walk, it quickly rots and perishes the material, and a break-up is the result. The outlet side also must be clear — no kerb to stop the water and form a stream on the asphalted part of the walk ; but if there be a kerb, let it be slightly below the face of the walk, so as to allow the water to run otf freely. In fact, it is the due preparation of the foundation, rather than the care and skill in putting on the material, that constitutes the quality of the walk. In laying down asphalt, an ordinary hard-beaten footpath of the proper level or inclination, and a fine hot day to do the work in, are all that are wanted. Those accustomed to the work have a boiler and fireplace moveable on wheels, which they take from place to place, and some well-sifted gravel about the size of peas and beans, and free from sand and anything larger tlian a small marble. The tar, being heated in the boiler, is run-out into iron pails and carried to the walk, and is roughly spread, or, rather, thrown on by one man with a ladle, while another spreads it with a long-handled brush made on purpose, and a third with a barrow throws on gravel with a shovel at the same time. When a few yards are done, the roller is drawn over it several times. The quantity of tar laid on must fall short of half an inch thick, but as much gravel is given as will adhere to it, so that the mixture may be a good inch thick and often more. After repeated rollings a part of the loose gravel is swept olT, and it is again rolled ; but sufficient gravel is at all times left on to insure tlie feet of the pedestrian always treading on the gravel rather than on the tar. The latter, however, by being well heated over the fire before putting on, loses much of that soft stickiness it had before ; and the gravel, being left on rather higher than the tar, works down by wear, so that the walk is better some weeks or months after it is made than it is at first. It gets smoother by wear ; and the cold weather of autumn and winter removes, in a great measure, the liability it might have to get soft. It must not, however, be supposed that such a walk is of everlasting wear ; on the contrary, it wants renewing like otiicr things, and a slight coating of tar and gravel, as before, is given every two or tliree years where there is a great deal of traffic, the quantity of material given being much less than was the case when the foundation sucked-in 80 much at the first doing. Asphalted walks are not recommendable in the front of mansions or dwelling-houses, where they approach close to the windows, the smell bemg disagreeable in hot weather ; and I have been told of a case of which I have the fullest rehance, that the strong smell of the coal tar used in this mode of making paths penetrated into a house, and even the food tasted of it, milk particularly so. It must, therefore, be used with caution in such places ; and if it be advisable to do it under such circumstances, it would be better done, if possible, when the family are from home. Tliat the smell goes off in a great measure every one knows ; but a very hot day will revive it to a certain extent, and we all know it is not agreeable. A perfectly level place is not adopted for asphalt, as it is almost impossible to prevent the existence of some slight hollows or basins in which water will stand ; and it quickly decays the tarred sub- stance, besides looking badly, as there is always a stain left when water has no other way of escaping than by evaporation. For general purposes we would, therefore, advise extensive level plots — as terraces, promenades, Sic, to be done with something else than asphalt. CoxcRETE Waiks. — Many directions have been given in papers more especially devoted to mechanical pursuits for the making of walks or floors of this kind ; but, in general, the modes recommended are too expensive for ordinary purposes, and it is only lime of a particular description that will stand out-door work, and this not very well at all times. Various substances are mixed with it, as gravel, shells, coals, broken clinkers, refuse of mines or furnaces, or other substances of that kind not possessing any antagonistic quality opposed to the lime. There are many ways of mixing and using these in- gredients. One of the best modes I have seen adopted was by pounding the lime, not slaking it, and mixing it in a dry state with the stone or other substance forming the compound, and only wetting it at the moment it is used. Another way, and a favourite one with some architects when using concrete for the foundation of a building, is to mix the material and carry it ta the height of 15 feet or 20 feet, and let it fall with considerable force on the place it is intended to oocupy. This, however, is not applicable to walk-making in an ordinary way. AVlien concrete has to be used as a walk, it may be merely laid on the proper thickness, which ought not to be less than 3 inches ; and the surface being nicely smoothed, with a sufficient descent in certain directions for water to run off, a tolerably good walk is formed. Its expense, however, will, I fear, prevent its general adoption. CiMENT Walk. — Like the last, this is also an expensive walk, but there is reason to believe when the mode of making cements becomes better known it will be more extensively used. In fact, I believe we are only beginning to find out the many uses to which cements may be put ; and I expect other kinda than those we now have will be brought forward, that will make a revolution in many of the arts in which stone and brick are now used. Even the last few years have added very much to the purposes for which Roman or Portland cement may be employed. In-doors Portland cement makes an excellent floor or path to a greenhouse. One we have here has been down five or six years, and looks quite as well as at first. It is, however, too expensive for general out-door purposes ; but where the cost is not objected to, it will bo found to make an excellent path. Portland cement is better than Roman, and allows a large portion of sharp clean sand being added to it, as well as broken' sandstone, the latter, however, not to appear at the top, as is the case with concrete ; but there is much difference in the quality of the cement, and some little knack also in the way of usmg it, BO that all are not successful who try their hand at it. Even those in the building line often make mistakes with it, and I confess having, therefore, some reluctance in advising its use,, excepting to those who know how to mix and work it. In general, a mixture of thi-ee parts of coarse sharp sand that is^ free from salt or mineral impurities, with two parts of broken Portland stone, and one part of cement, laid down immediately it is wetted, and smoothed over with a little cement with less sand in it, and no stone, will be found to answer ; but as some mistake may occur, I cannot undertake to say that in all cases it will be found to answer. Even cements are not always alike, and I have seen some excellent work and some very indifferent by the same workmen, the quality of the material deceiving them. There are other misfortunes to encounter in cement work than the action of the weather ; but this is one of the most likely to fear in walk-making. The plastic substance ought not to be less than IJ inch thick. Pebble-pated Walk. — Some very pretty walks are made of pebbles carefully assorted to size and colour ; but where the walk is of great length I would only advise a plain stripe, or some exceedingly simple pattern. Promenades, courtyards, and other places of greater breadth and not so long may be treated with a more elaborate pattern ; but a long, straight, or even a curved walk, of from 6 feet to 10 feet wide, looks best when not cut up into diminutive fractions. Assuming only two colours in pebbles to be available — say a pale buff and a black or dark, and the edging of the walk to be turf; for a ten-feet walk of consider- able length, I would say let there be 1 foot of the pale-coloured pebbles at each side, then 1^ foot of dark, and the centre 5 feet all pale. Some, perhaps, might prefer more variety ; but I atn no advocate for cutting anything up into scraps and fragments. Pebbles about the size of a hen's egg, or a trifle larger, will do best, and with a little practice they can be set in their places very quickly. It is best to have the bottom firm, excepting about an inch or eo of fine material, in which the pebbles are' December 30, 1862. ] JOUEIfAL OF HOSTIC0LT0EB AND COTTAGE GAKDENER. 7M sot, and this had better bo dry sand and dry pounded limo. A eifted mixture of the same may be soattei-od over the top, but only very little of this. jV.8 the liiue may, perhaps, slioif above the darli Btouos and neutralise the colour, it is best to put only a verj- little of this, and then put on sand only. Some fancy- work of this kind is painted or eolourod to a certain design, but the deception is so apparent that I by no means advise it. Channels of pebbles by the sides of walks of other kinds, where the descent is long and great, and when they are woU set, look not amiss. Side openings now and then, where convenient, to carry off the flood water, will in many cases obviate the ne- cessity of having them. Paved Walks of Other Knroa. — There are various kinds of fancy tiles as well as bricks, both plain and oruamental, that are occasionally used for special purposes ; but as these gene- rally form an accompaniment to something else of an archi- tectural description, and are not properly garden walks in the etrict sense of the word, they need not be ftHuded to any further here. We will, therefore, at onoo proceed to the formation of walks with the aubstanoes oX which most walks are made of. J. KOBSOX. (To ie tsantintied.) APRICOT TREES IN POTS IN OECHAED HOUSES. I HiTB been an orchard-house cultivator (amateur) for more than three years, having about a dozen Apricot trees, but during this time have not had the pleasure of pulling three ripe Apri- cots; whilst the trees outside against a wall liave borne fair crops. If any one succeed, it must be mismanagement ou my part ; yet it is, perhaps, some consolation to know that n»y friends and neighbours are equally unsuccessful. It would appear Apricots are much more difficult to fruit than Peaches and Nectarines, for, with the same apparent treatment, these succeed whilst the others fail. If the Apricot requires any special management, with the roots cramped-up in a pot, I should be glad to know what it is. I may say that my trees bloom profusely, but either do not set at all, or the few that do set drop when very small. I also give them the advantage of more abundant ventilation than the Peaches and Nectarines ; and as the whole of the front sashes (glass) of a lean-to bouse, and 4 feet deep, lift up, there can be no lack of this. Is there too ■muchP^A Constant Subsoeibeb. [It must be admitted there is greater nneertainty as to the crop of Apricots in au orchard-house than in the case of Peaches and Nectarines. My Apricots almost entirely failed one season, and nearly so another, whilst generally they have been loaded with fruit. There is no doubt we ought to be sure of a crop every year ; at any rate, there should be no more uncertainty than in any other cultivation. I believe Apricots ought to be ■sprinkled over their shoots and blossoms now and then, before and during their blooming season, and I have au idea that the want of this causes the bloom to be too weak. The reason I have arrived at this conclusion is, from observing that Apricots set the best on the walls during changeable weather, when it rains about every other day. Last year I had two trees watered with a rose from overhead every morning, and thought it answered a good purpose ; but did not intend saying anything about it till after next season, so as to have farther proof. As far as my experience baa gone, there are several things which appear necessary to success. Pirst, a strong rich soil ; the pots filled with roots ; the trees well stopped the previous season, so as to b© full of short thick spurs ; well watered before coming into bloom — as if dry at the bottom of the pots when in flower, and afterwards watered, they appear to be unable to set — ^and above all plenty of ventilation. Orchard-house Apricots are so delicious ! such bags of honey ! that I have made up my mind to know all about their cultivation ; and if I live shall pay more attention to them, and ehall be glad to give or receive a hint on the subject. — J. li. Peasson, Chilwell.'] MusHHOOMS IN Russia. — These, kept often in huge glass jars, sometimes in immense barrels, while rather revolting to look at, are most worthy of a moment's attention. How we had rejoiced, while staying at certain houses here, whenever Mush- rooms were introduced at dinner; they were food fit for an ■emperor, and were served out without stint. In England the mere mention of Mushrooms brings up the idea of a wealthy gourmand making researches in theoretical gostronomy to please an over-indulged palate ; but in Russia while cijunlly good, they are in such prodigious quantities as to form a great part of the food of the whole people. An accurate return of the total quantity of these plants annually consumed in Russia would be a startling and important document ; but is not likely to be pro- cured, for the greater part is eaten by the same peasants who gather them, and who, besides feasting on them all thiough the season, piokle, salt, and dry them on strings against the winter period ; when fried with a Uttlo hemii-oil, and eaten with rye- bread, they supply well the place of animal food ; but if, with a little more art they be fried in sunflower oU, then there are some "Mushroom cutlets" which look and taste very much like the same preparation of chickeu. The acquisition of this most notable stock of nutritive human food depends not on Russia being richer in species of agarics than Great Britain, for it is the contrary — but in the extraordinary skill of Russian peasants in knowing how, when, and where to look for them, how to distinguish the edible from the nonedible, and how to cook tliem when procured. This skill is a something handed down traditionally from parent to child ; and if it could be written in words, would prove a valuable addition to what acientilic botanists yet know in the matter ; for many Mushrooms never ventured on in this country are daUy used by all classes in Bussia, and others which are really so bad that they cannot be eaten, ond some actually poisonous, are yet occasionally employed to profit in furnishing an aromatic alcohol, — (Professor &ni/th's Three Cities in Sussia.) HUEST HOUSE SEEDLING PINE, Stn. FAIEEIES' queen PINE. Thi3 Pine, I perceive, is advertised in your columns under the above names, pray which is the proper one ? Now, happen- ing to live in the neighbourhood just at the time negotiations were going on respecting the transfer of it from Hurst House to Mosely Hill, I am of opinion, until we are further enlightened upon the subject, that " Hurst House Seedling " is its true name. It was raised there, and I believe I am right when I assert that all Mr. Fairrie did in the matter was to advance the requi- site sum of money wherewith to purchase the stock on the con- ditions that Mr. H. Williams, his gardener, was to advance him the same after leaving him in possession of a good stock; and if the Messrs. Jackson's plants are true, those from the Paradise Nursery are equally as much so, as part of the original stock went there. Perhaps the gardener at Hurst House will inform us whether it is a seedling from any of the Queens at all. " Honour to whom honour is due." Let the man who was the successful raiser of the Pine at least have a voice in naming it ; and as far as my humble opinion goes, I consider Mr. Fairrie has no more right to call it "his Queen" than the man who never heard of a Pine. — Faib Play. PEACH-TEEE BUDS FALLING. Some of the buds on my Peach trees arefalling-off. The fruit was ripe in July, and ever since the trees have had as much air as possible, the roof being a fixed one, aiud the soil kept in a proper state as regards moisture. Being about to commence forcing, I find that some of the buds are falling-oU", and others are black in the centre, I am quite at a loss to know the cause. Tour opinion would very much oblige. — Anxious. [Dryness at the roots will produce the symptoms you speak of. Have you given tihom an extra dose of strong water in wash- ing the trees ? We have known trees suffer much from drought in August and September when the soil was moist at the surface.] THE SWEET-SCENTED COLTSFOOT. Tussilago fragrans, Linnrtus. Kardosmia frogroD^ lie CandoUe l^at. ord., Composites. The term Tussilago has been derived from the Latin tusxis, a cough, and arjo, I drive away ; while that of Nardosmia is from nnrdos, the spikenard, and osme, smell, its delightful ecent being likened unto that of the spikenard of the ancients. No hardy plant for winter decoration is more desirable for small or suburban gardens than the Sweet-scented Coltsfoot, for 785 JOURNAL OF HOKTICXJLTTJKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ December 30, 1862. it is of the easiest cultivation and very suitable for confined eituationB, where it thrives without any care or trouble when once established. In planting it only requires to be placed on a raised mound composed of any good garden soil, with a few rough clinkers or stones placed over the surface in imitation of rockwork, and should have a northern exposure not oTer-shadcd or crowded with shrubs. It is a hardy perennial with creeping or, rather, running underground roots, and is what might be called a weed when it gets fully estabhsbed, and one, if in the open border, which would be difficult to eradicate. The leaves are produced in spring, after the plant has done flowering, and are large, orbicular, on long footstalks, and finely serrated round the edges ; and the plant itself resembles the common Coltsfoot of our fields, which many a worthy farmer regrets his too intimate acquaint- ance with. Nevertheless, the fragrant Coltsfoot will be highly valued for the odour of its blossoms, produced as they are at a dreary period of the year, and when a few spikes of the flowers, gathered and placed in water in the sitting-room, will perfume the whole place, and last for more than a week in per- fection. The scent is very similar to that of the Heliotrope, and the flower-spikes are produced in succession from December to February, especially if protected by a mat or other slight cover- ing to keep the severe frost, snow, and damp from them ; and though very severe frost may occasionally seem to conquer their tenacity for life, yet no sooner does the severest frost relax its icy grasp than the flowers appear again in spring-hke freshness to exult and spread their fragrant sweets, and that at a season when Flora's gifts are scarce, and when we seem most capable of such enjoyments. The flower-stems grow about 8 inches in height, with from ten to twelve tassel-shaped flowers of a blush colour on each stem, and which open in succession. This interesting plant is a native of Italy, where a practice is prevalent among the country people of carrying burning touch- wood, which is made of the dry roots of this plant, the smoke being intended to protect them from the annoyance of gnats. The leaves also form the principal ingredient in the manufacture of herb tobacco ; coughs have been frequently much relieved by persons smoking the dried leaves ; and an infusion of the dried flowers sweetened with honey has been found particularly efficacious in complaints of the same nature. — Geoegb Gokdon. HOLMES'S SELF-TILTING WELL-BUCKET. Mahy people prefer to have wells from wliich they obtain water for drinking and domestic purposes entirely open. Pumps are often objected to on account of the unpleasant tftste which wood or metal communicates to the water. To obviate these objections difierent kinds of apparatus have been used, from the " old oaken bucket " attached to a pole and sweep, to that represented by the above cut. The latter we regard as decidedly the best of anything we have seen applied to this purpose. In connection with the cut, the inventor gives the following description : " There is a double pulley on the end of the shaft, the outside being ratcheted and the inside plain. In lowering the bucket, reverse the motion, and keep the break onto prevent the too rapid descent of the bucket." The machinery described does not appear in the cut ; but we can state, from having seen the operation of it, that it works with ease and exactness. Mr. Holmes exhibited Iiis apparatus at the shows of the Norfolk and Plymouth Agricultural Societies last autumn, and the committees by whom it was examined,, spoke of it in commendatory terms. — {Frairie Farmer.) OENAMENTAL PLANTS. Gatotkeeia EEACTEATA (Bracteatrd Gaultheria). — "Nat. ord., Ericaceae. Zinn., Eecandria Monogynia. Syn., G. erecfa; G. odorata, cordifoha, and rigida ; and Andromeda bracteats.— A handsome, low-growing, evergreen, greenhouse shrub, growing a foot high, or upwards, having rigid, hairy branches, and »I- (ernafe ovate or rordate-ovate acute leaves, serrated and usually shining above. The flowers grow in simple axillary or terminal secund racemes, and are tubular-ovate, contracted at the mouth. i Desember 30, 1862. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 787 rose-coloured, the pedicels having oomparaliTcly large, OTatc, acute, rosy bracts at their base. From the Andee of Columbia. Introduced in 1818. Flowers in summer. MoHAHDi AMrLEXiCAULis (Amplexicaul Monarda). —iV'ai. ord., Lamiaceffi. Linn., Diandria Uonogjnia. — A very distinct and handsome hardy herbaceous perennial, growing about 2 feet high, with erect, slender, obtusely, four-angled stems, having re- are large, solitary, somewhat depressed ; the corollas very hand- some, large, and freely produced, white, having a rosy tinge, and, on the lower lip, elegantly marked with four rows of purple spots. Native country not known. "For a number ot years grown in the Botanic Garden of Leige, and was raised from seeds obtained from M. Fee, director of the Strasburgh Garden. In M. Fi'e's catalogue it is called M. ampleiicaulis, which name t is stated to have been given to it by M. Fischer, of St. Petersburgh. We have not, however, found it noticed by that author, and Jf. Fischer does not know any Monarda bearing such a name j but we retain it to avoid con- fusion." Flowers freely from May to July. — {Q ardeneri' Magazine of Botany.) Monarda amplestcauUs. marbably long internodes, and clothed with soft, spreading hairs. The leaves are 2 inches to 3 inches long, sub-amplexicaul, acutely laneeoloate, subcordate at the base, serrated and fringed with white hairs ; the upper leaves have the nerves and veins of a beautiful purple red (shown black in our figure). The floral leaves are sessile, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, ciliated, pale green, tinged with red on the paler centre. The verticiUastera THE MISTLETOE. At a time when this singularly beautiful plant is brought so prominently before us, a few observations in connection with it may not be out of place, especially as there is still much misconception regarding it, and it is far from being so common in some districts as it might be if means were taken to cultivate and encourage it ; but somehow, in the districts more famed for its growth, it is relentlessly sacrificed every year to a custom which it is next to se- dition or sacrilege to find fault with. The upshot, how- ever, is that large specimens are rare in places best suited to its growth, whUe the accidents it is liable to from natural causes will even prevent fine specimens growing in places beyond the reach of those who cater, rather un- ceremoniously sometimes, for our Christmas holiday. Stil>, Mistletoe will ever remain a favourite with all classes, and however much it may be sought after to adorn the dwell- ings of all classes at this festive season, its eradication is hardly likely to occur. Perhaps it is in greater danger in those fruit-growing districts where the habit of destroy- ing an orchard when it has turned old and indifferent has superseded the very common way of endeavouring to restore it by regrafting. Old Apple trees are the favourite homes of the Mistletoe, although it will thrive on many other kinds, as will be shown below. It is needless to repeat the oft-expressed opinion th»t the Mistletoe had its present importance given it at a much earlier period than the Christian era, and some assert that the specimen found on the Oak were the more especial objects of veneration. Be this as it may, Mistletoe on the Oak ia exceedingly rare, the examples we have of it being few. A friend of mine assures me that he has seen it on the Oak at Eastnor Castle, the seat of Earl Somers, a tree near the carriage drive containing it. It would certainly be worth while some one ascertaining if this plant be of the same species as those occupying stations on trees of other kinds, and if not it might be perhaps artificially propagated. Old Oaks are plentiful enough everywhere, and Mistletoe is often near them ; yet wo never see the union of the two, or so rarely that the number of such lucky ones is far from great. Of the other trees it is found on more plentifully are the Apple, Crab, Thorn, Maple, Mountain Ash, and Lime. I believe it is also found on the Poplar sometimes. Generally old sickly trees are its home, and it is needless to say that it does not improve their condition. Perhaps the most healthy tree it attacks is the Lime, on the top of which it not un- frequently fixes itself out of the reach of the plunderer, but where it is hable to much breakage by high winds. I have seen good specimens on the Maple, while an old scraggy Thorn is much embellished with it, and it is far from diminishing its beauty. There is certainly great misconception about the Mistletoe disliking certain districts, and we are told it is not much seen in some of the south-western counties ; and some assert it will not grow in the north of England at all. Of the latter I have the most ocular proof to the contrary, as the largest specimen I ever saw in my life was in an old walled-in garden at Belsay Castle, Northumberland. The situation was a shel- tered and favoured one for the neighbourhood. It was growing on an old Apple tree, and had been planted m its place there by the worthy baronet, the owner of the place, now the oldest member of the Horticultural Society. An excellent specimen of Araucaria imbricata stood near it some twenty years ago, second to none 1 bave seen in the south of England save the one at 188 JOUENAL OF HORTICIJLTUEE AKD COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ December 30, 1862. Dropmore ; and I believe the same garden, or rather nursery, contained an excellent Cedrus deodara. This, however, is diverg- ing from the eubjeDt ; suffice it to say that the Mistletoe pre- sented as healthy and vigorous an appearance as I have ever eeen it do around London, that there is no doubt but it may be cultivated in districts it has never yet been introduced into by care, time, and patience ; and, as the Editors have shown that the simple process of cutting the bark and inserting the seed will produce a plant, it is certainly worth the trying. For my own part I prefer fastening on the seed without cutting the bark, when it can be so. I may, however, remark that I have never seen it near the coast, and suppose that the strong sea air is inimical to it ; but the places where it will grow are plentiful enough, and it is not unlikely but it may be induced to grow on other trees than those heretofore tried, that here is a fine field for the experimentalist, and none will bo more glad to hear of unexpected results arising from such enterprise than — A SUBSCaiBEE HiOM THB BBaiUNDJG, H. N. THE MAEKET-GAEDEN PEODUCTS OF ANGEES. An account having been given in a previous article of the trade of Angers in trees. Apples, and Pears, some details as to what is done there in Cauliflowers, Strawberries, Cherries, early Peas, Kidney Beans, and Dandelions, may not prove unin- teresting. Caclifiowees.— The traffic in Cauliflowers begins in Slarcli, and during that month and April 772 tons 16 cwt. are dis- patched, chiefly to Paris, but some also go to Nantes and Poictiers. Assuming that the Cauliflowers weigh 29ilb8. per dozen, which is about the average, it follows that 58,165 dozens are carried, and taking their value at from 15d. to 20d. the dozen, we have an amount of upwards of £4100. The cost of the carriage alone comes to £3000 ; and making allowance for the expense of packing and the profits of the parties through whose hands they pass, it is evident the Cauliflowers cannot reach the consumer^at less than id. or 5rf. a-piece. Steawbeekies. — For a long time after the railway was made it was considered doubtful wliether this fruit would travel safely to Paris ; but with careful packing it reaches that city — not, it is true, so fresh as when just gathered from the fields, but suffi- ciently so to fetch a good price. The Strawberries are packed in long, narrow, and very shallow baskets, each containing from 5i to 7i lbs., and sell at from 7d. to 1». 5d. the basket. The quantity sent last year was 64 tons 7 cwt., representing a sum to the grower of £1088, and costing about £260 for carriage. The varieties principally cultivated for market are the Old Pine, Princess Eoyal, Hyatt's, Elton, and Sir Harry, the last of which is beginning to be extensively grown. Chereies. — The weight of Cherries sent by railway was rather greater then that of Strawberries, being 78 tons 12 cwt., worth about £958, and costing £320 for carriage. They chiefly come from the districts lying to the north and east of Angers, a very small portion being produced in the neighbourhood of the town itself. Eably Peas. — Of these listens were carried; and the value may be estimated at £960, while the cost of carriage was £480. They partly come from near Angers, and the rest from Sainte- Oemmes which has the merit of producing the earliest. KiDNET Beans. — Early Kidney Beans have been forwarded to Paris, but hitherto the quantity has been small — not quite 35 tons, worth £350 to the grower, and costing £100 for carriage. Aetichokbs.— Another plant cultivated to a considerable ■extent at Saint-Laud is the Artichoke ; and yet it is not sent to Paris. To see the quantities of heads which arrive at our markets every morning in May and June, one would think they must be intended for that great market which lays the whole of France under contribution ; but such is not the case. There are two obstacles. The first is that the Artichoke is of great weight as compared to its value, and, consequently it does not pay to send it by the fast trains, whilst, as the luffgage trains take six days to go to Paris, it could not arrive there fresh if Bent in this way. The second cause is that the variety cultivated, the " Gros Camus," is not held in much estimation at Paris, where the Laon Artichoke is preferred on account of its larger leaves, and its more fleshy as well as perhaps more tender receptacle. Dandelions. — Another plant v/liich, though requiring no culture, is sent to Paris in considerable quantities, is the Dande- lion. In the end of winter and beginning of spring, all the unemployed women, and they are numerous in the neighbour- hood of the quarries, go ofl" in the morning, often before sun- rise, and especially in fi'osty weather, and spread over the meadows on the banks of the Loire. There they collect the plant which is the object of their search, and return, sometimes late at night, bent under a burden which they have gone six or eight miles to seek for, and the value of which is from Is. 9d. to 2s. 6d. according as they find places where the plant is less or more abundant. But, before they touch their hard-earned gains, nearly as much more time must be consumed in cleaning the Dandelions, and rendering them fit for the eye of the purchaser. Here, however, the work changes hands ; it is no longer the same women who take this part of the labour ; but the children and other members of the family, who are unable to make these long and fatiguing journies, now step in. Thus the gathering a plant scattered over the fields, gives employment for nearly three months to all the women and children in the above populous districts who are not otherwise engaged, and greatly alleviates the hardships which their' families would often have to endure. As regards the amount of traffic to which the Dandelion gives rise, the authorities of two railways have furnished exact state- ments of the quantities carried. On the Bolialle line, from the 8th of January to the 2Gth of April, 72 tons 17 cwt. were forwarded to Paris ; on that of Saint Mathurin, 101 tons 1 cwt ; the Menitre railway is estimated to have taken 100 tons, and that of Trelaze 25 tons ; so without taking other lines into account, these four alone carried about 300 tons of Dandelions to Paris, the carriage of which by passenger train came to £1200 in three months. The Dandelions consist of two kinds, the green and the blanched ; the former comprise about four-fifths of those carried, or about 240 tons, and their value may be taken at £1920 ; the blanched, which constitute the remaining 60 tons, may be set dowa at £1080, and the total value of both classes at £3000. If the question is asked. What is done with such a quantity of Dandelions, a plant almost unknown for culinary purposes before the construction of railways ? we wo\ild answer that the green plants form an excellent substitute for Spinach, and the blanched make delicious salads. Thus this wild plant, growing in the winter, without any culture whatever, in meadows and waste ground, affords a large revenue to the needy population of several large villages, and that too at a period of the year when out-door work cannot be carried on. — {M, Baptlste Desportes in Proceedings of Cornice JSorticole de 3Iaine et Loire.) CELEEY FAILTJEES AND OTHEE DISASTEES. I TEECErvE I am not alone in having indifferent Celery this year, and I may certainly say with Mr. Chitty, I never grew a worse lot in my life. I grow but one sort — Laing's Mammoth, as I always found it first-rate before this year. I sow at two dif- ferent times — about the middle of February, and the same time in Marcli. I never dejjend on the first sowing for a general crop, as it is liable to bolt if not used early ; but it will gene- rally be fit for use until the end of October, and often through November. This year my early Celery was a complete bolt. I did certainly take a few of the best hearts in, hut I expected to be called over the coals for it. So far, however, things have gone on smoothly ; but I would rather have a good grumbling bout than a silent rebuke any time ; and I am sure if I were master instead of man, I should want an explanation on the subject. I have until this year been very successful in the cultivation of this favourite vegetable ; and if there be one thing more than another in which I pride myself in the kilchen garden, it is Celery. The very first exhibition I competed at, I beat all the cracks in our neighbourhood with Laing's Mammoth. That was the second year it was let out, and I have stuck to it ever since ; but I have done with it now. I must try another kind, for I believe it is run-out, or I have been cheated by the seeds- man. I am inclined to the former opinion, as I had more bolted sticks last year than I bargained for ; but this season has surprised me completely. My second sowing did quite as badly as the first. It came np all right. I took advantage of a showery day (by the way we December 30, 1862.] JOURNAL OF HOailCULXUBH AXD COTTAGE GARDENER. 789 1ia^tanccs it would be useless to wish our correspondent a merry Christmas ; but we do wish him a happier new year. ATe do not think he need abandon Laing's Mammoth, nor look suspieionsly at the seedsman, for all va- rieties of the Celery have been complained of this year in some locality or other, and, in most instances, on inquiry we have found that the failure, as in " Hctddeksfieib's " case, arose from severe checks to the growth of tlie plants in their seedling state. We once heard Lord Brongliam say, " I dispose of so much work because I think only of the one subject before me." Our correspondent, in a similar spirit, concentrates his energy ; but Lord Brougham used to find time also " to go round and see how things were looking." — Eds.] CELERY CULTURE. Ijt looking over the November Part of your Journal T sec that "P. L. C." complains of his Celery being bitter, stringy, and rotting very fast. He tells us of the quantity of manure lie used, and frrin the pains he took with it he Iiad every reason to expect a good crop, but it was a failure; and as a guide for him I will state a few facts. For fifteen years I grew Celery largely, sometimes it was pretty good and soniptimes bad. In ISGO it was very bad, rnsty, cankered, and bitter— indeed, it had always been so more or less. In 1861 T u«ed no farmyard manure to two rows, one of Red and one of AVhite, and was so satisfied that these two rows were better than the rest, that this year, 1862, I planted my whole crop in the same way. My plan was as follows. At the bottom of the trench I threw in about two q\iarts of fine Piruvian guano with the lumps well broken. The trenches held 105 plants each. I covered the guano with from 4 inches to 6 inches of soil, and then planted. The plants grew slowly at first, but in about a month they commenced growing vigorously. I then began applying liquid manure, about every ten days, from a large tank supplied from byre, stable, and large laundry ; we find the crop all that we could wish — perfectly clean, crisp, and sweet. — T. W. VINES OVER-LUXUfiTANT— SPINACH DYING-OFF. WKhnvea vinery here, the Vines in which are making exceed- ingly strong W0i>d and rather thick leaves. The Vines have been incroHsing in strength for some years, with a corresponding degree of deficiency in showing fruit; the bunches inclining to become tendrils, with a part ot the berries turning red and not coming to i)erfection, although the others are as bluck as jet and Weil flavoured, but, of course, not in such compact bunches us could be wished. I was thinking of lifting these Vines into an entirely new border, but have not been able this autumn on account of the fruit being oti, and I fear it will be the same another year. They are liliick Ilamburghs, and, perhaps, from sixteen to twenty years old. Having sowed a considerable breadth of Spinach in the begin- ning of August, it came up and grew well till about ready to use. AU at once it turned yellow without any apparent cause and died-off, scarcely a live root left. I understand it is in the habit of doing so most seasons in this garden. I should like to know if there is a preventive knowu. — A Fevt-yeaes SttB- SCUIBEIt. [Your Vines at twenty years old will require great care in lifting. Autumn would be the best time ; but any time now in open weather would do, provided you could cover the new border so as to tlirow into it a heat of about 75° to 80°, and start the Vines as late as you can. Wc should be inclined to try first what securing a deep drain in front would do, and removing a good portion of the surface soil imtil you reach the roots, putting a couple of inches of fresh soil on, and throwing a gentle heat into the surface. This latter mode will depend for effect on whether you can go down from 6 inches to 12 inches without finding roots worth speaking about. Taking the soil from the surface is sometimes as effectual as lifting and replanting. I We have lost Spinach this season for the first time. We I attribute it to the dull drenching weather. Plants on ridges have not suffered.] NEW BOOE. r/ie Weather Booh : a Manual of Fractical Meteorology. Btf Hear'Admiral FUz Roj/. London : Longman & Co. After perusing this valuable work we have come to the con- clusion that it is calculated to prove a great boon to mankind in general, and to seamen, farmers, and gardeners in particular. When we recollect the direful effects of storms sometimes on land, but more especially at sea, and when wo reflect on the- great saving of life and property which might have resulted from a few hours' previous warning of those disastrous storms, wa cannot but hail with satisfaction the appearance of this volume, in which the Admiral has explained much that will tend U> impart that knowledge so fraught with safety. " This small work," the author says, " is intended for many rather than for few, with an earnest hope of its utility in daily life. The means actually requisite to enable any person of fair- ability and average education to become practically ' weather- wise,' are much more readily attainable than has been often sup- posed. With a barometer, two or three thermometers, some instructions, and an attentive observation, not of instruments only but of the sky and atmosphere, meteorology may be utilised." In Chapter II. the author mentions the instruments necessary for ordinary purposes. For such purposes they need not be so extremely delicate, and, consequently, expensive, as those very fine instruments employed in highly scientific investigations. Those most essential are pointed out to be the barometer, two thermometers, one of which kept moistened will serve for a hygrometer. This indicates lower than the dry bulb thermometer in the same situation, the difi'erence being in proportion to the dryness of the air and consequent evaporation, being sometimes as much as 12° or 15° in this country, i;0° or even more else- where ; and about 7° of diiferenea is considered healthy for in- habited rooms. A rain-gauge is stated to be interesting and useful, though not a necessary adjimct everywhere. The direction of the wind should be noted ; but wind-vanes, or weathercocks, are seldom placed well or correctly. When set by a magnetic compass the variation of this from duo north is seldom correctly allowed for. A line towards the pole star gives the true north and south. The direction of the horizontal movements of the lower clouds should be ascertained, and those of the upper 790 JOtJENAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE. [ December 30, 1862. clouds should always be noticed likewise, for when different from the lower the wind will shift to the direction from which those upper clouds are coming. Instructions are then given respecting the indications of the barometer, and the change of weather which usually takes place, and which may be expected on its rising and falling, in connec- tion with the direction of tlie wind, the temperature of the air, and its moisture or dampness. In treating of the wind the author gives the following obser- vation : — " Another remarkable peculiarity is that the wind usually appears to veer, shift, or go round with the sun (right- handed, or from left to right), and that when it does not do so, or backs, more wind or bad weather may be expected, instead of improvement, after a short interval." " A sudden fall of the barometer with a westerly wind is occa- sionally followed by a violent storm from N.W., or N., to N.E." " Instances of fine weather with a low glass occur, however, rarely, but they are always preludes to a duration of wind or rain, if not hath." " There may be heavy rains or violent winds beyond the horizon and the view of an observer, by which his instruments may be affected considerably, though no particular change of weather occur in his immediate locality." This is sometimes the case; and although such instances are the exceptions and not the rule, they are occasionally adduced as proof of the indications of the barometer being not trustworthy. " If a fall [in the bar»meter] takes place with a rising ther- mometer and increased dampness, wind and rain may be ex- pected from the south-eastward, southward, and south-west- vfard." " In winter a considerable fall with rather low thermometer (from 30° to 40°), foretells enow. Exceptions to these rules occur when northerly winds with wet (rain, hnil, or snow), are impending, before which a barometer often rises on account of t!ie direction of the coming wind alone, and deceives persons wbo from that sign only (the rising), expect fair weather im- mediately.''^ The author does not wish to discourage attenfion to what is usually called "weather wisdom." On the contrary, every prudent person will combine observations of the elements with such observations as he may obtain from instruments ; and will find that the more accurately the two sources of foreknowledge are composed and combined, the more satisfactory their results ■will prove. We have heard it said that sailors and shepherds are good judges of coming weather ; and there are many old sayings and proverbs relating to the subject, doubtless founded on facts and observations, that are worthy of being taken into account, in combination with the indications of instruments. At p. 21 of the work before us we find some of the more marked signs of weather *' useful alike to seaman, farmer, and gardener." If we might speak prospectively in behalf of the latter class, we should Bay that their acknowledgements are due to the Admiral, for we have no hesitation in giving our opinion that his work will be of advantage both to gardeners and their employers. Our hints will only admit of giving a very few of those which are termed the more marked signs : — Whether clear or cloudy, a rosy sky at sunset presages fine weather ; a sickly-looking greenish hue, wind and rain ; a dark (or Indian) red, rain ; a red sky in the morning, bad weather or much wind (perhaps rain) ; a grey sky in the morning, fine weather. So long as we can remember we have heard a rhyme which seems to correspond with part of the above : — ** The evening red and the morning grey, Foretell the fineness of the coming day.'* But to return to our author : " A bright yellow sky at sun- set presages wind ; a pale yellow, wet : therefore, by the pre- valence and kind of red, yellow, or other tints, the coming weather may be foretold very nearly ; indeed, if aided by instru- ments, almost exactly. When birds of long flight — Rooks, Swallows, or others — hang .about home, and fly up and down, or low, rain or wind may be expected." In subsequent chapters there is much interesting information respecting climate in diflerent parts of the world, in the tropical and temperate zones of both hemispheres, and in the polar regions ; and as phenomena and peculiarities are noticed, ex- planations with reference to their causes are eiven. From the great mass of information that has been collected, it appears that much has been recently turned to most useful account. In the year 1838, a system of meteorological observations on an extensive scale was strenuously advocated by Sir William Eeid the author of the first " Law of Storms," and chiefly in con- sequence of his exertions, ofiicers of the Royal Engineers at de- tached stations, and Consuls in foreign parts, were requested to collect and transmit such information to this country. By wind and current charts published of late years, navigators have been enabled to shorten their passages materially, in many cases as much as one-fourth, in some one-third of the distance or time previously employed. In treating of the gulf stream, the author says, " It has been much discussed, especially in Scotland, whether the gulf stream has really so much effect upon our climate as has been usually thought. It has been chiefly questioned, because experiments have been made with thermometers close in shore, within twenty or thirty fathoms, where the water has been affected more or less by rivers or the land near it, and has not been found nearly so warm as the winds or water of the Atlantic ; but this seems to be rather a fallacious ground of argument. There is no doubt that along the coast of Norway, as well as the coasts of Scotland and the Hebrides, the warming effect is such that all ice is kept out of the harbours there. The climate is mild all the year round, oven at the North Cape ; while on the western or opposite side of the Atlantic, ice comes down in-shore to a very much lower latitude, even below Newfoundland." We think he adduces perfectly convincing proof of the correctness of his opinion, and we may add, long may that stream continue to flow as it does. We do complain of our climate ; but better bear the ills we have than wish for such a change. Were its course to become diverted, the eastern coast of the new world might be benefited, but Devonshire would soon lose its greenhouse climate, and Cacti and south of Europe plants would quickly disappear from the Scilly Islands, where they flourish in winter in the open air. There is so much interesting and varied matter in this useful work, that our limits will only permit us to slightly glance at a few of the subjects. At chapter XIII, we come to the utilisation of Meteorology ; but to this we must advert in a second notice. {To be continued.) PORTRAITS OF PLANTS, PLOWEES, AND PBUITS. CTPEirEDiTTM Stonei (Mr. Stone's Cypripedium). — Nat, ord., Orchidacese. Linn., Gynandria Diandria. — A superb Lady's Slipper, imported from Sarawak, Borneo, by Messrs. Low & Son, Clapton Nursery. Blooms in October. The petals yellowish blotched with purple ; the lip, or slipper, purplish, with net-like red veins. — {botanical Magazine, t. 5349.) Heupteeum SANDroEDil (Major Sandford'a Helipteruni). — yat. ord., Compositse. Linn., Syngenesia tequalis. — Native of Western Australia. Raised by Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich, from seed sent by Major Sandford, of Swan River. Flowers yellow. " Likely to be a good bedding-out plant for our summer flower- borders."— (/ij'd., t. 5350.) PnAluENOPSis Lowii (Mr. Low's Phalsenopsis). — Nat ord., Orchidacese. Linn., Gynandria Diandria. — A beautiful native of Moulmein, and introduced thence by Messrs. Low & Son, Clapton Nursery. Petals and sepals white tinged with purple ; lip purple tipped with white. — (Ibid., t. 5351.) DsACiENA PHiirNloiDES (Phrynium-like Dracaena). — Nat, ord., Asparagineae. Linn., Ilexandria Monogynia. — Native of Fer- nando Po. It is a night-flowering plant, its white flowers open- ing during the night and closing again by ten o'clock. Blooms in August. Leaves like those of the Arum and white-spotted. — (Ibid., t. 5352.) AcKOTEESiA Waikeei (General Walker's Acrotrema). — Nat. ord., Dilleniaceie. Linn., Polyandria Trigynia.— Native of the mountains at altitudes of from 2000 feet to 4000 feet, in central Ceylon. " Its deeply-plaited leaves and humble growth remind one of our Primrose ; but the young foliage is pale and deeply tinged with rose, while the flowers more resemble a Buttercup." Flowers yellow, open in June. — (Ibid., t. 5353.) Pansies. — Frincess Alice, pale straw and purple blotch, raised by Mr. Dean, as were the two following : — Mrs. Moore, purple, yellow, and rose-coloured ; and Leotard, yellow, crimson, and "purple. All, but especially the last-named, very attractive. Douhle-ptirple has before been noticed in our pages. It is very rich and striking, and is now to be had of Messrs. Carter & Co. — (Florist and Pomologist, Vll.) December 30. 1862. ] JOUKNAL OF HOBTIC0LTUaE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 791 Vioi,t;TTE HiTirE Peiou. — "No Peach is more melting and flclii-ious. The troo is havjy and long-lived in almost all soils." (/im., 184.) PoMi'ONE Dahlias. — "Ziffle ir/aVroim?, blush, tipped with rosy pink ; JAftle Darfhtij^ a briglit. ixinaranth ro30, of cxqnisiti' eliajio ; Zilffe Philip, rei\oxQi\ in shape, and croamy bnli*, edgpd with i-osy pink." Tlio flowers are perns ; but until tliev can bo obtained on stoma less than 5 feet or C feet higli tlier will bo coinparatively little valued. — (Floral Magazine, pi. 12.5.) Tarieoated Japanese IIoxet80ckle (Lonicera reticulata). — We have liad occasion more than onee to notice thi^ golden- netted, very strikini; plant, discovered in Japan by Mr. Fortune, in gardens near Yedo. lie says, " In Japan it produces n pretty effect wh-n trained over troUiswork, or allowed to ramble on the ground liko our common English Yinca, or Periwinkle. It will, probably, prove quite hardy in this country, and will, I think, bo useful in cool greenhouses and conservatories." — {Ibid., pi. 126.) Laisoer Ghttkrino Nbbink (Xerine conisca mri/or).— Native of the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers crimson. Introduced by C. Leach, Esq., King's Road, Claphani. — {Ihid.,pl. 127.) MAin'E-eoi.ouRED NoL.iMA. — Raised by Messrs. Carter & Co., Holborn.— (7iiy.,y;. 128.) WHAT A WORKING MAN CAN DO. Sa.mfet, Gibson, a distinguished member of the Manchester Botanists' Society, born at Sowerby Briilge, Yorkshire, his father being ft whitesmith; died May 2l3t, 1840, at Mytholmroyd, near Ilebden Bridge, Halifax ; only went for a short time to a Sunday-school; was apprenticed to his father; was a very in- genious mechanic, and an expert and elegant turner ; worked as a spindle and fly-maker at Hebden Bridge ; began to employ his leisure in the study of Botany (1818) ; opened a whitesmith's ahop on his own account (1820) ; and followed the business for the remainder of his life. His contributions to the " Phy- tologiet," and other publications, bear ample testimony to his industry, and to his devotion to science. At his deatli he left a valuable herbarium, containing a collection of the flowering plants, Ferns, and their allies, of Great Britain, complete to within twenty specimens ; extensive collections of Mosses, Lichens, Jungermannise, and marine Algoe ; about 1000 specimens of British and other seeds and seed-vessels, ingeniously and neatly mounted between thin plates of glass ; about 140 specimens of British woods and plants, prepared and mounted for the microscope. In 1826 he commenced the study of Entomology, and collected a very valuable series of British insects, arranged in thirty-four boxes. In Conchology he made valuable and extensive collections of British, marine, fresh-water, | and land shells, as well as a considerable assortment of foreign ! specimens. In Geology he collected and arranged a cabinet of fhe fossil shells of mountain hmestone, shale and coal measures, which was considered unique. Situate in a country village remote from books and men of science, and destined to earn his bread by a laborious employment, this intelligent and excellent man, by his energies and industry, overcame all the difficulties that beset him, and accomplished very much in the way of collecting new objects in almost every department of local natural history. His example gave an impulse to the study of nature in the surrounding districts. He suffered a long illness prior to his death, and his means became circumscribed ; but he found a resource in his collections, a good part of which he sold in order to obtain the means of subsistence. The rest he left to his widow and children. — {MayhalVs Annals of Leeds.) Coal Tab Destbuctite to Veemin. — Since the discovery of the antiseptic properties of coal tar, numerous experiments have been made with this substance in order to ascertain whether it possesses any deleterious qualities in relation to tlie insect world, or to those lower quadrupeds which are considered as pests by the farmer and housekeeper. Some of these trials have led to very satisfactory results. The "Journal de la Societo d' Horticulture " informs us that an agriculturist, M. Thenard, having lately caused certain frames to be coated with coal tar, was surprised to find the Cabbages growing near the places where the frames were standing quite free from the un- welcome visits of the Haltica, or beetle, so destructive to cruciferous plants. The observation was not lost upon him ; he immediately caused 1500 kilogrammes ofsawdnst to be niixcd- up with 2 kilogrammes of coal tar, and then to be strewed over several acres sown with Rape seed. The consequence was that no beetles ever infested tlie plants from the moment of their ap- pearance to tlio time when they were got in. He has been repeating this process for the last Ave years, and always with the same success, wliile his neighbours' fields suffer more than over from the invasion of the obnoxious inscet. Instead of sawdust, sand or even earth may be advantageously used ; but care must be taken not to use coal tur in an excessive quantity ; for since its virtue resides ir) the strong cmpyreumatio odour it emits, a very small dose will bo sufliiMent ; wliercas a largo quantity would kill the plants themselves. We have liad personal ex- perience of the eOicacy of strong resinous smells in removing insects ; for, several years ago, we succeeded in ridding a garden of vast colonies of ants, which had literally taken possession of it, by pouring spirit of turpentine upon the ant-hills. In twenty - four hours not an ant was to be seen. — {Oalignani.) THE DISTRESSED LANCASHIRE WORKINGMEN BOTANISTS. SiKCE I made an appeal in your paper on behalf of the above-named distressed persons, I have received as donations towards aiding them, £31 15s. ; for collections of Mosses, £16 7*. ; for collections of Ferns (green), £6 5*. Gd. ; for other things, £8 4». 3d. ; in donations of clothing to the value of £40 ; and the two naturalists I named have received a good help from Mr. Dean, of Appleton House, Warrington, for coUeciions of butterflies and moths, for which they are very thankful. They are very worthy men, and one (.Tohn Kinder), has studied and been a "collector of insects for over thirty years, and has a most excellent character. I have given out 113 pairs of stockings and socks, 9 blankets, 27 pairs of shirts for men and boys, 24 shifts for women, 10 dresses for women, 9 suits of clothing for men, some of which I have been helped out with by two of our schools here — that is, the committees of the schools, who have kindly furni.ihed mo with things that I was short of to complete suits ; and I have given out 25 pairs of flannels, and numerous other things, all of which Mr. Dean has booked for me, and I have helped fifty-four families, comprising botanists, cottage gardeners, naturalists, and deserving widows of such men, and I fuel confident that your numerous readers who have thus contributed have done a good work. I have in my hands a few pounds that are to be given out in weekly instalments, and have more promised, which will enable me to do a great deal of good. The kind-hearted " Mother" from Ipswich has sent to Boger Schoficld and John Whitehead, since I last noted it, one week 2.9., and Is. Gd. the last two weeks, and now 2s. Gd. each to them. I shall still be happy to get collections from the botanists for any person, and hope all who hare sent for collections and have not received them, will let me know as soon as possible, for some may have been neglected by accident. — John Haoce, 36, Mount Street, Ashton-under-Lyne. ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY'S MEETING. The December Meeting of the Entomological Society was well attended (the President, F. Smith, Esq., being in the chair), in consequence of the Meeting having been made a special one, with the view of taking into consideration certain proposed alterations in the bye-laws, chiefly with reference to the annual election of the Curator by the Society at large instead of by the Couned, which proposals were adopted after a sharp contest. A considerable number of new works, presented to the Society since the last Meeting, were placed on the table, including a valuable series of publications on different orders of insects by the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, as well as the |' Pro- ceedings of the Entomological Society of Philadelphia," esta- blished in 1861— a gratifying proof that, amidst the political excitement of the United States, Science still maintains her peaceful career. It was suggested that a special vote of thanks should be passed on these grounds ; but some of the members thought it better not to introduce the slightest allusion to such exciting topics as the war now raging in America. Percy C. Wormald, Esq , was elected a member of the Society. 792 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE aARDENER. [ Deoimber 30, lSo2 Mr. S. Stevens exhibited several boxes of Butterflies and Beetles collected at Salwatfj, near New Guinea, by Mr. Wallace, con- taining a great number of rare and beautiful species. Mr. Moore exhibited some pieces of a white saccharine matter collected on the leaves of Eucalypti, in Worth Western Australia Felix, being the exudation from the larvie of Peylla Eucalypti, a small NeuropterouB insect. This material is collected and eaten in considerable quantities by the natives, and is called Lerp. It is described in the first volume of the " Transactions of the Royal Society of Tan Diemau's Land." Mr. Hewitson sent portions of the stem of a Laurel tree, ■which had been bored to the length of 1 feet or 5 feet from the groimd by some larva, most probably that of a Zeuzera. This was the more remarkable, as the Laurel is ordinarily very free from the attacks of insects. Mr. G. K. Waterhouse exhibited and read some remarks upon QuediuB umbrinuB, Oxytelus piceus, Haplocnemus nigricornis, and Latridius rugosus, four minute British species of Beetles hitherto confounded with other species. Mr. MoLachlan exhibited a small siiecies of Two-winged Fly belonging to the family Muscidtp, which had been reared as a parasite by Mr. Parfett, of Exeter, in the case of Limnephilua marmoratus, one of the species of Caddice Flies, for which, being undescribed, the name Hydrotachiiia Limnephili had been pro- posed. This was the first instance in which a Dipterous insect had been observed to be parasitic upon one of the Trichoptera, the larvse of wliich are aquatic. Major P. Parry read descriptions of a number of new exotic species of Stag Beetles (Laeanidse), and made some severe but well-deserved comments on a catalogue of the species of that family recently published by Mr. Thomson, in the " Annales " of the French Entomological Society. Professor Westwood also commented on the systematic arrangement adopted by Mr. Thomson, as well as upon the strange latinity of his descriptions. FLOWEE-GARDENING WITHOUT FLOWEKS. Allow me to introduce to your readers an idea I have long entertained, aud which, to some small extent, I put in practice during summer, of substituting plants with contrasting foliage, instead of contrasting flowers, and producing what was very effective as a flower-border without a flower in it. There are a great many plants suitable for this purpose, and if we give our attention to the subject, many things will come to hand. Should Centaurea argentea prove useful, it will be a great acquisition. Then we have Cerastium tonientoeuni, and better still, the variegated Alyssum. The Geranium tribe furnishes white, green, and yellow ; and for contrasting colours we have Perilla, Cattell's Beet, and Mountain Spinach. Our experiment was made on a border 11 feet wide, with a south aspect, planted in a formal style — that is, in what we call a diamond pattern. To relieve the BtifTness, a few plants of Arundo donax variegata, and of Humea elegans were placed in the centres of a few of the beds ; the effect was good, and we mean to try it again, perhaps using Lobelia for blue, and Saponaria for pink — more so, as both are such neat growers. Arundo donax does not seem to be appre- ciated as an ornamental plant. I can only say it is deserving of attention ; it may not be quite hardy, but we winter it in an orchard-house, where no fire heat can be applied. A few degrees of frost did not seem to hurt it. Farfugium grande was good here in beds, and others I have no need to mention. Some of our moderns will perha}iB say, AVliy not have scroll or embroidery work ? It is the substitution of the dead for the living, of inanimate for animate nature. Works of this kind may bo admissible in certain cases, but however fantastic the design, or neat the execution, the effect on our whole system is cold and chilling. When we look on living beings, animal or vegetable, the effect is pleasing, genial, and warming ; but this glow of feeling is never produced by looking on any combination of pounded brick, broken stone, and shining spar. — A. Dawson, Saod Ashton. — {Scottish Gardener.) magazine like this to ignore his personality as he ought to do. Still we think it should be done, and horticulture be considered as common ground — as one of the humanities of life, due alike to loyalist and rebel, Christian and pagan — to man in its widest sense. Of its humanising influence we have an instance now before us which we cannot withhold from our readers. In one of the Pennsylvania regiments, a subscriber and formeroontributor to the pages of the " Gardener's Monthly " fell wounded at the battle of Antietam. Within a lew feet of him, wounded in the same charge — perhaps wounded by each other's bayonets — lay a soldier of a Georgia regiment. As is the custom in our service, the wounded of the enemy and our own are all treated alike together in the same hospital, and these two were carried together with the rest. Our correspondent, in the last of two letters we have received from him, writes : " The rebel prisoners of whom I before spoke are all recovering, and they are for the most part friendly with oui* men. I may say all but one, who belongs to a South Carolina regiment, and keeps almost entirely to himself. In talking with the one who fell on the field near me, T dis- covered that ha too was interested in horticulture, and there seemed at once a bond of sympathy between us. He showed me a pod of seed which he had gathered as a memento from the vegetation that formed his bed one night during the terrible campaign before Richmond, which I found to bo the Paasiflora incarnata, or wild Passion Vine. That particular flower wa» very suggestive to us both ; for each felt that the vessel of agony might be passed from our lips, for we have had our share at; least of it. His father also has a great love for horticulture, and is interested partioilarly in the cultivation of the Grape. On his plantation near Macon he has a very fine vineyard, on which it was his pride to collect all the varieties of note he could get» He made nie promise that as soon as possible after the war shall be over, if we both live through it, I should go down and spend s month \iith him, assuring me, both for himself and his father, that I should be welcomed as if we had never met on the field of mortal combat together. I promised to try to get him a few cuttings of the newer kinds of Grapes to take with him when he i» exchanged, and if vou can Iielp me in this I shall be obliged. I suppose these would not be considered contraband, and that the officers will let them pass. Some of our comrades, listeners to our conversation, jokingly said " we should be in Richmond before the nfXt vessel with exchanged prisoners, aud his cuttings would die before they reached the next rebel wharf." "Well," says he, in the same spirit, " I shall have to go nearer home to be exchanged, that^s oil." It has often been asked how can North and South ever be united again after fighting together os we have been ; but my intercourse with rebel soldiers assures me there will be no diffi- culty on that score, if those who hold the reins of power will only let us. Horticulture alone will be no mean restorative to this desirable consummation. I could not help noticing the- different effects our little garden talk had in the squad of our comrades about us, beyond what any other topic of conversation had, that had ever been mooted since I )iad been in the hospitaU The young man tells me that Mr. Fields, the well-known nurseryman at Macon, was still with his business there quite recently. How touching to the humane sensibilities is this simple narration. If we ever had any doubts as to the wisdom of the American Pomological Society's recent action at Boston, in retaining for the present all its southern names on its list of ofijcers, until they could be heard from, we should have none after reading this. May we not wish, as horticulturists, without expressing any sympathy for the cause that parts us^ that the long aeony of our parting will soon be over? — {Tke American Gardeners' Monthlif), HOKTICULTURE AND HUMANITY. If there is one thing more than another that should be kept entirely separate from politics, it should be Horticulture. In the present struggle which assumes such a personal shape to every one of us, it is almost as diiBcult as for an editor of a THE BIEDS' CAUSE PLEADED. Cajtnot some understanding be arrived at between the anta- gonists and friends of birds? Surely the subject is not in its most intricate forms invested with difficulties so insurmountable as some would have us think. Few subjects in these our days, when once received into the columns of a leading journal, go to rest without an issue — a verdict either pro or con. Yet, as a hitherto-looker-on, excepting in the last Number or two of this Journal, few subjects seem to me so little understood, so badly ventilated, as this. December 30, 1862. ] JOCTSNAL OF noHHCULTTJEE AND COTTAGE QABDENEK. 793 Here is the question at issue. SliouUl bircU of nil epecies, birds of proj eicepted as a niotter of course, bo strictly pre- 8ervre muny years are over, that both at Kew and at Hampton Court we shall see all tlie Roses on their own roots doing as the climbing Roses and the China Roses have alreadv done on their roots on the west aide of the grand conservatory. The climbing Roses at Kew will be splendid in two or three more years, and very likely they will festoon Them on chiin« as they did the festooning of Cissus discolor in the Victoria Lily-house, which all of us admired so much. Seeds for a Kitchen Garden (.4 Five-years Suhseriher),~\i Is not easy to give a correct estimate of what seeds you may want for your garden, 76 yards by 6f) yards (rather more than an acrai ; but, assuming you to grow Potatoes elsewhere, tlie following will be about the quantities that might be ■wanted in a great many cases; but, of course, tho require- ments of families differ so much that it would hardly meet the wants oi all : — Brond Beans, 4 quarts ; of French Beans and Scarlet Runners, each 1 quart; Peas of various kinds, 12 quarts; Mu«tard and Summer Spinacli, 1 quart each; Cress and Winter Spinach, 1 pint e;ich ; Radi>h, 1 quart; Brussels Sprouts, CauHHowers, and Savoy, each 1 oz. ; Onions. 10 ozs. or VJozs. ; Cairots and Turnips, each 8 ozs. ; Lettuces of sorts. 4 ozs, ; Endive.' Parsley, and Parsnips, 2 ozs. each ; Broccoli of four or Ave kinds, half an'ounce each; Kale of two kinds, half an ounce each; Cabbage of three or four kinds, including the Red. half an ounce eacli ; Lppks, 1 oz. ; Celerv, 2 or 3 packets; and a packet each of Basil, Sweet Miirjoram, Scorzonera. Salsafv, Rampion. and any other thing that way that may be wanted. Hoots of Garlic and Shallots may perhaps be wanted in a new garden, and Cucumber and Melon seeds are not unusually included in a Beed-bill. We may also observe that in small seeds, as Onion, Turnip, Carrots. &c., it is best to sow thickly. The expense of seed i.^ not a serious sffair, and they are easily thinned out; but Broad and Scarlet Runner Beins need not be planted thicker than wanted, unless the seed be of doubtful quality, in -which case some judgment is necessary. Gladioli (.4 Constnnt Suharribpr).—!^ they are bedding varieties let them remain in the soil, covering the surface over each clump G inches or 8 inches deep with coal ashes. German Ivy (If. 0. T.).— This climber is not an Ipomaea, as had been thought by many, but the old name German Ivy is the best popnlar name for it. The same treatment as given to Tom Thumb Oeran'ums will do for it, but a very few degrees of frost kill it. The beat of the Orchid-hou«c is not too much for it. We have had ic to screen Orclihls where old strong plants of it in a rich border made many shuots from 40 feet to 50 feet long in one season, and wp never saw an insect on it. Out of drors it makes good imitation for common Ivy on rustic work ; and if allowed root-room in a window-sill box it would soon make an Ivy casement all round. But in winter it is of no use if the frost cannot be kept from it. Where a shoot of it touches the ground it roots fa>tcr than a S:rawherry runner. Trbllis for House Climbers ^iV". 7).).— We have no more liking for the green diamond wooden trellis than your employers. There are cast-iron studs with a wedge end to drive into the joints, and an eye-card to pass wire through, which is the best contrivance wo know, provu!ed the wire is galvanised, and id stretched in horizontal line, with u stud at every 4 feet or less. Sometimes people place such wire up and down the face of the wall, but that is the wrong way, as evcrv twining shoot twists round and up the wire faster than one man could undo theirt; aud if they are allowed one month's possession in the height of summer, they swell their growth so fast that it is difticult to manage them, or net them off the twist. AVp have seen a wall of Glycine, where many of the sboats had it all thfir own way for two or three years, and lots of the iron studs had to be cut short off before the plants could be put in order again. But perhaps on your rough stone wall, " roughlv dashed," so that you t-iinnot hit on the joints, woodoa uprights would be better ; and if these wove 1 inch thick, and 3 inches wide, and not more than 5 feet or 6 feet apart, you could easily hs galvanised wire against tbem, with staples also galvanised But galvanised iron net ■would not do, as twiners would get fixed In the n^ t worse than in tho upright wire, and old leaves and dirt would soon accumulate between the wire and the wall, making it very dittlcult to keep ihe place lidy. 796 JOtTRNAL OP HOKTiCULTURE ANX> COXTAaE aARDENER. [ December 30, 1862, Pruning Rhodopendrons (P. B.).~lt is very seldom indeed that Rho- dodendrons, require pruning, but if they are too much crowded and get naked at the bottom, they reriuire cutting back just after flowenuK, or inimedidtely be'ore flowerin^-titne, and they will break from the hard old ■wood almost better than any other plant if the roots are good. Rhododen- drons, Kalmias, Ledum?, Azalea^ and all such Americans ought to be thinned as soon as they interfere with each other, and then none of them wouid require pruning in a lifetime. Names of Fruits {Dr. Davtps). — There must bo some mistake about the Apple now sent for Hanwell Sourin=r ; that which came formerly was a roundish-ovate Apple, awfully acid. This is a round one and quite delicate and mild in flavour. This is doubtless your seedlinp: from the Kibston, ■which it is not unlike in aopearance. No. 2, marked Ked C'alville, is Emperor Alexander ; No, 4, Josephine de Malines, is Winter Nelis; No. 8, Lovedon's Pippin, is Couit-Pendu-Plit ; 10, unknown ; 12, unknown ; 13, is very much like Bull's Golden Reincite; 13, Pear, is the true Josephine de Malines ; His not Beurri? d'Amanlis, more like B. Diel ; 17, unknown. Your seedling- from 5Iere de Mc^nage is a good deal like Sturmer Pippin in appearance, and may prove equ'tl tn it in quality ; but at present it is un- ripe. The light and the hi^'hly-coloured large Apples are the same kind, and are not unlike M^'re de MtT-nage. All the others are correct. Apples (Btnston).—!, Drap d'Or; 2, Forge ; 3, Manks Codlin ; 4, not known . Pears.~5, Winter Nelis; 6, no^ known. (R. K.)- — 23, Golden Knob; 24, Nonpareil ; 25, Golden Reinettc ; 27, Braddick*8 Nonparielj 2S, York- shire Greening. Names of Plants {J. J/.].— \Ve believe it is a selected variety of Phee- nocoma prolifera Barnesii, with brighter-coloured flowers. At any rate it is the form Mr. Barnes used to f-how in such fine condition when an exhi- bitor of stove and greenhouse collections. [O. Bowers). — Specimens too damaged to be identified. It is useless to send unprotected specimens to be smashed by the post-office stampers. POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE. POULTRY SHOWS, Jandart 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Glasgow. (Pigeons and Canaries.) Sees. Mr, T. Buchanan. Entries close December 22nd. January 6th, 7th, and 8th. Kendal. Sees., Mr. George C. "Whitwell, and Mr. T. Wilson. Entries close December 23rd. Jandaky 7th and 8th. Cork and Sodth of Ireland. Sec.^ J. C. Beale, Esq., Cork. Entries close December 20th. January 8th and 9th. Perth, Sec^ Mr, D. Brown. Entries close December 31st. January 13th and 14th. Gloucester Ornithological. Sec, Mr. G. CnramioRS, 89, Southgate Street. January 2lFt and 22nd. LrvERPooL, iSec, Mr. J. T. Lawrence, 3, Cook Street. Entries close January 5tlL February 10th and 11th. Dkvizfs. Sees., Mr. J. Long and Mr. J. S. MuUings. Entries close January 28th. THE PAST YEAE. The approach of Christmas is not without its effect on most people. We have met with those who declare they are rot naturally lazy — they say work is a pleasure, pastime, and re- creation. We don't believe them. It is none to us. There is a great fuss made about the words " if" and " but." They deserve it, hut they are not the kings of the company, and if any other can make a good resistance, why should it not ? The past of a man may be full of lessons, but the future is full of hope. The future scorns "if" and " but" — it tacks its faith on " then." Those who have a weekly or daily task are strangely lazy when the end of the year is at hand. Turn the year, and then. The truth is, we like to put all we can to the account of the future, in order that we may extract what we may in the way of pleasure from the present. The days are short, the mornings are dark, and things are stationary. The shortest day is past ; but we are told there will be no real difference for "a fortnight. Then, say we, it should be a holiday. " What !" says a friend who had just dropped in, " a holiday ! How long ?" "Till the days lengthen," say we. "My stupid friend," he says, " have you considered ? The commercial year is made up of fifty-two weeks, and the exports and imports amount to " "Stop, sir," say we, and we think of Kobert Jlacaire, who, having breakfasted with Bertrand at a restaurant, and having, as he said, unfortunately taken no purse that morninij, was com- pelled to offer either some shares in a company he was about to form, or Bertrand's hat. Now albeit the latter was a " Goss," and by no means a new one, the waiter took the hat ; and we preferred our correspondence to our friend's "rifacimento" of McCulloch and Adam Smith. We therefore wished him good morning, and began to open letters. " T. W. S. M. B. F." writes he has been frying for years to get a prize, and has succeeded at last at the Crystal Palace, and there is no report. " W. W." thinks it would save trouble if the previous exploits of a pen were written over it. He, like all complainants, disavows any idea of finding fault, but cannot make out why he should win at Birmingham and be only com- mended at the Palace. He forgets the effect of a bilious attack lie had a short time since. Ha was ill only three days, and hardly knew himself; but then it is nonsense to say fowls are ever bilious. Now we will go to our arrears. Three weeks since Birmingham, and no details save the report. It is not enough to know there was fair weather, but we want to know how the glass stands. We will go to stern figures. Spite of distress in the north and croakings in the south, Bingley Hall was visited by the largest number that has ever attended the Poultry Show — 60,961 psople were admitted. The receipts at the doors were £1257 5«. 6i. Such success is well deserved. While speaking of the Crystal Palace we cannot talk o£ increased numbers ; but we can talk of an attendance produced entirely by the attraction of the poultry, and we can give some of the reasons that limit the attendance. First, the abominable railway accommodation. We know numbers who would attend but for that ; and the aristocracy who attended numerously on the Tuesday were all there early in the morning, and all gone by twelve o'clock — they would not bear the squeeze. The railway accommodation that sufSces for the four or five hundred daily visitors before the Poultry Show, is left to do duty for the quadrupled numbers. No allowance is made for the time of year and the fact that nearly all want to go at the same time ; and a family that has paid for first-class tickets is enabled, after a hard struggle, to get two in a third-cl&ss compartment made for ten and carrying sixteen, two in a second-class, and two in a first. People tire of this and forget to call it pleasure. Another drawback is the transformation of the centre of the Palace into a huge carpenter's shop and unpacking-room. Enough of that, and we will proceed to our chickens, remarking on those points that may possess interest after the Show. The Cochins were not as good as at Birmingham, but the Spanish were better. It seemed as though the two breeds could not supply two shows with pens of equal merit. The coloured Dorkings were chiefly remarkable for the great success of Lady Holmesdale. This Show is held in the heart of the Dorking country ; but Messrs. Vernon, Wakefield, Priest, and others hold their own and take their places in the prize lists. We were glad to see the Rose-combs well represented. The Single Cock class in Dorkings was declared by the Judges to be the best they ever saw. The Spanish were superior to those at Birmingham. Mr. Martin was very successful. The Gams were excellent, and the awards were remarkable for the number of new names they brought before the public, not, however, to the exclusion of Messrs. Archer, Hindson, Vernon, and other well-known prizetakers. The Golden-pencilled were weak, and the Silvers formed a bad class ; they may be good layers, but as specimens of the breed they are bad. The Golden were better than the Silver-spangles. In all the Hamburghs there were many faulty combs. Polauds maintained their upward tendency in quality and numbers. Mrs. Pettat, with Messrs. Adkine and Dixon, sent perfect birds. Malays were faultless, but not so numerous as usual. The Game Bantams formed a very large class. The White Geese weighed 61 and 53 lbs., the Grey, 70 and 58 lbs. The Aylesbury Ducks, 22^, 21i, and 20 lbs. Kouene, 18, 17, and 16^ lbs. The Black Ducks were beautiful. Turkeys weighed 63 and 6i;ibs. ; young birds, 56 and 554 lbs. There was a beautiful show of Pheasants. DUKATION OF THE CRYSTAL PALACE POULTEY SHOW. CABKIAQE OF POTJLTET. I THINK I am not the only one of your readers who is of opinion that the Crystal Palace Show is just one day too long. Surely three clear days of exhibition ought to suffice. My own birds at the recent Show were absent from home close upon ten days ! and as I live only 150 miles from London, the journey is not long. They are at the place of exhibition a whole week, which I think is too long. WhUe I am writing, will you permit me to touch upon another point, which, if taken up by a number of first-class exhibitors would tend greatly to increase the number of entries at poultry shows, and thereby assist to solve the problem of the day of " How are we to make poultry shows answer?" I allude to the present heavy expense for carriage. For one pen of Cochins and two of Pigeons packed in light baskets, and the distance only 150 miles from town via Great Western Rail, I had half a December 30, 18S2. ] JOUJiNAL OF HORTICULTLTEE AND COIIAQE GARDESaa, 797 poTereign to pny for bnro railway carriage thcro and back, besides incidental expenses. Now, 1 think tliat if a flub or society were forini'd wliich would open a negotiation wiili all the luilvvoy coiiipanies to try to induce them to carry chow poultry, and at greatly reduced priees, great advantage wouhl be gained by all the societies by a considerable increase of entries ; and it may be reasonably expected that, on the penny-post principle, railway companies would be ratlier gainers than losers by agreeing to n very liberal scale of reduction, Tlie simplest mode of doing it would be to induceall companies to carry exhibition poultry, &o., free on tlie return, if inis^old. I'liis is already done in many cases, and prevents unfair and dishonest advantage being taken of a reduced rate both ways by scudine poultry as if for exhibi- tion, which may uot hoiw fidt bo so. — W. H. Bkadon, Cheddon, near Tauaion, THE BL.iCE Ba:NTAMS WITH COLOUKED LEGS AT THE DARLINGTON SHOW. Having noticed in the last Number of your valuable Journal a letter from " Justitia," in which he insinuates that the pens of Black Bantams which I e.'ihibited at the last Crystal Palace Summer Show, and which were claimed, were not shown in their natural state, bnt with coloured legs, I feel it my duty, in justice to myself and the arbitrators of that Exhibition, to state publicly, which I now do without the least hesitation, that not the least parti(;Ie of colouring niuiter, or any kind of stain what- ever, was laid on, or came in contact with the legs of the birds referred to by either myself or any other person previous to their being dispatched to that Show. As to the position the highly- commended pen held being an inducement to their present owner to purchase them, they were in the catalogue at £3, while my first-prize pen was only in at £2 ; and the gentlemuu referred to being pi-escnt and claiming them himself, and he a well-known judge of poultry, attending most if not all of our principal exhi- bitions, you will agree with me that he could not have been expected to purchase birds of any description, without first con- sulting his own judgment in the matter. If a m.aturer development of the birds have produced the ;e in the colour of the legs, surely there is no reason to ch blame me in the matter, for they were naturally a good dark colour, and fit to "pass muster " at any exhibition before the most exact and scrutinising judge, at the time that I sent thsm to that Show. Tour correspondent " WiLTSEiKE Rectoe," says, in his " Plea for Bantams," that he has had Black Bantams layiug at the age of twenty weeks and tliree days. Allow me to state in support of h's assertion, that two out of tlie four pullets sent to the Crystal Palace Show were laving when a few days short of seven- teen weeks, and at the end of nineteen weeks I had a sitting of eggs from them under a ben. When hatched the chickens were weaklings and did uot live mai'.y days. In conclusion, I cannot refrain from e.iying, that if parties writing to your Journal were compelled to give their proper names instead of being allowed to shield themselves behind fictitious appellations, it would be much more easy for your readers to discern the true lover of justice from those who write only from personal animosity.— E. HuTTOJf, Fudsey. [We have the real name and address of "Justitia." If he intended any reflection on Mr. Ilutton, ho was not justiBed in so doing ; but we do not think he did. The owner of the Bantams when exhibited at Darlington lias not denied that he knew their legs were coloured, and until ho does so theie is but one con- clusion, and no one else ought to be suspected. — Eds.] PENGUIN DUCES. Ir any of your readers have kept Penguiu Ducks, and will have t)ie kindness to observe one little jjoint, and communicate the result, I should be greatly obliged. On examining the skeleton, I find that certain bones of the leg are longer than in the other breeds. 1 formerly kept these birds alive, and as far as I dare trust ray memory, they could run considerably faster than other Ducks. Is this the cise ? It would, perhaps, be a good way to test their running powers to caU the two kinds, when hungry, from a distance to their food, aud see which arrived first. — Chakles Dabwin, Down, Bromley, Kent. HYBRID BETWEEN THE COMMON PHEASANT AND THE SILVER PHEASANT. Can you inform me what sort of birds a cross with a common cock Pheasant and a Silver Pheasant hen would jirodiice ? Would they produce what are called Spangled Pheasants 'i — J. B. [We believe we are correct in saying there has never been a cross between the common and Silver Pheasants. Such a bird is desirable, and would be highly prized ; but wo do not think it possible] SALT DOES NOT INJURE PIGS. I DO not pretend to have much knowledge about " grunters," but it appears from some statements which have appeared in your widely circulated Journal, that salt is a most dangerous thing to give them in their food. I am living in a pig locality where salt is generally mixed with their (ood, and I liave not heard of a single case of injury to the animal arising from it. The prevalent opinion is, that the animal relishes its food far more with a little salt in it than without it. I was extremely doubtful about giving it to ihem until ray neighbours persuaded me, and I must confess that the pair I am owner of are no worse for the saline ingredient. — J. E., Co. Fermanagh. BEES AND BEE-HIVES IN THE INTEENATIONAL EXHIBITION. (^Concluded from page 688.) France. — In this department we found some verv well-made common straw hives, and some straw storiCers, whioii do not appear one step in advance of those used by the Count de la Bourdonnaye in the last century, and described by Wildman as nearly identical with his own. M. Hahei exhibits a so-called observatory-hive, which is, however very inferior to tlioge of English make. We cannot find any reference to French hives in the official catalogues, but on quitting the court we accidentally discovered an octagon etorifier by M. Vignon ; a frame-hive byM. Debeau- voys ; and a square storillur by JI. Gaillard. We saw aothinn- to remark in the two former, but may refer to the latter at gome future opportunity. Austma.— KoiB, J. F^ Maria JSntersdorf, Lower Atuiria No. 590, circular hives made of straw and of rushes, and of both combined ; also, square straw lager-hives of various de- scriptions. Tiiere are two machines, one for making round liives, and the other for making the sides, doors, that we need not further allude to them here. ' ' effected, and operations are performed, by opening the hive either at the back or front, as represented. There is also a wax- filtering pot in tin, wherem the wax rises through a perforated tin horizontal divider inserted and fastened at about 4s inches or 5 inches from the top. ■Wttrtembekg. — AVeitzel, E. (Society for bees' breeding), Sonnenberg, No. 2729.— A neatly-executed model of a bee-slied with twenty-six wooden hives, eight on each side, the same number in front, and two over the doorway. Each hive is fitted with nine frames, and space is left above the frames for a honey-room. The boxes being placed in pairs, have side com- munication as if intended for collateral working. Russia.— Klikovsky, Pkofessoe, Kazan, No. 303.— Models of a unicomb-hive of rather a pyramidal shape, and of a storify- ing-hive, both of them on a very small scale. RocHEFORT, Countess Olga, Ossa Circ, Ferm Gov. No. 154.. — Oleaginous honey produced from the lime-tree blossom, grow- ing on a ferruginous soU on the estates of the Countess Olga de Rochefort at the foot of the Uralian Jlountains, and used medicinally throughout Russia and Persia for diseases of the chest and respiratory organs, &e. Obtained by cold pressure. This honey is very remarkable as being produced entirely with- out the aid of bees, and has, of course, a very strong flavour of the blossom from which it is derived. It is moreover stated to be most valuable as a medicine, and superior to cod liver oi in cases of consumption. The Jury have marked their appreoia- tion of its merits by their award of a medal. BEES m BUILDINGS. Would any of your apiarian correspondents who may have tried keeping our little favourites in buildings or working through wmdows, &e., oblige me with the result of the experi- ment, giving lieight from ground, aspect, thickness of wall, &o. ? as I am thinking of trying a stock or two in a building with a N.W. aspect next season, but should like the opinion°of some of your correspondents ; end if this shoidd meet the eye of a " Renfkewshii!e Bee-keepek," I should be exceedingly oMiged if he would favour me with the history of a hive referred to in The Journal or Hoeticulture, No. 51, page 507, March 18th, 1S03, and No. 25, page 202, which was an observatory- hive. Would he be so kind as to say whether tliis stock prospered and swarmed or not, with such particulars as may seem to suggest themselves to him ? What can be the cause of vagrant swarms generally preferring a high situation, such as a roof, or in the tower of a church, &c ? so contrary to the usual practice of apiarians. Are we wiser than they? or is it in accordance with their instinct? It strikes me the charm of these situations is in their equable temperature and freedom from disturbance. Perhaps Jlr. Wyndham Jones might throw a little light on the subject if he would be so kind as to favour us with the promised result of his inquiries and observa- tions at Tatton Park. Any replies to my queries would obhge — A North-Staffordshire Bee-keeper. [We should be obliged by replies to the above inqui-ies, not only from the correspondents especially alluded to, but from any others who may have had experience in this mode ofkeepine bees.— Eds. J. of H.] New Use foe Gutta Peecha.— One of the most ingenious applications recently made of gutta peroha is that of forming artificial hoofs for horses' feet. Many skilful devices have been resorted to to attain this result, but the adoption of gutta percha will, doubtless, supersede all others as soon as its efficiency becomes recognised. Wliat is required is a substance possessing the consistence of horn, to retain the nails of the shoe, that will readily soften by heat, so as to mould itself into the required form ; that it be indissoluble in water, seeing that the horse's hoof is generally in contact with moisture ; and that it be capable of uniting perfectly with the hoof. The gutta percha 18 first cut into nut-size fragments, and softened in hot water ; the pieces are then mixed with half their weight of powdered sal- ammoniac, and melted together in a tinned saucepan over a gentle fire, keeping the mass well stirred. The mixture should assume a chocolate colour. — {Cincinati Gazette.) OUE LETTER BOX. Eabdit Judoes at the CnTsTAi. Paiace (A Constant Reidcr).—Vfo io not know their addresses. Ask Mr. Houghton, Secretary of Poultry Show, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, enclosing with the inquiry your address on a stamped envelope. Judoes at Biemingbam {Pateliii).—V,'e have received your note on this subject, but think it best not to insert it, because we have reason to believe that next year all will proceed in accordance with common sense, and further discussion might only hinder so desired and desirable a result. Witn DncKs WITH Tame.— Please to correct a mistake in my reply to •'J. R." respecting the rearing of wild Ducks. It occurs in your pnbiica- tion of the 23rd instant, at page 773, the second colnran. and thirtieth !me. It should have stood thus— the youn;? ones " at each reproduction became much larger, and the legs Inst the linenesa and elasticity so easily recog- nisable in the first parents." I would not trouble you, but in the above sentence the word too/; being printed in mistake lor lost alters the meaning of the p:ii-dgraph altogether.- Edward Hewitt. Cup-combed Dobkings (7*.).— It is a common error considering that a cup-comb is a grave defect in a Dorking. It is no such thing. There is no specific comb for a Dorking ; and the only rule relative to its comb of the slightest importance is that which requires similarity oi comb in a pen. A double back, or the presence of a few sprigs, does not constitute a cup- comb. This last is circular, or cup-form at the back. Amkeican Wied Tdrket (C ^.).— You can have the American wilj Turkey Irom Mr. B.-,ily, Mount Street, Grosvenor Square. ^■'^:;;^c WcS.nxi;:x.^t;; iiiRiliiii i;.M:;iiW;-lfh; ■t'mfi^^W.^^^' '■'J", './r- ■,(-ii'^;y:,'.a, 'mil :':Mii'^ i.T.'.