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THE 


FLOKIST,   FEUITIST, 


GAKDEN    MISCELLANY. 


1859. 


LIBRARY 

^EW  YORK 

BQTANICAn 

GARDjEfsj 

LONDON  : 
"FLOKIST"  OFFICE,  28,  HENKIETTA  STREET, 

COVENT   GARDEN. 


INDEX   TO    COLOURED    PLATES. 


Auricula,  Chapman's  Maria,  161 
Camellia  Valtevaredo,  129 

„       Countess  of  Derby,  321 
Chrysanthemum,  Golden  Queen,  65 
„  Prince  Albert,  65 

Fuchsias,  Eclat,  33 

„        Sir  C.  Campbell,  33 
Gladiolus,  Berthe  Rabourdin,  97 
Lselia  Schilleriana,  193 


Pelargoniums,  353 
Phlox,  Julia  Roussel,  257 

„       Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  257 

„       La  Volupte,  257 
Picotees,  Rev.  A.  Matthews,  289 

„  Rival  Purple,  289 
Plocostemma  lasianthum,  1 
Rose,  Eugene  Appert,  225 


INDEX   TO   WOODCUTS. 

American  garden,  geometrical,  347 
Currant  bush,  trained,  154 

Fern  classification,  diagrams  illustrative  of,  88,  39, 40,  41,42, 
43,  44, 101, 102,  103,  104, 105,  106, 107,  211,  212,  213 

Fruit  tree  protector,  145 
Pear,  Beurre  Aguste  Benoist,  7 1 
„     Fladberg,  72 


London:  Printed  by  S.  WHITWELL,  10,  Northumberland  Terrace,  Bagnigge  Wells  Road. 


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Plocostemma  Lasiantkum. 
Plate    14-7. 


JPruited  h 


THE 


FLORIST,   FRUITIST,  AND    GARDEN 
MISCELLANY. 


PLOCOSTEMMA   LASIANTHUM. 

(Plate  147.) 

We  this  month  furnish  our  readers  with  a  coloured  representa- 
tion of  this  remarkable  Asclepiadaceous  plant,  for  an  oppor- 
tunity of  figuring  which  we  are  indebted  to  Messrs.  Low,  of 
the  Clapton  Nursery,  who  imported  it  from  Borneo.  It  is 
evidently  a  genus  of  the  family  allied  to  Hoya ;  its  flowers, 
which  are  produced  in  July,  are  not  unlike  those  of  Cyrtoceras 
reflexum.  It  may  be  termed  a  long-stemmed  climbing  shrub, 
with  quite  the  habit  of  a  Hoya.  The  leaves  are  opposite, 
oval,  or  rather  ovate — thick,  fleshy,  and  deep  green,  especially 
above,  with  occasionally  a  few  pale  blotches  scattered  over 
'  their  surface.  The  flowers,  as  will  be  seen,  are  numerous, 
pendent,  and  of  a  tawny  orange  colour.  In  a  warm  green- 
house or  intermediate  house  it  will  doubtless  flower  freely,  and 
be  highly  ornamental. 


NEW  PLUM. 
In  the  collection  of  Plums  exhibited  at  St.  James's  Hall  we  noticed  a 
round  purple  Plum,  remarkably  fresh  in  appearance  for  the  season  of 
the  year,  and  by  no  means  of  a  bad  flavour — certainly  not  so  rich  as 
either  the  Imperatrice  or  Golden  Drop ;  but  still  a  valuable  fruit  for 
the  season.  This  Plum  was  shown  by  Mr.  William  Ingram,  of 
Belvoir  Castle,  to  whom,  however,  it  was  unknown,  and  who,  for  want 
of  some  other  name,  called  it  the  Belvoir  Plum.  From  inquiry  made 
of  Mr.  Powell,  of  Frogmore,  whose  knowledge  of  fruits  is  so  well  known,' 
we  learn  he  thinks  it  is  not  an  English  seedling,  but  probably  one  of  the 
late  French  sorts.  Can  any  one  of  our  pomological  friends  throw  any 
light  on  this  question  ?  The  Plum  will  make  a  valuable  acquisition 
to  our  lists,  if  its  other  properties  are  at  all  equal  to  its  appearance. 

VOL.   XIT.,    NO.    CXXXIII.  B 


THE    FLORIST. 


ROSES. 


A  Hull  correspondent,  unknown  to  me  but  by  correspondence, 
encourages  me  to  address  another  letter  to  the  lovers  of  Roses,  by 
telling  me  that  I  have  stirred  up  his  neighbourhood,  and  caused  him 
to  purchase  50  Roses,  instead  of  six  or  twelve  at  the  most.  Though 
he  styles  himself  "  A  Poor  Railway  Clerk,"  he  has  had  the  spirit  to 
send  to  Mr.  Cranston  for  36.  It  is  much  so  here.  The  nobility, 
gentry,  some  of  the  clergy,  and  many  of  the  farmers  (the  best  Rose 
cultivators  in  the  county),  are  budding  and  buying.  Even  the  poor 
get  briars  and  bud.  The  two  largest  Roses  I  saw  last  year — Baronne 
Prevot  and  Mrs.  Elliott — were  grown  in  my  parish  by  two  cottagers. 
These  are  steps — if  not  strides — in  the  right  direction.  The  Rose 
cause  is  a  growing  cause.  We  shall  soon  want  Cremorne  Gardens  or 
Hyde  Park  for  the  National  Show.  Mr.  Hole  has  lighted  a  fire  with 
Rivers's  faggots,  and  I  am  proud  to  act  stoker,  and  to  fan  and  feed  it. 

1  hope  the  "  boiler  won't  burst."  My  longing  eyes  have  been  looking 
in  vain  for  the  last  summer's  revelation  of  the  "  oft-told  tale,"  so  well 
told  by  Mr.  Rivers  and  Mr.  Paul  in  times  past.  In  purchasing,  I  have 
depended  chiefly  on  "  Experientia  docet,"  which  means  that  you  pay 
for  your  education,  and  partly  on  the  "  Marchands'"  better  judgment ; 
and,  whenever  I  have  done  so,  I  have  not  been  deceived.  Both  old 
and  young  amateurs  would  do  well  to  adopt  the  latter  dependence.  I 
have  bought  altogether,  with  60  that  I  have  given  away  as  "  tolers," 
or  "  decoy  ducks,"  about  350.  This  little  zeal  is  derived  from 
the  National,  and  is  periphrastic  praise  of  Mr.  Hole,  whose  24  Roses, 
"the  little  boys  in  the  street"  say,  were  the  best  Amateur's  lot  in  the 
show.  One  thing  is  certain,  that,  according  to  the  bud  rule,  they  were 
one  of  the  few  lots  that  were  not  positively  discpiahfied,  It  was  gene- 
rally a  show  of  most  noble  single  flowers,  the  buds  having  been  removed 
in  early  life.  I  removed  nothing ;  but,  no  more  will  I  be  "  Peter 
Simple,"  no  more  "  Peter  Flat."  I  will,  in  spite  of  bud  or  Buddhist, 
administer  early  the  Jewish  rite  upon  Protestant  principles,  reserving 
to  myself  the  right  of  private  judgment. 

As  regards  novelties,  I  have  entirely  depended  on  the  "Marchands" 
(I  use  the  term  in  distinction  from  the  provincial  nurserymen  and 
smaller    country    importers).     The    following    have    been    sent  : — 

2  Eveque  de  Nismes  by  Mr.  Davis,  of  Newbury ;  by  Cranston, 
Gloire  de  Lyons,  2  Lselias,  Duchesse  de  Polignac,  Mmlle.  Godard, 
M.  Montigny,  M.  Jard,  Maria  Portemer,  Lord  Palmerston,  Due 
de  Cambridge.  There  was  a  fine  bud  on  Laelia ;  she  must  be 
good.  The  wood  of  Jard  was  the  best.  Of  Roses  new,  but  not 
novelties,  the  chief  are  Vidot,  Pririce  Imperial,  A.  Fontaine,  M. 
Schmidt,  M.  Heraud,  Dr.  Lepestre  (I  doubt  its  being  better  than 
D.  Thouars),    Lady  Franklin,  2  of  Cardinal   Patrizzi,  2  of  Rebecca, 

3  of  Ravel,  St.  Remy  (a  bold,  most  fragrant,  and  good-habited  Rose ; 
she  is  the  finest  scented  Perpetual  next  to  M.  Laffay),  Triomphe  de 
1' Exposition,  M.  Regnier  (both  admirable  Roses,  and  I  think  the  two 
best  of  the  "  seven  that  were  to  hold  their  ground  for  some  time.") 
These  two,  with  Ravel,  will  not  easily  be  superseded ;  at  least,  they 


JANUARY.  6 

will  not  leave  the  catalogues  in  a  hurry.  Rebecca  broke  very  late,  and 
bloomed  only  once ;  but,  as  I  said  before,  she  is  a  "  stunner  ;"  I 
have  ordered  six  of  La  Ville  de  St.  Denis.  When  I  wrote  my  last  article 
I  had  only  bloomed  it  once,  and  very  well,  and  I  wished  before  writing 
about  it  to  see  it  again ;  and  I  must  now  pronounce  it  to  be  the  best  Rose, 
in  the  line  of  rose  colour,  that  I  have  ever  seen  or  bloomed.  I  cannot 
always  speak  of  the  habit  of  a  Rose  on  one  year's  trial ;  it  requires 
often  two  years  to  be  certain  :  but,  as  far  as  the  flower  goes,  it  is 
perfection,  comparatively.  Absolute  perfection,  of  course,  is  absolute 
nonsense ;  but  it  answers  to  the  following  description  : — Fine  decided 
colour  ;  petals  large,  deep,  thick,  round,  smooth  ;  opens  freely,  and 
stands  the  sun  well.  Tiley's  Lady  Franklin  was  in  her  first  bloom 
when  La  Ville  was  in  the  second,  and  I  never  saw  (except  La  Reine, 
when  she  has  bloomed  out  her  vulgarity),  two  more  splendid  Roses,  of 
which  La  Ville  was  the  more  perfect,  but  not  the  more  superb.  I  cut 
them  with  several  others,  and  gave  them  to  Mr.  Ingram,  of  Blandford. 
He  admitted  that  La  Ville  was  the  most  perfect,  but  said — "  Lady 
Franklin  is  splendid."  I  think,  if  Lady  Franklin  is  good  in  constitution 
she  will  be  called  for.  Lady  Franklin  was  in  poor  soil  highly 
manured,  and  La  Ville  in  good  soil.  It  is  necessary  to  state  all  these 
tedious  things  when  comparisons  are  drawn.  Toujours  Fleuri  I  have 
not  reordered.  The  wood  is  bad,  but  as  a  flower  it  is  one  of  the 
best  of  the  newer  Roses  ;  quite  first  quality,  and  a  good  and  constant 
bloomer.  It  will  need  no  pruning.  I  should  like  to  put  the  constitu- 
tion of  Ravel  (the  famous  French  comic  actor)  or  Jules  into  this  Rose, 
and  also  into  the  twin  gems  Leon  and  Dupuy.  Symmetry  and  per- 
fection are,  throughout  nature,  more  annexed  to  small  things  than 
great.  There  is  more  symmetry  in  an  ant  than  in  an  elephant.  The 
only  dwarf-habited  and  delicate  Roses  that  I  have  ordered  (knowingly) 
are  Madame  Masson  and  Paul  Joseph.  "  Robust"  is  the  word  for  me. 
I  generally  get  from  one  to  four  hurricanes  a  year.  The  one  on  the 
7th  of  May  damaged  me  greatly ;  as  soon  as  the  sun  came  out  the 
leaves  looked  like  fried  Parsley — a  garniture  for  eels. 

I  will  not  bore  you  with  a  list  of  the  older  sorts ;  but  as  we  lack 
yellow  and  white  Roses  I  will  speak  of  them. 

I.  Yellow.  I  have  received  2  Sulphurea,  3  Persian  Yellow,  2  Har- 
.risonii,   2  Triomphe   de  Rennes,    Narcisse,    Louise   de   Savoie,   and 

Madame  Maurin.  My  Cloths  of  Gold  are — one,  "  mortuus  ; "  the 
other,  "  moriturus" — both  on  Manetti.  As  long  as  we  move  this  Rose 
we  shall  have  difficulty  in  preserving  it.  But  put  it  on  a  stock  esta- 
blished in  loco,  and  once  get  it  to  age,  and  there  is  no  danger  of  its 
dying ;  though  in  our  valley  it  requires  spring  covering,  as  the  slightest 
frost  nips  the  succulent  tendrils.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Austin,  of  Keynstone 
(close  here),  has  two  noble  trees  against  Ins  house,  which  he  says  have  cast 
from  1000  to  1500  blooms  this  year.  Upon  his  saying  it  was  so  tender, 
I  advised  him  to  use  my  wall  fruit  receipt.  He  has  two  equally  fine 
Solfaterres,  quite  as  good  bloomers,  and  also  a  splendid  Ophirie,  between 
the  two,  which  looks  like  sliced  salmon  in  goblets  of  Norman  cream. 

II.  White  or  delicate  coloured  Roses  :  Without  white,  or  yellow,  or 
both,  no  pan  (especially  a  pan  of  six  Roses)  can  be  perfect.  The  best 
I  know  are  Clementine,  Hardy,  Acidalie  (minus  the  edge),  Blanchfleur, 


THE    FLOIU.ST. 


M.  Bravy.  I  have  replenished  my  stock  of  these.  Magnan  I  won't 
have  ;  she  is  delicate,  I  hear.  Henon  is  just  come.  The  other  Teas 
just  come  are  mixed  and  delicate  colours  :  Willermoz,  Mansais,  Comte 
de  Paris,  Sombreuil,  and  Bardlet  des  Champs,  and  (H.  P.)  Madame 
de  Manoel,  a  beautiful  silvery  blush,  not  strong  on  a  briar,  but  very 
strong  on  Manetti. 

I  have  put  the  Teas  and  also  pot  Roses  under  tents.  The  place 
looks  like  Aldershot.  I  have  no  faith  in  Teas  here,  except  Dijon, 
which  blooms  magnificently  in  any  place,  as  a  dwarf  or  standard.  1 
have  it  also  on  Manetti  untried  ;  and  here  I  may  say,  that  where  Roses 
suit  Manetti,  it  will  in  middling  soil  or  indifferent,  beat  the  same  Rose 
on  a  Dog  Briar,  and  give  it  a  year's  establishment.  I  speak  only  of 
one  year's  experience.  How  Manetti  may  go  on  I  cannot  say.  See 
Rivers'  excellent  book  (quite  a  charm),  page  186,  last  edition.  My 
experience  this  year  tallies  with  what  he  says.  Schmidt,  Rebecca, 
Reveil  (B.),  Laffay,  Victoria,  Duchess  of  Norfolk,  Bonaparte,  Suther- 
land, have  done  well  here  on  it  this  summer.  Laffay  and  Norfolk  revel 
upon  it.  The  former  is  my  oldest  love,  but  will  do  nothing  here  as  a 
standard ;  she  does  well  on  her  own  roots.  Bacchus  also  does  better 
on  his  own  roots  than  either  on  Manetti  or  Briar.  It  is  quite  a  first 
class  Rose. 

At  Mr.  Gill's,  nurseryman,  of  Blandford,  T  saw  on  the  19th  of 
October,  the  following  Roses  blooming  sumptuous  blooms  on  Manetti : 
The  Geant,  Bonaparte,  Jesse,  Prevost,  Duchesse  d'Orleans,  Comte  de 
Nanteuil  (both  first  class  Roses,  but  delicate  here  on  a  Briar),  Norfolk, 
Jacqueminot,  Dupuy,  Victoria,  and  C.  Sansal.  Auguste  Mie  was  out 
on  a  briar,  very  splendid.  She  is  one  of  England's  greatest  beauties. 
How  beautiful  has  this  Rose  bloomed  here  this  summer !  The  Duchess 
of  Sutherland,  which  has  done  nothing  here  for  two  years,  has  bloomed 
splendidly  on  both  stocks.  When  she  so  blooms  there  is  nothing  better. 
You  must  keep  your  eye  on  Manetti  sports.  I  have  lost  one  Rose  by 
this  neglect. 

I  have  a  volume  to  say,  but  must  consider  your  space,  and  cast  the 
blame  of  this  lengthy  article  on  several  of  your  readers,  who  have  urged 
me  into  this  indiscretion. 

I  will  now  say,  away  with  the  cautious  maxim,  "  Medio  tutissimus 
ibis;"  and  dash  in  "  Medias  Rosas,"  as  I  have  done,  and  order  the ^ 
novelties  ;  for  I  know  they  are  getting  scarce,  having  seen  a  letter  from 
one  best  known,  saying,  "  I  am  out  of  the  novelties,  but  I  have  plenty 
of  the  old  stuff."  Haste,  therefore,  haste,  and  buy  Lselia,  and  wait 
for  the  time  when  you  shall  use  Charles  Mackay's  words,  on  the 
beauties  of  his  Primrose  : — 

"  Stand  back,  my  joyous  people,  you  shall  see  her  every  one, 
You  shall  see,  but  not  touch  her,  when  I  place  her  in  the  sun. 
She  will  smile  on  you  serenely, 
And  fairy -like,  and  queenly, 
And  pour  upon  your  hearts,  like  the  dew  from  Heaven's  own  dome, 
The  feelings,  and  revealings,  and  the  pleasures  of  our  home." 

W.  Radcltfpe. 

Rushton  Rectory,  December  5. 

Dec.  24.— P.S.  I  thank  "  S.  R.  H."  and  "  Prince  Leon."  Louis 
Chaix  is  not  so  good  in  paint  as  Raglan. 


JANUARY. 


CHRONICLES   OP  A  SMALL   GARDEN.— No.  XII. 

Amongst  other  flowers,  which  I  mentioned  as  forming  part  of  the 
stock  of  my  small  plot,  were  Carnations  and  Picotees, — flowers  which, 
for  gorgeousness  of  colouring,  delicacy  of  marking,  and  fulness  of 
perfume,  are  hardly  excelled  by  any  florists'  flowers  ;  at  the  same  time, 
however,  requiring,  as  all  florists'  flowers  do,  considerable  care  and 
attention.  I  remember  one  grower  used  to  say,  he  had  eleven  months 
and  a  week's  bother  for  three  weeks'  bloom.  I  hardly  think  it  is 
quite  that ;  but  still,  what  with  potting,  tying,  blooming,  shading, 
layering,  and  housing  for  the  winter,  they  are  not  amongst  the  flowers 
that  can  be  described  as  taking  good  care  of  themselves ;  and  it  is 
certainly  very  provoking  to  find,  after  all  your  care,  that  a  nasty  ear- 
wig has  (like  a  thief  that  he  is)  come  in  the  night,  ensconced  himself 
in  the  calyx  of  your  opening  beauty,  and  spoiled  your  long  expected 
bloom  ;  or  else  that  your  fine  new  Carnation,  from  which  you  were 
expecting  such  a  treat,  has  run,  and  become  again  a  degenerate  self. 
It  may  be  thought,  then,  that  I  have  no  business  attempting  them,  yet 
I  know  nothing  more  attractive  than  a  good  bloom  of  Carnations  and 
Picotees.  I  this  year  had  finer  ones  than  I  ever  recollect  having,  and 
sending  a  box  of  them  to  a  tradesman  to  put  into  his  window,  they 
created  quite  a  sensation,  people  hardly  being  able  to  believe  that  they 
were  natural  flowers — so  waxlike  were  the  petals,  and  so  delicate  and 
regular  the  marking.  It  may  be,  some  one  similarly  situated  to 
myself  would  like  to  attempt  them,  and  for  their  benefit  I  will  mention 
what  I  believe  to  be  a  treatment  that  will  ensure  success.     And — 

1.  Soil. — Here  I  would  again  urge  that  which  I  contended  for  in 
my  paper  on  Auriculas, —  good  common  sense — no  quackery,  no 
messes,  but  just  such  good  plain  food  as  plants  will  ever  delight  and 
thrive  in.  For  these,  as  for  most  florist's  flowers,  the  basis  must'  be 
good  loam,  and  it  is  one  of  the  difficulties  I  have  to  contend  with,  that 
it  is  a  very  rare  commodity  in  this  neigbourhood ;  this,  with  well 
rotted  manure  from  a  Cucumber  frame,  and  a  portion  of  road  grit  to 
keep  all  open,  will  make  an  excellent  compost  for  Carnations,  and  you 
may  perhaps  add  some  leaf-mould  for  your  Picotees.  It  is  desirable  to 
have  your  compost  heap  turned  over  frequently  in  frosty  weather,  but 
shelter  it  from  heavy  rain  and  snow,  for  two  reasons, — firstly,  because 
you  will  have  the  fertilising  salts  washed  out  of  it ;  and  secondly,  you 
will  not  have  it  in  good  working  order  when  you  come  to  the  potting 
season.  The  proportions  of  each  will  vary  according  to  the  ideas  of  the 
grower,  but  I  think  one  barrow  of  loam,  one  of  manure,  half  of  leaf- 
mould,  and  a  couple  of  gallons  of  road  grit,  a  very  good  mixture.  If 
you  have  taken  care  of  this  during  the  winter,  it  will  in  early  spring 
be  in  a  good  condition  for  handling,  and  my  plan  is,  on  the  first  of 
March,  to  take  out  each  day  as  much  as  will  suffice  for  two  pots,  and 
regularly  and  carefully  handpick  it,  taking  out  all  worms,  especially 
those  "  monstra  horrenda,"  wireworms  (the  larva  of  a  kind  of  beetle), 
eggs  of  snails,  or,  in  fact,  any  living  thing ;  by  this  means,  by  the  end 
of  the  month,  enough  to  fill  four  dozen  of  pots  (the  amount  of  my 


(j  THE    FLORIST. 

collection)  will  have  gone  under  my  own  hands.  I  am  then  generally- 
spared  the  miserable  disappointment  of  turning  out  into  the  blooming- 
pot  a  fine  healthy  plant,  and  of  seeing  it  a  month  afterwards  hang  down 
its  head  and  die. 

2.  Potting. — This  I  generally  perform  at  the  latter  end  of  March 
and  beginning  of  April,  for  it  is  very  little  use  exposing  the  plants, 
before  they  have  taken  hold  of  the  ground,  to  the  cold  biting  winds  of 
March.  The  pots  that  I  use  are  those  usually  sold  at  6s.  a  dozen 
(about  nine  inches  across  the  top)  ;  into  the  bottom  of  these  I  put  a 
considerable  quantity  of  broken  pots,  and  over  them  a  thin  layer  of  dry 
Moss,  and  on  this  the  compost  above  mentioned,  "  not  riddled;  "  into 
each  of  these  I  put  a  pair  of  plants  ;  give  them  a  gentle  watering,  and 
stand  them  out  in  an  open  place,  in  fact,  on  the  garden  walks,  until 
they  begin  to  manifest  signs  of  growth,  having  first  tied  them  to  small 
sticks  to  prevent  them  from  being  blown  about :  when  they  begin  to 
"spindle,"  I  then  put  a  stake  about  3-|  feet  long  into  the  centre  of  the 
pot,  and  tie  each  of  the  flower  stems  to  it,  and  they  are  then  placed  in 
their  quarters  for — 

3.  Blooming. — It  is  desirable  to  have  a  blooming  stage  if  possible  ; 
this  should  be  a  light  framework  about  five  feet  high  at  the  sides,  rising 
to  seven  in  the  centre ;  on  this  may  either  be  drawn  an  awning,  or 
light  frames  covered  with  tiffany  be  put ;  under  this  the  pots  are 
arranged  so  as  to  afford  easy  access ;  as  the  plants  grow  they  are  to 
be  tied  to  the  stakes,  allowed  all  the  air  and  rain  they  can  get,  and  on 
no  account  to  be  shaded  until  the  colour  begins  to  show  in  the  bud ; 
they  should  be  thinned  of  these  buds,  not  more  than  three  being 
allowed  to  each  plant,  and  it  will  be  desirable  to  suspend  each  bud  tu 
the  stake  by  a  piece  of  thin  copper  wire ;  as  they  swell,  tie  round  the 
centre  of  each  a  piece  of  bass  mat,  to  prevent  bursting,  and  open  the 
segments  of  the  calyx  with  a  blunt  piece  of  ivory ;  cards  (those  sold 
by  Meek  are  the  neatest)  should  be  slipped  over  the  bud,  and  as  the 
petals  expand  they  should  be  laid  by  a  pair  of  Carnation  tweezers  on 
the  card.  I,  of  course,  only  presume  that  this  will  be  done  when  a 
first-rate  bloom  is  wanted ;  they  will  expand,  and  look  pretty  enough 
without  it,  but  they  will  not  be  A  1.  But  when  you  have  done  all 
this,  you  may,  with  a  good  deal  of  safety,  ask  any  of  your  friends  to 
beat  that  if  they  can.     And  now — 

4.  Layering,  &c. — This  process  is  so  well  known  to  all  florists  that  it 
seems  useless  to  describe  it ;  the  gardener  that  I  employ  cuts  the  top 
instead  of  the  underneath  side  of  the  shoot,  and  then  gives  it  a  twist 
round,  a  plan  which  ensures  the  non-closing  of  the  wound  again  ;  the 
time  for  doing  it  depends  on  the  state  of  the  plants  :  mine  are  ready  the 
end  of  July,  and  are  done  a  few  at  a  time  during  that  and  the  following 
month.  In  September  they  are  ready  to  take  off;  I  pot  them  singly 
into  48's,  using  the  stuff  they  have  been  growing  in,  with  the  addition 
of  a  little  fresh  loam  ;  they  are  then  put  into  a  frame,  and  kept  close 
for  a  few  days  ;  after  this,  put  into  a  pit,  and  left  exposed,  though  I  do 
not  allow  them  to  have  any  heavy  rains  ;  all  dead  leaves  are  to  be  cut 
off,  and  green  fly  carefully  watched. 

5.  Wintering, — Here    I    believe   great   mistakes   are   often    com- 


JANUARY. 


mitted,  as  the  plants  are  coddled  too  much.  If  persons  would  only 
recollect  that  it  is  not  frost  so  much  as  damp  that  they  dread,  they 
would  act  more  sensibly.  Let  them  be  set  on  coal  ashes,  in  a  frame, 
or  even  under  a  wooden  shutter  against  a  south  wall,  have  all  the  air 
possible,  be  kept  tolerably  dry,  and  you  will  not  lose  any  of  your  plants. 
Some  growers  have  a  treacherous  plan,  I  believe,  of  putting  them  after 
they  are  taken  off  the  plants,  into  a  gentle  bottom  heat,  to  encourage 
root  growth.  This  I  call  treacherous,  for  the  plants  are  thereby  made 
delicate,  and  then,  when  they  come  to  receive  more  hardy  treatment, 
like  many  a  fair  human  flower,  the  heated  room  has  made  them  so 
susceptible  of  cold,  that  the  seeds  of  consumption  are  sown,  and  they 
wither  and  die. 

I  add  the  names  of  a  few  really  good  ones  in  each  class. 


Scarlet  Bizarres. 
Admiral  Curzon 
Captain  Thompson 
Grand  Monarch 
Oliver  Goldsmith 
Silistria 
Lord  Raglan 

Crimson  Bizarres. 
Chancellor 
Premier 
Orestes 
Rainbow 

Sir  George  Brown 
Tenby  Rival 


Pink  and  Purple  Bizarres.* 
Falconbridge 
Lady  of  the  Lake 
Sir  Colin  Campbell 


Purple  Flakes. 
Ascendant 
Earl  Stamford 
Touchstone 
Beauty  of  Woodhouse 
Squire  Trow 
Poins 


Scarlet  Flakes. 
African  a 
Christopher  Sly 
Defiance 
Sportsman 
Justice  Shallow 
King  of  Scarlets 


Rose  Flakes. 
Flora's  Garland 
King  John 
Lord  Belper 
Poor  Tom 
Lady  Gardener 
Lovely  Ann 

Red  Edged  Picotees. — Heavy  edged. 
Cedo  Nulli 
Dr.  Pitman 
Mrs.  Lochner 

Ditto. — Light  Edged. 
Eugenie 

Duke  of  Wellington 
Charles  Turner 

Purple  Edged. — Heavy  Edged. 
Countess 

Duke  of  Devonshire 
Lady  H.  Moore 

Ditto. — Light  Edged. 
Exquisite 
Finis 

Mrs.  Hobbs 
National 

Rose  and  Scarlet  Edged. — Heavy  Edged. 
Helen 
Alice 

Lady  Grenville 
Queen  Victoria 

Ditto.—  Light  Edged. 
Mrs.  Barnard 
Mrs.  Turner 
Ariel 


Deal. 


*  This  is  a  very  limited  class 


D. 


THE    FLORIST. 


THE   NEW  PLANTS  OF  1858. 

We  offer  with  the  new  year  our  usual  summary  of  the  novelties  of  the 
past  season.  In  doing  this  we  wish  it  to  be  understood  that  it  is  the 
most  prominent  of  those  which  have  appeared  in  public,  or  have  been 
figured  or  noticed  in  the  various  botanical  and  horticultural  publications, 
that  we  here  bring  together  for  ready  reference.  There  are,  no  doubt, 
others,  which  have  found  their  way  into  gardens,  which  have  not  taken 
so  prominent  a  position,  or  which  we  shall  hear  of  hereafter.  Our 
notes  are  necessarily  brief,  on  account  of  the  space  they  would  otherwise 
have  occupied,  but  we  trust  sufficient  to  give  some  general  idea  of  the 
several  plants.  We  have  thought  it  useful,  moreover,  to  record  the 
accessible  figures  of  the  plants  which  have  been  issued.  Florists'  flowers 
are  excluded  from  our  plan,  and  we  have  arranged  our  notes  under  the 
heads  of  Orchids,  Stove  Plants,  and  Greenhouse  and  Hardy 
Plants,  for  the  purpose  of  greater  distinctness. 

GREENHOUSE   AND   HARDY   PLANTS. 

As  ornaments  to  the  conservatory  and  greenhouse,  we  have  several 
very  choice  kinds  of  Indian  Azaleas,  offering  variety  and  advance  ;  one 
or  two  very  nice  new  Camellias  ;  and  some  of  the  new  Indian  Rhododen- 
drons, of  which  R.  Nuttalli  carries  the  palm  over  all  previously  known  ; 
R.  Boothianum  is  interesting  on  account  of  its  colour — a  clear  primrose 
yellow ;  while  the  dwarf  R.  virgatum  is  a  little  gem.  Of  another 
character,  but  possessed  of  considerable  merit,  are  the  Clianthus  Dampieri, 
with  its  oddly-shaped  richly-coloured  flowers  ;  Cynoglossum  nobile,  the 
Forget-me-not  of  the  Chatham  Isles ;  Solanum  capsicastrum,  a  dwarf 
bush  studded  with  vermilion-coloured  fruit  about  the  size  of  nuts  ; 
Lobelia  trigonocaulis,  a  dwarf  blue-flowered  plant  likely  to  be  useful  for 
bedding ;  and  Darlingtonia  californica,  a  singular  and  novel  kind  of 
Pitcher-plant. 

To  the  class  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs  we  add — JEsculus  californica, 
Amygdalus  persica  v.  caryophylleseflora,  and  Rhododendron  Bylsianum, 
all  charming  showy  flowering  plants  ;  and  Ilex  cornuta,  I.  Fortuni, 
Olea  ilicifolia,  and  Torreya  grandis. 

The  out-door  flower  garden  has  received  as  acquisitions  the  blue 
Pentstemon  Jaffrayanum,  the  purple  Saxifraga  purpurascens,  the  striped 
Phlox  Triomphe  de  Twickel,  and  a  rose-coloured  Solomon's  Seal,  among 
perennials ;  and  Cosmanthus  grandiflorus,  Oenothera  bistorta  v. 
Veitchiana,  and  Tropseolum  majus,  a  dwarf  scarlet  variety  called  Tom 
Thumb. 

jEsculus  californica.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5077-)  The  Californian  Horse  Ches- 
nut  forms  a  low  spreading  deciduous  tree,  probably  hardy,  the  leaves  palmate, 
the  flowers  (produced  on  young  plants)  white,  crowded,  forming  dense  terminal 
thyrses  often  a  foot  in  length.  The  flowers  are  said  to  be  rose-coloured  in  the 
wild  plants,  so  that  it  probably  varies.     California.     Messrs.  Veitch  ^  Son. 

Amygdalus    (persica)    caryophylle^eflora.      (Florist,    t.    144.)      The 

Carnation-flowered  Peach.     A  charming  variety  of  the  Peach  introduced  from 

China,  the  blossoms  large,  nearly  full,  double,  pink,  flaked  with  rose  colour. 

Mr.  Glendinning. 

Apteranthes   Gussoniana.     (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5087.)     One  of   the  curious 


JANUARY.  9 

succulent  plants  related  to  Stapelia.  It  has  quadrangular  toothed  stems,  and 
near  their  apices  hear  umbels  of  small  star-shaped  flowers,  on  short  stalks ;  they 
are  pale  yellow  transversely  banded  with  dingy  purple.  It  is  a  greenhouse 
perennial.     Algeria.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Aralia  Sxeboldii.  A  fine  greenhouse  shrub,  with  large  bright  green  glossy 
leaves.     Japan.     Messrs.  Veitch  Sc  Son. 

Azalea  indica,  var.  Alexander  II.  (Flore  des  Serres,  t.  1243.)  A 
beautiful  novel  variety,  having  large  white  wavy  flowers,  as  in  crispiflora,  marked 
with  few  broad  streaks  of  bright  red.     A  Belgian  variety.     M.  Van  Houtte. 

Azalea  indica,  var.  Distinction.  (Florist,  1. 143.)  A  beautiful  vigorous- 
growing  variety  of  excellent  properties,  said  to  have  been  raised  from  Barclayana, 
fertilised  with  Criterion  ;  flowers  rich  salmon,  margined  irregularly  with  white, 
and  occasionally  striped  with  carmine,  the  upper  segments  densely  spotted  with 
•crimson.     A  garden  variety.     Messrs.  Ivery  §  Son. 

Azalea  indica,  var.  Due  de  Brabant.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  23.)  Flowers 
large,  of  a  light  rosy  salmon,  with  rich  crimson  spots  on  all  the  lobes,  and  a  tuft 
of  petaloid  stamens  in  the  centre.  A  Belgian  variety.  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson 
$  Son. 

Azalea  indica,  var.  Etoile  de  Gand.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  23.)  Flowers 
large,  round  lobed,  white,  with  a  delicate  rose  coloured  markiD  the  centre  of  each 
lobe,  forming  an  elegant  star-like  centre,  and  having  lines  of  carmine  spots  on 
the  upper  segments.     A  Belgian  variety.     3Iessrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  <Sf  Son. 

Azalea  indica,  var.  Leopold  I.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  23.)  A  Belgian  variety, 
flowers  large,  rich  rose  colour,  the  upper  lobe  spotted  with  crimson  ;  a  tuft  of 
petaloid  stamens  in  the  centre.     Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  §  Son. 

Azalea  indica,  var.  Perfection.  (Florist,  t.  143.)  A  robust-habited 
variety,  with  large  flowers  of  excellent  form,  and  of  a  lively  rose  colour,  thickly 
spotted  on  the  upper  segments.     A  garden  variety.     Mr.  Frost. 

Azalea  indica,  var.  Reine  des  Panachees.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  23.)  Flowers 
large,  white,  striped  and  spotted  all  over  with  rose  colour.  A  Belgian  variety. 
Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  £c  Son. 

Azalea  ovata.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5064.)  A  pretty  and  scarce  half  hardy  dwarf 
shrub,  with  small  ovate  leaves,  and  comparatively  large  and  abundant  pale 
purple  flowers.  North  of  China.  Introduced  some  years  since  by  the  Horti- 
cultural Society. 

Barklata  syring^flora.  A  fine  greenhouse  shrub,  with  orange  yellow 
flowers  in  the  way  of  a  Persian  Lilac,  only  of  an  orange  yellow  colour.  More- 
ton  Bay.     Messrs.  Low  $■  Son. 

Callicarpa  purpurea.  A  hardy  greenhouse  shrub,  with  sharply  serrated 
leaves,  in  the  axils  of  which  appear  bunches  of  insignificant  flowers  succeeded  by 
small  shiny  purple  berries  resembling  glass  beads,  which  are  very  ornamental, 
and  remain  all  the  winter  on  the  plant.     China.     Mr.  Standtsh. 

Camellia  japonica,  var.  Cup  of  Beauty.  (Florist,  t.  141.)  A  handsome 
Chinese  variety,  with  something  the  character  of  the  old  double  white ;  pure 
ground  colour,  with  an  occasional  streak  of  pink,  the  centre  well  filled.  Mr. 
Glend'inning. 

Camellia  japonica,  var.  Princess  Frederick  William.  (Florist,  t.  139.) 
A  very  handsome  variety  of  the  striped  class,  with  imbricated  close  flowers  ;  the 
ground  colour  blush,  with  stripes  and  varied  markings  of  pale  rose  colour,  in 
the  way  of  Alberti  or  Prince  Albert.     China.     Mr.  Glendinning. 

Camellia  japonica,  var.  Vergine  di  Colle  Beati.  (Flore  des  Serres, 
t.  1245.)  A  curious  white  imbricated  variety,  in  which  the  petals  are  ranged 
in  seven  curving  or  spiral  lines,  instead  of  alternating  throughout  in  the  usual 
way.     An  Italian  variety. 

Camellia  ros.efloha  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5044.)  A  single  flowered  Camellia, 
the  flowers  of  a  rose  pink,  and  small ;  cultivated  as  C.  euryoides  (incorrectly) 
for  many  years  at  Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Campanula  strigosa.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5068.)  A  dwarf  hairy  annual, 
4-5  inches  high,  scarcely  branched,  with  oblong-ovate  leaves,  and  largish  bell- 
shaped  deep  violet  blue  flowers,  with  a  yellowish  white  tuber.  Syria.  Kew 
Botanic  Garden. 

Clianthus  Dampieri.     (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5051.)     A  splendid  flowered  green- 


10  THE    FLORIST. 

house  soft-wooded  subshrub,  of  rather  difficult  management.  It  has  grayish  hairy- 
pinnate  leaves,  and  racemes  of  large  rich  crimson-scarlet  Papilionaceous  flowers,  of 
which  the  standard  is  bent  back  and  the  keel  elongated  ;  the  standard  has  a 
large  blackish  purple  boss  on  its  face  just  above  where  it  reflexes  ;  very  showy. 
Australia.     Messrs.  Veitch  Sf  Son,  and  others. 

Colletia  cruciata.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5033.)  This  is  the  plant  known  as 
C.  Bictonensis.  It  is  a  singular  shrub,  half  hardy  or  hardy  in  the  most  favoured 
localities,  producing  creamy-white  bell-shaped  flowers.  The  stems  consist  of 
thick  spine-pointed  triangular  lobes,  in  pairs,  set  alternately  in  opposite 
directions.     Bauda  Oriental. 

Cosjianthus  grandiflorus.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5029.)  A  fine  hardy  annual 
plant,  belonging  to  the  Hydrophyllacese.  It  has  the  habit  and  foliage  of  Eutoca 
viscida,  but  much  larger  flowers,  which  are  of  a  pale  purple  colour.  Sometimes 
called  Eutoca  grandiflora.     California.     Messrs.  Veitch  Sf  Son. 

Cynoglossum  nobile.  (Gard.  Chron.  1853,  240.)  A  very  remarkable  and 
handsome  dwarf  greenhouse  perennial  herb,  with  very  broad  thick  cordate 
furrowed  leaves,  having  5-7  strong  parallel  nerves.  The  flowers,  which  are  like 
those  of  Forget-me-not,  but  larger,  grow  on  scorpioid  scapes,  about  a  foot  high, 
and  are  blue  edged  with  white.     Chatham  Island.     Mr.  Watson. 

Darlingtonia  californica.  A  curious  two-horned  side-saddle  flower,  or 
Sarracenia,  one  of  the  plants  forming  pitcher-like  leaves.  California.  Messrs. 
Jackson  §  Son. 

Dasylirium  acrotrichum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5030.)  An  Asparagineous  green- 
house Yucca-like  plant,  forming  a  spreading  crown  of  long  slender  thickish 
leaves,  and  producing  from  the  centre  an  erect  flower-stem,  about  16  feet  high, 
three  or  four  feet  of  the  upper  part  of  which  consists  of  a  crowded  series  of 
spikelets,  bearing  insignificant  green  flowers.  The  beauty  of  these  plants  lies 
entirely  in  their  habit.     Mexico.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Dasylirion  glaucophyllum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5041.)  Another  fine  Aspa- 
ragineous greenhouse  plant,  with  a  large  spreading  head  of  narrow  glaucous  rigid 
leaves  of  Yucca-like  habit.  The  flowers  are  in  crowded  spikelets,  collected  into 
a  long  compound  spike  at  the  top  of  the  tall  central  erect  flower-stem,  10-12 
feet  high.     Mexico.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Digitalis  purpurea,  var.  gloxinioides.  A  fine  variety  of  the  common 
Foxglove,  the  flowers  white  or  flesh-colour,  with  deep  blotches  of  crimson, 
resembling  a  Gloxinia. 

Erica  amabilis  floribunda.  A  distinct  variety  of  the  retorta  set ;  flowers 
large,  profuse,  delicate  rose,  produced  in  the  late  summer  and  autumn  months. 
A  garden  variety.     Messrs.  Rollisson. 

Erica  Fairrieana.  A  striking  variety,  of  free  growth,  raised  between 
ampullacea  and  aristata,  partaking  of  the  former  in  the  size  and  of  the  latter  in 
the  colour  of  the  flowers.     A  garden  variety.     Messrs.  Rollisson. 

Eugenia  Luma.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5040.)  The  Eugenia  apiculata  of  gardens. 
It  is  a  line  Myrtaceous  and  Myrtle-like  hardy  or  half-hardy  evergreen  shrub, 
with  oval  oblong  sharp-pointed  leaves,  the  branches  loaded  during  summer  with 
its  white  blossoms.     Chili.     31essrs.  Veitch  $  Son. 

Fieldia  australis.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5089.)  A  straggling  greenhouse  shrub, 
with  opposite  ovate-lanceolate  acuminate  leaves,  and  pendulous  pale  greenish- 
yellow  tubular  flowers  for  their  axils.     Australia.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Fritillaria  gr^ca.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5052.)  A  neat,  hardy,  bulbous  per- 
ennial, with  short,  slender,  erect  stems,  linear-lanceolate  leaves,  and  nodding 
flowers,  borne  singly  or  two  together,  pale  reddish  brown,  with  a  green  border. 
Mount  Hymettus.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Gardenia  citriodora.  (Ulust.  Bouq.,  t.  17-)  A  fine  representation  of 
this  profuse-blooming  fragrant  warm  greenhouse  shrub  is  given  in  the  above 
plate. 

Gardenia  radicans,  var.  major.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  24.)  A  most  desirable 
variety  of  a  highly  popular  plant.  It  is  distinguished  by  its  more  robust  growth, 
its  more  oval  and  less  lanceolate  deep  green  leaves,  and  its  larger  blossoms, 
which,  like  the  parent,  are  pure  white  and  fragrant.     A  garden  variety. 

Gaultheria  discolor.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5034.)  A  small  hardy  Ericaccous 
shrub,  with  obovate-Ianceolate  leaves,  longitudinally  ribbed  and  silvery  beneath, 


January-.  II 

and  short  axillary  racemes  of  white  pitcher-shaped  flowers,  w  ith  small  pink  lobes 
Bhotan.     T.  Nuttall,  Esq. 

Gb.ammatqcab.pus  volubilis.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5020.)  A  slender  half  hardy 
climber  of  the  Loasa  family,  having  opposite  bipinnatifid  leaves  and  curiously 
formed  yellow  flowers  from  the  forkings  of  the  stem.  It  is  sometimes  known  as 
Scyphanthus  elegans. 

Hydrangea  cyanema.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5038.)  A  half  hardy  under  shrub, 
with  broad  ovate  toothed  leaves,  and  corymbs  of  white  (the  neuter)  flowers 
streaked  with  red.  Not  equal  to  the  two  common  kinds.  Bhotan.  T.  Nuttall,  Esq. 
Ilex  aqtjifolium,  var.  pendulum  foliis  variegatis.  A  fine  weeping 
variety  of  Holly,  with  prettily  variegated  leaves  A  garden  variety.  Messrs. 
Perry. 

Ilex  cornuta.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5059.)  This  fine  evergreen  shrub  seems  to 
be  quite  hardy.  Its  leaves  are  remarkable  iu  form,  having  one  or  two  marginal 
spines  and  the  apes  dilated  with  usually  three  spiny  spreading  horn-like  points; 
flowers  small  white,  axillary.     China.     Mr.  Standish. 

Ilex  Fortuni.  (Gard.  Chron.  1857,  868.)  A  handsome  evergreen  shrub, 
resembling  I.  cornuta  when  young,  but  having,  when  more  mature,  broad 
entire  leaves.  It  becomes  very  ornamental  when  loaded  with  its  red  berries, 
which  come  in  in  umbels  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  North  of  China.  Mr. 
Glendinning . 

Indigofera  decora.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5063.)  This  is  a  good  figure  of  this 
charming  greenhouse  shrub,  which  is  not  so  common  as  it  deserves  to  be. 

Ismelia  Broussonetii.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5067.)  The  old-fashioned  Chrysan- 
themum Broussonetii,  probably  lost  till  now  re-introduced.  A  free-growing 
greenhouse  shrub,  with  bipinnatifid  leaves,  and  large  lilac  tinted  white  flowers 
with  a  dark  eye,  not  unlike  the  common  Ox-eye  Daisy.  Madeira.  Kew  Botanic 
Garden. 

Ligustrum  sinense.  (Gard.  Chron.  1858,  621  with  fig.)  A  deciduous 
and  apparently  hardy  species  of  Privet,  with  slender  downy  branches,  oval- 
obtuse  leaves,  and  panicles  of  small  white  flowers,  somewhat  resembling  those 
of  the  common  kind.     China.     Mr.  Glendinning. 

Lobelia  trigonocaulis.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5088.)  A  handsome  decumbent 
half  hardy  or  greenhouse  perennial,  having  laciniate  subpinuatifid  leaves  and 
large  axillary  flowers,  blue  with  a  white  centre,  resembling  those  of  L.  ramosa, 
but  paler.  It  is  a  free-flowering  plant,  and  will  probably  be  useful  for  bedding 
out.     Moreton  Bay.     Messrs.  Low  and  Son. 

Lomatia  Bidwillii.  A  handsome-leaved  evergreen  greenhouse  shrub,  the 
leaves  pinnate,  18  inches  long,  the  leaflets  surrounded  with  spines.  New 
Caledonia.     Messrs.  Rollisson. 

Lomatia  elegantissima.  An  extremely  elegant  evergreen  greenhouse 
shrub,  with  Fern-like  foliage.     New  Caledonia.     Messrs  Rollisson. 

Lupinus  Hartwegii,  var.  co;lestinus.  A  very  distinct  variety  of  this 
ornamental  ?nnual ;  the  flowers  of  a  delicate  pale  blue,  pink  at  the  edges.  A 
garden  variety.     Messrs.  Carter  and  Co. 

Nolana  paradoxa,  var.  violacea.  A  variety  with  larger  flowers,  of  a 
distinct  rosy  violet  colour.     A  garden  variety.     Messrs.  Carter  and  Co. 

CEnothera  Drummondii,  var.  nana.  A  dwarf  annual  variety  of  this  showy 
border  plant ;  flowers  large,  bright  yellow,  and  blooming  long  in  succession. 
Texas.     Messrs.  Carter  and  Co. 

Oenothera  bistorta,  var.  Veitchianum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5078.)  A  showy 
hardy  annual  pubescent  subdecumbent  species,  having  ovate-lanceolate  or  ovate 
toothed  leaves,  and  axillary  deep  yellow  flowers  with  small  blood-red  spots  at 
the  base  of  the  petals.  Probably  useful  for  garden  decoration.  South  Cali- 
fornia.    Messrs.  Veitch  and  Son. 

Olea  ilicifolia.  A  hardy  evergreen  shrub,  with  large  handsome  foliage; 
flowers  pure  white,  twice  the  size  of  Olea  fragrans,  and  as  finely  scented. 
Japan.     Messrs.  Veitch  and  Son. 

Pentstkmon  Jaffrayanus.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5045.)  A  fine  hardy  or  half 
hardy  herbaceous  perennial  allied  to  P.  speciosus.  The  leaves  are  glaucous, 
entire,  the  lower  ones  spathulate ;  the  flowers  in  long  terminal  panicles,  large 
bright  blue,  stained  with  deep  red  at  the  base  of  the  tubes.  It  is  a  charming 
plant.     California.     Messrs.  Veitch  and  Son. 


12  THE    FLORIST. 

Pinus  Bonapartea.  (Gard.  Chron.  1858,  358.)  A  distinct  species  of  the 
Weymouth  section  ;  the  leaves  in  fives,  slender,  2-4  inches  long  ;  the  cones  a 
foot  long.  P.  Duraugensis  seems  to  be  a  smaller  state  of  the  same  plant. 
Mexico.     M.  Roezl. 

Pinus  Don  Pedro.  {Gard.  Chron.  1858,  240.)  A  splendid  tree,  35-45 
yards  high,  with  long  flexible  branches  ;  the  leaves  fine,  five  in  a  sheath,  six 
inches  long,  glaucous;  cones  very  large,  14  inches  long  5  inches  in  diameter. 
A  Pine  of  the  Weymouth  section.  Mexico.  8-9000  feet  elevation.  M.  Roezl. 
Several  other  new  Pines  have  been  introduced  from  the  same  source,  but  there 
are  strong  doubts  of  their  distinctness. 

Phlox  decdssata,  var.  Triomphe  de  Twickel..  (Flore  des  Serres, 
t.  1248.)  An  extremely  beautiful  Belgian  variety  of  the  hardy  herbaceous 
section  of  the  family,  remarkable  for  having  its  abundant  flowers  of  a  light  rose 
purple  with  a  broad  distinct  margin  of  white  down  each  side  of  the  segments  of 
the  limb. 

Polygonatum  punctatum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5061.)  A  hardy  herbaceous 
tuberous  perennial,  related  to  Convallaria,  with  ovate  lanceolate  leaves,  and  two- 
flowered  axillary  peduncles,  the  flowers  being  small,  erect,  whitish,  tipped  with 
green.     Bhotan.     T.  Nuttall,  Esq. 

Polygonatum  roseum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5049.)  A  pretty  hardy  herbaceous 
tuberous  perennial.  It  has  oblong  lanceolate  leaves,  frequently  growing  in 
threes,  and  from  their  axils  the  pretty  pale  rose  bell-shaped  flowers  spreading  or 
often  decurved  appear,  frequently  in  pairs.     Siberia.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Prostanthera  cuneata.  A  dwarf  greenhouse  shrub,  with  small  obtuse 
leaves  and  lavender  coloured  flowers  prettily  spotted  with  blue.  Australia. 
Messrs.  Rollisson. 

Rhododendron  argenteum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5054.)  A  fine  hardy  or  half 
hardy  shrub,  with  large  oblong-obovate  leaves  silvery  beneath,  and  deuse  heads 
of  flowers,  pale  rose  colour  in  the  bud,  changing  to  cream  colour  and  white. 
Sikkim  Himalaya.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Rhododendron  Boothii.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  174.)  A  desirable  neat-growing 
shrub,  with  ovate-lanceolate  leaves,  more  or  less  hairy,  and  heads  of  moderate 
sized  primrose  coloured  flowers.     Bhotan.     M.  A.  Verschaffelt. 

Rhododendron  Bylsianum.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  18.)  A  charming  hardy 
evergreen  shrub,  producing  large  heads  of  brilliant  flowers,  in  which  the  centre 
is  white  and  the  border  lively  rose  colour.     A  Belgian  variety.     Messrs.  Byls. 

Rhododendron  calophyllum.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  19.)  A  fine  compact 
growing  evergreen  greenhouse  shrub,  the  flowers  large,  white,  fragrant.  Bhotan. 
Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  and  Son. 

Rhododendron  Griffithianum,  var.  Aucklandii.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5065.) 
This  Indian  plant,  known  as  R.  Aucklandi,  is  among  the  very  finest  of  the 
genus,  having  bold  oblong  acute  leaves,  and  fine  heads  of  large  white  blossoms, 
each  sometimes  six  or  seven  inches  across ;  they  are  five  lobed,  with  a  short  tube 
and  open  limb.     Sikkim.     Mr.  Gaines. 

Rhododendron  Ncttalli.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  21.)  The  most  magnificent 
of  the  Indian  Rhododendrons,  as  far  as  yet  known.  It  forms  an  evergreen 
shrub  with  large  broad  veiny  leaves,  the  stems  terminating  in  a  colossal 
corymb  of  large  white  blossoms,  which  are  about  six  inches  in  diameter,  and 
nearly  as  much  in  length,  stained  at  the  base  of  the  cup  with  pale  orange,  very 
fragraut.     Bhotan.     Herr  Forster,  Augsburg. 

Rhododendron  virgatum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5060.)  A  dwarf  slender  twiggy 
Rhododendron  with  small  oblong  acute  leaves,  glaucous  and  scaly  beneath ; 
flowers  of  moderate  size,  delicate  rosy  pink,  remarkable  for  growing  singly  (or 
sometimes  two  together)  in  the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves,  not  in  terminal  bunches, 
as  is  usually  the  case,  although  being  closely  placed,  they  form  something  of  a 
terminal  head.  It  is  extremely  pretty,  and  will  probably  prove  useful,  both  as 
a  forcing  plant  and  a  breeder.  Sikkim  and  Bhotan.  T.  Nuttall,  Esq.,  and 
Messrs.  Low  and  Son. 

Rhodoleia  Championi  has  been  bloomed  for  the  first  time  in  England, 
during  the  spring  of  1858,  by  Mr.  Fleming,  of  Trentham.  The  flowers,  however, 
were  not  so  handsome  as  was  expected. 

Salvia  tricolor.  (Flore  des  Serres,  t.  1257)  A  pretty  slender  sub- 
shrubby  greenhouse  plant,  with  small  ovate  leaves  and  long  spikes  of  white 


JANUARY.  13 

flowers,  having  the  upper  lip  faintly  tipped  with  light  purple  and  the  lower  half 
or  apex  of  the  lower  lip  bright  rose  colour.     Mexico.     M.  A.  Verschaffelt. 

Saxifraga  purpurascens.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5066.)  A  beautiful  hardy  per- 
ennial, with  large  broad,  rounded  obovate  leaves,  and  scapes  six  or  eight  inches 
high,  supporting  a  dense  branched  subcorymbose  panicle  of  drooping  flowers  of 
a  deep  red  purple.     Sikkim  Himalaya.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Senecio  Mikani^e.  A  fast-growing  greenhouse  climber,  with  light  green 
smooth  fleshy  ivy-like  leaves,  and  axillary  corymbs  of  yellow  sweet-scented 
flowers,  seldom  produced.  It  is  a  very  useful  summer  plant  for  various  purposes 
in  the  flower  garden.     Also  known  as  Delairea  odorata. 

Solandm  capsicastrum.  (Flore  des  Serres,  t.  1242.)  A  pretty  greenhouse 
dwarf  sub-shrub  with  small  oblong  lanceolate  leaves  and  small  flowers,  succeeded 
by  globular  vermilion  coloured  berries,  which  are  extremely  ornamental.  Brazil. 

Statice  Bondwellii.  A  neat  half  hardy  biennial,  with  spreading  sinuated 
leaves  and  branching  flower  stems  bearing  yellow  flowers.  Algiers.  Mr.  W. 
Thompson. 

Thunbergia  natalensis.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5082.)  A  fine  greenhouse  ever- 
green subshrub,  with  opposite  ovate  acute  sessile  largish  leaves,  and  stalked 
axillary  horizontally-placed  flowers,  which  are  large  and  showy,  with  the  curved 
tube  yellow  and  the  spreading  limb  of  a  pale  blue.  Natal.  Messrs.  Veitch 
and  Son. 

Torreta  grakdis.  (Gard.  Chron.  1858,  588.)  A  noble  evergreen  tree, 
perfectly  hardy.  It  has  some  resemblance  to  Cephalotaxus.  Mountains  of 
Northern  China.     Mr.  Glendinning. 

Tritoma  uvaria.  (Illust.  Bi.uq.  t.  22.)  A  fine  plate  of  this  well-known 
stately  and  brilliant  herbaceous  plant. 

TropjEOLUM  majus,  var.  nanum.  (Tom  Thumb.)  A  remarkably  dwarf  and 
compact  variety,  not  running,  and  bearing  a  profusion  of  bright  scarlet  flowers. 
It  will  form  a  very  handsome  summer  plant  for  beds  or  pots  or  vases.  A  garden 
variety.     Messrs.  Carter  and  Co. 

Veronica  decussata,  var.  azurea.  A  hybrid  raised  between  decussataand 
speciosa,  much  resembling  the  former,  but  the  colour  of  the  flowers  different. 
A  garden  variety.     J.  Luscombe,  Esq. 

Orchids  and  Stove  Plants  will  be  given  in  our  next. 


LACHENALIA  QUADRICOLOR,  &c. 
This  beautiful  genus  of  plants,  or  in  other  words  bulbs,  when  properly- 
cultivated,  deserves  the  attention  of  every  true  florist,  for  so  various  are 
their  colours,  that  they  may  be  said  to  vie  with  the  hues  of  the  rain- 
bow. Some  of  the  species  are  almost  hardy,  requiring  but  little  pro- 
tection during  the  winter.  In  spring  and  summer,  their  purple  and 
yellow  flowers  greatly  enhance  the  beauty  of  the  flower  border  or 
parterre.  As  has  been  asserted  by  some  writers,  if  we  examine  the 
bulbs  of  L.  glauca,  we  shall  find,  upon  close  inspection,  that  an  extra 
coating  of  thick  scales  envelops  them,  showing  a  timely  provision  of 
Nature,  to  protect  the  lovely  gems  that  stud  our  mother  earth.  Having 
headed  this  article  with  my  old  favourite,  L.  quadricolor,  perhaps  a 
few  remarks  on  its  culture  may  not  be  unacceptable  to  the  readers  of 
the  Florist. 

It  is  the  ambition  of  most  gardeners,  when  their  employers  require 
flowering  plants  in  the  winter  for  decorating  the  drawing  room  and 
conservatory,  to  have  a  good  succession  of  bulbs  at  this  season.  The 
Lachenalia  is  admirably  adapted  for  that  purpose,  as  this  bulb  may 
be  had  to  flower  at  any  time.     Its   scarlet  and  yellow  tints   blend 


14  THE    FLORIST. 

strikingly  amongst  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  &c,  forming  a  pleasing  effect. 
The  balls  containing  the  bulbs  of  this  plant  should  be  turned  out  and 
repotted  about  the  beginning  of  September,  carefully  removing  all  the 
youn<T  or  weak  bulbs,  which  must  be  potted  by  themselves,  as  they 
require  to  be  grown  one  season  before  the  flowers  come  good.  Having 
selected  the  best  bulbs,  and  having  the  pots  well  cleaned  and  drained,  fill 
them  with  the  following  compost,  to  within  an  inch  and  a  half  of  their 
rims  :  two  parts  peat  to  one  of  yellow  loam,  well  mixed  together,  adding 
at  the  same  time  a  good  supply  of  sand.  Some  prefer  peat  and  sand 
only ;  this  I  think  is  apt  to  weaken  the  bulb  ;  consequently  the  flowers 
cannot  be  so  fine  ;  neither  do  they  turn  out  so  clean  when  potted. 
The  pots  being  filled  to  the  height  required,  press  the  soil  gently  down, 
making  it  level ;  then  place  the  bulbs  thickly  in  the  pot,  as  they  are 
small,  to  make  them  adhere  to  the  soil ;  then  fill  the  pot  with  the  same 
compost  to  the  rim,  pressing  it  down,  and  the  work  is  finished.  About 
two  dozen  pots  (48's  and  32's)  will  be  enough  filled  at  one  time ; 
about  the  end  of  the  month,  pot  off  the  same  number,  which  will  be 
quite  sufficient  to  keep  up  a  good  succession  during  the  winter.  On 
removing  the  pots  from  the  potting  shed,  place  them  in  a  cool  frame  or 
pit,  giving  just  enough  water  to  moisten  the  soil.  The  roots  will  shortly 
begin  to  push  vigorously,  filling  the  pots  ;  and  as  soon  as  the  top  of  the 
plant  is  seen  to  appear  remove  them  to  a  shelf,  near  the  glass,  in 
the  greenhouse  (which  is  preferable  to  a  forcing  pit,  as  they  are  apt  to 
grow  fast,  and  produce  abortive  flowers),  when  they  should  be  well 
supplied  with  water,  and  occasionally  a  little  liquid  manure.  In  this 
situation  the  plants  will  show  for  bloom  ;  then  they  may  be  placed  in 
the  conservatory,  or  where  flowers  may  be  required. 

These  plants,  if  well  treated,  will  continue  for  some  time  in  flower  ; 
when  on  the  wane,  water  must  be  gradually  withheld  ;  when  done 
flowering,  place  them  in  a  warm  pit,  to  gently  ripen  them  off,  and 
finally  remove  to  a  dry  shed,  when  the  pots  may  be  stacked  on  their 
sides  till  required  again  next  season.  Each  batch  of  pots  should  be 
carefully  labelled  when  stowed  away,  to  prevent  mistakes,  as  it  is 
necessary  to  use  them  in  proper  rotation. 

C. 


MONSIEUR    FERDINAND   GLOEDE    ON    STRAWBERRIES. 
A  Letter  addressed  to  the  Rev.  W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

Les  Sablons,  near  Moret-sur-loing,  France. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, — Although  not  having  the  honour  of  being 
known  to  you,  still  on  the  strength  of  certain  sympathies  existing 
between  us,  I  take  the  liberty  of  addressing  to  you  these  lines  .  From 
various  highly  interesting  articles  in  the  Florist,  and,  if  I  mistake  not, 
in  the  Midland  Florist  also — for  which  the  horticultural  world  is 
indebted  to  you — 1  learned  that  the  Strawberry  is  one  of  your  plants 
of  predilection.  Being  myself  a  most  enthusiastic  lover  of  this 
delicious  fruit,  it  struck  me  that  it  might  be  mutually  agreeable  for  us 
to  communicate  to  each  other  occasionally  our  experience  and  ideas  on 
this  subject.     I   possess    the   most  complete  collection  in  the  worid ; 


JANUARY.  15 

upwards  of  200  sorts  ;  the  most  popular  of  which  I  have  described  in  my 
new  catalogue,  which  I  beg  leave  to  send  you  by  this  mail.  Through 
my  numerous  relations  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  I  endeavour  to  procure 
for  myself  every  year  the  novelties  raised  by  eminent  growers — in  <he 
first  instance,  with  a  view  to  satisfy  my  curiosity,  and  also  with  the 
object  of  supplying  plants  to  the  most  important  seed  merchants  of 
Paris  and  abroad. 

I  notice  that  the  Keen's  Seedling,  Trollope's  Victoria  and  Black 
Prince  [I  do  not  keep  it,  but  spoke  of  it  as  a  forcer. — W.  F.  R.]  are 
favourites  with  you.  The  first  named  is,  in  fact,  a  good  sort,  but  now 
superseded  by  Sir  Harry.  In  France,  Keens  is  not  generally  liked, 
because  it  produces  but  few  fruits  of  a  fair  size,  and  the  rest  are  so 
small  that  they  are  scarcely  worth  gathering.  [It  is  not  so  here — 
W.  F.  Pi.]  Victoria  is  one  of  my  favourites,  although  a  little  soft,  and 
deficient  in  flavour ;  nevertheless  it  is  a  noble  fruit,  and  of  very  easy 
culture.  [In  all  this  I  concur. — W.  F.  R.]  Black  Prince  is  indeed 
very  early,  but  it  is  a  bad  setter,  and  of  middling  quality,  and  when 
forced,  subject  to  mildew.  Nicholson's  May  Queen,  will,  I  think,  be  a 
dangerous  rival  to  it  in  every  respect.  You  justly  praise  the  old  Haut- 
bois,  as  regards  flavour.  I  grow  about  half-a-dozen  varieties  of  the 
same,  the  best  of  which  are  the  Black  Hautbois,  the  Improved  Haut- 
bois,  and  Belle  Bourdelaise  ;  the  latter  yields  regularly  a  second  crop  in 
the  autumn,  [I  doubt  its  doing  so  here. — W.  F.  R.],  and  forces  well. 
It  is  said  to  be  a  cross  between  the  old  Hautbois  and  the  Alpine.  As 
regards  the  Rival  Queen,  I  must  tell  you  that  it  has  thus  far  by  no 
means  warranted  the  high  character  Mr.  Tiley  gave  it.  I  got  fifty  plants 
from  him,  two  years  ago,  and  have  now  a  very  large  bed  of  it,  with 
remarkably  strong  plants  ;  but,  as  yet,  have  not  seen  one  single  perfect 
fruit  upon  it,  but  only  a  few  ill- shaped  fruit.  I  should  like  to  know 
whether  you  have  been  more  succesful.  [He  has  stated  my  case  ;  the 
fruit  of  this  and  the  Queen  were  much  like  a  cancerous  nose  ;  most  of 
the  berries  came  to  "  nil,"  but  such  as  came  to  anything  at  all 
were  firm  and  excellent  in  flavour. — W.  F.  R.]  The  British  Queen  is 
certainly  a  standard  of  perfection,  when  it  finds  a  suitable  soil ;  but 
unfortunately  it  is  very  particular  in  this  respect.  My  soil  is  a  good 
light  loam,  and  it  thrives  pretty  well  in  it ;  but,  still  the  leaves  soon 
get  yellowish  [mine  are  a  mat  brown. — W.  F.  R.],  and  the  fruit  attains 
rarely  to  perfection.  Last  spring,  I  planted  some  in  old  turf,  where 
they  seem  to  delight  [the  drainage  I  trow. — W.  F.  R.]  ;  but  it  remains 
to  be  seen  how  the  fruit  will  turn  out  next  season.  I  grow  some 
sorts  of  the  same  race,  namely,  Barratt's  Magnum  Bonum,  and 
Hendries'  Seedling,  that  are  more  hardy  and  fruitful  ;  but  Kitley's 
"  Carolina  superba,"  will,  I  think,  supersede  them  all.  Sir  Harry  is 
a  splendid  sort,  and  cannot  be  praised  too  highly,  both  for  forcing  and 
out-door  culture.  [I  like  Sir  Harry,  but  it  is  not  so  hardy  as  Keens, 
though  it  is  hardy  ;  its  fault  is,  that  it  casts  more  fruit  than  ordinary 
good  culture  can  bring  to  perfection ;  and  like  ninety-nine  out  of  a 
hundred  Strawberrries,-  old  or  new,  it  lacks  "  musk." — W.  F.  R.] 
Goliath  is  a  capital  bearer,  fine  fruit,  but  deficient  in  flavour.  [It  is 
excellent  in  flavour  here,  but  short  of  the  Queen,  its  fault  is   that  its 


16  THE    FLORIST. 

shape  is  "  obtuse  "  and  "  snubby  "  at  the  tips,  and  short  of  colour  on 
the  tips.  The  way  to  colour  a  Strawberry  is  to  tie  up  the  leaves,  and 
let  in  the  sun.  The  plants  came  to  me  in  pots  like  a  barrister's 
wi£.  The  runners  from  them  are  strong,  and  show  no  effect  of  frost. 
— W.  F.  R.]  Princess  Alice  Maude  is  good  ;  but,  here,  quite  distinct 
from  Keens  ;  it  is  of  a  pale  scarlet  colour,  and  conical  shape,  and  a  little 
earlier  than  Keens  [except  in  foliage,  it  is  exactly  like  the  old  Carolina 
here. — W.  F.  R.]  Of  late  sorts,  Eleanor  is  by  far  superior  to  Elton 
Pine,  in  colour  and  flavour.  The  former  does  also  very  well  as  a  late 
forcer.  Two  years  old  plants  give  me  fruit  of  astounding  size  and 
beauty.  Adair  is  no  great  things.  Madame  Vilmorin,  of  the  Chili 
race,  and  a  seedling  from  it,  is  first-rate  in  flavour.  [1  have  her,  and 
will  report  next  year.  She  is  M.  Gloede's  child. — W.  F.  R.]  Of 
English  Strawberries,  I  advise  you  to  try  Sir.  C.  Napier,  Omar  Pacha, 
Filbert  Pine,  Ruby,  Sir  W.  Scott,  C.  Superba,  Prince  of  Wales 
(Stewart  and  Neilson),  Bicton  White  Pine,  Eliza  Rivers,  Fillbasket, 
Ladies'  Fingers  [must  be  good. — W.  F.  R.]  ;  and,  on  account  of  its 
size  and  beauty,  Salter's  Jucunda;  these  will  give  satisfaction.  Permit 
me  now  to  say  a  word  about  others  than  English  Strawberries.  Thus 
far,  it  seems  impossible  to  get  the  good  English  folks  to  try  French  and 
Belgian  varieties.  Surely  they  are  wrong  in  pretending  that  there  are 
no  Strawberries  good  for  anything  but  what  are  raised  in  the  United 
Kingdom.  My  own  twelve  years'  experience  has  proved  the  contrary, 
and  my  opinion  has  been  confirmed  by  my  good  friend,  Mr.  Nicholson, 
of  Egglescliffe,  in  Yorkshire,  who  cultivates  with  great  success  some 
French  and  Belgian  seedlings.  It  must,  therefore,  be  considered  preju- 
dice, when  English  growers  generally  exclude  them  from  their  culture. 

Of  French  sorts  I  highly  recommend  the  following  : — Comte  de 
Paris  [my  brother  gardener  likes  it  much. — W.  F.  R.],  Marquise  de 
Latour  Maubourg,  Princesse  Royale,  Cremont  (not  Perpetual,  as  stated 
by  some),  Belle  de  Paris,  Gelineau,  La  Chalonaise,  Prince  Imperial. 
Belgian :  Excellente,  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  La  Reine,  a  white  sort  distinct 
from  the  Bicton  Pine,  and  of  finer  flavour  ;  Triomphe  de  Liege,  La 
Delicieuse,  La  Constante  (new).  American  :  Baron,  Triumph,  and 
Hovey's  Seedling. 

Do  you  know  the  Alpine  Strawberry  without  runners — red  and 
white  ?  They  make  beautiful  borders  or  edges  in  a  kitchen  garden, 
and  fruit  throughout  the  season.  I  was  so  happy  as  to  raise  a  seedling 
from  Sir  Harry,  without  runners,  producing  large  fruit,  which  will  of 
course  be  difficult  to  propagate,  but  must  finally  prove  a  great  acquisition. 
In  case  you  should  like  to  try  some  of  our  continental  sorts,  I  shall  be 
happy  to  place  them  at  your  disposal.  [I  have  asked  him  to  send  me 
Bicton  White  Pine,  La  Reine,  Belle  Bordelaise,  Hooper's,  Hovey's,  and 
Hendrie's  Seedlings,  Black  Hautbois  and  Viridis  (fraise  verte),  a  curi- 
osity, I  trow.  I  told  him  ray  ideas  of  a  Strawberry  were — firm  flesh, 
juicy,  sweet,  and  musky. — W.  F.  R  ]  Do  you  know  any  one  that  has 
got  the  old  black  Strawberry,  called  by  some  "  Mulberry,  or  Black 
Canterbury  ?  "  If  so,  you  might  render  me  a  service  by  procuring  me 
some  plants.  I  fear,  however,  that  this  old  treasure,  said  to  be  the 
finest  flavour  of  all,  is  lost  altogether.   [I  never  heard  of  it. — W.  F.  R.] 


JANUARY.  17 

At  any  rate,  it  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  the  Horticultural 
Society  in  London  abandoned  its  culture,  owing  to  the  delicacy  of  the 
plant. 

I  shall  be  delighted  if  you  will  kindly  favour  me  with  an  answer 
[I  wrote  by  return  of  post. — W.  P.  R.],  and  if  I  can  be  of  service  to 
you  in  this  country,  please  communicate  with  me  freely. 
I  am,  reverend  and  dear  Sir, 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

Ferdinand  Gloede. 
I  make  no  apology  for  sending  you  the  above  interesting  and  friendly 
letter.     Mr.  May,  of  Blandford,  read  it,  and  said,  "  I  cordially  agree 
with  him.     It  is  evident  to  me  he  knows  what  he  is  writing  about." 

W.  F.  Radclyffe. 
R us hi 'on. 


LONICERA  FRAGRANTISSIMA. 

Many  of  your  readers  who  are  enabled  to  secure  to  themselves  the 
gratification  of  flowers  during  the  summer,  must  feel  it  a  great  depri- 
vation to  be  suddenly  robbed  of  the  objects  of  their  joy  and  care,  by 
the  ungenial  influences   which  winter  brings  ;    and   those    amateurs 
who  have  no  conservatory,  and  who  are  unaware  of  the  existence  of 
hardy  winter  blooming  plants,  have,  I  presume,  to  content  themselves 
with  the  recollections  of  the  gay  things  of  summer,  or  at  best  to  seek 
some  solace  in  the  care  of  pet  plants,  cherished  in  some  tiny  glazed  box 
or  window  frame.     I  can  quite  imagine  that  mariy  of  your  fair  readers, 
who  were  wont  to  fill  their  vases  daily  with   flowers,  find  after  the 
decay  of  the    Chrysanthemum,  and   the  few  lingering  Rosebuds  (a 
legacy  which  the  Queen  of  flowers  still  leaves  us),  that  further  attempts 
at  floral   ornamentation  are  futile,   and,   with  a  sigh,  relinquish  the 
task.     To  such,   I  am  sure  the  plant  which  I   wish  to  recommend  to 
their  notice  will  be  a  boon  indeed.     The  hardy  winter  blooming  Honey- 
suckle, Lonicera  fragrantissima,  has  not  the  beauty  of    some  of  its 
compeers,  but  then  it  has  all  and  more  of  their  sweetness,  and  it 
blossoms  in  December,  when    large    gay  exposed  flowers  would   be 
rent  and  torn  by  the  blasts  of  winter.     Its  flowers  come  out  coyly  in 
pairs.     Four  pairs  of  flowers  are  commonly  produced  from  the  axil  of 
every  leaf ;  and  the  pairs  of  blooms   are  seated  on  slender  little  stalks, 
just  long  enough  to  enable  each  little  flower  to  expand.     The  flower 
has  not  a  long  tube,  like  the  common  Honeysuckle,  but  blooms  within 
the  protection  of  the  leaf,  which  remains  green  and  strong  during  the 
winter.     When  nearly  all  the  other  flowers  have  perished  and  gone 
from  the  parterre,  and  winter  reigns,  this  little  plant  begins  to  bud  and 
bloom,  and  to  make  merry ;  it  does  not  expand   its   delicate  waxy 
white  little  blooms  all  at   once,  like  its  gay  flaunting,  but  still  hand- 
some friend,  Jasminum  nudiflorum ;  but  from  November  it  is  never 
without   its    charmingly   fragrant    blossoms.     The  sweetness   of  the 
common  Honeysuckle,  combined  with  the  subdued  odour  of  Orange 
blossom,  is  the  nearest  approach  to  a  description  of  its  fragrance  that  I 
VOL.  XII.,  no.  cxxxiii.  c 


18  THE    FLORIST. 

can  give  One  plant  of  this,  however,  which  I  have  trained  to  a  south 
wall  affords  me  thousands  of  blossoms,  and  I  am  assured  by  the  men 
who  make  up  bouquets,  that  it  is  the  most  useful  flower  they  have  for 
the  purpose.  This  Honeysuckle  is  admirably  adapted  for  training 
against  a  house,  and  it  will  do  on  any  aspect  but  the  north. 

Belvoir,  December  27.  W.  I. 


FRUIT   CULTURE.— No.  XII. 
BY    MR.     POWELL,     FROGMORE. 

{Continued  from  page  231.) 
Smalt,  Fkuits. 

The  Strawberry. — It  may  be  truly  said  that  among  all  small  fruits 
that  occupy  our  gardens  none  are  so  universally  esteemed  as  the  Straw- 
berry. It  is  most  delicious  and  grateful  to  the  palate,  and  is  considered 
to  be  the  most  wholesome  of  all  fruit,  and  extremely  useful  for  various 
domestic  purposes;  to  the  confectioner  it  is  invaluable  for  preserves 
and  ices,  and  I  believe  it  is  not  generally  known  that  it  possesses 
excellent  qualities  for  making  wine,  and  may  add  that  Strawberry 
wine  is  not  surpassed  by  any  other  of  home  make ;  a  pleasant  cool- 
ing summer  drink  may  also  be  made  by  pouring  boiling  water  on  the 
fruit,  with  the  addition  of  a  little  sugar  and  lemon  juice. 

It  is  indeed  a  fortunate  thing  that  such  a  useful  and  delicious  fruit 
is  of  easy  cultivation,  and,  farther,  it  does  not  require  a  great  space  to 
have  a  good  supply  of  it ;  therefore,  it  is  within  the  reach  of  all  who 
possess  a  garden,  and  the  cottager  who  has  only  a  small  plot  of  ground 
may  have  his  Strawberry  beds  and  fruit  in  abundance  for  his  enjoy- 
ment, without  much  trouble  or  expense.  The  Strawberry  has 
undergone  such  vast  improvement  of  late  years,  and  passed  into  so 
many  semi-varieties  through  the  sporting  of  hybrids,  that  its  original 
character  in  the  class  from  which  it  sprung  is  scarcely  distinguishable. 
It  is  usually  divided  into  seven  classes,  viz.,  the  Pine,  scarlets, 
black,  green,  Chili,  Hautbois,  and  Alpine  ;  but  the  object  of  these 
papers  being  principally  the  cultivation  of  fruit,  all  these  classes  are 
useless  here.  Therefore,  the  division  will  be  only  according  to  the 
difference  in  the  culture  of  the  sorts,  viz.,  the  Pine  Strawberries,  such 
as  the  British  Queen,  Filbert,  Elton,  and  similar  varieties  ;  the  scarlet 
Strawberries,  and  kindred  sorts  ;  and  the  Alpine,  Hautbois,  &c,  thus 
including  all  under  three  heads. 

The  best  soil  for  the  cultivation  of  the  Strawberry  is  a  strong  deep 
rich  loam,  but  there  is  no  soil  in  which  some  of  the  varieties  may  not  be 
grown.  Choose  an  open  situation,  and  avoid  planting  under  the  shade 
of  large  trees  ;  in  such  places  they  seldom  produce  much  fruit.  In  all 
cases  the  ground  must  be  well  prepared  by  trenching  and  manuring 
previous  to  forming  new  plantations,  and  avoid,  as  far  as  circumstances 
will  admit,  planting  where  Strawberries  grew  before  until,  the  ground 
has  been  used  for  other  crops.     When  the  trenching  is  being  done,  and 


JANUARY.  19 

the  subsoil  is  of  inferior  quality,  which  is  often  the  case,  it  should  not 
be  brought  to  the  surface,  but  broken  up  and  left  at  the  bottom  of  each 
trench,  placing  a  good  layer  of  manure  over  it  previous  to  turning  in 
the  surface  spit  of  the  following  trench ;  but  if  the  soil  is  good  to  the 
depth  of  two  feet  it  may  be  brought  to  the  surface,  and  layers  of 
manure  placed  between  the  soil  as  the  work  proceeds,  and  previous  to 
planting  the  whole  should  be  forked  over  and  well  pulverised,  and,  if  a 
clayey  or  wet  soil,  great  advantage  will  be  derived  from  a  surface 
dressing  of  lime  or  burnt  earth ;  leaf-mould  should  be  avoided,  except 
as  a  top  dressing  for  old  plantations,  otherwise  it  is  liable  to  breed  Fungi 
about  the  roots  of  the  plants. 

The  Strawberry  propagates  itself  very  rapidly  from  runners  springing 
annually  from  the  parent  plant,  and  as  young  plants  are  the  best  for 
firming  new  beds,  it  is  a  good  practice  to  lay  the  first  runners  by  placing 
stones  or  clots  of  earth  on  each  joint,  after  which  they  will  soon  make 
strong  plants,  and  if  planted  out  in  August  they  will  produce  a  good 
crop  of  fruit  the  following  season.  Strawberries  may  be  planted  all 
through  the  autumn,  or  in  April  or  May.  Avoid  using  old  plants  or 
divisions  of  old  stools,  except  it  is  for  the  purpose  of  increasing  the 
stock  of  any  choice  kind. 

The  Pine  Strawberries  are  the  largest  and  the  best.  This  class 
includes  a  large  portion  of  the  varieties ;  they  are  mostly  of  strong 
habit,  and  therefore  require  plenty  of  room  ;  and  if  fine  fruit  is  desired 
it  is  advisable  to  keep  the  plants  clear  of  each  other,  and  the  runners 
cut  away  during  the  summer,  and  to  attain  this  object  it  is  best  to  plant 
them  in  rows  2h  feet  wide,  and  18  inches  from  plant  to  plant.  And 
for  the  convenience  of  working  among  the  plants  it  is  a  good  practice  to 
lay  out  the  Strawberry  quarter  in  beds  sufficiently  wide  to  plant  two 
or  three  rows  with  an  alley  between  each,  broad  enough  to  walk  to 
prevent  treading  on  the  beds  when  gathering  the  fruit,  &c.  In  wet  soil 
it  is  an  excellent  plan  to  round  the  beds,  so  as  to  admit  of  the  surface 
water  passing  into  the  alleys  during  winter. 

In  planting,  choose  young  plants,  as  before  stated,  and  keep  the 
ground  free  from  weeds,  and  the  surface  moved  about  the  plants  by 
frequent  hoeings  during  the  spring  months.  As  soon  as  the  fruit  is 
set  cover  the  ground  about  the  plants  with  fresh  manure  ;  it  serves  to 
keep  the  ground  moist,  and  otherwise  materially  assists  the  growth  of 
the  plants,  and  prevents  the  fruit  being  splashed  by  drenching  rains. 

Immediately  after  the  crop  of  fruit  is  gathered  clear  the  beds  from  all 
runners  and  dead  leaves,  and  fork  over  the  surface  of  the  soil  to 
encourage  a  healthy  growth  in  the  plants  before  the  autumn  frost  sets 
in.  Plants  thus  treated  usually  remain  fruitful  three  or  four  years ; 
after  that  time  it  is  better  to  destroy  them  and  make  new  beds.  Of 
the  kinds  to  be  recommended  in  this  class,  the  following  are  among  the 
best : — Sir  C.  Napier,  Ingram's  Prince  of  Wales,  British  Queen,  and 
Carolina  superba.  The  Filbert  Pine  and  Elton  are  the  best  for  cool 
situations,  and  both  are  late  kinds.  For  light  soils,  or  in  gardens  shaded 
by  large  trees,  the  Keens'  Seedling,  Ajax,  and  Victoria  are  well  adapted, 
and  will  do  very  well  grown  thickly  together,  which  is  a  good  plan  in 
gardens  where  birds  are  troublesome. 

c  2 


20 


THE    I 'I.' •  K  ik  I 


The  icarlel  in  a  olfl     ot  Btrawberriei  with  imall  light  rod  loft  Bruil i, 
which  are  mo  i\\  u  i  d  for  preserving,  All  the varieties  are  ver\  prolific 

and  easy  of  cultivation.     A  g I  way  to  grow  them  ii  to  trench  a  piece 

oi  ! 1 1 pi  .1    before  advised,  and  plant  them  in  bedi  four  feel  broad,  and 

allow  tin'  young  planti  i"  cover  tin-  g rid,     in  the  ipring  "i  the  year 

ill. n  iii>    bed    from  all  looie  runneri  and  dead  leavi     and  pul  on  a 
1     ing  "i  rotten  manure      In  thu  waj  immense  quantitiei  of  fruit 
may  be  had,  and  the  beds  will  remain  in  b  fruitful  condition  for  lome 
■.  ii  ,  by  giving  a  top  dreuing  every  ipring,     The  best  icarlel  Straw 
borriei  are  the  old  Scarlet,  American  Scarlet,  and  Grove  End. 

The  Alpine  and  wood  Btrawberriei  are  perpetual  beareri,  and  are 
oxecodingly  uieful,  being  late  in  leaion,  when  other  iorti  are  pait. 

Those  require  lighl  ricl 1,  and  will  grow  in  shady  situation!     They 

are  quite  diitincl  from  other  kindi,  and  will  reproduce  themielvei  from 

ii  ill  with  l 'i  1 1  trifling  variation  R the  original      In  the  cultivation  ol 

thu  kind,  ii  n  the  beil  method  always  t"  runic  the  planti  from  teed, 

which  il Id  I"-  town  in  b  lighl  bed  of  earth,  <>r  in  a  frame  early  in 

March,  ^ < ■  >•  I  ai  toon  ai  the  young  planti  are  sufficiently  itrong,  plan! 

the i  in  bedi  whore  they  are  to  remain,  allowing  b  fool  between  the 

planti  Give  plenty  ofwatei  aftei  planting  ifthe  weather  ii  dry,  and 
they  will  (Vuil  well  through  the  autumn  month  ,  theie  bedi  will  produce 
good  in 1 1 1  for  three  yean  if  they  are  top  dreuod  every  ipring,  and  the 
early  flowers  re ved  to  itrengthen  the  planti  for  autumn. 

The  Hautboii  Strawberry  ii  limilar  in  habil  to  the  above;  it 
require!  rich  lighl  ioil  and  b  cool  lituation,  and  the  planti  grown  thickly 
together,  thai  the  fruit  may  be  partially  shaded  by  the  foliage,  otherwise 
the  fruit  in  liable  to  dry  up  in  hoi  weather.  Myatt'i  Fertilised  Hautboii 
i    the  largeil  and  boat,  nn<l  not  ho  Ktorilc  us  other  kindi. 

All  Strawberries  require  plenty  of  water  while  the  fruit  ii  swelling, 
therefore  copioui  wateringi  are  neceiian  at  thai  itage,  ihould  the  weathei 
be  1 1 "i  and  dry  ;  and  if  ilugi  are  I  roubleiome  it  ii  a  good  plan  to  tie  up 
the  large  ihooti  to  imall  iticki,  which  will  greatly  Improve  the  colour 
inn!  flavour  of  the  fruit. 

(  /'.I  hi-  oontinutd, ) 


LIST  OP  THE  BEST  SIKKIM   AND  BHOTAN   RHODODEN 
DRONS,  wrni   now  TO  GROW  AND  TREAT  THEM. 

Al.HO     \    I'I'W     HINTS   i)N    MAMNU    A  M  |  It  II  'A  N    (MISI'INS. 

Although  theSikkim  and  Bhotan  Rhododendron!  are  the  moit  beau 
lii'nl  and  the  greateil  novelties  of  their  olass,  that  have  been  introduoed 
Pox  many  years,  still  there  are  but  few  of  them  that  will  do  fbi  out 

■  I lulture,  mi  account  of  their  propensity  to  flower  ion  sunn  in  early 

spring)  and  although  the  Bhotan  kinds,  suoh  as  R.  Jenkinsi,  n, 
Maddeni,  R.  calophyllum,  and  It.  Nuttalli,  are  later  to  grow  and 
bloom  than  the  others,  and  were  not  injured  by  frost  last  winter, 
still,  iliin  autumn  we  have  had  -'*''  of  frost  before  the  plants 
had  done  growing,  and  the  consequence  Is  thai  all  the  young  leaves 


.1  \NU  \H\  . 


21 


have  been  out  by  it;  but,  I  think,  that  if  these  sorts  were  oroned  by 
iome  ol  "Hi  hardy  hybrids,  the  roiult  would  be  a  very  beautiful  and 
totally  distind  class  of  planta,  and  many  ol  them  probably  would  be 
icented.  tn  Devonshire,  Cornwall,  South  Wol  .  and  various  other 
|i.ni .  ip  .11  iii,  ,;i  ooait,  hi  sheltered  nooks,  where  there  Is  very  little 
spring  frost,  I   think  thai  the  Sikkim,  and  especially  the  Bhotan  llho 

dodond .  maj  be  cultivated  with  suooess,  and  treated  in  every  way 

the  same  as  American  plants,  Bui  inland,  where  we  are  subjected  i>» 
tevere  spring  frost,  they  must  i»-  planted  oul  in  a  conservatory  ,  "i 
wii.ii  ii  vetting  very  fashionable  now,  ft  glass  promenade ,  "i  any  plaoe 
where  thej  oan  be  protected  In  spring  from  the  very  sharp  frost  The 
Huii  oan  be  in  every  way  the  same  as  for  American  plants.  The  i"i 
lowing  is  a  list  of  the  i»':*i  that  have  already  flowered;  H  argon  teum, 
tiificeni  foliage,  covered  on  the  underside  with  white  do  n 
and  bearing  large  tru  les  of  beautiful  white  Rowers,  well  adapted  foi  -i 
conservatory!  it.  Aucklandi,  large  pale  green  leaves,  much  ribbed, 
;iiii  the  young  shoots  are  covered  with  beautiful  red  bracts,  The 
flowers  are  large  and  very  thiok,  re  embling  large  white  Lilies,  finely 

toented,  and  al I  five  inches  aorosi  j  very  flue  variety <     11,  Dalhou  lie 

Some  of  the  varieties  of  this  ore  very  good,  having  large  lemon  ooloured 
trumpet*likc  blooms;   sweet  scented,  but  there  is  nothing  remarkable 

al i  the  foliage,     it   Edgeworthi  is  a  charming  species,  blooming  most 

abundantly,  and  the  most  exquisitely  soented  ol  them  all,  having  large 
flowers,  about  l !  inches  across ,  and  when  in  bloom  perfumes  the  whole 
house  or  room  that  it  may  be  In,  with  its  deliciou  i  fVagranoa ,  foliage 

not  ven   pretty,     Rhododend Boothi  is  very  dwarf,  in  the   way 

of  oiliatum  j     rather   larger  leaves,  and   quits   yellow,     ft,  c b 

i  in  i  in  ii  I-  .1    1 1 1 1  curious  orange  tube  like  fiower  i,  unlike  a  lihoden 
dron,  forming  a  pretty  evergreen  bush,  and  quite  hardy,     ft  fulgens 

a  beautiful  orimson  [flower,  but  the  heads  ofbl are  only  small,     it. 

Pale ii  i  Is  one  of  the  very  best  in  point  of  foliage,  having  largi  leavi  i, 

twelve  to  fourteen  Inches  long,  and  si  across.  The  underside  ol 
the  leavi  are  covered  with  ferrogineous  down,  which  has  a  very 
curious  and  striking  appearance,  ii  beat  large  heads  ol  beautiful 
primrose-coloured  flowers,  marked  with  red  in  the  base  ol  thi  tubes, 
each  flower  being  beautifully  cupped,  with  edgi  refU  ed,  in  the 
form  "i  b  vase  .  remains  in  bloom  b  very  long  time,  and  I »  one  ol  the 
very  best  for  a  conservatory  ft,  Maddeni  and  ft,  Jenkins!  are  much 
alike,  having  very  beautiful  pale  green  shining  leaves)  both  ore  free 
growers,  and  at  all  times  fine  looking  plants)  bul  when  In  bloom,  they 
are  particularly  so,  bearing  quantities  "f  i-ily  like  sweet  soented 
flowers,  about  the  end  of  Mayj  lit  for  any  place, and  amongst  the  most 
useful  of  all  the  Bhotan  species  R  Nuttalli  is  the  king  ol  all  fthodo 
dendrons,  bearing  immense  heads  of  bloom,  with  ten  or  eleven  Ho  eri 
in  a  truss,  each  flower  being  upwards  of  six  Inchei  across,  tipped  with 
rose  ooloui    ll  he   al  oven  lai g<  ii  b  i  i,  and  1 1  altog<  thai  a  magnifii  i  nl 

plant  for  the  c rvatory,      It.  Thomson!  is  b   finely  cupped  deep 

■  in ipecies,  with  six  oi  eight  flowers  in  a  truss,  and  instead  of 

the  flowers  standing  erect,  like  other  sorts,  they  are  drooping) 
therefore,  to  see  the  beauty  of  the  blossoms,  the  plant  should  be  woi  lei  ■  ! 


22  THE    FLORIST. 

on  standards,  after  which,  when  in  full  bloom,  the  appearance 
would  be  very  curious  and  beautiful.  R.  Wighti  is  a  very  handsome 
variety,  having  large  heads  of  primrose-coloured  flowers,  with  crimson 
spots  in  the  bottom  of  them;  scented,  like  Hawthorn. 

Having  described  a  number  of  good  hybrids,  and  how  they  were 
produced,  in  a  former  paper,  with  a  list  of  the  best  Indian  ones,  I  shall 
now  give  a  short  paper  on  the  cultivation  of  what  are  called  American 
plants,  viz.,   Rhododendrons,   Kalmias,   Azaleas,  &c.     The  two  most 
essential  things  in  their  cultivation  are  vegetable  soil    and  plenty  of 
moisture.     As  I    have  said   many  years   since,  they  may   be  culti- 
vated in  any  part  of  Great  Britain,  no  matter  what  the  soil  may  be,  as 
an  artificial  one  may  be  easily  made.    When  I  state  that  they  live  on 
vegetable  mould  and  moisture,  the  soil  must  not  be  sour,  nor  the  water 
stagnant.  The  soil  that  suits  them  best,  and  in  which  they  grow  naturally, 
is  decomposed  Moss,  Sphagnum,   Fern,   Heath-leaves,  Grass,    rotten 
wood,  &c. ;  but  it  is  not  at  all  essential  that  it  should  be  this  soil,  as 
they  will  grow  well  in  any  other  decayed  vegetable  matter,  such   as 
Grass,  Hay,  straw,  chaff,  no  matter  what,   provided  it  be  vegetable. 
One  of  my  customers  writes  to  me  from   Scotland,  that  he  has  taken 
from   a  mill  stream  decayed  mould,  made  from  oat  husks,  which  when 
mixed  with  sand,  suits  them  first-rate.     I  have  seen   as  fine   Rhodo- 
dendrons as  I  could  wish  to  see  grown  in  cow-dung  and  sand,  that  had 
been    put   together   twelve   months   before    using,    and    turned   over 
several  times.     If  the  vegetable  mould  is  pure,  it  will  require  quite  half 
sand   to  form  drainage,  and  nothing  can  be  better  for  renovating  old 
beds,  where  the  vegetable  soil  is  nearly  exhausted.     One  thing  to  guard 
against  is  lime,  of  which  there  should  not  he  a  particle,  as  they  will 
not  grow  where  there  is  any  in  the  soil.     The  next  thing  requisite  for 
growing  them  is  moisture.     In  the  north  of  England,  the  west  coast  of 
Scotland  and  Wales,  and  various   other  places  on  or  near  the  western 
coast,  where  there  is  so  much  moisture  and  not  much  heat,  it  does 
not  much  matter  how  the  beds  are  made,  whether  concave  or  convex, 
provided  they  are  drained.    But  with  us  in  the  South,  it  is  quite  another 
thing,  especially  after   such  dry  seasons  as  we  have  had  these  last  two 
years.     I  have  formerly  stated  that  the  best  site   for   an  American 
garden  is  in  a  bog,  or  where  there  is  plenty  of  moisture  in  the  subsoil, 
in  the  absence  of  which,  the  next  best  plan  is  to  throw  up  a  bank  all 
round  the  American  garden,  which  acts  as  a  shelter,  and  form  the  beds 
and  walks  in  the  interior,  so  that  all  superabundant  water  might  run 
into  the  beds  ;  but  what  would  be  best  of  all,  if  water  could  be  had, 
would  be  to  form  the  necessary  walks  in  the  garden  quite  level,  with 
Grass  verges  to  them  and  sunk  Grass  banks,  the  beds  rising  from  the 
botttom  of  them,  from   1   to  1J  foot  above  the  level  of  the  walks, 
forming  a  moat  round  each  bed,  with  power  to  flood  every  bed.     When 
the  plants  are  coming  into  bloom,  or  after  a  continuance  of  dry  weather, 
it  is  of  great  benefit  to  the  plants  to  give  them  occasionally  a  good 
soaking.     Such  a  garden  would  be  independent  of  the  weather,  and  the 
plants  would  luxuriate  in  an  extraordinary  manner  on  sand  or  gravelly 
soils.     Not  only  would  this  be  a  good  plan  for  American  plants,  but 
it  would  suit  Roses  equally  well.     Lately,  I  have  seen  a  Rose  garden 


JANUARY.  23 

at  Captain  Hawksley's,  at  Englefield  Green,  made  something  in  this 
way.  He  has  thrown  the  soil  up,  forming  a  bank  round  the  garden, 
the  walks  and  beds  being  nearly  level,  so  that  all  the  water  that  runs 
off  the  banks  runs  into  the  beds  ;  and  for  us  in  the  south,  we  rarely 
ever  get  too  much  rain  in  the  summer  for  Roses.  A  garden  made  after 
this  fashion  looks  very  beautiful,  especially  one  with  sunk  Grass  banks. 

Bagshot,  Surrey.  Jno.  Standish. 


AN  ARTICLE  WITHOUT  A  NAME. 

"  But  how  the  subject  theme  may  gang 
Let  time  and  chance  determine  ; 
Perhaps  it  may  turn  out  a  sang, 
Perhaps  turn  out  a  sermon." 

Burns,  in  a  poetical  epistle  to  a  young  friend,  concludes  the  opening 
stanza  with  these  lines,  expressive  of  his  doubt  as  to  what  the  exact 
nature  of  the  epistle  may  be  in  its  complete  form.  Now  in  this  pre- 
dicament am  I,  the  writer  of  this  paper.  I  sit  down  to  write  it  under 
the  combined  and  invigorating  influences  of  tooth-ache,  swelled  face, 
mutton  broth,  &c,  so  that  I  may  fairly  calculate  on  the  indulgence  of 
the  reader,  if  my  ideas,  as  here  expressed,  should  appear  somewhat  con- 
fused and  ill-arranged.  And,  moreover,  I  have  been  urged  and  incited 
to  perpetrate  a  paper  for  this  month's  Florist  by  a  gentleman  connected 
with  that  admirable  periodical,  upon  whcse  head,  therefore,  oh,  indig- 
nant reader  !  pour  out  the  vials  of  your  wrath. 

I  have  always  had  a  partiality  for  a  book  or  an  article  beginning  with 
an  anecdote,  even  though  it  should,  as  is  often  the  case,  have  little  ox- 
no  connection  with  the  subject  matter  of  the  book  itself.  It  always 
creates  an  interest  at  the  outset,  a  desideratum  by  no  means  to  be 
despised ;  for  a  work  well  begun — as  the  old  adage  hath  it — is  half 
accomplished. 

Well,  then  ;  one  evening  in  the  last  century  a  number  of  friends 
were  assembled  at  a  country  house  in  the  west  of  England.  The  topics 
of  conversation  were  landscape  gardening  and  the  then  popular  artist, 
Brown,  who  was  expected  on  the  morrow,  to  advise  on  improving  the 
grounds  and  remodelling  the  garden.  A  gentleman  of  the  party,  a 
heretic  to  the  Brownonian  philosophy,  offered  to  wager  (for  wagers 
were  by  no  means  uncommon  in  drawing-rooms  in  those  days),  that  he 
would  immediately,  and  upon  the  spot,  sketch  a  design  that  should,  in 
all  essential  particulars,  be  identical  with  the  plan  which  Brown  would 
send  in  after  his  visit.  The  wager  was  laid,  the  designs  made  and 
compared,  and  so  nearly  did  they  resemble  each  other,  that  the  carrying 
out  of  one  would  have  been  literally  to  execute  the  other.* 

To  those  familiar  with  Brown's  designs  this  will  appear  by  no  means 
improbable,  for  most  assuredly  did  he  copy  himself  ad  nauseam,  great 
artist  as  he  was.  His  first  great  work,  flooding  the  valley  and  appro- 
priating the  gigantic  bridge  at  Blenheim,  made  him  famous.    If  he  had 

*  For  the  authority  for  this  see  "  Price  on  the  Picturesque." 


24  THE    FLORIST. 

done  nothing  more,  his  name  would  have  gone  down  to  a  late  posterity 
as  that  of  a  bold  and  comprehensive  genius.  Walk  up  to  the  close 
gates  of  the  Woodstock  entrance  to  Blenheim,  enter  suddenly,  and  a 
scene  at  once  bursts  upon  you  unequalled  of  its  kind  in  any  park  in 
Europe.  Nature  has  of  course  done  much,  but  art  has,  though  imper- 
ceptibly, appropriated  the  whole.  If  the  triumph  of  art  is  to  conceal 
art,  you  have  here  a  superlative  example.  During  the  past  summer  I 
spent  a  portion  of  two  days  in  strolling  upon  the  banks  of  this  lake,  and 
in  studying  the  various  combinations  of  wood,  water,  and  undulating 
ground,  with  the  palace,  bridge,  and  monument.  If  I  could  have 
induced  the  conductors  to  admit  some  of  those  views  as  ornaments  to 
this  article  I  should  have  wanted  no  apology  for  its  shortcomings  in 
other  respects. 

Of  course  I  drank  from  Fair  Rosamond's  Well,  and  it  occurred  to 
me  as  I  did. so,  that  if  a  few  of  the  shillings  demanded  for  admission  to 
the  palace  and  garden  (a  shilling  each,  entrance),  were  expended  on 
clearing  the  mud  from  her  bath,  they  would  not  be  unworthily  bestowed.* 

I  have  mentioned  the  close  entrances  at  Woodstock.  I  know  not 
from  whom  these  originated  ;  but  the  principle  of  their  application  is  a 
most  happy  one,  and  would  by  no  means  disgrace  the  genius  that 
designed  the  lake.  The  high  walls  and  gates  effectually  conceal  the 
whole  till  you  are  face  to  face  with  the  principal  views.  Nothing  is 
frittered  away  piecemeal ;  the  magnificent  composition  of  wood,  water, 
and  the  towers  of  Blenheim  bursts  upon  the  eye  at  once — a  combination 
of  the  highest  excellence. 

But  we  must  return  to  our  anecdote  for  its  application.  Although  the 
present  great  diversity  of  style  and  mode  of  arrangement  is  altogether 
antagonistic  to  any  such  similarity  of  design  in  our  gardens,  yet  in  the 
mode  of  planting  them  there  is  a  sameness  and  monotony  which 
demands  some  innovation  on  established  practice.  For  most  assuredly 
would  the  description  of  this  particular  feature  of  any  one  garden 
be  equally  applicable  to  nine-tenths  of  the  gardens  of  Great  Britain, 
and  anyone  well  acquainted  with  our  ordinary  gardens  may  safely 
lay  a  wager  that  he  would  write  a  description  of  the  mode  of  planting 
in  any  other  without  ever  stepping  foot  in  it.  The  following  is 
something  like  what  his  description  would  be : — "  The  main  shrub- 
beries are  composed  of  the  usual  evergreen  and  deciduous  trees  and 
shrubs  indiscriminately  mixed,  great  care  being  had  that  two  of  the 
same  kind  should  never  come  together.  Thus  we  have  Holly,  Labur- 
num, Bay,  Gueldres  Rose,  Cedar,  Juniper,  Arbutus,  Aucuba,  Thorn, 
Azalea,  Kalmia,  Cornus  (then  repeat  with  variations,  and  Da  Capo). 
In  the  front,  or  interspersed  among  these  shrubs,  which  are  separated 
from  the  walks  with  ribbons  of  Grass  of  uniform  width,  are  various 
herbaceous  plants  and  weedy  annuals,  struggling  for  light  and  life, 
overtopped  by  their  more  robust  and  vigorous  neighbours,  the  attention 
to  which  greatly  augments  the  gardener's  labours,  with  the  very  satis- 
factory result  of  disfiguring  the  garden. 

*  The  park  of  Blenheim  is  open  free  ;  hut  if  time  is  of  value  in  visiting  the 
gardens,  hire  a  hoy  at  Woodstock,  and  give  him  a  shilling  to  ring  at  the  gate  for 
half-an-hour  before  you  wish  to  gain  admittance  there ;  you  will  find  this  a 
good  investment. 


JANUARY. 


25 


"  On  the  lawn,  too,  wherever  a  space  large  enough  to  accommodate  a 
tree  can  be  found  there  is  one  stuck  in,  regardless  alike  of  its  ultimate 
development  or  its  relation  to  its  fellows.  Thus  are  the  breadth  of  lawn 
and  general  repose  of  the  garden  scenery  alike  destroyed,  and  that  which 
is  falsely  supposed  to  be  variety  is  really  nothing  more  than  the  veriest 
monotony — variety,  in  fact,  defeating  itself." 

Now  I  do  not  seek  to  claim  any  originality  for  the  remedy  I  propose 
to  offer  to  this  state  of  things.  Often,  by  various  writers,  has  the 
same  been  urged  ;  for  which  see  all  gardening  periodicals,  from  the 
"  Gardeners'  Magazine"  downwards  to  this  paper  passim.  But  it  is 
only  fair  that  I  should  offer  the  remedy  in  my  own  words,  which  I 
herewith  proceed  to  do.  In  the  first  place,  then — "  If  you  please,  sir 
to-morrow  is  Christmas-day  and  the  '  Florist '  must  be  in  type 
to-night ;  it  is  now  nine  o'clock,  and  we  shall  be  glad  of  the  remainder 
of  the  copy."  Thus  speaks  the  printer's  devil.  The  remedy  proposed 
must  therefore  be  given  in  my  next.  L. 

(To  be  continued.) 


% 
HINTS  ON  BEDDING  PLANTS. 

Having  paid  a  visit  to  some  of  our  most  celebrated  gardens  this 
autumn,  and  looked  over  the  different  flower  beds  and  ribbon  borders, 
&c,  I  find  there  is  much  to  be  learned  yet  as  regards  arrangement  ot 
colours,  in  order  to  give  them  a  soft  and  pleasing  appearance.  I  am 
inclined  to  think  that  there  is  nothing  that  can  interest  a  flower  gardener 
more  than  a  few  hints  on  the  arrangement  of  bedding  plants  ;  I  there- 
fore beg  your  permission  for  a  small  space  to  illustrate  a  few  of  the  best 
arranged  flower-beds  I  have  seen  this  season.  I  wish  in  the  first  place 
to  impress  on  the  minds  of  those  who  have  the  management  of  flower- 
gardens,  whether  small  or  great,  that  the  chief  object  to  be  kept  in 
view  in '  mixing  colours  should  be  to  make  them  harmonise  one  with 
the  other  ;  for  if  they  are  nicely  arranged  and  softened  down  with  the 
more  delicate  colours,  it  will  add  much  to  their  general  appearance 
and  the  beauty  of  the  garden. 

The  first  thing  I  shall  take  in  hand  is  the  Verbena  venosa,  a  plant 
I  am  more  than  ever  in  favour  of,  having  used  it  in  so  many  ways  and 
found  it  to  stand  all  sorts  of  weather,  rain,  and  sunshine  without  injury. 
The  easy  way  in  which  it  is  managed  makes  it  invaluable.  I  will 
here  describe  my  method  of  propagating  it.  I  take  up  all  my  old 
plants  and  pit  them  like  Potatoes,  and  in  the  month  of  March  they  are 
taken  out,  the  long  Mint-like  roots  cut  into  lengths  and  planted  in 
the  beds  where  they  are  to  flower  during  the  summer.  They  soon 
make  their  appearance  above  ground,  and  if  too  thick  they  can  easily 
be  pulled  up  and  planted  elsewhere. 

I  will  now  give  you  a  list  of  a  few  beds  which  have  been  very 
beautiful  this  summer,  planted  as  follows  :  A  large  bed  of  Lord  Raglan 
Verbena  and  Verbena  venosa  mixed  with  a  broad  band  of  Golden  Chain 
Geranium  round  the  outside.  Another  bed  of  Brilliant  Geranium  and 
Verbena  venosa  mixed,  with  a  broad  band  of  Golden  Chain  Geranium 


26  THE    FLORIST. 

round,  outside.  Another  bed  of  Alma  Geranium  and  Verbena  venosa, 
mixed.  Another  of  Mangles'  Geranium  and  Verbena  venosa,  mixed. 
Another  of  Flower  of  the  Day  Geranium  and  Verbena  venosa, 
mixed.  Another  of  Buchnera  biflora  and  Verbena  venosa,  mixed. 
This  has  a  pleasing  effect,  and  for  small  beds  nothing  can  surpass  it  in 
point  of  beauty.  Respecting  the  Buchnera  it  should  not  be  planted  in 
very  rich  soil,  otherwise  it  will  grow  too  freely,  and  not  flower  so  well ; 
but  if  planted  in  poor  gravelly  soil  it  will  flower  abundantly,  and  its 
little  Jasmine-like  white  flowers,  with  the  Verbena  venosa  planted 
regularly  over  the  bed,  produce  a  charming  appearance.  The  next  bed 
is  equally  good ;  the  white  Alyssum  (Koniga)  and  Verbena  venosa, 
mixed  ;  those  who  have  not  seen  this  cannot  imagine  what  a  striking 
thing  it  is.  Another  bed,  (Enothera  macrocarpa  and  Verbena  venosa, 
was  very  good.  An  easy  way  of  propagating  the  CEnothera,  in  spring, 
is  to  take  the  young  shoots  when  about  three  inches  long  ;  slip  them 
off  and  plant  them  in  the  bed  where  they  are  to  flower,  and  in  the 
course  of  three  weeks  they  will  be  rooted  and  will  flower  freely  all  the 
autumn.  Another  bed  with  Lee's  old  scarlet  and  a  purplish  one  of  the 
same  class  (variegated  Geraniums),  with  Verbena  venosa,  was  very 
good.  Another  of  Cineraria  maritima  and  Venbena  venosa,  mixed, 
made  a  greyish  looking  bed.  A  good  one  contained  Verbena  venosa 
edged  with  a  broad  band  of  Mangles's  Geranium. 

There  is  another  little  plant  I  cannot  omit  mentioning,  the  Lobelia 
Erinus  speciosa,  the  best  of  all  the  Lobelias  I  have  seen,  which  comes 
as  true  as  from  seed  Mignonette.  This  spring  I  purchased  a  small 
packet  of  seed,  which  was  sown  in  March.  I  then  placed  it  in  a  gentle 
heat,  and  in  the  course  of  three  or  four  weeks  the  plants  were  strong 
enough  to  prick  out.  I  then  collected  a  few  shallow  pans,  and  filled 
them  with  light  sandy  loam,  dibbled  them  in  thickly,  and  placed  them 
on  a  shelf  near  the  glass  in  the  greenhouse,  and  in  the  month  of  May 
I  had  a  host  of  little  gems  in  full  flower,  anxiously  waiting  to  be 
separated  and  planted  where  they  were  to  remain  during  the  summer. 
I  have  above  2000  plants  grown  from  seed  in  great  beauty  at  this 
moment  (Oct.  1*2).  I  find  they  are  much  better  from  seed  than 
cuttings,  as  I  have  proved  them  both  ways  ;  from  cuttings  they  will 
flower  a  little  sooner,  but  they  do  not  continue  so  long  in  bloom  in  the 
autumn.  I  shall  now  mention  a  few  beds  planted  with  Lobelia 
speciosa  and  other  plants,  mixed.  For  small  beds  nothing  can  surpass 
Golden  Chain  Geranium  and  Lobelia  (a  bed  of  Lobelia  speciosa  with 
the  Golden  Chain  Geranium  dotted  down  the  centre  is  very  rich). 
Another  bed,  centre  Golden  Chain  Geranium,  next  a  broad  band  of 
Lobelia  speciosa,  with  an  edging  of  Lady  Plymouth  Geranium  ;  this  is 
very  effective,  as  is  also  a  bed  of  Lobelia  speciosa,  with  the  pink 
Latereps  variegated  Geranium,  regularly  mixed  over  the  bed,  with  an 
edging  of  Cerastium  tomentosum.  Another  good  bed  was  made  with 
Mountain  of  Snow  Geranium  and  Lobelia  speciosa  mixed.  Another 
had,  centre  Lobelia  speciosa,  next  Etoile  de  Vaise  Geranium  edged  with 
Golden  Chain.  A  very  pretty  border  may  be  made  by  planting  Ceras- 
tium tomentosum  and  Lobelia  speciosa  mixed  together.  I  beg  to  say 
that  there  is  no  plant  more  worthy  of  cultivation  than  this  little  gem 


JANUARY.  27 

for  small  parterres  and  edgings.  For  small  or  pincushion  beds,  or 
round  Rose  trees,  the  following  answer  admirably :  Cerastium  tomen- 
tosum  and  Miss  Trotter  Verbena,  mixed ;  Imperatrice  Elizabeth  Ver- 
bena and  an  edging  of  Lady  Plymouth.  Miss  Trotter  Verbena  and  an 
edging  of  Lady  Plymouth  Geranium  is  very  good.  Crimson  Ivy-leaf 
Geranium  edged  with  Buchnera  biflora ;  Purple  King  Verbena  edged 
with  Silver  Queen  Geranium.  Another,  Harkaway  and  Princess 
Geranium,  mixed,  edged  with  Golden  Chain.  Another  bed,  Brilliant 
Geranium  for  centre,  with  a  broad  band  of  Mangles'  Geranium  and 
Verbena  venosa  mixed  together.  I  have  seen  some  beautiful  beds  of 
French  Aster  this  season  which  looked  well ;  the  way  in  which  they 
were  arranged,  beginning  with  the  dark  purple  in  the  centre  and 
gradually  shading  them  down  to  the  edge,  ending  with  a  broad  band  of 
white,  had  a  good  effect.  A  ribbon  of  French  Asters  mixed  and  pegged 
down  is  very  beautiful. 

The  beds  I  have  described  above  I  can  strongly  recommend,  and  if 
you  should  think  it  would  be  interesting  to  the  readers  of  the  Florist, 
I  will  some  day  give  a  few  hints  on  ribbon  borders  and  chain  beds  and 
shaded  beds  of  Calceolarias,  &c,  as  I  have  seen  some  very  good  things 
in  this  way,  which  may  interest  some  of  your  readers. 

[Pray  do.— Ed.] 

Charles  Hathrell. 

Stanton  Rectory. 


REVIEW. 

The  Amateur  s  Guide  for  1859.     Sutton  and  Sons,  Royal  Berkshire 
Seed  Establishment,  Reading. 

The  "  Amateur's  Guide,"  we  are  glad  to  notice,  keeps  steadily  pro- 
gressing in  useful  matter  and  classification,  while  the  descriptions 
appended  to  the  various  articles  offered  for  sale  appear  correct,  without 
any  attempt  to  exaggerate  or  mislead,  and  their  selections  appear  to 
us  equally  judicious  and  sound.  Of  the  general  excellence  of  the  seeds 
sent  out  by  this  firm  we  can  certify,  as  well  as  to  the  punctuality  and 
business-like  manner  of  all  their  transactions.  The  space  which  we 
can  devote  to  these  notices  precludes  our  saying  more  than  recommending 
the  work  itself  to  our  readers  as  a  valuable  assistant  and  guide  to 
purchasers. 


ROYAL  EXOTIC  NURSERY,  KING'S  ROAD,  CHELSEA. 

[Second  Notice. J 

To  the  right  and  left  of  the  grand  show  house  are  the  structures 
devoted  to  the  most  important  of  the  Ferns.  I  noticed  many 
remarkable  specimens  of  very  rare  kinds.  In  the  cool  Fern-house  I 
particularly  remarked  some  beautiful  specimens  of  Odontoglossum 
grande  and  several  other  Orchids.  I  learned  that  the  temperature 
of  this  cooler  department  did  not  exceed  50°,  and  at  night  45° ;  the 


28  THE    FLORIST. 

Odontoglossums  were  in  beautiful  condition  and  quite  a  mass  of  flower, 
a  very  convincing  fact  that  many  of  the  Orchids  will  succeed  in  a 
cooler  house  than  is  generally  devoted  to  their  culture. 

In  the  principal  Orchid  houses  I  found  everything  in  splendid  order, 
and  vast  quantities  of  very  recent  importation.  I  noted  some  few 
of  the  most  striking  specimens  of  well-known  kinds,  such  as  Dendro- 
bium  Dalhousieanum,  D.  aggregatum  majus,  D.  albo-sanguineum, 
D.  Devonianum,  D.  onosmum,  D.  Pierardi  latifolium,  &c.  ;  also 
quantities  of  Cattleya  in  all  their  varieties,  rare  and  valuable.  In 
the  East  Indian  department  are  magnificent  plants  of  Aerides,  Vandas, 
Phaloenopsis,  Angnecum,  Saccolabium,  &c.  The  Pitcher-house  was 
not  less  interesting,  and  the  plants  were  in  excellent  condition. 
Among  the  Pitcher-plants  we  observed  an  interesting  collection  of 
Lycopodiums  in  great  variety ;  these,  I  was  informed,  were  mostly 
new  kinds,  the  introduction  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ellis. 

Among  stove  plants  I  found  an  endless  assortment,  the  "  foliaged 
plants"  particularly  fine.  Some  new  plants  were  pointed  out  to  me  ; 
among  these  I  particularly  observed  a  new  Dracaena,  from  New 
Zealand,  with  golden -laced  foliage  :  this  plant  I  believe  to  be  a  great 
acquisition.  1  also  noted  many  new  Marantas,  and  a  second  variety 
of  Sonerila  margaritacea  ;  this  variety  had  stronger  marked  leaves,  and 
I  ascertained  was  a  more  luxuriant  grower — it  is  named  splendens. 
Palms  are  extensively  cultivated  in  this  establishment ;  a  lofty  struc- 
ture contains  some  of  the  most  valuable  varieties  to  be  met  with.  For 
effective  display  these  plants  are  invaluable,  and  have  a  grand  appear- 
ance in  lofty  conservatories  or  houses  specially  devoted  to  them. 

In  the  Aquarium  I  observed  many  interesting  plants;  a  few  things 
in  flower  are  associated  with  the  occupants  of  this  department,  among 
them  some  interesting  species  of  Bilbergia,  &c.  In  the  hard-wooded 
departments  everything  evinces  the  same  high  order  of  cultivation, 
spirit  of  improvement,  and  novelty  ;  the  Camellias  were  in  great  variety, 
healthy,  and  fine  m  every  respect.  I  noted  many  new  plants  in 
every  department  of  this  establishment,  which  will  come  before  the 
public  in  due  course. 

The  propagating  houses  I  viewed  with  much  interest.  These  have 
been  extended,  and  every  improvement  adopted  which  experience  has 
proved  to  be  necessary. 

R.  G.  F. 


CALENDAR  OF  OPERATIONS. 

Auriculas. — The  old  foliage  will  now  continue  gradually  to  deca}', 
and  should  be  removed  as  quickly  as  possible,  when  once  the  leaves 
turn  yellow  ;  care  must  be  taken  not  to  injure  the  plants  whilst  so 
doing.  At  this  season  the  Auricula  has  nothing  very  interesting  in  its 
appearance,  being  almost  devoid  of  foliage.  Water  sparingly,  and  do 
not  excite  the  plants  to  cause  growth  before  February,  at  which  time 
water  may  be  given  freely. 

Azaleas. — These,  when  in  flower,  are  beautiful  at  any  season,  but 


JANUARY. 


29 


at  no  time  are  they  so  much  appreciated  as  they  are  during  the  dull 
winter  months,  when  everything  out  of  doors  wears  a  cold  and  cheer- 
less aspect.  Keep  plants  in  flower  rather  warm,  say  a  night  tempera- 
ture of  about  50°.  Retard  plants  fur  late  blooming,  the  night  tempera- 
ture should  not  fall  below  40°.  Ventilate  carefully  whenever  the  state 
of  the  weather  permits.     Water  when  necessary. 

Camellias. — Plants  in  bloom  should  have  a  temperature  of  from  45° 
to  50°  by  night,  and  from  55°  to  60°  by  day.  Give  them  plenty  of 
water  when  they  require  it.  Keep  plants  for  late  flowering  cool.  Give 
air  freely  on  all  favourable  occasions. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — The  soil  intended  to  bloom  these  in 
should  be  kept  frequently  turned  and  exposed  to  the  action  of  the 
weather,  especially  frost.  The  plants  should  be  kept  dry,  and  the  dead 
foliage  cleaned  off  as  required. 

Cinerarias  — Many  of  these  will  have  thrown  up  their  flower-stems ; 
look  over  and  select  a  few  of  the  fbrwardest,  and  place  in  an  intermediate 
house  for  early  flowers.  A  few  of  the  later  plants  may  yet  be  repotted  fol- 
iate flowering.  Look  over  and  remove  all  decaying  leaves,  and  sulphur 
such  as  are  affected  by  mildew.  Fumigating  now  and  then  is  necessary, 
to  prevent  green-fly.  Thin  out  all  small  shoots  and  leaves  of  specimen 
plants,  and  peg  down  or  tie  out  the  stronger,  to  throw  out  the  middle 
as  much  as  possible.  Keep  as  near  the  glass  as  possible,  to  prevent 
their  drawing.  It  is  advisable,  where  large  plants  are  required,  to  stop 
them  once  or  twice,  which  will  make  the  head  of  flower  more  dense. 

Cold  Frames. — After  the  late  fine  autumn  everything  here  should 
be  in  a  state  of  perfect  rest.  Give  little  or  no  water  during  the  month, 
if  possible  ;  take  advantage  of  every  favourable  opportunity  to  give  all 
the  air  possible.  Take  care  to  have  everything  well  covered  up  in 
frosty  weather. 

Conservatory  and  Show-housed — As  very  little  fire  heat  has  been 
required  here  up  to  the  present  time,  and  the  weather  during  the 
autumn  just  passed  has  been  everything  we  could  wish  for,  plants 
ought  now  to  be  in  good  condition  ;  they  should  show,  not  present 
growth,  but  the  season's  growth  thoroughly  matured  ;  if,  in  this  state 
we  may  confidently  look  forward  for  a  brilliant  display  of  bloom  the 
coming  season.  Camellias,  Acacias,  and  other  plants  in  flower,  or 
advancing  into  bloom,  will  require  to  be  attended  to  in  watering. 
Tulips,  Hyacinths,  and  other  bulbs,  also  forced  shrubs,  should  be  placed 
at  the  warmest  end  of  the  house ;  Heaths,  Epacrises,  and  other  hard- 
wooded  plants  in  flower,  should  be  placed  at  the  coolest  end.  The 
Amaryllis  is  a  charming  tribe,  and  with  a  little  management  easily  got 
to  flower  at  this  season.  The  Luculia  gratissima  is  a  beautiful  thing 
for  the  conservatory  ;  it  should  be  grown  at  the  warmest  end  of  the 
house.  Epiphyllums,  Bletias,  Justicias,  Euphorbias,  Poinsettias,  and 
other  stove  plants,  should  be  kept  at  the  warmest  end.  Introduce  a 
good  many  Primulas,  some  Cinerarias,  a  few  pots  of  Mignonette, 
Violet,  and  Lily  of  the  Valley.  Endeavour  to  have  as  many  flowers  as 
possible.  Have  everything  staged  to  the  best  advantage,  and  keep 
every  plant  and  place  scrupulously  clean  and  neat.  If  frosty  weather 
makes  much  fire  heat  necessary,  take  care  to  keep  the  atmosphere 


30  THE    FLORIST. 

moist,  not  wet— the  flowers  will  last  longer  than  in  a  dry  atmosphere. 
Maintain  a  temperature  of  about  45°  by  night,  and  from  55°  to  60° 
by  day.  The  watering  must  be  regularly  attended  to.  Ventilate  daily, 
if  possible,  but  avoid  cold  draughts. 

Cucumbers. — Plants  in  bearing  will  require  considerable  care  and 
skill  for  the  next  six  weeks.  Water  occasionally  with  liquid  manure. 
Keep  the  glass  clean,  so  that  they  may  receive  all  the  light  possible  at 
this  season.  Pick  off  all  the  male  blossoms.  Maintain  a  moist  atmo- 
sphere. Ventilate  daily,  if  possible,  but  avoid  cold  frosty  draughts. 
Keep  a  temperature  of  about  65°  by  night,  and  70°  to  75°  by  day, 
with  an  increase  by  sun  heat.  Sow  for  a  spring  crop  ;  attend  carefully 
to  the  young  plants  as  soon  as  they  are  "  up."  It  is  a  good  plan,  at 
this  season,  to  sow  the  seeds  singly  in  pots. 

Dahlias  require  much  attention.  Carefully  examine  the  roots,  par- 
ticularly those  from  the  open  ground,  to  see  they  are  not  decaying  at 
the  crown  ;  if  they  appear  to  be  rotting  downwards  set  them  at  work  at 
once  in  a  gentle  heat,  that  they  may  not  be  entirely  lost.  Roots  from 
those  that  have  been  grown  in  pots,  or,  as  they  are  generally  termed, 
pot-roots,  will  keep  sound  longer  than  those  from  the  ground,  and  are 
consequently  better  adapted  for  exportation  or  transmission  to  a  distance, 
and  if  not  required  for  use,  to  produce  cuttings  for  the  purpose  of  propa- 
gation, make  excellent  early  strong  plants,  by  starting  them  in  gentle 
heat  the  beginning  of  April. 

Flower  Garden.— In  favourable  weather  forward  all  alterations  that 
are  in  progress,  so  as  to  get  them  completed  before  the  busy  time  of 
spring  arrives ;  this  is  a  good  time  to  make  new  walks,  dig  turf,  and 
plant  edgings.  Protect  everything  requiring  it.  Dig  all  beds  and 
borders,  and  let  the  soil  remain  in  a  rough  state  for  the  frost  to  act  on 
it.     Sweep  and  roll  when  necessary. 

Forcing  Hardy  Shrubs.—  Ventilate  freely  whenever  the  state  of  the 
weather  permits  ;  maintain  a  moist  atmosphere,  and  keep  a  steady 
bottom  heat.  Syringe  in  the  forenoon  on  fine  days.  Introduce  plenty 
of  Kalmias,  Rhododendrons,  and  Azaleas,  than  which  there  is  nothing 
more  beautiful ;  also  some  Roses,  and  a  few  plants  of  Lilac,  Weigela, 
&c.  Keep  a  temperature  of  about  50°  by  night  in  severe  weather, 
and  60°  by  day,  with  an  increase  by  sun  heat. 

Forcing  Ground.— In  severe  frosty  weather  the  linings  will  require 
to  be  frequently  attended  to,  otherwise  the  heat  soon  declines  in  hot- 
beds. Make  and  plant  fresh  beds,  to  succeed  those  at  present  in  use. 
Put  some  roots  of  Mint  and  Tarragon  into  a  little  heat,  to  force.  Sow 
Mustard  and  Cress  weekly.  Make  a  slight  hotbed  and  sow  on  it  some 
Early  Horn  Carrots  and  Radishes. 

Fruit  (hardi/.)— Prune  and  regulate  fruit  trees  generally.  Prune 
and  nail  wall-trees  in  favourable  weather.  Scrape  moss,  and  thoroughly 
clean  the  stems  and  branches  of  standard  Pear  and  Apple-trees.  Wheel 
some  manure,  and  spread  it  around  the  trees  and  fork  it  in.  Plant  in 
mild  weather. 

Greenhouse  (hard-wooded  plants.)— As  the  plants  are  For  the  most 
part  at  a  stand-still,  the  only  attention  necessary  at  present  is  in  care- 
fully ventilating,  watering,  and  keeping  the  plants  safe  from  irost. 


JANUARY. 


31 


Every  plant  requiring  to  be  trained  and  tied  out  should  now  be  trained. 
Prepare  now  for  the  busy  spring  time :  get  plenty  of  stakes  made  and 
tied  up  in  small  bundles  of  different  lengths ;  get  pots  cleaned,  some 
crocks  broken,  and  some  turf  chopped.  (Soft-wooded  plants.) — Venti- 
late freely  whenever  the  state  of  the  weather  permits.  Water  carefully. 
Fumigate  for  green-fly. 

Hollyhocks. — Roots  potted  from  the  ground  in  autumn  for  the  pur- 
pose of  producing  cuttings  may  be  excited  with  a  little  heat ;  it  should, 
however,  be  gentle  at  first.  When  the  shoots  have  obtained  the  length 
of  about  three  inches,  cut  them  off  similar  to  the  method  adopted  in 
propagating  Dahlias.  The  cuttings  should  be  put  into  thumb  pots, 
using  sandy  soil,  and  placed  in  mild  bottom  heat.  The  plants  struck 
now  will  flower  well  in  September.  Seeds  sown  in  heat,  and  the 
plants  grown  under  glass  until  late  in  May,  will  flower  in  the  autumn. 

Kitchen  Garden. — All  wheelbarrow  operations  should  be  done  in 
frosty  weather,  when  the  ground  is  hard  and  frozen.  Look  carefully 
over  Lettuce  plants  in  frames,  also  over  Cauliflower  plants  under  glasses 
and  in  frames  ;  pick  off  the  decaying  leaves,  and  dust  with  lime  or  soot 
to  prevent  the  attacks  of  slugs.  When  the  ground  is  in  a  nice  working 
state  sow  some  Early  Beans  and  Peas  on  a  warm  sheltered  border. 

Melons. — Sow  for  a  first  crop  a  few  seeds  of  some  good,  hardy,  early 
sort ;  they  are  best  sown  singly  in  pots  at  this  season.  Give  them  a 
nice  bottom  heat ;  when  "  up,"  attend  carefully  to  the  young  plants. 

Pansies. — Prepare  the  soil,  and  keep  it  dry  for  repotting  those 
intended  for  blooming  in  pots,  which  operation  should  be  performed 
towards  the  beginning  of  February,  if  the  weather  is  mild.  Seedlings 
should  be  looked  after,  pressing  the  soil  and  roots  of  those  that  may 
have  been  loosened  by  worms,  &c.  Should  severe  frost  set  in  a  little 
covering  will  be  necessary,  but  grow  Fansies  as  hardy  as  possible. 

Peach-forcing. — The  artificial  heat  in  the  early  house  may,  after 
the  middle  of  the  month,  be  increased  six  or  eight  degrees  in  the  day, 
but  not  quite  so  much  at  night  ;  the  night  temperature  should  not  rise 
above  nor  fall  much  below  50°  whilst  the  Peach-trees  are  in  flower. 
Keep  the  atmosphere  dry  whilst  they  are  in  bloom,  and  ventilate  at  all 
times  as  freely  as  the  state  of  the  weather  permits.  Start  successional 
houses.  Begin  with  a  night  temperature  of  40°  for  the  first  fortnight, 
and  then  rise  5°.  Syringe  two  or  three  times  daily.  Water  inside 
borders  and  keep  the  atmosphere  moist. 

Pelargoniums. — This  is  a  convenient  and  proper  time  for  tying  out 
the  shoots  of  plants  intended  for  specimens,  so  as  to  admit  air  and  light 
— precaution  should  be  taken  not  to  allow  the  shoots  to  become  drawn. 
Give  plenty  of  room,  and  air  freely  on  every  favourable  opportunity. 
Water  carefully,  giving  only  to  those  that  thoroughly  require  it,  and 
avoid  wetting  the  foliage  as  much  as  possible.  The  temperature  of  the 
house,  by  night,  should  range  about  42°.  Attend  to  cleanliness. 
Watch  narrowly  for  green-fly,  and  fumigate  directly  it  is  observed. 
Keep  the  soil  in  a  good  state  for  repotting  the  July  plants,  which  should 
be  done  towards  the  end  of  the  month.  Let  everything  be  done  to  keep 
the  plants  in  a  healthy  and  vigorous  state. 

Pinery. — Plants  that  are  intended  to  fruit  during  the  next  summer 


32  THE    FLORIST. 

should  have  the  temperature  raised  gradually  to  about  from  65°  to  70° 
by  night,  and  70°  to  75°  by  day,  with  an  increase  by  sun  heat.  Give 
them  a  good  watering  with  tepid  water.  See  they  have  a  steady  bottom 
heat  of  from  85°  to  90°.  Give  some  air  when  the  state  of  the  weather 
permits. 

Pinks. — But  little  will  have  to  be  done  this  month.  If  the  frost 
should  loosen  the  plants,  press  them  firmly  in  the  ground  after  a  thaw, 
and  prepare  rich  soil  for  top  dressing  in  March. 

'Pleasure  Grounds. — Sweep  and  roll  walks  and  lawns  in  open 
weather.  Do  everything  that  possibly  can  be  done  at  the  present  time, 
so  that  routine  matters  may  not  be  interfered  with  by-and-by.  Plant 
trees  in  mild  weather.  Mulch  well  round  the  roots  of  choice  and 
valuable  specimens.  Forward  with  all  possible  dispatch  all  alterations 
— such  as  the  changing  of  walks,  the  formation  of  new  ones,  the  levelling 
of  ground,  laying  down  of  turf,  &c. 

Stove. — Seize  spare  time  to  look  carefully  over  the  plants  for  insects ; 
plants  are  easily  cleared  of  them,  if  well  looked  over  at  this  season.  Keep 
the  night  temperature  as  low  as  is  consistent  with  the  safety  of  the 
plants ;  in  very  severe  frosty  weather  55°  will  be  quite  high  enough  at 
night.  Do  not  let  the  atmosphere  get  too  dry  from  fire  heat.  Attend 
very  carefully  to  the  watering.     Give  air  on  all  fine  days. 

Strawberries. — Though  the  plant  is  more  easily  managed  later  in  the 
season,  still,  at  this  time  of  the  year,  a  little  management  is  required  to 
ensure  a  good  crop.  Have  the  plants  near  the  glass.  Give  them  all 
the  air  possible,  according  to  the  state  of  the  weather,  and  water  care- 
fully when  necessary.  Introduce  a  fresh  batch  of  plants  every  two  or 
three  weeks. 

Verbenas. — Now  is  an  excellent  time  to  excite  into  growth  any  kinds 
required  to  be  largely  increased,  so  as  to  produce  young  cuttings,  which 
strike  freely  in  sand  and  gentle  heat,  and  make  the  best  plants. 

Vinery. — The  early  house  will  now  be  in  flower,  and  care  should  be 
taken  to  keep  up  a  steady  temperature  and  a  genial  atmosphere.  The 
night  temperature  should  on  no  account  fall  below  60°.  Look  to  the 
covering  on  the  outside  borders,  and  see  that  the  heat  does  not  decline. 
Attend  to  the  stopping  and  tying  down  of  the  shoots.  Thin  the  berries 
as  soon  after  they  are  formed  as  possible.  Start  the  second  house  ; 
commence  with  a  night  temperature  of  45°.  Keep  the  atmosphere 
moist.     Water  inside  border. 


wAnJrn:  • 


1,  Ecla.1 

2,  Sir  Colin  Campbell  (Wheeler, 


FEBRUARY.  33 


FUCHSIAS. 

ECLAT  (G.  SMITH)  AND  SIR  COLIN  CAMPBELL  (WHEELER). 

(Plate  148). 
The  two  beautiful  varieties.  Eclat  and  Sir  Colin  Campbell,  of 
which  we  have  this  month  given  coloured  illustrations,  we 
need  not  say  will  be  found  indispensable  additions  to  every 
collection  of  this  showy  and  most  useful  class  of  flowers.  They 
are  in  all  respects  first-class  kinds,  worthy  of  the  raisers  whose 
names  are  attached  to  them.  Of  their  particular  merits,  how- 
ever, little  need  be  said  here,  as  We  have  been  favoured  with 
the  following  remarks  on  the  subject  by  our  excellent  corre- 
spondent at  Deal.  Of  the  conditions  under  which  they  are  to 
be  "  let  out "  information  will  be  found  in  our  advertising 
pages. 


Although  precluded  by  want  of  space  and  means  from  attempting 
even  to  grow  a  Fuchsia,  I  live  in  a  neighbourhood  which  is  classic 
ground  to  an  admirer  of  them  ;  for  who  is  there  that  grows  even  the 
most  select  collection  of  them  that  does  not  acknowledge  that  the  gems 
of  his  stock  have  come  from  Mr.  Banks,  of  Sholden.  His  house  I  can 
see  from  my  back  windows  ;  and  as  I  have  access  to  his  garden  at  all 
times,  am  not  likely  to  be  quite  an  ignoramus  in  such  matters.  These 
seedlings  we  have  all  talked  over  together,  admired  or  questioned  as 
the  case  may  be,  and  I  am  afraid  have  often  been  privy  to  a  case  of 
"  horrible  infanticide,"  for  this  goes  on  there  at  a  rate  which  would  be 
especially  pleasing  to  any  fat  old  Chinese  mandarin,  who  might  deplore 
the  too  rapid  increase  of  population  ;  4500  children  are  produced  every 
year,  and  of  these  "  dear  innocents  "  I  have  seen  hundreds  and 
thousands  lying  out  ignominiously  on  the  dunghill  to  die,  and  for  no 
other  reason  than  because  they  were  not  pretty  enough  \  for  out  of  this 
large  number  only  about  50  or  60  are  saved  ;  and  some  of  these  only 
get  a  short  respite,  poor  things.  They  are  potted  up,  coaxed,  and 
petted,  get  quite  rosy  and  fresh  ;  but  it  is  only  adorning  the  sacrifice, 
for  the  next  year  sees  probably  between  40  and  50  doomed,  as  not  up 
to  the  mark,  and  of  all  the  vast  numbers  perhaps  only  eight  or  ten 
ever  enter  the  market,  and  this  never  till  after  they  have  had  a  second 
year's  trial ;  and  then  what  a  fuss  they  make.  .  They  have  hitherto 
been  simply  1-58,  2-58,  and  so  on  ;  but  now  comes  down  a  nursery- 
man from  London,  and  takes  off  these  darlings,  to  bring  them  out. 
The  names  they  get  are  quite  astonishing  ;  and  as  it  would  never  do 
in  the  great  world  of  London  to  come  out  under  disadvantageous  cir- 
cumstances, their  character  goes  before  them ;  all  their  good  points  are 
set  off  to  advantage,  and  a  very  delicate  veil  of  gentle  charity  is  thrown 
over  their  blemishes,  for  my  friend  has  never  either  named  or  described 
one  of  his  Fuchsias.  Messrs.  Henderson,  Smith,  and  Turner  have 
been  their  godfathers.     And  then,  I  grieve  to  state,  this  is  not  all 

VOL.    XII.,    NO.    CXXXIV.  D 


34  THE    FLORIST. 

these  do  very  well  for  a  year  or  two,  but  if  after  that  time  you  ask 
about  some  fair  beauty  that  then  pleased  you,  my  friend  will,  reply, 
with  all  the  coolness  of  an  -eastern  sultan,  when  you  might  ask  about 
some  fair  Circassian  (if  ever  you  had  a  chance  of  seeing  her),  "  Oh  ! 
I  have  discarded  her ;  there  are  much  prettier  ones  in  the  market." 
Alas  !  for  man's  constancy. 

"  The  lovely  toy  so  fiercely  sought, 

Hath  lost  each  charm  by  being  caught." 

A.nd  so  even  those  four  very  beautiful  varieties  figured  in  the  "  Illus- 
trated Bouquet,"  will  perhaps  next  year  be  nowhere.  The  two  figured 
in  the  present  number  of  the  "Florist"  are,  however,  not  of  his 
raising,  and  belong  to  a  comparatively  new  section  of  these  popular 
flowers — but  more  of  them  anon,  for  the  word  section  induces  me  to 
say  something  on  the  history  of  the  plant  as  at  present  cultivated. 

Few  flowers  owe  their  present  state  of  excellence  so  much  to  what 
are  called  "  sports  "  of  lusus  naturce  as  the  Fuchsia.  Some — oh  !  I 
cannot  say  how  many  years  ago — a  plant  of  one  of  the  old  kinds 
sported  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Cripps,  of  Tonbridge  Wells,  and  produced 
white  sepals  instead  of  red  ;  this  became  the  parent,  as  Venus  victrix, 
of  the  many  very  beautiful  white  and  flesh-coloured  varieties  Tiow  in 
existence.  Again,  some  of  the  red  varieties  began  to  turn  up  their 
sepals  a  little,  and  immediately  the  breeders  set  to  work  to  get 
them  so  thoroughly  reflexed,  that  they  should  be  like  a  Turn-cap 
Lily,  and  in  this  they  have  succeeded ;  though  I  am  not  sure 
whether  the  style  of  the  old  Fuchsia  gracilis  is  not  more  elegant. 
After  this,  I  believe  in  the  hands  of  the  late  Mr.  Storey,  one  with 
a  white  corolla  made  its  appearance ;  this  was  judiciously  seeded, 
and  the  plate  shows  that  it  is  a  class  which  is  evidently  improving, 
perhaps  destined  to  make  as  great  a  noise  as  the  others.  And 
again,  they  have  appeared  with  double  corollas,  and  Mr.  Wheeler, 
of  Warminster,  is  evidently  trying  to  introduce  to  us  some  that, 
although  monstrosities,  shall  yet  by  their  beauty  persuade  us  into 
admiration  of  them  ;  thus  from  the  Mexican  varieties  alone,  with- 
out crossing  with  fulgens,  corymbiflora,  serratifolia,  or  any  other 
of  the  long-tubed  species,  we  have  now  four  distinct  classes,  and 
these,  in  a  great  measure  owing  to  the  caprices  of  Nature  rather  than 
to  the  wisdom  of  hybridisers.  What  further  changes  we  may  see  it  is 
impossible  to  foretell. 

Their  growth  is  not  a  matter  of  much  difficulty,  if  space  be  at  your 
command,  and  any  one  who  has  large  conservatories  to  keep  stocked 
with  flowers  cannot- do  without  them,  as  they  succeed  the  Geraniums, 
&c,  and  continue  in  bloom  until  the  earlier  flowering  Chrysanthemums 
are  advanced  enough.  The  sod  in  which  they  delight  is  one  com- 
posed of  good  strong  loam,  hotbed  manure,  well  rotted,  and  leaf-mould 
in  the  proportion  of  one-half  of  the  former  and  one-fourth  of  the  two 
latter.  They  should  be  potted  in  the  spring,  and  the  endeavour  should 
be  to  keep  them  constantly  growing,  and  to  get  them  into  the  form  of 
a  pyramid ;  they  require  for  these  purposes  a  nice  moderate  heat  of 
about  50°,  and  syringing  should  be  resorted  to  frequently.  The 
tips  may  be  nipped  off,  to  encourage  the  lower  branches  to  shoot  out, 


FEBRUARY.  35 

though  some  grow  them  "  right  on  end."  They  must  be  repotted  in 
from  four  to  eight-inch  and  then  from  eight  to  twelve-inch  pots. 
Judicious  stopping  and  tying  will  gradually  bring  them  to  the  desired 
form  ;  and  if  you  are  an  exhibitor,  and  have  given  them  plenty  of 
room,  you  may  with  some  confidence  hope  to  be  successful ;  they, 
however,  require  very  careful  porterage,  as  few  plants  suffer  more  from 
carriage  than  they  do.  It  is  never  worth  while  to  grow  them  a  third 
year,  as  you  cannot  get  the  soft  and  juicy  wood  that  a  two-year-old 
plant  gives. 

As  to  sorts,  discard  all  that  do  not  come  up  to  the  following  marks. 
Sepals  stout,  broad,  and  well  reflexed  ;  corolla  large,  bold,  round,  stout 
and  bell-shaped  ;  flower-stalk  about  three  inches  long ;  the  flowers 
abundant  and  of  good  size  ;  foliage  not  large  or  coarse,  and  the  colour 
clear  and  decided  ;  if  light,  sepals  pure  white,  and  corolla  purple  ;  if 
dark,  sepals  brilliant  glowing  scarlet  or  crimson,  and  the  corolla  purple, 
violet,  or  blue.  I  think  you  will  find  the  following  list  by  no  means  a 
bad  one. 

Section  No.  1.  Crimson  with  dark  corolla. 

Prince  Frederick  William  of  Prussia  (B),  Loch  Katrine   (B),  Etoile  du 
Nord    (B),    Catherine    Hayes,    Governor-General    (S),    Souvenir    de 
Chiswick   (B). 
Section  No.  2.  White  with  scarlet  and  crimson  and  violet  corollas. 

Queen  of  Hanover  (B),  Guiding  Star  (B),  Rose  of  Castille  (B),  Fairest  of 
the  Fair  (B),  Maid  of  Kent  (B),  England's  Glory  (H). 
Section  No.  3.  Red  with  double  corolla. 

Hendersonii  (H),  Reflexa  plena  (L),  and  the  new  Sir  Colin  Campbell  (W). 
Section  No.  4.  Red  with  white  corolla. 

Princess  of  Prussia  (Sh.),  Mrs.  Story  (S),  Princess   Royal  (V),  and  the 

new  one,  Eclat  (Sb). 
B  raised  by  Mr.  Banks,  of  Sholden;  Sh  by  Mr.  Smith,  of  Eornsey ; 
H,  Mr.  Henderson;  S,  Mr.  Storey;   W,  Mr.  Wheeler;    V,Mr.  Veitch. 
The  figures  represent,  1,  Eclat,  raised  by  Mr.  G.  Smith,  of  Hornsey, 
and  is  a  decided  advance  not  only  on  those  previously  raised  by  the 
same  eminent  grower,  but  on  all  others  of  the  same  class,  the  flowers 
being   stouter,  of  finer  form,  and  the  plant  of  good  habit  and  free 
blooming ;  2  is  raised  by  Mr.  Wheeler,  of  Warminster,  is  very  hand- 
some, and  a  decided  acquisition  for  those  who  admire  this  class ;    as 
also  is  the  white  corolla  one.     Both  are  to  be  let  out  this  spring,  and 
will  doubtless  find  their  way  to  most  collections  of  this  beautiful  and 
popular  flower  in  the  country. 

Deal,  Jan.  18.  D- 


ON    RASPBERRIES: 
Addressed  by  Monsieur  Ferdinand  Gloede  to  the  Rev.  W.  F.  Radcltffe. 

Dear  Sir, — On  perusing  the  April  number  of  the  Florist,  I  find  your 
questions  about  Raspberries.  I  am  myself  very  fond  of  this  fruit,  but 
not  to  the  same  degree  as  of  Strawberries  ;  nevertheless,  I  will  commu- 
nicate to  you  the  result  of  my  experience.  The  sorts  I  grow  are 
Fastolff  (Youell's),  producing  only  once  a  year,  but  it  is  the  largest  and 
finest  of  all  reds  ;  Merveille  des  4  saisons,  red,  double  bearing,  of  very 
good  flavour  and  fine  colour  ;  and  Merveille  des  quatre  saisons,  white  or 

d  2 


36  THE    FLORIST. 

yellow,  the  finest  of  this  colour.  To  these,  I  think,  may  be  added  the 
Red  and  White  Antwerp,  and  a  new  American  double  bearing  sort 
called  Caterina,  which  1  introduced  last  year  from  Boston.  This 
produces  fruit  of  the  same  size  and  quality  as  Fastolff,  but  which  has 
the  advantage  of  yielding  a  second  crop  in  September. 

As  to  the  best  manure  for  Raspberries,  I  think  Peruvian  guano  to 
be  very  good,  but  it  should  be  applied  in  a  liquid  state,  and  only  about 
a  handful  in  a  bucket  of  water,  well  stirred  twice,  and  then  decanted. 
My  Fastolffs  are  now  in  their  fourth  year  upon  the  same  place,  and  may 
with  proper  care  continue  very  well  for  three  or  four  more  years. 
Others  I  used  to  plant  early  about  six  inches  deep  and  five  feet  apart 
in  rows,  and  as  soon  as  the  canes  got  strong  I  trained  them  to  sticks 
or  poles  placed  in  the  middle  of  two,  half  the  number  of  canes  to  the 
left  and  half  to  the  right,  leaving  the  young  shoots  growing  upright  for 
the  following  year.  In  spring,  as  soon  as  they  show  their  first  leaves, 
I  prune  at  three  or  four  feet  from  the  ground,  according  to  the  strength 
of  the  canes.  The  double-bearing  sorts  are  to  be  cut  down  much 
shorter,  in  order  to  insure  a  good  autumnal  crop.  All  my  Strawberries 
are  planted  in  rows  four  feet  apart,  and  one-and-a-half  in  the  line;  in 
this  way  they  produce  fruit  in  the  highest  degree  of  perfection.  I  let 
them  stand  three  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  they  are  destroyed, 
and  renewed  in  rows  in  the  centre  of  the  old  ones,  thus  continuing  the 
plantation  in  the  same  plot. 

Yours,  dear  Sir, 

Very  respectfully, 

F.  Gloede. 

I  gave  my  Raspberries  a  leetle  too  much  Peruvian,  solid ;  those, 
however,  which  survived  the  shock  have  borne  grandly  this  year,  and 
the  canes  are  of  extra  strength.  Monsieur  F.  G.  has  promised  to  come 
and  see  the  Rector  of  Rushton.     I  hope  he  will  do  so. — W.  F.  R. 


HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 
I  remember  once  reading  in  your  pages  a  rather  satirical  remark, 
that  horticulture  was  flourishing  everywhere  except  at  head  quarters, 
meaning,  I  suppose,  by  what  followed,  Chiswick.  From  all  I  hear  of 
that  establishment  at  the  present  time  I  fear  matters  are  not  at  all 
satisfactory  there  now.  I  am  told  one-half  the  men  have  been  dis- 
charged, and  that  a  gloomy  uncertainty  hangs  over  its  paralysing 
action,  inducing  a  belief  that  its  days  are  numbered.  As  you  are 
supposed  to  know  something  of  state  secrets,  and  if  not  a  cabinet 
minister,  I  dare  say  now  and  then  get  a  peep  behind  the  scenes,  and 
can  see  how  the  horticultural  pendulum  wags — or,  like  Mr.  Wellington 
Guernsey,  may  get  hold  of  a  stray  dispatch — I  hope  you  will  say  some- 
thing about  it,  because  I  remember  how  hopefully  you  wrote  a  twelve- 
month back  pf  the  prospects  of  the  society.  How  soon  it  was  then 
expected  to  emerge  from  beneath  the  clouds  of  adversity  into  the  full 
blaze  of  favour  and  patronage,  and  what  a  prosperous  career  of  use- 
fulness you  marked  out  for  it.     Now,  Mr.  Editor,  have  your  predictions 


FEBRUARY. 


37 


been  fulfilled  or  not?  Pray  tell  us,  or  let  me  answer  the  question  by- 
asking  whether  the  Society  has  not  sunk  deeper  into  difficulties,  and 
that  its  means  of  extrication  are  less.  I  fear,  moreover,  there  is  but 
little  chance  of  another  "stimulant  "  in  the  shape  of  a  three  thousand 
pound  contribution  to  afford  it  temporary  relief.  I  am  an  P.H.S.,  and 
hear  nothing  about  the  position  of  the  Society,  but  what  is  sad  to 
repeat  and  to  reflect  on.  I  should  despair  of  horticultural  societies 
altogether  did  I  not  know  many  local  institutions  prosperous  ;  and,  above 
all,  the  Pomological  progresses  rapidly,  and  appears  destined  to  do  a 
large  amount  of  good  at  little  cost  or  noise — no  small  proof  of  its 
usefulness. 

Herts.  P.  H,  S. 

[We  publish  our  correspondent's  rather  inquisitorial  letter,  and  in 
reply  merely  remind  him  that  we  do  not  consider  ourselves  as  exponents 
of  the  Horticultural  Society,  which,  however,  has  our  best  wishes  at  all 
times.  We  certainly,  as  the  writer  informs  us,  wrote  hopefully  of  the 
Society  some  time  ago,  nor  do  we  now  despair  of  seeing  it  become  a 
a  great  and  useful  institution.  Chisvvick  may  have  lost  its  prestige,  and 
its  distance  from  London  may  make  it  a  drawback  rather  than  a  help  to 
the  Society's  operations  ;  and,  if  so,  the  sooner  it  is  given  up  and  a  new 
site  near  town  selected  the  better.  Whatever  may  become  of  Chisvvick, 
our  correspondent  need  be  under  no  fear  that  horticulture  or  the 
Horticultural  Society  will  decline.  Let  the  Fellows  of  the  Society  hold 
together,  and  we  doubt  not  the  Council  will  suggest  some  plan  to  rein- 
state it  on  a  basis  both  popular  and  useful.  The  Pomological  Society 
progresses  certainly,  and  answers  every  expectation  formed  of  it  by  its 
promoters.  This  society,  as  our  correspondents  may  perhaps  remember, 
was  first  ushered  into  the  world  through  our  pages,  and  we  therefore  feel 
personally  interested  in  its  welfare. — Ed.  Florist.'] 


FERN    CLASSIFICATION.— No.  IV. 

That  group  of  Pobjpodiacem  which  forms  the  tribe  Polypodinece,  and 
which,  as  already  intimated,  comprises  the  greater  number  of  the 
species  of  known  Ferns,  requires  to  be  broken  up  into  several  minor 
groups,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  classification  of  the  genera.  We  adopt 
twenty-three  of  these  lesser  divisions,  called  sections,  lor  the  group 
now  under  notice. 

The  first  broad  distinctions  are  founded  upon  the  nature  of  the 
receptacles.  In  the  greater  number  of  the  species  they  are  local  and 
circumscribed,  definite  in  form,  and  confined  to  determinate  parts  of 
the  veins,  giving  rise  to  the  punctiform  oblong  linear  or  reticulated 
forms  of  sori  already  referred  to.  Then  comes  a  small  group  in  which 
the  receptacles  are  compound,  always  occupying  a  crowded  mass  of 
reticulated  veinlets,  from  which  the  spore-cases  become  effuse,  usually 
forming  one  or  more  large  shapeless  masses  or  patches,  generally  placed 
towards  the  apex  of  the  frond  (sometimes  entirely  occupying  distinct 
fertile  lobes),  in  some  few  instances,  however,  much  smaller  in  size 


38 


THE    FLORIST. 


and  more  numerous  as  well  as  definite  in  form  and  arrangement.  The 
characteristics  of  this  group  are  sometimes  simulated  by  species  referred 
to  the  former,  in  which  the  definite  reticulate  sori  happen  to  be  crowded, 
and  when  mature  effused,  so  as  to  appear  to  form  one  mass ;  but  in 
such  cases  the  removal  of  the  spore-cases  will  generally  reveal  the  distinct 
nature  of  the  receptacles.  The  remaining  group  consists  of  Ferns  in 
which  the  spore-cases  occupy  the  entire  under  surface  (sometimes  both 
upper  and  under  surface)  of  the  frond,  growing  both  from  the  veins  and 
the  spaces  intervening,  in  which  cases  the  receptacles  are  said  to  be 
universal.  In  this  group  it  is  usual  for  a  portion  of  the  fronds  to  be 
spore-bearing,  and  these  more  or  less  contracted,  while  the  remainder 
are  entirely  destitute  of  spore-cases,  and  not  contracted.  In  a  few 
kinds  it  is  the  upper  parts  of  the  frond  instead  of  distinct  fronds 
which  are  spore  bearing,  while  the  lower  parts  are  sterile.  When 
this  distinct  mode  of  growth  occurs,  namely,  the  one  portion  of 
the  fronds  spore-bearing  and  contracted,  and  the  other  not  so,  the 
fronds  are  said  to  be  dimorphous,  that  is  to  say,  of  two  forms, 
and  the  one  form  is  referred  to  as  the  sterile  the  other  as  the  fertile 
frond.  This  distinction  in  the  mode  of  growth,  which  is  more  or  less 
marked  throughout  the  whole  of  the  group  now  under  notice,  occurs  here 
and  there  among  the  Ferns  referred  to  the  other  divisions. 

The  foregoing  remarks  will  have  indicated  the  three  primary 
divisions  of  this  rather  unwieldy  group,  and  our  further  enquiries  will 
have  been  thus  facilitated. 

Those  Ferns, .  then,  which  have  the  receptacles  universal,  form  the 
first  division  or  section,  the  Acrostic hece.  They  are  placed  first  in  the 
series,  because,  having  the  whole  surface  of  their  fertile  fronds  spore- 
bearing,  both  veins  and  parenchyma  being  alike  affected,  they  are 
regarded  as  those  in  which  the  fertile  principle  is  most  thoroughly 
developed.  Those  genera  in  which  the  receptacles  form  a  compound  mass 
of  crowded  reticulations  (so  much  crowded,  indeed,  that  in  the  fertile 
portions  there  is  hardly  any  vacant  space  between  the  delicate  veinlets 
of  which  they  are  formed),  and  bearing  large  effused  masses  of  spore- 
cases,  form  a  second  distinct  section,  the  Platycerice.  These  two  groups 
may  be  dismissed  with  a  few  further  particulars. 

The  Acrostichece  comprise  fourteen  genera,  whose  connecting  character 
is,  of  course,  the  universal  receptacles.     They  range  conveniently  in 

two  divisions,  the  first  having  the 
fronds,  that  is,  the  fertile  ones, 
wholly  fructiferous ;  and  the 
second  having  the  upper  pinnae 
wholly  fertile.  The  first  division 
includes  Polybotrya, Rh ipidopteris, 
Elaphoglossum,  and  Lomariopsis, 
with  free  veins  ;  Stenochlcena  and 
Olfersia  with  combined  veins ; 
Soromanes,  with  connivent  veins  ; 
21.ACROSHCHE*:  Elaphoglossum  conforme.     and    ^feurocallis,    Hpnenodium, 

Stenosemia,  Pcecilopteris,  and  Anapausia,  with  the  veins  reticulated. 
The  second  division  consists  of  Acrostic/ntm  and  Photinopteris,  both 


FEBRUARY.  39 

of  which  have  reticulated  veins.  Such  of  these  genera  as  exist  in 
gardens  will  be  more  fully  described  when  we  come  to  treat  of  the 
species  in  cultivation. 

The  Platyceriece  consist  of  three  genera,  of  which  the  first  and 
typical  one  has  generally  been  associated  with  the  Acrostichece.  It  is, 
however,  materially  different,  and  we  have  proposed  to  separate  it. 
The  other  genera  have,  in  their  aspect  and  general  habit,  some  affinity 
the  former  of  them  with  the  Polypodiece  and  the  latter  with  the 
Acrostichece,  but  they  are  brought  here  on  account  of  the  compound 


§2.  Platycerie.£  :  Platycerium  Stemmaria. 

condition  of  their  receptacles.  The  three  genera  are  separated  by 
their  sori,  which  in  Platycerium  are  few,  very  large,  and  amorphous 
or  shapeless — that  is,  of  no  definite  or  constant  form  ;  in  Dryostachyum 
much  smaller  and  more  numerous,  and  quadrate  in  outline  ;  and  in  Jen- 
kinsia  forming  linear  submarginal  patches  along  each  side  of  the  costa. 
We  may  sum  up  the  foregoing  in  a  brief  contrasted  form,  thus  : — 

a].  Receptacles  universal  .         .         .         .         .         .     §1.  Acrostichece. 

b].  Receptacles  compound  effuse  crowded  indefinite   .     |2.  Platyceriece. 

c].  Receptacles  local  determinate  definite  [see  forward) . 

The  remaining  larger  portion  of  the  Polypodinece,  in  which  the 
receptacle  is  local,  circumscribed,  confined  to  determinate  parts  of  the 
veins,  and  of  definite  form,  have  still  to  be  subdivided.  The  most 
convenient  characters  for  this  purpose  seem  to  be  those  derived  from 
the  form  and  position  of  the  sorus  in  relation  to  the  vein  on  which  it 
is  placed.  There  is  of  course  a  considerable  amount  of  variety  in 
respect  to  the  form  and  position  of  the  sori  to  be  observed  among  the 
plants  which  we  have  now  under  consideration,  but  they  may  with 
tolerable  exactitude  be  reduced  under  three  heads.  These  it  will  be 
convenient  to  state  in  a  distinct  and  brief  form,  so  as  to  admit  of  ready 
comparison,  and  the  actual  structure  intended  should  be  well  under- 
stood, which  it  may  be  by  the  careful  study  of  a  few  common  species  as 
illustrations.     We  have  then — 

Receptacles  local  determinate  definite — 

(1).  Sori  transverse  to  the  veins,  parallel  or  sub-parallel  with  the  costa  or 
margin,  usually  elongated. 

(2).  Sori  parallel  with  the  veins,  oblique  to  the  costa,  more  or  less  elongated, 
sometimes  reticulated. 

(3).  Sori  punctiform,  rarely  suboblong,  or  by  confluence  elongated. 


40 


THE    FLORIST. 


In  the  first  group  (1),  with  sori  transverse  to  the  veins,  parallel 
with  the  costa  or  margin,  it  is  to  be  remarked,  that  in  the  few  cases 
where  the  fronds  have  no  veins,  the  plants  may  be  recognised  as 
belonging  here,  by  the  circumstance  of  the  sori  being  parallel  with  the 
midrib.  The  sorus  is  usually  linear  or  considerably  elongated,  but  it  is 
occasionally  oblong  or  lunately  curved,  or,  in  one  or  two  groups,  sometimes 
punctiform.  In  the  first  of  these  exceptional  conditions,  the  fact  of  its 
having  the  same  general  direction  as  the  costa  or  margin  indicates  at 
once  the  group  to  which  it  belongs ;  and  in  the  second,  the  sori  being 
marginal  with  a  transverse  indusium,  there  is  no  difficulty  in  ascer- 
taining that  they  belong  to  the  type  of  structure  in  which  the  sorus  is 
transverse  to  the  veins. 

Irrespective  of  these  somewhat  aberrant  and  exceptional  forms,  which, 
however,  rightly  viewed,  find  their  place  in  the  series  without  difficulty, 
the  group  now  before  us  is  again  divided  into  three  parts,  by  means 
of  secondary  characters  derived  from  the  receptacles.  These  characters 
are  found  in  the  form  of  the  receptacle,  which  is  linear,  oblong,  trans- 
versely-arcuate, or  rarely  punctiform,  or  in  its  position  with  respect  to 
the  midrib  or  margin.  In  this  way  we  mark  out  three  groups  of 
moderate  extent,  as  follows : — 

Sori  transverse  to  the  veins,  &c. 

(a)  Receptacles  linear  or  oblong,  costal  or  subcostal  (often  at  the  same  time 
submarginal  by  the  contraction  of  the  frond) . 

(6).  Receptacles  linear  (sometimes  oblong  or  punctiform)  marginal  or  sub- 
marginal  (rarely  medial),  always  remote  from  the  costa. 

(c) .  Receptacles  short  arcuately-transverse  on  the  venules,  subparallel  with 
the  costa  or  margin. 

The  first  group  (a)  with  linear  costal  receptacles  embraces  two 
sections,  as  follows  : — 

(a).  Receptacles  costal,  &c. 

Sori  indusiate  linear  superficial         .         .         .     §3.  Lomariece. 
Sori  nonindusiate,  linear  or  oblong,  superficial  or 
immersed §4.  Pleurogrammece. 

The  Lomariece  consist  of  four  genera,  whose  common  character  is 

the  continuous  line  of  spore- 
cases  situated  near  to  the 
costa,  and  furnished  with 
an  indusium.  Of  these 
Lomaria  and  Blechnum 
have  the  veins  free  ;  and 
Salpichkena  and  Sadleria 
have  them  combined. 
Neither  of  the  latter  genera 
are  in  cultivation,  but  they 
are  interesting,  the  first  as 
being  scandent,  and  the 
second  arborescent. 

The      Pleurogrammece 

(a)  Lomaria  callosa ;  (4)  Blechnum     differ     obviously    fl'Om     the 

onentaie.  Lomariece  in  wanting  an 

indusium,  while  they  agree  with  them  in  the  costal  line  of  spore-cases. 


FEBRUARY. 


41 


The  number  of  genera  referred  here  is  six : — Monogramma,  a  minute 

plant,  in  which  there  are  no  veins  beyond  the  costa ;  Dicliclopteris,  in 

which  there  is  only  a  costa  and  the  receptacle 

distinct  from   but   parallel  with  it ;    Pleuro- 

gramma  and  Xiphopteris  with  free  veins  from 

a  central  costa  ;  and  Hymenolepis  and  Gym- 

nopteris,   in    which   the  veins    are  compound 

reticulated. 

The  second  group  (£),  with  linear  marginal 
receptacles,  embraces  a  larger  number  of  sec- 
tions, which  may  be  set  forth  thus : — 

.  %i.  Plkokogp.a.mmk^e  : 

(6).   Receptacles  marginal,  &C.  Pleurogramnia  linearis. 

Sori  non-indusiate,  linear,  mostly  immersed  in  a  groove 
or  furrow  of  the  frond,  sometimes  superficial — 

—  submarginal,  usually  occupying  a  shallow  dorsal 

furrow  (rarely  oblong)         .....     |5.   Tcenitidcce. 

—  marginal,  always  occupying  an  extrorse-marginal 

furrow §6.    Vittariece. 

Sori  indusiate,  superficial,  linear,  oblong,  or  rotundate — 

Indusium  bursting  along  the  outer  edge     .         .         •     \7 •  Lindsceece. 
Indusium  bursting  along  the  inner  edge — 
Receptacles  resupinate,  i.e.,  the  spore-cases  attached 
to  the  under  surface  of  the  indusium  itself  . 


Receptacles  normal,  i.e.,  the  spore-cases  attached  to 
the  frond — 

—  punctiform  (transverse-marginal)   . 

—  linear  (transverse  marginal)       .         .         .     . 


§8.  Adiantece. 


.     §9.   Cheilanthece. 
.     .  §10.  Pteridece. 

The  Tcenitidece,  remarkable  for  the  furrow  in  which  the  submarginal 

spore-cases  are  in  almost  all  cases 
inserted,  embrace  several  genera.  In 
Scoliosorus  and  Holcosorus  the  veins 
are  reduced  to  an  obscure  costa ;  in 
Tcenitis,  Sckizokpton,  and  Loma- 
gramma,  they  are  uniform-reticulated ; 
in  Drymoglossum,  Diblemma,  and 
Paragramma  they  are  compound- 
reticulated  ;  in  Dicranoglossum  the 
veins  form  simple  arcs,  each  one 
meeting  the  next,  along  both  sides  of 
the  costa;  and  in  Tceniopsis  the 
veins  are  free,  except  where  combined 

§5.  tamBU  :  T*niopsis  lineata.         by  th(J  marginal  re^eptacle. 

The  Vittariece  very  much  resemble  the  genus  Tceniopsis  in  the 
last  section,  only  in  Tceniopsis  the  sori  mostly  occupy  a  furrow  (they  are 
usually  immersed,  but  not  always)  along  the  back  of  the  grass-like 
frond  near  each  margin ;  while  in  the  present  section,  consisting  only 
of  Vittaria,  the  furrow  is  along  the  extreme  edge,  its  opening  being 
turned  outwards,  so  that  the  spore -cases  seem  to  lie  in  the  split  margin. 


42 


THE    FLORIST. 


The  Lindsceece  are  an  elegant  group,  with  the  sori  long,  continuous, 
(rarely  short  and  broken  up),  placed  either  quite  at  or  very  near  to  the 
margin  of  the  frond,  and  covered  by  an  indusium  which  opens  along  its 


?6.  Vittarie^e  :  Vittaria  zosteraefolia.  §7.  Likbs^ee^e  :  Lindsaea  trapeziformis. 

outer  and  remains  attached  by  its  inner  edge.  They  comprise  three 
genera : — Lindscea  with  free  veins  ;  and  Sckizoloma  and  Dicty- 
oxiphium  with  reticulated  veins  ;  the  latter  having  simple  fronds. 

The  Adiantece  a  good  deal  resemble  the  Lindsceece,  but  they  have  a 
very  distinct  structure.  The  chief  peculiarity  consists  in  the  indusium, 
which  is  turned  inwards  from  the  margin,  and  though  looking  like  that 
of  Cheilanthes  or  Pteris,  is  not,  as  in  them,  a  simple  membrane 
covering  the  sori,  but  the  spore-cases  are  actually  inserted  on  it,  so 
that  if  the  indusium  is  turned  up,  the  spore-cases  are  turned  over  with 
it.     These  spore-cases  are  inserted  in  short  parallel  lines   across   the 


Adianteje:  Aiiiantum  Capillus  veneris.         g9.  Cheilanthes:  Hypolepis  anthriscifolia. 

indusium  (which  is  sometimes  nearly  round,  sometimes  quite  linear) 
and  might  perhaps  be  placed  in  the  next  group  (2),  in  company  with 
the  Platylomece.  In  this  section  are  Adiantum,  with  free  veins,  and 
Hewardia,  with  the  veins  reticulated. 

The  Cheilanthece,  as  a  group,  come  very  near  the  Pteridece,  but  we 
think  they  are  well  kept  asunder,  if  only  to  facilitate  the  means  of 
separating  some  species  of  the  typical  genera,  which  have  sometimes  a 


FEBRUARY. 


43 


resemblance  to  one  sometimes  to  the  other,  so  that  they  get  refeired  to 
either.  The  point  which  distinguishes  the  Cheilantkece  is  the  puncti- 
form  receptacle,  and  this  seldom  fails ;  while  the  common  continuous 


§10.  Pteride-e  :  Pteris  repandula. 

indusium  which  in  some  cases  covers  several  of  these  punctiform  sori, 
from  its  similarity  to  Pteris,  often  misleads.  The  group  comprises  five 
genera :  Adiantopsis,  Cheilanthes,  Hypolepis,  and  Cassebeera,  with  sori 
terminal  on  the  veins,  the  latter  genus  having  them  more  within  the 
margin  than  the  rest ;  and  Plecosorus,  with  sori  medial  on  the  veins, 
placed  towards  the  centre  of  the  lobes. 

The  Pteridece  are  separated  from  the  foregoing  by  having  their 
receptacles  linear,  continuous  and  marginal,  that  is,  transverse  to  the 
veins.  They  comprise  eight  genera,  namely  : — Onychium,  Ochropteris, 
Haplopteris,  and  Pteris,  with  free  veins ;  Campteria,  with  combined 
transverse-costal  veins ;  and  Loncltitis,  Litobrochia,  and  Amphiblestra, 
in  which  the  veins  are  reticulated, — in  the  last  compound-reticulated. 

The  third  group  (c),  with  the  receptacles  arcuately-transverse  on 
the  venules,  falls  into  this  place,  on  account  of  its  sori,  though  short 
compared  with  most  of  the  preceding  groups,  and  curved,  being  yet 
parallel  in  its  general  direction  with  the  midrib  and  margin.  It  gives 
rise  to  two  sections,  as  follows  : — 

(c).  Receptacles  short,  arcuately  transverse,  costal  or  medial — 

Sori  indusiate §11.    Woodwardiew. 

Sori  non-indusiate |l2.  Menisciece. 


?ll.  WoodwardiEjE  :  Woodwardia  radicans. 


44 


THE    FLORIST. 


The  Woodwardiece  are  a  small  group,  consisting  of  the  single  genus 
Woodwardia,  which  latter,  however,  includes  the  plants  sometimes 
placed  under  Doodia.  It  produces  one  row  (sometimes  more)  of  short 
or  shortish  lunate  sori  near  the  costa,  the  sori  having  an  indusium, 
which  is  either  nearly  flat,  or  arched. 

The  Menisciece  differ  in  having  their  short  lunately-curved  sori 
naked,  that  is,  without  any  indusia.  To  this  section  we  refer  three 
genera : — Brainea,  which  has  combined  ]  transverse-costal  veins  ; 
Meniscium,  which  has  the  venules  uniting  in  transverse  subangular 


§12.  Menisciece:  Meniscium  dentatum. 

arcs  between  the  pinnate  veins  ;  and  Dryomenis,  in  which  the  veins 
are  reticulated.  Of  these  Brainea  has  doubtless  a  general  affinity 
with  the  Woodwardiece,  as  Dryomenis  has  with  the  Polypodiece,  but 
they  are  brought  here  by  their  short  naked  transverse  sori. 

The  remaining  groups  of  Polypodinece  must  be  reserved  for  another 
paper. 

Thomas  Moore. 

Chelsea. 


ON  PRUNING. 
Pruning  is  the  art  of  controlling  or  appropriating  the  energies  of  a 
plant  for  a  specific  purpose ;  it  may  be  for  the  production  of  flowers  and 
fruit,  or  of  wood.  There  is  no  art  in  the  whole  practice  of  gardening 
which  requires  so  much  knowledge  and  tact ;  for  while  the  operator 
should  be  an  adept  in  the  use  of  the  knife,  he  should  foresee  the  effects 
which  each  cut  will  produce,  and  see  the  tree  as  it  will  be  after  his 
operations  are  completed.  Every  labourer  who  sports  a  blue  apron, 
and  goes  a  "jobbing,"  would  feel  his  dignity  assailed  if  he  were  told 
that  he  did  not  understand  pruning,  and  had  not  pruned  Mr.  A.'s  trees 
as  they  should  be.  But  I  think  no  one  can  be  an  fait  in  this  science 
who  has  not  learned  something  of  elementary  physiology,  and  who  has 
not  also  had  a  good  share  of  practice  to  acquire  tact  and  skill.  Vast 
mistakes  are  made  for  want  of  attention  to  summer  pruning  (I  mean  that 
effected  by  finger  and  thumb).  In  the  case  of  fruit  trees,  if  a  strong 
shoot  is  allowed  to  run  without  stopping,  it  will  soon  become  a  gour- 
mand, and  require  ultimate  removal  with  the  knife  ;  while,  if  stopped, 
it  will  result  in  three  or  four  moderate  fruitful  shoots,  which  leave 
nothing  for  the  knife  to  do ;  and  it  is  amazing  how  much  labour  proper 


FEBRUARY.  45 

attention  to  this  "  preventive  pruning "  saves.  The  late  celebrated 
gardener,  Mr.  McEwen,  told  me  that  he  pruned  his  Peach  trees  scarcely 
at  all  in  winter,  making  his  arrangement  of  the  wood  in  the  summer 
— most  judicious  practice  this,  and  worthy  of  all  imitation. 

In  the  case  of  cutting  coverts,  it  is  different,  the  object  being  to 
ensure  luxuriant  and  quick  growth,  therefore,  the  plant  is  cut  down  to 
the  ground ;  from  its  collar  issues  a  thick  circle  of  shoots,  which  choke 
one  another,  a  few  only  of  the  strongest  getting  away.  I  have  often 
thought  it  would  be  judicious  to  thin  these  shoots  as  soon  as  formed, 
and  gain  in  the  size  of  those  produced.  Trees  which  are  planted  for 
effect  should  receive  little  attention  from  the  hand  of  the  primer,  but 
after  getting  a  sufficient  bole,  may  be  left  to  Nature.  Trees  in  the 
interior  of  a  wood  may  be  denuded  of  branches,  straight  and  poly,  in 
fact,  fine  timber;  but  those  on  the  exterior  should  develope  their 
natural  features  and  habits  ;  this  is  too  little  appreciated.  Root  pruning 
is  a  most  serviceable  operation ;  it  should  be  performed  in  early 
autumn,  so  as  to  give  the  trees  the  chance  of  forming  fresh  spongioles 
before  the  spring.  A  circle  should  be  dug  round  the  tree,  all  the  roots 
selected,  and  portions  only  of  the  strongest  removed,  leaving  the  small 
fibres  uncut.  A  few  general  rules  may  be  laid  down,  but  much  must 
be  left  to  the  experience  of  the  operator  ;  he  only  who  has  grown  up 
with  plants,  and  strengthened  with  their  strength,  can  adapt  his 
practice  to  their  ever  varying  requirements,  and  assign  to  every  case  its 
remedy. 

January  20.  Henry  Bailey. 


THE  NEW   PLANTS   OP   1858. 

[Continued  from  page  13.) 

The  additions  to  this  family  have  not  been  very  numerous,  nor  of 
great  importance.  The  Vandas  take,  of  course,  the  highest  place.  The 
fine  Indian  V.  Cathcarti  has,  it  would  seem,  at  length  reached  Europe 
in  a  living  state.  V.  gigantea  does  not  equal  the  expectations  formed 
of  it ;  but  V.  Lowii  proves  a  desirable,  though  second-rate,  species.  The 
variety  of  Dendrobium  Falconeri  is  a  very  ornamental  plant. 

Bolbophyllum  neilgherrense.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5050  )  An  insignificant 
epiphytal  Orchid  ;  flowers  green  and  brown.  Neilgherries.  Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Calanthe  Dominii.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5042.)  A  highly  curious  and  interesting 
terrestrial  Orchid,  a  hybrid  between  C.  furcata  and  C.  Masuca,  and  having 
much  of  the  habit  and  form  of  the  former  combined  with  the  purple  colours  of 
the  latter.     A  garden  hybrid.     Messrs.  Veitch  $■  So?i. 

Cattleya  Aclandi^e.  (Bot  Mag.  t.  5039.)  A  fine  figure  of  this  beautiful 
plant  is  here  given. 

Cattleya  granulosa.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5048.)  An  excellent  figure  of  a  fine 
old  Orchid,  from  specimens  grown  at  the  Liverpool  Botanic  Garden. 

Cattleya  luteola.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5032.)  A  dwarf  interesting  epiphytal 
Orchid,  with  elliptical  leaves  on  short  compressed  pseudo-bulbs,  and  compara- 
tively large  primrose-coloured  flowers,  four  or  five  together.  Brazil.  Messrs. 
Rollisson. 

Ccelogyne  cinnamomea.  (Gard.  Chron.  1858,  37.)  A  stove  epiphyte,  with 
two-leaved  pseudo-bulbs,  and  6-8  flowered  drooping  racemes  of  pale  yellowish- 
green  flowers  ;  the  sides  of  the  lip  stained  with  cinnamon  colour.  Probably  a 
native  of  India.     The  Lord  Bishop  of  Winchester. 


46  THE    FLORIST. 

Ccelogyne  pandurata.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5084.)  A  fine  and  remarkable 
epiphytal  stove  Orchid.  It  has  large  pseudo-bulbs,  broad  ribbed  leaves,  and 
long  pendent  racemes  of  large  flowers,  which  are  pale  yellowish  green;  the  base 
of  the  panduriform  lip  warted  and  marked  with  broad  black  veins  and  stains. 
Borneo.     T.  Butler,  Esq. 

Ccelogyne  Schilleriana.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5072.)  A  pretty  little  epiphytal 
Orchid  of  the  Pleione  group  of  Ccelogyne.  The  pseudo-bulbs  are  small  bottle- 
shaped,  the  leaves  two,  the  flowers  large  tawny  yellow,  the  lip  broad,  somewhat 
lyre-shaped,  wavy  and  toothed,  and  prettily  blotched  with  brown  irregular 
markings.     Moulmein.     Messrs.  Veitch  <j-  Son. 

Dendrobium  chrysotoxum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5053.)  A  charming  epiphytal 
Orchid,  bearing  splendid  racemes  of  golden  yellow  flowers,  having  the  lip  beauti- 
fully fringed.     It  has  been  some  time  in  cultivation.     India. 

Dendrobium  Falconeri,  var.  obtusum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5058.)  A  beautiful 
epiphytal  species  with  long  pendent  stems,  bearing  in  clusters  from  their  joints, 
the  charming  flowers,  of  which  the  sepals  are  blush,  the  petals  creamy,  both 
tipped  with  purple,  the  lip  rich  yellow,  pubescent,  with  a  deep  red  spot  at  the 
base  and  a  small  purple  one  at  the  tip.     Khasya.     Messrs.  Jackson  and  Son. 

Dendrobium  primulinum.  (Gard.  Chron.  1858,400.)  This  plant,  figured 
in  the  Bot.  Mag.  (t.  5003)  as  D.  nobile,  v.  pallidiflorum,  has  since  been  distin- 
guished under  the  above  name.  It  is  a  very  fine  stove  epiphyte,  the  flowers 
white  tipped  with  pink,  smelling  like  Cowslips.  The  stems  are  pendulous,  as  in 
D.  cucullatum.     India.     Messrs.  Parker  Jf  Williams. 

Dendrobium  pulchellum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5037.)  The  fine  old  epiphytal 
Orchid  cultivated  under  the  above  name,  is  here  figured.  The  name,  it  is 
intimated,  does  not  properly  belong  to  it,  but  no  other  is  substituted. 

Epiphora  pubescens.  (Gard.  Chron.1858,  43?.)  A  stove  epiphytal  Orchid, 
having  small  tapering  pseudo-bulbs  in  masses ;  the  flowers  are  golden  yellow 
richly  striped  with  crimson,  two  or  three  together  on  a  scape  five  or  six  inches 
high;  their  fragrance  equals  that  of  the  sweetest  Lilies-of-the- Valley.  Mada- 
gascar, Algoa  Bay,  &c.     Rev.  Mr.  Ellis. 

Keferstenia  graminea.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5046.)  Also  Zygopetalum  gra- 
miueum  and  Huntleya  fimbriata.  A  curious  dwarf  Orchid,  without  pseudo- 
bulbs,  having  longish  equitant  leaves  and  radical  peduncles,  bearing  the  yellow- 
green  spotted  moderate-sized  flowers,  of  which  the  lip  is  edged  with  rose  and 
spotted  with  rich  brown,  on  a  yellowish  ground.  Caraccas.  Kew  Botanic 
Garden. 

Oberonia  acaulis.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5056.)  A  singular  epiphytal  stove 
Orchid,  not  pseudo-bulbous,  with  ensiform  leaves,  and  a  long  cylindrical  crowded 
raceme  of  minute  orange  coloured  flowers.     India.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Orchis  foliosa.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5074.)  A  fine  terrestrial  Orchid,  with  pal- 
mated  tubers,  broad  oblong  lanceolate  leaves,  and  a  long  spike  of  spotted  purple 
flowers  terminating  the  tallish  erect  stem.     Madeira.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Pilumna  fragrans.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5035.)  This  is  the  Trichopilia  albida  of 
gardens.  An  epiphytal  Orchid,  whose  flowers  have  narrow  greenish  sepals  and 
petals  and  a  broad  white  lip,  and  are  deliciously  scented  ;  it  has  long  subtsrete 
pseudo-bulbs  and  pendent  flower  racemes.     Guatemala.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Pogonia  discolor  and  P.  Neryilia.  Two  charming  little  plants  of  the 
Orchidaceous  family,  bearing  considerable  resemblance  to  the  well-knowD 
species  of  Ansectochilus.     Java.     M.  Willinck. 

Vanda  Cathcarti.  (Flore  des  Serres,  t.  1251.)  A  beautiful  epiphytal 
stove  Orchid  with  tall  leafy  stems,  bearing  linear-oblong  leaves  rounded  and 
obliquely  bilobed  at  the  ends,  and  lax  few-flowered  racemes  of  large  flowers,  the 
sepals  and  petals  nearly  equal,  white  behind,  rich  cinnamon  brown  in  front 
transversely  lined  with  deeper  brown  ;  the  lip  is  very  curiously  formed,  its  larger 
middle  lobe  having  an  elevated  border,  of  which  the  recurved  rim  is  yellow. 
India.     French  Gardens. 

Vanda  gigantea.  (Gard  Chron.  1858,  312.)  A  fine  stove  epiphytal  Orchid, 
called  V.  Lindleyana  by  Griffith.  The  flowers  large,  nearly  three  inches  in  dia- 
meter, leathery,  opening  cream  colour,  changing  to  deep  yellow  with  a  reddish 
brown  stain  at  the  back,  and  irregular  roundish  blotches  of  cinnamon  colour  on 
the  inner  face.     India,  Burmah.     R.  Warner,  Esq. 


FEBRUARY.  47 

Vanda  Jenkinsi.  A  stove  epiphytal  Orchid.  The  small  scentless  flowers 
are  of  little  beauty.     Assam.     Messrs.  Jackson  $■  Son. 

Vanda  Lowii.  (Gard.  Chron.  1858,  175.)  A  fine  stove  epiphyte  producing 
a  long  drooping  spike  nearly  three  feet  long,  set  with  large  blossoms,  yellow 
mottled  with  brown.  Borneo.  The  native  plants  are  said  to  have  spikes  ten  to 
twelve  feet  long.     Messrs.    Veitch  §  Son. 

STOVE  PLANTS. 
Here  we  have  a  second  species  of  Lattice-plant  or  Lace-leaf,  in  the 
curious  and  elegant  OuvirandraBerneriana,  whose  strap  shaped  perforated 
leaves  are  extremely  elegant,  as  seen  floating  in  pure  water.  Nepenthes 
villosa  is  one  of  the  finest  Pitcher-plants  yet  known,  and  is  very  remark- 
able for  the  form  and  colour  of  the  rim  to  its  pitchers.  The  Ges- 
neras  are  all  valuable  additions  for  decorative  purposes ;  while  Cyano- 
phyllum  magnificum  and  the  new  Caladiums  are  charming  additions  to 
the  now  favourite  class  of  fine-foliaged  plants. 

JEschynanthus  tricolor.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5031.)  A  beautiful  Cyrtan- 
draceous  stove  shrub,  with  slender  branches,  adapted  for  suspending ;  it  has 
short  ovate  leaves,  and  small  umbels  of  flowers  either  axillary  or  terminal,  richly 
coloured,  being  scarlet  with  broad  distinct  longitudinal  stripes  of  yellow  and 
black.     Borneo.     Messrs.  Low  $  Son. 

Begonia  Wageneriana.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5047.)  A  small-flowered  narrow- 
petalled  species  of  the  sub-shrubby  section,  quite  distinct  from  one  figured  a 
few  months  previously  under  the  same  name,  in  the  same  work.  Venezuela. 
Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Billbergia  Liboniana.     (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5090.)     A  handsome  stove  Brome- 
liaceous  perennial,  with  Pine-apple-like  leaves  and  loose  erect  spikes  of  flowers, 
which  are  two  inches  long — the  lower  half,  or  sepals,  rich  orange-scarlet — the 
upper  half,  or  projecting  petals,  violet-blue.     Brazil.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 
Caladium  Cantrini,  ~i      Fine  additions  to  stove  variegated  leaved  plants, 

Caladium  argyrites,  especially  the  three  first.     Like  most  of  the  spe- 

Caladium  argyrospilum,    cies,  they  are  extremely  handsome.     One,  appa- 
Caladium  Newmanni,  rently   quite   new,  has  triangular,   or,  rather, 

Caladium  Houlleti,  arrow-shaped  leaves,  ten  inches  long,  seven  inches 

Caladium  tiolaceum.  J  broad  at  the  base,  with  20-30  well  defined  crim- 
son spots,  extremely  brilliant  and  effective,  spread  over  their  surface.  Another 
is  similar,  but  more  obtuse  in  the  form  of  the  leaves.  On  one  small  kind,  a 
perfect  gem,  the  leaves  are  three  inches  long  and  one  and  a  half  inch  wide,  their 
surface  handsomely  mottled  with  white.  In  another,  the  leaves  are  nearly 
heart-shaped,  deep  green,  with  white  spots  set  at  regular  intervals.  In  another, 
they  are  arrow-shaped,  seven  and  a  half  inches  long,  prettily  blotched  with  flesh 
colour.  {Gard.  Chron.  1858,  314.)  Amazon  River.  M.  Chantin.  Messrs. 
Low  $  Son. 

Cordia  ipom(E;EFlora.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5027)  A  fine  stove  shrub,  or  small 
tree  of  the  Boraginaceous  family,  having  obovate-Ianceolate  leaves  a  foot  or 
more  in  length,  and  lax  terminal  panicles  of  large  white  Convolvulus-like 
flowers.  Native  country  unknown ;  probably  West  Indian.  Kew  Botanic  Garden. 
Cyanophyllum  magnificum.  A  Melastomaceous  plant,  splendid  as  regards 
its  foliage.  The  leaves  are  two  feet  long,  deep  velvety  green,  with  ivory-like 
veins  above  and  tinted  bluish  purple  beneath.  Tropical  America.  M.  Linden. 
Fagr^ea  morind^folia.  A  fine  stove  plant,  with  large  Magnolia-like  leaves 
and  terminal  spikes  of  trumpet-shaped  rosy  flowers,  having  a  white  mouth. 
Java.     Messrs.  Rollisson. 

Gesnera  cinnabarina.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5036.)  This  fine  stove  tuberous 
perennial  has  been  figured  again  as  above  quoted.  Its  richly  variegated  leaves 
and  brilliant  vermilion  flowers  render  it  one  of  the  most  ornamental  of  its  family. 
Its  habit  is  that  of  G.  zebrina,  and  like  that  it  belongs  to  the  group  Naegelia. 
It  was  first  published  in  the  Illustrated  Bouquet  (t.  6)  of  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson. 
Gesnera  Donkelaari  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5(170.)     A  beautiful  dwarf  stove  plant, 


48  THE    FLORIST. 

one  of  the  most  ornamental  in  cultivation.  The  leaves  velvety,  orbicular-cordate, 
purple  beneath,  the  terminal  panicle  bearing  drooping  tubular  flowers  with  a 
spreading  limb  of  a  peculiar  tint  of  rosy  red,  and  having  a  yellow  throat.  A 
Belgian  hybrid. 

Gksnera  multiplora.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5083.)  Also  known  as  Nzegelia 
multiflora  and  Achimenes  amabilis.  It  is  a  fine  stove  perennial,  with  broad, 
hairy  leaves,  and  long  pyramidal  racemes  of  white  drooping  flowers,  having  a 
curved  tube  and  expanded  limb.     Mexico.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Gustavia  insignis.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5069.)  A  tine  tropical  tree  or  large  shrub, 
producing  dark  green  obovate-lanceolate  leaves  of  large  size,  and  very  large 
spreading  six-petalled  concave  flowers  5-G  inches  broad,  creamy  blush  within, 
pale  rose  without,  with  a  beautifully  incurved  thick  ring  of  purple  and  yellow 
stamens.     Tropical  America.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Inqa  macrophylla.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5075.)  A  stove  shrub,  with  curious 
winged  pinnate  leaves,  and  axillary  balls  of  yellow  filaments  forming  silky  heads 
on  long  stalks.     Tropical  America.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Monstera  Adansonii.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5086.)  Known  as  Dracontium 
pertusum.  A  fine  scrambling  aroideous  plant,  with  very  large  leaves,  remark- 
able from  their  being  perforated  with  large  linear  or  oblong  openings.  The  great 
boat-shaped  spathes  are  cream  coloured,  the  spadix  white,  Tropical  America. 
Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Nepenthes  villosa..  (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5080.)  One  of  the  finest  species  of 
this  interesting  group.  It  is  very  hairy,  especially  when  young.  The  pitcher 
is  cylindrical,  nine  inches  in  circumference,  somewhat  ventricose,  rather  suddenly 
tapering  into  the  prolonged  costa;  they  are  furnished  down  the  front  with  two 
membranaceous  wings  cut  at  the  edges  into  long  fringe-like  segments  often  bifid 
or  trifid  ;  these  wings  are  purplish  brown,  and  the  pitcher  is  spotted  with  the 
same  colour.  The  mouth  or  rim  is  oblique,  much  extended  upwards,  broad, 
orange-purple,  and  beautifully  plaited  on  the  surface.  The  lid  is  green,  margined 
and  blotched  with  red.     Borneo.     Messrs.  Veitch  §  Son. 

Niphtea  albo-lineata,  var.  reticulata.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5043.)  An  erect 
Gesneraceous  stove  herb,  with  the  ovate  leaves  white-veined,  several  pale  lilac 
flowers  springing  from  their  axils.     South  America.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Osbeckia  aspera.  (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5085.)  A  rather  handsome  stove  sub- 
shrub,  with  oval  acute  ribbed  leaves,  and  large  rose  purple  flowers.  India  and 
Ceylon.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Ouvirandra  Berneriana.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5076.)  A  new  kind  of  Lattice 
plant,  in  which  the  open-work  leaves  are  longer  and  narrower  than  in  O.  fenes- 
tra'is,  being  almost  strap  shaped  ;  the  small  pinkish  flower  grows  in  3-5  spikes 
clustered  at  the  top  of  the  common  stalk.  Madagascar.  Messrs.  Jackson  $ 
Son. 

Philodendron  erubescens.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5071.)  A  scandent  aroideous 
stove  plant  beariug  large  sagittately-cordate  leaves,  and  dark  purple  boat-shaped 
spathes,  crimson  within,  surrounding  the  white  columnar  spadices.  Like  the  rest 
of  the  family  this  is  very  ornamental  in  a  collection  where  the  grouping  of  foliage 
is  desired.     Probably  a  native  of  South  America.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Plocostemma  lasianthum.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5081.)  Also  Hoya  lasiantha. 
A  curious  climbing  stove  shrub,  with  very  large  ovate  leaves  and  pendent  umbels 
of  orange  yellow  flowers,  furnished  with  a  hairy  globular  cushion-like  mass  (the 
disc)  beneath  the  staminal  crown.  Also  recently  figured  in  our  own  plate  147. 
Borneo.     Messrs.  Low  §  Son. 

Polyqala  Hilairiana.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5057.)  A  stove  shrub,  with  broad 
oblong-ovate  leaves,  and  axillary  or  terminal  spikes  of  dirty  white  rose-tinted 
flowers  of  no  beauty.     Brazil.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 

Sonerila  speciosa.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5026).  A  showy  Melastomaceous  stove 
sub-shrub,  with  herbaceous  stems,  bright  green  cordate-ovate  leaves,  and  terminal 
two-forked  scorpioid  racemes  of  rich  deep  rose  coloured  three-petalled  flowers  with 
yellow  anthers.  Neilgherry  Mountains,  where  it  grows  on  the  sides  of  moist 
ravines.     Messrs.  Veitch  §  Son. 

Tacsonia  ignea,  which  has  been  advertised  during  the  past  season,  appears 
to  be  T.  manicata. 

Thyrsacanthus  indicus.     (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5062.)     A  neat  stove  Acanthaceous 


FEBRUARY.  49 

racemes  of  white  flowers  marked  with  a  few  slender  purple  longitudinal  lines. 
Khasya.      T.  Nuttall,  Esq. 

Torenia  pulcherrima.  (Illust.  Bouq.  t.  24.)  A  superb  variety  of  T- 
asiatica,  different  in  being  pubescent  all  over,  with  broad  ovate  leaves,  and  the 
flowers  intensely  rich  in  colour — violet,  with  deep  maroou  spots  and  a  white  patch 
on  the  lower  lobe ;  it  far  excels  the  older  kind.     India.     Messrs.  J.  and  C.  Lee. 

Tradescantia  discolor,  var.  variegata.  (Bot.  Mag.  t.  5079.)  A 
beautiful  form  of  a  fine  old-fashioned  stove  perennial,  remarkable  for  the  deep 
purple  of  the  under  surface  of  the  leaves.  In  this  variety  they  are  at  the  same 
time  striped  ou  the  upper  side  with  yellowish  lines.  The  flowers  are  small 
white,  in  curious  boat-shaped  bracts. 

XlPHlDIUM  FLORIBUNDUJI,  var.  ALBIFLORUM.  (Bot  Mag.  t.  5055.)  An 
Iris-like  stove  herb,  with  equitant  leaves,  and  long  raceme-like  compound 
thyrses  of  white  star-shaped  flowers.     Tropical  America.     Kew  Botanic  Garden. 


HINTS   TO   LADY  AMATEURS. 

Greenhouse. — The  great  secret  of  greenhouse  management  during 
winter  is  abundance  of  air  ;  this  may  seem  strange  to  those  who 
imagine  greenhouse  plants  want  coddling  up,  by  keeping  them  close  and 
warm  ;  tires  by  night,  and  the  house  kept  close  all  day,  would  ruin  all 
the  greenhouse  plants  in  Britain  in  a  couple  of  months.  Let  the  house, 
then,  be  freely  aired,  every  mild  morning,  from  10  to  12  or  1  o'clock, 
and  if  at  all  damp,  light  a  fire  the  first  thing  in  the  morning,  and  an 
hour  afterwards  give  air  ;  this  will  dry  the  atmosphere  and  keep  the  air 
healthy.  In  frosty  weather  the  house  need  not  stand  higher  than  40° 
by  night,  but  let  everything  be  as  dry  as  possible  ;  all  waterings  should 
be  done  in  the  mornings,  that  the  paths  and  plants  may  get  dry  before 
night,  and  if  the  frost  becomes  very  severe,  cover  the  roof  with  some 
protecting  material,  as  frigi  domo,  or  even  tiffany,  sooner  than  keep 
strong  fires  ;  frequently  change  the  plants  about,  remove  decayed 
leaves,  and  clean  the  surface  soil  in  the  pots. 

Floicer  Garden. — All  the  autumn  struck  cuttings  should  be 
examined,  to  see  that  they  are  free  from  drip  or  damp  of  any  kind  ; 
these  plants  will  stand  a  low  temperature,  if  kept  dry  and  free  from 
damp,  so  that  the  pits  or  frames  should  be  kept  as  dry  as  is  possible ; 
give  air  every  day  except  during  severe  frost.  Chrysanthemums  will 
be  cut  down  and  placed  in  frames  for  shelter. 

There  is  nothing  to  be  done  out  of  doors,  except  keeping  the  Grass 
clean,  and  to  see  that  mice  or  sparrows  do  not  eat  up  all  your  Crocuses. 
Prepare,  also,  labels,  clean  pots,  and  get  ready  soil  and  sand  for  the 
commencement  of  work  in  February,  until  which  period  let  us  defer 
the  rest. 


NEW   PALACE   FOR  THE   PEOPLE. 

An  influential  company  is  in  course  of  formation,  with  the  object  of 
erecting  a  second  Crystal  Palace  under  the  above  title  at  Musvvell  Hill 
— a  delightful  situation  between  Hornsey  and  Highgate,  where  an 
estate  of  450  acres,  admirably  adapted  as  a   site  for  the   proposed 

VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXXXIV.  E 


50  THE    FLORIST. 

building  and  grounds,  has,  we  hear,  been  purchased  for  that  purpose. 
The  proposed  building,  which,  like  its  great  precursors  in  Hyde  Park 
and  Sydenham,  is  to  be  a  magnificent  structure  of  iron  and  glass,  is 
from  the  designs  of  Mr.  Owen  Jones,  who  has,  however,  introduced  very 
considerable  alterations  both  in  the  elevation  and  interior  arrangements, 
and  which,  in  our  opinion,  constitute  great  improvements,  and  will 
make  the  building  much  superior,  in  many  respects,  to  the  Sydenham 
Palace.  The  centre  of  the  proposed  building,  which  altogether  is 
upwards  of  1200  feet  long  and  400  feet  wide,  consists  of  an  immense 
circular  dome  of  200  feet  span,  and  136  feet  high,  completely  divided 
from  the  rest  of  the  building,  and  intended  as  a  winter  garden  or 
tropical  conservatory,  beneath  whose  capacious  and  lofty  roof  Palms  and 
other  types  of  the  magnificent  vegetation  of  the  tropics  will  find  room 
enough  to  attain  their  utmost  development.  The  great  advantage  of'having 
this  compartment  devoted  to  a  conservatory  divided  from  the  naves  will 
be  to  prevent  the  humid  atmosphere  necessary  for  the  growth  of  plants 
penetrating  the  rest  of  the  building ;  and  thereby  to  preserve  many 
fine  art  productions  and  delicate  manufactures  which  are  found  to  suffer 
where  the  least  dampness  prevails.  One  nave  is  to  be  devoted  to  works 
of  practical  utility,  manufactures,  &c,  and  the  other  to  the  fine  arts  and 
scientific  objects.  Besides,  there  are  proposed  minor  sub-divisions,  to 
include  museums,  class  rooms,  show  rooms,  &c.  A  grand  concert  room 
or  theatre  is  also  provided,  which  forms  a  circular  projection  to  the 
building  on  the  north  front ;  this  will  contain  sitting  room  for  10,000 
spectators,  and  yet  is  so  arranged  that  it  does  not  interfere  with  the 
other  interior  arrangements. 

It  is  proposed  to  surround  the  palace  with  terrace  gardens  on  a  magnifi- 
cent scale  in  the  early  English,  Italian,  Dutch,  and  French  styles,  as  well 
as  modern  English,  to  represent  the  progression  of  this  department  of 
ornamental  gardening.  An  experimental  horticultural  establishment  is 
also  one  of  the  objects  contemplated  by  the  promoters,  as  well  as  the  culti- 
vation of  those  plants  which  enter  into  the  arts  and  manufactures  ;  their 
object  being  to  make  the  Palace  an  educational  establishment,  as  well  as  to 
afford  amusement  and  recreation.  Useful  or  economic  botany,  as  well 
as  horticulture,  arboriculture,  and  agriculture,  will  be  introduced  in  a 
popular  manner,  so  as  to  convey  a  clear  view  of  the  principles  of  culti- 
vation included  under  each  head. 

As  we  stated  above,  the  whole  estate  comprises  about  450  acres, 
beautifully  undulated,  and  well  furnished  with  timber.  The  site  of  the 
proposed  Palace  will  be  at  an  elevation  of  200  feet  above  the  general 
level,  and  the  view  from  the  building  and  adjoining  terraces  will 
embrace  a  wide  circle,  extending  over  the  metropolis  to  the  Surrey  hills, 
and  the  Sydenham  Palace  ;  Kent,  Middlesex,  and  Essex.  The  situation 
is,  in  fact,  one  of  the  most  picturesque  to  be  met  with,  and  remarkably 
so,  considering  its  close  proximity  to  London,  and  the  ease  with  which 
it  may  be  reached  from  the  metropolitan  districts  north  of  the  Thames. 
The  extent  of  ground  intended  for  the  gardens  and  park  will  be  about 
200  acres ;  the  soil  is  a  sandy  loam,  varying  to  that  in  which  clay 
predominates,  and  very  suitable  for  the  growth  of  trees,  as  is  evidenced 
by  those  growing  on  the  spot,  and  the   luxuriance   of  the  shrubs   and 


FEBRUARY.  51 

exotic  trees  in  the  neighbouring  gardens  growing  in  similar  soil.  In 
addition  to  the  grand  architectural  terrace  gardens,  which  will  enclose 
the  palace  on  all  sides,  the  rest  of  the  grounds  are  to  be  laid  out  in  the 
natural  style,  and  will  include  some  40  or  50  acres  laid  out  as  a  park,  to 
be  stocked  with  deer  and  other  animals,  and  also  ample  spaces  of  ground 
for  every  species  of  recreation.  A  broad  carriage  drive  is  to  be  carried 
entirely  round  the  grounds,  which  will  be  a  great  boon  to  invalids  and 
equestrians.  A  lake  of  30  acres  will  occupy  the  low  ground  facing  the 
terrace  front  of  the  Palace,  and  will  prove  a  great  feature,  as  seen  from 
the  higher  grounds.  The  introduction  of  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs 
is  intended  to  be  on  a  most  extensive  scale,  and  it  is  expected  will 
add  greatly  to  the  interest  and  novelty  of  the  gardens,  admirably 
adapted  as  the  features  of  the  ground  already  are  for  carrying  out  the 
natural  style  of  landscape  gardening.  The  above  are  the  principal 
features  connected  with  English  gardening  which  the  promoters  of  this 
undertaking  contemplate  introducing  into  their  scheme.  There  can  be  no 
question  that  the  idea  of  making  British  gardening  popular  as  well  as 
instructive  is  a  step  in  the  right  direction ;  and  that  there  is  no  reason 
why  the  highest  attainment  of  the  landscape  gardener's  art,  and  the  most 
successful  examples  of  cultivation,  may  not  be  made  subservient  for 
imparting  a  knowledge  of  plants  under  every  form  of  employment  and 
combination, — a  beautiful  and  suggestive  idea,  worthy  of  the  age. 
Notwithstanding  the  great  popularity  of  Kew — maintained  by  national 
resources — we  think  much  remains  to  be  accomplished  before  all  the 
instructive  lessons  which  may  be  taught  through  the  medium  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom,  and  the  various  uses  and  objects  to  which  plants 
can  be  applied,  are  fully  comprehended  by  the  masses.  We  can 
therefore  most  heartily  wish  success  to  a  company  who,  it  appears, 
are  endeavouring  to  carry  out  such  ideas,  and  who  seem  desirous  of 
making  the  grounds  belonging  to  the  "  Palace  for  the  People  "  not  only 
as  interesting  and  beautiful  as  Art  can  make  them,  but,  by  embodying 
the  educational  principle  in  their  scheme,  they  will  create  thereby  a 
school  for  studying  an  important  department  of  natural  history,  as  well 
as  the  principles  of  cultivation  applicable  to  the  garden  and  the  farm. 


BRITISH  POMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 

At  a    late  meeting  of  this  society,  R.   Hogg,  Esq.,   in  the  chair,  a 
large  collection  of  Apples,  Pears,  and  Grapes,  was  exhibited. 

Grapes. — Mr.  Wighton,  of  Cossey  Hall,  Norfolk,  again  sent  his 
seedling,  observing,  that  he  had  cut  the  first  bunch  from  the  same 
Vine  on  August  5,  when  the  crop  was  first  ripe,  showing  that  the 
bunch  now  sent  had  been  kept  over  four  months.  He  also  stated,  that 
he  began  forcing  the  house  in  which  they  had  grown  in  December  last, 
and  that  it  had  stood  open  for  some  time  past,  and,  in  two  instances, 
exposed  to  several  degrees  of  frost.  On  the  former  occasion,  the 
meeting  expressed  a  very  favourable  opinion  of  it,  desiring  to  see  it 
again  at  this  season,  to  test  its  keeping  properties.     Doubts,  however, 

e  2 


52  THE    FLORIST. 

were  felt  as  to  its  being  perfectly  distinct  from  some  varieties  of  the 
St.  Peter  section,  evident  affinity  thereto  being  proved  by  its  foliage  ; 
and  on  this  occasion  it  was  not  considered  quite  so  juicy  as  West's 
St.  Peter's.  The  meeting  were  of  opinion  that  Mr.  Wighton  should 
be  invited  to  send  it  again  next  year,  on  the  days  specially  appointed 
for  the  examination  of  collections  of  Grapes,  and  that  the  final  opinion 
of  the  society  regarding  it  should  be  reserved  until  then. — Mr.  Melville 
(Dalmeny  Park,  near  Edinburgh)  again  sent  his  Seedling  Muscat 
Grape,  which  had  been  laid  before  previous  meetings  (August  19  and 
September  9)  ;  and  being  then  considered  promising,  was  invited  to  be 
exhibited  in  a  higher  state  of  development  next  year.  In  this  instance, 
a  small  bunch  was  sent,  upon  a  third  lateral  shoot,  to  evince  the 
prolific  habit  of  the  variety. 

FRUIT  EXHIBITED  AT  THIS  MEETING  FOR  PREMIUMS. 
Class  A. — Premiums  of  1/.  and  10s.  for  the  best  and  second  best 
six  fruits  of  Glou  Morceau  Pear  (growers  in  the  Channel  Islands 
excluded  from  competing  in  this  class).  Nine  very  excellent  dishes 
were  exhibited,  from  different  parts  of  the  country,  and  so  nearly  did 
they  approach  each  other,  that  it  was  not  an  easy  matter  to  decide 
upon  their  respective  merits.  The  following,  however,  is  the  order  in 
which  they  were  placed  : — The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  a  dish 
exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  Hall,  (gardener  to  T.  Lucas,  Esq.,  Lower  Grove 
House,  Roehampton),  from  west  wall,  free  stock;  soil  light  and  sandy, 
over  very  porous  and  drained  subsoil.  Fruit  medium  sized  for  the 
variety,  very  handsome  and  perfect,  deliciously  juicy  and  melting, 
with  very  rich  sugary  flavour.  Considered  one  of  the  finest  dishes  of 
Pears  which  had  been  exhibited  at  the  society's  rooms  this  year. — 
The  second  prize,  to  a  dish  by  Mr.  Tiley,  Abbey  Churchyard,  Bath, 
from  an  espalier,  on  Pear  stock  ;  soil  stiff  loam,  over  strong  clay. 
Fruit  small,  compared  with  those  from  walls,  very  juicy,  melting,  and 
sugary.  The  comparative  quality  of  the  remaining  dishes  was 
according  to  the  order  in  which  they  are  described  : — 

By  Mr.  Wighton,  Cossey,  Norfolk,  from  east  wall,  on  light  soil,  artificially 
enriched,  over  brown  sand  and  gravel.  Fruit  medium  sized ;  most  buttery,  and 
richly  flavoured.  Very  highly  commended.  Reported  to  be  a  shy  bearer,  and 
apt  to  crack,  in  this  case. 

By  F.  J .  Graham,  Esq.,  Cranford,  Middlesex,  from  west  wall,  Pear  stock ; 
soil  sandy  loam,  over  stony  clay,  naturally  wet,  but  drained.  Fruit  small,  but 
juicy,  melting,  vinous,  and  sugary.  Reported  to  be  fine  flavoured  on  south 
wall,  but  subject  to  be  spotted  and  cracked. 

By  Mr.  Whiting,  the  Deepdene,  Dorking,  from  east  wall;  old  tree;  soil 
sandy.  Fruit  medium  sized;  buttery,  melting,  and  sugary;  but  slightly 
astringent.     Reported  not  to  succeed  on  pyramids  in  this  garden. 

By  Mr.  Duncan  (gardener  to  J.  Malcolm,  Esq.,  Lamb  Abbey,  Eltham, 
Kent),  from  a  south-west  wall.  Fruit  medium  sized,  melting,  and  sweet,  but 
not  high  flavoured,  in  comparison  with  other  dishes. 

By  Mr.  Cox  (gardener  to  W.  Wells,  Esq.,  Redleaf,  Penshurst,  Kent),  from 
west  wall,  regrafted  twelve  years  back  on  an  old  Pear  tree;  soil  rich  garden 
mould,  over  yellow  argillaceous  clay,  rather  damp,  recently  drained.  Fruit 
very  large,  pale  coloured,  buttery,  and  sweet. 

By  Mr.  Stoddart  (gardener  to  J.  Gurdon  Rebow,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Wivenhoe 
Park,  near  Colchester),  from  south-west  wall,  Pear  stock;  soil  rich  garden 
mould,  over  stony  loamy  clay,  damp,  but  drained.  Fruit  very  large  and  green, 
juicy,  and  buttery,  but  not  high  flavoured. 


FEBRUARY.  53 

Another  dish,  grown  on  a  standard  (No.  4)  in  the  same  garden,  were  much 
smaller,  melting,  and  juicy,  but  astringent. 

By  Mr.  Smith  (gardener  to  T.  W.  Tatton,  Esq.,  Wythenshaw,  Cheshire), 
from  south  wall  ;  young  tree,  on  Pear  stock,  planted  on  prepared  stations  ; 
soil  strong  loam,  over  clay.  Fruit  very  large  and  green,  buttery,  and  melting, 
but  rather  watery,  and  deficient  in  saccharine  flavour. 

From  the  above  facts  concerning  aspect,  district,  soil,  &c,  the  fol- 
lowing deductions  may  be  gleaned  : — -1st.  That  it  is  generally  a  variety 
requiring  a  wall,  although  succeeding  well  on  espaliers  in  the  south- 
western counties.  2nd.  That  the  quality  of  the  fruit  graduates  very 
nearly  as  the  soil  passes  from  light  sandy  loam,  over  porous  subsoils, 
to  strong  loam  ovef  retentive  clays.  3rd.  That  size  increases,  but 
flavour  diminishes  when  the  trees  grow  on  rich  garden  mould.  4th. 
That  the  more  favourable  aspects  on  which  the  trees  are  grown,  in 
Essex  ami  Cheshire,  are  insufficient  to  compensate  for  the  stronger  soil, 
combined  with  the  difference  in  latitude.  5th.  That,  in  the  south- 
western district,  the  difference  of  climate  is  sufficient  to  compensate 
for  that  between  wall  and  espalier,  and  between  strong  soil  and  light. 
This  synopsis  of  the  comparison  between  the  merits  of  the  different 
examples  and  the  circumstances  under  which  they  have  been  grown,  is 
given  as  an  instance  of  the  manner  in  which  it  is  proposed  to  collate, 
analyse,  and  classify  the  information  gathered,  concerning  different 
varieties,  so  soon  as  a  sufficient  body  thereof  is  obtained,  to  admit  of  its 
being  done  in  a  reliable  manner.  No  comment  is  necessary  to  explain 
the  great  usefulness  of  such  information  when  made  public.  It  is  also 
given  to  show  to  members  and  others  the  great  aid  they  may  render  by 
sending  specimens  of  all  fruits  in  season,  accompanied  by  forms  care- 
fully filled  up.  It  is  proper  to  mention,  that  in  the  above  deduction  the 
leading  features  only  of  the  information  furnished  have  been  made  use 
of;  there  are  many  other  points — such  as  shelter  and  exposure,  altitude, 
inclination  of  surface,  &c. — which  modify  the  effect  of  the  more  im- 
portant conditions  and  circumstances,  and  which  will  be  useful  in 
more  extended  analyses,  by  explaining  results  which  would  otherwise 
appear  discrepant. 

Class  B. — Premiums  of  1/.  and  10s.  for  the  best  and  second  best 
six  fruits  of  Winter  Nelis  Pear.  Nine  dishes  also  were  exhibited ; 
but  their  general  quality,  either  in  appearance  or  flavour,  was  not  pro- 
portionately equal  to  those  in  the  previous  class.  The  finest  dish,  in 
every  respect,  was  one  placed,  "  not  for  competition,"  by  Messrs.  M. 
Webber  and  Co.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  a  dish  exhibited  by 
Mr.  Cox,  from  a  south  wall  (soil,  see  Glou  Morceau).  They  were 
large,  very  juicy  and  melting,  vinous,  and  sugary  in  flavour. — The 
second  prize,  to  a  dish  by  Mr.  Wighton,  from  an  espalier.  Fruit 
small,  somewhat  shrivelled  and  spotted,  but  deliciously  juicy,  melting, 
and  fine  flavoured.  Reported  to  be  much  subject  to  mildew.  The 
quality  of  the  remaining  dishes  was  according  to  the  order  in  which 
they  are  described  : — 

Exhibited  by  Mr.  Tiley,  from  an  espalier.  Medium  sized,  melting,  and 
sugary. 

.  By  Mr.  M'Laren  (gardener  to  J.  C.  Whitbread,  Esq.,  Cardington,  near  Bed- 
ford), from  east  wall,  on  light,  black,  gravelly  soil,  over  very  porous  subsoil. 
Fruit  medium  sized,  very  melting  and  sweet,  but  slightly  astringent. 


54  TIIE    FLORIST. 

By  Mr.  Holder,  of  Reading,  from  standard  ;  soil  very  rich,  over  sandy  loam. 
Very  large  and  fine  in  appearance,  promising  to  be  equally  so  in  flavour,  but 
not  ripe  enough  to  compare  with  others. 

By  Mr.  Melville  (gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Rosebury,  of  Dalmeny  Park, 
Edinburgh),  from  a  south  wall,  regrafted  on  an  old  Crassaue  tree.  The  latter 
variety  is  a  shy  bearer  in  this  garden  ;  but  the  Winter  Nelis  is  reported  to  be 
one  of  their  best  December  Pears.  Soil  deep  light  loam,  over  rather  gravelly 
rock.  Fruit  medium  sized,  clear,  and  healthy,  but  very  green  texture,  very 
buttery  and  melting,  but  deficient  in   flavour.     Good,  however,  for  the  latitude. 

By  Mr.  Newton  (gardener  to  G.  J.  Graham,  Esq.,  East  Lodge,  Enfield 
Chase),  from  a  wall,  on  quince  stock;  soil  rich  garden  mould,  over  Loudon  clay. 
Fruit  large  and  handsome,  melting,  but  watery  in  flavour. 

By  Mr.  Smith,  Cheshire,  from  a  pyramid,  Pear  stock;  planted  on  a  prepared 
station.     Very  similar  in  appearance  and  quality  to  the  last. 

By  Mr.  Elliott  (gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Stafford,  Lilleshall),  from  a  south 
wall,  with  the  ground  much  shaded  by  very  massive  projecting  buttresses;  soil 
strong  clayey  loam  ;  subsoil  clay,  over  old  red  sandstone  ;  very  high  and  exposed. 
Fruit  small,  and  indifferent  in  appearance ;  dry  in  texture,  compared  with  the 
previous  varieties  ;  and  watery  in  flavour.  This  exhibition  is  one  of  a  class 
which  the  council  are  anxious  to  have  more  frequently  laid  before  the  meetings, 
as  they  are  equally  serviceable  to  the  purposes  of  the  society  in  adding  important 
items  of  information.  The  council  wdl  be  glad  if  contributors  will  bear  in  mind, 
that  it  is  desirable  to  ascertain  and  disseminate  information,  not  only  regarding 
the  kinds  which  are  suitable  for  given  localities,  but  also  as  to  those  which  are 
unsuitable. 

Class  C. — Premiums  of  11.  and  10s.  for  the  best  and  second  best 
six  of  any  other  kind  of  Dessert  Pear  in  season,  excepting  Glou 
Morceau  and  Winter  Nelis.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  dish  of 
Marie  Louise,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Shoesmith  (gardener  to  J.  Morman, 
Esq.,  Bexhill,  Sussex),  from  south-west  wall ;  soil  medium  loam, 
over  stiff  clay.  Fruit  in  very  fine  condition,  large,  clouded  with 
russet,  very  buttery  and  melting ;  flavour  rich  and  sugary. — The 
second  prize,  to  a  dish  of  Van  Mons  (Leon  le  Clerc),  also  by  Mr. 
Shoesmith,  from  espalier  ;  very  large,  russety,  buttery,  and  melting  ; 
rich,  aromatic,  and  very  sugary.  This  dish  was  scarcely  ripe,  or  it 
would  have  been  first  instead  of  second  : — 

Comte  de  Lamy  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Holder,  from  a  standard.  Fruit 
very  juicy,  but  rather  rough  and  gritty  in  texture;  good  aroma;  flavour  rich, 
vinous,  but  rather  sharp. 

Bergamotte  Cauette,  or  Beurre  Beauchamp,  by  Mr.  Whiting,  of  the 
Deepdene,  from  a  pyramid,  on  Quince  stock  (soil,  see  Glou  Morceau).  This  is 
a  little  known,  small  roundish-obovate  Pear.  Average  size — 2,  3-16  inches 
greatest  length,  by  2,  5-1G  inches  greatest  diameter.  Colour  bright  lemon., 
with  patches  of  light  russet,  and  very  dark  irregular  spots ;  calyx  open  and 
perfect;  texture  juicy  and  melting  ;  aroma  slight;  flavour  sweet,  but  not  rich. 
Mr.  Whiting  reports,  that  this  variety  possesses,  in  a  greater  degree  than  any 
other  variety  he  knows,  the  quality  of  ripening  so  as  to  furnish  a  long  succession 
from  the  same  tree. 

Beurre  d'Aremberg,  by  Mr.  Shoesmith,  from  south-east  wall,  in  nice 
condition.  Juicy  and  melting,  but  rather  gritty  ;  flavour  rather  acid  but  pleasant. 

Old  Colmar,  by  Mr.  Underwood,  from  an  old  tree,  on  south  wall.  Very 
juicy  and  melting,  but  not  rich. 

Matthews'  Eliza,  by  Mr.  Matthews,  of  Clapham  Rise.  This  variety  was 
brought  as  a  seedling  before  the  society,  on  December  3rd,  1U57,  and  then 
highly  commended.  It  was  not,  however,  on  this  occasion  found  to  be  so  fine 
in  flavour,  though  very  juicy  and  melting. 

Passe  Colmar,  by  Mr.  M'Laren,  from  dwarf  standard,  on  Quince  stock. 
Unripe.— By  Mr.  Smith,  Cheshire,  from  south  wall.  Large  handsome,  but  dry 
and  deficient  in  flavour.— By   Mr.   Wighton,  from  south  wall.     Sugary  and 


FEBRUARY.  55 

juicy,  but  not  melting. — By  Mr.  Melville,  also  from  south  wall.  Juicy  and 
half  melting,  but  deficient  in  flavour.  Good  for  the  locality. — And  by  Mr. 
SSpivcy,  gardener  to  J.  A.  Houblong,  Esq.,  Hallingbury  Place,  Essex),  from 
pyramid,  on  Quince  stock;  soil  rich  garden  mould,  over  strong  but  well-drained 
subsoil.  Earge,  handsome,  and  ripe;  melting  and  juicy;  sweet,  but  not  high 
flavoured,  although  the  best  dish  exhibited  in  this  variety. 

Forelle,  by  Mr.  Morris  (gardener  to  T.  White,  Esq.,  Manor  House, 
Wethersheld),  from  espalier  Fear  stock;  soil  sandy,  over  very  dry  sandy  sub- 
soil.    Fruit  very  handsome,  juicy,  and  half  melting,  but  deficient  in  flavour. 

Belle  de  ^Noel,  by  Mr.  Morris,  from  a  pyramid,  on  Quince  stock.  Fruit 
very  juicy,  but  only  half  melting ;  not  high  flavoured. 

Urpheline  d'Engheim,  by  Mr.  Morris,  from  an  espalier,  on  Quince  stock. 
Fruit  very  good  in  size  and  appearance,  but  indifferent  in  texture  and  flavour. 

Beurhe  Diel,  by  Mr.  fStoddart  (No.  3),  from  an  east  wall. — Beurre 
Rance,  by  Mr.  Wighton,  from  south  wall. — And  Easter  Beurre,  by  Mr. 
Grieve  (gardener  to  the  Rev.  E.  R.  Benyon,  Culford,  Bury  it.  Edmunds)  ;  and 
by  Mr.  Wighton,  from  west  wall ; — were  unripe. 

Etewood,  by  Mr.  Shoesmith.  Fruit  in  good  condition,  very  juicy  and 
melting;  flavour  pleasant,  but  acid. 

Vicar  of  Winkfield,  by  G.  Wolsey,  Esq.,  St.  Andrew's,  Guernsey.  Good 
in  appearance,  juicy,  and  half  melting,  but  deficient  in  flavour. 

Susette  de  Bavay,  by  Mr.  Wighton,  from  a  south  wall,  regrafted  on  Cras- 
sane.  Good  in  appearance,  but  rather  dry,  soft  in  texture,  and,  though  sweet, 
not  high  flavoured.  Reported  to  be  a  free  bearing  and  useful  kind  in  the 
district,  and  that  last  year  it  was  excellent  in  March. 

Class  D. —Premiums  of  1/.  and  10.?.  for  the  best  and  second  best 
six  fruits  of  Old  Nonpareil  Apple.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  Swinerd  (gardener  to  John  Swinford,  Esq.,  Minster  Abbey,  Isle 
of  Thanet),  who  sent  two  dishes — one  from  a  dwarf,  growing  in  hazel 
loam,  over  brick  earth ;  tree  subject  to  canker.  Fruit  small,  very 
juicy  and  sharp,  and  possessing  the  true  Nonpareil  flavour.  The 
second  dish  was  from  an  espalier,  in  rich  garden  mould,  and  less 
subject  to  canker.  Fruit  large,  very  juicy  and  sweet,  but  not  so  true 
in  flavour. — The  second  prize  to  Mr.  Holder,  of  Reading,  for  a  dish, 
from  a  standard  (soil,  see  next  class).  Fruit  juicy,  acid,  and  with  a 
slight,  but  not  high  Nonpareil  flavour.  Mr.  Short  (gardener  to  the 
Duke  of  Cleveland,  Raby  Castle,  Durham),  sent  a  dish  from  a  very 
old  tree,  on  a  south  wall ;  situation  low  and  damp.  Fruit  large,  very 
juicy,  and  subacid ;  deficient  in  Nonpareil  flavour  ;  their  merit  was, 
moreover,  much  injured  by  having  been  packed  or  laid  in  straw  or 
some  material  which  had  spoiled  their  flavour.  Mr.  Short  reports  that 
his  predecessor,  Mr.  Roberts,  was  in  the  habit  of  painting  the  trees 
with  a  mixture  of  cowdung,  soot,  and  a  little  soap,  previous  to  which 
they  had  been  in  a  cankered  and  dying  state,  covered  with  scale  and 
American  blight,  but  that  now  they  are  healthy,  vigorous,  and  pro- 
ductive.— Mr.  Wright  (gardener  to  Sir  H.  Cotterell,  Bart.,  M.F., 
Garnon's,  near  Hereford),  sent  a  dish  from  an  old  standard;  soil 
strong  loam,  over  marl,  naturally  dry.  Fruit  dry,  acid,  and  effected 
by  subcutaneous  disease. 

Class  E. — Premiums  of  1/.  and  ]0*\  for  the  best  and  second  best 
six  of  any  other  dessert  Apple  in  season,  excepting  old  Nonpareil.  The 
first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  James  Holder,  of  Reading,  for  Golden 
Harvey,  from  a  standard ;  soil  very  rich,  subsoil  sandy  loam,  over 
gravel.     Fruit  fine  coloured,  very  richly  vinous,  and  sugary  in  flavour, 


56  THE    FLORIST. 

and,  but  for  being  somewhat  shrivelled, — probably  owing  to  having 
been  somewhat  too  early  gathered, — they  would  have  been,  in  every 
respect,  one  of  the  best  dishes  ever  laid  before  the  society. — The  same 
variety  was  also  sent  by  Mr.  Simpson  (gardener  to  Lady  Molyneux, 
Stoke  Farm,  near  Slough).  Very  plump  and  juicy,  but  small  and 
slightly  astringent.  The  second  prize,  to  Mr.  Robt.  Duncan  (gardener 
to  J.  Malcolm,  Esq.,  Lamb  Abbey,  Kent),  for  Lamb  Abbey  Pear- 
main,  from  a  tree  seventy  years  old  ;  soil  loam  and  gravel,  over  chalk. 
In  very  fine  condition,  well  coloured,  juicy,  rich  and  sugary. 

Of  Scarlet  Nonpareil,  five  dishes  were  sent,  none  of  high  merit,  but  in 
consecutive  value  as  follows : — By  Mr.  M'Laren,  under  the  name  of  Old 
Nonpareil,  from  standards.  Medium  sized,  juicy,  but  acid,  and  over-ripe, — 
and  from  espaliers,  much  smaller  in  size,  with  rather  more  sugary  flavour. — By 
Mr.  Elliott,  Lilleshall,  from  an  arched  trellis.  Fruit  large,  sweet,  and  juicy, 
but  over-ripe. — By  Mr.  Newton,  from  standard.  Very  large,  and  in  fine  condi- 
tion, but  rather  dry,  and  not  high  flavoured. — And  by  Mr.  Short,  from  old  tree, 
on  a  south  wall  (see  Nonpareil).  Fruit  small,  but  tender  fleshed,  juicy,  and 
sweet. 

Sweeney  Nonpareil  was  again  sent  by  Mr.  Whiting.  In  good  condition, 
very  juicy,  thin  skinned,  and  sugary  flavour.  This  was  one  of  the  best  eight 
dishes  selected  by  the  Committee  for  final  adjudication. 

Autumn  Nonpareil,  by  Mr.  Swinerd,  from  standard.  This  was  an  Apple 
of  considerable  merit,  one  of  the  best  eight,  and  apparently  very  little  known, 
the  name  not  appearing  in  catalogues,  although,  probably,  recognised  under  some 
other  name  (said  to  be  obtained  from  Mr.  Kennett's  nursery).  Fruit  oblate, 
slightly  conoid  ;  average  greatest  diameter — transversely,  two  inches  and  a  half  ; 
longitudinally,  two  inches.  Stalk  medium  length,  slender,  deeply  inserted,  eye 
puckered  ;  colour  pale  yellowish  green,  almost  entirely  covered  with  pale  russet; 
flesh  tender,  very  juicy;  nice  Nonpareil  flavour. 

Aromatic  Russet,  by  Mr.  Swinerd  from  standard,  one  of  the  best  eight. 
Very  juicy,  with  rich  vinous  flavour. 

Cornish  Gilliflower,  by  Mr.  Ferguson,  of  Stowe,  in  very  fine  condition, 
one  of  the  best  eight.  Juicy,  rich,  and  sugary. — By  Mr.  Newton.  Fine  in 
appearance  and  juiciness,  but  not  equal  in  condition  to  those  exhibited  at  previous 
meetings,  and  injured  by  having  been  in  contact  with  some  material  which  had 
given  its  flavour  to  the  fruit. — A  variety  very  much  resembling  the  above,  but 
hardier,  heavier,  and  later,  was  sent  by  Mark  Shepherd,  Esq.,  Howard  Lodge, 
Upper  Tulse  Hill.     It  was  asked  for  again,  with  more  information  regarding  it. 

Old  Golden  Pippin,  by  the  same  gentleman,  and  also  by  Mr.  Newton,  from 
standards.  Both  very  fine  in  appearance,  plump,  juicy,  and  possessing  the  true 
flavour  in  as  fine  a  degree  as  it  is  usually  found.  They  were  of  the  best  eight. 
— Under  this  name,  also,  was  sent  a  variety,  evidently  nearly  related,  but  not 
quite  true,  by  Mr.  Short ;  not  equal  to  the  above  in  texture  or  flavour,  sweet 
but  dry. 

Russet  Nonpareil,  by  Mr.  Swinerd  (without  name,  No.  4),  from  a  standard. 
In  good  condition,  externally,  but  dry  and  deficient  in  flavour. 

Golden  Russet,  by  Mr.  Newton,  from  a  standard.  This  was  another 
variety  not  known  in  catalogues.  Fruit  oblate  :  average  diameter — transversely, 
2  1 -flinches;  longitudinally,  1  7-1 6  inches  ;  eye  slightly  depressed,  calyx  perfect ; 
stalk  long,  slender,  deeply  inserted;  skin  thick,  pale  green,  very  russety,  with 
large  dark  excoriations:  texture  juicy  ;  flavour  very  rich  and  sweet.  This,  how- 
ever, with  several  others  of  Mr.  Newton's  fruits,  were  much  injured  in  flavour 
by  having  been  laid  on  hay  or  something  similar. 

Screveton's  Golden  Pippin,  by  Mr.  Newton,  from  a  standard.  Fruit 
apparently  gathered  too  soon,  tough,  and  not  juicy. 

Ribston  Pippin,  by  Mr.  Elliott,  grown  in  the  gardens  of  the  Marquis  of 
Stafford,  Tarbot  House,  Ross-shire,  on  a  wall ;  soil  light,  over  sand,  about  400 
yards  from  the  sea ;  trees  old,  reported  to  be  vigorous.  The  fruit  had  suffered 
in  flavour  from  packing,  but  was  very  juicy  and  sweet,  quite  equal  to  another 
dish  of  the  same  kind,  by  Mr.  Wright  (Gamon's,  Hereford),  from  a  standard, 


FEBRUARY. 


57 


and  which  had  been  good  flavoured,  though  rather  dry  and  slightly  over-ripe. 
Old  trees,  are  reported  to  be  healthy  in  this  case  also.  Soil  strong  loam,  over 
marl,  naturally  dry. — Another  dish,  but  not  true,  was  sent  by  Mr.  Short. 

Golden  Drop,  by  Mr.  Swinerd,  in  good  condition,  from  a  dwarf  bush.  Flesh 
tender,  very  juicy,  sweet,  and  vinous. 

Blenheim  Pippin,  by  Mr.  Elliott,  Lilleshall.  Very  fine  in  size  and  appear- 
ance, but  dry  and  deficient  in  flavour. — By' Mr.  Wright.  Very  large,  but  not 
good  enough  for  dessert.* 

Cox's  Orange  Pippin  was  sent  by  Mr.  Simpson.  Very  juicy  and  good,  but 
damaged  in  flavour,  by  having  been  in  contact  with  straw. — And  by  Mr.  Holder, 
from  a  pyramid.     Tender  and  juicy,  sweet,  but  not  richly  flavoured. 

Newtown  Pippin,  by  Mr.  Holder.  Evidently  true,  by  the  peculiar  taste 
and  aroma ;  but  so  small,  and  otherwise  out  of  character,  as  is  usually  the  case 
whfn  grown  in  this  country,  that  it  would  scarcely  be  recognised. 

Of  fruit  not  quite  ripe  : — Downton  Nonpareil,  by  Mr.  Spivey.  In  fine 
condition,  otherwise;  large,  very  juicy,  but  acid. — Braddick's  Nonpareil,  by 
Mr.  M'Laren,  from  espalier.  Flesh  tender,  but  very  juicy,  aud  acid. — Court 
of  Wick,  under  the  name  of  Old  Nonpareil,  by  Mr.  Smith,  Cheshire,  from 
a  standard.  Very  acid  and  unpromising,  as  regards  flavour. — A  handsome, 
russety  variety,  called  Welsh  Apple,  by  Mark  Shepherd,  Esq. — Court-pendu 
Plat,  from  Mr.  Elliott,  Lilleshall,  dry  and  acid; — and  from  Mr.  Wright, under 
its  known  synonyme  (Garnon's),  very  juicy,  and  promising  to  be  sugary  aud 
good. — And  a  sweet,  juicy,  oblate,  dessert  Apple,  of  some  merit,  under  the  name 
of  Easter  Pippin,  by  Mr.  Smith. 

GENE  HAL  DESSERT  APPLES— Exhibited  in  Small  Quantities. 

Coronation  Pippin,  by  Mr.  Swinerd.  A  variety  not  hitherto  described. 
Oblate,  slightly  turbinate,  somewhat  ribbed.  Average  diameter — transversely, 
2  3-16  inches;  longitudinally,  2  1-16  inches.  Pale  greenish  yellow,  slightly 
striped,  scattered  over  with  small,  round,  dark  spots  ;  very  pale  russet  round  the 
stalk,  which  is  of  medium  length,  slender,  and  deeply  inserted;  depressed  at 
apes;  flesh  tender,  very  juicy ;  flavour  brisk  sub-acid. 

Spring  Ribston  Pippin,  or  Baddow  Pippin,  by  Mr.  Lane,  of  Berkhamp- 
stead.  This  is  a  very  little-known  variety,  but  one  deserving  of  more  general 
growth.  Fruit  roundish,  irregular.  Average  diameter — transversely,  2|  inches  ; 
longitudinally,  2£  inches.  Rind  thick ;  colour  pale  green,  much  clouded  by 
small  patches  of  russet,  and  spots  of  darker  colour  ;  eye  puckered ;  cavity  within 
calyx  deep  and  hollow  ;  stalk  short,  thick,  inserted  deeply  ;  flesh  tender,  very 
juicy,  sweet,  with  a  slight  Nonpareil  flavour.  The  specimens  exhibited  had, 
unfortunately,  been  gathered  before  they  were  ripe,  and  were  rather  shrivelled ; 
but  it  is  geuerally  reported  to  be  an  useful  late-keeping  variety. 

KITCHEN  APPLES. 

Riplin,  by  Mr.  Sendall,  of  Burningham  Hall,  Aylsham,  Norfolk.  Reported 
to  be  a  great  bearer,  and  was  considered  likely  to  be  an  useful  cottager's  Apple ; 
medium -sized,  green,  codlin-shaped.  Fruit  juicy,  tender  flesh  (producing,  when 
baked,  a  soft,  pale  brown  pulp,  sub-acid. 

Colonel  Vaughan,  or  Lady's  Finger,  by  Mr.  Smith.  An  old  and  very 
beautiful,  striped,  wax-like,  conical-shaped  Apple,  very  juicy,  and,  in  some 
districts,  a  favourite  variety  for  ^mincemeat  and  cider.  The  same  variety  was 
sent  from  John  Ferme,  Esq.,  of  Haddington,  to  be  named. 

Pomme  de  Cire,  by  G.  Wolsey,  Esq.,  St.  Andrew's.  Reported  to  be  much 
esteemed  in  the  island  for  dessert  or  kitchen  use;  Fruit  medium-sized,  pale 
yellow,  tender;  flesh  juicy,  and  sub-acid,  but  not  calculated  for  dessert  (wnen 
baked  producing  a  delicious,  soft,  syrupy  pulp,  having  a  rich  syrupy  flavour,  and 
requiring  no  sugar). 

Violet  Apple,  by  Mr.  Ferguson.  A  handsome,  striped,  conical,  medium- 
sized,  but  soft  fruit,  said  to  be  very  productive  and  useful  (when  baked,  producing 
soft  and  sub-acid  but  not  syrupy  pulp,  requiring  sugar  ;  probably  most  suitable 

*  It  may  be  useful  to  remark,  that  when  not  good  enough  for  dessert,  this  is  an  excellent 
kitchen  variety,  as  it  bakes  down  to  a  sweet,  juicy,  soft  light  brown  pulp,requiiing  little  orno 
sugar. 


58  THE    FLORIST. 

as  a  sauce  Apple.) — A  very  similar  Apple  in  every  respect,  saving  that  it  was 
more  solid,  and  likely  to  keep  longer,  was  sent  by  Air.  Swiuerd,  under  the  name 
of  Scarlet  Nonpareil. 

SEEDLING  APPLES. 

G.  Wolsey,  Esq.,  of  St.  Andrews,  Guernsey,  sent  a  Seedling,  supposed  to  be  a 
cross  between  Golden  Pippin  and  Nonpareil,  and  was  considered  to  possess  con- 
siderable merit.  Fruit  small,  oblong,  slightly  conical ;  average  diameter,  2  1-0 
inches  each  way ;  eye  puckered,  slightly  depressed ;  stalk  medium  length,  stout ; 
skin  thin,  pale  green,  yellowish  on  the  sunward  side,  much  flaked,  and  covered 
with  pale  brown  russet;  texture  very  tender  and  juicy;  flavour  rich,  very 
sugary,  rich,  and  aromatic.  It  was  hoped  that  Mr.  Wolsey  would  send  it  again, 
with  information  concerning  the  age  of  the  tree,  &c. 

Mr.  Ferguson  sent  a  Seedling  Apple,  called  the  Cottager's  Ribston  Pippin, 
lleported  to  be  a  vigorous  grower,  great  bearer,  and  excellent  for  paddings, 
requiring  no  sugar.  Fruit  very  large  and  sweet  (Tested  by  the  secretary,  and 
found  to  be  exceedingly  sweet  and-sugary,  when  boiled  or  baked,  and  whitish 
coloured,  but  not  breaking  down  into  a  nice  sott  pulp). 

A  Seedling  was  also  sent  by  Mr.  W.  Craw,  of  We;tbury  Manor,  which  was  a 
solid  sugary  Apple,  promising  to  be  a  good  late-keeping  dessert  fruit. 

Also  to  a  Seedling  sent  by  Henry  Boothby,  Esq.,  Holme  Cottage,  reported  to 
be  a  most  prolific  bearer,  and  which  was  a  nice-looking  Apple,  sweet  and  tender 
fleshed,  but  much  like  many  in  cultivation. 

Messrs.  Chater,  of  Haverhill,  sent  a  Seedling  of  a  variety  said  to  keep  till 
March.  Fruit  not  ripe  on  arrival,  and  subsequently  appeared  to  have  suffered 
from  keeping,  but  still  pleasant  flavoured  and  tender  fleshed. 


SUGGESTIONS   ON    MANAGEMENT   OF  NATIONAL 
DAHLIA   SHOW. 

The  exhibition  held  in  St.  James's  Hall  in  September  last  was  without 
doubt  the  greatest  and  best  Dahlia  show  on  record — a  fact  which 
plainly  shows  that  with  a  little  energy  and  skill  an  exhibition  worthy 
the  name  of  "  National  "  may  take  place  every  year,  alike  creditable 
to  both  amateur  and  dealer.  To  make  the  National  Dahlia  show  what 
it  really  should  be,  I  would  suggest  that  a  committee  be  at  once 
formed  of  those  most  interested  in  the  cultivation  of  that  noble  flower, 
say  six  amateurs  and  six  dealers,  with  Messrs.  Turner  and  Keynes  for 
secretaries,  to  whom  all  praise  is  due  for  the  spirited  manner  in  which 
the  opening  exhibition  was  carried  out.  I  feel  sure  that  both  these 
gentlemen  will  again  do  all  in  their  power  to  make  future  meetings 
successful ;  but  it  is  not  fair  to  allow  all  the  responsibility  to  fall  on 
their  shoulders,  the  committee  as  a  body  should  be  responsible.  The 
want  of  a  permanent  committee  is  a  great  drawback  to  the  success  of 
the  National  Tulip  and  Carnation  shows,  these  societies  only  existing 
in  name  for  a  considerable  portion  of  the  year,  no  one  during  that  time 
being  responsible.  I  would  further  propose  that  a  meeting  of  the  com- 
mittee be  summoned  early  in  the  season,  to  take  place  in  London,  when 
the  period  and  place  for  the  exhibition  should  be  decided.  In  my 
opinion  London  is  by  no  means  a  suitable  locality  for  a  Dahlia  show, 
the  Dahlia  being  in  perfection  at  a  period  of  the  year  when  nearly  all 
the  supporters  of  floricultural  meetings  are  enjoying  the  beauties  of  the 
country,  a  fact  that  must  have  been  patent  to  all  who  attended  the  last 
exhibition  in  St.  James's  Hall.     In  some  nobleman's  or  gentleman's 


FEBRUARY.  59 

grounds  adjacent  to  a  largo  provincial  town  a  National  Dahlia  show 
would  he  appreciated,  and  would  he  supported  by  all  lovers  of  flowers 
within  miles  of  the  spot,  a  fine  day  only  being  wanted  to  raise  a  per- 
manent fund. 

While  on  this  subject  an  idea  has  struck  me,  that  if  successful 
raisers  of  new  flowers  would  each  year  draw  their  pursestrings  a  little 
open,  and  give  a  guinea  or  two  for  the  best  six  blooms  of  any  one 
variety  of  a  somewhat  similar  colour  to  their  :  pet  seedling,  what 
interest  would  be  excited,  and  what  information  would  he  imparted, 
respecting  the  merits  or  demerits  of  the  new  flowers.  To  illustrate  my 
meaning,  I  will  observe  that  Cherub  is  acknowledged  by  all  to  be 
a  fine  Dahlia.  A  seedling  was  exhibited  at  St.  James's  Hall  and 
elsewhere  something  similar  in  colour  (and  which  I  expect  will  be  in 
the  hands  of  most  growers  this  season)  named  Chairman.  Now  if  the 
raiser  of  this  variety  were  to  give  any  sum  he  thought  proper  for  the 
best  six  blooms  of  a  buff  variety,  himself  and  all  others  being  eligible 
to  compete,  it  would  not  only  decide  which  was  the  best  Dahlia,  Cherub 
or  Chairman,  but  would  in  all  probability  benefit  the  dealer  by  causing 
an  increased  sale  of  that  particular  sort.  I  am  so  convinced  of  the 
necessity  of  some  such  test,  that  I  will  willingly  give  my  two  guineas 
for  the  best  six  blooms  of  a  light  ground  variety,  to  carry  out  my 
proposition,  although  I  have  no  new  Dahlia  coining  out  this  season. 
Many  worthless  kinds  would  not  be  catalogued,  but  an  increased  value 
would  be  given  to  really  good  varieties ,  if  such  a  test  could  be  fully 
carried  out. 

Charles  James  Perry. 

The  Cedars,  Castle  Bromwich,  near  Birmingham. 

[Mr.  Perry's  proposition  is  a  good  one.  Let  us,  however,  invite  the 
opinion  of  others  interested  in  the  matter.] 


REPORT    OP  THE    GREAT    AUTUMN    FRUIT    SHOW    OP 
THE  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY, 

HELD  IN  ST.  JAMES'S  HALL,  NOV.   17  and  18,   1858. 

We  feel  no  hesitation  in  stating  our  opinion  that  the  autumn  exhibitions 
of  fruit  held  by  the  Horticultural  Society  in  1857  and  1858  have  done 
more  towards  making  the  cultivation  of  hardy  fruits  popular  than  all  the 
summer  exhibitions  of  Chiswick  and  the  Regent's  Park  put  together. 
It  was  therefore  no  small  satisfaction  to  us  to  know  that  the  Fruit 
Committee  of  the  Society  had  deputed  Messrs.  Hogg  and  Moore, 
assisted  by  their  Secretary,  Mr.  Thompson,  to  draw  up  a  report  thereon, 
for  the  information  of  the  Fellows  of  the  Society.  The  report,  which 
has  been  very  carefully  got  up,  and  forms  an  8vo.  pamphlet  of  thirty- 
two  pages ;  notwithstanding  its  great  length,  however,  and  that 
two  entire  days  were  devoted  to  their  work,  so  great  was  the  number 
of  articles  they  had  to  examine,  that  they  were  compelled  to  leave  the 
character  and  respective  merit  of  the  Apples  unnoticed.  We  regret  this 
unavoidable  circumstance,  for  the  information  which  their  notes  would 


(JO  THE    FLORIST. 

have  conveyed  on  the  merits  and  properties  of  the  Apples  exhibited  would 
have  increased  the  value  of  their  report  (great  as  it  is  in  its  present 
form)  to  fruit  growers,  and  would  have  left  nothing  more  to  be  desired  in 
reference  to  the  fruits  of  1859,  excepting  that  local  information  relating 
to  soil,  climate,  and  situation,  which,  when  sent  with  fruit  for  exhi- 
bition, assists  Pomologists  very  materially  in  getting  at  facts  illustrative 
of  the  effects  particular  soils  and  localities  are  known  to  produce  on 
fruits — a  point  of  vast  importance,  and  which  we  hope  will  in  time, 
through  the  agency  of  the  Fruit  Committee  of  the  Horticultural  Society 
and  the  Pomological  Society,  be  attained. 

Some  discussion  has  taken  place  in  the  pages  of  our  contemporaries, 
respecting  the  comparative  merits  of  the  Ribston  and  Cox's  Orange  Pippin 
Apples,  We  can  add  our  testimony  as  to  the  superiority  of  the  latter 
in  1857,  having  tasted  the  respective  fruits  under  comparison  ;  nor  do 
we  see  that  it  at  all  detracts  from  the  long  recognized  merits  of  the  Ribston, 
if  in  time  a  better  fruit  is  produced — or  put  it  on  a  par  as  regards 
flavour — of  a  more  productive  habit,  or  one  less  liable  to  disease,  than 
the  Ribston.  For  certain,  the  Orange  Pippin  is  a  very  first  class  pro- 
duction, and,  without  premising  that  each  individual  fruit  will  at  all 
times  be  superior  to  the  Ribston  (which  would  be  a  bold  assertion  to 
mak^  in  reference  to  any  kind  of  fruit,  comparatively),  we  may  take  it 
for  granted  that  it  has  lew — if  any — equals,  taking  all  its  qualities  into 
consideration. 

It  will  afford  no  small  encouragement  to  English  hybridists  and 
pomologists  to  know  that  the  palm  of  excellence  for  dessert  Pears  was 
unanimously  awarded  to  a  British  raised  fruit — "  Monarch  " — a  seed- 
ling of  that  prince  of  horticulturists,  the  late  Mr.  Andrew  Knight, 
who  also  originated  the  Eyewood,  Broompark,  Althorp  Crassane,  and 
other  Pears.  Compared  with  the  flavour  of  Monarch,  many  of  the 
large  fruits  exhibited  from  the  continent  were  worthless,  though 
wonderfully  fine  looking  in  appearance.  Will  none  of  our  pomologists 
take  up  the  mantel  of  Mr.  Knight,  and  try  what  can  again  be  effected 
with  fruits,  by  a  careful  system  of  crossing?  Surely  we  have  not  yet 
reached  that  perfection,  that  we  can  afford  to  dispense  with  further 
improvement.  The  fact  of  an  English  raised  seedling  beating  the 
choicest  continental  productions  is  suggestive  as  to  what  may  yet  be 
effected,  both  in  Pears  and  other  hardy  fruits,  through  hybridisation. 
It  is  impossible  to  read  the  notes  appended  to  the  different  collections  of 
Pears,  without  being  forcibly  struck  with  the  difference  in  regard  to 
flavour,  between  specimens  of  the  same  kind  from  different  localities ; 
although  we  think  it  will  always  be  impossible  to  generalise  very  closely 
as  to  the  cause  of  this  difference,  a  careful  statement  of  the  particulars 
named  in  the  schedule,  which  should  be  applied  for  and  filled  up  by 
each  contributor,  would  do  much  to  solve  the  question.  The  different 
conditions  under  which  fruits  ripen,  as  to  temperature,  and  the  degree 
of  ripeness  under  which  they  are  tasted,  produces  a  great  difference  on 
their  respective  qualities.  In  repect  to  soils,  so  far  as  our  own 
experience  leads  us  to  form  an  opinion,  calcareous  loams  and  soils  of  a 
clayey  or  marly  texture,  containing  lime  and  potash,  invariably  produce 
Apples  and  Pears  more  melting  and  higher  flavoured  than  soils  of  an 


FEBRUARY.  61 

opposite  character  ;  but  the  effect  of  different  soils  and  degrees  of  ripe- 
ness as  influencing  the  flavour  of  fruits  is  not  confined  to  Pears  and 
Apples.  Among  the  exhibition  of  Muscat  Grapes  we  noticed  a  much 
wider  difference  as  regards  the  flavour  of  some  of  the  collections  than  a 
mere  outward  inspection  would  have  led  us  to  believe  ;  even  Mr. 
Drewett's  magnificent  Muscats  were  much  less  piquant  and  high 
flavoured  than  some  of  the  others  ;  this  leads  us  to  the  conviction  that 
there  is  a  limit  to  the  period  when  the  peculiar  vinous  principle,  which 
characterises  the  flavour  of  Grapes  when  in  their  highest  perfection, 
passes  into  a  more  saccharine  state.  Grapes  hanging  long  after  they 
are  ripe,  and  particularly  if  exposed  to  a  strong  light,  lose  the  vinous 
piquancy  and  aroma  which  they  possess  when  newly  ripened ;  and 
when  Grapes  have  to  be  kept  long  after  being  ripe,  we  advise  their  being 
well  shaded  during  the  day  ;  indeed,  the  darker  they  are  kept,  the 
longer  will  they  retain  their  briskness  and  flavour. 

We  were  much  disappointed  at  not  seeing  much  larger  collections  of 
foreign  Grapes,  knowing  how  many  dessert  varieties,  new  to  English 
growers,  are  cultivated  in  some  districts  of  France ;  let  us  hope 
Monsieur  Deynoot  will  not  be  the  only  exhibitor  in  this  class  the  next 
occasion.  We  very  strongly  recommend  this  report  to  the  consideration 
of  fruit  growers,  who  may  gather  from  its  perusal  much  that  will 
instruct  them  on  the  peculiarities  of  fruits  for  the  season  just  passed 
away.  These  reports  should  be  kept  and  compared  hereafter  with  those 
which  we  hope  will  follow  in  due  course.  We  beg  to  give  entire  the 
following  observations  of  the  reporters  on  the  non  compliance  of  exhi- 
bitors with  the  wishes  of  the  Fruit  Committee: — 

"  The  reporters  regret  that  the  responses  made  to  the  schedules 
issued  by  the  committee  were  so  few.  The  object  of  these  schedules 
was  to  ascertain  particulars  respecting  the  climate,  soil,  and  subsoil  of 
the  locality  where  the  respective  fruits  were  grown,  and  the  circum- 
stances under  which  they  were  produced.  Such  of  these  schedules  as 
were  returned  filled  up  have  been  incorporated  in  the  report ;  and, 
where  such  is  the  case,  it  will  at  once  be  seen  how  desirable  it  would 
have  been  if  similar  information  could  have  been  given  in  every 
instance." 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — We  class  these  together,  for  although 
there  are  several  points  of  variance  in  their  culture,  they  do  well 
enough  together  for  the  present.  Camellias,  if  at  all  forward,  will  now 
be  coming  into  bloom ;  to  retain  these  in  perfection  for  some  time,  keep 
the  air  of  the  house  as  dry  as  possible,  and  shaded  from  bright  sun, 
as  the  least  damp  or  drip  will  soon  spoil  the  blooms  of  the  light-coloured 
varieties.  Camellias  at  this  season,  if  full  of  flower  buds,  should  be 
watered  with  weak  guano  water,  alternately  with  common  soft  water  ; 
this  will  much  improve  the  size  of  the  blooms,  and  induce  the  plants  to 
break  stronger  when  their  annual  growth  commences.  Azaleas  for 
blooming  in  May  and  June  should  be  retarded  as  much  as  possible ; 
bring  on  a  succession  in  the  forcing  house  by  introducing  a  few  free 


62  THE   FLORIST. 

blooming  varieties  evary  fortnight.  The  common  white,  Triumphans, 
Optima,  Rosea  punctata,  Speciosissima,  Vivieans,  Duke  of  Devonshire, 
Murrayana,  we  find  among  the  best  for  forcing,  while  the  Variegata 
class  are  more  difficult.  Azaleas,  like  Camellias,  are  benefited  by 
weak  guano  water  when  very  prolific  of  bloom. 

Auriculas. — There  has  of  late  been  sufficient  moisture  in  the  atmo- 
sphere for  these  plants,  but,  as  the  days  lengthen,  more  water  will  be 
required.  Towards  the  end  of  the  month  they  may  be  placed  on  the 
blooming  stage,  if  not  wintered  there  ;  our  plan  being  to  keep  them  cool 
during  the  two  first  months  of  the  year,  that  the  plants  may  swell 
gradually,  and  not  be  brought  prematurely  into  bloom.  Top  dress, 
and  keep  clean  of  insects  and  dead  foliage. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — These  are  also  on  the  move,  from  the 
mildness  of  the  season.  However,  be  sparing  with  water  for  a  time  ; 
but  towards  the  end  of  the  month  let  them  have  a  good  washing,  should 
there  be  a  mild  ram.  The  frames  should  be  kept  open  as  much  as 
possible.  As  potting  time  is  at  hand,  and  the  soil  prepared,  care 
should  be  taken  not  to  let  it  get  too  wet.  Early  potting  is  preferable, 
but  planting  in  beds  must  be  deferred  till  March.  Old  pots  should  be 
washed  before  using. 

Calceolaria*,  shrubby  or  half  shrubby,  will  now  propagate  freely 
from  old  stock  plants.  Those  intended  for  specimens  should  be  struck 
in  autumn,  stopped  now,  and  receive  a  liberal  shift  as  soon  as  they  have 
broken.     Herbaceous  seedlings  should  now  be  repotted. 

Cinerarias. — Continue  to  thin  out  all  superfluous  leaves  and  small 
suckers  from  show  plants,  and  peg  down  or  tie  out,  so  as  to  admit  the 
light  and  air  freely  to  the  centre  of  the  plants  ;  keep  them  on  a  nice 
cool  bottom  in  a  pit  that  is  heated,  as  near  the  glass  as  possible,  or  if 
the  pit  is  too  deep,  place  them  on  inverted  pots,  so  that  the  air  may 
have  free  access  to  the  foliage.  Fumigate  occasionally  and  with  great 
care,  as  the  young  shoots  and  flowers  are  tender  at  this  season. 
Sulphur  immediately  on  the  appearance  of  mildew.  A  little  weak 
liquid  manure  may  now  be  given  to  such  as  are  full  of  roots.  Ihrow 
the  lights  open  every  favourable  opportunity. 

Conservator//  and  Show-house. — The  extreme  mildness  of  the 
season,  as  noticed  last  month,  has  continued  up  to  the  present  time, 
and  has  produced  the  best  effects  on  winter  flowering  and  forced  plants, 
which  are  blooming  freely,  owing  to  the  large  amount  of  air  which  the 
season  has  permitted  to  the  conservatory  and  forcing  house.  Guard 
against  damp  and  cold  cutting  winds,  but  in  other  respects  keep  down 
the  night  temperature  to  45°,  unless  you  have  a  mixture  of  stove  plants 
in  the  house,  when  5°  more  may  be  allowed. 

Cold  Frames. — Now  will  commence  a  busy  time  for  the  propagator 
of  bedding  stuffs,  which  at  present  we  presume  are  wintering  in  frames. 
The  stock  should  be  looked  over,  and  of  any  kinds  likely  to  prove  short 
of  the  expected  demand,  remove  to  where  there  is  a  gentle  heat, 
to  f  tree  them  into  growth  for  cuttings  ;  this  will  more  immediately 
be  the  case  with  Verbenas,  Petunias,  Ageratums,  and  Lobelias. 

Dahlias. — Roots,  particularly  ground  roots,  have  kept  very  badly  this 
season  ;  but  as  the  propagation  will  now  have   very  generally  com- 


FEBRUARY.  63 

menced,  the  extent  of  the  losses  will  have  been  ascertained.  Cuttings 
will  now  strike  readily,  but  should  the  roots  be  secured  by  being 
started,  the  forcing  should  be  moderate,  not  to  exhaust  the  root,  as 
March  is  the  best  time  for  making  healthy  plants  easily  ;  some  make 
sufficient  by  dividing  the  root  only.  Pot  roots  should  not  be  started 
for  a  month  to  come,  or  seed  sown. 

Forcing  Ground, — No  better  plan  of  procuring  forced  Asparagus 
economically  exists  than  by  taking  up  three  or  four  years  old  plants  and 
placing  them  in  pits  or  frames  over  a  gentle  bottom  heat.  Where  beds 
are  arranged  to  admit  of  linings  being  applied  to  the  roots,  and  the 
surface  protected,  now  is  a  good  time  to  begin  to  have  the  Grass  early  in 
March.  Bring  forward  successions  of  Seakale  and  Rhubarb,  and  plant 
a  quantity  of  good  forcing  kinds  of  early  Potatoes  in  a  little  heat,  to 
sprout  ready  for  transferring  to  frames  towards  the  end  of  the  month. 

Flower  Garden. — A  fine  time  now  for  carrying  out  any  alterations 
in  this  department.  Prepare  soils  for  the  beds,  to  be  ready  for  digging 
in  in  March.  Take  care  of  Crocuses  and  other  early  bulbs,  of  which 
mice  are  very  fond. 

Forcing  Shrubs. — There  is  nothing  in  this  way  half  so  beautiful 
as  forced  Roses,  which  are  universally  admired.  If  you  wish  to  succeed 
well,  strike  the  plants  yourselves  from  cuttings,  or  at  any  rate  buy  plauts 
on  their  own  roots.  Our  plan  is  to  grow  these  in  a  good.open  situation 
for  two  or  three  years,  till  they  get  to  a  good  size,  and  then  take  up 
and  pot  in  very  rich  soil.  If  this  is  done  in  October,  and  the  pots  are 
plunged  in  a  frame,  with  a  little  bottom  heat  for  the  roots,  they 
will  answer  admirably  the  first  season,  if  not  worked  too  hard.  Add 
Honeysuckles,  the  common  and  scarlet  Thorn,  Sweet  Briar,  and  Mock 
Orange.  The  hardy  Chinese  Azalea  amcena,  and  seedlings  from  it, 
are  among  the  prettiest  and  freest  to  flower  of  all  forced  shrubs. 

Fruit  (hardy). — Filberts  may  be  pruned  towards  the  end  of  the 
month,  when  the  blossoms  appear.  Cut  out  all  very  weak  and  unpro- 
ductive wood,  allowing  a  good  share  of  the  male  catkins  to  stay  on. 
Where  new  fruit  trees  are  wanted,  lose  no  time  in  procuring  and 
planting  them.  Our  pages  contain  much  valuable  information  on 
making  borders,  &c,  and  also  of  lists  of  the  most  suitable  kinds  for 
various  parts  of  Britain.  Pruning  and  nailing  should  be  forwarded 
at  once.  Bush  fruits,  after  pruning,  should  have  good  dressings  of 
manure  spread  over  the  surface,  to  allow  the  rains  to  wash  it  in. 

Fuchsias. — (See  article  in  the  present  number). 

Greenhouse  (hard-wooded*). — Winter  flowering  Heaths  and 
Epacrises  should  have  a  light  situation.  Hiemalis,  Wilmoreana, 
rubra  calyx,  mutabilis,  vernix,  are  valuable  at  this  season.  Look  well 
over  New  Holland  and  Cape  plants,  to  prevent  damp.  Keep  the 
surface  soil  free  from  Moss  and  Lichens,  which  prevent  evaporation, 
and  ultimately  ruin  the  plants.  Water  only  when  dry,  and  then 
effectively.  Keep  the  house  cool  and  rather  dry,  and  don't  allow  the 
plants  to  get  excited  into  growth  for  some  time.  Soft-wooded  Plants. 
— Guard  against  the  attacks  of  green-fly  by  timely  fumigating.  Shift 
Cinerarias,  Calceolarias,  and  Pelargoniums,  for  late  blooming;  these 
plants  should  be  kept  rather  warmer  than  the  above. 


64  THE    FLORIST. 

Kitchen  Garden. — A  busy  time  is  approaching,  and  it  will  much 
facilitate  the  operation  of  sowing  and  planting,  and  benefit  the  future 
growth  of  the  crops,  if  the  ground  has  been  previously  well  prepared 
by  deep  cultivation.  All  ground  for  spring  cropping,  if  not  already 
dug,  should  at  once  be  dug  or  trenched,  as  requisite,  adding  the 
necessary  manure  for  incorporating  with  the  soil  during  the  operation. 
Cabbage  and  Lettuce  may  be  planted  out  on  warm  borders,  if 
not  done  in  the  autumn.  Sow  also  Peas  and  Beans,  Radish,  and 
Horn  Carrot,  in  sheltered  situations.  When  the  quarters  are  clear, 
trap  all  the  slugs  you  can,  by  laying  down  a  few  leaves  here  and  there, 
or  half  a  shovelful  of  fresh  grains,  to  entice  them  ;  this  step  will  save 
much  trouble  and  annoyance  hereafter.  Plant  Rhubarb,  Seakale,  and 
Artichokes,  on  deep-trenched  and  well-manured  soil.  As  these  are  plants 
intended  to  remain  for  some  time  on  the  same  ground,  a  good  prepara- 
tion is  necessary. 

Pansies. — Plant  into  large  pots,  from  those  they  have  been  wintered 
in,  such  as  are  intended  to  bloom  in  pots.  A  month  hence  will  do  for 
planting  beds. 

Pelargoniums. — The  specimens  intended  to  flower  early,  if  not 
already  done,  should  be  tied  out  to  their  proper  shape.  Increase  the 
temperature  a  little  as  the  season  advances,  and  water  more  freely ;  be 
careful  that  enough  is  given  at  a  time  to  penetrate  the  ball.  Air 
should  be  admitted  daily,  the  state  of  the  weather  permitting.  Take 
care  to  close  early  in  the  afternoon,  with  a  little  sun-heat  if  possible. 
Plants  that  have  been  wintered  in  small  pots  should  now  have  their 
final  repotting  ;  and,  if  convenient,  a  little  fire-heat  will  greatly  assist 
the  bad  growing  sorts,  and  especially  the  fancies,  in  giving  them  a 
gentle  start  in  the  fresh  soil.  Also  this  is  a  good  time  for  stopping  plants, 
to  flower  late,  that  are  established  in  their  blooming  pots.  Seedlings 
should  be  well  looked  to,  giving  them  sufficient  room,  not  to  draw  each 
other  up  weakly. 

Peach-forcing. — Disbud  the  early  house  when  forward  enough, 
doing  a  little  at  a  time.  Fumigate  if  green-fly  appear.  After  the 
fruit  is  fairly  set,  the  trees  may  be  syringed  with  tepid  water  daily. 

Pinery. — A  brisk  heat  must  be  maintained  to  fruiting  plants  to  get 
them  up,  say  70°  night  temperature,  and  rising  10°  or  15°  during  the 
day.  Pines  in  bloom  should  have  a  very  dry  temperature  at  this 
season,  to  cause  the  blooms  to  open  regularly  and  form  handsome  fruit 
hereafter.  Keep  succession  plants  in  a  mild  growing  temperature,  that 
they  may  start  into  growth  as  slowly  as  possible.  Give  as  much  air  as 
you  can  every  opportunity,  and  don't  allow  the  bottom  heat  to  decline,  or 
the  plants  will  get  a  check,  which  may  throw  them  into  fruit  in  April. 

Strawberries. — The  first  batch  will  bloom  this  month ;  as  they  show 
their  trusses,  increase  the  heat  slightly,  to  draw  the  flower  stems  out 
from  the  foliage.  Keep  the  plants  near  the  glass,  and  free  from  green- 
fly. As  the  blooms  open,  raise  the  temperature  to  60°  by  night,  and 
give  air  on  all  occasions.  Water  sparingly  when  in  bloom,  but  as  the 
fruit  sets,  increase  the  supply.  Manure  water  will  not  be  needed  till 
later.  Bring  on  successional  crops  in  pits  or  frames  as  gently  as 
possible,  and  remove  them  to  more  heat  and  air  when  the  trusses 
appear. 


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m  a 


Chry  s  anth  emam . 

ildew  Qween<  of  'Englxruh    Z.  Prince  Albert?. 


J*?jbidrsws,Zc; 


MARCH.  65 


CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

(Plate  149). 

Here's  a  dainty  dish,  not  to  set  before  a  king,  but  set  by  the 
sovereign  of  all  the  Chrysanthemums  before  his  good  friend 
the  public.  Carry  your  mind,  my  good  reader  (a  fair  one  I 
could  never  think  of  putting  into  such  a  predicament),  20 
years  back ;  do  you  recollect  the  long  thin-petalled  semi- 
double  things  that  people  used  to  call  Chrysanthemums ;  and 
then  put  them  along  side  of  Golden  Queen  of  England,  and 
you  will  doubtless  say,  "Is  it  possible  that  they  can  be  the  same 
flowers?"  And  then  those  charming  little  Pompones  and  Hybrids 
were  unknown,  while  now,  with  some,  they  put  the  large 
flowered  varieties  out  of  the  field.  In  truth,  it  has  become  a 
popular  flower,  and  deservedly  so  ;  it  blooms  late,  gives  us 
colour  and  beauty  when  other  flowers  have  done  their  work ; 
and  then  it  is  everybody's  flower;  it  will  survive,  nay  luxuriate 
in  the  smoke  of  London  ;  it  adorns  the  poor  man's  garden, 
and  will  even  stand  the  coddling  which  too  many  flowers,  alas  ! 
get  from  those  fair  ones,  who  "  love  them  not  wisely,  but  too 
well."  The  consequence  of  this  popularity  has  been  their 
great  advance  in  every  respect;  and  now,  on  every  side,  we 
hear  large  encomiums  on  this  very  beautiful  and  accommodating 
flower.  To  no  one  are  the  lovers  of  flowers  so  much  indebted 
as  to  Mr.  Salter,  for  his  continued  care  in  bringing  before  the 
public  the  best  varieties — while,  perhaps,  Mr.  Broome,  of  the 
Temple  Gardens,  has  most  tended  to  popularise,  by  showing 
people  what  may  be  done  with  them  under  the  most  dis- 
advantageous circumstances.  A  great  deal  of  bother  and  fuss 
was  made  about  the  dressing  of  the  flowers,  and  the  distorting 
of  the  plants,  at  the  last  autumnal  shows ;  with  regard  to  the 
first,  the  outcry  is,  I  think,  ridiculous ;  for  there  is  not  a 
florist's  flower  exhibited  that  does  not  undergo  some  dressing, 
and  as  that  is  well  known,  who  is  wronged  by  it  ?  Certainly 
not  the  exhibitor ;  no,  but  the  public.  Well,  but  my  good 
public,  if  you  want  to  grow  these  flowers,  go  to  some  respect- 
able nurseryman — Mr.  Salter,  for  instance;  tell  Mm  what 
flowers  struck  you,  ask  him  if  they  are  good,  he  will  tell  you 
all  about  them,  and  rely  on  it  will  inform  you  that  you  must 
not  expect  to  equal  the  blooms  you  have  seen,  unless  you 
bestow  a  considerable  amount  of  care,  time,  and  expense,  on 
them. 

As  to  the  one-stem  system  of  growing,  it  has  been  indeed 
pronounced  "  squat,"  "  absurd,"  "  vulgar,"  and  "  Chinese," 
&c. ;  but  yet,  after  all,  it  is  a  matter  of  taste.     Byron  hated  a 

VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXXXV.  F 


66  THE    FLORIST. 

dumpy  woman ;  yet  many  disagree  and  tell  us  that  not  so  did 
the   ancient  sculptor   think,  when  he   formed  the  Venus   de 
Medici.     I  must  own  that  some  of  Mr.  Broome's  plants  thus 
grown  struck  me  as  heing  very  heautit'ul  ;  my  great  objection 
to  them  heing  that  they  take  up  so  much  room  ;   and  after  all, 
who  grows  a  plant  naturally  ?     There  must  he  staking,  tying 
out,  nipping,  &c,  and   the  extent  to  which  this  is  to  go  must 
depend  on  the  tastes  and  wishes  of  the  grower.     As  a  general 
rule,  I  should  prefer  plants  as  natural  as  possible,  though  I  see 
no  real  objection   to  a  few  heing  thus  twisted  out  of  their 
natural  position — however,  he  careful  my  good  reader,  this  can 
only  he  clone  at  a  considerable  expenditure  of  time  and  trouble. 
I  do  not  think  that  we  have  gained  much  in  the  way  of  cul- 
tivation.    The  best  time  for  striking  cuttings  is  by  many  said 
to  be  November ;   but  some   of  the  finest  plants   at  the  last 
shows  were,  I  believe,  from  those  taken  off  April  and  even  May. 
There  can  be  but  little  advantage  in  autumn  struck  cuttings, 
unless  they  are  to  be  kept  growing  all   the  winter — as  some 
advise.     It   cannot    be    too    strongly   impressed    on   growers 
that  the   Chrysanthemum  is    a  very  gross  feeder,   and    that 
consequently,  if  you  grow  it  in  a  small  pot,  you  must  supply  con- 
tinued fresh  nourishment — not  only  watering  it  well  every  day, 
but  giving  it  considerable  doses  of  liquid  manure.     One  great 
object  should  be  to  have  the  foliage  clean  and  fresh  to  the  very 
pot,  and  this  will  never  be  done  if  they  are  ever  allowed  to  flag 
for  want  of  water.    And  now  as  to  sorts  ;  if  you  have  not  any, 
go  to  a  good  nurseryman — Mr.  Salter,  of  Hammersmith  ;   Mr. 
Henderson,  of  St.  John's  Wood  ;  and  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough  ; 
may  be  relied  on ;  tell  them  your  wants,  and  leave  yourself  in 
their  hands.     If,  however,  you  have  a  good  number  of  varieties, 
you  will,  I  dare  say,  want  some  new  ones.     Let  me  refer  you 
then  to  the  list  at  the  close  of  this  paper,  which  has  been 
supplied  by  one  of  the  above  eminent  growers,  and  which  we 
have  very  little  doubt  can  be  fully  relied  on  ;  but  before  doing 
so,  I  would  again  ask  you  to  look  at  the  plate,  and  when  you 
hear  that  the  superb  yellow  there  figured  is  a  "  sport,"  you  will 
doubtless  cry   out — Oh  !  fortunate  Mr.  Salter;  for  he  is  the 
originator  of  it.     It  bloomed    last   season  at    the  Versailles 
Nursery,  from  whence  so  many  fine  varieties  have  emanated.   It 
sported  from  Mr.  S.'s  own  Queen  of  England,  in   1857.     The 
colour  is   a  golden   canary,  with    a    rosy    shade    when    fully 
incurved.     As  a  show  flower  for  cut  blooms,  it  will,  we  believe, 
stand  unrivalled,  both  for  form  and  size  among  yellows,  even 
as  all  blush  flowers  are  eclipsed  by  Queen  of  England,  of  which  it 
is  the  exact  counterpart,   except  in    colour.     To  those  who 
visited  the  winter  garden  last  November,  any  description  will 
be  superfluous,  inasmuch  as  all  were  unanimous  in  its  praise ; 


MARCH.  67 

but  its  beauty  will  be  more  fully  developed  at  tbe  autumn 
exhibitions,  as  special  prizes  will  be  offered  for  single  blooms 
at  most  of  tbe  London  and  country  sbows.  Prince  Albert 
will,  we  are  assured,  become  one  of  tbe  most  attractive  among 
dark-coloured  varieties,  especially  as  a  specimen  plant.  Its 
fine  dwarf  habit,  large  double  flowers,  brilliant  colour,  and 
general  good  properties,  will  give  it  rank  second  to  none  as  a 
conservatory  plant.  It  is  well  knowTn  that  Mr.  Salter  does 
not  growT  Chrysanthemums  for  public  exhibition,  all  those  at 
his  nursery  being  in  their  natural  state ;  we  therefore 
anticipate  that  both  these  flowers  will  be  shown  at  the  next 
exhibitions,  very  much  larger  and  more  perfect  than  they  have 
been  yet  seen.  They  will  be  sent  out  from  the  Versailles 
Nursery,  Hammersmith,  by  the  end  of  April,  and  may  also  be 
obtained  from  all  the  principal  nurseries. 

The  following  is  the  list  alluded  to  above : — 

LARGE  FLOWERS. 

Aimee  Feriere,  incurved,  white  tipped,  bright  rose,  late  bloomer,  but  very  beau- 
tiful 

*  Aurora,  yellow  ochre,  form  of  "Ruth,"  but  lighter  aud  more  double 
Baron  Scalebert,  very  large,  rosy  lilac 

*C'assandra,  large  incurved  blush,  dwarf  aud  very  free  bloomer 

Curtius  Quintus,  incurved,  rosy  chestnut 

Duchesse  de  Montebello,  delicate  peach,  finely  incurved 

*Excelsior,  dark  crimson,  very  double  and  fine,  but  blooms  late 

Fabius,  bright  orange  salmon 

Fortune's  Two-Coloured  Incurved,  bright  chestnut,  and  yellow,  very  much  finer 

colour  than  the  old  "  Two-Coloured  Incurved,"  and  very  attractive  as  a  late 

blooming  variety 
Glory,  or  Sarnian  Glory,  fine  light  rose  lilac,  in  the  style  of  "Nonpareil" 
Globe  White,  large  pure  white 
*Julie  Lagravere,  dark   brown  crimson,  dwarf  and  free  bloomer,  much  finer 

colour  than  "  Bob,"  and  is  without  doubt  one  of  the  best  conservatory  plants 

ever  sent  out 
*Jardin  des  Plantes,  very  bright  golden  yellow,  incurved 
*Louisa,  paper  white,  rather  late,  but  free  and  good 

*  Louis  Bonamy,  large  rose,  lilac  anemone 

Madame  de  Puymirol,  red  and  orange,  incurved,  in  the  way  of  "  Dupont  de 

l'Eure  " 
*Madame  Clos,  mottled  rose  and  lilac,  remarkably  double,  almost  a  ball,  and 

very  beautiful 
Madame  Leo,  white  or  ivory,  blooms  late,  but  very  double  and  fine 
*Mademoiselle  Elizabeth  Voisins,  pure  white,  early,  and  very  free 
*Mount  Vesuvius,  large  fiery  red,  much  brighter  and  more  double  than  "Mount 

Etna  " 
Orange  Brilliant,  fine  brilliant  orange 

Progne,  dark  amaranth  or  carmine,  late  bloomer,  but  very  fine  colour 
Raymond,  incurved,  orange  buff 

*Sulphurea  superba,  clear  sulphur,  fine  double,  and  very  distinct 
Virgo  Marie,  large  blush  white 

POMPONES. 

*Andromeda,  blush  yellow,  with  brown  points 

Ariel,  lilac  blush,  late  bloomer,  but  very  double  and  fine 

*Baron  d'Adswaerd,  blush,  tipped  rose  lilac 

*Elisa  Coute,^rose  and  white  centre 

*  Esmeralda,  red  salmon  and  orange,  very  double  and  free 

r  2 


IIS  Tin;    FLORIST. 

Eugene  Laujaulefc,  anemone,  yellow  and  orange  centre 

*Goldeu  Cedo    Nulli,  golden   yellow,  and  brown  points,  very  fine,  a  sport  from 

»Cedo  Nulli" 
*Madame  Fould,  cream,  of  splendid  form 

Madame  Miellez,  dark  rosy  violet,  late,  but  very  fine 

;  Madame  Molinie,  anemone,  rose  and  gold  centre,  very  distinct 
Madame  Sentir,  anemone,  pure  white,  very  fine,  but  rather  lato 
*Maid  of  Saragossa,  rose,  ami  blush  centre 
Madame  Villefranche,  blush  and  rose 
Marinette,  orange  and  yellow 
Marmonset,  chestnut  and  orange 
Miss  Julia,  dark  crimson  chestnut,  very  double 
*Miss  Talfourd,  line  whito 
.Mrs    Dix,  blush  bordered   rose,  very   full,  and  by  far   the  finest    flower  in   this 
colour 
*Mr.  Astie,  anemone,  bright  golden  yellow,  of  perfect  form 
*Mr.  Shirley  Mibbert,  hybrid  anemone,  very  bright  rose  pink  and  gold  centre, 

free  bloomer,  ami  very  fine  and  distinct 
*Nanon,  dark  orange,  quilled,  but  very  line 
*Polycarp,  light  chestnut  and  orange,  dwarf,  and  very  double 
""'Salomon,  rosy  carmine,  very  free  bloomer,  and  fine 

PS. — Those  with  a  *  are  most  suitable  for  specimen  plants. 
Deal,  February  18.  D. 


"YELLOW  HOSES,  AND  ROSES  OF  YELLOW  TENDENCY." 

SlNOE  you  kindly  published  my  last  Rose  article,  1  have  received  letters 
about    Roses,   and   especially   about  yellow   Roses.      Though    I    cannot 
speak  authoritatively  abouttbem,yet  a  few  words  derived  from  experience, 
observation,  reading,  and   common  sense,  may  not   altogether  be  unac- 
ceptable at  a  time  when  the  song  is  everywhere  heard — 
"  She  meets  you  with  a  smile  at  morn  ; 
She  lulls  you  to  repose ; 
The  flower  for  peer  and  peasant  born — 
The  everlasting  Rjse  !  " 

I  deeply  regret  that  we  have  so  few  yellow  Roses,  or  Roses  of 
yellow  tendency,  fit  for  show  purposes,  or  general  out-door  cultivation. 
We  sadly  want  a  hardy  II. P.  yellow.  I  have  no  hopes  of  Englishmen  ; 
but  1  still  have  hopes  that  French  rai?ers,  with  their  more  genial 
climate  and  greater  enterprise,  will  use  Harrisoni  for  such  a  purpose. 
It  is  hardy,  a  true  yellow,  and  opens  freely.  Whether  it  could  be  used 
to  originate  a  Perpetual,  I  am  not  learned  enough  to  know.  The  Cloth 
of  Gold,  Lanarque,  and  Solfaterre,  are  not  strictly  yellow  Roses,  but  of 
yellow  tendency.  Others  are  canary,  or  pale,  or  dirty  cream. 
Sulphurea  BUperba,  Isabella  Cray,  the  Persian,  and  Harrisoni,  are,  I 
believe,  the  best  true  yellows.  Except  Harrisoni  and  the  Persian,  I 
fear,  these  require  to  be  grown  under  glass,  or  with  great  and  careful 
protection.  Certain  it  is,  that  yellow  Roses,  as  a  class,  require  age, 
good  rich  drained  soil,  room  to  grow  where  and  how  they  like,  little 
knife,  and  winter,  spring,  and  in  some  cases,  summer  protection,  before 
they  will  succeed.      Much  has  been  said  about  Sulphurea  not  opening  ; 


MARCH.  ()!> 

the  reason  is,  people   have  tried  to   bloom  her  before  sbe  has  come  to 
maturity  of  wood.      When    she  attains  age  (and   this   she  will  never 
attain   without   the  greatest  protection)  she    will   force  her   buds  open  ; 
and  no  human  "  nostrum"  will  cause   her  to  do  so,  before  her  consti- 
tution   is    established.      On    an    alien    stock,    she    may,    probably,    be 
hastened  a  little  ;   but  even   on  this,  she  must    have  time  to  form    linn 
main  wood.     The  same  may  he  said  of  the  Cloth  of  Gold.     The  diffi- 
culty is  to  get  it  to  age  ;  after  that,  spring  protection  is  all  it  wants.      I 
have  seen  the  Cloth  of  Gold,  which  was   budded  in  1847,  by  the  Rev. 
C.  Onslow,  of  Wimborne — on  a  standard  brier,  blooming  beautifully  in 
1843,  in  the   centre   of  his  courtyard,  at    the  west   of  bis  house,  sur- 
rounded by  the  house  and  walls  on  all  sides.      How  came  it  to  do  this''? 
Why,  it  was  budded  on  an  established  brier.      The  Cloth  of  Gold  does 
not  like  removal,   till    the    wood   is   two  or  three  years  old.      I    have 
planted  a  very  good  dog  brier  under  my  south  wall,  which  I    shall  bud 
with  the  above  Rose  ;  and  glass-crate  it  over  head,  and  on  the  east  and 
west  sides,  leaving  it  open  to  the  south.      I  have  two  Sulphureas  come, 
and  they  must  be  served  the  same,  or  I  can  see  that  they  will  never  do 
here.     Under   this  crating    they  must  be    fostered    into    age.      With 
regard  to  Sulphurea — called  when  I  was  a  boy,  the  Yellow  Cabbage — 
I  have  never  seen  it  in  bloom  for  forty-three  years.     There  was  an  old 
tree,  very  old,  in   my   native   place,    belonging   to  a  very  old  woman, 
named  Eleanor  Ricketts,  at  that  time   accounted  to  be  a  "  witch,"  but 
a  great  favourite  of  mine,  because  she  gave  me  "  yellow  Roses  of  great 
beauty,   honey,  and  brown-shell  nuts  "  Apples.     From  that  time    to 
this,  1  have  never  seen  Sulphurea,  nor  have  1  ever  since  seen  such  a 
yellow    Rose.     The   tree  was  against  the  house,   which   bad  a  south 
aspect,  and  was  surrounded  by  high  hedges — in  a  word,  the  house  was 
in  a  hot  lane.     The  difficulty  of  course  with  these  tender    Roses  is  to 
get  them  to  age.     Maturity  of  age  for  bearing  is  different  in  different 
Roses,  according  to  their  origin,  or  native  clime  and  position. 

1  should  imagine  that  an  orchard  house  would  be  a  good  place  for 
them,  trained  against  a  wire  trellis,  This  is  the  place  lor  Smitbi  (he 
died  in  six  weeks  here,  covered  with  a  ridge  tile,  and  glassed  at  his  feet), 
which  is  fine  in  bud,  but  bad  when  opened. 

With  regard  to  Roses  of  yellow  tendency,  I  would  observe  that  both 
Lamarque  and  Solfaterre  may  be  grown  compact  and  full  ;  for  I  have 
seen  them  both  so ;  usually  they  are  of  the  loose  order,  and  should  be 
cut  for  show  before  fully  ripe.  I  saw  Lamarque  last  year,  round  and 
compact  as  Alexandrine  Bacbmeteff ;  it  was  grown  by  Mr.  Burgess,  of 
Lansta  Farm,  close  here. 

Let  me  say  a  word  about  Solfaterre  as  a  south  wall  Rose : — How 
easy  is  it  to  grow — how  defiant  of  aphis — how  quickly  does  she  cover 
your  house — how  glorious  and  numerous  are  her  clusters — how  beau- 
tiful are  her  red  stems,  lizard-green  calyx,  and  fine  buds  and  foliage — 
how  sweet  is  her  tea  scent — how  early  does  she  bloom — how  careless 
of  frost — how  faithfully  does  she  bloom  a  second  time — how  well  does 
she  mature  and  bloom  every  bud,  without  the  slightest  failure  !  I  have 
spoken  of  this  Rose  before — I  will  speak  of  her  again.  She  was  two 
or  three  years  old,  when   I  bought  her  of  Mr.  Gill,  of  Blandford,  for 


70  THE    FLORIST. 

Is.  6d.  She  had  on  her,  when  I  first  saw  these,  a  cluster,  with  one 
larger,  more  sulphured,  and  more  compact  rose  than  I  have  ever  been 
able  to  grow  on  her  here.  She  is  now  about  eight  years  old — is  on  a 
dwarf  brier,  and  planted  against  the  south  frontage  of  my  house,  with 
nothing  on  her  western  side  but  a  wood  trellis  porch,  to  stop  the  wind 
between  her  and  Gibraltar.  She  is  as  high  as  the  house,  and  covers 
twenty-four  feet  in  space,  and  would  have  covered  as  much  again,  if  I 
had  been  able  to  allow  her  room.  She  has  had  on  her  first  bloom  this 
year  between  two  and  three  hundred  clusters,  with  from  three  to  five 
buds  each.  Imagine,  then,  this  space  covered  from  day  to  day  with 
fresh  blooms  of  great  magnitude  and  good  form.  I  thought  of  Mr. 
Rivers,  and  his  note  on  her  in  his  admirable  book.  Well,  I  cannot 
tell  the  exact  number  of  her  blooms  ;  but  this  I  know,  she  gave  a 
second  series  of  twenty  clusters  of  sixty  Roses,  as  large  and  sweet  as  in 
her  first  blooming.  Where,  then,  is  the  Rose  of  yellow  tendency,  that 
will  do  all  this  ?  And  how  came  she  to  do  it  ?  The  answer  is,  manage- 
ment and  high  feeding.  I  fed  her  once  a  week  all  through  the  season  ; 
and  when  her  first  bloom  was  over  (about  a  week  before  the  National), 
and  last  bud  was  unfolded,  I  cut  off,  to  two  eyes,  all  her  side  wood, 
like  a  Vine  in  winter.  She  looked  dead — I  fed  her  still — she  moves 
not,  except  at  her  terminals — Nature  asserts  her  claim — she  rests  for  a 
month  or  more — a  heavy  rain  comes,  and  soaks  her  through  and  through 
— she  lives  again — her  eyes  peep  and  start,  form  buds,  and  bloom  again  ! 
Is  not  that  a  Rose,  and  a  good  Rose  too  ?  In  the  last  week  in  May, 
this  great  sight  may  be  seen,  and  I  hope  some  one  will  come  and  see 
her.  Depend  upon  it,  for  general  and  easy  cultivation,  Solfaterre  is 
the  best  wall  Rose,  of  yellow  tendency,  in  England.  Remember,  then, 
the  keys  to  yellow  Roses  ;  and  remember  that  while  age  is  the  key  to 
blooming,  protection  is  the  key  to  age. 

February  5.  W.  P.  Radclypfe. 


THE  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY'S    PRIZES  FOR  STEWED 

PEARS. 
Can  you,  Mr.  Editor,  or  can  any  of  your  readers  inform  me  on  what 
principle  the  awards  to  stewed  Pears  were  made  at  the  Horticultural 
Society's  Show,  in  St.  James's  Hall,  in  November  last?  The  object 
proposed  in  the  schedule,  was  to  ascertain  what  were  the  best  Pears  for 
stewing  ;  but  the  awards  appear  to  have  been  made  as  if  the  object 
had  been  to  ascertain  who  was  the  best  confectioner — colouring,  sugar, 
lemon  peel,  spices,  &c,  &c,  used  ad  libitum,  were  not  considered  at  all 
a  barrier  in  deciding  which  were  the  best  Pears.  The  affair  was  cer- 
tainly a  great  mistake,  and  it  is  easy  to  believe  that  some  clever  artiste 
might  have  carried  the  prizes,  without  in  fact  using  any  Pears  at  all. 
It  reminds  one  of  the  cook,  who,  for  a  wager,  produced  an  exquisite 
soup,  the  basis  of  which  was  white  kid  gloves. 

Q. 


MARCH. 


71 


PEARS. 

1.  BEURRE  AGUSTE  BENOIST. 
This  valuable  Beurre  Pear  is  of  recent  introduction,  and,  according  to  a 
report  in  the  Revue  Horticole,  it  is  a  chance  seedling  of  French  origin, 
stated  to  have  been  discovered  "  growing  in  a  hedge  near  Maine  et 
Loire,"  and  named  after  the  nurseryman  by  whom  it  was  first  propa- 
gated. A  short  time  ago  we  received  fruit  of  this  Pear  from  Mr. 
Nicholson,  of  Egglescliffe,  near  Yarm,  Yorkshire,  from  which  the 
accompanying  outline  and  description  were  taken.  We  are  informed 
that  Mr.  Nicholson  "  received  it  from  France  inl848  ;  and  that  the  tree 
is  hardy  and  a  free  bearer  when  grown  as  a  pyramid  ;  he  considers  it 
the  best  anions  all  the  varieties   he  cultivates."     The  fruit  is  of  the 


first  size,  and  even  in  outline  ;  skin  pale  yellowish  green,  overspread 
with  numerous  grey  specks,  and  flakes  of  cinnamon  russet  near  the  stalk 
and  apex ;  and  tinged  with  rich  brownish  red  on  the  side  exposed  to 
the  sun  ;  altogether  a  very  handsome  fruit ;  stalk  three-fourths  of  an 


72 


THE    FLORIST. 


inch  long,  stout,  and  inserted  without  much  depression  ;  eye  small  and 
slightly  sunk  in  a  narrow  cavity.  The  flesh  is  yellowish  white,  fine 
grained,  perfectly  melting,  saccharine  and  rich,  with  a  strong  musky 
flavour,  not  unlike  that  of  the  Gansel's  Bergamot ;  it  usually  ripens 
through  November  and  December.  The  tree  is  of  medium  growth  arid 
fruitful  habit,  and  has  small  dark  green  glossy  foliage ;  and,  judging 
from  the  fine  appearance  and  quality  of  the  fruit  sent  us  by  Mr. 
Nicholson,  it  cannot  fail  to  be  a  very  desirable  variety  for  growing  in 
the  northern  counties. 

FLADBERG. 
This  Pear  is  not  exactly  of  recent  date,  but  it  is  not  so  well  known 
as  it  deserves,  as  it  is  of  excellent  quality,  and  one  of  the  hardiest  and 
most  prolific  of  Pears  when  grown  as  an  open  standard.  It  partakes 
a  good  deal  of  the  character  of  the  Swan  Egg,  and  appears  to  be  a 
great  improvement  on  that  fine  old  variety.  We  owe  the  origin  of  this 
Pear  to  the  late  Mr.  Williams,  of  Pitmaston — a  gentleman  who  devoted 


a  large  portion  of  his  life  to  raising  seedlings,  and  did  much  towards 
improving  our  hardy  fruit.  The  Pear  in  question  is  of  medium  size, 
and  uneven  in  outline ;  skin  rough,  of  a  brownish  red  on  the  exposed 
sid  e,  the  other  portion  intermixed  with  yellow  and  green,  and  thickly 


MARCH.  73 

sprinkled  with  brown  specks  ;  eye  small,  and  set  in  a  small  even 
cavity,  and  has  a  long  reflexed  calyx.  Stalk  an  inch  long,  and  set 
without  depression,  and  usually  reclining  to  one  side  ;  flesh  yellowish 
and  melting,  and  possesses  a  very  refreshing  juice,  with  a  flavour 
resembling  that  of  the  Swan  Egg,  and  usually  ripens  through  November 
and  December.  The  tree  is  of  strong  growth  and  upright  habit,  and 
bears  freely  in  a  young  state,  producing  fruit  from  the  points  of  the 
previous  year's  growth.  It  is  a  very  suitable  kind  for  the  .orchard  or 
for  pyramid  culture. 

J.  Powell. 


THE   ARTICLE   WITHOUT  A   NAME. 

[Concluded  from  page  25.) 

I  was  sitting  to-day,  Mr.  Editor,  in  a  very  tranquil  state  of  mind — 
so  tranquil,  indeed,  as  to  approach  that  Elysium  of  forgetfulness 
attained  by  a  certain  celebrity,  who — 

"  Went  along  thinking  of  nothing  at  all ;" 
when  that  dusky  Mercury  from  Bagnigge  Wells  Road  alighted,  not 
like  his  renowned  ancestor  of  Shakesperian  memory,  "upon  a  heaven- 
kissing  hill,"  but  from  the  top  of  a  two-penny  omnibus,  and  came 
thundering  at  my  door  for  a  "  remedy."  Having  a  lively  recollection 
of  the  circumstances  under  which  I  had  made  his  impship's  acquaint- 
ance, I  was  about  to  despatch  him  to  my  friend  the  chemist  over  the 
way  for  a  dental  application,  when,  happening  to  turn  to  your  last 
Florist,  which  lay  on  my  table,  I  found  that  the  first  part  of  this 
article  closed  with  the  promise  of  a  "remedy  "  in  a  future  paper.  The 
true  state  of  the  matter  was  at  once  apparent.  "  God  bless  me,"  I 
exclaimed,  "  Why,  it's  the  conclusion  of  the  article  without  a  name  the 
boy  is  waiting  for."  "  Yes,"  interposed  he,  "  and  I  am  not  to  go  back 
without  it ;  and  here  is  the  24th  of  the  month  again,  and  not  a  line 
written."  Propitiating  the  imp  with  a  shilling  for  the  pantomime 
(there  was  a  morning  performance),  and  instructions  to  call  again  at 
four  o'clock,  I  seized  a  pen,  made  an  effort,  and  here,  my  dear  Sir,  is 
the  result. 

"  Variety,  in  some  instances,"  observes  Shenstone,  in  his  Uncon- 
nected Thoughts,  "  may  be  carried  to  such  excess  as  to  lose  its  whole 
effect,"  and  this  is  exactly  what  results  from  our  usual  mode  of  shrub- 
bery planting.  Extremes  meet,  says  the  old  adage,  and  here  we  have 
practical  exemplification.  Variety  there  may  be  if  you  select  merely  a 
square  rod  or  two  in  any  one  part,  but  the  same  features  are  repeated 
so  continuously  that  the  dullest  monotony  is  the  combined  effect. 

Now,  wrhy  cannot  we  discard  this  tedious  antiquated  sameness  for 
something  better.  I  have  a  profound  respect — nay,  veneration — for  old 
and  time-honoured  customs,  but  when  their  adoption  only  defeats  the 
end  in  view,  as  in  this  instance,  they  should  be  permitted  to  pass 
quietly  away.  Writers  on  gardening  are  fond  of  believing  themselves, 
and  persuading  their   readers,  that   Nature   is  their   great   fount   of 


74  THE    FLORIST. 

inspiration  ;  and  that,  with  her  precepts  to  guide  them,  they  cannot  go 
wrong.  There  is,  doubtless,  a  large  grain  of  truth  is  the  bushel  of 
chair  which  usually  hides  it;  but  were  it  not  sacrilege  to  parody  a  well- 
known  exclamation,  we  might  say  with  much  truth,  "0,  Nature! 
what  monstrosities  have  men  committed  in  thy  name." 

But  we  must  descend.  Can  anything  be  more  tediously  assigned 
than  the  ordinary  shrubberies  in  a  garden,  or  more  opposite  to  what 
we  are  persuaded  to  believe  they  represent — 

"Nature  to  advantage  dressed." 

A  natural  shrubbery  has  breadth,  massiveness,  and  repose  ;  its  prime 
elements  are  few,  but  the  effect  is  an  harmonious  whole.  An  artificial 
one,  on  the  contrary,  is  in  ninety-nine  cases  out  of  every  hundred  a 
mixture  of  heterogeneous  and  discordant  parts — variety  run  wild — 
breadth,  massiveness,  and  repose  murdered. 

It  will  be  understood  that  I  am  not  in  any  way  alluding  to  collections 
of  shrubs  and  trees  viewed  simply  as  collections,  but  to  the  main  or 
principal  features  of  a  garden  to  which  other  matters  must  be  subser- 
vient. 

Instead  of  distributing  the  same  kinds  of  plants  throughout  the 
garden,  why  not  concentrate  particular  kinds  in  given  positions,  varying 
them  as  regards  soil,  situation,  or  aspect,  or  in  accordance  with  any 
local  circumstances  that  may  present  themselves,  so  that,  in  making 
a  circuit  of  such  a  garden,  some  new  feature  may  be  constantly 
presented.  In  some  parts,  particular  kinds  may  be  grouped  in  con- 
siderable masses,  while  others  may  be  more  or  less  detached,  yet  still 
preserving  a  massiveness  and  breadth  of  effect.  Here  Hollies  may 
prevail ;  there  Arbutus  ;  in  another,  Phillyreas ;  in  a  fourth,  Rhodo- 
dendrons ;  and  so  on.  Deciduous  plants  will,  of  course,  be  employed  to 
a  considerable  extent,  but  it  will  be  found  the  better  mode,  whenever 
practicable,  to  confine  the  undergrowths  in  the  principal  shrubberies  to 
evergreens,  using  a  preponderance  of  deciduous  things  to  break  and  vary 
the  sky  outline. 

In  common  with  every  commendable  garden  practice,  this  grouping 
system  has  been  in  some  degree  adopted  in  the  irregular  parts  of  the 
grounds  of  the  Crystal  Palace.  The  effect  is  patent  to  everybody  with 
time  and  a  shilling  to  spend. 

But  there  is  one  other  circumstance  so  utterly  destructive  of  all 
breadth  and  repose  in  a  shrubbery,  that  these  observations,  incomplete 
as  they  ai-e,  would  be  still  more  so  if  I  did  not  venture  on  a  few 
condemnatory  remarks  thereon.  I  allude  to  the  harsh  band  of  bare 
earth  which  is  so  studiously  preserved  around  and  in  front  of  shrubberies 
in  general.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  gardeners  usually  cannot 
or  will  not  see  that  a  garden  is  made  for  something  more  than  to  "  bed 
out  "  flowers  in.  They  will  persist  in  sacrificing  everything  to  this  one 
feature.  As  a  body,  they  cannot  imagine  a  garden  in  which  the  fronts 
of  the  shrubberies  are  not  ornamented  (?)  with  gimcracks  in  the  way  of 
Petunias,  Geraniums,  Fuchsias,  and  weedy  annuals.  And  to  carry  out 
this,  their  pet  desideratum,  the  edging  iron  and  the  rake  year  after 
year  destroy  or  neutralise  those  harmonious  features  which  Nature,  if 


MARCH.  75 


allowed  her  way,  would  produce.  A  mass  of  shrubs,  the  boughs  of 
which  gracefully  sweep  the  lawn,  compared  with  a  similar  one  bordered 
with  bare  earth  or  weedy  abominations,  do  not  admit  of  comparison. 


L. 


FRANCIS'S  BRITISH  FERNS. 


Last  year  I  ordered  from  London  your  Florist,  with  which  I  am 
greatly  pleased,  and  shall  continue  to  take  it  in.  In  the  volume  for 
1851  is  a  critique  on  my  A nalysis  of  British  Ferns,  edit.  iv.  I  beg 
to  say,  that  I  had  nothing  to  do  with  that  work  after  the  second 
edition,  neither  have  I  seen  a  copy  of  any  later  edition  ;  hence  the 
errors  you  point  out,  and  the  not  keeping  pace  with  the  improved 
knowledge  of  the  time,  which  you  complain  of.  My  last  edition,  the 
second,  was  published  in  1842,  I  believe  soon  after  the  venation 
as  a  characteristic  of  genera  was  first  promulgated  by  my  friend, 
Mr.  Smith.  On  that  matter  I  have  much  modified  my  views  ; 
I  think  it  much  more  valuable  as  a  diagnosis  than  at  that  distant 
time.  Your  other  censurable  remarks  certainly  have  much  founda- 
tion, as  far  as  I  can  judge  of  them  without  seeing  the  edition  referred 
to.  I  do  not  even  know  if  the  same  plates  are  continued,  so  that 
I  must  beg  to  be  exonerated  from  all  blame  on  this  matter  ;  and,  even 
at  this  distance  of  time  (seven  years)  I  trust  you  will  find  room  in 
your  Florist  for  this  note,  written  from  the  Antipodes,  as  I  am  now 
Director  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  Adelaide,  South  Australia.  In  your 
volume  for  1851  is  a  letter,  entitled,  "  News  from  Mount  Barker." 
The  writer  I  am  not  acquainted  with,  but  his  letter  is  very  correct 
altogether,  and  applies  almost  as  well  to  the  present  day  as  then. 
When  I  have  time,  I  will  send  you  a  paper  or  two  on  Australian 
Gardens.  George  W.  Francis,  F.H.S. 

Adelaide,  December  8,  1858. 

[We  very  readily  give  insertion  to  the  above  letter  from  Mr. 
Francis,  as  affording  an  explanation  of  his  views  at  the  present  time 
on  the  question  commented  on  by  the  reviewer  in  the  Florist  so  long 
ago  as  1851.  Mr.  Francis  was  among  the  very  first  British  botanists 
who  directed  attention  to  the  Ferns  and  their  allies ;  and,  as  such,  is 
entitled  to  our  respect ;  and  doubtless  the  errors  complained  of  would 
long  since  have  been  rectified  had  Mr.  Francis  continued  his  labours 
in  this  country.  The  letter  shows  rather  curiously  how  booksellers 
make  up  new  editions,  with  improvements,  &c,  and  affords  a  hint  to 
authors  to  see  that  their  names  are  not  made  use  of  without  their 
consent,  or  their  having  the  chance  of  correcting  their  first  impressions. 
We  shall  be  very  pleased  to  hear  again  from  Mr.  Francis. — Ed.  Fl.] 


76  THE    FLORIST. 


SOUTH  METROPOLITAN    CHRYSANTHEMUM  SOCIETY. 

We  have  much  pleasure  in  laying  before  our  readers  the  following 
account  of  the  progress  of  this  Society.  At  a  meeting  held  on  the 
14th  ult,  Dr.  Bushell  in  the  chair,  nearly  fifty  new  members  were 
proposed  and  elected,  increasing  the  strength  of  the  Society  to  upwards 
of  100  members.  The  Chairman,  in  opening  the  business  of  the 
evening,  mentioned  the  kindly  feeling  which  existed  in  the  immediate 
neighbourhood,  and,  as  an  instance,  informed  the  gentlemen  present 
that  Mr.  Tichener,  of  the  Grosvenor  Arms,  Grosvenor  Park,  had  insti- 
tuted a  respect  board,  on  which  should  be  placed  the  names  of  Annual 
Subscribers.  Mr.  Tichener  expressed  himself  very  gratified  that  his 
endeavours  had  met  with  the  approbation  of  the  Society,  ahd  hoped 
that  the  South  Metropolitan  would  stand  second  to  none  in  the  Flori- 
cultural  world ;  but  take  its  place  in  the  foremost  rank. 

The  Chairman  then  stated  that  the  meeting  had  been  specially  con- 
vened to  hear  a  short  discourse  or  lecture  from  Mr.  Broome,  of  the 
Temple  Gardens,  as  to  his  mode  of  cultivating  this  very  favourite 
London  flower.  Mr.  Broome  was  then  introduced  by  Mr.  Hayhow. 
He  commenced  by  stating  that  he  had  not  come  to  lay  before  his  audi- 
ence a  long  dry  wordy  statement ;  but  to  show,  in  a  practical  point  of 
view,  how  the  plant  may  be  brought  to  that  perfection  which  has  been 
so  admirably  exemplified  at  our  late  London  exhibitions,  and  directed 
his  advice  more  especially  to  young  beginners  than  those  who  were 
better  skilled  in  their  culture,  and  that  he  never  felt  happier  than  when 
he  was  giving  nis  experience  to  those  whom  he  thought  would  benefit 
by  it,  and  which  he  had  only  been  able  to  gain  by  great  perseverance 
and  travel.  We  must  mention,  by-the-by,  that  this  lecture  was  illus- 
trated, and  that  Mr.  Broome  here  took  up  an  old  root  of  the  sort 
Queen  of  England  and  dissected  it,  showing  how  varieties  are  propa- 
gated by  means  of  suckers,  taking  off  the  best  and  those  of  good 
constitution  for  his  use.  He  showed  how  necessary  was  good  drainage 
to  the  habit  of  the  plant,  and  illustrated  the  best  soils,  having  brought 
with  him  specimens  ;  also  cautioned  all  against  the  two  frequent  fault 
of  giving  them  too  much  water  when  young,  thus  causing  what  is 
technically  called  "damp,"  and  impressed  upon  all  the  necessity  that 
when  the  pots  were  getting  too  full  of  roots  a  change  should  take  place. 
The  next  subject  he  wished  to  draw  attention  to  was  the  "  disbudding," 
which  consisted  of  taking  the  centre  eye  out,  and  causing  the  plant  to 
throw  out  laterals  and  branches  to  an  almost  incredible  extent,  after 
which  it  should  be  supplied  with  a  little  liquid  manure,  and  allowed 
plenty  of  water,  keeping  it  cool  during  the  hot  summer  months,  which 
prevented  the  soil  caking  round  the  pot,  and  the  plant  assuming  a 
rugged  and  distasteful  appearance.  "Stopping"  or  "disbudding" 
must  not  be  practised  after  August.  Mr.  Broome  concluded  his  enter- 
taining skefsh  by  requesting  all  who  were  desirous  of  gaining  any 
information  on  the  subject  before  them  to  come  to  him,  and  he  would 
feel  very  great  pleasure  in  giving  it ;  adding  that  as  the  time  was  now 
approaching  for  planting,  all  making  purchases  would  find  a  list  of 


MARCH.  77 

choice  sorts,  with  their  colours  attached,  for  inspection  at  the  Society's 
place  of  meeting  in  the  Lorrimore  Road. 

A  short  discussion  ensued;  several  questions  being  put  and  answered 
in  a  very  practical  manner,  the  lecturer  showing  that  a  very  prevalent 
idea  of  growing  from  the  old  wood  was  a  mistaken  one,  as  when  the 
July  sun  came  upon  the  plant,  it  soon  occasioned  abortion;  and  as 
an  illustration,  he  instanced  Mr.  Holland,  of  Hounslow,  who  kept  an 
old  plant,  which  grew  well,  "broke"  well,  until  about  the  middle  of 
July  it  went  off,  and  there  was  an  end  of  it,  thus  showing  that  the 
Chrysanthemum  must  be  propagated  by  suckers  or  cuttings  only. 
Questions  were  alse  asked  concerning  the  combination  of  charcoal  with 
the  soil,  the  cure  of  that  pest  the  greenfly,  and  the  practice  of  potting, 
which  were  all  admirably  answered  by  the  lecturer. 

We  must  not  forget  to  mention  that  Mr.  Morgan,  of  Lincoln's-inn- 
fields,  explained  his  method  of  treatment  in  the  way  of  growing  Pom- 
pones  as  standards,  in  a  manner  similar  to  the  Rose,  and  which  have  a 
very  handsome  appearance,  differing  very  materially  from  tho  bushy 
plants  of  Mr.  Broome. 

The  interest  which  was  exhibited  throughout  the  discourse,  and  the 
crowded  state  of  the  assembly,  showed  with  what  enthusiasm  the  cause 
has  been  taken  us.  The  Societies  on  the  north  side  of  London  must 
bestir  themselves,  or  they  may  find  a  formidable  body  of  competitors 
in  the  amateurs  south. 

Before  concluding  our  report  we  must  beg  to  mention  that  the  Society 
has  received  the  patronage  of  W.  Roupell,  Esq.,  M.P.,  who  has  kindly 
volunteered  a  Silver  Cup  for  a  prize,  and  which  will  no  doubt  be  stre- 
nuously sontended  for.  We  must  also  intimate  that,  as  this  lecture  was 
delivered  with  a  view  to  encourage  those  who  were  exhibitors,  Mr. 
Broome,  assisted  by  Mr.  Morgan,  will,  next  monthly  night,  proceed  to 
show  those  who  have  small  gardens  how  they  may  best  decorate  them 
when  all  else  is  dreary.  After  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  chairman,  vice- 
chairman,  and  the  secretary,  the  meeting  separated. 


STRAWBERRIES. 
LETTER  II. 


Addsessed  by  Monsieur   Ferdinand  Gloede  to  the  Rev.  W.  F.  Radclyffe, 
Rector  of  Rushton,  Dorset. 

Les  Sablons,  Jan.  10th,  1859. 
Rev.  and  Dear  Sir, — I  beg  to  apologize  for  not  having  written  to 
you  ere  this,  in  answer  to  your  very  kind  and  welcome  letter  of  the 
15th  of  December,  which  has  been  followed  by  another  not  less  inte- 
resting, received  yesterday  morning.  You  may  depend  upon  a  visit  of 
mine,  on  my  next  trip  to  England,  as  I  feel  most  anxious  to  make  your 
personal  acquaintance ;  and  I  beg  to  thank  you  in  advance  for  your 
kindness  inoffering  me  hospitality. 

I  notice  with  much  pleasure  in  the  January  Florist  the  letter  which 
I  addressed  to  you,  and  which  I  trust  may  prove  useful  to  the  public. 


78  THE    FLORIST. 

I  shall  always  feel  it  to  be  my  duty,  whenever  I  have  something  of 
interest  to  say,  to  let  others  profit  by  it.  The  few  sorts  of  Strawberries, 
which  you  name,  will  be  forwarded  to  you  in  February,  weather  per- 
mitting ;  and  I  trust  you  will  kindly  accept  a  few  other  varieties  which 
I  may  deem  interesting ;  as,  for  instance,  La  Constante,  a  plant  ot 
very  dwarf  habit,  and  of  first-rate  excellence  in  every  respect.  Of 
the  May  Queen  I  have  plenty,  and  shall  add  this  also.  It  is  the  best 
early  sort  in  cultivation.  Mr.  Nicholson,  its  raiser,  had  fruit  of  it  ripe 
on  the  28th  of  May,  in  the  open  ground.  [The  earliest  pick  here  is 
about  the  18th  of  June  generally;  last  year  the  14th,  under  my  south 
wall.  They  are  ten  days  later  in  the  centre  of  the  garden.  I  refer  to 
Sir  Harry  in  all  the  above  instances. — W.  F.  R.]  La  Chaloneuse  is 
one  of  the  finest  flavoured  fruit  known,  and  if  it  succeed  well  at  your 
place  it  will  give  you  satisfaction.  It  appears  that  you  like  musk  in 
the  flavour  of  Strawberries.  I  shall  send  you  Cuthill's  Princesse 
Royale,  which  here  is  a  shy  bearer,  but  of  very  fine  flavour.  Then 
La  Baron,  by  Prince  of  New  York,  a  very  good  early  sort,  very  rich, 
though  of  middle  size  only.  Excellente  (Belgian),  first  rate,  and  very 
aromatic.  Ne  plus  ultra  (Belgian),  very  large,  sweet,  and  extremely 
dark  in  colour  (nearly  black,  when  fully  ripe).  If  you  like,  I  shall 
send  you  the  white  Alpine,  also  a  little  seed  of  the  bush  Alpine,  red 
and  white,  for  border  edges.  [I  should  think  they  would  be  good  sub- 
stitutes for  box.  W.  F.  R  ]  There  will  of  course  be  Vindis,  a  curious 
sort,  of  good  vinous  flavour,  but  rather  small.  Do  you  know  Mr. 
Rivers'  Eliza  ?  [I  have  ordered  it  from  Mr.  R.  W.  F.  R.]  It  is  a 
very  good  sort,  and  I  can  send  it  along  with  the  others.  Mr.  Powell, 
in  his  Strawberry  article,  praises  the  fertilized  Hautbois,  of  Myatt. 
[So  did  Mr.  Tiley,  who  sent  it  to  me ;  but,  owing  to  its  being  planted 
in  the  depth  of  winter,  it  bore  no  fruit  this  last  year.  W.  F.  R.]  It 
is  good,  but  I  do  not  consider  it  so  much  so  as  the  improved  Hautbois, 
large  flat  Hautbois,  the  black  Hautbois,  Belle  Bourdelaise,  and  Marquise 
de  Latour  Maubourg.  There  is  still  a  very  old  sort,  Myatt's  Pine 
Apple  [I  wish  Mr.  Myatt  would  send  me  his  direction.  W.  F.  R.], 
perhaps  the  best  of  all,  but  a  very  shy  bearer ;  still  worth  a  place  in 
the  garden. 

1  shall  accept  with  thanks  the  few  plants  of  Cinquefolia  [Myatt's, 
and  said  by  a  very  good  judge,  Mr.  Hecter,  to  be  first-rate.  W.  P.  R.j 
you  kindly  offer  me,  and  also  a  few  of  what  you  call  Old  Carolina. 
[I  saved  no  young  plants  last  year  ;  they  are  in  lines  a  foot  apart,  alter- 
nately two  and  three  years  old  next  July.  The  three  years  old  have 
been  cropped  once,  and  the  two  years  old  were  purposely  disfruited  last 
year.  W.  F.  R.]  There  are  so  many  Strawberries  called  Old  Carolina 
that  I  should  like  to  find  out  the  true  sort.  The  Carolina  Superba 
here  is  not  delicate  at  all.  [Tiley  told  me  it  was ;  but  under  the 
eaves  of  my  south  wall  it  looks  exceedingly  well.  It  was,  however, 
planted  this  last  January  twelvemonth,  and  totally  disfruited  last  year. 
I  never  fruit  a  weak  plant.  W.  F.  R.]  I  fear  that  you  have  not  got 
the  true  C.  S.  If  you  like,  I  will  send  you  the  true  C.  S.  [I  believe 
mine  to  be  perfectly  true  ;  Monsieur  Gloede  is  not  aware  of  the  differ- 
ence between  a  French  and  Engliah  winter.     As  regards  my  situation, 


MARCH.  79 

a  delicate  Strawberry  is  hopeless  ;  six  weeks  ago  the  wind  swept  oft*  the 
cowl  from  the  top  of  my  kitchen  chimney,  and  on  Sunday  last,  23rd  of 
January,  it  swept  oft*  a  10-feet  tin  rarifier  (a  sure  cure  for  a  smoky 
chimney)  off  my  bed-room  chimney.  I  heard  the  bits  of  mortar 
come  down  bit  by  bit,  then  a  brick  or  two,  and  at  last  a  heavy  toppling 
fall  of  a  10-feet  tin  tunnel  on  terra  firma.  I  am  so  used  to  it,  that  1 
never  moved  a  muscle ;  but  think  what  chance  a  delicate  Rose  or 
Strawberry  can  have  here.  W.  F.  R.]  Your  plan  of  top-dressing  is 
certainly  first  rate,  as  it  supplies  manure  to  the  roots,  without  disturbing 
them  [As  long  as  you  allow  your  man  to  dig  or  fork  among  your 
Strawberries  and  Raspberries,  so  long  will  you  have  neither.  W.  F.  R.], 
thus  keeping  them  in  excellent  condition  for  several  years.  [I  have 
grown  large  crops  of  Victorias  and  Keens,  four  years  old  plants,  the 
ground  being  purposely  trodden  as  hard  as  a  turnpike  road  the  whole 
of  the  time,  the  fruit  when  formed  never  by  any  chance  fails  ;  of  course 
they  are  enormously  dressed  with  surface  solid  manure,  directly  after 
they  have  done  bearing,  and  runners  carefully  kept  off.  My  soil  is 
friable  loam.  W.  F.  R.]  Your  suggestion,  that  Sir  Harry  may  be 
best  as  an  Annual,  strikes  me.  [I  have  no  doubt  that  an  early  July 
runner  of  Sir  Harry,  planted  under  a  hot  south  wall,  chopped,  and  then 
replaced  with  new  plants,  and  a  little  fresh  maiden  earth,  or  old  mud 
wall,  in  the  very  same  place,  will  do  as  well  with  others  as  it  has  done 
with  me.  It  will  give  you  on  an  average  40  fine  berries  per  plant 
(being  14  inches  distant  from  each  other),  and  20  good  enough  for 
jam.  Under  my  south  wall  it  bore  ecmally  well  the  second  year. 
Give  it  a  year's  run  at  two  feet  distance,  and  feed  and  water  it 
from  May  till  the  May  following,  and  you  will  have  a  high  stand- 
ing bush,  covered  with  flowers,  ultimately  producing  from  200  to  300 
Strawberries  per  plant.  You  will  then  have  some  idea  of  what  Sir 
Harry  can  do.  Exposed  in  the  open,  and  fall  planted,  it  is  not  so 
hardy  as  Keen  ;  but  plant  it  in  May,  and  it  will  defy  the  most  rigorous 
winter.  As  an  annual  it  will  beat  any  other  for  crop,  if  you  plant  it 
June  or  early  in  July.  W.  F.  R.]  This  sort  being  a  heavy  cropper, 
it  becomes  easily  exhausted  after  the  first  crop.  Annual  culture  may, 
perhaps,  be  adopted  with  many  sorts,  provided  you  can  get  early  run- 
ners ;  plant  them  in  nursery  beds  as  soon  as  their  roots  touch  the 
ground  [their  roots  cannot  be  too  short  when  planted.  W.  F.  R.], 
water  them  abundantly,  and  finally  plant  them  with  a  ball,  where  they 
are  to  fruit.  [You  must  not  scmeeze  the  earth  into  a  clayey  knot. 
W.  F.  R.]  I  am  glad  to  see  that  you  intend  paying  a  visit  to  my 
friend,  Mr.  Nicholson,  in  case  you  should  go  to  the  north.  You  will 
see  Strawberries  grown  in  a  first  rate  manner,  and  make  an  acquaintance 
with  a  man  of  the  right  sort. 

Wood  ashes,  soot,  and  peat  charcoal  with  me  also  are  favourite 
manures  [I  told  him  that  I  planted  many  of  my  Strawberries  with 
peat  charcoal,  that  I  thought  wood  ashes  good,  and  that  I  soot  all  my 
Strawberries  heavily  once  every  year  at  least ;  and  that  for  that  reason 
I  am  never  troubled  with  May  bug,  or  red  spider,  and  very  little  with 
slugs.  W.  F.  R.],  especially  for  pot  culture.  We  have  had  fine 
open  weather,  with  frequent  rains  up  to  the  31st  ultimo,  and  since 


80  THE    FLORIST. 

then  a  pretty  sharp  frost.  [We  have  had  here  dense  fogs  and  ice  in 
the  roads.  Keen  is  a  little  burnt  in  its  droopy  leaves ;  Victoria  and 
Carolina  S.  are  hardly  affected ;  Ananias  Lecoq  is  not  at  all  affected, 
its  leaves  are  thick,  well  formed,  and  of  a  beautiful  lively  green  ;  its 
crowns  are  fine,  and  it  is  altogether  the  best  plant  I  ever  saw.  From 
its  fine  constitution,  it  must'  be  a  forcer.     W.  F.  R.] 

I  am  now  busy  in  placing  my  first  Strawberries  in  pots  for  forcing. 
I  shall  tell  you  something  about  them  hereafter.  The  Florist  is  read 
by  many  persons  in  France ;  and  our  French  horticultural  papers 
frequently  give  extracts  of  the  same,  namely,  the  Journal  of  our  Paris 
Society.  1  intend  writing  a  little  pamphlet  on  the  cultivation  of  Straw- 
berries, both  out  of  doors  and  forced  ;  but  I  doubt  whether  I  shall  have 
leisure  to  do  so  before  next  winter.  I  should  like  to  give  in  the  same  a 
description  of  all  known  sorts  ;  but  I  want  to  test  many  of  them  next 
season,  in  order  to  be  sure  of  what  I  write.  Unfortunately,  the  two 
last  seasons  cannot  be  counted,  as  regards  Strawberries,  owing  to  the 
extreme  drought  and  heat  [1  put  on  about  (500  buckets  per  week. 
W.  F.  R.],  the  greatest  enemies  to  Strawberries.  The  grub  of  the 
common  May  bug  besides  did  sad  havoc.  [Give  the  plant  soot  in 
February.  W.  F.  R.]  This  year,  however,  we  shall  be  free  of  that 
plague,  and  my  plants,  having  grown  strong,  I  shall  be  able  to  study 
their  respective  merits  at  ease.  I  shall  give  myself  the  pleasure  to 
send  you,  in  due  time,  a  descriptive  catalogue  of  all  the  sorts.  A.nd 
you  are  at  liberty  to  make  any  use  you  like  of  it ;  and  also  to  ask  me 
freely  for  any  sort  you  may  consider  of  interest  to  you. 

In  my  next  letter  I  shall  give  you  an  exact  description  of  the  new 
California,  with  my  views  as  to  the  future  utility  of  this  extraordinary 
sort.  You  may  depend  upon  getting  some  plants  of  the  same. 
[Monsieur  Gloede  is,  like  Mr.  N.,  a  man  of  the  right  sort.  W.  F.  R.] 
I  shall  have  some  trees  from  Mr.  Rivers,  when  you  may  send,  by  this 
opportunity,  the  plants  you  kindly  offer  me. 

I  remain,  Rev.  and  dear  Sir,  yours,  most  respectfully, 

Ferdinand  Gloede. 

Without  my  interpolations,  I  think  this  letter  will  much  interest 
Fragrarians.     W.  F.  R. 


SPERGULA  PILIFERA— A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  GRASS. 

Spergtjla  pilifera,  in  its  style  of  growth,  is  a  neat  dwarf  hardy 
perennial  tufted  alpine  plant,  forming  close  compact  wiry  Grass-like 
stems,  from  a  quarter  to  half  an  inch  in  height,  at  first  erect,  after- 
wards decumbent,  clothed  with  closely  set  green  bristle-like  leaves, 
which,  by  permanent  growth  and  occasional  rolling,  forms  an  unbroken 
level  velvet-like  surface  of  the  richest  conceivable  verdure,  remaining 
uninjured  in  severe  drought  or  intense  cold,  and  assumes  the  same 
beautiful  verdurous  tint  during  the  winter  months  as  in  summer.  The 
seedling  plant  of  this  highly  interesting  object  starts  into  growth  with 
a  single  unbranched   perpendicular   radicle   or   root,   and   afterwards 


MARCH.  81 

manifests  a  remarkable  power   of  extension  in  its  ramifying  hair-like 
roots,   penetrating  to    the  depth    of    one   to  two    feet — a   fact    quite 
sufficient  to  account  for  its  enduring  the  opposite  extremes  of  severe 
heaf.  and  cold.     In  addition  to  its  hardiness  under  the  vicissitudes  of 
an  English  climate,  its  value  is  considerably  enhanced  in  its  adaptation  to 
all  the  varieties  of  common  garden  soil,  requiring  but  a  thin  firm  surface 
stratum  of  one  inch  ordinary  sifted  or  broken  loam.     Maintaining  its 
verdant  freshness  alike  beneath  storm  and  sunshine,  it  combines  every 
needful  feature  of  adaptation  with  economy,  and  an  uniform  aspect  of 
neatness  with  the  least  possible  care  or  attention.     Its  fertility  in  bloom 
during  the  month  of  July  is  equally  beautiful,  being  at  that  period 
studded  over  with  myriads  of  low  compact  salver-shaped  snow-white 
blossoms,  appearing  not  as  in  fancy,  but  in  reality,  the  living  picture 
of  an  emerald  velvet  green  carpet,  spangled  with  innumerable  silver 
stars.     From  the  preceding  remarks,  it  will  be  seen,  that  the  established 
growth  of  this  plant  maintains  a  dwarf  close  web  of  green  verdure,  and 
entirely  dispenses    with  the  extra  toil   and   expense    of  mowing,  its 
numerous  small  brittle  flower  scapes  being  removed  by  the  gentlest 
movement  of  a  wing  or  brush  over  the  surface  of  the  lawn,  either  whilst 
in  bloom  or  afterwards  ;  and  these  constitute  the  only  surface  growth, 
or  tokens  of  its  beauty,  which  require  this  operation  but  once  a  year. 
For  small  or  medium-sized  lawns,  terraces,  verges,  mounds,  &c,  this 
remarkably  interesting  and  beautiful  little  plant  offers  an  object  of  great 
interest  to  every  lover  of  gardening  pursuits,  and  every  lady  amateur 
cultivator  may  superintend  and  personally  manage  the  slight  attentions 
required  to  preserve  the  terrace  margins  or  velvet  lawn  in  the  highest 
condition.     The  permanent  and  uniform  condition  of  dense  growth,  with 
the  penetrative  power  of  its  roots,  preserves  it  from  all  risks  of  being 
parched  by  extreme  exposure  in  sultry  weather,  and  the  progressive 
accumulation  of  its  Moss-like  growth,  gives  an  elastic  pressure  to  the 
foot,  much  softer    than  the  finest  Turkey  carpet.     The    seeds    may 
be  sown  either  in  or  out  of  pots,  in  the  usual  method  observed  fur  fine 
seeds,  with   a  slight  but  uniform  covering  of  soil,  a.d  placed  within 
either  a  frame,  cool  pit,  or  greenhouse,  using  the  usual  precaution  of 
shading  the  seed  pans  from  intense  sunlight,  daily  for  a  few  hours, 
until  well   germinated  ;    after   which  it  may  either    be  replanted  in 
stores  of  ten   to  fifty  plants,  within  dishes  or  large  pots,  or  otherwise 
planted  out  in  a  rather  shady  border  of  the  open  ground,  for  a  few 
weeks,  and  ultimately  transplanted  upon  the  prepared  lawn  surface  in 
two  or  three  plants,  within  one  inch  or  more  of  each  other  ;  and  such 
little  plant  groups  may  be  formed  at  a  distance  of  six,  nine,  or  twelve 
inches  apart ;  in  such  positions,  the  growths  will  progressively  ^  meet, 
and  form  the  rich  and  beautiful   surface  now   described.     It  is  also 
adnrrably  adapted  for  picturesque  green  tufts  and  edgings  on  avenue 
lines  and  borders,  for  grouping  the  front  spaces  of  massive  rock-work, 
and  surfacing  partially   raised  mounds  around  classic  fountains    and 
basins  or  artistic  columns,  where  Grass  is  unavailable  for  mowing,  and 
equally  telling  for  cultivation  in  larger  vases,  in  alternate  effect  with 
the  silvery  sheen  of  the  beautiful  Cerastium  tomentosum,  on  terrace 
verges,  and  architectural  approaches. 

VOL.    XII.,    NO.    CXXXV.  G 


82  THE    FLORIST. 

A  practical  proof  of  the  success  of  Spergula  pilifera  for  the  objects 
above  stated,  may  be  seen  in  the  gardens  of  A.  Mongredien,  Esq.,  at 
Forest  Hill,  Sydenham,  Kent;  where  a  rich  and  verdant  plot  or  lawn 
has  been  established  four  years  by  Mr.  Summers,  the  intelligent 
gardener  there,  and  is  now  in  fine  condition.  In  the  same  gardens,  a 
considerable  space  is  allotted  for  further  illustration  of  its  perfect 
adaptation,  which  may  be  seen  on  application. — E.  G.  Henderson  and 
Sons  Catalogue  of  Flower  Seeds,  &c. 

[We  have  seen  this  plant,  and  have  little  doubt  that  it  will  make 
a  compact  and  excellent  lawn — soft  and  elastic  to  the  tread,  and  even  in 
surface.     Its  not  requiring  any  mowing  is  a  great  point  in  its  favour]. 


LIFTING  AND  RE-PLANTING  OLD    FRUIT  TREES— CON- 
SIDERED DEGENERATING. 

Allow  me  to  give  the  results  of  my  experience,  with  twenty  old  Apple 
trees  and  five  Pears,  that  were  considered  by  my  employer  and  others 
to  be  wearing  out.  When  I  commenced  my  service — June,  1855 — I 
found  all  the  trees  in  a  horrible  plight — gum.  canker,  and  American 
blight  being  the  order  of  the  day  ;  and  my  employer,  on  going  through 
the  grounds  with  me,  a  few  days  after,  remarked  that  he  did  not  know 
what  was  the  matter  with  them.  He  said  he  got  but  little  fruit  from 
them  ;  and  what  he  did  get,  was  spotted,  cracked,  and  gritty.  He  had 
not  an  Apple  or  Pear  fit  for  use  by  November,  and  that  his  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  and  Apricots,  were  still  worse.  Every  five  or  six  years 
he  had  to  replant  young  trees,  for  they  died  off,  half  at  a  time,  and  the 
little  fruit  they  bore  was  watery.  This  was  the  account  given  of  the 
trees,  and  I  began  to  fancy  that  I  had  got  my  head  in  a  hornet's  nest. 
I,  however,  at  once  discovered  the  cause  of  complaint,  and  I  am  happy 
to  say  have  successfully  removed  it.  My  Peaches  are  now  excellent, 
with  no  appearance  of  degeneracy  ;  and  I  may  say  that  my  Nectarines 
and  Apricots  have  been  equally  fine  and  abundant.  So  much  for 
wearing  out. 

The  Apples  and  Pears  had  been  planted  thirty  years ;  they  were 
thirteen  feet  high,  and  had  been  trained  goblet  fashion.  When  I  pro- 
posed to  lift  and  replant  them  in  some  other  part  of  the  garden,  I  was 
laughed  at.  However,  I  at  last  got  consent,  and  they  have  since 
surpassed  my  employer's  most  sanguine  expectations.  At  this  time  they 
are  in  good  health,  and  are  literally  covered  with  blossom  buds.  The 
following  is  the  the  way  in  which  they  were  managed: — About 
the  end  of  October,  1855,  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  have  three 
weeks'  fine  weather.  I  commenced  operations  in  good  earnest.  In 
the  case  of  Apples  and  Pears,  I  had  all  old  Moss  removed,  and 
all  old  loose  bark  around  cankered  branches  ;  this  done,  I  had 
holes  taken  out,  about  fourteen  feet  apart,  and  the  same  from  row  to 
row  ;  the  soil  was  removed  about  one  foot  deep,  and  then  I  had  these 
holes  filled  up,  to  within  three  inches  of  the  ground  level,  with  coal 
ashes  and  stones,  or  any  old  rubbish  that  I  could  get,  that  would  act  as 
drainage :  this  finished,  I  had  the  holes  filled  with  a  part  of  the  soil 


MAncn.  83 

that  was  taken  out.  I  then  had  the  trees  removed  with  as  a  good  ball 
as  I  could  get  to  them  ;  and  as  each  tree  was  removed,  it  was  brought 
as  expeditiously  as  possible,  and  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  places  that 
had  been  prepared  for  its  reception.  The  remaining  soil  that  was  thrown 
out  of  the  holes  was  carefully  placed  over  all  the  roots ;  but  all  roots 
were  first  pruned  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  nicely  laid  out  in  their  places, 
and  each  tree  was  well  secured  against  wind.  The  weather  still 
continued  fine  after  they  were  removed,  for  about  ten  days  ;  and  the 
shoots  they  made  that  summer  measured  three  feet  long,  and  were  growing 
very  fast  at  the  time ;  the  tops  of  these  shoots  beginning  to  droop, 
I  thought  it  advisable  to  give  them  a  dewing  all  over  with  the  garden 
engine,  every  morning,  till  rain  set  in,  and  after  that,  it  was  discontinued 
altogether.  By  the  end  of  November,  the  leaves  were  all  off  the  trees  ; 
they  had  made  long  shoots,  which  appeared  well  ripened,  except  just 
the  tops.  I  therefore  thought  it  advisable  to  commence  the  necessary 
pruning  at  once  ;  these  long  shoots  that  were  produced  from  the  tops  of 
the  trees  were  pruned  back  half  of  their  length  ;  the  others  produced 
from  the  spurs,  which  were  not  quite  so  long,  were  pruned  back  to  within 
three  inches  from  where  they  started.  At  the  same  time,  all  old  dead 
spurs,  or  such  branches  as  were  badly  cankered,  were  carefully  removed  ; 
but  every  wound  made,  no  matter  how  small,  got  a  good  coating  of 
white -lead  and  oil,  mixed  and  well  rubbed  into  the  cuts  ;  this  was  done 
to  keep  the  air  out.  I  was  careful,  however,  not  to  remove  more  large 
branches  than  absolutely  necessary ;  and  all  the  old  cankered  branches 
that  remained,  had  a  good  lump  of  equal  parts  cowdung  and  clay, 
well  tempered,  pressed,  into  and  around  all  the  cankered  parts.  A 
piece  of  stout  canvas  was  now  placed  around  the  clay  and  cowdung,  and 
a  couple  of  ties  were  passed  round,  to  guard  against  future  accident ; 
this  clay  and  cowdung,  I  had  placed  around  the  cankered  branches,  to 
keep  out  air  from  the  diseased  parts,  and  also  to  induce  the  bark  to  heal 
over  them,  which  it  has  done,  to  my  entire  satisfaction ;  after  this, 
each  tree  had  a  good  coating  all  over,  as  opportunities  offered,  with  the 
following  mixture — all  being  finished  before  Christmas  : — To  three 
parts  clay,  I  added  one  of  lime,  and  a  little  water,  sufficient  to  give  it 
the  consistency  of  a  very  thick  paint.  I  then  added  a  pint  of  train  oil  to 
over  two  gallons  of  this  mixture,  and  a  quarter  of  a  pint  of  turpentine 
to  four  gallons  of  the  above.  I  then  well  mixed  up  all  together,  and  a 
little  water  was  then  added  to  thicken  it ;  every  crevice  was  well 
searched  out,  and  this  mixture  applied  ;  I  found  nothing  better  for 
applying  it  with  than  a  painter's  brush.  After  this  was  completed,  I 
had  about  six  inches  of  equal  parts  dung  and  leaves  placed  all  over 
their  roots.  The  dung  and  leaves  were  about  three  parts  rotten  ;  and 
over  this  I  placed  a  little  soil  to  keep  birds  from  scratching  it  about. 
Notwithstanding  the  very  severe  winter  that  followed,  I  had  but  three 
deaths  among  them — two  Apples  and  one  Pear,  out  of  twenty-five 
trees.  The  following  season,  1856,  as  soon  as  the  blossoms  made  their 
appearance,  I  had  them  all  removed,  with  some  sharp-pointed  scissors, 
and  they  had  no  more  attention  beyond  giving  a  little  water  to  their 
roots  and  branches  in  dry  weather,  applied  with  the  garden  engine. 
They  broke  into  leaf  weakly  at  first,  but  as  the  season  advanced,  they 

o  2 


84  THE    FLORIST. 

showed  signs  of  more  vigour.  By  th?  beginning  of  November,  ihey 
had  ripened  what  little  wood  they  made,  well,  and  were  full  of  blossom 
buds  ;  they  then  got  what  little  pruning  was  necessary,  and  at  the  same 
time  I  had  all  the  dung  and  leaves  removed  that  had  been  placed  on 
the  top  of  the  roots  the  year  before.  Under  this  covering,  I  found  the 
soil  literally  matted  wiih  fibrous  healthy  yellow-looking  roots,  on  the 
top  of  which  I  placed  two  or  three  inches  of  charred  refuse,  and  on 
the  top  of  that  about  six  inches  of  good  sound  loam.     The  next  season, 

1857,  they  bloomed  well,  and  set  an  immense  crop,  but  they  got  well 
thinned,  no  more  being  left  than  I  thought  they  could  bring  to  per- 
fection, which  they  did,  and  for  size  and  flavour  they  could  not  well  be 
surpassed,  not  a  crack  or  spot  being  about  them.     The  last  season, 

1858,  they  again  produced  a  very  heavy  crop — eighteen  bushels 
of  Apples  and  four  of  Pears — all  fine  rosy  cheeked  shiny  fruit,  as  any 
one  could  wish  to  see,  with  not  the  least  signs  of  degeneracy  about 
them.  My  employer  tells  me  he  has  now  more  fruit  than  he  ever  had 
from  all  the  trees  in  his  garden.  This  is  the  result  of  my  experiments 
with  degenerate  trees.  But  if  people  still  persist  in  planting,  and  what 
is  still  worse,  going  to  the  trouble  of  making  up  borders,  which  when 
done,  are  only  fit  to  grow  gourds  in,  then  we  shall  have  disease  in  all 
its  forms,  attacking  our  trees,  and  nothing  but  disappointment  can 
follow.  Let  them  replant  in  pure  loam,  and  we  shall  soon  have 
different  results.  I  must  now  tell  you  what  I  intend  doing  with  these 
trees.  If  they  should  show  the  least  signs  of  over  luxuriance,  I  shall 
root  prune,  and  fill  up  the  trench  with  pure  loam  ;  but  if,  on  the  contrary, 
they  should  show  signs  of  weakness,  I  shall  top  dress  with  pure  loam, 
and  apply  copious  draughts  of  liquid  manure.  Through  the  summer 
months,  in  this  way,  I  can  regulate  their  growth  at  pleasure,  and 
supply  fresh  food  when  they  require  it, 

c.  w.  c. 


NATIONAL  DAHLIA  SHOW. 

With  Mr.  Perry's  remarks  relating  to  the  management  of  the  National 
Dahlia  Show,  I  quite  agree,  and  I  think  that  one  reason  why  it  should 
not  be  held  in  London  is,  that  London  is  not,  by  a  long  way,  the 
central  town  of  England.  No  doubt,  southern  growers  would  prefer  St. 
James's  Hall  to  any  other  place,  on  account  of  its  easy  accessibility  ; 
but  the  northern  and  midland  growers,  on  the  same  ground,  have  good 
reason  to  object  to  it ;  and  I  see,  by  your  list  of  subscribers,  that  many 
have  contributed,  who,  from  the  great  distance  they  reside  from  the 
metropolis,  could  not  be  expected  to  visit  the  show.  Mr.  Perry's 
proposition  respecting  prizes  for  seedling  Dahlias  cannot  fail  to  give 
satisfaction — and  will,  if  carried  out,  be  of  great  surface  to  many  situated 
like  myself,  who  cannot  afford  to  buy  all  the  new  Dahlias  advertised 
each  year ;  and  from  not  knowing  which  are  the  best  and  most  constant 
varieties,  usually  leave  my  orders  until  the  second  year,  when  better 
opportunities  are  afforded  of  judging  what  will  best  suit.  Now,  if  six 
blooms  of  any  seedling  should  be  shown,  and  beat  a  known  variety  of 


MARCH. 


85 


the  same  colour,  already  out,  every  grower  would  be  sure  to  purchase 
it,  as  both  its  constancy  and  qualities  would  have  been  thoroughly 
tested.  I  am  at  present  so  situated,  that  I  rarely  see  a  London  show, 
and  am  obliged  to  gain  my  information  from  published  reports.  I 
should  be  pleased  to  give  half-a-guinea  for  a  plant  of  any  new  Dahlia, 
that  I  knew  would  beat  the  old  ones  ;  and  should  be  fully  satisfied  with 
such  a  test  as  the  one  proposed. 

A  Provincial  Exhibitob. 


HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

Fruit  Committee. — At  a  late  metting,  Mr.  Edmonds  in  the  chair, 
the  commmittee  resolved  that  prizes  sof  20s.  and  10s.  be  offered 
on  this  occasion  for  the  best  Winter  Nelis  Pears,  in  dishes  of  six 
specimens,  to  be  accompanied  with  a  schedule  of  particulars  relating  to 
the  circumstances  under  which  the  fruits  were  produced,  and  the 
announcement  of  their  intention  having  been  responded  to,  the  prizes 
were  accordingly  awarded. 

First  prize  to  Mr.  Cox,  gardener  to  W.  Wells,  Esq.,  Redleaf; 
second  to  Mr.  A.  Ingram,  gardener  to  J.  J.  Blandy,  Esq.,  Reading. 

In  Mr.  Cox's  schedule  it  was  stated  that  the  locality  where  the 
fruit  exhibited  by  him  was  grown  is  in  West  Kent,  about  forty  miles 
from  the  sea  in  a  direct  line ;  climate  generally  humid ;  exposed  to 
south-west  winds,  but  sheltered  from  east,  north,  and  south  ;  the  soil 
rich  garden  earth,  eighteen  inches  deep,  on  a  subsoil  of  yellow  clay, 
inclining  to  marl,  with  veins  of  iron  and  fine  sand,  many  feet  deep  ; 
the  ground  slopes  to  the  south-west,  at  an  angle  of  about  8°.  The 
fruit  was  produced  on  a  tree  trained  horizontally  against  a  south  wall, 
about  twelve  feet  high ;  the  tree,  about  thirty  years  old,  and  in  good 
healthy  condition,  is  on  the  Pear  stock ;  the  only  pruning  it  requires  is, 
to  break  off  all  the  breast-wood  when  in  a  young  state.  The  fruit 
exhibited  was  produced  on  branches  which  were  grafted  up  the  side  of 
the  main  stem  twelve  years  ago,  and  have  not  failed  during  the  last 
ten  years  to  bear  a  good  fair  crop.  Mr.  A.  Ingram,  the  next  successful 
competitor,  stated  that  High  Grove,  near  Reading,  is  considerably 
elevated ;  the  soil  stiff,  inclined  to  clay  ;  subsoil  gravel.  The  tree, 
planted  in  a  border  sloping  a  little  to  the  north,  is  fan-trained  against  a 
north  wall,  about  thirteen  feet  high ;  but,  a  peculiarity  deserving  of 
notice  is,  that  after  reaching  the  top  of  the  wall  on  the  north  side,  the 
branches  are  trained  downwards  in  a  perpendicular  direction  on  the 
south  side,  and  from  the  portion  of  branches  trained  in  this  aspect  the 
Pears  exhibited  were  gathered  on  the  19th  of  October.  Mr.  Ingram 
further  mentioned  that  the  fruit  produced  on  the  south  side  is  always 
larger  than  that  on  the  north  side,  but  that  the  quality  of  the  latter  is 
also  good.  The  tree  is  old,  but  healthy  and  vigorous,  and  always  bears 
well ;  it  is  trained  on  the  spur  system. 

Messrs.  Webber  and  Co.,  Covent  Garden,  exhibited  Winter  Nelis 
Pears,  but  not  for  competition.  They  were  remarkably  fine,  large  for 
the  sort,  and  of  excellent  flavour.     From  the  schedule  accompanying 


8(5  THE    FLORIST. 

them,  it  appeared  that  they  were  grown  at  Isleworth,  the  situation 
rather  humid,  and  sheltered  from  the  north  and  north-east.  The  soil 
is  rich  mould,  two  to  three  feet  deep,  gravelly  sand  below,  and  well 
drained ;  the  surface  flat.  The  tree  is  on  the  Quince  stock,  and  is  fan- 
trained  against  a  south  wall,  eleven  feet  high,  or  nearly  so  ;  it  has  been 
nearly  ten  years  in  bearing,  is  vigorous,  and  has  produced  excellent 
crops  during  several  years.  By  the  same  firm,  and  from  the  same 
locality,  were  exhibited  large  specimens  of  Ne  Plus  Meuris  Pears,  from 
a  south-west  wall.  The  tree,  nearly  eight  years  in  bearing,  is  on  the 
Quince  stock,  and  trained  horizontally.  It  is  healthy,  and  a  moderate 
bearer. 

A  communication  was  read  from  Mr.  Spary,  of  Brighton,  detailing 
his  mode  of  grafting  Vines.  It  was  intended  to  have  accompanied  a 
bunch  of  Muscat  Grapes  produced  by  the  graft,  and  exhibited  at  a 
previous  meeting,  but  arrived  too  late.  The  Grapery  in  which  the 
Vine  is  growing  was  built  in  1855,  and  planted  on  the  18th  of  April 
with  Black  Hamburgh  and  one  Trebbiana.  After  two  years'  growth 
they  produced  an  excellent  crop ;  but  the  owner  wishing  to  have  a 
Muscat  substituted  for  the  Trebbiana,  Mr.  Spary  grafted  its  stem  with 
that  and  the  Golden  Hamburgh,  the  wood  of  the  latter  being  much  the 
smaller  in  size,  in  consequence  of  the  scarceness  of  that  sort.  He  stated 
that  on  the  1st  of  April,  1818,  the  existing  Vine  or  stock,  being  at 
that  time  in  full  leaf,  was  cut  two  feet  four  inches  from  the  ground,  and 
a  cleft  made  in  the  top,  according  to  the  usual  mode  of  cleft  grafting. 
The  Muscat  scion  was  inserted  on  the  east  side,  and  on  the  west  a 
small  graft  of  the  Golden  Hamburgh,  the  former  being  three  inches 
long,  and  having  one  eye,  and  the  latter  two  inches.  The  junction  was 
bound  over  with  matting,  then  covered  with  grafting  wax,  and  over 
that  was  put  a  coating  of  grafting  clay,  and  a  covering  of  Moss. 
Proper  attention  was  paid  to  syringing  twice  a  day  with  the  other 
Vines.  In  this  state  the  grafts  remained  for  three  weeks,  at  the  end 
of  which  time  the  Muscat  began  to  grow  ;  and  in  the  first  week  from 
that  time  it  grew  four  inches,  in  the  second  twelve,  in  the  third  twenty- 
four,  and  in  the  fourth  thirty-six.  At  this  stage  it  was  found  requisite 
to  remove  the  Moss,  clay,  and  wax ;  and  a  slack  bandage  coated  with 
clay  and  covered  with  Moss,  to  retain  proper  moisture,  was  substituted  ; 
all  which  were  taken  off  a  fortnight  later.  The  fifth  week  the  scion 
grew  thirty-six  inches,  the  sixth  week  thirty,  and  the  two  following 
weeks  five  feet  nine  inches ;  the  whole  length  of  the  cane  being  eighteen 
feet  one  inch.  In  addition  to  this  growth,  it  threw  out  two  or  three  feet 
of  lateral  shoot  at  the  top.  The  girth  of  the  cane  is  as  follows  : — At  1 
inch  from  the  graft  3 \  inches,  in  the  centre  2|,  at  the  top  If  inch  ;  the 
whole  of  the  wood  is  well  ripened.  In  addition  to  this  extraordinary 
growth,  Mr.  Spary  stated  that  the  laterals  showed  fruit  as  high  as  the 
tenth  or  twelfth  eye  from  the  graft,  but  all  were  taken  off  except 
two  bunches  on  the  ninth  eye,  those  being  left  as  an  experiment. 

The  cane  of  the  Golden  Hamburgh  grew  with  the  same  rapidity  as 
its  neighbour,  but  in  conseepjenee  of  the  smallness  of  the  graft  it  did 
not  reach  the  same  size,  the  following  being  its  dimensions : — Length 
14  feet  6  inches,  girth  at  one  inch  from  the  graft  2^  inches,  in  the 


MARCH.  87 

centre  1|  inch,  at  the  top  1J  inch,  the  wood  throughout  being  well 
ripened.  The  operation  having  been  very  successful,  proving  that  great 
advantages  may  be  derived  from  grafting  where  Vines  are  established, 
but  a  substitution  of  other  sorts  is  desired,  Mr.  Spary  thought  a  report 
of  it  might  be  interesting. 


VERBENAS. 


What  Mr.  Ruskin  is  to  painting,  or  the  Times  to  politics,  is  a  certain 
canny  Scotchman  who  writes  for  the  Cottage  Gardener  to  floriculture, 
very  shrewd,  very  original,  but  at  the  same  time  very  crotchety,  and 
what  is  called  at  college  very  "bumptious."  You  must  not,  if  you 
pretend  to  know  anything,  differ  from  any  of  these  gentlemen.  So 
long  as  you  adore  Preraphaelitism,  think  perspective  of  very  little 
matter,  and  can  admire  the  painting  of  a  mouse's  whisker  as  something 
very  precious,  Mr.  R.  is  your  man  ;  if  you  write  to  the  Times  of  their 
world-wide  circulation,  immense  influence,  &c,  &c,  you  may,  per- 
chance, get  your  letter  in ;  and  so,  if  you  consider  our  Scotch  friend's 
experimental  garden,  and  plans  and  directions,  the  very  acme  of 
gardening,  you  may  possibly  be  allowed  to  know  something  of  flowers, 
and  not  worthy  of  being  gibbeted  as  an  ignoramus ;  but  woe  betide 
you  if  you  differ  from  them.  And  yet,  with  this  before  one's  eyes,  I  am 
about  to  do  so.  Mr.  Ruskin  I  must  leave  to  the  tender  mercies  of 
"  Maga;  "  the  Times  is  able  to  fight  its  own  battles  ;  while  I,  a  poor 
obscure  scribe,  any  one  of  whose  plants  would  be  pronounced  by  the 
coryphoeus  of  the  Cottage  Gardener  as  rubbish,  must  undertake  to 
find  fault  with  him,  and  enter  the  lists  with  a  combatant  who  will,  I 
doubt  not,  if  ever  he  sees  this,  think  of  me,  as  Prince  Hal  did, — 
"  that  poor  creature,  small  beer."  But,  having  had  a  little  experience 
in  the  matter  I  write  about,  as  well  as  having  had  access  to  some 
of  the  best  growers  of  Verbenas  in  England,  I  venture  to  give  a  few 
remarks  on  them,  even  though  in  so  doing  I  find  myself  in  opposition 
to  the  statement  at  p.  411  of  the  last  volume  of  the  periodical 
referred  to.  In  so  doing,  I  must  be  brief.  I  have  not  the  knack  of 
giving  a  homoeopathic  globule  of  information  in  ten  gallons  of  water, 
but  wish  to  go  to  the  point  at  once.  But  first,  let  me  say  what  I 
believe  constitutes  a  good  Verbena  in  these  days.  In  so  doing,  I 
must  only  repeat  what  I  have  before  advanced  :  the  plant  ought  to  be 
vigorous,  the  foliage  not  inclined  to  mildew,  the  truss  ought  to  be 
large  and  well  filled  up,  the  individual  pips  should  be  as  nearly 
round  as  possible,  the  colour  should  be  decided,  and,  if  striped  or 
variegated,  the  variegation  should  be  clean  and  well  marked.  I  do 
not  think  that  novelty  or  anything  else  ought  to  induce  one  to 
tolerate  a  Verbena  deficient  in  any  of  these  qualities.  Time  was 
when  we  might  have  borne  with  them  ;  but  the  number  of  seedlings 
now  raised  completely  takes  away  any  excuse  for  harbouring  such 
*'  varment,"  As  a  great  number  of  the  new  seedlings  come  from 
France,  and  they  find  their  way  to  various  growers,  it  is  some  time 


bo  THE    FLOKIST. 

before  one  is  able  to  ascertain  what  they  really  are  ;  thus,  last  year,  it 
was  not  till  late  in  the  season  that  an  eminent  grower  had  introduced  into 
his  stock,  one  of  the  very  best  in  growth,  which  had  been  in  another 
grower's  hands  for  two  seasons — in  the  |  aper  to  which  I  refer  a  list,  and 
a  tolerably  long  one,  is  given,  which,  though  not  from  Mr.  B.  himself, 
3'et  as  it  is  endorsed  by  him,  and  as  the  giver  of  it  is  one  who  defers 
to  his  opinion,  it  must  be  right ;  and  yet  from  that  list,  I  find  some  of 
the  very  best  Verbenas  entirely  omitted,  while  some  there  I  should 
be  very  sorry  to  recommend  any  one  to  try.  During  the  very  hot 
weather  of  last  August  I  paid  a  visit  to  some  large  growers  of  Ver- 
benas, besides  having  access  at  all  times  to  the  garden  referred  to  in 
the  last  number  of  the  Florist ;  and,  as  the  result  of  my  observation 
would  recommend  any  who  wish  really  to  improve  their  collection  to 
add  to  it,  the  following  ;  I  say  nothing  about  older  sorts,  for  I  see  no 
reason  to  alter  my  opinion  with  regard  to  the  list  which  I  gave  in  the 
Florist  some  time  ago,  and  in  mentioning  thes  ',  do  not  wish  to  consider 
myself  by  any  means  an  infallible  guide. 
Leviathan,  a  large  free  grower  of  the  Standard  Bearer  habit,  a  very  decided 

colour,  approaching  to  blue;   but  a  blue  Verbena,  though  often  advertised, 

we  have  not  yet;  truss  very  large  and  well  filled  up. 
Euterpe,  bright  crimson,  very  pure  in  colour,  aud  large. 
Cleopatre,  brilliant  maroon,  or  amaranth,  as  it  is  called,  very  distinct,  a  colour 

much  wanted. 
Calliope,  orange  scarlet,  yellow  eye,  one  I  think  likely  to  please. 
Lady  Seymour,  rosy  lilac,  large  yellow  eye,  very  good  even  in  hot  weather. 
Beauty  of  Castile,  a  rich  rose,  with  white  eye,  a  brilliant  and  effective  flower, 

one  of  Mr.  Breeze's  seedlings. 
Cherub,  scarlet  vermilion  colour,  yellow  eye,  an  excellent  grower. 
Miss  Breeze,  line  crimson,  brilliant,  effective,  yellow  eye. 
Topsy,  rich  maroon,  a  good  colour,  aud  not  inclined  to  burn. 
Emperor,  bright  crimson,  deep  plum  coloured  centre,  a  distinct  variety. 
Pactole,  lilac,  of  a  deep  shade,  with  light  crimson  or  carmine  centre. 
Cardinalis,  dwarf,  dark  scarlet,  a  good  bedder,  to  be  planted  near  the  edge. 
Souvenir,  in  the  way  of  Attraction,  but  larger  and  finer  altogether. 
Lady  Havelock,  a  beautiful  bright  rose,  with  a  lemon  eye,  and  stands  scorching 

well. 
Eastern  Beauty,  another  of  Mr.  Edmond's  yellow-eyed  beauties,  of  a  deeper 

shade  of  colour  than  the  preceding,  and  likely  to  be  a  favourite. 
Madame  Matras,  a  French  kind,  introduced  by  Mr.  E.  G.  Henderson,  something 

in  the  way  of  Souvenir  de  l'Expositiou,  but  larger  and  finer,  most  free 

flowering,  and  a  very  excellent  bedder.     I  think  it  the  best  of  the  light 

varieties  with  dark  eye. 

I  might  add  a  few  more,  but  these  will,  I  think,  be  a  sure  gain  to 
whoever  has  them.  Of  course  season  may  have  something  to  do  with 
it ;  but  Verbenas  always  do  well  in  a  tolerably  moist  summer,  and  us 
these  stood  the  trying  season  of  last  year,  I  have  very  little  doubt  of 
their  bearing  any  other  kind  of  weather.  I  believe  that  Mr.  Edmonds 
is  again  in  the  field  with  some  new  seedlings  of  a  striking  character, 
among  which  are  some  remarkable  scarlets,  with  clear  white  eyes. 
Should  they  in  other  respects  equal  those  he  has  already  sent  out,  they 
will  be  a  decided  acquisition.  I  hope  next  month  to  be  able  to  say 
something  on  new  bedding  Geraniums,  more  especially  that  class  so 
rapidly  increasing  in  estimation — the  variegated  varieties. 

Deal,  Feb.  10.  D. 


march.  S9 


BRITISH  POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY. 

At  a  late  fleeting  of  this  Society,  Mr.  Hogg  in  the  Chair,  six  gentlemen 
were  elected  members.  Mr.  Davidson,  the  Secretary,  gave  notice  that 
he  desired  to  resign  his  office  at  the  next  annual  meeting,  when  the 
Society  could,  according  to  the  rules,  appoint  a  successor.  His  resig- 
nation was  accepted. 

Some  diseased  Apples  having  been  sent  to  Mr.  Graham,  of  Cran- 
ford,  for  examination,  his  report  was  read  to  the  meeting. 

Of  fruit  exhibited  much  was  below  mediocrity;  it  was  therefore  re- 
solved : — "  That  in  all  future  competitions,  when  quality  is  the  point 
intended  to  be  rewarded,  the  premiums  will  be  withheld,  if  one-third  of 
the  fruit  be  considered  of  decidedly  inferior  merit," 

Two  guineas  and  one  guinea,  for  the  best  and  second-best  collections 
of  six  varieties  of  Late  Dessert  Pears.     Open  to  growers  only. 

Three  collections  were  exhibited  in  this  class. — J.  Moorman,  Esq., 
sent  from  his  garden  at  Bexhill,  Sussex,  situate  half  a  mile  from  the 
sea,  much  exposed  to  south-west  gales  ;  soil,  light  loam,  three  feet  deep, 
over  undrained  clay;  the  following  kinds  from  healthy  young  trees,  on 
Pear  stocks,  growing  against  a  south-west  wall : — Winter  Nelis,  large 
and  well  grown,  very  juicy  and  melting,  sweet  and  generally  excellent 
in  flavour  ;— Knight's  Monarch,  juicy,  melting,  rich,  and  aromatic,  but 
but  somewhat  depreciated  by  too  early  gathering ;— and  Old  Cohnar, 
very  sugary,  promising  to  be  delicious,  but  scarcely  ripe.  Also,  from 
his  garden,  in  Portland  Place,  Clapham  Road ;  ground,  flat  and  shel- 
tered ;  soil,  strong  rich  mould,  over  undrained  gravel,  the  following 
kinds  : — Jean  de  Witte,  from  a  south-west  wall;  large  for  the  kind,  and 
in  excellent  condition,  very  juicy,  melting,  sweet,  and  fine-flavoured ; 
Beurre  dAremberg,  from,  an  espalier ;  melting,  but  small  and  bitter  in 
flavour ;  and  Ne  Plus  Meuris,  from  Espalier.  Melting,  but  only 
moderately  juicy,  and  not  high-flavoured.  The  first  premium  was 
awarded  to  this  collection. 

Mr.  Cox  (gardener  to  W.  Wells,  Esq.),  Redleaf,  sent  a  collection 
from  a  garden  exposed  to  south-west;  climate,  damp ;  soil,  twenty  inches 
of  rich  garden  mould,  over  yeilow-marly  clay  containing  veins  of  fine 
ferruginous  sand,  damp,  but  drained.  The  fruit  of  all  the  kinds  were 
large,  healthy,  and  good  in  appearance  and  colour  ;  in  other  respects  they 
were  as  follows : — Winter  Nelis,  from  south  wall,  juicy,  melting,  and 
excellent ;  Easter  Beurre,  from  south  wall,  half  melting,  but  mealy; — 
Chaumontel,  from  west  wall,  over  ripe  and  bitter. — Passe  Colmar,  from 
south  wall ;  juicy,  but  thin  and  watery  in  flavour,  deficient  in  sugar; 
scarcely  ripe.  Old  Colmar,  from  west  wall ;  past  appeared  to  have  been 
good  and  melting,  but  not  juicy;  Vicar  of  Winkfield,  under  the  name 
of  Leon  le  Gere,  from  a  standard  ;  juicy,  but  not  at  all  melting, 
To  this  collection  was  awarded  the  second  prize. 

Mr.  Wighton  (gardener  to  Lord  Stafford),  Cossey  Hall,  Norfolk,  sent 
a  collection  containing  Knight's  Monarch,  from  wall  and  espalier,  very 
juicy  and  rich-flavoured,  but  shrivelled  from  having  been  gathered  pre- 
maturely ; — Winter  Crassane,  not  juicy;  Easter  Beurre,  large,  but 
flavourless  ;  Beurre  Ranee,  unripe,  but  sweet  and  promising ; — Susette 


90  THE    FLORIST. 

de  Bavay,  half-melting,  but  harsh  in  flavour ;  also,  a  variety  called 
Winter  Bergamot,  small  and  juicy,  but  of  no  particular  merit;  reported 
to  be  common  amongst  market  gardeners ;  but  not  recognized  by  the 
members  present ;  and  a  variety  without  name,  which  had  every  ap- 
pearance of  being  Swan's  Egg,  although  so  much  out  of  season. 

Of  other  Pears  sent  for  examination,  the  following  were  the  most 
interesting : — 

Beurre  Ranee,  by  Henry  Webb,  Esq ,  Reigate,  from  a  standard,  on 
loamy  soil,  over  fullers'  earth.  Fruit  medium-sized  for  the  variety, 
melting,  juicy,  very  sweet,  and  high-flavoured. 

Easter  Beurre.  by  Mr.  John  Brown,  gardener  at  Bentworth  Rectory, 
Alton,  Hants,  from  a  south-east  wall ;  soil,  strong  loam,  over  tenacious 
clay.  The  fruit  was  very  fine  in  appearance,  half-melting,  but  not 
high-flavoured.  Mr.  Brown  attributed  this  to  his  not  having  thinned 
the  fruit  to  the  same  extent  as  he  had  usually  done, — mentioning  that, 
in  the  previous  season,  they  were  very  excellent,  and  lasted  in  use  from 
the  end  of  December  to  the  first  week  in  May. 

Josephine  de  Malines,  by  Mr.  Thomas  Rivers,  from  a  pyramid  on 
quince  stock.  Medium-sized,  very  juicy,  melting,  rich,  delicious,  and 
aromatic. 

Grapes. — Mr.  Thomson  (gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Buccleuch), 
Dalkeith  Palace,  Edinburgh,  sent  a  dish  of  Lady  Downe's  Seedlings,  a 
variety  not  much  known,  but  considered  by  the  meeting  to  be  worthy  of 
more  extended  cultivation.  It  is  evidently  of  the  St.  Peter  section. 
Bunch  about  eight  inches  long ;  shouldered  ;  appears  to  be  a  very  fine 
setter,  and  to  require  much  thinning ;  berry  medium-sized,  nearly 
round ;  skin  moderately  thick  ;  flesh  very  juicy,  sweet,  and  vinous. 
Mr.  Thomson  reported,  that  the  bunch  sent,  which  did  not  exhibit  the 
slightest  appearance  of  long  keeping,  by  loss  of  bloom,  or  shrivelling  in 
either  berry  or  stalk,  "  was  ripe  in  August  last,"  and  adds  that,  "  he 
finds  no  Grape  hang  so  long  and  combine  so  many  good  qualities." 

Messrs.  Webber  and  Co.,  of  Covent  Garden,  exhibited  good  examples 
of  retarded  Black  Hamburgh,  which  had  been  ripe  since  September 
last ;  the  berries  of  which  were  still  plump,  although  their  stalks  gave 
evidence  of  the  long  time  they  had  been  kept. 

Seedling  Apples. — Mr.  G.  Wolsep,  of  St.  Andrew's,  Guernsey,  again 
sent  specimens  of  his  Seedling.  Though  past  its  best,  it  was  considered 
to  have  maintained  the  opinion  formerly  expressed  regarding  it ;  its 
general  character  approaching  that  of  the  Golden  Harvey.  Mr.  Wolsey 
reports,  that  the  original  tree  is  twenty  years  old,  moderate  in  habit  of 
growth,  shape  of  head  rather  globose,  and  thinks  it  will  prove  a  good 
dwarf  prolific  kind  for  small  gardens. 

Mr.  Oxley  (gardener  to  Miss  Sitwell),  Spondon,  near  Derby,  sent  a 
Seedling,  called  Pretty  Apple,  apparently  possessing  the  properties  of  a 
good  late  Kitchen  Apple,  being  large,  small  cored,  and  acid.  Reported 
also  to  be  a  great  bearer,  of  healthy  constitution,  and  compact  habit. 
(On  being  baked  without  sugar,  they  are  found  to  be  pale  brown  in 
colour ;  tender,  but  not  breaking  into  pulp ;  not  syrupy;  sweetish 
subacid  in  taste.  The  fruit  had,  however,  been  gathered  before  they 
were  ripe,  as  stated  by  the  sender,  and  were  not  in  condition. 


MARCH.  91 

Dr.  Davies,  of  Pershore,  brought  again  his  seedling,  Taleisin. 
(reported  on  last  year)  ;  and  promised  again  to  send  a  bundle  of  scions 
for  distribution, 

Mr.  Annandale  (gardener  to  J.  R.  S.  Carnegie,  Esq.,  Seaton  House, 
Forfar),  sent  a  Seedling,  raised  by  Mr.  John  Gowans,  market-gardener, 
Arbroath.  This  was  considered  a  very  fine  and  promising  late  Kitchen 
Apple.  Sound,  acid,  and  heavy,  much  resembling  Minchall  Crab. 
Mr.  Annandale  is  requested  to  send  it  again  next  meeting,  and,  if 
possible,  with  the  variety  referred  to  from  the  same  district. 


NOTES  ON  THE  MONTH. 


After  one  of  the  finest  autumns  and  winters  ever  remembered,  we 
are  now  on  the  eve  of  March  without  even  a  snow-storm  in  this 
district,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  rather  sharp  frost  at  the  end  of 
November,  without  frost.  The  winter  has,  in  fact,  been  most  remark- 
ably mild,  and  the  quantity  of  rain  which  has  fallen  since  February 
commenced  very  great.  There  are,  at  the  present  time,  indications  of 
a  clearer  sky,  prognostic  of  frost.  Apricots,  and  in  some  places 
Peaches,  are  in  bloom,  and  some  deciduous  trees,  as  the  Elm, 
Willow,  Birch,  and  Poplar,  show  that  the  sap  is  on  the  move  ;  the 
buds  are  becoming  turgid,  and  would  very  soon  burst  their  casements, 
should  the  present  mild  weather  continue.  Garden  shrubs,  as  Lilacs, 
Ribes,  Roses,  &c,  have  commenced  their  growth.  What  the  coming 
six  weeks  may  produce,  no  one  can  foresee  ;  but,  to  all  appearance, 
the  fruit  crop  will  be  in  a  perilous  position,  unless  the  wind  veres 
round  to  the  east,  and  we  get  a  good  month's  easterly  wind  and  cloudy 
sky,  which  may  keep  fruit  trees  back,  and  perhaps  save  the  crop, 
which,  notwithstanding  the  fruitfulness  of  last  season,  again  gives 
promise  of  being  abundant. 

The  oft  repeated  remark  that  a  good  crop  of  hedge-row  fruit 
indicates  a  hard  winter,  turns  out  to  be  a  "  popular  fallacy,"  judging 
from  the  season  just  past ;  for  never  were  there  a  finer  show  of  hips 
and  haws,  nuts,  and  acorns ;  and  yet  we  have  had  perhaps  the 
mildest  winter  on  record.  The  winter  has  been  a  favourable  one 
for  the  poor  labourers,  who,  however,  by  what  I  see  in  the  papers, 
have  had  their  wages  in  places  unduly  lowered,  a  short-sighted  policy, 
'  but  which  is  not  a  subject  to  discuss  here.  All  kinds  of  garden 
vegetables  are  unusually  abundant,  and  Potatoes  quite  a  drug,  good 
Potatoes  here  being  worth  only  5s.  per  sack  of  240  lbs.,  at  which  price 
they  must  entail  heavy  loss  on  the  grower.  We  hear  of  distilleries 
for  Mangolds  and  Beets  ;  can  no  one  try  what  the  Potato  can 
produce  ?  I  should  say,  that  at  the  price  quoted,  several  products  may 
be  obtained  by  distilling  the  roots,  which  would  be  profitable,  and  open 
up  a  new  field  of  demand  for  this  useful  root. 

The  demand  for  a  vegetable  substance  capable  of  being  converted 
into  paper  is  engrossing  public  attention.  What  is  wanted  is,  an 
article  which  can  be  obtained,  when  cut  and  dried,  at  a  cost  not 
exceeding  £4  per   ton.     It   is  now  well  known   that  paper  can  be 


92  THE    FLORIST. 

manufactured  from  a  great  variety  of  products.  But  vegetable  fibre, 
in  one  shape  or  other,  is  almost  universally  employed  ;  cannot  the 
half-drained  bogs  of  Ireland,  and  many  waste  grounds  in  England,  be 
turned  to  account  to  supply  the  fast  increasing  demand  ?  Rushes,  and 
indeed  any  cpiick-growing  plant,  with  not  too  fleshy  foliage,  will 
answer ;  and  it  remains  to  be  proved  whether  the  fallen  leaves  of 
autumn  may  not  yet  be  made  conducive  to  this  end. 

Having  looked  over  many  of  the  Catalogues  and  Lists  of  the  present 
spring,  I  observe  how  rapidly  novelties  increase.  Surely,  we  shall 
this  season  see  some  new  colours  imported  into  our  parterres  and 
flower  gardens.  What  seems  most  wanting  are,  delicate  blues, 
oranges,  and  pinks,  to  soften  down  the  ever  recurring  blues,  reds,  and 
yellows.  G.  F. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Auriculas. — These  will  now  be  much  more  tender,  from  the  amount 
of  young  growth  they  bave  made.  Protect  from  frost,  and  water  more 
frequently,  as  well  as  more  liberally;  weak  liquid  manure  once  a  week 
will  strengthen  the  trusses  now  being  thrown  up.  Give  plenty  of  air, 
and  fumigate  occasionally;  greenfly  generally  appears  with  the  young 
growth. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — Forced  Azaleas,  which  have  done  blooming, 
should  have  all  the  decayed  flowers  picked  off;  and  if  thrips  or  scale 
infest  the  plants,  let  them  be  well  cleaned  by  washing  them  with  diluted 
tobacco-water,  to  which,  in  case  of  scale,  may  be  added  a  small  quan- 
tity of  soft  soap.  The  roots  should  be  next  examined,  and  if  the  pots 
are  either  very  full  of  them  or  these  not  in  a  satisfactory  state,  let  all 
the  old  soil  be  first  shaken  from  the  roots,  and  then  wash  away  the  rest 
by  working  the  ball  backwards  and  forwards  in  a  pail  of  water.  When 
the  remaining  soil  about  the  roots  has  dried  a  little,  pot  in  smallish 
sized  pots  comparatively,  in  fresh  sweet  compost  (see  back  articles  on 
Azaleas),  and  place  the  plants  where  a  slight  fire-heat  is  kept — as  a 
fresh  started  Vinery  or  Peach-house — and  they  will  quickly  commence 
growing,  and  ripen  their  wood  early  for  forcing  another  season.  The 
above  remarks  as  to  root  treatment  apply  equally  to  Camellias,  or  indeed 
to  any  kind  of  shrubby  greenhouse  plants,  when  their  roots  are  not  in  a 
healthy  state,  or  where  it  is  desirable  the  size  of  the  pots  should  not  be 
increased  at  potting  time.  Keep  Azaleas  for  late  blooming  as  shaded 
and  cool  as  possible,  or  the  present  unprecedentedly  mild  season  will 
bring  them  into  bloom  before  they  are  wanted.  Cultivators  will  find 
north  houses  fully  as  useful  as  south  ones,  for  the  purpose  of  retarding, 
which  is  as  often  wanted  as  forwarding  into  bloom,  Let  the  whole  stock 
of  Azaleas,  old  and  young,  be  well  cleaned  from  insects  before  growth 
commences.  Stocky  old  plants  of  bad  kinds  should  be  headed  back,  to 
make  young  wood  for  grafting  by-and-by ;  these  make  fine  specimen 
plants  in  quick  time,  when  properly  done. 

Calceolarias. — Any  plants  struck  during  the  winter  should  be  re- 
potted into  four-inch  pots  to  succeed  the  first  plants.     If  not  so  large 


MARCH.  93 

they  will  make  compact  handsome  bushes  for  decorating  the  conserva- 
tory or  greenhouse — for  bedding  out  it  is  not  too  late  to  strike  cuttings 
of  the  best  shrubby  kinds  for  the  pnrpose ;  such  as  Aurea  floribunda, 
Prince  of  Orange,  Yellow  Prince  of  Orange,  Pallida,  Beauty  of  Mon- 
treal, Kayii,  amplexicaulis,  viscosissima,  and  coccinea  minor. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — The  season  has  been  such  that,  early  as 
it  may  appear,  the  strong  growing  varieties  should  now  be  potted,  as 
such  will  be  getting  pot-bound  in  the  small  pots,  and  the  sooner  they 
have  an  opportunity  of  getting  established  permanently  in  the  soil  they 
are  to  bloom  in,  the  finer  it  may  be  expected,  as  well  as  a  larger  increase 
of  stock.  Pot  firmly  and  secure  any  long  plants  with  small  sticks  ; 
if  there  is  any  greenfly  on  the  plants,  give  them  a  good  smoking  with 
tobacco  or  tobacco-paper  before  taking  them  from  the  pit.  The  latter 
end  of  the  month  will  be  soon  enough  for  planting  out  in  borders.  We 
advise  expedition,  as  being  in  favour  of  large  blooms. 

Cinerarias. — As  the  spring  is  now  advancing,  great  care  must  be 
taken  with  large  specimen  plants,  to  see  that  they  do  not  suffer  for  want 
of  water,  for  much  will  depend  on  this,  in  keeping  good  foliage  round 
the  pot.  Tie  out  as  wide  as  possible,  keeping  the  shoots  as  near  the 
surface  of  the  pot  as  convenient  without  a  risk  of  breaking  them. 
Keep  them  as  thin  and  as  near  the  glass  as  possible,  and  syringe  until 
in  flower  every  favourable  opportunity,  as  this  will  tend  to  assist  the 
foliage,  and  develop  the  young  bud.  Give  weak  liquid  manure  occa- 
sionally. Look  to  seedlings  as  they  come  into  bloom,  and  select  the 
brightest  colours  for  the  ensuing  season.  Sow  in  a  shady  situation  for 
early  autumn  flowering,  and  as  soon  as  large  enough  transplant  and 
keep  in  a  cool  shady  situation  through  the  summer.  Prepare  compost 
by  throwing  up  into  a  heap  good  turfy  loam  and  partly  decomposed 
stable  manure. 

Conservatory  and  Show-house. — We  remember  nothing  like  the 
mildness  of  the  season,  up  to  the  time  we  write.  Plants  not  usually 
blooming  till  March  and  April  are  now  in  full  beauty,  and  the  conserva- 
tory will  be  gay  with  Acacias,  Camellias,  Azaleas  (Chinese  and  forced), 
and  all  the  plants  mentioned  under  the  head  of  forced  shrubs  in  our  last 
notice,  to  which  may  be  added  bulls,  Mignonette,  Violets,  stove  plants, 
and  Ferns.  Do  not,  however,  overcrowd  the  house,  or  you  will  mate- 
rially damage  the  permanent  plants  by  overdrawing  them,  and  inducing 
the  sides  and  lower  parts  of  the  plants  to  make  weak  growth,  or  perhaps 
die  altogether.     Temperature  as  last  month. 

Cold  Frames. — Push  on  with  all  kinds  of  propagating,  so  as  to  have 
plants  established  somewhat  by  the  beginning  of  May,  that  they  may 
be  hardened  before  finally  planting  them.  Pot  off  what  autumn  struck 
cuttings  yet  remain  in  store-pans,  particularly  Geraniums  and  the  like. 
Sow  seeds  of  Stocks,  Lobelias,  Neirembergias,  Maurandyas,  and  other 
greenhouse  plants  for  turning  out  ;  also  of  the  many  varieties  of  Canna 
or  Indian  Shot,  which  as  foliaged  plants  make  admirable  beds,  and  for 
mixing  with  other  things.  Consult  the  many  catalogues  ;  for  among 
the  things  advertised  as  new  many  are  worthy  a  trial.  And  who  is  not 
ambitious  to  have  a  new  bed  in  his  garden  ?  Attend  particularly  to 
fine-foliaged  plants  and  ornamental  Grasses,  which  make  interesting 


04  TI1E    FLORIST. 

additions  to  ordinary  flower  gardens,  by  infusing  variety.  Propagate 
Dahlias,  Salvias,  Bouvardias,  tall  Lobelias,  and  other  similar  plants  by 
the  young  shoots  thrown  up  from  the  roots,  or  by  making  cuttings  of 
the  roots  themselves. 

Dahlias. — March  is  the  best  month  for  propagating  the  Dahlia ; 
cuttings  struck  now  have  time  to  make  fine  plants,  yet  are  not  too  early 
to  become  stunted;  therefore  propagate  freely,  and  when  sufficient  cut- 
tings have  been  taken,  divide  the  roots,  to  make  a  few  strong  early 
plants.     Sow  seed  towards  the  end  of  the  month,  in  a  brisk  heat. 

Forcing  Ground. —  Potatoes,  of  well  known  early  kinds,  as  the  Early 
Oxford,  Ashleaf,  and  Royal  Dwarf,  may  now  be  planted  freely  in  frames, 
over  a  gentle  heat,  as  the  disease  will  not  affect  them  at  this  season  to 
the  extent  it  often  does  earlier  ;  let  the  soil  be  sandy  and  free  from 
manure.  Thin  out  Carrots  and  Radishes  sown  in  frames  ;  and  prick 
out  into  low  pits  or  frames  spring  raised  Cauliflowers,  Lettuce,  and 
Celery,  for  future  transplanting.  Keep  up  a  succession  of  forced  Kale, 
Asparagus,  and  Rhubarb.  It  will  save  a  great  deal  of  trouble 
and  risk  from  the  attacks  of  insects,  if  a  pit  or  two  could  be  devoted 
to  the  culture  of  the  French  Bean,  instead  of  growing  them  in  vineries, 
&c.  The  pits,  however,  must  be  provided  with  some  means  of  heating. 
The  best  forcing  varieties  are  the  Newington  Wonder,  and  Early 
Mohawk. 

Flower  Garden. — A  good  time  this  (if  not  done  in  autumn),  for 
taking  up  and  dividing  the  roots  of  perennial  herbaceous  plants.  Per- 
manent bulbs  must  on  no  account  be  touched  now,  as  they  will  be 
commencing  to  grow.  Phloxes,  Asters,  Delphiniums,  and  other  plants 
of  this  class,  when  the  roots  have  grown  too  large  should  be  divided  and 
the  best  portions  planted  again  in  fresh  soil ;  due  regard  should  be  paid 
to  the  height  and  colour  of  each  at  planting,  that  they  mix  well  as 
regards  colour ;  and  where  the  beds  can  be  seen  from  all  sides,  the  tallest 
should  be  arranged  in  the  centre,  falling  gradually  to  the  edge.  Mark  some 
of  the  best  Polyanthus  and  Auriculas  for  seed ;  these  and  Hepaticas 
when  done  blooming,  may  be  divided  and  replanted  for  increasing  the 
stock,  and  in  the  same  way  Russian  Violets  and  common  Violets  may 
be  treated.  A  few  hardy  annuals  may  be  sown  for  an  early  bloom,  and 
those  sown  in  autumn  should  be  well  thinned  out,  to  allow  them  to  stand 
singly,  when  the  bloom  will  be  much  finer.*  Finish  the  pruning  of 
Roses,  except  the  Tea  and  China  sections,  and  a  few  of  the  Gallicas, 
Provins,  and  Alba  classes,  which  may  be  left  unpruned  till  April,  to 
run  the  chance  of  a  very  late  bloom.  Rose  beds  on  poor  soil  should  be 
well  manured. 

Fruit  (Jiardtf). — The  remarkable  mildness  of  the  season  has  brought 
the  Apricot,  and  in  some  places  the  Peach,  into  bloom.  This  is  an 
unfortunate  state  of  things,  for  in  all  probability  we  shall  have  a  winter 
of  more  or  less  intensity,  when  the  coming  crop  will  be  placed  in  the 
greatest  jeopardy.  The  only  plan  to  adopt  is  to  keep  off  the  covering 
while  the  mild  weather  lasts,  but  have  your  protection,  in  ample  quan- 
tities, ready  for  use  when  wanted.  Wash  Apple  and  Pear  trees,  whose 
stems  have  become  mossy,  with  hot  lime  and  water,  to  which  add  a 
little  salt. 


MARcn.  95 

Greenhouse  (hard-wooded  plants). — These  must  now  have  more  air 
and  be  set  tolerably  wide  apart,  to  prevent  drawing.  Before  the  spring 
growth  commences  will  be  a  good  time  to  repot  any  plants  requiring  it. 
Mind  in  potting  that  the  old  ball  is  tolerably  moist,  and  let  the  compost 
used  be  moderately  dry,  that  the  plants  may  be  potted  firm,  arranging 
the  surface  of  the  soil  so  as  to  allow  the  water  to  pass  through  the  old 
ball.  Soft-wooded  plants. — Any  Calceolarias,  Cinerarias,  or  other  soft- 
wooded  plants  not  yet  in  their  blooming  pots,  should  at  once  be  shifted 
into  them  ;  also  late-struck  Pelargoniums  or  Geraniums  for  a  late  bloom. 
Japan  Lilies,  Tritonias,  &c,  now  commencing  to  grow  should  have  a 
little  water.  Frames  are  now  the  best  place  for  this  class  of  plants. 
Sow  Balsams,  Cannas,  Cockscombs,  and  the  autumn-blooming  Tro- 
paiolums,  &c,  in  a  little  heat  for  decorating  the  greenhouse  after  July. 

Kitchen  Garden. — Every  means  must  now  be  taxed  to  keep  pace 
with  the  season.  All  crops  of  summer  vegetables  may  now  be  either 
sown  or  planted  ;  a  succession  of  Peas  and  Broad  Beans  should  be  put 
in  about  every  fortnight,  sowing  two  sorts  at  each  time,  This  will 
produce  an  uninterrupted  supply,  allotting  the  quantity  sown  to  the 
demand.  It  would  be  useless  recommending  sorts,  seeing  seedsmens' 
catalogues  contain  such  descriptive  notices  of  each,  that  each  may  select 
for  himself.  Sow  Onions  on  well  prepared  ground,  made  tolerably  firm 
if  at  all  light.  Spinach,  Radishes,  and  Lettuce  should  be  sown  every 
fortnight  in  small  gardens.  Horn  Carrots  do  well  mixed  with  the 
Radishes,  as  these  may  be  drawn  out,  and  the  Carrots  follow.  Lettuce 
delights  in  rich  and  rather  heavy  land ;  the  autumn  planting  should 
have  the  soil  stirred  between  them,  and  get  a  dressing  of  soot.  Plant 
out  autumn  Cauliflowers  on  a  warm  rich  border ;  also  a  good  piece  of 
Cabbage  for  a  main  crop ;  and  give  plenty  of  air  to  Cauliflowers  under 
glasses,  and  water  with  liquid  manure.  The  main  crop  of  Potatoes 
should  now  be  planted  in  select  dry  soils  and  open  situations,  and  avoid 
fresh  or  rank  manure. 

Melons  and  Cucumbers. — These  latter  should  now  have  every  atten- 
tion, as  they  will  be  growing  and  bearing  freely,  if  grown  in  Pine  stoves 
in  pots.  They  will  require  liquid  manure  occasionally,  and  frequent 
surfacing  to  encourage  the  roots.  Thin  out  the  vines,  and  do  not  allow 
too  many  fruit  to  swell  off  at  the  same  time.  Cucumbers  in  frames  must 
have  the  required  heat  maintained  by  linings  of  warm  dung.  Earth  up 
the  hills  as  the  roots  advance,  and  train  the  vines  over  the  surface,  stop- 
ping them  at  a  joint  beyond  the  fruit.  Ridge  out  succession  crops. 
The  night  temperature  should  not  be  less  than  68°,  with  a  rise  of  12° 
by  day,  giving  air  on  all  opportunities.  The  bottom  heat  should  be  kept 
steady,  at  from  80°  to  90°.  Melons  require  a  heavy  loam,  or  rich  marly 
soil,  on  which  they  thrive  fast,  and  escape  many  evils  they  are  always 
subject  to  on  lighter  soils ;  therefore  this  description  of  soil  should  be 
selected  if  possible. 

Peach-house. — Look  at  last  month's  directions.  When  the  shoots 
are  long  enough  for  tying  in  let  it  be  done  at  once.  Night  temperature 
58°,  day  75°  to  80°. 

Pelargoniums. — Under  the  increasing  influence  of  solar  light  they 
will  require  a  more  liberal  supply  of  water,  particularly  the  plants 


96  THE    FLORIST. 

intended  for  the  early  exhibitions,  and  also  those  that  are  well 
established  in  their  blooming  pots.  Now  they  should  occasionally  have 
some  liquid  manure  water.  As  the  days  lengthen  an  increase  of  tem- 
perature may  be  allowed,  and  air  should  be  given  early  on  fine  bright 
mornings  ;  but  the  house  should  be  closed  early  in  the  afternoon. 
Attend  to  the  training  of  the  shoots,  to  admit  the  light  and  air.  The 
young  stock  should  have  every  attention  to  training,  the  stopping  back 
of  any  strong  shoots,  being  kept  entirely  free  of  insects,  and  encouraged 
by  every  possible  means  to  make  a  vigorous  and  healthy  growth.  Keep 
the  plants  clean  of  dead  foliage,  and  especially  the  fancy  varieties,  for 
if  they  are  allowed  to  remain  long  on  the  shoots,  they  often  cause  them 
to  damp,  and  spoil  the  shape  of  the  plant.  The  June  and  late  flowering 
plants,  as  they  progress  in  growth,  should  be  kept  well  tied  out,  according 
to  instructions  previously  given. 

Pinery. — Fruit  ripening  should  be  well  exposed  to  get  it  a  good 
colour,  and  a  rather  drier  atmosphere  kept ;  succession  plants,  if  active 
;  Uhe  roots,  may  have  a  shift  towards  the  end  of  the  month.  Use  pure 
ioam,  or  loam  and  peat,  with  a  little  bone  dust  mixed  with  it ;  but  be 
sure  that  the  roots  are  on  the  move  before  you  pot,  or  if  not  give  them 
a  little  extra  bottom  heat  to  forward  them. 

Pinks. — Top-dress  without  loss  of  time,  if  not  already  done,  using 
half-rotten  manure  mixed  with  rich  loamy  soil.  Particularly  mild  as 
the  weather  has  been  of  late,  those  planted  early,  as  recommended  by 
us  last  autumn,  look  very  strong  and  healthy.  From  the  remarkable 
season  we  have  experienced,  a  fine  bloom  is  very  probable. 

Tulips. — Protect  the  bed  with  'canvas,  frigi-domo,  or  mats,  whenever 
there  is  severe  frost,  or  excessive  rain ;  but,  as  a  rule,  keep  it  covered 
as  little  as  possible,  as  doing  so  obviously  excites  a  weakly  growth. 
Stir  the  surface  of  the  soil  between  the  bulbs  as  soon  as  it  is  in  the  best 
state  for  the  operation,  i.  e.,  between  wet  and  dry.  All  the  beds  we 
have  seen,  and  they  are  not  a  few,  promise  a  good  bloom,  the  appear- 
ance above  ground  being  very  regular.  An  early  bloom  is  all  but 
certain  however.  In  our  next  we  shall  give  full  particulars,  as  well  as 
day  of  meeting,  for  the  great  National  Exhibition  to  be  held  at  Slough. 

Vineries. — Early  Grapes,  which  have  been  thinned,  should  be  kept 
growing  by  a  uniform  temperature  of  about  60°  by  night,  and  ranging 
to  80°  under  bright  sun  by  day.  Sprinkle  the  paths,  walls,  &c,  fre- 
quently, to  maintain  a  certain  degree  of  humidity  in  the  atmosphere, 
and  let  the  admission  of  air  be  attended  to  early  each  morning  ;  indeed, 
if  a  little  is  allowed  all  night  it  will  be  to  the  advantage  of  the  crop. 
Grapes  in  pots  will  require  constant  watching  to  supply  them  with 
water.  Outside  borders  should  be  watched,  to  see  the  protective  mate- 
rials keep  off  the  wet,  and  if  they  give  a  slight  heat  at  the  same  time 
the  roots  will  derive  an  additional  benefit ;  but,  if  heat  has  been  applied, 
it  must  not  be  allowed  to  decline.  Bring  on  succession  houses,  and 
stop  down  shoots  as  they  advance.  The  latest  houses  where  fruit 
is  cut  may  be  pruned  and  washed,  and  the  vines  shaded  from  the  sun  to 
keep  them  from  breaking  till  late.  Now  is  a  good  time  to  pot  a  lot  of 
vines  for  fruiting  next  season  in  pots. 


i  sDebt.&Zmcc 


Gladiolus . 

Berths  Haboicrduv. 

H-mted  5y  C.  Ckabi 


APRIL.  97 

THE  GLADIOLUS. 

(Plate  150). 

If  we,  of  "  Perfide  Albion,"  and  they  of  "  La  Belle  France,'' 
do  fondly  cherish  certain  little  political  animosities  toward 
each  other,  and  if  we  are  otherwise  slightly  at  cross  pur- 
poses upon  minor  moralities  and  social  ethics,  we  at  least  atone 
for  all  these  and  other  differences,  as  members  in  common  of 
the  great  floral  republic.  There  we  all,  with  one  consent, 
fling  our  animosities  to  the  winds,  and  rush  into  each  others 
arms  like  men  and  brothers.  Though  the  cup  we  pledge  each 
other  in  may  be  that  of  a  Tulip,  and  instead  of  greetings  across 
the  table  (though  we  often  supplement  our  meetings  in  that 
pleasing  manner),  we  exchange  a  bunch  of  Gilliflowers  or  a 
root  or  two  of  Polyanthus,  we  are  none  the  less  friends  ;  and 
as  such  are  always  ready  to  rally  round  the  standard  of  our 
common  faith — horticulture.  And  if  our  good  confreres  across 
the  Channel  in  heralding  a  new  candidate  (a  plant,  be  it 
understood)  for  popular  favour,  do  sometimes  a  leetle  too  highly 
colour  the  good  qualities  and  pretensions  of  such  candidates, 
we  who  are  in  these  matters  as  immaculate  as  arctic  snows, 
know  very  well  how  to  excuse,  or  at  least  to  palliate,  the 
exuberance  of  a  playful  fancy,  warmed  by  a  southern  sun. 
We  who  have  never  been  guilty  of  any  shortcomings  (or  rather 
overdoings),  in  that  way,  know  what  is  due  to  an  erring  friend, 
and  can  generously  forgive  if  not  forget.  There  are,  thank 
the  gods,  no  floricultural  Barnums  among  us.  Humbug  is 
not  known  in  the  English  horticultural  vocabulary.  We  can, 
every  mother's  son  of  us,  to  any  such  insinuation,  lay  our 
hands  upon  our  hearts,  cast  up  our  eyes,  and  exclaim,  without 
as  much  as  causing  a  flutter  in  our  respectable  bosoms, 

"  Let  the  galled  jade  wince,  our  whithers  are  unwrung." 

But,  exclaims  the  gentle  reader  (query,  why  are  readers 
always  gentle  ?),  "  What  has  this  to  do  with  the  Gladiolus  ?  " 
Nothing,  good  Sir,  nothing ;  we  are  coming  to  that.  But  the 
bare  subject  would  be  as  dry  as  one  of  its  own  corms  (we 
believe  that  is  the  correct  term),  in  a  pot  of  sand  in  December, 
and  we  must  perforce  liquify  it  a  little.  And  moreover, 
although  we  admit  the  desirableness  of  the  qualification  in  a 
writer,  we  never  can  plunge  in  media  res,  which  we  believe 
means  that  we  never  can  begin  writing  about  what  we  intended 
to  say,  without  saying  a  good  deal  of  what  we  didn't  intend 
to  say. 

This  ordeal  over,  then,  here  we  are  ;  and,  like  'cute  M'Quade, 
when  he  woke  up  with  his  feet  in  the  stocks,  where  his  respect- 

VOL.   XII.,   NO.   CXXXVI.  H 


98  THE    FLORIST. 

able  uncle  the  beadle  had  put  him,  in  a  slightly  oblivious  state 
of  whiskey,  the  result  of  a  family  wake,  we  can  only  wonder 
how  we  got  here.  But,  between  Mr.  M'Quade  and  ourselves 
there  is  this  slight  difference — he  could  only  remain  and 
wonder  where  he  was ;  we  must  as  surely  go  on  from  where 
we  are. 

Yes,  Gladiolus  is  the  theme ;  the  rich,  the  bright,  the 
beautiful ;  and  very  desirable  plants  they  are  for  late  summer 
and  autumn  decoration,  as  that  counterfeit  presentment  of  the 
fine  variety  facing  page  1  of  this  present  month's  Florist, 
done  by  Andrews  in  his  best  style,  tells  plainly  enough. 

Bertha  Eabourdin's  the  name  ;  and  know,  O  gentle  reader, 
that  her  birthplace  was  France.  When  men  can  forget  Water- 
loo and  Sebastopol,  and  interchange  such  gentle  courtesies  as 
always  accompany  flowers,  what  may  we  not  hope  for. 

We  singled  out  the  subject  of  our  present  plate  from  a 
number  of  other  equally  beautiful  Gladioli  sent  to  the  Crystal 
Palace  Flower  Show  last  autumn  by  Mr.  Standish,  of  Bagshot, 
who,  we  believe,  grows  them  largely.  The  collection  as  a 
whole  was  gorgeous,  and  attracted  much  attention. 

For  border  decoration  they  are  admirably  adapted,  especially 
if  placed  where  they  can  be  backed  by  and  mixed  with  ever- 
greens. As  cut  flowers,  too,  they  have  much  to  recommend 
them.  If  a  spike,  the  lower  flowers  of  which  are  just  beginning 
to  open,  be  cut,  and  placed  in  water,  the  whole  will  expand 
successively,  equally  well  with  those  remaining  on  the  plant. 
Their  culture,  too,  is  very  easy,  A  light  sandy  soil  and  leaf- 
mould  suits  them  best. 

With  a  list  of  some  good  varieties  at  the  end  of  this  article, 
we  print  an  extract  from  Mr.  Standish's  Catalogue,  giving 
hints  for  their  out-door  treatment.  If  required  to  bloom 
earlier,  they  may  be  potted  in  February,  sheltered  in  a  cold 
frame,  and  planted  out  when  the  frost  is  gone.  They  also  may 
be  grown  wholly  in  pots,  and  very  handsome  they  are  so 
treated.     Mr.  Standish  says  : — 

"  To  grow  these  very  handsome  plants  in  perfection,  the 
bulbs  should  be  planted  in  a  light  sandy  soil ;  if  very  poor  a 
little  leaf-mould  may  be  added,  but  no  dung.  If  the  above 
cannot  be  had,  and  the  soil  is  a  stiff  loam,  one-half  should  be 
burnt  and  thoroughly  broken  to  pieces,  and  mixed  with  the 
other,  which  will  grow  them  well.  The  bulbs  should  be  planted 
not  earlier  than  the  middle  of  April,  nor  later  than  the  last  week 
in  May  ;  and  when  ripe,  which  will  be  from  the  beginning  to 
the  end  of  October,  they  should  be  taken  up  and  dried  off 
rather  quickly  (or,  like  Onions,  they  are  apt  to  turn  mouldy 
at  the  roots),  after  which  place  them  in  thoroughly  dry  sand 
in  a  cool  dry  situation,  away  from  frost,  until  plantiDg  time." 


APETL.  99 

The  following  is  the  list  above  alluded  to  : — 

Adonis,  pale  reddish  salmon,  lower  petals  yellowish,  marked  with  carmine 

Amabilis,  brilliant  vermilion 

Antiope,  cerife,  striped  with  deeper  colour 

Aurautia,  nankeen,  yellow  throat 

Bicolor,  bright  red,  with  yellow  markings 

Berenice,  hue  rosy  salmon,  striped  with  orange  red 

Bertha   Rabourdin,  pure  white,   lower   petals  richly  marked  with  violet 

carmine 
Brenchleyensis,  vermilion  scarlet,  one  of  the  brightest  and  best 
Clemence,  very  pale  lilac  rose,  shaded  and  spotted  with  deeper  rose 
Couranti  fulgens,  brilliant  crimson 
Don  Juan,  bright  orange  red,  lower  petals  yellow 
Dr.  Andry,  very  bright  orange  red 
Edith,  lilac  rose,  striped  with  a  deeper  colonr 
Fanny  Rouget,  carnation  rose,  the  lower  petals  carmine  rose 
Florian,  bright  salmon  rose,  mottled 
Hebe,  pale  flesh,  mottled  with  carmine 
Imperatrice,  pale  carnation,  mottled  with  carmine 
Janire,  clear  bright  orange- red 

Keteleeri,  bright  vermilion  red,  mottled  with  brilliant  carmine 
La  Chamois,  nankeen  buff,  purple  stripe 
Louis  Van  Houtte,  bright  scarlet 

Madame  Binder,  white,  the  lower  petals  striped  with  carmine 
Madame  Place,  very  delicate  salmon  rose,  lower  petals  nearly  white 
Mathilde  de  Landevoisin,  white,  or  very  pale  flesh,  striped  with  carmine 
Miniatus,  salmon  red 
Mr.  Coudere,  carmine  shaded 
Ninon  de  l'Enclos,  flesh  colour,  striped  with  rose 
Pegasus,  carnation,  mottled  with  purplish  red 
Penelope,  pale  flesh,  mottled,  lower  petals  tinted  yellow 
Rachel,  blush  lightly  striped  with  rose 
Sulphureus,  sulphur,  yellow  and  purple  throat 
Trioniphe  d'Engheim,  very  dark  crimson,  yellow  throat 
Vesta,  delicate  sulphur  colour,  lower  petals  buff,  marked  with  carmine 
Wellington,  rosy  carmine,  mottled 


JASMINUM  NUDIFLORUM. 

This  admirable  plant  was  introduced  by  the  Horticultural  Society 
from  Nankin,  in  the  year  1844,  through  their  eminent  collector,  Mr. 
Fortune  ;  and  has  been  described  by  Dr.  Lindley  in  vol.  i.,  page  143, 
of  the  new  series  of  the  Transactions  of  that  body.  It  is  a  shrub  with 
angular  deep  green  trailing  branches.  Its  leaves  are  shining  deep 
green,  and  each  consists  of  three  sessile  leaflets  of  an  ovate  form,  which 
fall  off  early  in  the  autumn,  and  are  succeeded  by  large  yellow  scent- 
less flowers,  which  grow  singly  from  the  buds  formed  in  the  axils  of 
the  leaves  which  have  previously  dropped.  It  was  considered  at  the 
time  of  its  introduction  that  it  would  be  an  excellent  addition  to  our 
greenhouse  plants,  by  reason  of  its  being  a  free  winter  bloomer,  and 
continuing  in  flower  for  a  length  of  time  :  and  so  it  has  proved,  for 
plants  growing  in  pots,  and  trained  either  with  long  stems  and  pendent 
branches,  or  in  pyramidal  form,  have  for  years  been  objects  of  attraction 
in  many  gardens — nor  is  its  beauty  less  conspicuous  when  allowed  a 
more  extensive  range  in  the  conservatory,  with  its  roots  growing  in  the 
free  soil.  It  is,  however,  as  an  open-air  plant  that  I  would  direct 
attention  to  its  merits.     On  the  face  of  a  bleak  hill,  on  the  highest 

H  _ 


100  THE    FLORIST. 

cultivated  land  in  the  county  of  Southampton,  and  much  exposed  to 
the  south-west  winds,  this  plant  has  literally  been  in  flower  for 
months  past ;  whether  as  growing  in  the  common  garden  soil,  trained 
on  a  trellis  in  front  of  the  mansion,  or  in  that  part  of  a  colonnade 
with  a  considerable  roof  protection,  or  rambling  at  will  over  beds  of 
American  plants,  the  effect  produced  has  been  of  the  most  charming 
and  beautiful  kind;  the  flowers,  too,  have  been  most  useful  in 
bouquets  and  in  the  adornment  of  epergnes,  vases,  &c.  ;  the  large 
bright  yellow  flowers  contrast  admirably  with  Camellias,  Hyacinths, 
Primulas,  and  such  like,  and  to  these  they  add  a  peculiar  grace 
when  the  stems  and  flowers  are  allowed  to  protrude  outwards.  The 
time  is  not  distant,  when  not  only  every  garden,  but  the  sunny  side 
of  every  cottage  in  these  kingdoms,  will  be  enlivened  and  beautified, 
during  the  dull  months  of  winter,  with  the  golden  flowers  of  this 
charming  plant.  D-  B. 


FERN  CLASSIFICATION.— No.  V. 

We  resume  our  sketch  of  the  subdivision  of  the  Poli/podinece,  the  first 
group  of  which,  having  transverse  sori,  formed  the  subject  of  the  pre- 
ceding paper  (p.  44). 

In  the  second  group  (2)  in  which  the  sori  are  parallel  with  the  veins 
and  oblique  to  the  midrib  or  costa,  there  are  scarcely  any  cases  suffi- 
ciently anomalous  to  cause  difficulty  in  the  way  of  classification. 
The  sori,  generally  forming  a  line  of  some  length — oblong  simple  linear, 
or  continuous  in  reticulated  lines,  here  take  the  same  course  as  the 
veins ;  whereas,  in  the  former  group,  they  were  ranged  across  them, 
and  in  that  which  follows,  are  normally  punctiform  or  dot-like,  one  of 
the  dot-like  clusters  only  occurring  on  one  vein.  It  may,  however,  be 
useful  to  mention,  that  although  the  sorus  is  here  normally  and  really 
oblique  to  the  costa,  in  some  cases  the  obliquity  is  so  trifling  that  it 
appears  to  be  subparallel  therewith  ;  but  then  it  is  to  be  observed  that 
it  is  not  placed  across  the  veins,  but  follows  their  course,  so  that  there  is 
no  real  deviation  from  the  characteristics  of  the  group,  and  no  real 
difficulty  in  classifying  the  plants.  The  same  feature,  that  namely  of 
the  sori  lying  parallel  with  the  veins,  also  serves  to  prevent  misappre- 
hension in  the  case  of  some  of  the  much  divided  Aspleniece  (which 
form  part  of  the  group)  where  the  segments  are  so  narrow  as  to 
contain  only  a  single  vein,  with  a  sorus  lying  along  it. 

This  second  group  breaks  into  two  lesser  divisions ;  of  these  the  first 
again  separates  into  two  sections  in  continuation  of  the  series  already 
explained,  and  the  remaining  one  breaks  up  into  three  other  sections. 
The  divisions  are  these  : — 
Sori  parallel  with  the  veins,  &c. — 

(a).  Sori  iudusiate — 

—  lateral  on  the  veins,  the  indusium  attached  by 

its  base g  13.  Aspleniece. 

—  dorsal  on  the  veins  on  an  oblong  cristseform 

receptacle,  to  which  the  indusium  is  attached 

by  its  centre §14.  Didymochlceneae. 

(b).  Sori  naked  or  spuriously  indusiate  (dorsal)      .        .  (see  forward). 


APRIL. 


101 


The  Aspleniece  comprise  fourteen  genera,  separable  into  three  sets  in 
the  following  order  : — With  the  indusia  single  and  distinct — Actini- 
opteris,  Asplenium,  Athyrium, 
with  free  veins  ;  T/iamnopteris, 
with  the  veins  combined  ;  He- 
midictyon,  Allantodia,  and 
Ceterach,  with  the  veins  re- 
ticulated. With  the  indusia 
connivent  in  pairs  face  to  face — 
Scolopmdrium,  with  free  veins ; 
Antigramma,  Schaffneria,  and 
Camptosorus,  with  the  veins 
reticulated.  With  the  indusia 
connate  in  pairs,  back  to  back — 
Diplazium,  with  free  veins ; 
CaWpteris,  with  connivent 
veins ;  and  Oxygonium,  with 
the  veins  semi-reticulated. 

The  Didymochlcenece  com- 
prise two  genera.  One  of  these 
is  the  singular  genus  Didtf- 
mochlcena,  in  which  a  peculiar 
fructification  occurs ;  the  sorus  is  short  elliptic-oblong,  and  the  vein  is 
elevated  into  a  crest-like  ridge  with  which  the  indusium  is  united  along 
its  centre,  both  the  sides  and  rounded  ends  being  free ;  this  genus  has 
free  veins.     The  other  is  Mesochlcena,  in  which  the  veins  are  connivent. 


§13.  Asplenik^  :  Asplenium  obtusatura. 


§14.  DIDYMOCHL-ENE.E :  Didymochlaena  lunulata. 

The  remaining  group  (b)  has  naked  or  spuriously -indusiate  sori. 
This  term,  spuriously -indusiate,  though  easily  enough  defined,  is  not 
quite  so  readily  applied,  in  consequence  of  the  many  transition  states 
between  it  and  what  may  be  called  true  indusia.  What  is  meant, 
however,  is   that  whereas  the  true  indusium  consists  of  a  membrane 


102 


THE    FLORIST. 


obviously  distinguishable  in  texture  from  the  frond  itself,  there  is  here 
no  obvious  membrane  distinct  from  the  substance  of  the  frond  covering 
the  sorus,  but  the  margin   of  the  frond  is  turned  down  over  the  spore- 
cases,  and  is  more  or  less,  though  very  slightly,  attenuated,  and  changed 
in  colour  and  appearance,  the  extreme  edge  sometimes  becoming  mem- 
branous, but  not  usually  so.     Such  are  the  covers  in  a  portion   of  the 
group  now  before  us,  which  admits  of  being    broken  up  into  three 
divisions,  thus — 
Sori  naked  or  spuriously  indusiate — 

Receptacles  linear,  reticulate-anastomosed      .         .  $15.  Hemionitidece. 
Receptacles  linear,  simple  or  forked,  sometimes  short- 
linear,  i.e.,  oblong .         .         .         .         .  .  $16.    Gymnogrammece. 

Receptacles  oblong,  parallel,  contiguous,  the  spore- 
cases  becoming  laterally  confluent,  so  as  to  simu- 
late a  broad  marginal  sorus,  which  is  spuriously- 
indusiate $17-  Platylomece. 

The  Hemionitidece  consist  of  seven  genera,  whose  sori  are  more  or 
less  and  variously  reticulated.     The  veins  are  consequently  reticulated 

throughout  this  section. 
In  Polytcenium,  how- 
ever, they,  and  conse- 
quently the  sori,  are  very 
sparingly  united,  the  few 
veins  forming  long  pa- 
rallel lines  uniting  here 
and  there  only  ;  while  in 
Anetium,  Antrophyum, 
and  Hemionitis,  the  veins 
are  uniform-reticulated ; 
in  Dictyocline  they  are 
pinnate,  with  reticulated 
venules  between ;  in 
Syngranima     they    are 

semi-reticulated  ;  and  in 
215.  Hemionitidece  :  Hemionitis  palmata.  7-, .   .  ., 

Uiclyogramma  they  are 
combined  in  the  transverse-costal  form,  the  intermediate  venules 
reticulated,  and  the  marginal  ones  free. 

The  Gymnogrammece  differ  from  the  foregoing  in  having  their  naked 
lines  of  spore-cases,  not  reticulated,  but  either  simple  or  forking,  the 
simple  lines  being  sometimes  short,  so  as  to  be  merely  oblong,  though 
more  commonly  they  are  linear.  They  comprise  nine  genera,  namely  : 
Pterozonium,  Gymnogramma,  Grammitis,  and  Calymmodon,  with  free 
veins;  Stegnogramma  and  Ampekplens,  a  somewhat  doubtful  genus, 
with  the  veins  connivent ;  Digvammaria,  with  transverse-ccstal  com- 
bined veins  ;  and  Loxogramma  and  Selliguea,  with  reticulated  veins. 

The  Plalylomece  have  usually  been  associated  with  Pteridice,  doubt- 
less because  their  laterally  confluent  sori  form  a  marginal  line  of  spore- 
cases,  but  the  structure  is  wholly  distinct.  In  Pteris  the  sori  are 
transverse  to  the  veins,  but  the  Plalylomece  belong  to  the  series  in 
which  the  sorus  is  parallel  to  the  vein.  The  peculiar  characteristic,  is 
that  the  forking  and  not  very  distant  veins  bear  the  sori  along  a  portion 


APRIL. 


103 


of  their  extremities,  one  being  produced  by  each,  variable  in  length  in 
different  kinds,  but  when  quite  young  becoming  laterally  confluent  int0 
a  broadly  linear  mass,  which 
occupies  continuously  a  position 
near  the  edge  of  the  frond,  the 
spuriously  indusiate  margin  being 
more  or  less  inflected  over  its 
outer  edge.  The  group  consists 
of  four  genera,  in  all  of  which  the 
veins  are  free,  so  that  the  manner 
of  division  in  the  fertile  fronds 
furnishes  the  most  obvious  dis- 
tinctions. They  are  : — Platy- 
loma,  in  which  the  fertile  fronds 
are  not  materially  narrowed ;  Pla- 
giogyria,  in  which  they  are  much 
contracted,  like  those  of  Lomaria, 
the  fertile  divisions  (pinnse), 
linear ;  Llavea,  in  which  the 
fertile   fronds  are  tripinnate,  the 

divisions      (pinnules)     siliquiform,   Ji6.  Gymnoqrammeje  :  (a)  Gymnogramma  rufa. 

that  is  linear  and  podlike  ;   and  (6)  Grammitis  totta- 

Cryptogramma,  in  which  the  divisions  (pinnules)  of  the  tripinnate  fertile 
fronds  are  siliculiform,  that  is  ovate,  podlike.  This  latter  genus  differs 
only  in  degree  from  Allosorus  which  is  placed  next  it  as  the  first 
genus  in  the  following  series. 


glT.  Platylomk^e  :  Platyloma  Brownii. 

In  the  remaining  group  (3)  the  sori  are  normally  punctiform,  i.  e., 
consisting  of  roundish  dot-like  clusters  of  spore-cases.  This  is  their 
typical  character.  Occasionally  the  dots  become  a  little  elongated, 
forming  a  short  oblong  mass,  and  these  instances  doubtless  indicate  an 
affinity  with  Grammitis  in  the  section  Gymnogrammece,  but  they  are 
not  of  common  occurrence.  Still  more  rarely  the  dot-like  clusters 
placed  in  a  single  row  between  pinnate  veins  have  a  tendency  to 
coalesce  more  or  less  completely  into  a  line ;  this  particularly  happens 


104 


THE   FLORIST. 


in  Dryndria  coronans,  where,  however,  the  sori  are  at  other  times,  and 
most  frequently,  normally  punctiform.  This  latter  abnormal  condition 
approaches  very  near  to  the  normal  condition  of  Selhyuea  among  the 
Ggmnogrammece.  These  are  exceptional  instances  which  cannot  readily 
be  reduced  to  rule,  but  fortunately  they  are  few  in  number. 

The  entire  group  comprises  three  subdivisions,  marked  out  in  the 
first  instance  by  the  absence  or  presence  of  an  indusium  or  cover  to  the 
sorus,  and  next,  by  the  position  of  this  cover  when  it  is  present.  Even 
when  there  is  no  indusium,  however,  the  sorus  is  not  always  exposed, 
for  in  some  few  instances  the  margin  of  the  frond  is  turned  over  in  the 
manner  which,  it  has  already  been  explained,  is  described  by  the  term 
spuriously-indusiate,  so  as  to  hide  the  spore-cases  ;  the  latter,  however, 
are  usually  exposed.  The  subdvisions  resulting  from  these  characters 
are  as  follow : — 
Sori  punctiform,  &c. 

(a).  Sori  naked  or  spuriously-indusiate  .         .         •  §18.  Polypodies. 

(b).  Sori  indusiate,  i.  e.,  with  superior  indusia  .         .     ,\  (see  forward). 

(c).  Sori  involucrate,  i.  e.,  with  inferior  indusia    .         •  i 

The  Polypodiece  comprise  sixteen  genera,  most  of  which  are  familiar  to 
cultivators,  dot-like  naked  sori  being  their  characteristic  mark.     The  first 

group  of  genera,  com- 
prising those  with  spu- 
riously-indusiate sori, 
consists  of : — Allosorus 
(already  mentioned  to 
have  a  close  relation  ■> 
ship  to  Cryptogramma 
among  the  Platylomece), 
Struthiopteris,  and 

Jamesonia.  The  "other 
group  comprises  the 
genera  with  plane  fronds 
not  indusioid  at  the 
margins,  and  consists 
of: — Nothochlcena  and 
j  Polypodium  with  free 
veins ;  Goniopteris  with 
the  veins  connivent ; 
and  Dictyopteris,  Phle- 
bodium,  Goniop/ikbium,  Campy loneur urn,  Niphobolus,  Pleopeltis,  Dry- 
naria, Aglaomorpha,  Dipteris,  and  Lecanopteris,  having  the  veins 
variously  reticulated. 

The  group  (b)  with  indusiate  sori,  are  further  divided  by  peculiarities 
of  the  indusium  in  the  manner  following  : — 
Sori  indusiate — 

Indusium  reniform  or  peltate,  attached  by  the  sinus  or 

centre,  free  at  the  margins  .         .         .         .         .  ^19.  Aspidiece. 

Indusium  rotundate  or  ovate,  cucullate,  attached  trans- 
versely by  its  base,  free  at  the  margin   .         .         .     .  §20.  Cystopleridece. 
Indusium  roundish  or  oblong,  adherent  at  the  base  and 

margin,  opening  in  front,  i.  e.,  exteriorly    .         .         .  §21.  Davalliece. 


§18.  Polypodies  :  Goniophlebium  neriifolium. 


APRIL. 


105 


The  Aspidiece,  known  by  the  attachment  of  the  covers  of  their  dot- 
'  ike  sori,  comprise  twelve  genera,  one  of  which,  Onoclea,  is  distinguished 

by  its  having  the  fertile 
fronds  contracted,  the 
indusium  being  not 
easily  made  out  among 
the  crowded  spore-cases. 
The  other  genera  are : — 
With  peltate  indusia — 
Aspidium  and  Cyrto- 
mium,  with  reticulated 
veins ;  Cyclodium,  with 
connivent  veins ;  and 
Polystichum,  with  the 
veins  free.  With  reni- 
form  indusia :  —  Fad- 
yenia,  Sagenia,  and 
Pleocnemia,  with  reti- 
culated veins  ;  Nephro- 
dium,  with  the  veins 
connivent ;  and  Lastrea,  Oleandra,  and  Nephrolepis,  with  the  veins 
free. 

The  Cystopteridece  are  a  small  group  comprising  three  genera,  the 
two  latter  of  which  have  usually  been  associated  with  Davalliece.  They 
are  separated  by  having  their  indusia  attached  at  the  base  only  trans- 
versely on  the  vein  behind  the  sorus  and  inflected  over  it.     The  genera 


§19.  Aspidie.e:  Cyrtomium'falcatum. 


Ctstoptkbide*  :  Cystopteris  tenuis. 


are : — Cystopteris,  with  medial  sori ;  Aerophones,  with  terminal  (or 
sometimes  axillary)  sori — these  two  having  thin  tender  fronds ;  and 
Humata,  with  terminal  sori  and  thick  coriaceous  fronds. 

The  Davalliece  are  distinguished  by  having  an  elongated  tubulose 
indusium,  or  else,  if  shorter  and  roundish  in  outline,  it  is  adherent  by 
the  margin  as  well  as  the  base..    The  genera  here  placed  are : — Micro- 


106 


THE    FLORIST. 


lepia,  with  intramarginal  sori ;  Dacallia  and  Loxoscaphe  with  marginal 
sori ;  and  Prosaptca,  a  curious  genus,  in  which  the  sorus  is  set  in  a 


§21.  Davallte.e  :  Davallia  bullata. 

short  marginal  cavity,  formed  by  the  junction  of  a  thick  coriaceous 
indusium  with  the  substance  of  the  frond,  the  two  being  nearly  alike  in 
texture. 

The  group  (e),  with  involucrate  sori,  need  some  explanation.  The 
sorus  is  here  set  within  a  round  or  two-valved  indusium,  which  is 
called  an  involucre  from  being  placed  beneath  the  sorus.  There  are 
two  sections ;  in  one  the  margin  of  the  frond  and  the  special  indusium 
coalesce  to  form  an  entire  or  two-valved  cup,  and  hence  the  cup  is 
marginal ;  in  the  other  the  cup  is  a  distinct  body  entirely  within  the 
margin,  and  formed  of  the  indusioid  substance.  Thus  we  are  enabled  to 
separate  the  following  groups  : — 

Sori  involucrate — 

—  in  a  marginal  entire  or  two-valved  cup     .        .        .  §22.  DicTcsoniem. 

—  in  a  dorsal  entire-lobed  or  fringed  cup  ,         .     .  §23.  Peranemece. 


The  Dicksoniece,  the 
peculiar  structure  of 
which  has  just  been 
briefly  explained,  com- 
prise the  following 
genera :  —  Dicksonia, 
Diclisodon,  Cibotium, 
and  ?  Pcesia,  with 
distinctly  two-valved 
indusia ;  Dennstcedtia, 
with  cup-shaped  de- 
flexed  indusia ;  and 
Deparia  and  Cioni- 
dium,  with  cup-shaped 
extrorse- marginal  in- 
dusia. Pcesia,  which 
long    remained     un- 


\  23.  Pbrankme.e  :  (a)  Woodsia  ilvensis  ;  (A)  Woodsia  obtusa ; 
(c)  Woodsia  mollis. 


APRIL. 


107 


known  except  from  books,  proves  to  have  the  peculiar  structure  of 
indusium  found  in  our  common  Pteris  aquilina,  and  it  remains  to  be 
decided  whether  Pteris  should  absorb  Pcesia,  or  whether  the  structure 
necessitates  a  separation,  in  which  case  the  separated  genus  under  the 
name  of  Pcesia  would  come  near  the  Lindsoeece,  probably  as  a  distinct 
section. 

The  Peranemece  afford  some  variety  in  the  character  of  their  indusia ; 
indeed,    the    most    fa-  b  a  c 

miliar  genus,  Woodsia, 
shows  three  modifica- 
tions of  the  cup  form, 
one  almost  entire  and 
nearly  closed  at  the 
mouth,  another  split 
into  a  few  broad  divi- 
sions, and  a  third  re- 
duced to  a  small  scale 
fringed  with  long  in- 
curved hair-like  seg- 
ments. They  comprise 
five  genera :  —  Pera- 
nema,  Diaealpe,  Arach- 
niodes  (a doubtful  genus 
probably  belonging  to 
the  Akophilece) ,  and 
Woodsia,  all  with  free 
veins,  the  first  having  stalked  sori ;  and  Hypoderris,  with  the  veins 
reticulated. 

The  subdivision  of  the  remaining  tribes  must  be  reserved  for  another 
paper. 

Thomas  Moore. 

Chelsea. 


§22.  DicksomejE  :  (a),  Dicksonia  antarctica;  (A),  Cibotium 
Barometz. 


RABY  CASTLE,  DURHAM. 

The  seat  of  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Cleveland  is  situated  about  nine- 
teen miles  S.  W.  by  S.  from  Durham,  and  is  built  upon  the  east  side 
of  the  park,  which  is  very  extensive  and  beautifully  undulating.  The 
building  is  a  noble  Gothic  pile,  and  the  general  effect,  from  its  extent 
and  grandeur,  is  very  imposing.  The  situation  is  also  very  fine,  being 
upon  rising  ground,  and  is  enclosed  with  an  embrasured  wall  and 
parapet,  which  have  seen  good  service  during  the  border  warfare ;  but 
for  this  we  must  refer  our  readers  to  history,  as  it  is  to  the  gardens  we 
are  bound,  and  these  we  found  situated  upon  the  north  side  of  the 
Castle,  but  quite  detached  therefrom,  the  entrance  being  about  100 
yards  distant  from  the  entrance  gates  to  the  castle.  The  gardens  are 
well  situated  upon  a  gentle  rise,  facing  the  south.  Having  heard, 
especially  of  late,  so  much  of  Raby,  we  were  certainly  somewhat  taken 
aback  at  not  finding  more  extensive  garden  grounds  here ;  pleasure 
grounds  there  are  none ;  we  should  say  seven  acres  include  all  the 


108  THE    FLORIST. 

space  within  the  fences.  On  entering  the  gardens  from  the  castle, 
among  the  first  things  that  attracted  attention  were  some  vigorous 
trees  of  the  Ribston  Pippin  Apple,  from  grafts  brought  from  the 
original  tree  at  Ribston  some  half  a  century  since,  by  the  late  Duke. 
These  are  upon  a  south  wall,  and  we  were  informed  that  the  annual 
produce  is  extraordinarily  fine  and  abundant.  Further  on,  upon  the 
same  wall,  is  a  house  erected  over  the  original  Raby  Fig  tree;  this  is 
a  magnificent  tree  still,  although  it  had  undergone  very  severe  pruning 
when  we  saw  it  (the  23rd  February  last),  it  having,  during  these  last 
few  years,  been  allowed  to  become  very  wild ;  it  is  a  most  delicious  Fig, 
and  deserves  a  place  in  every  garden ;  it  is  a  free  cropper  and  early. 
Behind  this  wall  is  the  kitchen  garden ;  it  is  entered  at  the  S.  E. 
corner  ;  and  a  broad  walk,  with  flower  borders  on  each  side,  takes  the 
visitor  away  to  the  south  side  of  the  garden,  and  on  to  the  N.  W. 
corner,  where  the  gardener's  cottage  is  situated.  The  first  object  here, 
in  the  way  of  houses,  is  a  lean-to  Peach  house,  with  the  trees  planted 
out  in  the  centre  of  the  house,  and  trained  over  a  table-like  trellis ; 
these  trees  have  a  very  old  and  contorted  appearance  ;  they,  however, 
had  tolerably  good  wood  upon  them,  but  Mr.  Short  (the  gardener 
here)  intends  cutting  them  out  by  degrees,  and  replanting  the  house ; 
and  instead  of  the  present  table-like  supports,  he  is  putting  up  flat 
wall-like  trellises  from  the  underside  of  the  rafter  to  the  ground,  so  that 
the  trees  are  trained  as  upon  a  wall ;  he  misses  every  other  rafter,  but, 
in  the  intervals  between  the  trees,  he  proposes  placing  fruiting  trees  in 
pots.  He  considers  that  by  this  plan  he  gains  a  very  considerable 
space :  and  those  trees  in  pots,  and  those  likewise  upon  the  trellises, 
will  get  the  full  advantage  of  the  sun  and  air.  Further  on,  is  a  very 
ornamental  span-roofed  conservatory.  This  house  was  very  gay 
indeed  with  some  splendid  Azaleas,  Camellias,  Roses,  very  fine  ; 
Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Dielytras,  Laburnums,  Deutzias,  Cytisus,  Lilacs, 
Oranges,  Epacris,  Ericas,  Clianthus,  &c.  Further  on,  was  an  early 
Peach  house,  with  an  excellent  crop  of  fruit,  just  ready  for  stoning ; 
and  an  old  vinery  here  too  had  some  most  excellent  old  Vines  in  it, 
very  strong  and  well-ripened ;  but  we  understood  there  was  some 
difficulty  in  ripening  off  the  wood  last  autumn.  We  next  came 
to  the  garden  cottage,  upon  the  walls  of  which,  on  each  side  of  the 
door,  were  two  splendid  plants  of  Jasminum  nudiflorum,  which  were 
literally  covered  with  their  golden  flowers,  and  we  were  told  that  they 
had  been  so  all  the  winter  through.  No  garden  (see  page  99)  ought  to  be 
without  this  invaluable  winter-flowering  plant,  especially  where  much  cut 
flower  is  required.  Immediately  in  front  of  the  gardener's  cottage  is 
a  piece  of  ground,  planted  with  the  original  Raby  Currants.  These 
are  annually  cut  down  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  ground,  as  this 
sort  will  not  break  its  buds  except  terminally,  consequently,  to  keep  it 
within  bounds,  it  has  to  be  thus  treated.  Two  very  antique  clipped 
Yew  hedges  run  across  the  garden,  from  north  to  south ;  these 
tend  very  much  to  break  the  winds,  which  are  very  violent  here  some- 
times ;  between  these  two  hedges  lies  the  only  portion  of  flower  garden 
There  are  also  two  walls  which  run  across  this  garden,  upon 
which  are  principally  Pear  trees ;  these  were  undergoing  a  very  severe 


APRIL.  109 

pruning  and  scraping ;  some  of  the  old  spurs  that  we  saw  taken  oft' 
were  at  least  six  inches  in  diameter.  The  south  walls  were  principally 
filled  with  Apricots,  this  being  a  fruit  his  Grace  is  particularly  fond  of: 
and  to  all  appearance  no  expense  had  been  spared  in  erecting  protecting 
apparatus,  and  materials,  with  flued  walls,  into  the  bargain ;  but 
we  understand,  withal,  they  had  no  fruit  last  year ;  the  trees, 
when  we  saw  them,  were  in  good  order,  and  just  coming  into  bloom. 
Upon  the  north  walls,  Morello  Cherries  are  extensively  grown,  this 
fruit  being  in  great  demand  at  the  "  Castle."  Immediately  at  the 
back  of  this  garden  is  the  framing  ground,  wherein  were  several  pits 
of  Pines,  in  most  excellent  health.  There  were  also  some  Asparagus 
pits  here  for  forcing,  that  vegetable  only  being  forced  every  fourth 
year.  It  is  consequently  very  strong  and  good  ;  indeed,  we  never  saw 
any  better  in  February  anywhere.  Mr.  Short  was  getting  out  the 
foundation  for  an  extensive  Cucumber  pit  for  winter  work,  but  of 
this  it  would  be  premature  to  speak.  There  was  also  an  excellent 
house  of  Mushrooms,  of  which  Mr.  Short  is  a  very  successful  culti- 
vator. Further  on,  to  the  north  of  this  ground,  is  another  small 
garden,  wherein  are  placed  the  "  model  vineries,"  we  have  heard  so 
much  about  of  late,  with  their  "carrion  borders,"  but  we  must  say, 
that  their  appearance  upon  approach  gives  anything  but  an  idea  of 
a  "  model ; "  the  houses  being  very  heavy  and  antiquated,  and 
glazed  with  very  small  glass,  the  ribs  of  the  lights  being  only  6J- 
inches  apart];  this  range  we  understood  was  164  feet  long  and  18  feet 
wide,  divided  into  four  divisions ;  the  borders  are  or  were  made  20 
feet  wide  ;  a  portion  of  the  old  "  carrion  borders  "  had  been  removed, 
and  fresh  soil  introduced  ;  mould  from  the  old  borders  was  lying  in  the 
garden,  at  one  end  of  the  houses,  at  the  time  of  our  visit,  and  oh!  what 
a  sight,  to  which  the  burial  pits  of  Waterloo  can  only  be  com- 
pared. We  should  say,  that  during  the  time  these  borders  were 
making,  dead  horses  and  cattle  must  have  been  at  a  premium  ;  the 
quantity  of  bones  intermixed  with  the  soil  was  immense,  and  of  all 
lengths  and  sizes.  Immense  stones  also  were  intermixed,  with  a  pasty 
dark-looking  tenacious  soil,  and  although  it  'had  been  some  time 
exposed,  it  emitted  a  most  offensive  effluvia.  In  taking  up  the  old 
Vines,  they  were  found  to  be  quite  deficient  of  fibre,  indeed,  it  is 
extraordinary  how  they  existed  at  all ;  what  living  roots  they  had, 
wrere  found  upon  the  surface.  The  best  and  likeliest  plants  were  again 
replanted  in  two  of  the  houses,  these  were  breaking  very  strongly  ;  and 
well,  and  the  young  Vines  that  had  been  planted  were  also  doing  very 
well ;  some  strong  fruiting  plants  had  been  provided  for  this  purpose. 
Many  of  the  old  Vines  Mr.  Short  had  budded  with  newer  kinds ; 
the  buds  were  just  swelling,  and  were  promising  to  do  well ;  the 
remaining  borders  are  intended  to  be  examined  next  year.  The 
old  Vines  that  had  been  untouched  were  certainly  anything  but  what 
they  should  be,  and  to  all  appearance  the  wood  had  not  been  ripened 
upon  them  for  years  ;  they  had  evidently  grown  very  strongly  at 
some  period,  but  this  would  undoubtedly  be  before  the  decomposition 
of  the  animal  substances  in  the  borders.  There  were  some  very  good 
Strawberry  plants  forcing  upon  a  shelf  at  the  back  of  one  of  these 


110  THE    FLORIST. 

houses.  Also  a  quantity  of  Potatoes  in  pots,  and  in  another  were 
some  good  stove  plants,  amongst  which  we  noticed  a  magnificent  speci- 
men of  Jonesia  Asoca,  in  excellent  health.  There  was  also  a  quantity 
of  fine  tree  Ferns,  just  imported  from  New  Zealand  ;  they  were  just 
showing  their  new  fronds.  A  few  young  Orchids  were  also  growing 
well.  Amongst  miscellaneous  things,  we  noticed  some  very  fine 
fruit  trees  in  pots,  i.e.,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Apricots,  Pears,  &c,  &c.  ; 
these  had  lately  been  brought  in  ;  they  were  well  set  with  blossom 
buds.  We  also  noticed  a  quantity  of  pyramidal  Pear  trees,  that  had 
lately  been  planted  along  a  wall  border,  in  the  hope  of  obtaining,  in  this 
cold  climate,  some  of  the  finer  and  better  kinds  of  Pears.  The  whole 
place  was  exceedingly  neat  and  clean,  and,  from  the  forward  state  of 
the  operations,  bespeaks  much  for  the  perseverance  of  Mr.  Short.  We 
propose  visiting  this  place  again  in  summer,  when  we  hope  to  give  our 
readers  a  short  account  of  the  progress  made  here. 


CAMELLIAS. 


I  AM  an  old  Double  White  Camellia,  and  with  a  small  collection  of  my 
family  (forty  in  number),  and  many  members  of  other  families,  live  in 
a  small  lean-to  house,  30  feet  by  15,  about  four  miles  from  Derby. 
Two  drawing-room  windows  open  into  it,  through  one  of  which  ladies 
and  gentlemen  frequently  come  to  visit  us.  I  could  tell  you  many 
pleasant  things  we  have  heard  them  say  about  us,  but  that  is  not  my 
object.  I  regret  to  say  that  we  have  also  heard  them  say  some  things 
about  us  that  make  us  all  very  unhappy ;  such  as  these :  "  They  are 
very  beautiful,  but  they  never  do  well  with  me ;  I  believe  they  require 
a  hothouse  in  the  spring."  Another  says,  "  I  am  passionately  fond  of 
them,  but  I  scarcely  get  any  blooms,  as  they  drop  their  buds  so  in 
autumn."  On  these  charges  we  have  held  a  conference,  and  thereon 
decided  that  I  should  take  our  case  into  court,  with  a  plea  of  not  guilty. 
And  in  order  that  you  may  fairly  plead  our  cause,  I  will  acquaint  you 
with  our  circumstances  in  connection  with  the  case.  To  prove  that  we 
are  not  all  plebeians,  I  append  a  few  of  our  names.  There  is  my  sister, 
Fimbriata,  old  Double  Pink,  old  Variegata,  Elegans,  and  myself,  are  all 
old  people,  and  have  not  been  out  of  the  house  these  seven  years  ; 
indeed,  to  take  such  people  as  us  through  a  doorway  3  feet  by  6,  would 
certainly  maim  us,  or  break  some  of  our  limbs  ;  then  there  are  her 
Majesty  Queen  Victoria,  the  Archduchess  Augusta,  the  Countess  of 
Ellesmere,  the  Countess  of  Orkney,  Lady  Hume's  Blush,  Mrs.  Abbey 
Wilder,  Cavendishi,  Beali,  Mathotiana,  Donkelaari,  Imbricata  alba, 
Tricolor,  &c.  ;  to  prevent  any  ill-feeling  in  our  family,  I  shall  not  enter 
into  details  on  our  respective  merits,  but  merely  say  that  we  all  grow 
freely,  and  that  our  blooms  are  abundant  and  fine,  as  many  witnesses 
can  testify. 

We  generally  commence  flowering  in  November,  and  keep  up  a 
succession  till  April  or  May,  but  the  height  of  our  blooming  season  is 
in  January  and   February ;    there  is   no  hothouse  or  hotbed   on  our 


APRIL.  Ill 

premises  at  any  season  of  the  year,  the  only  structures  they  have  for 
plants  are  our  own  house,  another  greenhouse  27  feet  by  14  (kept 
rather  cool),  a  brick  frame  to  keep  bedding  Geraniums  in  through  the 
winter,  and  four  wooden  (cold)  frames  ;  our  house  has  a  double  glass 
roof,  and  is  warmed  by  hot  water  in  four-inch  pipes.  A  self-registering 
thermometer  is  kept  in  the  house,  and  in  November,  when  the  tem- 
perature falls  below  45°  Fahr.,  with  air  admitted,  a  fire  is  lighted  to 
maintain  a  temperature  of  45°  to  50°  by  day.  It  is  lighted  early  in 
the  morning  and  let  out  in  the  afternoon,  when  there  is  no  frost. 
Night  fires  are  used  to  maintain  a  temperature  of  from  40  to  45°.  Air 
is  always  admitted  by  day,  if  possible,  the  opportunity  being  watched 
for  ;  but  when  the  weather  is  such  as  to  make  it  improper  to  admit  it, 
the  house  is  kept  at  the  minimum  temperature.  In  January  the  heat 
is  increased  five  degrees  by  day,  but  not  any  at  night ;  this  is  continued 
till  the  weather  is  warm  enough  to  keep  the  house  at  from  55  to  60° 
by  day,  and  45°  by  night.  In  spring  and  summer  we  receive  proper 
greenhouse  treatment ;  when  our  work  is  done  (our  buds  formed)  we  are 
not  inhumanely  turned  out  of  doors,  to  the  mercies  of  the  wind  and  rain, 
but  take  a  quiet  rest  in  the  house,  being  liberally  supplied  with  air  by 
day,  and  also  by  night  as  long  as  it  is  safe  to  admit  it.  We  are  inspected 
every  morning,  and  if  we  require  it  are  supplied  with  water  (rain  or 
pond  water),  at  a  temperature  of  76° ;  and  when  our  buds  begin  to 
swell  off  for  blooming  we  are  supplied  with  weak  manure  water,  at  a 
temperature  of  from  80  to  82°,  and  we  receive  it  every  watering  till  our 
bloom  is  over ;  when  that  is  the  case  our  roots  are  examined,  and  such 
as  require  it  are  repotted  into  pots  two  sizes  larger. 

The  soil  is  composed  of  equal  parts  turfy  loam  and  fibry  peat,  with  a 
little  silver  sand,  and  some  bones  and  charcoal  broken  up  and  mixed 
amongst  it.  Our  leaves  are  sprinkled  on  fine  spring  mornings  after  the 
watering  is  done ;  and  as  the  weather  gets  warmer  we  have  a  shower 
from  a  syringe.  Such  as  were  not  shifted  in  spring  are  examined  in 
August,  and  if  they  require  it  then  are  as  carefully  done  as  in  spring. 
We  are  not  shaded,  but  a  slight  shade  would  be  very  acceptable  during 
very  bright  sunshine.  That  the  water  is  given  to  us  at  the  temperatures 
named  is  carefully  ascertained  by  thermometer,  but  this  is  usually  and 
easily  done  by  the  fingers.  We  regard  it  as  the  reason  why  we  do  not 
cast  our  buds,  and  also  as  causing  our  blooms  to  last  much  longer. 

In  conclusion,  I  assert  that  our  cause  is  a  just  one,  and  trust  that 
from  this  plain  statement  of  facts  our  character  will  be  fully  vindicated, 
and  I  hope  it  may  prove  the  means  of  increasing  the  popularity  and 
numbers  of  our  family. 

0.  D.  W.  C. 


VARIEGATED  GERANIUMS. 

Some  time  since,  when  writing  on  the  subject  of  bedding  Geraniums, 
I  ventured  to  say,  that,  with  reference  to  the  variegated  class,  we 
were  still  a  good  way  from  what  was  wanted,  and  expressed  an  opinion 
that  the  enterprise,  skill,  and  perseverance  of  our  florists  would  'ere 
long  provide  for  our  want.     That  we  are  rapidly  approaching  what  I 


112  THE    FLORIST. 

then  stated  to  be  the  desideratum,  the  variegation  of  the  old  "  Man- 
gles," with  profusion  of  good  scarlet  flowers,  must,  I  think,  be  clear  to 
any  one  who  watches  the  progress  of  the  class.  I  know  nothing  more 
surprising  than  to  mark  the  strides  that  flowers  of  all  kinds  have 
made  within  the  last  few  years.  Look  at  any  gardening  periodical, 
and  see  the  plates  of  what  was  esteemed  perfection  a  few  years  ago ; 
and  though  the  retrospect  be  dashed  with  the  feeling  of  regret  that 
you  could  have  been  so  "  soft,"  yet  surprise  at  the  advance,  and 
admiration  of  the  perseverance  of  those  through  whom  it  has  been 
made,  will,  I  doubt  not,  be  the  predominant  feeling ;  and  so  with 
variegated  Geraniums.  We  remember  well,  when  one  never  saw 
them  in  a  gentleman's  garden  or  greenhouse,  they  were  to  be  found  in 
cottage  windows,  and  amongst  those  who  loved  the  curious ;  but  the 
professional  men  who  undertook  to  keep  Lord  So-and-So's  and  Sir 
Somebody  Something's  garden  in  order,  never  troubled  their  heads 
about  them.  But,  when  the  present  system  of  gardening  came  into 
fashion,  and  bedders  of  all  kinds  were  eagerly  sought  for,  these  plants, 
which,  'ere  this,  had  "  wasted  their  sweetness  on  the  desert  air,"  were 
all  at  once  called  into  requisition  for  decorative  purposes.  Unfortu- 
nately, the  kinds  then  in  vogue  were  not  the  thing  ;  but  the  florists 
soon  set  to  work,  and  Silver  Kings  and  Queens,  Mountain  of  Light, 
and  all  other  wonderful  names,  were  invented  to  mark  the  distinguished 
visitors  ;  and  no  care,  no  attention,  was  considered  too  great  to  bestow 
on  these  now  petted  darlings,  and  well  they  deserve  it.  To  my  mind, 
a  bed  of  them  well  managed  is  the  very  gem  of  the  parterre.  1  will 
not  ask  you  to  come  out  in  the  glaring  sun,  when  the  scarlets,  crimsons 
and  other  bright  colours  absorb  the  attention,  but  just  when  the 
fine  summer's  evening  is  drawing  to  a  close,  and  the  bright  colours 
are  darkening  in  the  unceasing  twilight ;  and  now,  if  the  garden  be  a 
well-kept  one,  look  at  that  silvery  bed,  see  how  beautifully  the  white 
edge  softens  off  into  the  twilight  shade,  and  tell  me  if  there  be  one 
in  the  garden  to  beat  it  ?  Well,  but  what  should  the  bed  be  composed 
of?  For  a  long  time,  Flower  of  the  Day  was  the  favourite,  but  it  had  a 
sulphur  tinge  in  the  white  that  spoiled  its  effectiveness,  and  moreover 
the  flowers  were  scanty  and  dull  in  colour  ;  while  Brilliant,  though 
deserving  the  name  as  concerning  its  flowers,  is  almost  valueless  as  a 
variegation,  especially  in  damp  or  rich  soils  ;  indeed,  in  damp  situ- 
ations this  class  hardly  answers.  Then  came  a  decided  improvement 
as  Alma,  with  foliage  of  a  much  purer  character,  and  with  scarlet 
flowers  rather  abundantly  produced.  Still  improvement  was  needed, 
and  still  the  florist  went  on.  Last  year  saw  several  new  ones  pro- 
duced, and,  from  a  careful  comparison  of  them  all,  I  am  strongly  of 
opinion  that  Bijou  will  be  the  favourite  for  some  time.  Its  name  is 
rather  unfortunate ;  in  fact,  I  believe  it  was  given  to  it  before  the 
character  of  its  growth  was  well  ascertained.  We  always  ascociate  the 
name  with  something  very  tiny,  but  the  variety  is  in  reality  a  very 
strong  grower,  while  its  variegation  is  very  clear,  and  the  colour  of  its 
flowers  decided.  Perfection  is  very  beautiful,  but  I  question  whether 
it  will  be  so  useful.  Hendersoni,  also,  is  a  strong  free  grower,  very 
similar  in  character  to  Bijou,  though  with  a  tinge  of  sulphur  in  its 


APRIL.  113 

white  ;  for  there  are  two  classes  of  these  green  and  white  variegations, 
— those  which  throw  back  their  leaves  like  Flower  of  the  Day,  and 
those  which  cup  them  like  Brilliant.  What  is  wanted,  and  what  1 
think  we  are  getting,  is,  Jf at -leaved  varieties,  that  would  come  between 
the  two ;  for,  again,  there  are  new  ones  in  the  field,  of  which  a  word 
or  two.  Jane  is  a  decided  move  in  the  right  direction  ;  the  flowers  are 
intense  vivid  scarlet,  the  individual  pip  large  and  well-formed,  and 
the  truss  bold  and  striking,  while  the  marking  is  fine,  clear,  and  equal. 

There  is  another  class,  which  has  not  as  yet  become  so  effective  as  it 
will  doubtless  be,  but  what  is  familiar  to  all  who  grow  these  plants, 
those  with  pink  or  crimson  horseshoes,  such  as  Attraction,  Hotel  de 
Cluny,  &c.  As  pot  plants,  nothing  can  be  more  beautiful  than  they 
are,  but  their  habit  has  hitherto  not  been  such  as  to  make  them 
effective  bedding  plants  ;  in  this  respect  they  are  improving.  Picturata 
is  a  very  beautiful  thing  in  this  style  ;  the  edge  of  the  leaf  is  white ; 
then  comes  a  broad  circle  or  horseshoe  of  crimson  and  pink,  and  inside 
this  again  a  green  blotch.  Of  a  similar  character  to  this  is  a  seedling 
of  Mr.  Henderson's,  No.  25,  not  yet  named,  with  a  pink  horseshoe 
and  scarlet  flowers,  something  in  the  style  of  Hotel  de  Cluny,  but 
improved.  By  and  bye,  we  hope  to  see  this  class  very  effectively 
used  for  bedding  purposes.  There  is  yet  a  third  class  of  variegation, 
the  golden-edged  ones.  For  many  many  years  this  was  an  utterly 
neglected  tribe  ;  but  now  they  are  much  wanted  and  extensively  used 
for  giving  beauty  to  the  flower  garden.  The  only  one  hitherto  used  in 
any  quantity  is  Golden  Chain  ;  in  foliage  it  cannot  well  be  beaten,  but 
the  flowers  are  very  poor  ;  and  to  give  effect  to  it,  it  is  better  to  pinch 
them  off.  For  a  long  time,  it  was  considered  extremely  difficult 
to  grow.  Persons  used  to  make  cuttings  of  it  in  autumn,  as  of  the 
scarlets,  &c,  and  found  great  failure  to  be  the  consequence  ;  but  now 
the  case  is  different.  I  saw  a  very  effective  bed  of  it  in  Norfolk  last 
year,  composed  of  plants  which  had  been  taken  up  in  the  autumn, 
potted,  kept  dry,  and  then  turned  out  again ;  this  had  been  done 
several  years.  The  plants  were  consequently  large,  and  the  bed  very 
striking  Cuttings  to  any  ammount  may  now  be  made  by  taking  them 
off  in  the  spring,  and  striking  them  in  a  cold  frame  or  greenhouse  (not 
in  heat). 

As  variegated  Geraniums  are  not  such  large  growers  as  the  scarlets  of 
Tom  Thumb,  Attraction,  &c,  the  beds,  when  planted,  are  gene- 
rally filled  in  with  other  plants,  such  as  Cerastium  tomentosum,  or 
Alyssum  variegatum.  Being  themselves  variegated  and  free  in 
growth,  they  fill  up  the  interstices,  cover  the  ground,  and  greatly  add 
to  the  beauty  of  the  bed  ;  while  others  use  largely  Verbena  venosa  for 
the  same  purpose.  I  have  not  been  able  to  use  this  myself  in  my 
own  little  plot,  and  so  cannot  speak  from  personal  knowledge ;  but  I 
am  told  it  answers  uncommonly  well,  and  that  the  contrast  is  as 
pretty  as  the  concord  in  the  other  case.  It  will  be  seen  from  the 
above  observations  what  are  the  sorts  that  I  think  peculiarly  useful. 
I  shall,  however,  add  here  a  list  of  those  which,  in  each  class,  in  my 
humble  judgment,  are  the  best  for  small  gardens,  marking  those  that 
are  new  by  an  asterisk. 

VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXXXVI.  I 


114  THE    FLORIST. 


1st  Class.     Plain  Variegation,  white  and  green,  with  scarlet  flowers. 
Alma  (Turner),  clear  foliage,  abundant  bloomer,  flowers  scarlet. 
Annie  (Kinghorn),  very  white  edge,  flowers  bright  scarlet 
Bijou  (Wcstwood),  a  most  beautiful  variety,  strong  free  grower,  scarlet  flowers 
*Jane     (Lennox),   beautiful   variegation,   flowers   bright  scarlet,   very    freely 

produced 
Hendersoni,  a  scarlet-flowered  "  Flower  of  the  Day." 
Perfection,  very  handsome,  not  so  free  as  "  Bijou,"  but  very  white  edge,  and 

green  very  dark. 

2nd  Class.     White  and  Green  Variegated,  with  Pink  or  Crimson  Horseshoe. 

Attraction  (Kinghorn),  edge  good,  horseshoe  pink,  habit  not  good. 

Burning  Bush  (Halley),  similar  in  foliage  to  above,  but  much  dwarfer  in  habit, 

very  pretty 
Hotel  de  Cluny,  clear  white,  pink  horseshoe 

*No.  25  (Henderson),  clear  foliage,  pink  horseshoe,  scarlet  flowers 
*Picturata,  clear  white  edge,  with  pink  or  crimsou  and  pink  horseshoe ;  small 

scarlet  flowers,  very  striking 

3rd  Class.     Golden  Edged. 
Golden  Chain,  foliage  very  clear  and  good,  habit  dwarf,  flowers  poor 
*No.  50  (Henderson),  a  free  grower,  small  scarlet  flower. 

I  by  no  means  wish  to  imply  that  my  opinion  is  worth  anything  as 
a  guide  to  others  ;  I  have  certain  ideas  of  what  things  ought  to  be, 
and,  judging  them  by  that  standard,  so  far  the  opinion  is  correct.  Tbe 
question  is,  is  my  standard  the  right  one  ;  and  now,  before  closing  this 
paper,  I  would  add  a  few  words  respecting  a  misconception  which,  I 
grieve  to  find,  has  been  made  relative  to  my  article  on  Chrysanthe- 
mums, in  that  I  omitted  the  names  of  some  of  the  largest  growers 
in  the  kingdom.  When  speaking  of  them,  I  did  not  of  course  mean 
to  infer  that  the  nurserymen  I  named  were  the  only  or  the  largest 
growers  ;  they  were  the  ones  whose  plants  I  had  seen.  I  believe,  for 
example,  one  of  the  largest  is  Mr.  Bird,  of  Stoke  Newington,  the 
peculiar  home  of  the  flower.  He  is,  moreover,  one  of  our  most  success- 
ful exhibitors.  D. 

Deal,  March  19. 


CHISVVICK  AS  AN  EXPERIMENTAL  GARDEN. 

We  are  glad  to  hear  that  the  gardens  of  the  Horticultural  Society  at 
Chiswick  (or  at  least  a  large  portion  of  them),  are  to  be  converted  into 
experimental  grounds,  for  the  trial  of  vegetables  on  a  large  scale,  to 
assist  which  purpose  we  learn,  through  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  that 
contributions  of  seeds  are  being  sent  for  trial  by  the  principal  seedsmen. 
If  tbe  gardens  are  to  be  kept  at  all  (which  under  all  the  circumstances 
we  now  greatly  question),  we  do  not  see  that  they  could  be  devoted  to 
a  more  useful  object.  Much,  however,  indeed  everything,  will  depend 
on  the  kind  of  person  whom  the  Society  may  be  able  to  secure  for  their 
new  Superintendent,  who  should  unquestionably  be  a  man  of  sound 
practical  knowledge  and  acute  powers  of  observation,  to  draw  up  the 
reports  with  that  degree  of  accuracy  without  which  they  will  be  compara- 
tively valueless,  and  the  time  and  expenditure  of  the  Society  will  have 


APRIL.  115 

been  thrown  away.  The  number  of  new  varieties  of  vegetables  brought 
out  year  after  year  by  the  trade,  and  offered  for  sale  generally  on  the 
sole  recommendation  of  the  vendors,  only  bewilders  the  majority  of  cul- 
tivators, who  have  hitherto  looked  in  vain  for  a  tribunal  to  which  they 
could  refer  for  an  opinion  sufficiently  unbiassed  to  be  considered  an 
authority  as  to  their  comparative  value. 

We  do  not  by  these  remarks  intend  to  question  for  a  moment  the 
correctness  of  descriptions  appended  to  new  varieties  of  vegetables  in 
the  seed  lists  annually  published  ;  on  the  contrary,  we  know  from  our 
own  observations  on  new  productions,  carried  over  a  number  of  years, 
that  the  descriptive  notices  which  have  accompanied  the  novelties  we 
have  tried  have  proved  generally  correct,  and  may  therefore  be  relied  on. 
But  it  appears  to  us  that  an  investigation  into  the  comparative  qualities 
of  vegetables  in  the  same  class,  as  to  earliness,  lateness,  productiveness, 
&c,  is  most  wanted.  For  instance,  as  regards  Peas,  let  us  take  a  dozen 
catalogues,  and  out  of  the  class  early  Peas  select  a  dozen  varieties,  all 
recommended  as  the  best,  &c. ;  of  these  every  gardener  well  knows 
that  three  or  four  kinds,  perhaps,  are  better  worth  growing  than  the 
others,  owing  to  some  particular  property  which  stamps  them  with  a 
higher  value.  But  how  are  isolated  gardeners  and  amateurs,  growing, 
probably,  only  one  kind  of  early  Pea,  to  find  out  the  best,  with  their 
limited  opportunities  for  comparing  the  different  varieties  when  grown 
side  by  side  ?  And  if  out  of  a  dozen  kinds  three  or  four  represent 
all  that  is  valuable  in  this  particular  class,  why  grow  the  other  eight  or 
nine  kinds,  as  is  now  done?  simply  because  the  public  has  no  standard 
of  comparison  to  guide  their  judgment  in  the  matter  of  selection  ?  We 
might  lengthen  these  observations  by  citing  numerous  classes  of  vege- 
tables, where  a  similar  cutting  down  might  and  certainly  would  be 
effected,  when  once  a  series  of  fair  trials,  under  the  same  conditions,  had 
established  the  respective  merits  of  the  kinds  under  trial,  and  this  infor- 
mation had  been  made  public.  We  look  forward,  therefore,  with  some 
interest  to  these  class  experiments  as  a  means  of  settling  the  relative 
value  of  cultivated  vegetables,  and  bringing  the  information  resulting 
therefrom  within  the  reach  of  everyone  having  a  garden. 

We  have  on  more  than  one  occasion  pointed  out  the  mistake  the 
Society  made  by  going  to  a  great  expense  in  growing  fruits  for  the 
purpose  of  testing  their  merits,  as  the  information  obtained  could 
only  be  considered  as  marking  the  peculiarities  and  properties  of  fruits 
within  a  very  circumscribed  area — the  Thames  valley — and  that 
one  of  the  most  favourable  soils  in  Britain  for  fruits.  To  establish 
anything  like  a  general  data  as  to  the  flavour,  hardiness,  and  pro- 
ductiveness of  fruits,  a  much  wider  range  of  country,  and  all  the 
contingencies  of  varied  exposures,  altitude,  and  difference  of  soil, 
have  to  be  taken  into  consideration.  These  objects  the  Pomological 
Society  started  with  at  their  commencement,  and  the  mass  of  useful 
information,  in  the  shape  of  Reports  and  Transactions,  on  these  subjects 
that  Society  is  yearly  amassing  shows  how  valuable  this  information 
will  be  to  the  Pomologist.  More  recently  the  Fruit  Committee  of  the 
Horticultural  Society  has  taken  up  the  same  grounds  of  inquiry  ;  but 
let  us  ask  the  question,  how  much  more  would  have  been  known  of 

i  2 


]  16  THE    FLORIST. 

fruits  and  fruit  culture  had  these  properly  directed  inquiries  been  made 
30  or  40  years  ago,  and  the  culture  at  Chiswick,  as  regards  fruit  trees, 
been  confined  to  exhibiting  the  different  forms  of  training,  and  deter- 
mining nomenclature. 

Besides  the  proposed  experiments  with  vegetables,  the  Society  might 
very  well  undertake  to  prove  the  respective  merits  of  Strawberries, 
Raspberries,  Gooseberries,  and  Currants,  about  which  much  confusion 
exists.  As  these  fruit  quickly,  their  trial  need  not  entail  any  great 
expense. 

As  the  Society  has  plenty  of  spare  ground,  and  want  support  and 
co-operation,  could  it  not  also  carry  out  a  series  of  experiments  on 
the  value  of  agricultural  products — Cereals,  Grasses,  Legumes,  and 
Roots — for  the  information  of  the  Agricultural  Society  ?  If  the  Royal 
Agricultural  Society  could  be  induced  to  favour  a  proposal  of  this  kind, 
and  would  assist  in  carrying  it  out,  the  experiments  would  confer 
mutual  benefit  on  both  societies. 


CAMELLIAS. 

Will  any  of  your  correspondents  be  kind  enough  to  say  if  any  in  the 
following  list  of  Camellias,  which  I  grow,  are  not  worth  keeping,  and  at 
the  same  time  give  the  names  of  a  few  that  are  superior  or  equal  to  the 
best  of  those  named,  at  a  moderate  price.  I  have  weeded  my  stock 
pretty  freely  ;  but  as  I  live  in  the  country,  and  have  no  opportunity  of 
seeing  any  but  my  own  collection,  I  cannot  tell  how  far  mine  are  equal 
to  those  in  general  cultivation.     They  are  as  follows : — 


Double  White 

Candidissima 

Countess  of  Ellesmere 

Carswelliana 

Duchesse  d'Orleans 

Drysdali 

Fordi 

Fimbriata  alba 

Henri  Favre 


Jubilee 

Imbricata 

Jenny  Lind 

Landrethi 

Mathotiana 

Lady  Hume's  Blush 

La  Reine 

Victoria 


One  word  of  advice  I  would  offer  to  amateurs,  and  that  is,  if  they 
get  a  good  variety  to  propagate  from  it  at  once.  It  answers  two  pur- 
poses; viz.,  extra  stock,  and  you  are  almost  sure  to  see  the  bloom  of  it 
earlier ;  for  instance,  I  have  had  a  plant  of  Drysdali  for  three  years, 
upon  which  I  have  never  seen  a  bloom,  and  never  shall.  The  first 
year  I  inarched  a  plant  from  it,  and  the  young  one  bloomed  the 
second  year.  The  mother  plant  had  five  branches  on  it,  which  were 
rather  long.  Sooner  than  head  it  down  I  inarched  three  of  the 
branches  into  three  separate  plants  ;  they  all  grew  well,  and  produced 
two  or  three  buds  apiece.  The  old  plant,  though  it  looked  very  healthy 
and  grew  well,  yet  as  soon  as  the  inarched  branches  were  separated 
from  it,  it  immediately  withered,  and  on  examination  I  found  the  stem 
at  the  bottom  dead.  It  had  gained  its  support  from  the  plants  on 
which  the  three  branches  were  inarched ;  consequently,  if  I  had  not 
propagated  from  it,  I  should  have  lost  all.     For  grafting  or  inarching, 


APRIL.  ]  17 

both  indoors  and  out,  I  use  common  white  tape,  not  too  wide,  or  it 
will  not  bind  regularly.  I  simply  damp  and  stretch  it  before  using  it ; 
you  can  tie  the  plant  together  more  easily,  with  no  fear  of  breaking  the 
bandage,  and  it  excludes  the  air  better.  You  can  use  it  over  and  over 
again.  I  do  nothing  more  to  indoor  plants  than  with  my  finger,  cover 
the  tape  over  with  a  little  clay,  about  the  consistency  of  thick  paste. 
When  I  have  a  variety  that  I  do  not  like,  and  it  is  a  free  grower,  I 
bottle  graft  it.  I  call  it  bottle  grafting,  as  I  do  not  know  any  other 
term  which  would  describe  what  I  mean.  The  process  is  similar  to 
inarching,  excepting  that  you  cut  the  shoot  off  the  plant,  leaving  it  two 
or  three  inches  longer  than  where  it  is  tied,  which  I  put  into  a  bottle, 
kept  full  of  water.  Take  away  a  portion  of  the  head  of  the  plant,  and 
gradually  take  it  away  altogether.  If  the  piece  that  is  to  be  united  is 
sufficiently  strong,  I  prefer  to  tongue  it  together. 

The  only  advice  I  will  offer  to  nurserymen  is,  when  they  publish 
their  Camellia  lists,  to  be  as  explicit  with  regard  to  the  colour,  form, 
and  price  as  they  are  with  the  threepenny  packets  of  annuals. 

Birkby,  near  Huddersfield.  J.   Kite. 


EXHIBITION  OP  HYACINTHS. 

Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Son,  of  Highgate,  have  favoured  the  public  for 
the  last  fortnight  with  a  charming  display  of  the  above  much  esteemed 
flowers.  They  were  finely  grown,  in  the  greatest  variety,  and  most 
effectively  arranged,  and  have  been  gratuitously  shown  to  a  large 
number  of  admirers.     The  following  appeared  to  us  very  superior  :— 

Jenny  Lind,  double  red,  large  bells,  good  spike,  and  very  pretty 

Napoleon  III.,  double  crimson,  good  spike,  good 

Laurens  Koster,  double  bright  indigo,  large  bells  and  spike,  fine 

Prins  von  Saxe  Weimar,  fine  dark  double  blue,  good  bells,  extra  fine 

Sir  Colin  Campbell,  double  blue  shaded,  fine  bells,  extra  fine 

Othello,  very  dark  double  black,  large  bells,  very  novel 

Amy,  fine  bright  single  red,  large  bells  and  spike,  fine 

Cosmos,  single  pale  pink,  fine  bells,  large  spike,  pretty 

Florence  Nightingale,  single  shaded  pink,  large  bells,  very  fine 

Madame  du  Lac,  single  rosy  pink,  good  bells,  fine 

Mdlle.  Rachel,  fine  deep  single  red,  good  bells  and  spike,  very  fine 

Robert  Steiger,  deep  single  crimson,  large  bells,  good 

Solfaterre,  brilliant  orange  scarlet,  large  bells,  novel  and  good 

Prince  of  Wales,  single  lilac,  new  shade,  fine 

Argus,  fine  dark  single  blue,  large  bells,  very  novel  and  fine 

Baron  von  Tuyll,  single  dark  porcelain,  large  bells,  good 

Couronne  de  Celle,  fine  pale  single  blue,  large  bells  and  spike 

Orondates,  single  porcelain  blue,  large  bells,  very  fine 

General  Havelock,  deep  single  black,  large  bells,  always  fine,  the  best 

Anna  Carolina,  single  pale  straw,  good  bells  and  spike,  fine  and  good 

The  exhibition  took  place  in  a  lean  -to  greenhouse,  the  pots  and  soil 
being  covered  with  moss ;  the  stage  of  the  house  was  filled  with 
various  interesting  spring-flowering  plants,  and,  altogether,  the  display 
did  great  credit  to  the  spirit  and  enterprise  of  the  Messrs.  Cutbush. 


118  THE    FLORIST. 

NATIONAL  FL0RICUTU11AL  SOCIETY. 

We  regret  to  have  to  record  the  decease,  by  atrophy,  of  a  most 
respectable  member  of  the  floricultural  world,  the  National  Floricultural 
Society  ;  and  the  regret  is  somewhat  increased  by  a  knowledge  of  the 
tact,  that  the  disease  under  which  it  sunk  was  partly  occasioned  by 
neglect,  Nothing  could  have  been  more  promising  than  the  circum- 
stances under  which  it  was  ushered  into  life.  The  most  experienced 
physicians  (floricultural)  were  in  attendance ;  and  a  nurse  of  long 
experience,  who  was  well  acquainted  with  all  its  little  wants,  kindly 
undertook  to  superintend  its  progress.  For  a  while,  all  went  on  well. 
Being  essentially  a  vegetarian,  it  was  well  supplied  with  an  abundance 
of  sound  and  varied  food — the  newest  and  choicest  delicacies  were  brought 
before  it ;  and  so  particular  had  it  become,  that  when  once  it  had  pro- 
nounced anything  to  be  very  nice,  people  were  always  glad  to  get  a  bit 
of  it  for  themselves.  But  by  degrees  the  supplies  began  to  fall  off,  there 
were  some  country  cousins,  on  whose  support  it  very  much  relied, 
and  these  failed  in  forwarding  the  necessary  means ;  and  so  after 
struggling  for  awhile  against  opposing  interests,  and  lukewarm  friends, 
it  has  very  steadily  refused  all  further  nourishment,  and  has  departed. 
In  plain  language,  the  country  nurserymen  did  not  sufficiently  see 
how  manifestly  it  was  in  their  interest  to  support  it,  for  it  gave  to 
them  a  guarantee  that  the  new  flowers  were  not  all  dependent  on  the 
description  for  their  worth — a  certificate  from  the  National  Society  being 
of  course  much  in  its  favour.  The  society  has  existed  for  years,  has 
held  a  large  number  of  meetings,  and  done  much  good  to  floriculture  ; 
but  as  the  Botanic  Society  has  instituted  spring  shows,  and  offered 
prizes  for  seedlings,  the  need  of  it  is  not  now  so  apparent  as  it  was  ; 
and  unlike  many  societies,  who  when  they  are  going  down  in  the 
world,  still  catch  like  "drowning  men  at  straws,"  and  get  head  over 
ears  into  debt,  and  then  call  on  a  sympathising  public  to  help  them 
out,  the  "  National"  has  very  wisely  left  off  with  a  balance  in  hand, 
and  will  transfer  it  to  some  benevolent  purpose  connected  with  gar- 
dening. We  must  now  bid  it  farewell ;  plant  a  weeping  Cypress  over 
its  grave,  and  as  we  leave  it,  say  Sic  transit  gloria. 


TO  AURICULA  GROWERS. 

The  following  letter  has  in  some  mysterious  manner  reached  me,  and 
I  hesitate  not  to  lay  it  before  you  for  your  favourable  consideration : — 
Sir, — Some  members  of  my  family  (which  you  are  aware  is  not  a 
very  large  one,  like  those  parvenus,  the  Verbenas,  &c.)  say  that  they 
have  had  the  pleasure  of  your  accuiaintance  for  a  very  long  period  ; 
indeed,  respect  for  your  feelings  inclines  me  to  hide  from  your  eye  the 
figures  which  they  have  given  me  as  marking  the  number  of  years  ; 
and  they  therefore  think  that  I  may,  without  fear  of  being  considered 
impertinent,  say  that  they  regard  with  much  satisfaction  the  evident 
interest   you  and  others  take  in  our  welfare,  and  they  feel  this  the 


APRIL.  119 

more  from  the  great  sympathy  you  expressed  for  us  when  some  distant 
connections  of  ours  were  so  shamefully  and  cruelly  put  to  death  by  that 
dreadful  old  man.  I  can  assure  you  our  very  frames  shook,  and 
thoughts  of  the  Black  Hole  of  Calcutta  and  that  dreadful  well  at 
Cawnpore  came  rushing  in  upon  us.  1  he  consequence  of  the  attention 
drawn  to  us  by  your  friends  (I  believe  they  are)  lota,  $,  and  yourself, 
has  been  of  a  very  cheering  character  ;  and  I  am  happy  to  be  able  to 
tell  you  that  we  are  rapidly  advancing  in  public  favour.  Thus,  our 
excellent  Scotch  friend,  whom  you  speak  of  so  highly,  Mr.  Lightbody, 
of  Falkirk,  has,  so  I  learn,  not  only  sold  all  the  plants  he  had  of  his 
own  to  spare,  but  has  bought  in  from  neighbouring  growers  all  their 
spare  stock,  and  has  since  potting  time  sold  upwards  of  1000  plants. 
Then,  again,  our  kind  friends,  Messrs.  Dodwell,  Holland,  and  Co.,  had 
prepared  extensive  quarters  for  us.  They  had  doubled  their  stock,  and 
raised  their  blooming  plants  to  2000 ;  but  have  had  such  a  demand 
that  it  does  not  now  exceed  one-half  that ;  and  the  only  nurseryman 
who  pays  us  any  attention  in  the  south,  Mr.  Turner,  had  had  his  stock 
so  reduced  that  his  foreman  quite  grieves  to  see  all  his  fine  plants 
carried  off,  one  after  another.  As  this  is  the  case,  it  has  occurred  to  us 
that  we  might  possibly  be  able  to  come  out  in  our  best  holiday  colours 
at  an  exhibition.  You  remember  (for,  though  you  are  a  clergyman,  I 
must  bring  it  to  your  mind)  when  we  used  to  see  you,  in  poor  John 
Dickson's  days,  at  "  The  Horns,"  at  Kennington.  I  don't  mean  to 
accuse  you  of  putting  in  a  night  with  us  ;  but  you  certainly  did  make 
a  good  day  now  and  then  there ;  now,  why  can't  this  be  done  again. 
Miss  Maria  and  Sophia  Chapman  say  that  their  Papa  is  quite  healthy, 
and  they  fully  expect  some  little  sisters  by  and  by,  while  Miss  Aurora 
Headly  assures  me  her  papa's  love  towards  her  and  her  brothers  is  by 
no  means  lessened.  I  think,  then,  that,  if  those  who  are  so  anxious  to 
secure  our  services,  were  to  put  their  heads  together,  we  might  rise 
still  higher  in  public  esteem  ;  will  you,  then,  Sir,  be  kind  enough  to 
think  over  it.  Perhaps  the  Botanic  Society  wonld  allow  us  to  hold  an 
exhibition  at  their  April  shows,  or  themselves  give  a  little  more 
encouragement  to  class  showing. 

With  much  esteem, 

Believe  me, 
For  self  and  fellows, 
Your  humble  servant, 

G.  E.  Auricula. 

Such  is  the  letter  ;  what  say  you,  brother  growers,  to  it  ?  Can  it  be, 
or  can  it  not  be  ?  We  can't  have  a  national  Auricula  show.  We  are 
too  aristocratic  for  the  multitude,  the  "profanum  vulgus."  But  even 
though  no  prizes  were  to  be  given  of  money  value,  could  we  we  not  get 
up  something  of  the  kind  in  London  for  our  mutual  encouragement. 

Deal,  March  19.  D. 


120  THE    FLORIST. 


SOUTH  METROPOLITAN  CHRYSANTHEMUM   SOCIETY. 

A  second  general  meeting  of  this  society  was  held  on  Monday 
evening,  March  14,  Mr.  Mills  in  the  chair.  Mr.  Morgan,  gardener, 
Lincoln's  Inn  Fields,  introduced  the  subject  of  discussion.  He  said 
that  to  show  that  he  was  not  unmindful  of  the  welfare  of  working  men, 
he  begged  to  give  them  a  little  information  concerning  the  growth  of 
the  Chrysanthemum  as  a  standard.  He  stated  that  the  idea  originated 
with  him  of  having  a  quantity  planted  out  for  the  purpose  of  taking  up 
to  pot,  and  that  his  attention  was  directed  to  a  plant  of  Cedo  Nulli, 
which  had  a  fine  large  head  upon  a  single  stem,  somewhat  about 
seventeen  or  eighteen  inches  high.  He  took  it  up,  potted  it,  and  the 
shoots  being  tied  down,  it  formed  a  very  compact  top,  producing  about 
sixty  or  seventy  good  blooms.  This  took  place  in  August.  Believing 
that  he  could  materially  improve  upon  this  in  the  following  November, 
he  took  off  a  lot  of  cuttings,  taking  the  eyes  carefully  out,  and  potted 
them  singly  in  a  cold  frame  until  April.  He  then  prepared  a  piece  of 
ground  by  dressing  fully  two  spades  deep,  supplying  a  quantity  of 
stone  and  brick  rubbish  to  the  bottom,  and  covering  the  whole  over  to 
the  depth  of  two  feet — the  compost  used  being  a  mixture  oi  loam,  road 
sweepings,  and  a  small  quantity  of  sand ;  then  planting  out  two  feet 
asunder.  As  they  grew,  he  took  the  eyes  out  as  soon  as  they  appeared, 
letting  the  leaves  remain  upon  the  stem  from  the  very  bottom,  watering 
the  foliage  twice  every  day,  and  the  roots  as  often  as  in  his  opinion  they 
required  it.  By  the  middle  of  June,  they  were  nearly  three  feet  high, 
and  the  nature  of  the  plant  being  to  branch  off  at  a  certain  height,  care 
must  be  taken  to  secure  eyes  sufficient  to  send  out  shoots  to  form  the 
head  before  it  does  so.  He  informed  the  meeting  that  he  left  from  five 
to  six  of  the  above,  then  carefully  taking  off  the  top  of  his  plant,  the 
shoots  soon  made  their  appearance,  and  when  about  five  or  six  inches 
long  were  stopped  :  and  that  he  then  commenced  forming  the  head  by 
placing  a  little  bast  matting  round  the  stem,  bringing  down  the  shoots. 
This  process  was  practised — namely,  stopping  and  tying — till  the  end 
of  July,  when  he  began  to  study  the  best  means  of  getting  them  into 
pots.  He  took  his  spade,  cut  straight  down  about  half-way  round  the 
plant  a  little  less  than  the  size  of  the  pot  intended  for  its  reception, 
keeping  it  well  watered.  In  about  nine  or  ten  days  after,  he  cut 
round  the  part  remaining,  taking  it  up,  carefully  potting,  and  abstaining 
from  injuring  the  roots.  It  was  kept  in  the  shade  for  a  few  days,  when, 
judging  that  it  was  going  on  well,  he  took  off  all  the  foliage  from  the 
stem,  and  removed  it  to  a  brighter  aspect,  still  regularly  watering  and 
attending,  and  watching,  and  supplying  liquid  manure  twice  a  day. 
By  management  such  as  this,  he  had  plants  three  feet  high,  with  heads 
perfectly  flat,  five  feet  in  ciicumference,  with  fifty  shoots  full  of  buds, 
and  handsome  green  foliage.  He  then  gave  a  list  of  some  of  the  best 
sorts  for  growing  as  standards,  among  which  may  be  mentioned  Cedo 
Nulli,  Modele,  Bob,  Mustapha,  Helene,  Drin  Drin,  General  Canrobert, 
Duruflet,  and  Argentine. 

After  some  remarks  from  Mr.  Broome,  Mr.  Taylor  in  moving  a  vote 
of  thanks  observed  thst  he  had  a  true  love  for  the  Chrysanthemum, 


APRIL.  121 

not  because  it  had  of  late  become  so  popular,  but  because  it  was  adapted 
for  town  culture,  and  no  doubt  kept  many  a  man  more  at  home  amongst 
his  family,  and  tended  in  some  degree  to  that  moral  improvement 
which  it  is  desirable  to  attain. 

Mr.  Andrews  presented  the  society  with  some  very  prettily  executed 
coloured  drawings  of  the  principal  varieties,  framed  and  glazed,  and 
intimated  his  intention  of  giving  more  to  decorate  the  rooms  of  the  society. 

In  conclusion,  it  may  be  remarked  that  the  success  in  the  formation 
of  this  society  has  been  the  means  of  establishing  others  in  Peckham, 
Mile  End,  and  north  London.  An  interesting  paper  was  read  by 
the  chairman  (through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Broome)  furnished  by  Mr. 
Wiggins,  gardener  to  Mr.  Beck,  of  Isleworth.  From  this  the  following 
are  extracts  : — 

December. — Take  the  strongest  cuttings  from  healthy  plants,  extract  all  bottom 
eyes  and  foliage ;  place  each  cutting  in  a  3-inch  pot,  the  compost  to  consist 
of  rich  loam  and  silver  sand.  Plunge  the  pot  in  a  cold  frame  filled  with 
ashes  and  decayed  leaves ;  keep  them  in  this  state  till  they  are  well  rooted. 

January. —  Plants  in  the  same  state. 

February. — Remove  out  of  3-inch  pots  to  48  size.  Add  to  the  compost  pounded 
oyster  shells.     Water  moderately,  and  place  them  in  the  frame  as  before.. 

March. — Plants  in  the  same  state  as  previous  month.  Stop  or  rather  extract 
the  crown  at  the  height  of  from  5  to  6  inches,  leaving  3  inches  clear  stem. 

April. — Repot  into  32-sized  pots.  Compost  composed  of  rich  loam  and  rotten 
dry  cowdung,  silver  sand,  and  pounded  oyster  shells.  Water  occasionally 
with  weak  liquid  manure.  Except  invery  cold  weather,  keep  the  plants  well 
exposed  to  the  air  and  sun.  Stop  the  laterals  sufficiently  grown,  say  to  3  or 
4  inches,  as  in  March. 

May. — All  well  started  plants  with  7  or  8  of  the  best  eyes  should  be  selected 
from  each  break,  and  the  remainder  taken  off.  Continue  watering  with  weak 
liquid  manure,  and  pegging  the  shoots  down  regularly  all  round  the  pot. 

June. — Shift  into  small  24-sized  pots  ;  compost  as  before.  Shoots  grown  from 
3  to  4  inches  stop  again  ;  keep  pegging  down.  Before  stopping  plunge  the 
pots  in  a  sheltered  place  in  the  garden  three  parts  down.  Syringe  night  and 
morning  all  over  the  foliage. 

July. — Shift  plants  into  16-sized  pots,  being  the  last  change.  Compost  a  little 
stronger  by  adding  more  decayed  cowdung.  Stop  for  the  last  time  at  the  end 
of  the  month.  Bestow  great  attention  to  pegging  each  shoot  regularly  to  fill 
up  all  vacant  places  ;  let  the  shoots  that  are  pegged  down  be  clear  of  mould 
in  case  they  strike  root. 

August. — Liquid  manure  to  be  made  of  equal  portions  of  rabbit,  sheep,  and  cow- 
dung, with  a  little  soot ;  half  a  bushel  of  this  mixture  to  40  gallons  of  soft 
water.  Give  plain  water  once  a  day,  and  this  liquid  night  and  morning. 
Use  the  syringe  freely,  and  if  green  fly  shows  itself,  use  tobacco  water  when 
sprinkling  the  foliage. 

September. — Attend  strictly  to  pegging  out  the  branches  where  they  are  required 
to  fill  up.  Keep  the  circular  form  as  true  as  possible.  Strictly  attend  to 
watering  and  syringing. 

October.— The  plants  are  now  at  their  full  growth,  and  should  be  5  feet  across, 
buds  the  size  of  a  Pea.  If  weather  cold  and  indicating  frost,  take  them  out 
of  open  borders,  and  put  them  under  glass  or  some  temporary  covering. 
Damp  the  ground  or  house  where  they  are,  to  create  moisture.  Syringe 
under  the  foliage  as  well  as  the  top.  A  little  tobacco  water  may  be  used 
occasionally,  buds  showing  colour  at  the  end  of  the  month. 

November.— Tie  all  plants  at  the  beginning  of  this  mouth  into  the  form  intended 
for  exhibition  at  least  a  fortnight  before  wanted,  to  allow  the  blooms  to  assume 
their  proper  position.  By  thus  growing,  plants  should  be  produced  with 
from  1000  to  1500  blooms,  4  to  5  feet  across,  15  inches  high,  with  good  foliage. 

After  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  chairman  and  others  the  meeting  separated. 


122  THE    FLORIST. 


BEGONIA  SPLENDIDA. 

In  one  of  your  numbers  last  summer,  it  was  stated  that  this  had  not 
up  to  that  time  been  bloomed  in  the  United  Kingdom.  Now,  does  this 
Begonia  still  remain  unbloomed  in  England,  or,  I  should  rather  say, 
Great  Britain  ?  Perhaps  some  of  your  readers  may  be  able  to  say ;  my 
reason  for  making  the  inquiry  is  the  fact  of  my  having  a  good  plant 
of  splendida,  with  one  fine  panicle  of  bloom  half  expanded  on  it,  and 
a  second  panicle  just  developing  itself.  The  petals  are  about  the  size 
of  those  of  picta  Griffithi,  but  of  a  pinkish  white  colour,  slightly 
margined  with  a  rosy  tint.  Some  of  the  leaves  are  in  extreme 
length  nine  inches,  and  in  width  seven  inches.  And,  although  I  have 
heard  many  complaints  in  this  neighbourhood  of  the  difficulty 
experienced  in  keeping  the  leaves  on  this  plant,  I  must  say  that  I  have 
not  found  any — and  that  my  plant,  with  its  noble  and  striking  foliage, 
rich  crimson  when  young,  and  reddish  green  when  matured,  forms,  in 
all  respects,  a  most  healthy  looking  specimen. 

7,  Sidney  Avenue,  Blackrock,  Dublin.  L.  G.  W. 


FORSYTHIA  VIRIDISSIMA. 

This  fine  free  blooming  deciduous  shrub,  with  bright  yellow  flowers, 
was  introduced  from  the  north  of  China,  by  Mr.  Fortune,  about  the 
year  1844.  It  is  described  by  Dr.  Lindley  in  vol.  i.,  page  226,  of 
the  new  series  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  and  to 
which  is  appended  a  copy  of  Mr.  Fortune's  notes  in  regard  to  it — m 
which  that  gentleman  states,  that  in  England  it  is  probable  that  it  will 
be  nearly  hardy ;  but  my  object  in  the  present  communication  is  to 
note  its  perfect  hardiness  in  a  situation  of  considerable  altitude  and 
exposure,  as  a  lawn  shrub,  growing  in  the  common  garden  soil ;  and 
it  is  decidedly  one  of  the  most  interesting  plants  at  the  present  time 
in  a  collection  of  considerable  variety  and  extent.  Its  bright  golden 
flowers,  produced  from  the  axils  of  every  fallen  leaf,  present  in  the 
aggregate,  a  dense  mass  of  blossom  of  the  most  charming  kind.  It  is 
described  as  being  a  great  favourite  with  the  Chinese,  and  is  generally 
grown  in  all  the  gardens  of  the  rich  in  the  north  of  China.  It  was  also 
discovered  wild  amongst  the  mountains  of  the  interior,  in  the  province 
of  Chekiang,  producing  an  effect  even  more  ornamental  in  its  natural 
state  amongst  the  hedges,  than  when  cultivated  in  the  "  fairy  gardens 
of  the  Mandarins." 

The  Forsythia  expansa,  another  shrub  of  like  character,  is  described 
in  the  "  Flora  Japonica,"  vol.  i.,  page  16,  and  is  there  stated  to  have 
been  obtained  from  China  by  the  Japanese,  who  plant  it  along  with 
evergreens,  for  the  sake  of  obtaining  from  the  varied  appearance  pro- 
duced in  the  spring  by  tins  plant,  a  good  background  to  the  Peaches, 
Apricots,  and  Camellias,  that  blossom  at  the  same  time.  In  this 
country,  something  of  the  same  kind  may  be  effected  by  an  admixture 
with  the  Cydonia  japonica,  in  its  different  beautiful  varieties  ;  and  these 


APRIL.  123 

may  be  disposed  in  masses,  trained  on  walls  or  other  description  of 
fence,  or  formed  into  hedges,  and  trained  as  taste  or  fancy  may  direct 
in  favourable  situations.  Almonds  and  double-flowering  Peaches 
would  of  course  add  beauty  and  variety  to  such  an  arrangement.  As 
a  conservatory  plant,  the  Forsythia  contrasts  admirably  with  Camellias 
and  multitudes  of  other  flowers  with  which  such  houses  are  decorated 
during  the  early  months  of  spring.  And  when  the  successes  of  our 
commercial  gardeners  have  enabled  them  to  render  more  common  those 
gorgeously  coloured  double-flowered  Peaches,  introduced  by  the  same 
fortunate  collector  from  the  same  "  flowery  land,"  some  of  which  have 
recently  been  figured  in  the  Florist,  we  shall  doubtless  use  them  as 
profusely  as  do  the  Japanese,  in  the  decoration  of  our  conservatories 
and  gardens.  D. 


WINTER  FLOWERING  CARNATIONS. 

This  beautiful  class  of  plants  is  not  half  so  well  known  or  cultivated  as 
their  fragrance  and  easy  culture  entitle  them  to.  I  am,  therefore, 
induced  to  lay  before  your  readers  my  system  of  culture.  I  have  been 
a  successful  grower  of  these  flowers  for  many  years  ;  they  are,  moreover, 
great  favourites  of  mine ;  and  as  plants  to  cut  from,  for  bouquets  or 
drawing-room  decoration,  they  are  indispensable  ;  for  they  last  a  long 
time  in  bloom,  and  remain  in  beauty  a  great  while  after  being  cut ; 
but  this  is  not  their  only  merit,  they  have  other  claims  on  our  notice, 
for  they  bloom  at  a  season  when  Flora  has  generally  but  little  to  present 
us  with.  With  proper  care,  they  will  flower  in  pots  from  October 
till  May,  and  longer  by  giving  a  slight,  shift  in  March  or  April ;  and, 
with  a  good  collection,  you  can  cut  as  many  as  you  like  ;  for  cutting 
the  flowers  is  rather  beneficial  to  them  than  otherwise,  inducing  them 
to  throw  out  flower  buds  at  the  joints  below.  As  regards  varieties,  I 
shall  not  trouble  you,  as  their  name  is  legion.  I  cultivate  about 
thirty-eight,  which  are  all  very  beautiful,  and  they  produce  an  endless 
variety  of  markings  and  colours,  such  as  yellow  blotch,  rose  and  purple 
blotch,  and  scarlet  and  crimson  flakes  ;  white  edged  with  pink,  rose, 
and  crimson.  Then  we  have  selfs  in  great  variety.  All  who  wish  to 
cultivate  this  class  of  plants  cannot  commence  at  a  better  time  than 
now,  for  they  are  all  very  cheap,  and  are  easily  procured  from  any 
good  nurseryman.  I  propagate  mine  from  cuttings  every  season.  I 
take  them  off  about  the  beginning  of  October,  choosing  the  best  and 
stoutest  shoots  ;  they  are  made  in  the  usual  way  by  cutting  to  a  joint, 
and  removing  a  small  portion  of  the  tops  of  the  Grass ;  they  are  then 
inserted  thickly  around  the  sides  of  4  or  5-inch  pots,  and  made  firm — 
using  for  soil,  equal  parts  leaf-mould,  loam,  and  sand  ;  they  are  then 
placed  in  the  bottom  part  of  some  cold  frames,  along  with  bedding  out 
plants,  and  are  always  shaded  when  the  sun  shines  strongly ;  watering 
as  may  be  necessary.  Here  they  strike  slowly,  and  are  all  rooted  by 
the  beginning  of  March  ;  they  are  then  potted  off  into  3- inch  pots,  usinc 
for  them  good  sound  mellow  loam,  with  a  good  mixture  of  sand  and 
rotten  dung  ;  they  are  then  placed  into  a  cold  frame  by  themselves ; 
they  are  kept  shaded  for  a  few  days  from  the  sun,  and  advantage  taken 


124 


THE    FLORIST. 


of  the  sun's  influence,  by  closing  rather  early  in  the  afternoon  ;  and  a 
slight  dewing  with  the  syringe  is  given  them  for  about  a  week  or  ten 
days,  to  induce  them  to  take  to  the  fresh  soil  and  make  fresh  roots 
quickly ;  after  this,  they  get  all  the  air  possible  by  day. 

By  the  beginning  of  April,  the  pots  will  be  full  of  roots.  At  this 
stage,  I  pinch  cut  the  centre  of  each,  which  induces  them  to  break  well 
all  round  ;  and  when  they  have  made  shoots  about  a  inch  or  so  long, 
they  are  then  put  into  32s,  or  (j-inch  pots,  using  for  them  three 
parts  sound  loam,  well  chopped  up,  but  not  sifted ;  the  other  part  to 
contain  about  equal  sand  and  dung,  well  decomposed.  Let  me  here 
say  that  I  think  the  cause  why  some  fail  to  bloom  this  beautiful  class  of 
flowers  satisfactorily,  is  want  of  stopping  at  the  proper  time,  and  then 
not  waiting  till  broken  properly,  and  planting  them  in  much  too  large 
pots — 8,  10,  and  12  inch  ones  I  have  seen  them  infrequently.  It  is  a 
great  mistake  to  use  such  large  pots.  After  they  are  all  potted,  sticks 
are  placed  in  the  pots,  in  readiness  to  tie  the  shoots  to  as  they  advance  ; 
and,  at  the  same  time,  all  the  shoots  are  thinned  out  to  four,  which  I 
have  found  better  than  a  larger  number.  The  pots  are  now  plunged 
into  the  ground,  up  to  their  rims.  The  plants  get  a  watering  and  a 
tying  up  when  necessary.  By  the  beginning  of  September  they  will 
begin  to  show  bloom  buds ;  they  then  get  lifted  from  the  ground,  and 
a  little  weak  liquid  manure  is  given  them  about  twice  a  week ;  and, 
if  mildew  makes  its  appearance,  as  it  will  some  seasons,  I  dust  with 
sulphur  ;  but,  if  green-fly,  which  I  have  never  got  on  mine,  attacks 
the  young  shoots,  prepare  some  tobacco  juice,  and  dip  the  young 
shoots  into  it.  The  pots  are  all  washed,  and  then  removed  to  an 
airy  vinery  for  a  week  or  two,  or  any.  place  at  command.  By  the 
middle  of  October,  the  earliest  varieties  will  commence  to  bloom,  and 
others  will  quickly  follow.  If  kept  in  a  greenhouse,  the  heat  of  which 
is  kept  up  from  48°  by  night  to  50  or  55°  by  day,  from  November  till 
the  end  of  February,  they  will  keep  gay  and  interesting  during  that 
period. 

I  take  off  cuttings,  as  before,  in  October,  after  they  have  finished 
blooming,  which  will  be  about  the  end  of  April  and  May.  My  old 
plants  I  transplant  in  the  borders  of  the  flower  garden,  where  they 
soon  commence  blooming  again,  and  give  me  a  second  supply  of  beau- 
tiful fragrant  blossoms,  which  are  at  all  times  greatly  prized. 

C.  W.  C. 


GARRYA  ELLIPTICA. 

This  magnificent  and  highly  interesting  shrub  was  discovered  by 
Douglas,  in  northern  Californian,  about  the  year  1828 ;  and  was 
named  by  him  in  compliment  to  the  late  Nicholas  Garry,  Esq.,  at  that 
time  chairman  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company,  to  whose  assistance  he 
was  much  indebted  during  his  travels  ;  it  is  said  to  be  the  greatest 
botanical  curiosity  introduced  into  this  country  by  that  indefatigable 
collector. 

The  plant  attains  considerable  dimensions,  and  is  irregular  in  its 


APRIL. 


125 


form  and  outline.  The  foliage  is  evergreen,  of  an  Ilex  or  Viburnum 
character,  and  of  the  most  charming  kind ;  a  particularly  handsome 
specimen,  which  I  have  now  in  my  eye,  and  which  is  growing  in 
common  garden  soil,  on  an  exposed  situation  in  one  of  the  western 
counties,  at  an  elevation  of  600  ieet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  has 
been  an  obj  ect  of  much  attraction  for  several  weeks  past,  being  some- 
what densely  clothed  with  long  massive  tails  of  yellowish  catkins, 
which,  hanging  from  its  irregular  branches,  produce  an  effect  of  the 
most  singular  and  pleasing  kind  ;  and  its  beauty  is  much  enhanced  by 
being  seen  in  contrast  with  other  handsome  forms  of  trees  and  shrubs 
on  a  well-kept  lawn. 

It  is  also  a  charming  subject  with  which  to  enrich  bouquets  or 
flowers  in  glasses  or  other  works  of  art ;  the  pendulous  form  and 
delicate  colour  of  the  catkins  produce  an  unusual  and  excellent  effect, 
contrasted  with  flowers  of  gayer  hues,  and  which,  under  ordinary  con- 
ditions, are  plentiful  enough  at  this  period  of  the  year. 

A  sheltered  and  northern  exposure  is  the  most  appropriate  for  its 
growth,  as  the  foliage  and  flowers  are  alike  more  perfect  in  such  an 
aspect. 

The  female  of  this  plant  was  also  introduced  from  northern  Cali- 
fornia, under  the  auspices  of  the  Horticultural  Society  some  years  since, 
by  their  no  less  eminent  collector,  Hartweg,  and  flowered  for  the  first 
time  in  Europe  in  March,  1850.  In  foliage  it  is  like  the  male  plant, 
but  the  flowers  are  as  destitute  of  beauty  as  the  male  is  conspicuous  for 
its  attractions.  The  catkins  are  short,  green,  and  at  a  little  distance 
are  scarcely  to  be  observed.  It  is,  however,  stated  that  in  North  West 
America  the  plant  is  loaded  with  long  clusters  of  ornamental  purple 
berries. 

March  15.  L.  N. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — Any  of  these  latter  out  of  bloom,  and 
wanting  more  pot  room,  should  be  shifted  at  once,  using  a  compost  of 
sandy  loam  and  peat,  in  about  equal  proportions,  with  a  little  silver 
sand  where  the  loam  is  heavy,  and  very  rotten  cowdung  for  large 
specimens.  Keep  them  close  after  potting,  and  syringe  frequently,  to 
induce  the  plants  to  break  freely. 

Auriculas. — These,  like  many  other  things  this  spring,  are  unusually 
forward,  many  now  being  in  bloom.  Shade  during  bright  sun,  if 
the  plants  are  facing  the  south,  or  perhaps  it  would  be  best  to  place 
them  in  a  cool  north  situation,  to  prolong  their  bloom.  Always 
popular  with  a  class,  the  Auricula  is  now  becoming  generally  so,  and 
is  now  patronised  by  the  Royal  Botanic  Society  at  their  spring  meetings. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — No  time  should  be  lost  in  completing  the 
potting  of  these  for  bloom,  or  planting  them  in  beds  or  borders.  We 
never  remember  a  finer  spring  for  these  plants ;  their  health  and 
strength  is  remarkable  ;  a  fine  but  an  early  bloom  is  more  than  probable.. 

Cinerarias. — Little  can  be  said  more  of  these.  The  instructions 
given  last  month  may  be  continued.     Many  of  the  plants  will  now 


126  THE    PLOKIST. 

be  in  full  beauty,  and  will  remain  so  for  some  time  if  removed  to  a 
north  house  or  other  cool  situation.  The  green-fly  attacks  the  plants  at 
this  season,  but  a  slight  fumigating  will  remove  it,  without  injuring  the 
plant  or  flowers,  Look  well  to  large  plants,  and  see  that  they 
are  tied  out  as  wide  as  possible,  and  kept  clear  of  all  decaying  leaves  ; 
keep  them,  too,  as  near  the  glass  as  possible,  to  prevent  their  drawing. 
If  not  already  done,  prepare  soil,  by  putting  equal  parts  good  turfy 
loam  and  partly  decomposed  stable  manure  together ;  throw  these  into 
a  heap,  that  they  may  ferment ;  turn  occasionally,  to  thoroughly 
amalgamate. 

Gold  Frames. — See  our  last  calendar  ;  and  finish  all  the  propagating 
for  the  flower  garden  as  quickly  as  possible,  to  enable  them  to  get  pro- 
perly hardened  off  by  planting  time.  Some  of  the  hardiest  things,  as 
Calceolarias,  Lobelias,  &c,  may  be  removed  to  turf  pits,  to  be  protected 
with  canvas ;  this  will  allow  more  room  for  more  tender  things 
requiring  glass.     Soft-wooded  plants  may  yet  be  propagated. 

Conservatory  and  Show-house. — The  training  of  conservatory 
climbers  is  always  a  task  of  some  difficulty,  as  they  should,  as  far  as  is 
practicable,  be  allowed  to  grow  in  a  natural  manner,  to  avoid  the 
appearance  of  formality.  Tacsonias,  Passifloras,  Mandevillas,  and 
Jasminums,  will  now  be  breaking,  and  the  young  wood  will  require 
tying  in  ;  let  this  be  done  agreeably  with  the  suggestion  given  above. 
Kennedyas,  Hardenbergias,  and  climbers  of  this  clas?,  when  out  of 
bloom,  should  have  a  portion  of  the  flowering  wood  cut  away,  which 
will  encourage  a  freer  growth.  No  plants  are  more  pleasing  and 
cheerful  tor  the  conservatory  than  these  when  well  managed.  Rough 
open  turfy  peat  and  sand,  with  plenty  of  water  during  the  growing 
season,  and  kept  comparatively  dry  through  the  autumn,  suits  them 
best.  The  very  beautiful  Lapageria  rosea  also  bears  similar  treatment, 
and  should  be  in  every  greenhouse.  Stove  and  other  plants  intended  to 
decorate  the  conservatory  from  July  to  September  should  now  be 
looked  after.  Allamandas,  Clerodendions,  Vincas,  and  even-  Ixoras, 
Dipladenias,  and  Justicias,  will  do  well  in  the  conservatory,  during  the 
above  season,  if  grown  on  well  till  May,  and  then  gradually  exposed, 
so  as  to  harden  them  by  degrees.  Balsams,  Globe  Amaranths,  and 
many  other  annuals  may  be  also  grown  for  this  purpose.  Brugmansia 
suaveolens,  if  grown  in  pots,  should  now  have  the  old  soil  shaken  from 
their  roots,  and  repotted  in  very  rich  compost.  There  are  now  several 
kinds  of  Daturas  (belonging  to  the  above  class),  which  make  capital 
conservatory  plants.  Nor  should  we  forget  such  things  as  Cannas, 
Hedychiums,  &c,  all  valuable  when  got  forward  in  good  time.  Sow 
also  the  autumn  blooming  Tropaeolums,  as  Triomphe  de  Gand,  and 
Ipomceas,  which  are  splendid  objects  as  conservatory  climbers  through 
the  autumn.  Look  to  the  present  inmates.  Remove  plants  on  the 
wane,  and  replenish  with  fresh  introductions  coming  into  bloom. 
Roses  should  now  predominate.  Let  every  care  be  taken  to  keep  the 
house  and  plants  in  the  best  order  as  regards  cleanness,  and  when 
re-arranging,  introduce  as  much  variety  in  the  general  effect  as 
possible. 

Dahlias. — Propagating  freely  now  should  be  adopted.     Plants  struck 


APRIL.  127 

during  the  first  three  weeks  in  April,  will  be  in  ample  time,  yet  not  so 
forward  as  to  become  stunted  before  planting  out  time.  Pot  off  first 
struck  cuttings,  and  keep  them  growing,  if  but  gently.  Start  old 
roots  in  the  bottom  of  vineries,  or  any  spare  place  where  no  increase  is 
desired,  but  only  the  old  plants,  which  will  be  forward  and  strong. 
Seed  should  now  be  sown. 

Flower  Garden. — This  month  is  quite  as  important  to  the  flower 
gardener  as  May,  as  he  will  now  be  busy  preparing  the  soil  in  the 
various  beds  for  their  forthcoming  inmates,  and  he  will  also  have  to 
sow  and  transplant  many  things  hardy  enough  to  stand  the  climate. 
All  vacant  spaces  in  the  herbaceous  beds  and  shrubbery  borders  may 
now  be  sown  with  hardy  annuals,  having  first  well  broken  up  the  soil, 
and  made  it  fine  to  receive  the  seed.  Finish  pruning  Tea  and  China 
Roses,  also  any  others  left  at  the  general  pruning.  Prune  and  train 
wall  climbers,  &c,  and  let  the  whole  of  the  ornamental  shrubs,  requiring 
cutting  in,  be  done,  that  tne  borders,  &c,  may  be  made  tidy,  after 
which  they  will  only  require  hoeing  and  raking  occasionally.  Provide 
stakes  for  Hollyhocks,  &c,  and  the  proper  supports  for  all  tall  plants. 
The  Grass  in  many  places  requires  mowing ;  don't  let  it  grow  too  long, 
if  you  wish  for  a  close  bottom. 

Forcing  Ground. — Earth  up  Potatoes  in  frames,  and  the  spring 
raised  Cauliflowers.  Lettuces,  pricked  out  in  frames,  may  be  transferred 
to4;he  open  ground,  towards  the  middle  of  the  month  ;  harden  them 
well  before  removing,  by  allowing  the  sashes  to  remain  off  day  and 
night  for  a  week.  Prick  out  the  first  crop  of  Celery  on  a  slight  bottom 
heat.  The  soil  should  be  rich  and  very  shallow,  and  the  plants  kept 
close  to  the  glass,  to  have  them  stocky  and  well  rooted  by  the  first  week 
in  May.  Where  Leeks  are  required  early,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  raise 
them  on  a  little  heat  under  glass,  and  then  transplant. 

Fruit  (hardy). — Hitherto  the  weather,  though  wet  and  stormy, 
has  been  favourable.  Apricots  have  set  their  fruit,  and  Peaches  are  in 
full  bloom.  Finish  pruning  and  nailing  as  quickly  as  you  can. 
Figs  are  generally  the  fiirst  to  be  looked  to.  Have  your  protecting 
materials  ready.  We  don't  know  what  April  may  require  yet,  but  it 
will  be  well  to  be  forearmed.  Raspberries  may  now  be  shortened 
back  if  not  done  ;  and  if  part  are  cut  back  to  a  foot  from  the  ground 
they  will  produce  a  succession,  carrying  on  the  supply  from  the  main 
crop  till  the  double  bearing  ones  come  in. 

Greenhouse  (Mixed  Plants). — Any  things  tolerably  hardy,  which 
can  be  removed  to  some  kind  of  shelter,  may  now  be  cleared  out,  to 
make  room  for  better  things.  Tie  out  Pelargoniums  and  other  specimen 
plants.  Epacris,  when  out  of  bloom,  should  be  well  pruned  in,  and 
kept  at  the  warm  end  of  the  house  for  a  time,  to  encourage  them  to 
grow  again.  Heaths  and  similar  plants  should  occupy  the  most  airy 
and  lightest  places.  Give  plenty  of  air,  and  towards  the  end  of  the 
month  a  little  may  be  left  on  all  night,  but  only  when  the  weather  is 
mild. 

Kitchen  Garden. — All  the  crops  above  ground  will  be  benefited  by 
having  the  soil  frequently  stirred  between  the  plants  in  dry  weather, 
nothing  conducing  so  much  to  a  vigorous  growth  as  moving  the  surface. 


128  THE    FLORIST. 

Keep  up  the  required  succession  of  vegetables,  according  to  the  demand. 
Peas  and  Cauliflowers  should  have  well  trenched  and  richly  manured 
ground,  or  the  produce  will  be  indifferent — in  dry  weather  particularly, 
it'  the  land  is  at  all  poor;  in  fact,  deep  working  of  the  soil,  and  frequent 
stirrings  of  the  surface,  are  the  main  points  of  success  in  growing  nine- 
tenths  of  our  vegetable  crops.  Sow  a  crop  of  early  French  Beans  on  a 
warm  border,  and  Scarlet  Runners  may  be  sown  towards  the  middle  of 
the  month.  Thin  out  Onions,  Parsnips,  Lettuces,  Carrots,  Parsley,  and 
Spinach,  when  large  enough.  Silver  Beet  may  be  sown  towards  the 
end  of  the  month,  as  also  Salsafy,  and  Scorzonera,  which  run  when 
sown  sooner.  If  you  want  your  Rhubarb  to  grow  as  large  in  the  stem 
as  a  tidy  builder's  pole,  water  the  roots  two  or  three  times  a  week  with 
guano  water  or  other  liquid  manure. 

Melons  and  Cucumbers. — Follow  our  last  directions,  and  see  that 
the  heat,  both  bottom  and  top,  is  at  all  times  uniform,  that  no  check 
may  occur — which,  with  Melons  particularly,  is  most  injurious. 
Watch  for  green-fly  and  red  spider ;  frames  and  pits  with  these  plants 
may  be  kept  pretty  free  from  these  pests  by  occasionally  washing  the 
inside  with  tobacco  water,  with  which  mix  a  handful  of  sulphur. 

Pelargoniums. — As  the  successful  blooming  of  these  plants  depends 
on  the  strength  and  vigour  of  the  shoots,  do  not  allow  anything  to  check 
their  progress.  As  the  branches  increase  in  size,  continue  to  tie  thpm 
out,  so  as  to  keep  them  free  of  each  other ;  and,  also,  do  not  permit 
any  of  the  plants  to  be  crowded.  Keep  the  foliage  clean,  if  needful,  by 
thoroughly  using  the  syringe  and  soft  water.  The  time  is  nearly  at 
hand  for  the  cultivation  of  this  beautiful  flower,  and  any  care  and 
attention  will  be  abundantly  repaid.  The  early  flowering  plants  will 
especially  demand  even  increased  attention,  as  they  will  be  fast  coming 
into  bloom.  Never  allow  them  to  get  dry,  as  that  state  injures  the 
bloom,  and  causes  the  plants  to  lose  their  leaves.  Do  not  forget  to 
well  fumigate  them,  to  keep  the  green-fly  under,  a  pest  which  increases 
rapidly  at  this  season.  In  bright  weather,  a  slight  shade  will,  in  the 
heat  of  the  day,  be  necessary  ;  and,  if  late  flowering  plants  are  required, 
some  must  be  removed  now  into  a  cold  pit,  to  keep  them  back. 

Tulips. — All  appears  promising  for  a  good  but  early  season  of  blooms. 

Peach  House. — In  selecting  the  wood  for  next  year's  bearing,  in 
some  degree  be  guided  by  the  vigour  of  the  tree.  Strong  growing  trees 
will  require  the  wood  to  be  laid  in  pretty  thick,  while  weakly  growing 
ones  must  have  it  left  in  much  thinner  ;  with  the  former,  leave  a  large 
crop  to  check  too  luxuriant  a  growth,  while  weakly  trees  should  be 
rather  under  cropped,  till  they  gain  strength.  Keep  down  green-fly ; 
and  thin  the  last  house,  if  the  fruit  has  set  too  thickly.  The  night 
temperature  of  the  early  house  should  not  exceed  60°,  allowing  a  rise 
of  15°  to  20°  under  bright  sun.  Syringe  with  tepid  water  once  or 
twice  daily,  according  to  the  weather. 

Pinery. — If  not  shifted  last  month,  the  succession  plants  will  now 
require  repotting.  Shake  the  soil  clear  away  from  plants  at  all 
unhealthy,  or  when  the  soil  is  not  in  a  suitable  state,  and  repot  the 
plants  in  pure  loam.  The  healthy  plants  should  have  a  small  shift, 
liberating  the  roots  before  potting ;    let  the  soil  be  moderately  dry. 


4ndrev/.}.Z>efc.  &Zwjx 


Camellia... 

Plate.  151. 


MAY.  ]29 


CAMELLIA    VALTEVAREDO. 

(Plate  151). 

In  former  volumes  have  been  recorded  the  results  of  different 
growers'  experience  in  the  cultivation  of  this  magnificent 
flower,  and  various  fine  kinds  have  been  figured  by  us ;  we 
are,  however,  of  opinion  that  the  subject  of  our  present  illus- 
tration yields  to  none  hitherto  represented  either  in  beauty 
of  foliage  or  flowers.  The  variety  must  necessarily  be  a 
favourite ;  for  who  does  not  admire  a  well  grown  and  well  . 
blossomed  Camellia,  with  glossy  dark  green  leaves,  and  bold- 
petalled  richly  coloured  flowers  ?  There  are  pleasing  asso- 
ciations and  peculiarities  about  this  charming  plant  which 
mark  it  out  above  most  other  flowers,  and  it  seems  to  bid  fair 
to  be  as  enduring  as  to  its  popularity  as  the  Pelargonium  or 
the  Rose.  For  although  our  continental  neighbours  have 
poured  their  thousands  of  Camellias  into  the  British  market, 
and  although  the  Camellia  has  been  planted  against  walls  out 
of  doors,  made  to  form  undergrowth  in  plantations  and  shrub- 
beries, and  even  employed  to  bedeck  the  greengrocer's  stall, 
yet  nobody  thinks  a  well  bloomed  Camellia  commonplace  in 
character,  or  beneath  their  notice.  For  enlivening  the  dreary 
winter  or  early  spring  months,  we  know  nothing  equal  to  it, 
provided  its  culture  is  done  justice  to. 

The  grand  display  of  this  plant,  open  to  the  inspection  of 
everybody,  this  spring,  at  Messrs.  Milne,  Arnott,  &  Co.'s 
Nursery,  Vauxhall,  and  the  wonderfully  fine  tree  of  C.  reticu- 
lata, loaded  with  its  thousands  of  blooms,  at  Bank  Grove,  near 
Kingston,  have  both  tended  greatly  to  bring  the  Camellia 
especially  under  notice  this  season.  Some  account  of  the 
beautiful  variety,  of  which  the  accompanying  is  a  very  faithful 
portrait,  may  therefore  not  be  out  of  place  at  the  present  time. 

It  blossomed  most  beautifully  this  spring  in  the  Royal 
Exotic  Nursery,  King's  Road,  Chelsea,  and  to  the  spirited 
proprietor,  Mr.  James  Veitch,  we  are  indebted  for  an  oppor- 
tunity of  figuring  it.  It  is,  he  believes,  an  Italian  kind,  with, 
as  will  be  seen,  most  exquisitely  formed  flowers  of  medium 
size,  cupped  like  a  Rose,  and  full  to  the  centre.  The  habit  of 
the  plant  is  compact,  never  running  into  a  lean  lanky  state  if 
properly  cultivated ;  foliage  fine  and  round,  and  of  medium 
size.  It  must,  we  think,  be  confessed  to  be  altogether  a  most 
beautiful  variety,  free  flowering,  and  holding  its  buds  on  well, 
especially  in  a  London  atmosphere.  The  plant  was,  we 
understand,  originally  obtained  from  Belgium.     It  is  believed 

VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXXXVI.  K 


130  THE    FLORIST. 

to  be,  as  stated,  an  Italian  seedling,  and  the  name  favours 
that  supposition  ;  it  is  spelt  differently  by  different  people,  but 
Mr.  Veitch  believes  the  proper  way  to  be  "  Valtevaredo." 

The  following  are  the  names  of  a  few  first-rate  Camellias, 
which  should  occupy  a  place  in  every  collection  : — 

Albertus,  blush,  striped  with  carmine. 

Archduchess  Augusta,  crimson,  veined  with  purple  and  tipped  with 

white. 
Augustina  superba,  beautiful  rose. 
Beali,  bright  crimson. 

Comte  de  Paris,  salmon  pink,  edged  with  rose. 
Countess  of  Ellesmere,  fine  rose. 

Countess  of  Orkney,  pure  white,  striped  with  carmine,  extra  fine. 
Emelia  Campioni,  rosy  carmine,  fine  and  large. 
Fra  Arnoldo  da  Brescia,  rose,  fine  form. 
General  Drouot,  rose  striped  with  white. 
Giardino  Franchetti,  bright  pink,  slightly  marbled,  fine. 
Halfida,  beautiful  rose. 
II  Cygno,  pure  white. 

Jubilee,  flesh  colour,  striped  and  spotted.   , 
Mathotiana,  bright  crimson,  large  and  fine. 
Queen  of  Denmark,  crimson,  shaded  and  striped  with  rose. 
Reine  des  Fleurs,  carmine,  striped  with  white. 
Rubens,  deep  rose,  fine  and  large. 
Saccoi  Nova,  same  as  Halfida,  fine. 
Storyi,  beautiful  pink,  extra  fine  shape. 
Targioni,  white,  with  carmine  stripes. 
Teutonia,  delicate  rose,  striped  in  centre  of  each  petal. 
Valtevaredo,  see  plate. 
Wilderi,  fine  rose. 

To  the  above  must  be  added  a  splendid  new  light- coloured 
Camellia,  named  "  Countess  of  Derby,"  which  Mr.  Veitch 
intends  offering  to  the  public  next  season. 


"THE    THERMOMETER    AT    20°,   AND    A    FEW    OTHER 

THINGS." 

We  have  had  a  very  severe  frost  here,  with  the  thermometer  at  20°. 
The  effect  of  the  frost,  followed  by  intense  heat,  is  disastrous.  A 
correspondent  at  Bromley  Common  speaks  also  of  its  malign  effects  on 
his  wall  trees.  I  was  at  Critchill,  yesterday  (April  12),  the  palatial 
residence  of  Mr.  Sturt,  and  walked  round  the  gardens  with  him,  to 
see  the  fruit.  The  orchard  house  and  glass-cased  south  wall,  160  feet 
in  length,  most  beautifully  done,  groan  with  well-set  fruit — but, 
outside  the  glass,  over  a  large  expanse  of  12  feet  high  walls,  I  could 
not  detect  a  single  specimen.  The  head  gardener,  Mr.  Newton,  told 
me,  that  all  Lord  Shaftesbury's  wall  fruit  was  destroyed.  At  my 
friend  and  neighbour's  garden,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Austen,  who  is  one  of 
your  subscribers,  Peaches,  Apricots,  and  Nectarines  are  totally  gone. 
One  of  my   parishioners,  who  works  at   Langton    Garden,  for  Mr. 


MAY.  131 

Farquharson,  told  my  groom  that  everything  was  destroyed  there  also. 
At  Milton  Abbey,  the  seat  of  Baron  Hambro',  except  under  glass,  the 
case  is  the  same.  Except  in  high  cold  situations,  where  blossoms  are  late, 
I  expect  you  will  hear  of  disaster.  I  never  saw  trees  more  beautifully 
bloomed  than  they  were  here  ;  but  I  have  suffered  greatly.  My  faithful 
sheets,  however,  kept  on  by  day,  only  during  violent  winds  and  any 
rain,  have  saved  me  a  tolerable  sprinkling  of  Peaches.  My  Apricots 
having  been  cut  hard  for  new  wood,  had  little  or  no  bloom,  but  what 
there  was  is  gone  The  white  Nectarine  has  only  six  or  seven.  The 
red  Apricot  is  replaced  by  a  new  tree,  as  its  stock  was  old,  gnarled, 
and  twisted.  My  three  Peach  trees,  which  last  year  yielded  of  good 
fruit  196,  274,  and  554,  or  altogether  1024,  have  this  year  39,  97, 
and  119,  or  255  well-set  fruit,  which  are  so  dispersed  as  to  require 
no  thinning.  I  began  covering  on  the  6th  of  March,  which  was  ten  or 
twelve  days  earlier  than  last  year.  Say  what  people  will  against 
sheets  (removable),  I  will  back  them  against  rabbit  nets  or  Fir 
boughs.  If  ever  I  change  them  for  anything,  it  will  be  for  a  glass 
case.  With  regard  to  my  white  Nectarine  tree,  I  may  observe,  that  I 
attribute  the  failure  in  some  measure  to  its  being  more  exposed  to  a 
most  violent  wind,  which  tore  even  the  sheets  from  the  nails.  A  violent 
wind  is  most  injurious  to  blossoms  ;  moreover,  the  foliage  by  the  sheets 
is  preserved,  and  beautifully  luxuriant  and  green,  and  never  suffers 
from  curl  to  any  appreciable  extent.  I  have  no  desire  to  open  the 
protection  question  at  all ;  let  "necessity  be  the  mother  of  invention." 
Last  year,  Sir  John  Smith's  gardener  covered  the  trees  with  cheese- 
cloth, tacked  to  three  rafters — with  a  coping,  very  thick,  of  Fir  boughs  ; 
and  they  had,  in  a  very  exposed  garden,  the  best  crop  of  wall  fruit 
which  they  have  had  for  years.  I  am,  however,  myself  disinclined  to 
any  fixture,  save  that  of  glass  casing.  Reading  over  the  other  day,  in 
your  Florist,  the  protection  controversy,  it  gave  me  much  pleasure  to 
see,  that  an  old  friend,  Mr.  Johnson,  formerly  head  gardener  to  Mr. 
Brouncker,  of  Boveridge,  Dorset,  and  now  head  gardener  to  his  Grace 
the  Duke  of  Wellington,  at  Strathfieldsaye,  approves  of  wall  fruit 
protection.  Of  course,  I  cannot  compare  sheeting  to  glass  casing. 
The  fruit  is  safer  and  earlier  under  the  latter ;  and  I  believe  it  would 
never  fail  in  such  a  situation,  unless  the  trees  were  "  stifled."  What 
is  the  cause  of  non-setting  and  dwindling  of  Strawberries  in  forcing 
houses  ? — Want  of  air.  What  is  it  that  mildews  Grapes  ? — I  firmly 
believe  that  it  is  pent  up  damp,  and  want  of  dry  air.  The  beauty  of 
the  orchard  house,  forcing  houses,  greenhouses,  and  the  glass-cased 
wall  at  Critchill,  is  this, — that  you  can  give  them  what  air  you  please  ; 
the  orchard  house,  and  160  feet  of  glass-cased  wall  can  be  aired  to 
any  amount,  in  a  moment,  by  machinery.  It  is  quite  a  first-rate 
performance,  and,  with  the  successful  crop  of  fruit,  is  well  worthy  of 
review.  I  saw  among  the  forced  Strawberries,  a  plant  of  Ananias 
Lecoq,  which  I  sent  there,  and  it  justified  fully  what  I  said  in  a 
previous  article,  viz.,  that  I  thought  it  would  make  a  good  forcer.  The 
Keens  were  good,  very  good,  but  were  not  so  sturdy  in  leaf  or  stem 
— two  things  most  important  where  supernatural  heat  is  to  be  borne. 
The  leaves  are  of  thick  substance,  good  form,  and  the  crowns  bold ;  and 
k2 


132  THE    FLORIST. 

never  once,  this  winter,  in  my  exposed  garden,  has  it  ever  been  other- 
wise than  a  beautiful  evergreen  plant ;  its  flavour  I  know  not. 
Rushton,  April  13.  W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

P.S.  April  20. — Mr.  Cranston  gives  me  a  melancholy  account  of  the 
frost  in  Herefordshire.  He  says  "  all  "  the  wall  fruit  is  gone.  M.  Gloede 
says  in  a  letter  of  the  18th  of  April — "  The  frost  last  night  froze  my 
Kidney  Potatoes  under  bell  glasses.  My  early  Strawberry  blooms  are 
destroyed.  [My  old  Carolinas  are  well  bloomed,  also  Creinont's 
Perpetual  and  Carolina  superba,  and  are  covered  every  night  with 
sheets. — W.  F.  R.]  The  frost  last  night  did  also  a  great  deal  of 
mischief  to  the  Vines — (April  17).  Pears,  Plums,  Apricots,  Peaches, 
and  Nectarines,  look  as  if  they  were  safe.  Apples  being  in  bloom  may 
suffer  from  such  untoward  state  of  things."  He  adds,  "  I  followed 
your  advice,  and  potted  a  kw  of  Lecoq  Pine  (Ananias  Lecoq)  ;  they 
seem  doing  very  well  indeed,  and  have  easily  set  their  fruit.  General 
Havelock,  under  glass,  seems  to  be  good  ;  fruit  large,  well  shaped,  and 
of  good  colour." 


PANSIES. 

The  tide  of  civilisation  has,  we  are  told,  flowed  westwards.  Assyria 
and  Egypt  gave  way  to  Greece,  and  Greece  to  Rome  ;  and  now  its  seat 
is  not  to  be  found  in  the  city  of  the  seven  hills,  but  on  the  banks  of  the 
Seine  and  of  dear  dirty  Father  Thames ;  while  already  others  are 
pointing  to  the  far-off  shores  of  the  Atlantic  as  the  future  seat  of  its 
triumphs.  Somewhat  different  has  been  the  course  of  Pans//  civilisa- 
tion ;  it  seems  to  be  rapidly  retiring  northwards,  and  our  friends  on 
"  t'other  side  of  Tweed "  must,  I  fear,  now  be  looked  upon  as  the 
"  leaders  of  progress,"  as  far  as  it  is  concerned.  Time  was  when  its 
historians,  and  it  may  be  its  poets,  lived  "  down  south ;"  but  alas,  some 
of  those  who  thus  chronicled  its  beauties  and  its  victories  have  been 
deserted  by  their  own  children ;  they  have  transferred  their  affection, 
and  their  presence  too,  to  those  who  will  certainly  take  care  of  them, 
but  who  are  not  their  own  legitimate  papas.  In  the  north  of  England, 
too,  as  well  as  Scotland,  there  are  still  eminent  growers,  but  certainly 
in  the  southern  parts  of  the  kingdom  we  have  but  little  evidence  of  our 
former  attention  to  this  beautiful  spring  flower. 

As  I  stood  opposite  my  small  frame  of  four  or  five  dozen  plants  (not 
the  worst  sorts  out,  let  me  inform  you,  my  good  friend),  and  saw  Lord 
Derby,  with  his  two  black  eyes  (I  suppose  given  him  by  his  next 
neighbour,  little  Lord  John),  and  Sir  Colin  Campbell  looking  rather 
whiter  than  I  fear  he  does  now,  after  his  Oude  campaign,  and  John 
Gough,  ready  for  a  lecture  on  temperance,  I  wondered  whether,  as  they 
looked  so  hard  at  me,  there  was  anything  on  their  minds,  for  they  are 
a  contemplative  race,  as  their  name  Pansy  (pensee)  implies — and 
whether  they  would  enlighten  me  on  the  subject.  I  asked  them  whether 
I  had  bestowed  care  enough  on  them,  or  whether  they  could  point  to 
any  neglect  of  which  I  had  been  guilty  ?     No,  they  gave  me  credit  for 


MAY.  133 

being  a  very  good  master,  that  I  had  given  them  plenty  of  grub — no, 
not  grub,  for  that  was  vulgar,  and,  besides,  might  be  interpreted  to 
mean  maggot — food,  then,  and  of  the  best  quality.  Were  their 
quarters  comfortable  ?  Oh,  nothing  to  complain  of.  What,  then,  was 
the  matter  ?  There  was  a  little  disputing  and  questioning  about  the 
answer.  I  thought  I  could  hear  "  Go  on,  speak" — until  at  last  Her 
Grace  of  Sutherland,  apologising  for  assuming  so  prominent  a  position, 
but  saying  that  she  had  been  requested  to  speak  for  the  rest,  replied, 
"  Our  sorrows  and  troubles  all  arise  from  one  cause — comprehended  in 
one  word,  heat.  It  is,  I  know,  a  delicate  subject  for  a  lady  to  touch 
upon,  but  still  I  must  do  it ;  it  is  not  that  there  is  any  moist  heat,  for, 
alas !  we  are  too  shrivelled  up  for  that.  Why,  Sir,  I,  who  am  regarded 
as  one  of  the  most  distinguished  ladies  of  the  court — I  appeal  to  Her 
Royal  Highness  the  Princess  Royal  (Scholefield's)  whether  it  is  not  so 
— look  like  a  shrivelled  up  old  woman  before  the  season  is  over.  It 
grieves  and  irritates  me,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  excessively,  to  hear  people 
standing  by  us,  and  saying,  '  What  a  splendid  summer  !  how  gloriously 
hot !  what  a  sunless  sky  !'  Why,  Sir,  these  are  the  very  things  which 
kill  us,  and  we  may  well  echo  the  cry  of  the  frogs  of  old,  '  What  is 
play  to  you  is  death  to  us.'  In  fact,  we  have  been  so  scorched  and 
dried  up  and  withered,  the  last  three  years,  that  I  am  now  determined 
to  forsake  the  south  altogether,  and  take  up  my  quarters  at  Dun- 
robin,  N.B."  Pleased  to  find  that  I  was  not  in  fault,  I  thought  it  well 
to  write  and  ask  some  of  those  who  grow  the  flower,  whether  this  were 
true,  and  from  many  quarters  I  got  the  same  reply.  Messrs.  Dodwell, 
Bayley,  &  Co.  say  they  have  great  difficulty  in  keeping  them,  except  in 
very  sheltered  positions,  where  the  sun  cannot  get  at  them.  As  to 
Slough,  the  decadence  is  piteous  ;  it  used  to  be  worth  a  journey  there, 
to  see  them  in  early  spring — fine  splendid  blooms.  But,  alas!  now 
"  Ichabod "  must  be  written  on  them;  for,  in  truth,  their  glory  has 
departed — they  no  longer  form  part  of  Mr.  Turner's  stock,  and  are 
struck  out  of  his  Catalogue  altogether,  while  Mr.  Salter  says,  "  I  have 
been  obliged  to  give  them  up,  or  rather  they  have  given  me  up,  for  the 
last  two  seasons.  I  have  tried  them  in  all  situations — fully  exposed  to 
the  sun,  half  shaded,  and  full  north,  but  all  to  no  purpose.  I  had, 
three  years  ago,  a  fine  and  very  large  collection  of  varieties  of  which  I 
was  the  originator,  numbering  about  100  varieties  ;  but  I  have  since 
that  time  (1856)  lost  all.  I  believe  the  very  dry  weather  of  the  last 
two  years  to  be  the  cause.  As  we  go  further  northward  we  hear 
a  different  story.  "  We  have  no  difficulty,"  say  Messrs.  Downie  and 
Laird,  "  with  Pansies ;  they  thrive  very  well,  and  we  have  now 
upwards  of  5000  plants." 

"  Happy,  happy  pair, 
None  but  the  brave  deserve  the  fair." 

Yet  I  am  not  quite  sure  that  this  is  all ;  for  Mr.  Lightbody  says, 
"  Our  Pansies  here  go  off  in  the  most  unaccountable  way — whole  beds 
of  them  at  one  time."  Ah  !  thought  I,  that  is  something  like  us.  But 
can  the  heat  affect  them  in  the  cold  regions  of  Falkirk,  where  frosts 
often  occur  in  June.  I  suppose  that  other  Scotch  growers  suffer,  if  I 
may  judge  from  the  scrubbiest  lot  of  plants  I  ever  saw,  which  came  from 


134  THE    FLORIST. 

a  nursery  which  shall  be  nameless.  There  may  be  exceptions  to  the 
rule,  but  I  am  tolerably  well  persuaded  that  the  intense  heat  of  the 
last  few  summers  is  at  the  bottom  of  our  difficulties,  and  that  to  keep 
them  we  must  use  our  utmost  ingenuity. 

So  much  has  been  written,  and  so  well,  too,  upon  them,  and  separate 
treatises  certainly  have  said  nearly  all  that  can  be  said,  that  there  is 
little  room  to  add  more ;  there  are,  however,  one  or  two  points  con- 
nected with  the  difficulty  we  have  lately  experienced,  that  I  may  as 
well  notice.  I  speak  only  as  far  as  pot  culture  is  concerned.  Now, 
unquestionably  the  only  plants  for  this  purpose  are  those  that  are  struck 
late — early  struck  ones  being  lanky,  and  apt  to  throw  out  a  number  of 
stems ;  but  as  the  old  plants  are  very  likely,  during  the  summer,  to  go 
off"  entirely,  cuttings  should  be  taken  in  the  spring  months  when  they 
are  fit,  and  these,  planted  out  in  a  shady  place,  will  make  good  plants 
to  take  autumn  cuttings  from,  while  the  old  plants  should  be  cut  down 
as  soon  as  the  blooming  season  is  over,  and  also  placed  in  a  shady 
situation.  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  if  they  were  plunged  the 
roots  would  be  kept  cooler,  and  they  would  be  less  likely  to  perish.  I 
am  so  dreadfully  exposed  to  sun,  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  carry 
out  my  own  directions  ;  but  if  your  plants  are  treated  thus,  they  will 
probably  have  thrown  out,  by  the  end  of  August,  some  fresh  shoots ; 
these  are  to  be  taken  off,  then,  and  put  under  a  handglass,  the  glass 
itself  being  filled  up  with  mould  nearly  three-fourths  of  its  length. 
Each  cutting  must  be  firmly  pressed  in,  so  as  to  leave  no  cavity  between 
the  bottom  of  the  cutting  and  the  soil,  freely  watered,  and  the  top  of  the 
glass  only  to  be  put  on  in  severe  weather.  This  is  the  plan  adopted  by 
Mr.  Banks'  gardener,  and  the  result  is,  that  he  generally  has  a  nice  lot 
of  well  rooted,  healthy  plants  by  the  first  week  in  October ;  these  are 
kept  to  one  stem,  and  in  the  spring  they  make  very  handsome  pot  plants. 

Surely,  there  is  no  need  to  say  a  word  in  praise  of  this  beautiful 
flower.  It  comes  to  us  in  early  spring,  like  the  swallow,  a  herald  to  us 
that  summer  is  coming  on.  As  a  friend  and  neighbour  says,  "  they 
wake  one  up,"  and  tell  us  that  all  our  watchfulness  and  toil  during  the 
winter  will  be  now  repaid ;  and  although  there  is  not  that  variety  in 
them  that  there  is  in  many  flowers,  yet  they  are  so  exquisite  in  shape, 
so  velvety  and  rich  in  texture,  that  they  are  universal  favourites ;  and 
were  they  more  easily  propagated,  they  would  be  more  generally  grown. 

I  subjoin  a  list,  to  which  I  am  indebted  to  Messrs.  Downie  and 
Laird.  The  varieties  marked  with  an  asterisk  I  have  seen,  and  know 
to  be  good  : — 

Selfs.  Duchess  of  Wellington  (D.  &  L.) 

Admiral  Dundas  (Horsburgh)  John  Lofley  (Oswald) 

Cloth  of  Gold  (Nairn),  yellow  *Sir  John  Cathcart  (Turner) 

.Airs.  Hope  (D.  &  L.) 


Charles  M'Intosh  (D.  &  L  ),  dark 
*Jeaune  (D.  &  L.),  shaded  dark 
*J.  B.  Gough  (D.  &  L.),  finedark 
*Lady  Belhaven  (D.  &  L.),  black 

*Ventas  (Turner),  white  *Colonel  Wynham  (Lang) 

*  Louisa  (Read) 
Yellow  Ground. 
Bacchus  (Turner) 
Cyclops  (Bayliss) 

Deal,  April  20.  D 


White  Ground. 
*Countess  of  Roslin  (Lang) 


*Royal  Standard  (D.  &  L.) 
*Sir  C.  Campbell  (Paton  &  Small) 
Miss  Caroline  Saddler 


MAY.  135 


HANGING  BASKETS. 
The  employment  of  these  at  the  Crystal  Palace  and  other  places  with 
such  good  effect  has  rendered  them  fashionable.  They  are  often,  how- 
ever, used  where  they  are  entirely  out  of  place,  and  the  reason  is 
obvious.  There  are  few  baskets  like  those  at  the  Crystal  Palace  ;  the 
latter,  being  large  and  capacious,  contain  sufficient  soil  to  supply  the 
necessary  requirements  of  their  occupants  for  a  length  of  time.  And  in 
many  instances  the  plants  which  ornament  them  are  not  grown  in 
them ;  in  fact,  they  are  plants  in  pots  arranged  for  effect.  Widely 
different  from  this  are  the  baskets  generally  met  with.  They  are 
often  small  and  fantastic  in  form,  and  are  not  of  sufficient  size  to  contain 
a  quart  of  earth.  In  these  are  placed  a  variety  of  plants,  which,  over- 
hanging the  occupants  in  airy  conservatories,  are  unable  to  withstand 
our  summer's  sun,  perish  by  degrees,  and,  instead  of  becoming  and 
being  ornamental  in  themselves,  they  detract  greatly  from  the  general 
interest  of  the  house  they  are  intended  to  decorate.  In  a  close  shaded 
stove,  baskets  may  be  judiciously  employed,  and  of  almost  any  size. 
But  under  the  circumstances  just  alluded  to,  it  would  be  well  to  use  a 
little  discretion  in  the  selecting  and  placing  of  flower  baskets,  taking 
care  to  see  that  they  are  replenished  or  removed  when  no  longer 
ornamental. 

George  Westland. 
Kingston  Hall,  Nottinghamshire. 


SEEDS  AND  SEED  SOWING. 

There  are  very  few  persons  who  will  deny  the  importance  of  sowing 
good  sound  seed.  On  the  quality  of  the  seed  depends,  in  no  small 
degree,  the  quantity  and  quality  of  the  future  crop.  If  the  seed  sown 
be  sound  and  perfect,  the  crop  will,  all  other  conditions  being 
favourable,  be  good ;  but  if  the  seed  be  unsound  and  immature,  no 
other  conditions,  however  favourable,  will  secure  satisfactory  results. 
When,  therefore,  people  purchase  seed,  they  should  see  that  they  get 
it  good,  and  not  rubbish. 

Unfortunately,  too  many  people  now-a-days,  acting  on  the  penny- 
wise  and  pound-foolish  principle,  are  silly  enough  to  buy  any  kind  of 
trash,  because  it  happens  to  be  cheap.  They  either  do  not  know,  or 
they  forget,  that  though  they  may  get  a  great  bulk  for  their 
money,  they  have  made  a  bad  bargain.  They  do  not  know  that  50  or 
60  per  cent.,  and  sometimes  considerably  more,  of  their  cheap  trash 
is  mere  dead  matter,  and  the  remainder  very  inferior  seed  ;  so  that  in 
reality  good  seed  is  always  the  cheapest,  as  1  lb.  of  it  sound  will  give 
more  satisfactory  results  than  6  lbs.  of  bad  stuff.  This  catching  at 
cheap  bargains  is  one  of  the  great  besetting  sins  of  the  age.  There 
can  be  no  difficulty  in  procuring  good  seed,  as  nearly  all  the  respect- 
able seedsmen  annually  inform  their  "  kind  patrons  and  the  public  at 
large,"  that    "  especial  attention  has  been   paid  to  the  growth  and 


136  THE    FLORIST. 

selection  of  their  stock."  Those,  therefore,  who  want  cheap,  because 
good  bargains,  by  applying  to  these,  and  paying  a  fair  remunerative 
price,  will  not  be  disappointed. 

Having  obtained  good  seeds,  there  are  two  or  three  points  of  essential 
importance  to  be  attended  to  ;  the  first  is,  that  the  soil  is  in  a  proper 
condition  to  receive  the  seed ;  the  second  is,  that  all  seeds  are  properly 
covered ;  and  the  third  is,  that  all  seeds  are  sown  in  proper  season. 
With  regard  to  the  first  point,  we  may  remark  that,  before  any  soil  is 
in  a  condition  fit  to  receive  seed,  it  should  be  well  drained,  deeply  dug, 
well  pulverised,  and  if  at  all  poor,  it  should  have  plenty  of  well  rotted 
manure  forked  into  it.  We  have  oftentimes  seen  seed  out  of  the 
same  bag  sown — one  portion  on  properly  prepared  land,  and  the  other 
part  on  land  in  a  bad  condition,  and  the  results  invariably  were, — 
that  on  the  properly  prepared  land  it  produced  most  abundant  crops  ; 
and  that  on  the  land  in  bad  condition  it  either  perished  altogether,  or 
yielded  badly.  Inexperienced  persons,  when  they  sow  good  seed  on 
land  in  bad  condition,  and  find  it  either  fails  altogether,  or  turns  out 
badly,  are  very  apt  to  blame  the  seeds ;  and  the  seedsman,  as  a  matter 
of  course,  is  grumbled  at,  or  gets  the  name  of  a  dishonest  tradesman, 
when  in  reality  the  fault  laid  with  the  person  who  sowed  on 
badly  prepared  land.  There  are  few  practical  men  but  have  known 
cases  of  this  description  ;  we,  ourselves,  have  often  heard  people  say, 
"  How  is  it,  Mr.  So-and-So,  that  my  seed,  which  I  got  from  Mr.  Some- 
body, the  seedsman,  turned  out  badly  ?  some  failed  to  grow  altogether, 
and  the  other  part  turned  out  badly  ;  I  will  not  get  my  seeds  any  more 
of  that  seedsman."  We  have  sometimes  inquired  (but  not  always,  for 
this  class  of  persons  is  frequently  very  knowing)  if  the  soil  was  in 
proper  condition  when  the  seed  was  sown ;  and  have  always  found, 
that  when  good  seed  had  been  sown  and  perished,  one  of  the  causes 
was  owing  to  the  land  being  in  bad  condition. 

With  regard  to  the  second  point,  that  all  seeds  should  be  properly 
covered,  we  may  remark,  that  this  is  a  point  which  is  very  frequently 
badly  performed,  either  from  ignorance  or  negligence.  It  is  not 
unusual  to  see  small  seed  buried  to  so  great  a  depth  that  it  is  impos- 
sible for  it  to  grow.  All  the  smaller  kinds  of  seeds  cannot  be  covered 
too  lightly,  if  only  the  surface  be  kept  uniformly  moist  and  shaded  ; 
but  most  of  the  larger  kinds  of  seeds  do  best  when  covered  a  moderate 
depth — say  one,  two,  three,  or  more  inches,  according  to  the  kind. 
Many  failures  arise  from  want  of  attention  to  these  matters. 

With  regard  to  the  third  point,  that  all  seeds  should  be  sown  in 
proper  season,  we  may  remark  that  this  is  a  matter  of  the  utmost 
importance.  Of  course,  we  would  not  insist  on  anything  being  sown 
always  at  a  stated  time,  as  the  weather  and  the  state  of  the  land  will 
more  or  less  rule  these  matters.  But,  if  the  weather  and  the  land  be 
favourable,  not  a  day  should  be  lost  in  sowing  seed  when  the  proper 
season  for  doing  so  arrives.  The  above  points  are  all  within  the  con- 
trol of  man,  and  when  properly  attended  to,  and  good  seed  is  sown,  the 
results  will  in  general  be  satisfactory,  unless  the  seasons,  which  are 
above  the  control  of  man,  be  very  unfavourable. 

Cold  and  wet  are  always  injurious  to  seeds,  and  must  be  always 


MAY.  137 

guarded  against  as  much  as  possible.  In  very  dry  weather  small 
seeds  will  occasionally  require  to  be  watered  and  kept  shaded.  Seed 
culture  is  a  subject  of  the  greatest  importance ;  and  a  neglect  of 
attending  to  the  conditions  that  are  absolutely  essential  to  success  has 
not  unfrequently  brought  blame  on  many  a  respectable  tradesman. 

M.  S. 


ROYAL   NATIONAL    ANNUAL   EXHIBITION  OP   TULIPS. 

It  will  be  seen  on  reference  to  the  advertisement  that  this  annual 
treat  to  all  lovers  of  the  Tulip  is  to  be  held  this  year  at  the  Royal 
Nursery,  Slough,  on  Friday,  May  20.  By  this  arrangement  many 
advantages  will  be  secured  not  only  to  Tulipomaniacs,  but  also  to  all 
lovers  of  flowers  who  can  manage  to  get  down  there.  The  former  will 
have  the  opportunity  of  seeing  one  of  the  very  finest  beds  of  Tulips  in 
the  kingdom,  and  which  this  year  will  be  in  prime  order,  owing  to  the 
very  favourable  season  through  which  we  have  passed.  A  sight  of  this 
bed  alone,  independently  of  the  blooms  that  will  be  staged,  will  be  a 
treat  which  all  enthusiasts  in  this  flower  (and  there  is  not  one  that 
boasts  of  more  ardent  ones)  must  feel  will  well  repay  them.  The  general 
lover  of  flowers  will  be  enabled  to  see  the  very  admirable  collection 
which  Mr.  Turner  grows,  and  I  can  answer  for  it,  that  if  they  have 
never  seen  his  Pelargoniums  "  in  situ,"  they  have  a  rich  treat.  I  was 
there  last  year,  and  endeavoured  to  give  my  brother  florists  a  slight 
sketch  of  the  treasures  I  there  saw,  but  all  description  must  fall  far 
short  of  the  reality.  The  three  kinds — fancy,  florists',  and  French — 
will  be  in  excellent  condition,  for  it  will  be  the  best  time  for  seeing  them  : 
they  are  so  fresh,  so  full  of  bloom,  and  will  not  yet  have  experienced  the 
scorching  sun  sufficiently  to  spoil  their  beauty  in  any  way.  Then  there 
will  be  banks  of  Azaleas  in  their  rich  and  varied  colourings  ;  and  what 
can  be  more  lovely  than  these,  from  the  snowy  whiteness  of  Gled- 
stanesi  on  to  the  rich  glowing  crimson  of  Duke  of  Devonshire  ?  There 
may  be,  too,  a  few  Auriculas,  but  the  bloom  has  been  so  early  that  it 
can  be  but  the  remnant  of  a  large  collection  that  can  be  seen. 

A  stroll  through  the  nurseries  will  show  the  visitors  the  perfect  order 
in  which  everything  is  kept,  and  there  is  a  freshness  and  cleanliness 
about  a  well  kept  country  nursery  that  can  never  be  attained  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  London.  As  Mr.  Turner  annually  throws  open  his 
grounds  for  the  exhibition  of  his  own  Tulip  bed,  and  goes  to  the 
expense  and  trouble  of  fitting  up  a  large  tent  for  the  staging  of  his  other 
flowers,  it  will  be  no  novelty  to  him,  and  visitors  may  be  thereby 
assured  that  everything  that  can  administer  to  their  comfort  and 
effect  their  wishes  will  be  attended  to.  And  let  it  not  be  forgotten  that 
in  all  this  Mr.  Turner  acts  without  any  reference  to  his  own  exhibition  ; 
he  is  honorary  secretary,  and  does  not  stage  a  single  flower  of  his  own. 
The  expense  consequent  on  such  a  show  is  not  a  trifling  matter,  and  he 
naturally  looks  for  the  increased  support  of  his  friends  and  the  public, 
and  in  this  I  believe  he  will  not  be  disappointed. 

Deal,  April  25.  D. 


138  TUE    FLORIST. 


NEW    ROSES. 

The  following  extract  from  Mr.  William  Paul's  admirable  "  Rose 
Annual  for  1858-59,"  will  furnish  our  readers  with  that  excellent 
grower's  opinion  respecting  the  more  valuable  of  our  recent  additions  to 
the  "  Queen  of  Flowers  :  " — 

"  On  looking  through  the  varieties  which  flowered  for  the  first  time 
in  England  during  the  past  season  (1858),  we  find  nothing  very  new 
or  striking  in  character,  but  many  valuable  improvements  on  existing 
kinds.  Among  the  Hybrid  Provence  we  note  Gracilis,  one  of  those 
pretty  but  somewhat  rare  flesh-coloured  flowers  of  exquisite  symmetry, 
flowering  most  abundantly. 

"  Reine  blanche  is  a  new  pure  white  Moss  Rose,  faultless  in  shape, 
and  of  vigorous  habit.  It  resembles  Madame  Hardy,  both  in  form 
and  colour. 

"  Cimabue  is  of  another  race,  belonging  to  the  Hybrid  Bourbon : 
the  flowers  are  large  and  full,  of  a  velvety  crimson,  with  a  brighter 
shade  in  their  centres ;  the  colour  is  particularly  rich,  and  the  growth 
vigorous. 

"  The  group  known  as  Hybrid  Perpetuals  furnishes  us,  as  usual,  with 
the  longest  array  of  names  :  Duke  of  Cambridge  is  a  large,  close,  crim- 
son Rose,  of  good  shape  ;  it  approaches  nearer  to  Baronne  Hallez  than 
to  any  other,  but  is  of  a  darker  hue.  The  constitution  of  the  plant  is 
unmistakeably  good,  and  the  foliage  handsome.  Eveque  de  Nimes  is, 
perhaps,  the  greatest  novelty  of  the  season,  and  unquestionably  a  gem. 
The  flowers  are  of  the  richest  crimson,  of  average  size,  containing  an 
abundance  of  petals,  which  lie  closely  the  one  over  the  other,  in  the  way 
of  Paul  Dupuy,  and  many  of  the  Gallica  Roses.  The  foliage  is 
particularly  stout  and  handsome.  General  MacMahon  is  a  promising 
Rose,  with  rosy-carmine  flowers ;  the  shoots  and  leaves  are  of  a  dark 
green,  almost  thornless.  Gloire  de  Lyon  is  one  of  the  numerous 
progeny  of  Geant  des  Batailles.  It  appears  to  possess  the  constitution 
of  its  parent,  and  flowers  as  freely ;  the  flowers  are  dark  purplish  red, 
changing  to  blackish  violet.  This  will  probably  prove  a  valuable  dark 
Rose  for  planting  in  masses.  Laelia  was  exhibited  in  fine  condition  at 
the  National  Rose  Show.  It  is  a  very  large  flower,  something  in  the 
way  of  Louise  Peyronny.  Lord  Palmerston  is  a  plant  of  vigorous 
growth,  with  a  good  deal  of  the  Bourbon  blood  in  it.  The  flowers  are 
cherry  pink,  very  bright  and  beautiful,  not  large,  but  of  good  form,  and 
produced  abundantly.  Louis  Chaix  is  a  brilliant  velvety  crimson  Rose 
of  vigorous  growth,  blooming  freely,  and  producing  flowers  almost  above 
the  average  size.  I  find  it  marked  in  my  diary  '  a  large  and  hand- 
some edition  of  Geant  des  Batailles.'  If  Louise  d'Autriche  will  but 
expand  its  flowers,  it  will  prove  a  great  acquisition.  It  is  a  seedling 
from  La  Reine,  producing  large  full  flowers  of  a  violet  red  colour. 
Madame  Van  Houtte  is  a  very  pretty  Rose,  producing  flowers  of  a 
delicate  satin-like  rose  colour ;  the  flowers,  although  not  large,  are 
pleasing,  from  the  great  regularity  with  which  the  petals  are  disposed. 
Madame  Vigneron  is   a  very  superior  new   Rose,  and  possesses  some 


MAY.  139 

claim  to  the  title  of  distinct.  The  flowers  are  of  a  delicate  peach  colour, 
large,  full,  and  of  good  shape,  the  petals  are  round,  and  of  thick  sub- 
stance. Mademoiselle  Godard  is  a  large  well-shaped  flower,  of  a  glossy 
lilac  rose  colour ;  the  growth  is  vigorous.  Mademoiselle  Henriette 
deserves  a  place  in  every  collection.  The  style  of  growth  resembles 
that  of  Madame  de  Cambaceres  ;  the  flowers  are  purplish  crimson,  of 
globular  and  good  form,  large  and  full ;  it  flowers  abundantly,  and  is 
very  sweet.  Maria  Portemer  produces  purplish  crimson  flowers,  which 
are  large,  full,  and  most  exquisitely  cupped  ;  the  petals  are  also  of 
great  substance.  The  flowers,  which  expanded  here  during  the  hottest 
days  of  June,  were  singed  at  the  edges  by  the  sun,  but  this  might  have 
been  accidental,  rather  than  constitutional.  Marie  Thierry  is  a  good 
flower,  of  a  lilac  rose  colour,  cupped,  large  and  full.  Maximilian  II.  is 
also  a  good  dark  purplish  crimson  Rose.  Monsieur  de  Montigny 
resembles  La  Reine,  from  which  it  is  a  seedling :  the  flowers  are  of  a 
purplish  rose,  much  darker  in  colour  than  its  parent ;  large,  full,  and  of 
fine  shape.  This  is  a  splendid  Rose,  but  probably  a  little  uncertain. 
Queen  of  Denmark  is  a  very  large,  full,  flesh-coloured  Rose,  of  good 
quality.  The  colour  is  much  like  that  of  the  old  Alba  Rose  of  the 
same  name,  but  the  build  of  the  flower  closely  resembles  that  of 
Baronne  Prevost.  Thomas  Rivers,  a  seedling  from  Colonel  Foissy,  is  of 
a  brighter  and  more  cheerful  colour  than  that  variety  ;  the  flowers  are 
larger,  but  scarcely  full  enough.  Triomphe  des  Beaux-Arts,  said  to 
surpass  General  Jacqueminot,  from  which  it  is  a  seedling,  has  become 
an  object  of  more  than  common  interest.  The  flowers  produced  here 
scarcely  enable  us  to  endorse  this  statement,  although  they  have  left 
upon  the  mind  a  favourable  impression.  Triomphe  de  Montrouge  is  in 
the  style  of  Standard  of  Marengo,  but  apparently  of  larger  size,  more 
double,  and  of  hardier  constitution :  the  form  of  the  flower  is  cupped, 
the  colour  crimson,  the  outside  of  the  petals  whitish. 

"  By  those  who  are  interested  in  Perpetual  Moss  Roses,  Ma  Ponctue 
will  no  doubt  be  hailed  with  satisfaction  :  the  flowers  are  rose  colour, 
covered  with  small  white  spots,  very  pretty  in  bud,  and  produced 
abundantly.  Madame  de  Stael  is  a  promising  variety,  with  soft,  rosy, 
flesh-coloured  flowers,  full,  and  of  unexceptionable  form.  Valide 
produces  flowers  of  a  bright  rosy  carmine,  which  grow  paler  soon  after 
expansion  :  the  outline  is  good. 

"  Among  Bourbon  Roses,  Caroline  Riguet  is  an  acquisition,  on 
account  of  the  scarcity  of  good  white  autumnal  Roses.  The  flowers 
are  pure  white,  not  large,  but  of  good  form  and  full :  the  plant  is  of 
vigorous  habit,  and  flowers  abundantly.  Josephine  Clermont  is  a  very 
pretty  pink  Rose.  Madame  Contesse,  a  seedling  from  Louise  Odier,  is 
a  peach-coloured  flower,  not  large,  but  full  and  well  formed :  the  plant 
is  of  vigorous  growth.  Madame  Elisa  de  Chenier,  a  variety  much  in 
the  way  of  Armosa,  blooms  most  abundantly,  and  will  probably  prove 
valuable  for  planting  in  masses :  the  flowers  are  bright  pink,  of  fine 
colour,  but  scarcely  double  enough  ;  the  petals  are  smooth  and  round. 
Monsieur  Jard  is  a  large,  full,  imbricated  Bourbon  Rose,  with  flowers 
almost  cherry  colour. 

"  Claudia  Augustin,  belonging  to  the  Noisette,  is  an  addition  to  our 


140  THE    FLORIST. 

climbing  autumnal   Roses.     It  is  a  seedling  from   Ophirie,  which  it 
resembles  in  habit :  the  flowers  are  white,  with  yellowish  centres." 

Let  us  add,  that  the  work  from  which  the  foregoing  extract  is  taken  is 
intended  to  be  published  once  a  year,  virtually  as  a  continuation  of 
the  "  Rose  Garden  and  Supplement,"  which  brought  down  the  informa- 
tion on  Roses,  descriptive  and  cultural,  to  the  year  1853. 

The  present  number  contains  charming  illustrations  of  Louis  Chaix 
(of  which  a  representation  was  given  in  our  pages  for  December  last)  ; 
Madame  William,  a  yellow  tea-scented  Rose,  which  was  much  admired 
when  shown  in  St.  James's  Hall  last  spring ;  Lord  Palmerston,  a 
Bourbon  Perpetual,  whose  habit  and  constitution  is  stated  to  resemble 
Louise  Odier,  but  the  colour  distinct  and  more  striking ;  and  last,  but 
not  least,  a  small  Perpetual  Moss,  called  Empress  Eugenie.  "  There 
are  no  fewer,"  says  Mr.  Paul,  "  than  three  different  Roses  named  in 
compliment  to  the  Empress  Eugenie,  so  loyal  and  gallant  are  our  Rose- 
loving  neighbours,  the  French.  Those  who  admire  this  kind  must 
take  care  that  they  obtain  the  right  one.  Unlike  the  preceding  kinds, 
the  present  does  not  belong  to  the  showy  and  effective,  but  it  is  one  of 
those  perfect  little  gems  which  the  close  observer  of  nature  would  be 
content  to  dwell  upon.  The  plant  is  of  dwarf  growth,  but  not  delicate  : 
it  deligh's  in  a  rich  soil,  requires  close  pruning,  and  is  even  more 
beautiful  in  the  forcing-house  than  when  grown  out  of  doors.  It  was 
raised  from  seed  by  Monsieur  Guillot,  of  Lyons,  some  two  or  three 
years  since,  but  is  still  scarce,  both  in  France  and  England." 


THE  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY'S  "GRAND"  SHOWS  IN 
ST.  JAMES'S   HALL. 

Mr.  Editor, — I  implore  you  to  hear  my  plaint  and  to  plead  my  cause. 
I  am  a  deeply  injured,  highly  respectable,  and  numerous  section  of  the 
iamily  of  Flora,  and  for  many  years  have  been,  and  still  am,  a  great 
favourite  with  the  ladies,  and  have  always,  until  this  present  year,  been 
invited  to  assist  at  the  horticultural  fetes,  which  used  to  be  so  much 
admired  at  Chiswick ;  and,  indeed,  I  never  before  heard  that  any  one 
in  any  place  had  for  a  moment  thought  that  a  show  could  be  a  show 
unless  I  was  present ;  but,  alas  !  a  change  has  come  over  the  "  spirit 
of  my  dreams,"  I  mean,  over  the  spirit  of  the  "  powers  that  be ;"  and 
in  the  schedule  which  the  Society  sent  forth  for  the  grand  spring 
and  summer  shows,  it  has  entirely  left  me  without  invitation  or 
place ;  and,  indeed,  it  has  done  the  same  shabby  and  ungrateful 
thing  to  my  esteemed  friends  the  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  which 
I  always  used  to  meet  and  admire  on  those  occasions  with  so  much  joy 
and  pleasure.  Wishing  to  put  as  charitable  a  construction  as  possible 
upon  this  slight,  I  thought  perhaps  the  Society  could  not  find  room  for 
all.  But  surely  that  cannot  be  ;  it  must  be  this,  and  nothing  else — the 
Council  have  got  their  greengrocer  to  prepare  the  schedule,  and  he,  to 
suit  his  own  trade,  has  left  us  out,  and  put  in  our  place  seven  classes  of 
Greens,  and  offered  fifty  guineas  prizes  for  them.     Thus,  at  the  grand 


MAY.  141 

summer  show  (the  Green  show),  there  are  only  three  flowers  invited 
(except  cut  flowers).  Is  not  this  cutting  with  a  vengeance?  Orchids, 
some  French  and  fancy  relatives  of  mine,  and  Roses — all  highly 
respectable,  certainly,  but  not  enough  to  constitute  a  "  grand  show." 
It  is  too  bad,  Mr.  Editor  ;  it  is  enough  to  make  the  "  blood  boil"  in 
every  petal  of  us.  It  is  too  bad  of  the  Council  to  let  the  greengrocer  do 
it ;  and  I'll  tell  you  what  I  and  the  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  think 
would  be  the  right  course,  and  a  wise  one — and  that  is,  for  the  L.H.S. 
to  hand  over  the  whole  business  of  flower  shows  to  the  R.B.S.  They 
could  and  they  would  do  this  business  as  it  ought  to  be  done,  with 
justice — aye,  and  with  kindness  to  all;  and  we  should  not  any  longer 
be  subject  to  such  "  misdeeds." 

Yours,  much  injured, 

Pelargonium. 


ROYAL  BOTANIC  SOCIETY,  REGENT'S  PARK. 

April  6. — The  second  of  the  three  spring  exhibitions  took  place  on  this 
occasion.  In  the  class  of  New  Plants  Messrs.  Fraser  sent  the  hand- 
some Madeira  Musschia  Wollastoni,  not  however  yet  in  bloom  ;  Messrs. 
E.  G.  Henderson  had  Gastrolobium  spectabile,  a  neat  shrub,  with  good 
foliage,  and  gay  orange  and  crimson  flowers  ;  the  same  exhibitors  like- 
wise sent  Aucuba  himalaica,  a  distinct  hardy  shrub,  with  shining  green 
leaves,  having  distinct  white-tipped  teeth  ;  Messrs.  A.  Henderson  and 
Co.  furnished  Griffinia  Liboniana,  a  rare  plant,  with  prettily  spotted 
leaves  and  flowers  tipped  with  blueish  lilac  ;  Messrs.  Ivery  and  Son,  of 
Dorking,  exhibited  a  small  blue-flowered  Hardenbergia ;  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson  also  had  Rhododendron  Blumei,  a  species  with  small 
creamy-yellow  flowers ;  and  Pentapterygium  flavum,  with  axillary 
racemes  of  white  Vacciniaceous  flowers.  Of  Miscellaneous  Plants  Mr. 
Cutbush,  of  Barnet,  had  a  collection  in  which  a  fine  mass  of  Begonia 
Rex  was  conspicuous ;  Messrs.  Fraser,  Cutbush,  of  Highgate,  and 
Messrs.  A.  Henderson,  also  showed  in  this  class.  Cinerarias  came 
from  Messrs.  Dobson  and  Turner,  and  the  latter  also  sent  Roses  in 
pots.  Of  Amaryllises  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  had  a  collection  which 
contained  one  kind  (No.  64)  of  a  rich  light  scarlet,  with  a  white 
central  star,  and  of  superior  form ;  it  was  shown  without  name. 
Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  contributed  a  mixed  collection  of  plants,  both 
in  and  out  of  flower,  containing  many  novelties,  some  of  which  were 
reported  on  at  the  meeting  on  March  23.  Of  the  more  striking,  not 
already  noticed,  were  Camellia  De  La  Reine,  a  fine  large  delicate  rose- 
coloured  flower  of  excellent  form  and  slightly  cupped  ;  Rhododendron 
jasminiflorum ;  Lomatia  siliafolia  and  heteromorpha,  two  extremely 
elegant  Fern-leaved  plants  ;  Araucaria  glauca,  &c.  Mr.  Turner  had  a 
well-grown  collection  .of  12  Auriculas,  among  which  was  a  fine  old 
kind  called  Imperator,  a  green-edged  variety  of  first-rate  properties. 
Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  received  an  award  for  three  standard  Azalea 
indicas  ;  and  Mr.  Turner  for  Seedling  Cineraria  Brilliant,  a  free- 
blooming  variety  of  medium    quality,   remarkable    for   its  rich  dark 


142  THE    FLORIST. 

purple-crimson  flower  heads  ;  also  for  the  following : — Seedling  Cine- 
raria Duchess  of  Sutherland,  a  large  bold  variety,  the  florets  white  in 
the  lower  half,  rose  purple  in  the  upper ;  for  Seedling  Cineraria 
Highland  Mary,  pure  white,  bold  florets,  purple  disk ;  for  Seedling 
Camellia  Eleanor,  a  fine  bold  cupped,  smooth-petalled,  bright  rose- 
coloured  variety;  and  for  12  Hyacinths,  shown  in  good  variety  and 
well  grown.  Mr.  G.  Macintosh  furnished  a  collection  of  Tulips  in  con- 
siderable variety  of  form  and  colour.  To  Messrs.  Paul  a  prize  was 
given  for  two  plants  of  Madame  William,  a  Tea  scented  Rose,  with 
beautiful  yellow  flowers.  This,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  shown  in 
excellent  condition  at  a  meeting  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  in  St. 
James's  Hall  last  year,  where  it  was  greatly  admired.  Mr.  Bragg 
had  a  stand  of  Pansies,  as  had  also  Mr.  James  of  Isleworth;  and 
Messrs.  A.  Henderson  sent  a  dish  of  their  new  Australian  Cress. 
From  Messrs.  Smith  of  Dulwich  came  Seedling  Cineraria  Lord  Clyde, 
a  dwarf  free-blooming  variety,  with  bold  nicely  cupped  florets  of  a 
deep  purple  crimson.  Cineraria  Acme  of  Perfection  from  Messrs. 
Smith,  previously  shown,  proved  to  keep  its  good  character,  as  did 
another  variety  named  Hilax,  shown  by  Mr.  Holland  of  Hounslow.  In 
addition  to  the  foregoing,  Messrs.  Milne,  Arnott,  and  Co.,  of  Vauxhall, 
had  Azalea  Duchess  of  Wellington,  a  loose  white  ;  Mr.  Turner  varie- 
gated Pelargonium  picturatum,  a  white-edged,  grey-blotched  kind  with 
a  broad  pink  horse-shoe  mark,  and  Seedling  Camellia  Lady  Mary 
Labouchere,  a  veiny  light  rose  with  a  tendency  to  be  blotched,  a 
cupped  variety  but  with  ragged  petals  as  shown ;  and  Mr.  W.  Ivery 
of  Peckham,  Azalea  Queen  Victoria,  a  free-flowering  kind,  white 
striped  with  purple.  Some  other  seedling  Cinerarias,  Fuchsias,  Pelar- 
goniums, &c,  of  inferior  quality  were  exhibited. 

April  20. — This,  the  third  and  last  of  the  spring  meetings,  was 
extremely  gay  with  Cinerarias,  Azaleas,  Pelargoniums,  Auriculas,  and 
numerous  other  early  flowering  plants.  In  new  plants  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson  received  the  first  prize  for  Fremontia  californica,  a  shrub 
with  large  open  yellow  flowers.  Its  habit  appeared  to  be  a  little 
straggling,  but  as  it  is  hardy  it  will  become  a  useful  plant.  Bejaria  mi- 
crophylla,  from  the  same  firm,  a  small  plant  with  pretty  pink  flowers,  to 
which  a  certificate  was  awarded.  The  following  also  received  certifi- 
cates : — Azalea  Perfection,  rosy  lilac,  finely  marked,  and  of  the  most 
approved  shape.  This  plant  was  the  most  admired  of  the  exhibition. 
Cineraria  Incomparable,  bright  crimson,  with  white  ring  and  dark  disc; 
Slough  Rival,  white  with  rich  violet  purple  edges,  black  disc,  both  of 
excellent  shape.  These  were  from  Mr.  Turner.  Mr.  Cutbush 
sent  variegated  Geranium  Beauty,  with  pink  flowers.  Mr.  Ivery  a 
semi-double  Azalea,  Leviathan  ;  Messrs.  A.  Henderson  and  Co., 
Cyanophyllum  magnificum,  a  species  of  Datura  from  Australia,  with 
large  straw-coloured  blooms  ;  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  also  had  certifi- 
cates for  Todea  hymenophyllum,  Arthrotaxus  Doniana,  Lomatia 
Bidwilli.  Mr.  Standish,  of  Bagshot,  sent  cut  branches  of  a  pretty 
hardy  shrub,  with  a  profusion  of  white  flowers,  named  Exochordia 
(Spiraea)  grandiflora.     There  were  a^o  Clematis  lanuginosa  and  pallida, 


MAY. 


143 


Sikkim  Rhododendrons,  and  Azalea  Roi  Leopold,  a  good  kind.  In 
collections  of  12  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  Messrs.  Fraser  were 
first  with  a  well  bloomed  group,  the  best  of  which  were  Azalea 
sinensis,  Medinilla  magnifica,  and  Erica  Syndriana.  Mr.  Cutbush, 
of  Barnet,  was  second.  The  same  was  first  for  6  Azaleas,  Messrs.  Fraser 
second  ;  both  were  poor.  Cinerarias  from  Messrs.  Turner,  Dobson,  and 
Holland,  formed  a  bank  the  entire  side  of  a  table.  Mr.  Turner's,  all 
new,  were  Beauty,  Brilliant,  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Lady  Seymour, 
Perfection,  and  Eclat.  Messrs.  Dobson's  plant  of  Mrs.  Hoyle  was  very 
fine ;  the  others  good,  namely,  Mrs.  Colman,  Lidyard's  Brilliant, 
Baroness  Rothschild,  Admiral  Dundas,  and  Picturata.  Mr.  Turner 
also  received  first  prizes  for  12  Auriculas,  6  Pelargoniums,  and  French 
spotted  Pelargoniums.  Cut  Pansies,  with  Broccoli,  Asparagus,  and  Arti- 
chokes from  France,  were  remarkably  fine  both  in  size  and  freshness. 
We  are  pleased  to  notice  the  good  these  meetings  are  likely  to  accom- 
plish, and  to  add  that  three  similar  meetings,  one  in  August  and  two 
in  September,  are  likely  to  be  held. 


CLIMATE  IN  RESPECT  TO  FRUIT  GROWING. 

The  extraordinary  vicissitudes  of  our  English  climate  have  never  within 
our  memory  been  so  grievously  realised  as  in  the  present  season.  After 
the  frosts  which  occurred  at  the  end  of  November  we  have  had  no 
winter  to  speak  of;  indeed  December,  January,  February,  and  March 
were  remarkable  for  unusual  mildness,  and  this  too  accompanied  with  a 
high  barometer  and  the  absence  of  rain  in  many  localities.  Our  last 
English  winter,  in  fact,  might  have  answered  for  the  south  of  Italy,  by 
its  immunity  from  frost,  and  generally  clear  bright  weather.  Very 
early  in  February  a  number  of  shrubs  were  fast  breaking  into  leaf, 
and  Apricots  opening  their  blooms  ;  during  March  all  went  on 
unchecked,  so  much  so,  that  by  the  beginning  of  April,  notwithstand- 
ing the  severe  frost  of  March  30  and  31,  the  woodlands  and  pasture 
grounds  presented  all  the  appearances  usually  shown  by  the  first  week 
in  May,  and  every  description  of  garden  produce  partook  also  of  the 
general  earliness  of  the  season.  On  the  31st  of  March  we  had  10°  of 
frost,  which,  following  after  a  snow  the  previous  evening,  did  a  vast 
amount  of  mischief  to  such  fruit  trees  in  bloom,  besides  destroying  in 
several  places  the  crop  of  Apricots,  which  were  then  of  considerable  size. 
Peaches  had  partly  set,  and  suffered  more  or  less  throughout  the  country ; 
and  early  Pears  and  Plums  also.  The  weather  became  warmer,  and 
the  4th,  5th,  6th,  and  7th  of  April  were  remarkable  for  their  great  heat, 
the  day  temperature  having  been  82°  in  this  neighbourhood  on  the  7th, 
and  between  70°  and  80°  the  greater  part  of  the  former  three  days, 
an  extraordinary  temperature  for  the  first  week  of  April,  and  exceeding 
by  a  few  degrees  the  two  or  three  hot  days  occurring  later  in  the  month 
of  April,  1858.  The  weather  next  became  sensibly  colder,  and  on 
the  14th  and  following  days  indications  of  winter  made  their  appear- 
ance, followed  by  snow  storms,  cold  north-west  winds,  and  frosty 
nights.     On  the  morning  of  the  20th  we  had  8°  of  frost,  accompanied 


144  THE    FLORIST. 

by  an  easterly  wind  ;  this  frost  has  almost  completed  the  ruin  of  our 
crops  of  Pears,  Plums,  and  Cherries,  excepting  perhaps  those  in  some 
favoured  locality,  or  which  had  ample  protection,  a  thing  almost  impos- 
sible to  effect  within  the  means  of  an  ordinary  garden  expenditure,  to 
say  nothing  of  orchards  and  open  garden  fruits. 

We  have  so  frequently  advocated  orchard-houses  in  the  Florist,  as 
an  almost  indispensable  auxiliary  to  a  fruit  garden,  that  we  need  not 
go  further  in  that  direction,  excepting  to  remind  those  of  our  readers 
who  doubted  their  ever  becoming  a  substitute  for  brick  walls,  that 
their  manifest  increase  throughout  the  country  affords  the  best  evidence 
of  their  utility,  and  that  our  recommendation  for  their  being  adopted 
was  sound  advice,  borne  out  by  the  experience  of  all  who  have  tried 
them  on  rational  principles.  We  therefore  leave  orchard-houses  out  of 
our  present  calculations,  to  see  how  far  it  is  practicable  to  ensure  crops 
of  fruit,  during  such  weather  as  the  present,  without  the  assistance  of 
glass. 

A  well-arranged  garden,  surrounded  with  walls,  with  its  quarters 
well  furnished  with  bush  or  pyramid- shaped  Pears,*&c,  and  its  divi- 
sional and  surrounding  walks  margined  with  choice  espaliers,  is  a  thing 
to  admire,  more  especially  when  the  trees  are  in  bloom,  and  give 
hopeful  promise  of  an  abundant  return  for  all  the  trouble  and  anxiety 
they  cost.  But  how  often,  after  witnessing  the  beautiful  display  of 
bloom,  are  we  doomed  to  disappointment.  One  or  more  frosts,  such  as 
we  have  lately  experienced,  come  on  us  without  much  warning ;  and, 
if  warning  was  given,  how  could  we  entirely  prevent  the  conse- 
quences ?  All  is  then  over  for  the  season,  and  the  gardeners'  motto  of 
Nil  desperandum  scarcely  keeps  him  progressing  under  disappoint- 
ments such  as  these.  It  strikes  us,  we  must  alter  our  garden  arrange- 
ment for  fruit  trees ;  true,  we  may  continue  to  intersect  our  kitchen 
garden  quarters  with  fruit  trees,  in  whatever  form  we  may  fancy  to 
train  ;  and  so  we  may  continue  to  line  our  walks  to  the  right  and  left 
with  espalier  Pears,  Plums,  &c.  ;  but  are  we  wise  in  spending  so  much 
money  and  time  for  such  uncertain  results  ?  We  think  not,  allowing 
for  all  the  contingencies  which  intervene  between  planting  and  the 
realisation  of  returns  commensurate  with  the  outlay.  Still,  when 
there  are  means,  we  say,  let  the  thing  be  done  as  now, — and,  some- 
thing else  besides.  Looking  at  most  kitchen  gardens,  we  shall  find  them 
surrounded  with  walls,  from  ten  to  sixteen  feet  high,  which  are  accom- 
panied by  borders  of  a  similar  width,  or  perhaps  wider,  on  which  are 
grown  different  kinds  of  vegetables.  The  south  borders  must,  as  a 
matter  of  course,  be  reserved  for  the  first  crop  of  Peas,  or  hand-glass 
Cauliflowers,  or  early  Potatoes,  and  so  with  all  the  rest ;  they  are 
generally  the  gardener's  choice  bits  of  ground,  on  which  to  foster  and 
grow  up  anything  he  wishes  to  do  better  than  ordinary.  We  need 
not  add  that  this  cropping  is  now  universally  condemned  as  inimical 
to  the  well-doing  of  wall  trees,  which  are  frequently  injured  by  the 
system  to  an  extent,  in  comparison  of  which  any  crop  of  vegetables 
that  may  be  raised  is  a  sorry  equivalent.  We  say,  then,  avoid  all 
vegetable  cropping  on  the  wall  borders,  and  prepare  them  for  growing 
what  fruit  you  may  require,  with  a  view  of  protecting  the  trees  when 


MAY. 


145 


in  bloom,  as  noticed  hereafter.  The  kitchen  garden  walks  may  be 
margined  as  now,  with  Currants,  &c,  or  even  with  espalier  or  bush 
Pears,  &c,  to  stand  their  chance. 

To  render  our  meaning  more  clear,  we  will  take  a  south  wall, 
cropped,  say  with  Peaches  and  Apricots ;  take  the  wall  fourteen  feet 
high,  and  the  border  as  fourteen  feet  wide.  Let  the  soil  the  whole 
width  be  duly  prepared  for  fruit  trees,  as  it  generally  is  near  the  wall  for 
thePeaches.  We  would  then  throw  an  arched  trellis,  springing  two  feet 
from  the  ground  at  front  over  the  border,  to  within  five  or  six  feet  of 
the  wall,  under  which  we  would  plant  other  kinds  of  fruit  trees  for 
covering  the  trellis,  say  the  best  kinds  of  Pears  and  Plums  on  south 
aspects  ;  Cherries,  Plums,  and  Pears  on  east  and  west  borders  ;  and 
Warrington  Gooseberries  and  late  Currants  on  north  aspects.  The 
accompanying  diagram  represents  the  wall  and  trellis,  and  will  help 
to  show  the  plan  of  protection  recommended.  When  it  is  wished  to 
put  on  the  protecting  material,  the  upright  (<?),  which,  however,  may 
be  permanent,  should  be  set  up,  to  hold  the  front  horizontal  bar,  and 


a.  Garden  wall,  with  trees. 

b.  Back  support  to  trellis,  iron  or  wood. 

c.  Front  ditto. 

d.  Arched  wire  trellis. 

e.  Iron  or  wood  upright  every  12  feet,  to  receive  a  horizontal  iron  bar, 

or  spar. 
/.  Wood  strips  or  bar  iron,  fastened  to  the  horizontal  bar  at  front,  and 

to  a  similar  bar  (g),  under  coping. 
h.  Tie  from  rod/,  to  post  b,  to  keep  it  steady. 
VOL.   XII.,   NO.    CXXXVII.  L 


146  THE    FLORIST. 

strips  of  wood,  iron  bars,  or  even  cordage,  run  up  every  eight  or  ten 
feet  from  the  front  horizontal  bar  to  the  one  under  the  coping  (g). 
If  the  strips  are  not  considered  sufficiently  strong  to  sustain  the 
covering,  wooden  uprights  may  be  substituted  as  a  support  for  the  tie  (Ji). 

The  whole  of  the  frame  and  supports  (e,f\  h)  can  be  easily  put  up 
and  removed,  and  may  be  used  when  the  fruit  wants  protection  in  the 
autumn,  equally  as  when  the  bloom  requires  it  in  the  spring.  It  now 
remains  to  notice  the  best  material  for  protecting  the  bloom  ;  this  should 
be  so  arranged  on  rollers  as  to  draw  up  to  the  coping  (g)  when  not 
wanted.  Woollen  netting  is  perhaps  the  best  known  protection  against 
frost ;  but,  as  it  is  necessary  that  the  bloom  be  kept  dry  if  possible,  a 
thin  waterproof  material  is  yet  wanted,  manufactured  sufficiently  thin 
and  light,  not  to  be  inconvenient  in  drawing  up  and  letting  down,  and 
yet  impervious  to  rain.  We  hope  manufacturers  will  try  what  can  be 
done  towards  supplying  this  deficiency  in  horticultural  shadings.  In 
the  mean  time  Shaw's  tiffany,  or  Brown's  shading,  dipped  in  oil  and 
dried,  would  answer  the  purpose  of  excluding  damp  and  a  great  deal 
of  rain,  and  would  last  for  a  number  of  years,  substituting  netting  for 
the  autumn,  when  birds,  wasps,  &c,  only  are  to  be  kept  from  the  fruit. 

That  these,  our  thoughts  on  this  subject,  very  hastily  thrown 
together,  may  require  some  modification  in  carrying  them  out  in  old 
gardens,  we  are  free  to  admit.  When  new  gardens  or  new  walls  are 
in  course  of  formation,  we  see  no  difficulty  in  the  matter ;  and  we  are 
very  strongly  impressed  with  the  conviction,  that  a  concentration  of  all 
our  best  varieties  of  fruit  trees,  so  as  to  admit  of  an  entire  covering 
when  necessary,  will  be  found  as  sound  in  practice  as  it  will  in  the  end 
prove  to  be  economical  when  glass  cannot  be  afforded. 


MODE  OF  SHOWING  CUT  ROSES. 
I  perceive,  from  your  reports  of  exhibitions,  that  Roses  are  described 
as  being  shown  in  trusses — trusses  of  three,  and  single  trusses  ;  if  by 
this  is  meant  that  a  Rose  truss  consists  of  a  full  bloomed  Rose,  a  bud 
or  two  and  a  leaf  or  two,  as  upon  one  stalk,  it  must  be  a  great  improve- 
ment upon  the  plan  adopted  at  our  flower  shows  in  the  country,  where 
they  compel  us  to  exhibit  single  blooms  stuck  into  a  stand.  To  my 
mind  no  exhibition  of  this  glorious  flower  can  be  more  wretched  than 
thus  severing  it  from  its  beautiful  natural  appendage.  The  first 
bloomed  Rose  in  a  truss  is  generally  the  finest,  and  the  accompanying 
buds  and  leaf  go  as  far  as  the  bloom  itself  in  declaring  what  the  culture 
has  been.  I  do  hope  our  country  shows  will  adopt  this  mode,  which 
must  be  regarded  as  a  point  in  advance ;  but  hitherto  all  protests  on 
the  subject  have  been  ineffectual. 

The  most  beautiful  box  of  Roses  I  ever  saw  were  shown  eight  or  ten 
years  ago,  in  trusses,  and  in  small  bouquets,  bedded  upon  damp  moss. 
There  is  a  degree  of  repose  and  a  charm  given  to  the  flower  in  such  a 
position,  so  much  more  pleasing  than  a  single  bloom  stuck  in  a  tube  upon 
a  stand ;  and  I  think  he  must  be  a  dull  censor  indeed  who  could  not 
judge  merit  more  easily. 

W.  M. 


MAY.  147 


BRITISH   POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY. 

At  a  recent  spring  meeting  of  this  Society,  held  at  St.  James's  Hall, 
several  new  members  were  elected,  and  there  was  a  fine  display  of 
fruit.      It  was  announced  that  Mr.  Newton,  of  Enfield  Chase,  desired 
to  offer  a  prize  of  half  a  guinea  for  the  best  dish  of  six  Cornish  Gilli- 
flower  Apples,  to  be  competed  for  at  the  meeting  of  November  17- 
Mr.  Newton,  at  the  same  time,  announced,  as  a  matter  of  course,  that 
he  should  not  himself  compete.     Concerning  the  merits  of  this  Apple 
nothing  need  be  said  ;  they  are  universally  acknowledged.     Upwards  of 
200  dishes  of  Apples  and  Pears  were  sent  to  the  meeting  on  the  present 
occasion,  and  some  of  them  were  accompanied  by  such  descriptions  of 
the  manner  in  which  they  had  been  kept,  as  satisfied  the  meeting  that 
the  experiment  (originally  suggested  by  Mr.  Busby  at  the  committee 
meeting  on  the  19th  August)  was  a  very  successful  one.     The  largest 
and  most  interesting  collection,  sent  by  Mr.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridgeworth, 
contained  15  varieties,  all  good  and  sound, — not  over-kept,  as  was  the 
case  with  some  of  the  other  collections.     The  Apples  were  stated  to  have 
been  grown  on  bushes  in  the  nursery  at  Sawbridgeworth  in  a  clayey 
loam  mixed  with  calcareous  sand  resting  on  hard   white   clay,  with 
numerous  chalk  stones.     Site. — About  60  feet  above  the  level  of  the 
Stort,  a  tributary  of  the  sea.     Pruning. — Very  slight  summer  pinching 
in  June  and  July,  and  shortening  leading  shoots  towards  the  end  of 
August.     Management. — Taking  up  the  trees  biennially  in  November, 
and  replanting  them  ;  cutting  off  the  ends  of  straggling  roots.    Manure. — 
A  quarter  of  a  peck  of  soot  is  given  to  each  tree  in   March,  on  the 
surface,  in  a  circle  three  feet  in  diameter.     As   regards  the   Pears,  in 
replanting,  some  leaf-mould  or  rotten  manure,  and  the  calcareous  sand 
common  to  the  district,  are  given  to  each  tree ;  two  shovelsful  of  the 
former,  and  one  of  the  latter,  well  mixed.     In  March  the  same  quantity 
of  soot,  as  to  Apples,  is  given  in  the  same  manner.     The  Pears  are  all 
on  the  Quince  stock,  and  the  Apples  on  the  English  Paradise.     The 
Apples  had  been  kept  in  a  very  old,  dry,  arched  cellar,  under  a  packing 
shed,  the  average  winter  temperature  of  which  is  about  50°.     Air  was 
constantly  admitted  at  one  end,  through  a  wire   grating,  and  flows 
gently  through  by  the  crevices  in  a  very  old  ill-fitting  door  at  the  end 
opposite  to  the  wire  grating.     In  this  way  Mr.  Rivers  has  kept  Haw- 
thornden  Apples  quite  sound  till  May.     The  fruit  is  gathered,  and, 
without  any  preparation,  placed  in   small  wooden  compartments,  in 
double  and  single  layers,  and  never  touched  till  wanted.     The  Pears 
were  kept  in  a  greenhouse  (with  Camellias)  in  new  flower-pots,  covered 
with  pieces   of  slate.     Mr.  Cox,  Redleaf,  Kent,  sent  some  fine  Pears 
and  Apples.     The   Pears  were  generally  from  walls,  and  the  Apples 
from  standards  of  from  15  to  30  years  old,  very  little  pruned,  save  by 
occasionally  thinning  the  branches  ;  great  attention,  however,  being  paid 
to  keeping  the  trees  free  from  Moss,  by  the  use  of  quicklime  in  spring. 
With   regard   to   their  mode    of  keeping,   the   following    information 
accompanied  the  fruit : — 

"  The   Pears  were  laid  out  singly  on  the  floor  of  an  upper  chamber,  when 
gathered,  and  the  windows  kept  open,  so  as  to  afford  a  thorough  ventilation  for 

l2 


148  THE    FLORIST. 

two  months ;  they  were  then  sorted  over,  the  best  selected,  and  wrapped  sepa- 
rately in  paper,  and  placed  in  layers,  in  deep  boxes,  the  lids  of  which  were  laid 
on,  but  not  fastened.  The  layers  were  separated  from  each  other  by  very  old  dry 
Brakes  (Pteris  aquilina).  Tbey  were  not  disturbed  until  required  for  use,  and 
kept  better  thau  on  the  shelves  of  the  fruit  room. 

"  The  Apples  were  laid  in  heaps  on  the  shelves  of  the  fruit  room,  and  venti- 
lation, to  which  great  importance  is  ascribed,  secured  by  leaving  the  door  open, 
as  well  as  a  window  at  the  opposite  end,  until  the  sweating  process  was  over, 
■when  both  were  partially  closed.  Nothing  more  is  done  except  sorting  them 
over  frequently,  and  picking  out  such  as  showed  signs  of  decay.  The  fruit  room 
is  a  mere  shed  at  the  back  of  a  greenhouse,  but  its  coolness  is  very  much  increased 
by  a  strong  growth  of  Ivy  all  over  the  roof." 

Mr,  M'Laren,  gardener  to  S.  C.  Whitbread,  Esq.,  Cardington,  near 
Bedford,  had  a  collection  containing  two  varieties  of  Pears  and  23  of 
Apples.  No  particular  pains  had  been  taken  with  the  keeping,  the 
fruit  having  been  thinly  spread  in  a  loft,  with  a  little  Wheat-straw 
under  some  of  the  best  of  them.  (It  may  here  be  mentioned  that  it 
was  quite  easylo  distinguish  which  kinds  had  been  kept  on  the  straw. 
Fruit-growers  do  not  appear  to  be  generally  aware  that  choice  fruit 
absorbs  the  flavour  of  straw,  Moss,  hay,  or  any  strong-smelling  vege- 
table matters  which  it  is  laid  upon,  or  even  packed  in  for  a  very  short 
time).  Mr.  Holder,  of  Reading,  contributed  a  large  and  interesting 
collection,  containing  upwards  of  30  varieties,  generally  in  very  good 
preservation.  They  had  been  kept  in  round  hampers,  in  an  open  airy 
barn,  and  covered  over  with  sacks,  or  a  little  straw,  in  cold  weather. 

Mr.  Newton,  gardener  to  G.  J.  Graham,  Esq.,  brought  a  collection 
of  15  varieties  of  Apples,  which  exhibited  the  results  of  some  experi- 
ments he  had  made  in  different  methods  of  keeping.  Most  of  the 
examples  were  remarkably  plump  and  fresh,  and  even  such  varieties  as 
Golden  Pippin  and  Ribston  Pippin  were  barely  past  condition.  Mr. 
Newton  stated  that,  after  gathering,  the  fruit  was  laid  on  shelves  in  the 
fruit  room  for  about  a  month,  to  allow  of  a  partial  evaporation,  and 
then  the  best  were  selected  and  packed  in  layers,  with  Reigate  sand 
amongst  them,  in  old  butter-tubs.  Some  of  the  kinds  were  packed  in 
sand  just  as  it  was  dug  out  of  the  pit,  and  containing  its  natural 
moisture  ;  others  were  packed  in  similar  sand  from  which  the  moisture 
had  been  expelled  by  baking.  Those  in  the  naturally  damp  sand  had 
kept  in  excellent  condition  and  flavour,  and  were  rich  and  juicy  ;  but 
those  in  the  dried  sand  had  lost  all  their  flavour  and  part  of  their  juici- 
ness. Mr.  Newton  mentioned,  however,  that  last  year  he  made  a 
similar  experiment  with  dried  sand,  but  enclosed  each  fruit  in  a  similar 
piece  of  thin  tissue  paper,  and  that  they  had  kept  their  flavour  much 
better.  He  proposes,  however,  next  season  to  take  equal  samples  of 
fruit  of  the  certain  kinds,  and  preserve  them  in  each  of  the  three  ways 
above  mentioned,  that  the  Society  may  estimate  exactly  the  results  of 
each.  Mr.  Swinerd,  Isle  of  Thanet,  Kent,  sent  an  interesting  collec- 
tion, and  along  with  it  the  following  particulars  concerning  the  mode  in 
which  it  had  been  kept : — 

"  The  room  that  the  Apples  and  Pears  have  been  kept  in  is  part  of  the  old 
Abbey,  the  walls  of  which  are  two  feet  thick,  aud  14  feet  from  the  ground.  The 
north  and  east  walls  are  exposed,  and  the  south  and  west  are  built  against  with 
other  buildings.  The  window  is  on  the  east  wall,  and  has  got  an  air-tight 
shutter  to  keep  the  frost  out.     The  top  is  covered  in  with  a  tank  that  holds  1(5 


MAY.  149 

butts  of  water,  so  that  it  is  impossible  for  the  frost  to  come  through  at  the  top. 
The  room  is  eutered  by  a  trap-hatch,  which  is  shut  down  air-tight.  The  room 
is  fitted  all  round  with  shelves,  and  I  never  use  anything  but  old  newspapers  to 
lay  the  fruit  on. 

"  A  stoke-hole  and  boiler  for  Vinery  are  fitted  up  under  the  room,  and  by 
opening  the  trap-door  of  the  Apple  room,  and  shutting  the  door  of  the  stoke- 
hole, the  frost  can  be  kept  out,  and  the  room  at  what  temperature  it  may  be 
desired." 

Mr.  Divers  sent  a  collection  of  20  dishes  of  Apples,  all  kept  in  a  fruit 
room  on  wooden  shelves,  covered  with  paper,  and  generally  in  good 
condition. 

Of  Grapes,  Mr.  Cooper,  the  Palace,  Armagh,  Ireland,  sent  two 
bunches  of  a  black  variety,  very  plump,  fresh,  and  good  flavoured,  but 
without  name.  It  was  considered  very  closely  to  resemble  Lady 
Downs'  Seedling,  but  was  thicker-skinned,  and  more  oval  in  berry. 


FUCHSIAS  FROM  SEED. 


The  majority  of  Fuchsias  ripen  seed  freely ;  but,  unless  they  are 
hybridised,  it  is  almost  waste  of  time  to  sow  it,  for  the  flowers  so 
produced  are  seldom  equal,  and  more  frequently  inferior,  to  the  parent 
plant.  The  operation  of  fertilising  is  easily  performed  on  the  Fuchsia, 
the  pistil  being  prominent,  and  the  pollen  plentiful.  In  selecting  plants 
for  hybridising,  it  is  necessary  to  bear  in  mind  that  those  bearing  the 
seed  will  communicate  their  habit  to  the  seedlings,  although  the  plants 
from  which  the  pollen  is  taken  may  be  of  indifferent  habits,  provided 
the  flowers  have  good  properties.  Having  selected  the  flowers  intended 
to  be  fertilised,  cut  out  their  stamens  as  soon  as  they  open,  and,  when 
they  are  fully  expanded,  apply  the  pollen  from  their  flowers,  the 
properties  of  which  you  wish  to  impart :  tie  something  round  them  to 
distinguish  them  from  the  others,  and,  when  they  are  ripe,  the  seeds 
may  be  separated  from  the  pulp  by  washing  them  out  in  clear  water ; 
the  good  seed  will  sink  to  the  bottom. 

The  seed  may  be  sown  in  spring,  in  a  pot  of  light  soil,  and  placed  in 
a  greenhouse ;  they  do  not  require  much  heat  to  vegetate  them  ;  at 
least  I  have  found  them  come  up  quite  as  well,  if  not  better,  without 
it,  and  the  plants  so  produced  are  much  stronger  than  those  raised  in  a 
higher  temperature.  As  soon  as  they  are  of  size  to  handle  nicely,  pot 
them  singly  in  small  pots,  and  place  them  in  a  light  airy  situation ;  if 
they  are  grown  in  a  close  atmosphere,  it  tends  to  draw  them  out  weak 
and  lanky,  so  that  the  true  habit  of  the  plant  is  not  seen  ;  shift  them 
into  larger  pots  when  necessary  ;  a  4  or  6- inch  pot  will  be  large  enough, 
as  large  shifts  only  tend  to  keep  them  growing,  and  retard  their 
flowering ;  they  should  never  be  topped  or  pruned  until  they  flower. 
The  principal  object  is  to  mature  their  growth  quickly,  so  that  the 
flowers  may  be  seen  as  soon  as  possible.  Many  of  them  will  bloom  the 
same  season  ;  after  they  have  done  growing,  and  the  foliage  drops  off, 
they  should  be  sparingly  watered,  and  be  kept  almost  dry  all  winter. 
The  following  spring,  water  them  freely,  and,  when  they  show  signs  of 


150  THE    FLORIST. 

growth,  place  them  where  they  will  have  plenty  of  air  and  light,  but  do 
not  shift  them  until  they  flower,  for  reasons  before  mentioned.  I 
prefer  flowering  seedlings  out  of  doors,  after  all  danger  of  frost  is  past, 
as  I  have  invariably  found  that  the  colours  come  brighter  and  more 
distinct  than  when  kept  in  the  house.  It  is  desirable,  however,  to  choose 
a  situation  where  they  will  be  somewhat  shaded  from  the  sun  in  the 
hottest  part  of  the  day. 

The  Fuchsia  is  not  very  particular  as  to  soil ;  any  good  garden 
mould  will  suit  the  plants  well  enough,  provided  it  is  of  a  free  porous 
texture,  and  the  pots  well  drained.  Many  of  the  strong  growing  sorts 
are  frequently  destroyed  by  being  put  into  large  pots  in  a  rich  soil. 
This  is  often  the  reason  why  serratifolia,  fulgens,  corymbiflora,  and 
some  of  these  sorts  are  shy  in  flowering.  I  once  potted  two  plants  of 
serratifolia,  the  one  in  rich  turfy  loam  and  dung,  the  other  in  a  poor 
worn-out  soil,  mixed  with  a  few  pieces  of  broken  bricks  ;  the  conse- 
quence was,  that  the  former  grew  most  luxuriantly,  and  showed  no 
flowers  at  all  till  late  in  the  fall,  whereas  the  other  made  a  very  short 
growth,  and  flowered  profusely  the  greater  part  of  the  season.  The 
less  robust  varieties,  do  better  when  planted  in  good  loam,  with  about 
a  third  part  of  well  decomposed  manure.  W.  S 


RASPBERRIES. 


The  Raspberry  is  so  generally  and  deservedly  esteemed,  so  easily  and 
consequently  so  commonly  grown,  that  a  few  remarks  relating  to  a  very 
successful  treatment  of  culture  (even  though  following  several  able 
articles  on  the  Raspberry  which  have  appeared  in  the  Florist),  may 
not  be  altogether  unacceptable  to  your  readers.  It  is  an  object  with 
most  of  us  to  get  as  much  produce  from  a  limited  space  of  ground, 
and  with  as  little  trouble  as  possible ;  and  when  I  say  that  I  do  not 
prune  or  stake,  or  take  half  so  much  trouble  with  my  Raspberry 
plants  as  most  people  do,  and  get  twice  as  much  fruit  as  I  ever  did,  by 
the  old  pruning  and  staking  practice,  I  advance  inducements  not 
unlikely  to  influence  a  good  many  Raspberry  growers. 

As  a  rule,  I  say  do  not  prune,  or,  perhaps,  to  be  more  explict,  I  do 
not  remove  the  canes  which  a  vigorous  plant  produces  during  the 
summer,  and  from  which  (in  the  case  of  the  common  Raspberry)  the 
crop  is  produced  the  next  season.  My  plants  produce  from  10  to  15 
shoots  annually,  as  no  derangement  in  the  relation  between  root  and 
shoot  is  allowed  to  exist  from  injudicious  pruning,  I  get  annually 
short,  fruitful,  well-matured  canes,  instead  of  strong,  succulent, 
straggling  shoots  that  require  stakes  to  sustain  them.  All  these  10  or 
15  canes  are  suffered  to  remain,  and  each  cane  is  fruitful  almost  to  the 
ground. 

It  may  be  asked,  will  not  this  excessive  fruitfulness  impair  the  vigour 
of  the  stock?  I  can  only  say,  that  I  have  pursued  this  system  of 
management  for  the  last  four  years,  with  increasing  success  ;  and  what 
especially  induces  me  to  recommend  the  plan  is  the  former  failure  of 
the  Raspberry  crop  on  the  same  ground  under  the  pruning  system. 


MAY. 


151 


I  am  so  well  aware  that  varying  soils  and  climates  influence  the 
habits  of  plants,  and  makes  it  necessary  to  modify  and  adapt  the 
system  of  management  to  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  place,  and 
that  a  system  that  may  be  successfully  pursued  in  one  garden  is  not  of 
necessity  the  best  for  another,  that  I  do  not  advise  an  unconsidered 
adoption  of  the  plan  I  find  to  answer  so  well ;  but  I  hope  at  any  rate 
my  remarks  will  suggest  an  inquiry  as  to  the  general  propriety  of  the 
common  practice.  It  is  worth  while  to  consider  whether  it  is  right 
and  reasonable  to  induce,  by  high  cultivation,  the  abundant  develop- 
ment of  canes  during  the  summer,  half  of  which  are  removed  by  the 
winter  pruning.  Has  not  this  the  effect  of  disturbing  the  balance  of 
power  between  roots  and  branches,  and  of  impairing  the  fruitfulness  of 
the  canes  allowed  to  remain  ?  Is  not  this  habit  of  excessive  pruning 
the  cause  of  the  gross,  succulent  shoots  which  are  too  often  seen  in 
Raspberry  quarters  ?  and  does  it  not  lead  to  the  expense  and  trouble 
of  staking  and  otherwise  securing  the  canes  ? 

The  soil  in  which  the  Raspberry  succeeds  under  the  treatment  I 
have  indicated  as  so  successful,  is  a  modified  clay,  considerably  enriched 
on  the  surface.  The  ground  is  lightly  forked  over  in  the  spring,  but 
care  is  taken  not  to  injure  the  roots. 

In  saying  that  I  do  not  prune,  I  must  be  understood  to  mean, 
according  to  the  approved  practice.  I  do  not,  except  in  particular 
cases,  remove  any  canes.  It  is  always  necessary  to  take  off  the 
attenuated  points  of  the  canes,  which  are  seldom  well  ripened. 

Behoir,  April  25.  W.  I. 


ALPINE  STRAWBERRIES. 

Nothing  attracted  my  attention  more,  during  a  visit  I  paid  to  Paris, 
than  the  great  quantities  of  these  offered  for  sale  in  the  markets. 
Passing  through  the  Marche  St.  Honore,  I  noticed  hundreds  of  baskets 
of  them  ;  and  indeed  at  all  the  fruit  shops,  and  at  the  windows 
of  the  principal  cafes  and  restaurants,  quantities  of  them  were  to 
be  seen.  The  price  in  the  market,  where  I  occasionally  inquired,  was 
only  a  few  pence,  more  or  less,  according  to  their  size  and  freshness, 
the  basket  containing  a  quart  or  more ;  some  of  them  were  remark- 
ably fine.  Anxious  to  learn  the  best  method  of  cultivating  this  Straw- 
berry, so  desirable  from  its  continued  productiveness,  I  made  inquiry 
of  several  cultivators,  in  whose  gardens  I  saw  it  bearing  abundantly, 
and  picked  many  superior  specimens  of  the  fruit.  It  is,  I  found,  easily 
increased  by  runners,  when  once  there  is  a  stock  to  commence  with, 
which  may  be  obtained  from  seed. 

I  shall  only  now  notice  their  cultivation  by  means  of  runners. 
September  is  considered  the  best  month  to  plant  out  new  beds.  As  the 
plants  are  not  of  so  vigorous  a  habit  as  the  large  varieties,  perhaps 
earlier  planting  might  not  be  attended  with  unfavourable  results.  The 
ground  being  prepared,  the  best  and  strongest  runners  should  be 
selected  and  planted  out  in  rows,  about  six  inches  apart,  the  rows  being 
about  one  foot  from  each  other.     A  cool  and  half  shady  situation,  or  a 


152  THE    FLORIST. 

terraced  bank  facing  the  north,  is  a  good  place  for  them,  or  even  in  the 
shade  of  trees,  though  not  immediately  under  them,  would  be  better, 
perhaps,  than  fully  exposed.  In  the  garden  of  one  cultivator,  I  found 
them  bearing  abundantly  thus  situated,  under  the  partial  shade  of  Pear 
trees,  trained  en  quenouille,  on  the  borders  of  the  walks.  In  the 
gardens  of  the  Luxembourg,  I  saw  nearly  a  quarter  of  an  acre  planted 
out  in  rows,  three  feet  apart,  and  a  row  of  Dahlias  between  every  other 
row,  the  alternate  spaces  answering  for  walks.  The  Dahlias  afforded 
some  shade,  and  the  plants  were  loaded  with  fruit.  Would  it  not  be 
worth  while  to  introduce  this  Strawberry  into  cultivation  for  the  supply 
of  our  markets  in  autumn  ?  At  all  events  it  might  prove  to  be  worthy 
the  attention  of  all  private  growers  who  are  fond  of  this  wholesome 
fruit,  coming  in  as  it  does  when  ordinary  varieties  are  unobtainable, 
and  thus  keeping  up  a  succession  nearly  the  entire  year  round.  A 
moderately  rich  soil  will  be  most  certain  to  produce  the  best  crop  ; 
occasional  waterings  would  also  be  requisite,  using,  at  times,  guano 
water. 

To  the  zealous  cultivator,  the  Alpine  Strawberry,  both  white  and  red, 
offers  the  chance  of  great  improvement :  perhaps,  by  fertilisation  with 
the  large  sorts,  greater  size  may  be  obtained  and  its  successive  bearing 
retained  :  the  experiment  might  at  least  be  tried,  even  if  success  should 
not  attend  it.  A  small  packet  of  seed  would  produce  a  large  number 
of  plants.  S.  F. 


FRUIT   CULTURE.— No.  XIII. 
BY    MR.     POWELL,    FROG  MORE. 

{Continued  from  page  20.) 
Small  Fruits. 

Currant. — This  fruit  is  a  native  of  Britain  and  the  northern  parts 
of  Europe  ;  it  therefore  is  one  of  our  hardiest  fruit-bearing  shrubs ; 
indeed,  a  failure  in  the  crop  of  this  fruit  is  of  rare  occurrence.  Its 
culture  is  extremely  easy,  and  the  many  uses  in  cookery  and 
confectionery  to  which  it  may  be  applied,  also  in  the  manufacture  of 
wine,  render  it  a  fruit  of  considerable  importance. 

The  Currant,  like  other  small  fruit,  is  vastly  improved  by  cultivation. 
The  original  wild  species  from  whence  it  sprung,  produces  only  small 
and  sour  fruit.  Our  large  garden  varieties,  we  now  cultivate,  is  the 
result  of  raising  seedlings,  for  which  we  are  partly  indebted  to  the 
Dutch  gardeners.  The  Dutch  varieties  are  among  the  best,  and  some 
excellent  kinds  have  also  been  raised  in  this  country.  As  before  stated, 
nothing  is  easier  to  cultivate,  or  more  readily  increased  than  this  fruit ; 
it  will  thrive  and  bear  well  in  any  common  garden  soil,  which  led  to 
the  common  practice  of  planting  Currants,  as  well  as  other  small  bush 
fruit,  by  the  side  of  the  principal  walks  in  small  kitchen  gardens,  a 
plan  not  to  be  advised  in  any  way,  as  it  greatly  interferes  with  the 
kitchen  cropping,  and  the  trees  often  meet  with  rough  usage  when  so 
situated.     Therefore,  it  is  the  best  plan  to  select  a  separate  piece  of 


MAY.  153 

ground  or  quarter  in  the  garden,  if  ever  so  small,  and  well  trench  and 
manure  the  soil  before  planting  the  young  trees,  for  all  Currants 
delight  in  a  deep  soil,  well  enriched  with  strong  manure  ;  and  except 
the  trees  are  always  in  a  vigorous  and  healthy  condition,  fine  fruit  in 
quantity  cannot  be  expected. 

Currants  strike  freely  from  cuttings,  for  which,  see  directions  in 
previous  chapters,  under  the  head  of  propagation ;  and  in  planting  this 
fruit,  if  intended  for  bush  culture  in  the  open  quarter,  choose  healthy 
young  trees,  with  stems  about  a  foot  high.  Plant  in  rows  five  feet 
apart,  and  the  same  distance  in  the  rows ;  and,  while  the  trees  are 
small,  any  light  crops,  such  as  Lettuce,  Onions,  &c,  or  Strawberries, 
between  the  rows  for  the  first  two  or  three  years,  may  be  grown.  The 
trees  should  be  planted  in  October,  but  not  pruned  till  the  following 
March,  when  the  young  shoots  must  be  shortened  to  form  the  future 
head  ;  this  is  managed  by  selecting  five  or  six  well  placed  shoots,  to 
furnish  the  main  branches,  keeping  the  centre  open  in  the  form  of  a 
goblet.  The  short-spur  system  is  the  best  mode  of  pruning  the  red 
and  white  Currants,  therefore,  after  the  trees  are  formed,  all  the  side 
shoots  are  annually  cut  back,  leaving  a  bud  or  two  at  the  base  of 
each  shoot ;  the  leading  branches  of  course  are  to  be  left  longer  till  the 
trees  fill  their  allotted  space.  Currant  trees  usually  last  and  produce 
good  fruit  from  ten  to  twelve  years,  after  which  time  it  is  better  to 
make  a  new  plantation  in  a  different  part  of  the  garden,  and  destroy 
the  old  trees  as  soon  as  the  young  plantation  comes  into  bearing. 

The  summer  treatment  consists  in  removing  all  superfluous  shoots 
and  suckers ;  stop  or  pinch  out  the  ends  of  the  remaining  shoots ; 
by  so  doing,  it  will  tend  to  check  the  ravages  of  the  green-fly  ;  and,  by 
removing  all  useless  shoots  and  suckers,  sun  and  air  are  admitted  through 
the  trees  ;  this  operation  should  be  done  towards  the  end  of  June,  or 
before  the  fruit  begins  to  colour,  the  object  being  to  force  the  strength 
of  the  tree  to  the  enlargement  of  the  fruit,  instead  of  wasting  its  energy 
in  useless  growth.  Keep  the  soil  about  the  plants  well  stirred,  by 
frequent  hoeings  during  summer,  which  will  maintain  moisture,  and 
free  the  ground  from  weeds  ;  and,  if  any  of  the  trees  show  signs  of 
weakness,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  cover  the  ground  about  the  roots  with 
rotten  manure,  or  a  soaking  of  manure  water  will  answer  the  same 
end.  Currants  may  be  had  for  use  from  July  to  November  with  little 
trouble.  To  prolong  their  season  in  the  open  quarter,  some  of  the 
trees  should  be  covered  with  mats  or  canvas.  After  the  fruit  is 
perfectly  ripe,  and  when  shaded  from  the  sun,  it  will  keep  fresh  for  use 
for  a  long  time,  and  will  be  succeeded  by  that  from  a  north  wall,  which 
will  keep  fit  for  use  till  the  end  of  November,  and,  at  that  late 
period,  it  is  a  novelty  at  table.  The  trees  for  training  should  be  planted 
from  three  to  six  feet  apart,  according  to  the  height  of  the  wall,  and 
the  shoots  trained  vertically,  about  nine  inches  apart ;  the  leadinw 
shoots  should  not  be  shortened  till  they  reach  the  top  of  the  wall,  and, 
during  the  summer,  pinch  out  the  points  of  all  side  shoots  ;  and,  at  the 
winter  pruning,  cut  them  into  one  or  two  buds  ;  give  a  liberal  supply 
of  liquid  manure  during  their  growth,  and  do  not  disturb  the  roots  by 
deep  digging. 


154  THE    FLORIST. 

There  are  many  fancy  ways  of  growing  Currants,  and  some  form 
very  pleasing  objects  in  small  gardens,  such  as  high  standards, 
pyramidal,  and  the  goblet  form ;  the  latter,  perhaps,  is  the  best.  A 
small  hoop  is  placed  inside  the  branches,  which  should  be  six  or  eight 
in  number,  and  tied  to  the  hoop  at  top,  as  represented  in  the  accom- 
panying woodcut.  As  the  tree  grows  up- 
wards, the  hoop  must  be  moved  to  the  top, 
and  tied  as  before  ;  spur  the  side  shoots 
as  before  recommended.  There  are  many 
varieties  of  Currants,  but  the  common 
sorts  are  scarcely  worthy  of  cultivation, 
compared  with  the  large  kinds  of  later  date, 
such  as  the  Gloucester  or  Wilmot's  Red, 
and  the  Cherry  Currants,  which  are  the 
largest ;  to  these  add  the  red  and  white 
Dutch,  which  are  best  for  b'ush  culture.  The 
red  Grape,  Warner's  Grape  and  Raby 
Castle,  are  nearly  identical,  and  all  are  good 
kinds,  especially  for  growing  against  north 
walls  for  late  use ;  the  bunches  are  very  long,  and  will  hang  on  the 
trees  a  long  time  without  shrivelling.  The  white  Grape  is  also  a  good 
variety  for  walls. 

The  black  Currant  is  a  useful  fruit,  and  distinct  from  other  kinds, 
both  in  the  fruit  and  habit  of  the  tree.  It  delights  in  a  cool  moist 
situation  and  light  soil,  and  requires  different  treatment  to  other  kinds. 
The  finest  fruit  is  always  produced  upon  the  young  shoots ;  therefore, 
it  is  best  to  maintain  a  vigorous  growth  in  the  trees,  by  liberal 
dressings  of  manure  in  a  liquid  state,  applied  in  the  summer  time, 
when  the  trees  are  growing.  In  pruning  (which  may  be  done  any 
time  between  November  and  March)  remove  annually  all  the  old  wood 
that  can  be  replaced  by  young  shoots,  which  should  be  left  entire  for 
fruiting,  and  moderately  thin.  It  is  best  not  to  encourage  a  single 
stem  in  young  trees,  as  is  done  with  the  red  and  white  Currants, 
for  they  are  very  liable  to  die  off;  but  allow  the  trees  to  form  a  stool 
with  many  suckers  springing  from  the  root ;  this  plan  offers  every 
facility  of  replacing  the  old  wood  with  vigorous  young  shoots.  The 
Black  Naples  and  Black  Grape  are  the  largest  and  best  kinds  to  culti- 
vate. The  Bronze  Currant  possesses  the  same  properties  as  the  Black, 
but  the  fruit  is  a  dull  brownish  colour,  and  only  worth  a  place  as  a 
variety, 

(To  be  continued.) 


CULTURE  OF  ACHIMENES. 

Few  plants  are  more  beautiful  than  these,  or  better  repay  careful 
attention  and  management.  In  order  to  obtain  fine  bushy  specimens, 
the  following  treatment  has  been  found  useful : — A  box  or  cutting-pan 
is  prepared  by  filling  three  parts  of  it  with  a  compost  of  equal  parts  of 
loam  and  leaf-mould,  on  which   the  roots  are  laid,  and  covered  two 


MAY.  155 

inches  in  depth  with  the  same  compost.  These  startings  are  in 
January  for  May  and  June  blooming,  in  March  for  July,  August,  and 
September  blooming,  and  in  the  latter  end  of  May  A.  coccinea,  A. 
rosea,  and  A.  pedunculata  for  December  and  January.  Until  the 
shoots  have  appeared  above  the  surface  they  must  be  kept  moderately 
dry.  When  the  plants  are  about  two  inches  high,  raise  them  from  the 
box  or  pan  in  which  they  were  started,  and  put  them  in  their  flowering 
pans,  leaving  a  space  of  two  inches  between  each  plant,  and  using  the 
same  compost  as  recommended  above,  enriched  by  the  addition  of  one- 
fourth  part  of  old  Mushroom-bed  dung,  which  will  help  to  meet  the 
great  demand  on  the  soil  while  the  plants  are  in  bloom,  and  by 
increasing  the  porosity  of  the  soil,  will  prevent  water  from  stagnating 
in  the  pans  in  the  early  stage  of  growth.  Too  much  care  cannot  be 
exercised  in  watering  when  the  plants  are  in  their  infancy  ;  if  the 
morning's  sunshine  catch  a  leaf  in  a  moist  state,  either  from  vapour 
or  careless  use  of  the  watering-pot,  in  a  few  minutes  it  will  become 
brown  and  crumple  up,  and  be  materially  injured,  if  not  destroyed. 
I  have  frequently  had  to  carry  the  plants  from  the  front  to  some  shady 
place  in  the  back  of  the  Pine  pits,  when  the  atmosphere  of  the  pit  was 
loaded  with  moisture.  Later  in  the  season  there  is  little  danger  of 
their  suffering.  A  gentle  syringing  in  the  afternoon,  with  copious 
waterings  of  weak  liquid  manure  at  least  twice  a  week,  when  they 
show  bloom,  will  add  to  their  vigour,  enrich  the  colour  of  the  blooms, 
and  prolong  the  flowering  season.  When  the  plants  have  taken  to 
their  new  quarters,  pinch  the  centres  out  of  each  leader ;  they  will  then 
break  out  with  a  fine  array  of  moderately  strong  laterals.  One  pinching 
I  find  sufficient  for  A.  coccinea  and  species  of  a  similar  habit ;  twice 
for  A.  grandiflora,  longiflora,  and  those  of  like  habit,  whilst  the  straggling 
nature  of  A.  pedunculata  requires  three  or  four  pinchings  to  form  a 
dwarf  bushy  plant.  Let  staking  be  proceeded  with  early ;  for  if  the 
shoots  once  get  out  of  order,  half  their  number  will  be  disjointed  in 
raising  them  to  their  proper  position.  The  stakes  should  be  left  at  least 
nine  inches  above  the  plant,  to  tack  the  stems  to,  in  their  upward 
flowering  progress.  Cultor. 


CULTURE  OF  THE   NEAPOLITAN   VIOLET. 

From  the  middle  to  the  latter  end  of  April  I  have  always  found  a  good 
time  for  commencing  the  culture  of  this.  For  the  autumn  supply  I 
select  the  strong  runners  (the  side  crowns),  and  plant  them  out  15 
inches  apart  each  way  in  a  piece  of  open  ground  free  from  shade.  The 
ground  should  have  been  well  forked  over  during  winter,  and  before 
planting  I  fork  into  it  two  or  three  inches  of  well  decayed  leaf-mould. 
After  planting,  I  carefully  water  till  the  plants  are  well  established,  and 
attend  carefully  in  hoeing,  not  to  bury  the  crown  with  mould.  I 
sprinkle  them  well  with  water  from  the  engine  in  the  evenings  during 
July  and  August,  while  the  weather  is  dry.  In  summer  I  go  over  the 
plants  and  remove  all  superfluous  runners  (leaving  the  strong  ones, 
however,  which  make  as  good  crowns  as  the  centre)  ;  thus  each  plant 


156  THE    FLORIST. 

has  from  five  to  six  good  crowns,  when  they  are  removed  to  the  pits, 
and  bloom  as  freely  as  the  centre  one. 

I  grow  my  plants  in  brick  pits  (not  heated),  from  which  I  have  the 
mould  taken  out  and  well  turned  several  times  during  the  summer.  In 
this  way  I  have  used  the  same  mould  for  years  with  very  little  addition. 
I  refill  the  pits  about  the  middle  of  September,  allowing  the  soil  time 
to  settle.  I  then  lift  the  plants  very  carefully  with  a  fork,  with  good 
balls  adhering  to  them,  being  careful  of  both  roots  and  side  crowns.  I 
then  plant  them  in  the  pits  about  six  inches  from  the  glass,  allowing 
the  plants  to  be  just  clear  of  each  other,  and  taking  care  always  to  have 
the  soil  in  the  pit  moderately  dry  when  the  plants  are  put  into  it.  I 
then  water  with  weak  manure  water  to  settle  the  mould,  which  I  moisten 
well  to  the  base  of  the  roots,  but  not  so  as  to  sodden  the  soil.  I  keep 
the  plants  fully  exposed  until  frosty  nights  occur,  when  I  cover  up  with 
mats,  &c,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  weather.  I  give  air  on  every 
favourable  occasion.  As  the  plants  are  subject  to  damp,  they  must  be 
well  looked  after,  and  all  decayed  leaves  removed  as  soon  as  they  make 
their  appearance. 

I  stir  the  soil  frequently  during  winter  with  a  small  stick,  as  it  dries 
it,  and  helps  to  prevent  damp.  During  sharp  weather,  if  the- plants  get 
frozen,  I  never  uncover  till  they  are  thawed,  but  give  air  with  the  mats 
on,  and  I  have  never  known  them  to  take  harm.  The  plan  I  pursue 
is  that  which  my  father  followed  before  me  for  21  years  with  perfect 
success;  and  during  14  years  my  practice  has  been  equally  satisfactory. 
My  pit  holds  about  160  plants. 

James  Shrimpton, 
Gardener  to  A.  J.  Doxat,  Esq.,  Putney  Heath. 


CULTURE    OP  THE   ANEMONE. 

TnE  cultivation  of  this  beautiful  spring  flower  approaches  closely  to 
that  of  the  Ranunculus.  If  grown  as  an  ordinary  garden  plant, 
seedlings  will  be  found  the  most  desirable,  as  they  will  ultimately 
prove  of  the  least  trouble,  and  most  certain  to  produce  an  abundance  of 
bloom — the  only  drawback  being  a  deficiency  of  double  flowers,  which, 
in  my  opinion,  is  more  than  made  up  by  the  greater  certainty,  and 
immense  supply  of  bloom.  The  named  double  varieties  require  more 
attention.  The  soil  should  be  prepared  with  some  degree  of  care,  both 
as  regards  the  quality  and  proper  preparation  before  planting.  A  fresh 
rich  loamy  soil,  inclined  to  a  sandy  quality,  is  the  best  suited  for  the 
purpose.  The  bed  should  be  dug  full  eighteen  inches  deep,  being 
frequently  turned,  that  it  may  be  thoroughly  sweet  and  fit  to  receive 
the  roots.  This  is  a  most  important  point,  and  should  be  particularly 
attended  to ;  for  if  the  soil  is  not  in  proper  condition,  a  failure  will 
surely  be  the  consequence.  It  is  far  better  to  defer  planting  for  a 
week,  or  even  a  fortnight,  than  risk  planting  in  unsuitable  soil.  When 
the  latter  is  in  a  proper  state  for  use,  it  should  be  levelled,  and  about 
five  or  six  inches  being  thrown  off  the  top,  add  a  layer  of  decomposed 


MAY.  157 

cow-manure,  of  about  four  inches,  and  stir  the  latter  in  with  the 
sweetened  soil  four  or  five  inches  in  depth.  This  done,  cover  it  with 
the  soil  thrown  off,  and  leave  it  to  settle  for  a  day  or  two,  when  it  may 
be  raked.  Draw  off  stones  and  the  coarser  part  of  the  soil,  and  reduce 
the  bed  to  an  even  surface,  ready  for  planting ;  first  marking  it  out  in 
rows,  about  five  or  six  inches  distance  each  way,  Proceed  by  planting 
the  roots  two  inches  deep,  taking  care  that  the  eyes  are  placed  upwards, 
which  by  a  little  careful  examination  will  easily  be  discovered,  for  there 
are  generally  a  few  of  the  small  fibres  left  on  the  underside  of  the  roots, 
which  will  prove  a  guide  to  the  inexperienced.  When  the  roots  are 
all  planted,  carefully  draw  the  earth  over  them  with  the  back  of  a 
rake,  and  be  sure  they  are  all  safely  covered.  The  time  of  planting  for 
an  early  bloom,  is  about  the  middle  of  September.  These  will  flower 
at  the  beginning  of  April,  and  will  continue  in  flower  for  three  weeks 
and  upwards.  If  the  season  be  favourable  for  a  second  course  of 
bloom,  a  plantation  should  be  made  near  the  middle  of  October,  or 
towards  the  latter  end.  These  will  succeed  the  former ;  and  if  some 
roots  be  kept  in  reserve,  and  be  planted  in  January  or  February,  takino- 
the  opportunity  of  fine  weather  in  either  month,  as  it  may  happen, 
they  will  succeed  the  second  plantation,  and  thus  afford  a  continuance 
of  flowers  for  nearly  two  months. 

Eugenia. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Auriculas. — These,  before  being  placed  out  of  doors  to  rest  as  it 
were  after  their  blooms,  should  be  well  fumigated,  and  care  taken  to 
eradicate  all  dead  foliage  and  aphides.  Moderate  rain  will  be  beneficial 
to  them,  but  by  all  means  avoid  wet  in  excess.  Pit  lights  might  be 
placed  over  the  plants  during  heavy  rains. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — Look  at  our  former  directions,  respecting 
the  treatment  of  these  plants.  Camellias  will  now  be  out  of  bloom, 
and  should  be  encouraged  to  make  wood,  by  keeping  the  house  rather 
closer  and  more  humid,  shading  by  day,  and  syringing  the  plants 
well  overhead  ;  this  will  induce  them  to  grow  freely.  Where  the  plants 
are  grown  with  others,  they  will  be  benefited  by  being  placed  in  a 
Peach-house  or  vinery,  with  a  moderate  heat.  When  the  blooms  of 
Azaleas  are  fully  expanded,  they  should  be  removed  to  a  cool  shady 
situation,  to  prolong  their  beauty.  If  exposed  to  the  sun,  many  kinds 
soon  fade. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — The  time  will  have  arrived  for  staking 
these  ;  it  is  best  to  do  this  early,  as  the  roots  will  not  be  so  liable 
to  be  injured  during  the  operation,  besides  the  advantage  of  securing 
the  flowering  shoots  as  they  grow,  leaving  no  chance  of  their  being 
destroyed  by  wind.  Nothing  can  be  finer  or  in  more  vigorous 
health  than  these  plants  at  present ;  the  cold  has  not  in  the  least 
injured  them.  When  we  get  a  change,  however,  as  we  may,  to  great 
heat,  they  at  once  become  of  a  yellow  tinge,  but,  to  prevent  this,  care 
must  be  taken  to  water  them  as  often  as  they  are  dry,  even  if  twice  a 


158  THE    FLORIST. 

day.     The  old  foliage  will  be  dying  off,  which  should  be  cut  away  with 
a  light  hand.     Top  dress  towards  the  end  of  the  month. 

Cinerarias. — Little  can  now  be  done  with  these,  other  than  keeping 
the  plants  that  are  in  bloom  in  a  cool  shady  situation.  Select  from  the 
best  named  and  seedling  flowers  for  seed  for  the  ensuing  season,  which 
sow  as  soon  as  ready  if  early  plants  are  required.  Place  such  as  have 
gone  out  of  flower  in  a  north  or  cool  situation  for  early  cuttings.  Prick 
off  seedlings  as  soon  as  large  enough  to  handle  and  place  and  keep  them 
in  a  moist  cool  situation,  until  large  enough  to  place  in  single  pots. 
Prepare  soil  by  putting  equal  parts  turfy  loam  and  well  decomposed 
manure  in  a  heap,  which  turn  occasionally,  until  required. 

Cold  Frames. — Calceolarias,  Scarlet  Geraniums,  Lobelias, 
Pentstemons,  &c,  may  now  be  shifted  to  situations  where  they  can 
have  temporary  protection  if  needed ;  this  will  make  room  for  tenderer 
plants,  requiring  a  gradual  exposure  to  harden  them  for  final  planting, 
towards  the  middle  of  the  month  ;  indeed,  the  great  success  of  an  early 
start  with  bedding-out  plants  will  mainly  depend  on  their  being  well 
hardened  off,  previously  to  planting.  Continue  to  prick  into  small  pots 
the  recently  struck  cuttings  of  Verbenas,  Salvias,  Heliotropes,  and 
Petunias,  to  follow  the  early  plants.  Spring-raised  annuals,  as  Stocks, 
Asters,  Zinnias,  &c,  may  now  be  fully  exposed,  and  finally  planted 
when  the  weather  will  permit.  Where  the  frames  are  cleared  of 
flower-garden  plants,  towards  the  end  of  the  month,  their  place  may 
be  occupied  by  Balsams,  Japan  Lilies,  Cape  Bulbs,  and  Gladioluses, 
&c,  for  decorating  the  greenhouse  in  August  and  September. 

Conservatory. — It  will  be  very  desirable  at  this  season  to  lessen  the 
number  of  extra  plants  in  this  house,  introduced  for  furnishing  a  supply 
of  bloom,  that  the  permanent  plants  may  not  be  overcrowded,  now 
they  are  commencing  their  growth.  Such  plants  as  are  growing  in  the 
open  border  must  be  well  attended  to  with  water,  and  the  plants  should 
be  frequently  syringed  overhead ;  doing  this  early  in  the  morning,  for 
the  house  to  get  dry  before  visitors  enter.  The  display  of  bloom  should 
be  kept  up  by  Pelargoniums,  Azaleas  (greenhouse  and  forced),  Rhodo- 
dendrons, Roses,  &c. ;  and  don't  forget  to  introduce  sweet  scented  plants, 
as  Orange  trees,  Heliotropes,  and  the  good  old  Franciscea  uniflora. 
Although  shading  must  necessarily  be  practised,  it  should  not  be 
carried  to  excess,  or  to  cause  the  young  shoots  of  the  permanent  plants 
to  draw.  Let  the  show-house  be  kept  as  gay  as  your  stock  permits, 
and  look  to  the  successional  plants  to  follow  those  now  in  bloom. 

Dahlias. — Prepare  the  quarters  or  borders  for  these,  or  any  ground 
that  it  is  proposed  to  grow  them  on.  The  time  is  fast  approaching  for 
planting  them  out,  yet,  if  the  weather  is  cold  or  unfavourable,  it  will  be 
best  to  delay  this  operation,  particularly  if  the  plants  have  pot  room, 
and  can  be  kept  growing.  To  accomplish  this,  repot  the  plants  as  soon 
as  they  are  received  from  the  nursery,  or,  if  home  propagated,  from  the 
small  pots  to  others  a  size  or  two  larger,  keeping  growing  but  gently ; 
by  no  means  draw  the  plants,  on  the  contrary,  give  all  the  air  possible 
on  favourable  occasions.  The  fourth  week  in  May  is  ample  time  for 
planting,  particularly  if  the  soil  and  plant  have  been  prepared,  as  they 
should  be.     Seedlings  may  be  put  out  a  little  sooner  if  they  stand 


MAY.  159 

thick,  to  prevent  their  drawing  up  weakly,  but  a  quiet  dull  day  should 
be  chosen  for  this. 

Floicer  Garden. — May  is  a  busy  month  with  the  flower  gardener, 
as  the  final  arrangement  and  planting  of  the  beds  for  the  season's 
display  will  have  to  be  carried  out.  Very  much  of  the  harmony  and 
effect  of  a  modern  flower  garden  will  depend  on  the  tasteful  distiibution 
of  colour,  provided  by  suitable  plants  over  its  area,  for  it  should  be 
borne  in  mind  that  so  much  of  every  garden,  comprised  within  the 
area  of  vision  from  the  principal  point  of  inspection — whether  the 
garden  be  large  or  small,  or  in  one  or  more  compartments — should  have 
the  primary  colours  so  placed  that  they  may  balance  each  other,  and 
that  the  subordinate  and  complimentary  colours  should  be  added 
agreeably  with  their  position  on  the  chromatic  scale  ;  to  carry  this  out 
correctly,  requires  a  plan  with  the  beds  arranged  and  coloured,  and 
then  selecting  the  plants  of  the  desirable  colour  to  fill  them ;  in  this, 
the  habit  of  the  plants  will  have  to  be  studied  as  to  height,  time  of 
flowering,  &c. ;  begin  with  planting  the  hardiest  kinds  first,  and  as  they 
may  yet  suffer  from  cold  cutting  winds,  small  branches  of  evergreens, 
stuck  between  them,  will  form  a  good  shelter,  as  they  are  easily 
removed  when  the  warm  weather  arrives ;  above  all,  let  the  soil  be 
well  pulverised,  by  frequent  turnings  over  before  planting.  As  a  rule, 
Scarlet  Geraniums  and  their  allies  grow  dwarfer  and  bloom  more 
profusely  in  poor  shallow  soils ;  the  variegated  class  like  peat  or  rotten 
leaf  soil,  mixed  with  the  compost.  Calceolarias,  with  us,  do  best  in 
sandy  loam,  without  mixtures,  as  do  Petunias ;  Verbenas  are  not 
particular,  but  like  light  rich  soil. 

Fruit  (hardy). — We  noticed  in  our  last  calendar  that  Apricots  had 
then  set  their  fruit,  and  Peaches  were  in  full  bloom ;  alas !  how  soon 
all  the  gardener's  care  and  trouble  have  been  frustrated  by  the  severity 
of  the  frosts  of  the  two  last  days  in  March.  In  many  situations,  the 
Apricot  crop  has  been  totally  destroyed  ;  in  others  partially ;  and  all 
have  suffered  more  or  less.  Peaches,  we  believe,  are  in  a  still  worse 
plight,  from  the  effects  of  frosts,  and  the  attacks  of  green-fly  which 
followed  the  frosts,  in  countless  myriads.  The  check  given  to  the 
trees  by  the  above,  and  the  cold  weather  of  the  present  week,  will 
go  far  to  ruin  the  Peach  crop  of  1859.  Plums,  Pears,  and  Cherries, 
have  also  suffered.  Disbudding  must  be  proceeded  with  as  the  growth 
advances,  and  insects  kept  down  ;  tobacco  water,  well  diluted,  is  by  far 
the  safest  remedy  for  the  fly.  Strawberry  beds  should  be  cleaned, 
and  the  space  between  the  rows  filled  with  stable  litter  ;  the  rain  will 
wash  the  surface  clean  by  the  time  the  fruit  begins  to  swell,  while  the 
litter  will  act  as  mulching,  and  assist  the  fruit  in  swelling. 

Kitchen  Garden. — The  principal  work  here  will  be  a  routine  of 
thinning  out,  hoeing,  &c,  between  the  advancing  crops.  Sow  on  well 
prepared  beds  the  main  crops  of  Borecole,  Cottager's  Kale,  Broccoli, 
Savoys,  &c,  for  the  main  autumn  and  spring  crops.  Cauliflowers  and 
Walcheren  Broccoli  may  also  be  sown  twice  during  the  month.  Prick 
out  Cauliflowers  and  early  Broccolis  from  the  seed  beds,  as  also  Celery. 
The  main  crops  of  French  Beans  and  Scarlet  Runners  should  be  sown. 
Peas  and  Broad  Beans   sow  every  fortnight  for   succession.      Stick 


160  THE    FLORIST. 

advancing  crops  of  Peas.  We  anticipate  tall  Peas  will  soon  be  given 
up,  as  dwarf  ones  fully  equal  in  point  of  flavour  and  productiveness 
are  now  obtainable.  Water  should  be  given  to  newly-planted  crops, 
and  mulch  if  required.  Plant  out  Artichokes  in  well-manured 
trenches  ;  they  like  a  deep  and  rich  soil.  Lettuce,  Cos  and  Cabbage, 
sow  a  pinch  every  ten  days,  and  on  the  best  ground  you  have. 
Ridge  Cucumbers  may  be  sown  towards  the  middle  of  the  month, 
under  handglasses. 

Pelargoniums  will  now  be  fast  coming  into  bloom.  Continue  tying 
and  watering,  according  to  instructions  given  last  month.  The  blooms 
as  they  expand  should  be  well  shaded  from  the  midday  sun.  Bees 
must  likewise  be  excluded,  as  they  cause  the  flowers  to  drop.  The 
blooms  on  plants  intended  for  exhibition  should  be  tied  a  few  days 
prior  to  being  wanted,  to  give  them  a  concise  and  neat  appearance. 
The  late  flowering  plants  will  now  require  much  attention.  A  cool 
atmosphere,  with  thorough  ventilation,  is  indispensable.  Cleanliness 
likewise  must  be  looked  to,  and  continue  tying  as  required. 

Peach-house. — After  the  crops  are  fairly  stoned,  if  the  fruit  is 
wanted  in  quickly,  a  slight  increase  of  temperature  may  be  permitted, 
accompanied  with  more  water  to  the  roots.  The  trees  also  should  be 
well  washed  once  or  twice  daily,  according  to  the  weather.  Tie  in  the 
shoots  of  the  succession  houses,  and  attend  to  former  directions. 

Pinks. — If  large  flowers  are  required,  thin  out  the  blooming  shoots  ; 
also  remove  the  small  side  buds.  If  dry  weather  continues,  liquid 
manure  may  be  used  advantageously.  Pinks  promise  to  be  fine  this 
season. 

Strawberries. — If  there  is  the  convenience  of  a  spare  pit  or  frame, 
very  fine  Strawberries  may  be  obtained  by  taking  the  plants,  after 
having  set  their  fruit,  and  plunging  them  in  pits,  in  old  Melon  soil ;  if 
over  a  slight  bed  of  leaves,  so  much  the  better.  The  fruit  will  swell 
off  to  a  large  size,  with  little  trouble,  by  this  plan,  and  it  will  keep  the 
houses  clear  of  spider,  which  is  sure  to  get  introduced  with  the  late 
Strawberries,  when  hot  weather  intervenes. 

Tulips. — Give  the  beds  a  good  watering,  before  they  show  much 
colour,  if  it  continues  dry.  When  in  bloom,  much  water  is  liable  to 
flush  the  white,  thereby  destroying  their  beauty.  Protect  as  before 
described. 

Vinery. — As  the  crop  in  the  early  house  ripens,  keep  the  air  dry 
and  cool,  to  improve  the  colour  and  flavour.  The  protecting  materials 
on  the  outside  border  should  now  be  removed,  and  the  border  slightly 
forked,  finishing  by  laying  a  thin  coat  of  very  rotten  manure  over  the 
surface.  The  latest  Vines  will  now  be  swelling  their  buds,  and  may 
therefore  be  tied  up  to  the  trellis.  Syringe  them  several  times  daily,  to 
induce  a  free  break,  but  fire  heat  (excepting  with  Muscats)  had  better 
not  be  applied  until  the  bloom  is  about  opening  ;  mind,  that  at  no 
season  will  Muscats  set  well  without  fire  heat  and  a  dry  temperature 
of  70°  or  75°,  and  St.  Peter's  and  other  late  Grapes  will  set  very  much 
better  if  assisted  with  fire  heat,  to  get  the  night  temperature  up  to  70° 
during  the  time  of  blooming.  After  the  berries  are  set,  fire-heat, 
except  for  Muscats,  need  only  be  applied  in  cold  wet  weather. 


J^Andrews.Delt.  &  Zmco. 


Auricula. 

Qvxpmxxnjs  Manco. 

Plate  152. 


JPrmteA  hv  C.  Ovxbot 


JUNE.  161 

THE  AURICULA. 

WITH  A  REPRESENTATION  OF  CHAPMAN'S  "MARIA." 

(Plate  152.) 

Having  been  blest  with  a  tolerable  supply  of  arrows  to  one's 
quiver,  I  have  never  been  obliged,  save  floriculturally,  to  adopt 
children  of  another  person,  and  never  having  been  successful 
enough  to  raise  a  seedling  flower  that  was  worth  anything, 
I  am  not  at  all  sensible  of  that  ecstatic  happiness  which  arises 
from  such  a  process ;  but,  I  suppose,  to  be  a  successful  raiser, 
must  excite  the  same  sort  of  pride  as  kindles  the  bosom  of 
"  paterfamilias  "  when  some  knowing  canvasser,  who,  wishing 
to  secure  the  vote  of  the  said  paterfamilias  for  the  forthcoming 
election  of  the  town  of  Bubble-cum-squeak,  incontinently  begins 
to  praise  the  dear  children ;  be  that  as  it  may  be,  I  own  I 
should  like  to  be  the  raiser  of  such  a  flower  as  "  Maria,"  not 
that  it  is  by  any  means  a  perfect  Auricula,  but  there  is  some- 
thing so  very  refined  in  it,  and  the  colour  is  of  such  an  inde- 
scribable character  that  it  must  take  a  high  position  amongst 
the  lovers  of  this  exquisite  flower,  and  Mr.  Chapman  may 
consider  himself  a  fortunate  man  in  being  its  papa  ;  and  this  I 
say  without  having  any  ulterior  designs  upon  Mr.  C.'s  vote  and 
interest.  I  might  say  a  great  deal  about  it,  might  take  a  leaf 
out  of  the  book — no,  the  catalogue  of  a  firm  (it  shall  be  name- 
less, but)  which  certainly  may  be  styled  the  George  Robins  of 
floriculture ;  for,  as  that  well-known  auctioneer  once  arrived 
(in  the  puffing  of  some  place  he  had  to  sell)  at  the  grand 
climax,  that  there  were  only  two  disadvantages,  the  incessant 
singing  of  the  nightingales  and  the  too  powerful  odour  of  the 
Rose-leaves,  so  really  I  should  almost  be  afraid  to  grow  the 
things  which  they  advertise  as  novelties,  for  fear  my  friends 
should  be  so  dazzled"  as  to  get  an  attack  of  ophthalmia, 
or  be  so  tempted  that  I  should  have  continually  to  be  bringing 
them  into  the  county  court  for  theft.  I  will  not  copy  the 
example,  for  I  believe  English  people  do  not  like  this  Yankee 
style  of  "  tall  talking,"  but  simply  say  look  at  the  drawing 
— though  Mr.  Andrews,  clever  artist  though  he  be,  can  never 
do  justice  to  the  exquisite  colouring  of  the  flower.  What  may 
be  the  constitution  of  the  flower,  I  know  not,  as  I  have  but 
the  one  plant  sent  me  this  year  by  Mr.  G.  Lightbody ;  it  seems 
healthy,  though  not  inclined  to  produce  stock. 

As  far  as  I  can  judge,  the  season  has  been  a  favourable  one 
for  the  Auricula,  and  if  such  be  the  case  generally,  it  is  evident 
that  a   mild   winter   suits    them,  and    that    the   directions  I 

VOL.   XIT.,   NO.    CXXXVIII.  M 


162  THE    FLORIST. 

ventured  to  give  about  covering  up  from  frost  are  correct. 
I  can  safely  say  that  I  have  never  had  finer  blooms  than 
this  season,  or  never  saw  flowers  come  truer  to  character, 
and  that,  in  such  a  winter  as  this  has  been,  the  autumn 
flowering  does  not  hinder  the  spring  bloom.  I  had  but  half  a 
dozen  in  all  that  served  me  this  trick,  but  from  those  very 
plants  I  had  quite  as  fine  bloom  as  from  any ;  in  fact,  they 
grew  through  the  winter  so  vigorously  that  the  plant  was 
sufficiently  strengthened  to  enable  it  to  throw  out  a  fresh 
bloom.  That  this  would  not  be  the  case  in  a  severe  winter,  I 
think  highly  probable.  I  am  confirmed  in  my  opinion,  too, 
that  overpotting  is  injurious,  and  that  if  you  give  a  fresh 
supply  of  food  entirely  to  the  plant  once  in  the  year,  and 
nearly  a  half  at  the  top-dressing  time,  that  you  may  keep  them 
in  much  smaller  pots  than  they  are  generally  grown  in.  I  have 
not  seen  many  collections  this  year  in  bloom,  but  I  hope  those 
of  your  readers  who  grow  them  (and  I  trust  they  will  increase 
in  number)  will  tell  us  how  theirs  have  prospered.  Some  of 
the  blooms  in  my  little  collection  were  perfect.  There  was 
one  small  plant  of  Waterhouse's  Conqueror  which  for  the  first 
time  threw  up  a  truss  of  seven ;  and  of  these  seven,  one  was 
If  inch  across,  three  l£  inch,  and  four  If  inch.  These  do  not 
equal  the  marvellous  tales  of  trusses  10  inches  across,  to  which 
my  friend  $  refers  in  this  month's  "  Gossip,"  but  they  certainly 
formed  a  very  fine  truss.  With  regard  to  the  statements  there 
alluded  to,  there  must  be  some  mistake  ;  but  whatever  be  the 
exact  size,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  I  never  saw  any 
grower  that  was,  to  use  a  homely  expression,  "  fit  to  hold  a 
candle  "  to  Dr.  Plant,  and  a  few  hints  from  him  would  indeed 
be  "  golden  counsels  "  to  the  growers  of  Auriculas ;  though  I 
have  but  little  doubt  that  the  fine  climate  of  Ireland,  so  free 
from  the  extremes  of  heat  and  cold,  has  something  to  do  with 
it.  In  the  lists  given  of  Auriculas  there  is  generally  a  fault, 
I  think,  in  that  the  several  points  of  the  flower  are  not  sejm- 
rately  noticed.  I  have  endeavoured  to  remedy  this  in  the  list 
printed  at  page  182.  I  have  taken  as  my  standard  that  which 
Glenny  recommends  in  his  "  Properties  of  Flowers."  Viewed 
by  this  it  will  be  seen  that  there  is  hardly  a  perfect  Auricula 
grown,  and  that  some  of  the  most  celebrated  flowers  have  great 
defects ;  but  this  does  not  at  all  imply  that  they  ought  not  to 
be  grown,  or  that  they  are  not  show  flowers.  I  beg  to  be 
understood  as  only  describing  the  flowers  from  my  bloom  of 
them,  but  so  far  they  are  faithful.  I  have  not  in  any  instance 
trusted  to  memory,  but  have  had  the  flowers  before  me  when 
writing  the  description.  They  may  be  different  to  those  given 
by  others,  but  I  believe  it  is  only  by  obtaining  the  combined 
experiences  of  various  growers  that  we  snail  arrive  at  a  good 


JUNE.  163 

knowledge  of  the  flower.  If  the  weather  has  been  favourable 
for  Auriculas,  what  shall  we  say  of  Roses  ?  Oh,  Mr.  Hole,  I 
fear  very  much  that  Flora's  Queen  will  not  show  off  so  well  this 
year  as  last.  I  have  never  seen  the  damage  done  by  the  east 
wind  anything  equal  to  what  it  is  this  year. 

Deal,  May  24.  D. 


CRYSTAL  PALACE  FIRST  EXHIBITION  for  1859. 

The  first  grand  Horticultural  Exhibition  of  the  Crystal  Palace  Com- 
pany took  place  on  the  18th  ult.  The  day  was  unfortunately  gloomy 
and  wet,  and  prevented  that  full  attendance  which  we  should  have  liked 
to  have  seen  ;  for  certainly  the  exhibition  was  all  that  could  be  desired. 
Pot  Roses,  collections  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  and  Orchids,  were 
remarkable  for  freshness  and  vigour  of  growth  and  abundance  of  bloom 
— qualities  not  so  predominant  later  in  the  season.  Of  the  Roses  in 
pots,  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  they  have  never  been  surpassed,  if  at  all 
equalled.  Many  of  the  specimens  were  fully  five  feet  high  and  four  feet 
through,  literally  loaded  with  blooms  to  the  edge  of  the  pot,  to  which 
the  health  and  freshness  of  the  foliage  contributed  not  a  little,  and 
made  them  the  gem  of  the  exhibition.  In  collections  of  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants  were  many  remarkable  instances  of  good  cultivation, 
and  an  absence  of  anything  like  inferior  specimens.  Indeed,  the  col- 
lections, taken  as  a  whole,  were  very  evenly  balanced,  both  as  regards 
size  of  plants  and  good  cultivation.  Mr.  Dods  carried  off  the  first  prize 
in  the  large  class,  but  was  closely  followed  by  others,  all  excellent  in 
their  way.  We  have  seen  Azaleas,  taken  as  a  whole,  finer  in  bloom  ; 
some  of  the  exhibitors  yet  adhere  to  the  close  formal  style  of  training, 
of  which  Mr.  Green's  large  double  red  afforded  an  example ;  and  we 
observed  a  grand  Gloire  de  Dijon  Rose  in,  we  think,  Mr.  Paul's  twelve, 
spoiled  by  training  it  in  an  oval  shape ;  the  thinly  bloomed  Azaleas, 
however,  were  the  exception,  for  Messrs.  Carson,  Green,  Dods,  and 
others  had  plants  faultless  in  all  respects. 

Mr.  Green's  ten  plants  were  very  remarkable,  being  large,  fresh,  and 
covered  with  full-sized  well-coloured  blossoms.  They  consisted  of 
Sinensis,  very  fine ;  Iveryana,  Sir  C.  Napier,  Perryana,  and  Varie- 
gata,  little  less  beautiful,  and  Coronata,  Semi-duplex,  Maculata,  Sym- 
metry, and  Triumphans.  Mr.  Carson  had  an  equal  first  prize,  for 
remarkable  plants,  but  had  not  the  quality  of  bloom.  Those  dissimilar 
to  the  first-named  lot  were  Alba  superba,  Carnea,  Lateritia,  Mur- 
rayana,  Broughtoni,  and  Exquisita.  In  six  plants,  Mr.  Peed  was  first, 
with  very  nice  plants,  which  contained  nothing  new.  In  the  nursery- 
men's class,  Mr.  Ivery,  Dorking,  sent  the  best  eight  kinds,  consisting 
of  a  fine  Iveryana,  Magnifica,  good,  Harlequin,  Glory  of  Sunning- hill, 
Delicata,  Rubra  pleno,  Criterion,  very  fine,  and  Duke  of  Devonshire. 
Mr.  C.  Turner,  Slough,  stood  next  with  well-bloomed  specimens  of 
Perryana,  Variegata,  Gledstanesi,  Lateritia,  Devonshire,  Alba  lutescens, 
Symmetry,  and  Purpurea  arborea.  Mr.  Clark,  of  Streatham,  and 
Messrs.  Fraser,  of  Lea  Bridge,  also  obtained  prizes  in  this  class. 

M  2 


164  THE    FLORIST. 

In  ten  new  Azaleas,  open  class,  there  were  five  collections.  Mr. 
Turner  was  first,  with  Sir  J.  Outram,  fine  rich  colour,  and  well  marked ; 
Advance,  purple  ;  Sir  H.  Havelock,  salmon  ;  Miltoni,  large  rosy  purple, 
dense  spot ;  Model,  Prince  Jerome,  Admiration,  Criterion,  Petuniseflora, 
and  Patricki.  Mr.  Ivery  stood  next,  with  a  fine  plant  of  Admiration, 
Criterion,  Crispiflora,  Stanleyana,  Model,  Model  of  Perfection,  Duchesse 
de  Nassau,  Gem,  Juliana,  and  Beauty  of  Europe,  Mr.  Green  also 
sent  a  nice  lot,  the  best  of  which  were  Stanleyana,  Gem,  Juliana, 
and  Eulalie.  Among  novelties  we  noticed  Rosy  Circle,  a  neat 
light  purple ;  Frosti,  a  bold  flower,  of  a  new  colour ;  Duchesse  Ade- 
laide de  Nassau,  rather  coarse  but  finely  spotted  (both  these  have 
something  of  the  old  indica  colour  in  them) ;  Model,  very  good ; 
Standard  of  Perfection,  a  bold  well  shaped  flower,  free,  of  a  rosy 
purple,  and  dark  spots;  Advancer,  very  good;  Sir  James  Outram, 
large  flowered,  well  spotted,  but  rather  coarse ;  Prince  Jerome,  well 
formed  flower  ;  Petuniseflora  (rather  old  this  to  show  as  a  new  variety), 
distinct ;  Miltoni,  Dilecta,  Halfordi,  Queen  Victoria,  Roi  Leopold,  and 
Empress  Eugenie  (poor),  are  useful  kinds,  older  than  those  first  noticed. 

In  the  class  of  new  plants,  in  or  out  of  flower,  the  most  striking 
novelty  appeared  to  us  to  be  Mr.  Veitch's  new  Maple,  Acer  japonicum 
polymorphum,  with  deeply  cut  palmate  leaves,  of  a  dull  red  colour, 
and  which  in  the  autumn  will  doubtless  prove  highly  attractive,  said  to 
be  quite  hardy.  The  same  gentleman  also  exhibited  a  fine-looking 
evergreen  shrub  from  Japan,  named  Olea  ilicifolia,  which  will  form  u 
valuable  addition  to  English  gardens.  The  Messrs.  Lee  had  Barbareu 
prsecox,  a  variegated  leaved  herbaceous  plant,  allied  to  the  Cresses,  and 
which  will  make  a  useful  plant  for  edging  flower-beds.  The  same  firm 
also  exhibited  Centaurea  candidissima,  with  silvery  foliage,  well  adapted 
for  a  like  purpose  ;  and  the  variegated  form  of  the  common  Coltsfoot, 
which  we  have  noticed  before.  We  must  also  notice  Mr.  Veitch's 
batch  of  fine  foliaged  Begonias,  and  a  seedling  Rhododendron  Dal- 
housieanum,  with  greenish  yellow  flowers,  from  Mr.  Paul.  Mr.  Carson 
sent  the  bright  orange  Aphelandra  Porteana  and  Burlingtonia  Farmeri. 

Heaths  and  tall  Cacti  were  both  good,  but  contained  nothing  new. 

Pot  Roses,  as  stated,  were  grand — blossoms  fresh,  and  in  to  the 
day.  The  judges  must  have  had  some  trouble ;  the  collections  of 
Messrs.  Lane,  Francis,  and  Paul  were  very  evenly  matched,  and  placed 
as  named.  A.  Rowland,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  Terry,  gr.  to  C.  W.  Puller, 
Esq.,  Youngbury,  Herts,  were  good  in  the  amateur  class.  Among 
them  the  following  names  will  be  familiar  to  our  readers,  viz.,  Baronne 
Prevost,  Blairi,  Paul  Perras,  Paul  Ricaut,  Niphetos,  Souvenir  d'un 
Ami,  one  of  the  finest  of  all  Tea  Roses;  Coupe  d'Hebe,  Souvenir  de 
Malmaison,  Jules  Margottin,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Madame  Masson,  Auber- 
non,  Louis  Bonaparte,  Louis  Odier,  Chenedole,  Lion  des  Combats, 
Louis  Peyronney,  Madame  Willermoz,  and  Devoniensis.  Coupe  d'Hebe, 
General  Jacqueminot,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  Vicomte  de  Cazes,  and 
Aubernon  formed  one  box  of  cut  Roses. 

Pelargoniums  were  as  a  whole  scarcely  so  fine  as  we  have  seen  them 
in  former  years.  Mr.  Turner's,  however,  formed  an  exception.  His 
collection  of  12  plants  was  all  that  could  be  desired.    Conspicuous  among 


JUNE.  165 

them  were  Symmetry,  Empress  Eugenie,  Sanspareil,  Review,  Rose 
Celestial,  Mazeppa,  Governor-General,  Mr.  Marnock,  Etna,  Viola,  and 
Candidate.  Among  Mr.  Dobson's  plants  we  remarked  Fairest  of  the 
Fair,  Sanspareil,  Vestal,  Wonderful,  Governor-General,  and  Satirist. 
Messrs.  Windsor,  Fraser,  and  Gaines  also  showed  in  this  class. 

In  the  Amateur's  class  the  best  plants  came  from  Mr.  Wiggins, 
gardener  to  E.  Beck,  Esq.,  of  Isleworth.  These  were  well  grown  and 
finely  flowered.  Among  the  kinds  were  Bride,  Fanny,  Sanspareil, 
Fairest  of  the  Fail-,  Vestal,  Hesperis,  Governor-General,  Wonderful,  and 
Fair  Ellen.  Mr.  Weir,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Hodgson,  Hampstead,  had 
the  next  best. 

Of  Fancy  varieties  Mr.  Turner's  plants  were  very  large  and  well 
bloomed,  namely,  Madame  Rougiere,  Madame  Sontag,  Acme,  Rosabella, 
Madame  Van  de  Weyer,  and  Attraction.  Mr.  Gaines,  Mr.  James,  of 
Isleworth,  Mr.  Holland,  Mr.  Windsor,  and  Mr.  Weir  also  sent  Fancies. 

There  was  one  collection  each  of  Tulips  and  Verbenas — the  latter 
were  very  good — and  some  Pansies. 

Of  Spergula  pilifera,  the  new  substitute  for  lawn  Grasses,  Mr. 
Summers,  gardener  to  A.  Mongredien,  Esq.,  sent  a  large  panful,  which 
seemed  to  excite  considerable  interest.  It  was  deep  green  and  in 
excellent  condition.  In  its  style  of  growth,  it  is  a  neat  dwarf  hardy 
perennial  tufted  alpine  plant,  forming  close  compact  wiry  Grass-like 
stems,  from  a  quarter  to  half  an  inch  in  height,  at  first  erect,  after- 
wards decumbent,  clothed  with  closely  set  green  bristle-like  leaves, 
which,  by  permanent  growth  and  occasional  rolling,  forms  an  unbroken 
level  velvet-like  surface  of  the  richest  conceivable  verdure,  remaining 
uninjured  in  severe  drought  or  intense  cold,  and  assumes  the  same 
beautiful  verdurous  tint  during  the  winter  months  as  in  summer. 

Ferns  were  not  so  plentiful  as  might  have  been  expected.  Mr. 
Summers,  gardener  to  A.  Mongredien,  Esq.,  Forest  Hill,  contributed  a 
good  collection  of  exotic  kinds  ;  and  from  Mr.  Savey,  gardener  to  E.  A. 
de  Grave,  Esq.,  Fetcham,  near  Leatherhead,  was  a  very  good  set  of 
British  kinds,  all  well  grown  plants. 

Of  Fuchsias  we  observed  one  middling  collection,  the  plants  in  which 
stood  from  eight  to  ten  feet  in  height  at  least,  and  were  tolerably  well 
flowered.     They  were  all  trained  to  single  stems.     All  old  kinds. 

Cinerarias  were  exhibited  in  beautiful  condition  by  Mr.  Turner,  who 
sent  Slough  Rival,  Incomparable,  Brilliant  (Smith's),  crimson,  Brilliant 
(Lidgard's),  white,  tipped  with  blue  ;  Eclipse,  Perfection,  and  Regulator, 
the  last  a  good  blue.  Some  fine  plants  were  also  furnished  by  Mr. 
Shrimpton,  gardener  to  A.  J.  Doxat,  Esq.,  among  which  we  noticed 
Optima,  Loveliness,  Mrs.  Hoyle,  Admiral  Dundas,  Lady  Paxton,  and 
Prince  of  Blues.  Messrs.  Dobson  had  Perfection,  Mrs.  Livingstone, 
and  others,  the  names  of  most  of  which  were  the  same  as  those  just 
mentioned. 

Auriculas  Ne  Plus  Ultra  and  Lancashire  Hero,  both  fine  kinds,  were 
shown  by  Mr.  Turner. 

Calceolarias,  herbaceous  kinds,  came  from  Messrs.  Dobson.  Among 
them  were  Ruby  Queen,  Yellow  Model,  King  of  Yellows,  Edith,  and 
others,  all  finely  spotted  varieties,  and  well  grown. 


166  THE   FLORIST. 

The  show  of  fruit  was  limited,  but  contained  some  superb  pro- 
ductions. We  have  particularly  to  mention  the  Black  Hamburgh 
Grapes  of  Messrs.  Hill  and  Frost,  to  whom  the  judges  gave  equal  first 
prizes  ;  a  third  dish,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Bell,  from  Devonshire,  followed 
very  closely.  White  Grapes  were  only  ordinary.  The  most  remark- 
able Pine  was  a  Queen,  5|  lbs.,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Page,  of  Streatham. 
There  were  also  a  few  good  Black  Jamaica  Pines.  But  the  most 
remarkable  dish  of  fruit  in  the  exhibition  was  Mr.  Smith's  Sir  Charles 
Napier  Strawberries  ;  these  were  immensely  large  and  of  the  finest 
colour,  and,  taken  altogether,  unequalled.  Mr.  Shuter  had  a  good  dish 
of  Cherries,  and  Mr.  Constantine  very  fine  Figs  and  Peaches.  There 
were  a  few  nice-looking  Melons  for  the  season,  by  Messrs.  Peed,  Con- 
stantine, and  others.  In  the  miscellaneous  class  were  some  only  ordinary 
pot  Vines  in  fruit,  a  dish  of  extra  fine  fruit  of  Musa  sapientum,  grown 
in  the  Palace ;  Orange  trees  in  fruit,  and  a  remarkably  prolific  kind  of 
Cucumber,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Munro.  This  appears  a  very  useful 
market  variety,  and,  to  show  its  prolific  properties,  a  Vine  was  exhibited 
•with  some  ten  or  a  dozen  fine  fruit  growing  on  it — the  shoot,  probably, 
not  more  than  two  feet  long. 

We  must  now  notice  Mr.  Spary's  Patent  Mildew  Annihilator,  a  model 
of  which  was  exhibited  in  the  building.  This  is  a  portable  apparatus 
for  throwing  off  fumes  of  sulphur,  &c,  into  houses  infested  with  mildew 
or  insects,  and  a  most  ingenious  invention  it  appears.  We  hope  soon 
to  see  its  practical  efficacy  put  to  the  test,  when  we  shall  have  more  to 
say  on  its  merits.  It  is,  however,  only  fair  to  add  that  Mr.  Spary  has 
had  it  at  work  for  some  years  on  his  own  premises,  and  speaks  most 
decidedly  on  its  safety  and  power  in  keeping  down  mildew. 


"THE  NATIONAL  ROSE  SHOW  TO   BE   HELD    IN   THE 
HANOVER  SQUARE  ROOMS,  ON  JUNE  23,  1859." 

How  quickly  time  flies  !     How  speedily  have  the  dull  wet  winter 
and  spring  frosts  passed  away  !     And,  now, — 
"  A  happier  smile  illumes  each  brew, 

With  quicker  spread  each  heart  uncloses, 
And,  all  is  ecstacy — for,  now 

The  valley  holds  its  feast  of  Roses." 

Moore. 

The  23rd  of  June  is  the  day,  and  an  unlucky  appointment  for  me, 
as  the  22nd  is  our  county  show  at  Wimborne,  to  which  I  have  pledged 
myself  previously  to  take  all  the  Roses  I  have,  in  return  for  the 
increase  of  prizes  from  two  to  eight,  in  compliance  with  my  request. 
Moreover,  I  shall  be  prevented  this  great  anticipated  pleasure  by  a 
long  engagement  to  receive  a  Rose  amateur  from  the  north,  and  also 
my  friend  Monsieur  Ferdinand  Gloede,  who  is  coming  from  France 
to  see  me.  This  leads  me  to  hope  that  another  year  the  day  will  be 
fixed  earlier.  Indeed,  I  see  no  reason  why  it  should  not  be  an  annual 
fixture,  or  at  any  rate  why  the  day  should  not  be  announced  at  the 
fall,  which  would  give  Rose  growers  an  opportunity  of  deciding  whether 


JUNE.  167 

it  was  desirable  or  not  to  "  lift  "  or  "  remove  "  their  plants.  I  have 
bought  500  Roses,  including  the  novelties  of  1858  and  1859,  and 
have  caused  to  be  bought  over  200  more,  with  a  view  to  distinguish 
Dorsetshire  at  the  National ;  and,  great  is  my  disappointment  at  the 
clashing  of  show  days.  Nevertheless,  I  have  done  what  I  could  to 
obtain  lady  patronesses,  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of  our  reverend 
and  indefatigable  honorary  secretary.  Her  Grace  the  Duchess  of 
Beaufort,  Lady  Charlotte  Sturt,  Lady  Rivers,  and  the  Countesses  of 
Granville  and  Digby,  have  kindly,  at  my  request,  allowed  their  names 
to  be  put  down  as  lady  patronesses.  I  have  also  received  authority 
to-day  to  add  the  names  of  Viscountess  Curzon,  Lady  Burghersh,  and 
the  Lady  Augusta  Sturt,  to  the  distinguished  list ;  and  I  hope  that 
others  will  follow  the  example  of  these  bright  specimens.  If,  however, 
I  am  prevented  going,  or  taking  any  Roses  for  the  above  reasons,  I  do 
not  see  why  I  should  not  do  something  which  may  be  of  benefit  to 
exhibitors.  I  will,  therefore,  give  a  few  hints  that  may  be  available, 
and  I  will  throw  aside  that  unworthy  selfishness,  too  prevalent,  which 
withholds  information  which  ought  to  be  made  public,  and  contents 
itself  with  writing  learned  articles,  which  no  one  can  understand  or 
avail  themselves  of. 

The  first  hint  I  will  give  is,  mind  and  put  a  strap  round  your  show 
box.  The  following  anecdote  will  illustrate  its  necessity : — Last  year, 
in  travelling  to  the  National,  all  went  well  with  me  till  I  got  to 
Kingston,  when  about  4  o'clock,  a  thin-faced  looking  costermonger, 
with  an  upturned  nose,  like  Mappin's  pruning  knife  reversed,  and  his 
son,  a  "  shrubby  Calceolaria,"  shoved  in  their  bundles,  and  got  in. 
The  thrusts  unhinged  the  cover  of  my  box,  which  goes  on  slides ;  and 
before  we  had  gone  a  few  hundred  yards,  Mr.  Spooner,  my  surgeon, 
of  Blandford,  who  got  into  a  second-class  carriage  (never,  except  on 
show  days,  will  I  get  into  a  second  class  on  the  narrow  gauge ;  alas ! 
my  skin  and  bones)  for  company  with  me,  exclaimed  "  Why,  here  are 
your  Roses  all  over  the  place  ;  "  this  I  did  not  see,  as  the  box  was 
under  my  feet.  I  looked,  and,  alas  !  Madame  Zoutman,  Countess 
Lacepede,  Blanchefleur,  Brennus,  Kean,  and  other  glories,  were 
scattered  over  the  place.  I  said,  "  Sir,  you  have  ruined  me,"  to  which 
he  growled,  "  Not  much  harm  after  all,"  and  said  no  more.  I  had 
not  courage  to  test  his  accuracy,  and,  having  slided  on  the  cover,  I 
waited  till  I  got  to  London  (half  an  hour),  and  then  I  found  the 
immense  damage  done  ;  for,  out  of  39,  I  could  but  just  make  up  24, 
with  a  small  inferior  M.  Fremion.  Moreover,  the  delicate  colours, 
so  indispensable  in  showing  24,  were  gone.  Mind,  therefore,  the 
strap,  and  always  take  more  Roses  than  you  mean  to  show.  The 
vibration  of  a  second  class  will  unloose  hasps  alone. 

Before,  however,  you  come  to  the  strap,  there  is  much  to  be  done. 
You  ought  to  have  five  trees  of  every  show  sort,  to  be  sure  of  the  day, 
and  each  tree  ought  to  have  five  buds  (the  corollaries  being  taken  off 
as  soon  as  you  see  the  main  bud  safe),  and  these  buds  should  be  of 
different  sizes,  so  that  you  will  have  twenty-five  chances,  provided 
the  trees  are  planted  in  different  situations,  and  cut  back  wholly,  or  by 
instalments  at  different  times.     I  have  for  instance,  30  Geant  des 


168  THE    FLORIST. 

Batailles,*  which,  as  above,  will  give  150  chances,  as  they  are  planted 
in  every  possible  diversity  of  situation,  and  cut  back  at  different  periods. 

If  your  ground  is  not  aluminous,  you  must  cover  the  surface  with 
black  manure  and  Grass,  in  a  radius  of  at  least  18  inches,  unless 
the  Rose  is  just  planted,  and  then  one  foot  will  do  for  the  first  year  ; 
and,  in  sultry  weather,  you  must  water  freely,  but  slowly,  the  tree  and 
roots,  so  as  to  copy  a  thunderstorm,  without  its  violence,  once  a  week. 
Each  tree  should  have  two  buckets,  and,  instead  of  pouring  on  all  at 
one  time,  put  on  half  a  bucket,  and  return  four  times.  In  lawn  holes, 
if  the  surface  is  hard,  out  of  two  buckets  put  on  at  once,  three  parts 
will  go  down  the  sides  ;  tedious  as  it  is,  you  must  pour  with  a  fine 
copper  spout,  and  allow  time  for  absorption.  If  the  weather  is  as 
sultry  as.  last  year  in  June,  I  shall  have  to  put  on  Roses  and 
Strawberries  at  least  2000  stable  buckets  per  week.  Money,  beef,  and 
beer,  dispel  all  difficulties  here.  My  groom  and  a  labourer,  by  the 
help  of  the  above  steam,  would  drown  Deucalion  in  a  week.  When 
the  buds  are  swollen  and  about  to  expand,  liquid  manure  (not  too 
strong)  will  give  brilliancy  to  the  flowers,  and  wood  ashes  will  help  to 
stiffen  the  petals.  The  buds  should  be  shaded  a  few  days  before 
expansion,  but  uncovered  at  night.  If  you  wish  to  "  hold  on "  the 
bloom  for  a  few  days,  pin  French  Ivy  round  the  bud,  to  keep  the  air 
from  getting  too  rapidly  between  the  petals ;  but  this  must  not  be  done 
too  tight,  as  the  Rose  will  stew  or  bleach.  If  the  Rose  has  bloomed, 
you  may  still  "  hold  it  on  "  a  day  or  so  by  sheeting  overhead,  and  by 
tying  down  the  bloom  from  the  sun ;  but  you  must  not  put  the 
canvass  too  near,  but  let  the  Rose  have  all  the  air  you  can  ;  and  be  sure 
and  set  up  its  head,  to  be  refreshed  by  the  night  dew.  I  may  mention 
by  the  wayside  that  I  cut  my  Roses  daily  as  they  bloom,  and  put 
them  under  high  trees  in  tin  water  cups,  where  they  gratify  me,  and 
also  anyone  who  likes  to  walk  in  and  see  them.  Here  they  last  at 
least  two  days,  and  such  Roses  as  P.  Leon,  Rebecca?  and  Montijo,  a 
week. 

It  is  probable  that  cut  Roses  kept  in  a  stone  jar  in  a  dark  cellar 
would  last  a  week,  especially  if  a  little  spirits  of  camphor  were  added 
to  the  water,  and  the  leaves  washed  with  gum  water.  I  shall  try  these 
experiments  this  summer.  I  am  persuaded  that  distance  to  the  show 
and  cutting  over  night  ought  not  to  be  a  hindrance  under  a  workman's 

*  I  never  saw  this  Rose,  unrivalled  when  properly  grown,  first  rate  but 
once  in  my  life;  and  never  good  except  when  planted  against  a  south  wall 
or  near  its  radiating  heat.  I  saw  it  at  the  rectory  of  Gussage,  St.  Michael's, 
Dorset,  some  three  years  ago — quite  first  rate,  large,  brilliant,  circular,  and  full. 
I  have  never  seen  a  Rose  more  beautiful  than  it  was ;  indeed,  there  were 
several.  It  was  grown  on  a  two-feet  Briar,  on  the  south  frontage  of  the  house, 
close  to  the  wall,  and  trained  up  a  four-feet  stake.  A  poor  woman,  in  one  of 
my  cottages  here,  grows  it  in  a  similar  situation,  and  much  better  than  I  have 
been  able  to  do  ;  indeed,  in  seven  years,  I  have  never  grown  but  two  good  blooms, 
and  they  were  under  the  radiating  heat  of  the  wall,  close  in  front  of  lovely 
Solfaterre.  It  is,  however,  everywhere  a  continuous  bloomer  ;  and  from  my  great 
respect  for  it,  as  the  first  of  all  Rose  parents,  I  have  added  to  six  on  Dog  Briers 
twenty-four  Manetti  ones,  and  planted  against  walls  in  every  possible  aspect, 
as  well  as  in  the  open.  La  Reine  and  this  Rose,  as  parents,  deserve  tho 
praise  of  amateurs,  and  the  first  place  in  the  rosarium. 


JUNE.  169 

hand.  My  own  Roses  last  year  at  the  National,  though  the  refuse  of 
the  first  bloom,  were  in  as  good  condition  as  any  in  the  show,  and 
were  travelled  seven  miles  in  a  vehicle  without  springs,  and  107  by  a 
shaking  second-class  train,  on  6-inch  stalks,  and  showed  not  the 
slightest  change  as  to  form  and  colour,  so  far  as  I  could  see. 

The  way  that  they  were  carried  was  this  : — Around  each  Rose  a 
French  Ivy-leaf  was  pinned  to  keep  it  together,  and  three  or  four 
Roses  were  tied  close  together,  up  to  their  blooms,  and  put  into  the 
tin  cups,  which,  being  filled  with  stalks,  the  water  could  not  splash 
out  so  well.  If  the  train  stops  long  enough,  replenish  with  water  ;  for 
this  you  must  have  a  long-spouted  tin  cup  ;  a  shilling  will  soon  produce 
the  water.  What  chance  can  a  Rose  have  in  a  second-class  train 
without  some  such  appliances,  when  it  is  to  compete  against  a  Rose 
cut  the  same  morning  ?  None  but  tight  Roses,  such  as  Paul  Ricaut, 
Bachmeteff,  Dupuy,  Leon,  Rebecca,  and  Ravel,  can  ride  it  out.  If  the 
Rose  is  a  little  gone  over  (and  many  at  the  National  last  year  were 
much  gone  over,  even  in  prize  lots),  these  hints  may  enable  you  to 
convey  it.  I  think  condition  last  year  was  not  attended  to  enough,  and 
that  size  and  match  bore  down  symmetry,  elegance,  and  colour.  Size 
and  similarity  of  sizes,  ought  not,  for  one  moment,  to  defeat  Roses  of 
different  sizes  (where  the  difference  of  size  arises  from  their  nature), 
if  the  smaller  are  good  in  other  respects.  I  am  sure  that,  unless 
more  time  is  allowed  the  judges,  or  more  judges  appointed  to  adju- 
dicate on  different  classes,  it  is  impossible  that  they  can  judge  each 
Rosejiw  se.  They  can  but  have  bare  time  to  cast  an  eye  over  the 
whole  mass,  and  award  the  prize  to  the  largest,  best  matched,  and 
most  blazing  Roses.  This  may  obtain  with  the  public,  but  it  will 
never  do  so  with  amateurs,  who  have  critical  eyes  and  refined  tastes. 
Let  us  hope,  then,  that  more  time  will  be  allowed  the  judges,  and 
more  judges  appointed,  and  that  they  will  have  nerve  to  undeceive  the 
public  by  correcting  this  gross  taste  for  everything  large  without 
reference  to  other  qualifications.  What  Roses  can  be  more  beautiful 
or  worthy  of  a  show-box  than  Mesdames  Place,  Phelip,  Lamoriciere, 
and  the  Emperor  Napoleon  ?  Admire  Madame  Domage  and  Baronne 
Prevost,  but  still  appreciate  these,  and  put  them  into  the  same  box, 
although  no  match  in  size.  Look  at  Madame  Place,  and  you  will 
break  forth  in  admiration — 

"  She  comes !  make  way,  my  people,  stand  reverently  aside, 
She  comes  !  the  gentle  traveller,  in  purity  and  pride ; 

Shower  welcomes  on  her, 

To  show  befitting  honour, 
And  give  her  love  and  homage  from  hearts  and  kindling  eyes, 
And  believe  her  and  receive  her  with  a  thousand  sympathies." 

With  regard  to  the  gems  at  the  National,  I  shall  be  surprised  if 
Due  de  Cambridge,  Patrizzi,  and  Gloire  de  Lyons,  are  not  in  front  of 
the  novelties.  Perhaps  Palmerston,  Francis  Arago,  and  Francis  I., 
may  "  star  it."  Virginale,  pure  white,  H.P.,  is  said  to  be  good. 
Among  Bourbon  novelties,  I  will  back  (if  they  are  shown)  Dr.  Berthet 
and  Monsieur  Jard. 

Finally,  the  bud  worm  was  never  more  busy,  and  it  must  be  picked. 


170  TIIE    FLORIST. 

Aphides  also  will  be  "  in  "  soon ;  use  black  and  yellow  sulphurs,  or 
bitter  aloes  and  water,  or  quassia.  I  have  sooted  all  my  trees  (25th 
April)  under  a  dripping  rain,  but  I  shall  soon  begin  the  syringe  and 
sulphurs.  Every  aphis  produces  100,  and  there  are  10  generations  in 
a  year,  amounting  to  100  billions  ;  therefore,  catch  the  first  aphis,  and 
you  may  say — 

"  Oh !  the  rosy  month  of  June  I  hail  as  summer's  queen  ; 
The  hills  and  valleys  sing  in  joy,  and  all  the  woods  are  green  ; 
The  streamlets  flow  in  gladsome  song,  the  birds  are  all  in  tune  ; 
And  Nature  smiles  in  summer's  pride,  in  the  rosy  month  of  June  ; 
There  is  music  in  the  laughing  sky,  and  balm  upon  the  air ; 
The  earth  is  stamped  with  loveliness,  and  all  around  is  fair; 
There  is  glory  in  the  mountain  top,  aud  gladness  in  the  plain ; 
The  Roses  wake  from  their  wintry  bed,  and  blush  and  bloom  again ; 
Oh  !  the  rosy  month  of  June  !  my  heart  is  bounding,  wild,  and  free; 
As  with  a  fond  and  longing  look,  I  gaze  once  more  on  thee ; 
With  all  thy  thousand  spangling  gems — a  bright  and  blessed  boon — 
That  comes  to  cheer  and  welcome  in  the  rosy  month  of  June." 

And  now,  brother  amateurs  (there  is  a  fraternity  among  all  Rose 
growers  ;  we  know  each  other  by  intuition  and  sympathy),  under  the 
distinguished  patronage  of  England's  "  greatest  gems,"  may  you  enjoy 
and  profit  by  the  National  Rose  Show,  "  in  the  rosy  month  of  June." 

Rushton,  April  26.  W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

P.S.,  May  14. — Cardinal  Patrizzi  has  given  me  two  beautiful 
blooms.  It  is  quite  an  "  acquisition,"  or,  to  use  a  new  term,  it  is 
"  sumptuous  ;  "  it  is  a  fine  claret  red,  very  bright,  and  well  formed  ; 
it  is  in  the  line  of  Madame  Masson's  colour  (a  sad  winterer,  yet  most 
beautiful),  but  brighter,  and  of  a  lighter  colour.  I  have  two  others  on 
good  half-standard  Briers.  The  above  Rose  is  in  a  pot  on  Manetti. 
M.  Masson  has  wintered  well  on  a  Brier,  but  badly  on  Manetti,  and 
on  her  own  roots ;  she  must  be  kept  off  the  ground,  as  she  stains  in 
her  rind. 


A   USEFUL  HINT. 


Allow  me  to  suggest  an  addition  to  your  very  useful  periodical,  which 
is  now  almost  indispensable  to  every  lover  of  a  garden,  whether  he  be 
an  amateur  or  a  professional  gardener,  and  most  of  all  to  those  who, 
like  your  reverend  correspondent  at  Deal,  are  obliged  to  study  economy 
in  the  pursuit  of  their  tastes.  It  strikes  me  that  a  page  might  very 
usefully  be  devoted  to  short  notices  from  correspondents,  who  have  not 
time  for  a  regular  article,  but  yet  might  furnish  occasionally  very 
useful  hints,  or  suggest  inquiries  that  might  be  profitably  pursued. 
This  idea  has  occurred  to  me,  in  looking  over  the  volume  for  1858, 
and,  with  your  permission,  I  will  illustrate  my  view  by  a  few  short 
notes,  which  I  made  as  I  turned  over  the  pages. 

P.  122.  The  Verbena  pots  described  by  Mr.  Deam  would  have  been 
noted  by  me  as  a  desideratum  a  few  months  since,  but  I  have  recently 
met  with  them  at  Halifax,  where  they  maybe  had — of  common  clay — 
for  4s.  a  dozen,  of  more  elegant  form  than  the  one  you  figured.     The 


JUNE.  171 

same  manufacturers  also  make  a  large  vase  for  specimen  Geraniums  at 
6s.  per  dozen.  This  latter  might  be  much  improved,  if  the  maker 
would  be  content  with  a  simple  flowing  outline,  and  not,  as  such  men 
perversely  do,  attempt  an  elaborate  series  of  curves,  that  result  in  a 
much  less  beautiful  object. 

P.  152.  Perennials.  I,  for  one,  should  be  glad  to  see  your  corre- 
spondent's list,  believing  that  this  beautiful  class  of  flowers  has  been 
too  much  neglected,  to  make  way  for  their  more  showy  rivals,  the 
bedding  plants.  One  reason  for  this  is  doubtless  the  brilliant  display 
of  colour  produced,  but  I  suspect  that  the  real  reason  is,  that  to  produce 
a  general  effect  by  herbaceous  plants  requires  much  more  thought  and 
care. 

P.  197-  The  very  useful  caution  about  the  non-ventilation  of  span- 
roofed  houses  is  scarcely  intelligible  without  a  sketch. 

Thomas  Wilson. 

Crimbles  House,  Leeds,  May  23. 

[Many  thanks  for  your  useful  hint,  to  which  every  encouragement 
shall  be  afforded. — Ed.] 


EEVIEW. 

The  Gardener  s  Assistant.     By  Robert  Thompson.     Blackie  &  Son. 

Royal  8vo.  In  twelve  parts. 
This  is  a  work  which  we  can  heartily  recommend.  Its  object  is  to 
convey  to  its  readers  a  knowledge  of  the  fundamental  principles  of 
horticulture  in  a  simple  and  practical  manner,  and  to  furnish  details  of 
the  most  approved  modes  of  managing  the  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens  and 
forcing  houses,  as  well  as  the  more  important  of  the  plants  cultivated  in 
the  flower  garden  and  pleasure  grounds,  greenhouse  and  stove — in 
short,  to  be  what  its  title  implies,  emphatically,  a  "  Gardener's  Assistant " 
in  every  sense  of  the  word.  For  the  proper  carrying  out  of  such  a  work, 
few  men  could  be  found  better  qualified  than  Mr.  Thompson.  His 
world-wide  reputation  as  a  skilful  pomologist,  his  equally  well-known 
scientific  attainments,  and  his  long  connection  with  the  Horticultural 
Society  of  London,  in  whose  grounds  at  Chiswick  all  kinds  of  experimental 
gardening  have  been  carefully  conducted  under  his  superintendence  for 
years  ;  these  all  eminently  fit  him  for  the  task  he  has  undertaken,  and 
with  some  reason  led  us  to  expect  in  his  "  Gardener's  Assistant  "  some- 
thing more  than  ordinary  routine  information.  In  this,  we  have  not 
been  disappointed.  The  work  before  us  has  already  reached  its  tenth 
part,  and  is  replete  with  most  valuable  instruction,  not  only  as  regards 
improved  modes  of  culture,  but  also  as  respects  the  origin,  growth,  and 
nutrition  of  plants,  the  nature  and  properties  of  soils  and  manures, 
formation  of  gardens,  erection  and  heating  of  hothouses,  levelling  and 
management  of  groundwork,  garden  implements,  together  with  select 
lists  of  fruit,  vegetables,  and  flowers,  and  a  full  and  extremely  useful 
monthly  calendar  of  operations.  A  work  of  so  great  utility,  therefore, 
the  price  of  which  is  not  beyond  the  means  of  every  cultivator  of  a 
garden,  cannot,  we  should  think,  fail  to  meet  with  that  encourage- 


172  THE   FLORIST. 

ment  which  it  deserves.  Some  idea  of  the  way  in  which  the  different 
subjects  are  treated  may  be  gleaned  from  the  following  extract : — 

"  The  Raspberry  (Rub us  Idoeus,  L. — Icosandria  Polygynia,  L. ; 
Rosacese,  D.  C.  ;  Rosaceae,  Lind.)  is  a  deciduous  shrub,  with  perennial 
roots  and  a  biennial  stem,  a  native  of  Britain  and  most  of  the  temperate 
parts  of  Europe.  The  fruit,  being  possessed  of  a  fine  aroma,  is  largely 
employed  in  tarts,  jams,  and  similar  preparations,  as  well  as  for  the 
dessert.  It  is  likewise  used  for  making  a  delicious  ice,  Raspberry 
vinegar,  Raspberry  brandy,  and  Raspberry  wine. 

"  Varieties. — These  are  numerous,  the  plant  reproducing  itself  freely 
from  seed  with  more  or  less  variation.  The  following  is  a  selection  of 
the  best : — 

"1.  Red  Antwerp — syn.  Burley,  Knevett's  Antwerp,  Late- 
bearing  Antwerp,  Framboisier  rouge  a  gros  fruit. — Canes  strong  and 
long,  yellowish  green,  slightly  glaucous,  occasionally  tinged  with  purple, 
covered  with  dark  brown  bristles,  especially  towards  the  base.  Fruit 
large,  conical,  dull  red,  sweet,  and  rich  in  flavour.  It  bears  carriage 
well,  and  is  therefore  much  cultivated  by  the  market  gardeners.  A 
second  crop  is  sometimes  borne  in  autumn,  but  the  fruit  produced  is 
both  scanty  and  small.  This  was  the  first  improvement  on  the  wild 
Raspberry  of  the  woods,  and  is  still  surpassed  by  none. 

"  2.  Barnet — syn.  Cornwall's  Prolific,  Cornwall's  Red.  Cornwall's 
Seedling,  Large  Red,  Lord  Exmouth. — Canes  long,  yellowish  green, 
frequently  tinged  with  purple,  much  inclined  to  branch,  covered  with 
long  slender  prickles  of  a  reddish  colour.  Fruit  large,  globular,  inclined 
to  conical,  of  a  bright  purplish  red,  and  of  excellent  flavour.  It  ripens 
early,  but  does  not  bear  carriage  well ;  it  is  therefore  only  grown  in 
private  gardens.     The  plant  is  a  very  abundant  bearer. 

"  3.  Rivers'  Large-fruited  Monthly. — Canes  moderately 
tall,  very  hispid,  with  reddish  prickles.  Fruit  tolerably  large,  roundish 
or  obtusely  conical,  of  a  deep  purplish  red,  in  the  second  crop  of  a 
brighter  red.  It  ripens  about  the  usual  time,  and  again  during  autumn 
till  frost. 

"  4.  Yellow  Antwerp — syn.  White  Antwerp,  Double-bearing 
Yellow. — Canes  with  numerous  small  prickles.  Fruit  middle-sized, 
ovate,  pale  yellow,  rich,  and  sweet.  A  good  bearer,  but  not  so  strong- 
growing  as  the  Red  Antwerp. 

"5.  Cox's  Honey. — Canes  strong,  hispid.  Fruit  produced  in 
succession,  and  in  clusters  along  the  stem.  It  resembles  that  of  the 
Yellow  Antwerp,  being  very  sweet  and  rich. 

"  Propagation. — The  Raspberry  is  propagated  by  seeds,  and  occa- 
sionally by  cuttings,  but  the  usual  mode  is  by  suckers  or  offsets.  The 
seeds  should  be  taken  from  perfectly  ripe  fruit,  washed  from  the  pulp, 
and  then  dried  moderately,  in  order  to  prevent  mouldiness.  They  may 
then  be  sown  in  rich  sandy  soil,  or  in  pans,  in  sandy  peat  and  well- 
decomposed  leaf- mould.  They  will  vegetate  in  the  following  spring, 
and  in  autumn  they  will  be  fit  for  transplanting  into  nursery  rows,  the 
first  shoot  being  then  shortened  to  a  few  eyes.  In  propagating  by 
suckers  or  offsets,  care  should  be  taken  to  injure  as  little  as  possible  the 
plants  from  which  they  are  separated.     The  best  time  for  removal,  so 


JUNE.  173 

as  to  be  least  injurious  to  the  old  stools,  is  October,  which  is  likewise 
the  best  time  for  making  the  plantation.  Although  this  may  be  done 
any  time  when  the  weather  is  favourable  during  winter,  or  early  in 
spring,  yet  it  is  not  well  to  disturb  the  roots  by  taking  off  suckers  late 
in  spring,  or  after  vegetation  has  commenced.  Root-suckers  are  often 
thrown  up  at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  plant,  and  can  be 
removed  without  materially  affecting  it ;  but  frequently  the  suckers 
come  out  like  offsets.  When  this  is  the  case,  they  ought  to  be 
detached  with  a  sharp  sucker ing  iron,  and,  at  the  same  time,  care  should 
be  taken  not  to  injure  the  bud  or  buds  which  will  be  found  on  the  part 
of  the  root  just  below  the  ground,  at  the  base  of  the  shoots  made  in  the 
course  of  the  current  season ;  for  these  buds  give  rise  to  the  shoots 
which  become  the  canes  for  bearing  in  the  following  year.  Propagation 
by  cuttings  is  not  a  sure  method,  and  is  seldom  resorted  to,  as  the 
preceding  mode  affords  so  much  facility  ;  but  any  particular  sort  may 
be  more  rapidly  increased  by  both  cuttings  and  suckers  than  by  suckers 
alone.  The  cuttings  should  be  inserted  in  light,  rich,  rather  moist  soil, 
and  in  a  somewhat  shaded  situation,  at  least  one  not  exposed  to  the 
direct  rays  of  the  sun  in  the  hottest  parts  of  the  day. 

"  Soil  and  Situation. — The  Raspberry  succeeds  in  any  rich  garden 
soil  that  is  not  too  stiff,  but  prefers  one  that  is  rich  and  rather  moist. 
It  grows  exceedingly  well  in  sandy  alluvial  ground,  also  in  peat  and 
soils  that  are  mixed  with  peat ;  but  those  which  are  heavy  and  compact, 
becoming  hard  in  dry  weather,  do  not  suit  it.  In  all  cases,  abundance 
of  decomposed  manure  should  be  supplied  when  the  ground  is  trenched 
before  planting,  and  afterwards  every  autumn,  as  a  top-dressing.  The 
ground  should  be  trenched  at  least  two  feet  deep,  and  if  to  the  depth  of 
three  feet,  so  much  the  better.  Plenty  of  manure  must  be  introduced, 
especially  about  one  foot  below  the  surface,  for  the  roots  near  the  latter 
can  be  fed  by  the  annual  manuring. 

"  Planting. — Raspberries  are  usually  planted  in  rows,  and  their 
bearing  shoots  tied  to  stakes.  In  this  way,  the  distance  allowed 
between  the  rows  may  be  five  feet,  and  that  between  the  plants  in  the 
row  three  feet.  In  very  rich  soil,  six  feet  between  the  rows,  and  three 
or  four  feet  between  the  plants  in  the  row,  would  be  preferable  distances  ; 
or  the  rows  may  be  eight  feet  apart,  in  which  case,  certain  kitchen 
garden  crops  may  be  grown  between  ;  but,  if  so,  care  should  be  taken 
that  the  soil  be  kept  well  manured  and  always  sufficiently  moist. 
Raspberries  are  sometimes  planted,  for  arched  training,  in  rows  four  feet 
asunder,  and  the  same  distance  between  the  plants  in  the  row.  When 
planted  to  be  trained  against  an  espalier,  the  plants  may  be  two  feet 
apart.  Mr.  Whiting  states  (Gardeners'  Chronicle,  1849,  p.  149)  that, 
in  poor  soil,  he  finds  planting  one  foot  apart,  in  five  feet  rows,  and 
leaving  one,  or  occasionally  two  canes  to  each  root,  is  preferable  to 
planting  at  greater  distances,  and  allowing  three  or  four  canes  to  each  root. 

"  Mode  of  Bearing. — The  Raspberry  sends  up  shoots  from  which  the 
leaves  drop  in  autumn,  and,  from  the  buds  on  these  shoots,  or  canes 
as  they  are  are  called  by  some,  branchlets  push  in  spring,  on  which 
fruit  is  produced  in  the  course  of  the  summer,  and  sometimes  till 
autumn.     The  branchlets  diverge  in  all  directions  from  the  shoots  from 


174  THE    FLORIST. 

which  they  "spring,  so  that  in  the  natural  state  they  cannot  be  over- 
crowded. Whilst  these  are  bearing  the  fruit,  young  shoots  arise  from 
the  main  stock  or  base  of  the  stem,  and  suckers  frequently  spring  from 
the  roots,  at  a  distance  from  the  plant.  These  bear  in  the  following 
season,  forming  a  succession  to  those  which  are  bearing,  and  which  die 
back  to  the  ground  before  winter. 

"  Pruning  and  Training. — When  the  plants  are  intended  to  be 
trained  to  stakes  in  the  usual  way,  the  pruning  and  training  are  very 
simple.  We  shall  commence  with  a  new  plantation.  One,  two,  or 
three  canes  may  be  planted  for  the  purpose  of  being  tied  to  a  single 
stake.  If  two  are  planted,  they  may  be  six  inches  apart,  and  in  the 
direction  of  the  row  ;  if  three,  they  may  be  at  the  same  distance  from 
each  other,  and  placed  so  as  to  form  an  equilateral  angle,  in  the  centre 
of  which  the  stake  may  be  inserted.  Stakes,  however,  will  not  be 
necessary  in  the  first  season  ;  for  the  canes,  when  planted,  should  be 
cut  down  to  within  six  inches  or  one  foot  from  the  ground,  especially  if 
they  are  weak  ;  or,  if  strong,  and  fruit  be  desired  the  first  season,  they 
should  be  shortened  more  than  the  bearing  shoots  of  an  established 
plantation,  so  that,  in  either  case,  staking  will  not  be  necessary.  The 
object  of  cutting  back  the  year-old  canes  is  to  invigorate  the  young 
shoots.  When  these  push,  three,  four,  or  five  of  the  strongest  of  them 
should  be  encouraged ;  the  others  ought  to  be  rubbed  off,  or  destroyed 
by  means  of  the  suckering  iron.  Towards  autumn,  stakes  must  be 
prepared.  Their  lower  end  should  be  tapered  to  a  sharp  point,  but 
without  leaving  angles  on  the  taper,  for  when  smooth,  they  can  be 
introduced  between  the  roots  without  breaking  them.  In  October  or 
November  the  plantation  should  be  pruned,  in  order  that  the  ground 
may  be  manured  and  forked  over.  Some  think  that  the  canes  are 
injured  by  frost  and  rain  when  pruned  before  winter.  Having  much 
pith,  injury  from  such  causes  may  take  place  for  some  distance  below 
the  cut,  or  as  far  as  the  first  joint.  The  plant  is  not  susceptible  of 
injury  from  frost,  except  so  far  as  the  pith  may  get  too  much 
soaked  with  wet,  which  will  be  only  a  little  way,  especially  if  the  canes 
are  cut  slanting.  In  proceeding  to  prune,  the  two-year  old  canes,  now 
dead,  should,  in  the  first  place,  be  cleared  away,  and  three  or  four  of 
the  strongest  young  canes  ought  to  be  selected  for  bearing  in  the 
following  season.  They  should  be  shortened  where  they  exhibit  signs 
of  weakness  and  begin  to  twist  or  bend.  If  there  are  more  canes  than 
the  number  considered  proper  for  being  tied  up  for  bearing,  they  should 
also  be  cut  away.  After  hoeing  away  the  surface  soil,  and  clearing  all 
weeds  from  the  base  of  the  stem,  the  stakes  should  be  driven  in  cor- 
rectly in  line,  and  their  tops  cut  to  a  regular  height.  The  canes  should 
then  be  tied  to  the  stakes  with  osier  twigs,  or  with  the  golden  Willow, 
than  which  nothing  is  better  for  the  purpose,  if  it  can  be  had,  and  if  not, 
tar-twine  may  be  substituted.  This  operation  completes  the  first  year's 
pruning  and  training.  Objections  have  been  made  to  the  above  mode 
of  training  to  stakes,  on  account  of  the  canes  being  brought  too  closely 
together,  but  it  must  be  recollected  that  the  canes  do  not  require  light ; 
the  buds  of  course  do,  but  when  pushing,  they  are  not  shaded,  and  the 
shoots  from  them  extend  outwards,  so  that  the  longer  they  grow  the 


JUNE.  175 

more  space  there  is  for  the  foliage.  There  is,  therefore,  less  danger  of 
the  fruit-bearing  branchlets  crowding  each  other  than  there  is  of  the 
interference  of  the  young  shoots  which  spring  from  the  root  for 
succession.  In  the  second  season  the  tied-up  canes  will  require  no 
further  attention.  Lateral  shoots  will  push  from  them ;  and  these,  as 
already  remarked,  bear  the  fruit.  At  the  same  time,  shoots  for 
succession  spring  up,  and  frequently  in  too  great  abundance.  When 
such  is  the  case,  they  must  be  thinned  out  more  or  less,  as  in  the 
preceding  season  ;  only,  as  the  plants  are  now  established,  from  four  to 
six  shoots  may  be  allowed  to  grow.  In  autumn  three,  or,  if  strong 
enough  enough,  four,  from  each  stool  should  be  pruned  and  tied  as 
already  directed.  When  Raspberries  are  intended  to  be  trained  to  a 
rail,  the  latter  may  be  constructed  of  stakes  and  strips  of  deal  about  one 
inch  thick.  The  stakes  should  be  driven  in  line  at  every  five  or  six 
feet,  and  the  strips  of  deal  nailed  along  their  tops,  which  may  be  three 
or  four  feet  from  the  ground,  according  to  the  length  of  the  canes  ;  and 
other  strips  may  run  along  at  eighteen  inches  or  two  feet  from  the 
surface,  or  a  wire  may  be  stretched  at  that  height.  To  these  horizon- 
tals the  canes  should  be  trained,  so  as  to  leave  room  for  a  succession 
shoot  between  each.  The  weak  points  of  the  bearing  canes  ought  to  be 
cut  off,  and  superfluous  shoots  removed  at  an  early  stage  of  their  growth. 
Dr.  Neill,  in  his  '  Fruit  and  Kitchen  Garden,'  suggests  a  modification 
of  training  to  a  rail,  which  deserves  to  be  noticed.  He  says,  '  Perhaps 
the  best  support  is  obtained  by  fastening  the  points  of  the  shoots  to  a 
slight  horizontal  rail  or  bar,  about  4  feet  high,  and  placed  1|  foot  on 
the  south  side  of  the  rows.  By  this  means  the  bearing  shoots  are 
deflected  from  the  perpendicular  to  the  sunny  side  of  the  row,  and  are 
not  shaded  by  the  annual  wood.'  Raspberries  are  sometimes  trained 
by  arching,  and  for  this  mode  they  are  planted  about  four  feet  apart  in 
the  rows.  A  stake  is  driven  in  midway  between  the  plants  ;  half  the 
canes  belonging  to  one  plant  and  half  of  those  of  the  adjoining  plant  are 
bent  towards  each  other,  and  their  ends  are  tied  together,  so  as  to  form 
an  arch,  which  is  secured  to  the  stake  in  the  centre.  There  are  some 
varieties  of  Raspberry,  such  as  Rivers'  Large  Fruited  Monthly,  which 
naturally  produce  fruit  late  in  autumn  ;  but  other  varieties  may  be 
induced  to  do  so  by  cutting  down  the  canes  to  within  one  foot  of  the 
ground.  The  shoots  which  push  from  these  shortened  canes  grow 
vigorously,  and  usually  produce  fruit  late  in  the  season.  Another  mode 
is  to  shorten  the  canes  rather  more  than  usual  ;  then,  when  the  laterals 
push,  and  before  they  flower,  they  are  cut  back  nearly  to  their  bases, 
and  from  these  fresh  shoots  are  produced,  which  fruit  late  in  the  season. 
In  order  to  obtain  very  large  fruit,  so  far  as  this  depends  on  pruning 
and  training,  few  bearing  shoots  should  be  left  to  each  plant,  or,  in 
particular  cases,  some  plants,  or  a  row  or  two,  may  be  sacrificed  by 
permitting  no  suckers  to  grow.  Of  course,  no  fruit  can  be  obtained  in 
the  following  season  from  plants  so  treated,  the  formation  of  shoots  for 
future  bearing  being  prevented,  but  in  consequence  of  this  the  fruiting 
canes  will  be  better  nourished  and  the  fruit  larger. 

"  Other  Culture. — This  consists  in  keeping  the  surface  stirred  and  free 
of  weeds.     Manure  should  be  applied  in  autumn,  and   ought  to  be 


176  THE   FLORIST. 

worked  into  the  surface  of  the  soil  with  a  fork,  without  disturbing  the 
soil  to  the  depth  of  more  than  four  or  five  inches,  but  to  this  depth  it 
should  be  regularly  turned  over  every  year.  If  the  operation  is 
neglected  one  year,  it  cannot  afterwards  be  performed  without  destroying 
the  roots  which  have  formed  near  the  surface  in  the  interval,  and, 
consequently,  ruining  the  plantation.  Suckers  not  required  for  future 
bearing,  or  for  a  new  plantation,  should  never  be  allowed  to  appear 
much  above  the  surface ;  and  in  forking  over  the  ground,  they  should 
be  traced  and  eradicated  as  near  to  their  origin  as  it  is  possible  to  do 
without  injuring  the  root  from  which  they  spring. 

"  Diseases  and  Insects. — The  Raspberry,  when  planted  in  a  suitable 
soil  and  situation,  and  otherwise  properly  managed,  is  not  liable  to  be 
attacked  by  diseases ;  and  it  rarely  suffers  any  material  injury  from 
insects.  The  grub  of  the  Raspberry-bud  (Tinea  corticella,  L.)  occa- 
sionally proves  injurious  to  the  crop  by  consuming  the  interior  of  the 
flower-buds  and  the  footstalk  of  the  fruit,  causing  them  to  wither  up 
and  die.  About  the  end  of  May,  the  caterpillar  enters  into  the  pupa 
state,  and  in  a  fortnight  re- appears  as  a  moth,  which  deposits  its  eggs 
on  the  stems,  but  whether  on  the  young  or  old  wood  is  not  known. 
The  larvae  are  produced  early  in  August,  and  feed  upon  the  leaves  till 
winter,  when  they  conceal  themselves,  and  in  spring  again  attack  the 
young  buds.  The  crop  from  the  buds  attacked  being  lost  at  any  rate, 
all  that  can  be  done  is  to  prevent  the  recurrence  of  the  evil,  by  pinching 
the  flower-buds  in  which  the  presence  of  the  insect  is  indicated  by  their 
withered  appearance.  The  Raspberry-leaf  miner  (Foenusa  pumila) 
occasionally  injures  the  plants  by  consuming  the  cellular  tissue 
contained  between  the  upper  and  lower  surfaces  of  the  leaf,  which,  when 
thus  attacked,  presents  a  blotched  appearance,  by  which  the  presence 
of  the  caterpillar  is  made  apparent.  Collecting  and  burning  the  leaves 
affected  is  the  most  effectual  remedy.  The  grub  of  another  insect 
(Byturus  tomentosus)  is  very  frequently  found  in  the  fruit,  which  it 
does  not  attack  till  nearly  ripe.     No  remedy  is  known." 

Let  us  add  that  the  work  is  illustrated  by  coloured  plates  and 
woodcuts,  and  when  complete  will  form  a  very  handsome  volume. 


HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S    EXHIBITION,  ST.  JAMES'S 

HALL. 
May  12  and  13. — Opinions  will  vary  as  to  this  show,  but  if  one 
may  judge  from  the  small  number  of  visitors,  public  opinion  is  decidedly 
against  it ;  and  notwithstanding  the  oracular  approbation  of  certain 
very  knowing  parties,  I  think  public  opinion  is  right  in  this  instance, 
though  I  am  very  far  from  subscribing  to  the  motto,  "  Vox  populi,  vox 
Dei."  When  one  compared  the  rush  and  crush  at  the  same  Hall  on 
the  1st  of  July  last  year,  at  the  National  Rose  Show,  the  eagerness 
with  which  Lords  and  Ladies,  peers  and  commoners,  amateurs  and 
gardeners,  crowded  round  the  tables  then,  with  the  very  sparse  scattering 
of  very  aristocratic  looking  people,  and  their  laissez  /aire  sort  of  way 
of  looking  at  the  collection,  one  could  not  help  feeling  that  the  Horti- 


JUNE.  177 

cultural  Society  had  not  hit  upon  the  true  way  of  making  itself  popular ; 
and,  after  all,  in  these  days,  that  is  the  point.  To  be  select,  and  please 
a  few  of  the  noble  and  wealthy,  may  be  quite  desirable  ;  but  to  bring 
"  grist  to  the  mill,"  you  must  interest  the  great  body  of  the  community. 
Nineteen  out  of  twenty  of  the  lovers  of  flowers  in  England  could  have 
had  but  just  this  interest  in  the  above  show — "  It  was  very  pretty," 
"  Some  very  fine  fruit,"  "  What  curious-looking  plants  !  "  But  where 
were  the  note-books  taken  out,  names  taken  down,  nurserymen  looked 
after,  and  orders  given  ?  Echo  answers,  Where  ?  I  for  one  did  not 
see  it ;  and  just  for  this  simple  reason,  that  the  plants  exhibited 
were  not  within  reach  of  the  "  nineteen."  They  were  stove  or  large 
greenhouse  plants,  or  forced  fruits  from  Pineries  and  hothouses,  all  of 
which,  of  course,  the  "  upper  ten  thousand"  can  boast  of,  but  which  the 
majority  of  the  real  lovers  of  flowers  cannot  touch. 

The  Society  seems  to  have  made  two  great  mistakes  in  this  show. 
First  and  foremost,  the  most  preposterous  regulation  of  making  it  a  two 
days'  exhibition — cruel  in  the  extreme  to  the  poor  plants,  and  very 
hard  upon  the  exhibitors.  Imagine  delicate  stove  plants,  Caladiums, 
Cattleyas,  Vandas,  &c,  exposed  to  the  gas,  dust,  and  confinement  of 
St.  James's  Hall  for  two  whole  days  !  One  would  not  subject  much 
hardier  plants  to  such  treatment,  and  the  sooner  an  alteration  is  made 
in  this  the  better.  Then,  again,  the  prizes  offered  clearly  exclude  those 
things  which  are  within  the  reach,  as  I  have  said,  of  the  great  majority. 
If  Pelargoniums  and  such  like  plants  had  been  encouraged,  it  would 
have  increased  the  popularity  of  the  show. 

Taking  these  things  into  account,  one  is,  however,  bound  to  say  that 
the  arrangement  reflected  the  greatest  credit  on  Mr.  Edmonds,  gardener 
to  the  Duke  of  Devonshire,  at  Chiswick,  to  whom,  I  believe,  it  was 
committed  ;  and  the  effect  on  entering  the  room  was  not  so  much  that 
you  were  entering  an  exhibition,  with  its  stiff  and  formal  accompani- 
ments, but  a  well  and  carefully  arranged  conservatory.     At  the  far  end, 
in  front  of  the  orchestra,  were  placed  six  magnificent  plants  of  Roses, 
from  Mr.  Lane,  of  Great  Berkhampstead,  testifying  to  the  skill   and 
energy  of  that  enterprising  grower.     It  has  seldom  fallen  to  my  lot  to 
see  such  pot  Roses  before.     They  were,  of  course  (for  bushes  six  feet 
high  must  be  so),  old  sorts,  but  they  were  the  very  perfection  of  growth. 
Triomphe  de  Paris,  H.P.,  Paul   Perras,  H.B.,   Jules  Margottin,  H.P., 
Duchess  of  Sutherland,  H.P. ;  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  T. ;  and   Baronne 
Prevost,  H.P.     In  front  of  these  were  some  small  plants  of  new  variegated 
Geraniums,  from  Messrs.  Henderson,  sufficiently  striking  to  be  worth 
looking  after.     In  the  centre  of  the  room  the  fruit  was  displayed,  with 
some  standard  Chinese  Azaleas  in  the  middle  of  the  long  table,  and 
underneath  them  some  pot  Roses,  from  Mr.  Francis,  of  Hertford;  the 
most  taking  (alas  !   there   was  none  of  that),   well,  then,   the   most 
tempting  dish   of  said   fruit  being,  I   think,   the   Sir   Charles  Napier 
Strawberries  of  Mr.  Smith,  of  Twickenham  ;  the  berries  large,  fine- 
shaped,  and  of  a  most  brilliant  scarlet.     Its  flavour — alas  !  my  friends, 
you  know  as  much  of  that  as  I  do,  for  "  Noli  me  tangere  "  was  plainly 
written  upon   all.     New  and   striking  foliaged  plants  were  in  great 
abundance.     The  very  beautiful  Clianthus  Dampieri  (figured  some  time 

VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXXXVII.  N 


178  THE    FLORIST. 

since  in  the  Florist)  was  there,  in  Mr.  Veitch's  very  fine  group.  Far- 
fugium  grande,  too,  was  well  grown,  and  some  of  the  Begonias,  wiih 
their  very  peculiar  markings,  attracted  a  good  deal  of  attention.  Myo- 
sotis  nobilis,  though  very  pretty,  would  not  put  out  of  favour  (in  my 
eyes,  at  any  rate)  its  little  native  congener,  whose  bright  blue  flowers 
cluster  in  our  ditches — the  "  Forget-me-not  "  so  dear  to  spooney  young 
gentlemen  and  young  ladies  fresh  from  their  boarding  schools.  Amongst 
plants  likely  to  be  of  general  interest,  if  the  character  given  of  them  be 
correct,  viz.,  that  they  are  hardy,  are  Aucuba  Himalaica  and  Olea 
ilicifolia  the  former  from  the  Wellington  lload  Nursery,  the  latter  from 
Mr.  Veitch. 

Deal,  May  23.  D. 


FARNHAM    CASTLE,    NEAR   CAVAN,   IRELAND. 

This,  the  seat  of  Lord  Farnham,  is  situated  two  miles  north-west  of 
Cavan.  On  each  side  of  the  carriage  drive,  leading  to  the  house,  stand 
some  fine  "  ancestral  trees."  The  mansion  itself  is  entered  by  a  portico 
supported  by  Corinthian  pillars,  which  are  of  themselves  striking  features 
of  the  erection.  In  front  is  a  fine  green  lawn,  many  acres  in  extent, 
interspersed  with  trees  and  shrubs,  both  single  and  in  groups.  The 
pleasure-grounds  lie  south-west  of  the  mansion.  In  front  of  the  house 
is  a  range  of  plant  houses  80  yards  in  length,  divided  into  four 
divisions  by  glass  partitions.  Next  the  house  is  a  greenhouse,  gay  with 
Cinerarias  and  Geraniums,  the  latter  show  and  fancy  kinds,  grown  in 
9-inch  pots,  many  of  them  measuring  from  2  to  2|  feet  through,  and 
literally  covered  with  flowers.  Azaleas  in  bloom  consisted  of  Beauty  of 
Europe,  Criterion,  Duke  of  Devonshire,  Gledstanesi  formosa,  Glory  of 
Sunninghill,  Holfordiana,  Iveryana,  Semi-duplex  maculata,  and 
Perryana.  There  were  also  Ericas  and  Epacris,  Rhododendrons, 
Carnations,  Pinks,  &c,  intermixed  with  variegated  Geraniums,  such  as 
Emperor  (Lee's),  Lady  Plymouth,  &c.  Centaurea  argentea,  is  also  used 
for  the  same  purpose.  The  two  centre  houses  in  this  range  contained 
a  fine  collection  of  stove  plants,  Orchids,  Palms,  Ferns,  and  Lycopods. 
The  Palms  were  planted  out  in  a  bed  in  the  centre,  and  looked  remark- 
ably healthy.  In  front  were  some  large  Crinums,  Strelitzia  Reginse, 
and  other  large  growing  stove  plants  and  Ferns.  Another  compart- 
ment was  particularly  gay  with  Gloxinias,  Tydseas,  Meyenia  erecta, 
Euphorbias,  iEschynanthus,  Dendrobiums,  &c.  Among  the  flowering 
plants  were  arranged  variegated  and  fine-foliaged  plants,  with  good 
effect,  such  as  Begonia  Rex,  Aphelandra  Leopoldi,  Caladium  bicolor 
splendens,  Sonerila  Margaritacea,  Cissus  discolor,  Dioscorea  discolor, 
Goodyeras,  Crotons,  Dracaenas,  and  Marantas.  This  house  also 
contained  a  goodly  collection  of  Ferns ;  here  were  some  fine  Gym- 
nogrammas  and  others.  Associated  with  these  was  a  beautiful  new 
Torenia  named  pulcherrima,  an  improvement  on  asiatica.  The  last 
house  in  this  range  was  filled  with  orange  trees,  both  planted  out  and 
in  tubs.  The  conservatory  is  about  50  yards  long,  with  the  centre 
divided  into  two  compartments  (beds)  ;  one  of  the  divisions  was  filled 
with  Acacias,  &c,  and  the  other  chiefly  with  Tea  Roses.     The  following 


JUNE.  179 

were  trained  up  pillars,  and  festooned  from  the  roof:  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
yellow  shaded  with  salmon,  very  fine  ;  the  yellow  Devoniensis,  and 
Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  one  of  the  best  of  its  class.  These  were 
planted  out  in  a  prepared  bed  of  rich  soil.  On  the  back  wall  was  a 
large  Luculia  gratissima. 

On  my  way  to  the  forcing  department  I  passed  through  the  flower 
garden,  the  beds  in  which  are  planted  on  the  ribbon  system.  Rhodo- 
dendrons, Ghent  Azaleas  and  Kalmias  I  found  well  set  with  flower- 
buds.  To  the  west  of  the  American  garden  is  a  fountain  surrounded 
with  rockwork,  planted  with  rock  plants,  Ferns,  &c. 

In  the  kitchen  garden  the  glass  erections  consist  of  four  Vineries, 
two  Peach-houses,  Pine  stove,  succession  Pine  pits,  propagating  house, 
and  Melon  and  Cucumber  pits.  In  the  earliest  Vinery  was  fruit  nearly 
ripe — Hamburghs  and  Sweetwaters  ;  Muscats  also  promised  well.  The 
next  Vinery,  a  Hamburgh  house,  was  filled  with  Camellias,  the  pots 
of  which  were  plunged  in  a  dung  bed,  which  runs  up  the  centre  of  the 
house.  The  plants  were  making  fine  young  wood,  the  Vines  acting  as 
shading  for  the  tender  foliage.  The  following  twelve  were  really  good 
varieties,  viz.,  Adrien  Lebrun,  Archduchess  Augusta  Maria,  Duchess 
of  Northumberland  (Lee's),  Florence  Nightingale,  Jacksoni,  Jenny 
Lind,  Mrs.  Cope,  Optima,  Storeyi,  Donkelaari,  Chandleri,  Fimbriata,  &c. 
The  latest  Vinery  is  planted  with  Black  Hamburghs,  West's  St.  Peter's, 
and  Barbarossa.  Early  Peaches  were  in  a  forward  state,  and  a  splendid 
crop  of  both  early  and  late  ones  was  coming  on  in-doors.  In  the  Pine 
stove  the  fruiting  plants  were  showing  well.  In  front  of  the  Pines,  pot 
Vines  were  growing ;  succession  Pines  looked  remarkably  healthy. 
Melons  and  Cucumbers  are  grown  here  in  dung  pits ;  for  late  use  they 
are  trained  on  trellis-work.  By  this  plan  fruit  is  obtained  much  later 
than  otherwise  could  be  in  dung  pits. 

Parallel  with  the  Vineries  is  a  series  of  flower  beds,  laid  out  on 
gravel,  edged  with  Box.  In  summer,  when  in  full  bloom,  these  cannot 
fail  to  be  very  effective.  As  a  great  quantity  of  bedding  plants  is 
required  here  every  season,  all  the  old  plants  of  Geraniums  are  lifted  in 
autumn,  and  kept  during  winter  in  cold  "  sod"  pits.  They  are  found 
to  bloom  more  freely  and  not  to  grow  so  strongly  as  young  plants. 
Calceolarias  and  Verbenas,  previously  to  being  planted  out,  are  pricked 
out  in  beds  made  for  the  purpose,  and  protected  during  cold  nights  ;  by 
this  plan  the  plants  do  not  suffer  from  the  shift  they  get  to  their  summer 
quarters.  Fewer  plants  answer  the  purpose,  and  they  come  earlier 
into  bloom. 

The  wall  fruit  hts  suffered  very  much  from  the  late  spring  frost,  also 
many  of  the  more  tender  shrubs  in  the  pleasure  grounds.  The 
following  figures  will  show  the  amount  of  frost  registered  here  during 
the  week  ending  April  23:— April  18th,  7°;  19th,  5°;  20th,  7° ; 
21st,  12°;  22nd,  12°;  23rd,  9°.  The  above  would  indicate  the 
necessity  of  erecting  glass  walls,  or  walls  covered  with  glass,  which  are 
indispensable  to  every  good  garden  establishment. 

A  short  distance  from  the  mansion  is  a  Rose  garden,  which  has 
undergone  considerable  improvement  during  last  winter,  and  a  great 
quantity  of  new  Roses  has  been  added  to  the  superb  collection  which 

N2 


180  THE    FLORIST. 

this  garden  already  contained.  This,  as  well  as  all  other  things,  reflected 
credit  on  Mr.  Honeywill,  who  is  gardener  here.  In  fact,  everything 
on  the  domain  denoted  wealth,  taste,  and  intelligence. 

D. 


NATIONAL  TULIP   SOCIETY. 


The  eleventh  annual  exhibition  of  this  Society  took  place  at  Slough, 
on  the  20th  ult.  Late  as  it  was  for  many  collections  in  the  south, 
yet  there  was  a  good  show,  some  of  the  specimens  being  of  remarkable 
beauty,  particularly  those  shown  by  R.  H.  Betteridge,  Esq.,  and  R. 
Headley,  &c.  The  latter  gentleman  exhibited  some  very  fine  new 
flowers  of  his  own  raising — Adonis,  John  Linton,  and  Sarah  Headley 
were  particularly  striking.  We,  however,  merely  give  the  awards  on 
this  occasion  ;  our  critical  remarks  will  be  given  in  next  number. 

In  the  first  class,  12  blooms,  four  of  each  colour,  there  were  14 
collections  staged.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  R.  H.  Betteridge, 
Esq.,  Milton  Hill,  Abingdon,  for  finely  grown  flowers,  and  exceedingly 
well  marked.  They  consisted  of  Marcellus,  Thalia,  Lord  Denman, 
Madame  Catalani,  Alcon,  Countess  of  Wilton,  Spencer's  First-rate, 
George  Hayward,  Royal  Sovereign,  Heroine,  Triomphe  Royale,  and 
Polyphemus ;  2nd,  Mr.  W.  Lawrence,  Hampton,  with  Lady  Wilder, 
Jupiter,  Brown's  Ulysses,  Maid  of  Orleans,  Blcemart,  Madonna, 
Aglaia,  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Queen  of  Hampton,  Charles  Brown, 
Madame  Vestris,  and  George  Hayward  ;  3rd,  Mr.  Thomas  Westbrook, 
Abingdon,  with  Isabella,  Koyal  Sovereign,  General  Barnoveldt,  Bion, 
Everard,  Blcemart,  Polyphemus,  Madame  Catalani,  Maid  of  Orleans, 
Rose  Tryall,  Vivid,  and  Thalia  ;  4th,  Mr.  Joseph  Godfrey,  Chellaston, 
near  Derby,  with  Duke  of  Devonshire,  Mrs.  Pickerill,  Rose  Aglaia, 
Royal  Sovereign,  Vivid,  Triomphe  Royale,  Merit,  Miss  Grace,  Queen 
Charlotte,  Lady  Franklin,  Heroine,  and  Abbott's  Gem  ;  5th,  Mr.  J. 
Hepworth,  Hendrie's  Gardens,  Lea  Bridge,  Essex,  with  Heroine, 
Seedling  No.  HI,  Plat  off,  Princess  Royal,  President,  Aglaia,  Seedling 
No.  40,  Vivid,  Aglaia  flamed,  Ulysses,  Seedling  210,  and  Seedling  80  ; 
6th,  C.  Williams,  Esq.,  Clarence  Cottage,  West  Green  Road,  Totten- 
ham, with  Willison's  King,  Walker's  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Sander's 
Louis  Philippe,  Don  Fedro,  Violet  Quarto,  Headley's  Helena,  Salvator 
Rosa,  Mayor  of  Manchester,  Anastasia,  Dr.  Horner,  Heroine,  and  La 
Tendresse.  Mr.  Headley  exhibited  a  superb  stand,  but  was  disqualified, 
one  of  the  flowers  having  seven  petals.  # 

Class  B.  Six  Tulips,  one  feathered  and  one  flamed  in  each  class  : — 
1st  prize,  R.  H.  Betteridge,  Esq.,  with  Triomphe  Royale,  Incompar- 
able, Heroine,  Willison's  King  flamed,  Seedling  No.  74,  and  Willison's 
King  feathered  ;  2nd,  Mr.  Joseph  Godfrey,  with  Lady  Franklin,  Royal 
Sovereign,  Merit,  Heroine,  Triomphe  Royale,  and  Mrs.  Pickerill ;  3rd, 
Mr.  Thomas  Allestree,  Draycott,  near  Derby,  with  Aglaia,  Lorenzo, 
Masterpiece,  Merit,  Kate  Connor,  and  Chellaston  Beauty ;  4th,  Mr. 
J.  Hepworth,  with  Heroine,  Blcemart,  Platoff,  President,  Seedling  210, 
and  Aglaia ;  5th,  Joseph  Hunt,  Esq.,  High  Wycombe,  with  George 


JUNE.  .  181 

Hayward,  Lord  Denman,  Lady  Denman,  Triomphe  Royale,  Heroine, 
and  Delaforce's  King  ;  6th,  H.  Steward,  Esq.,  York,  with  Charles  X., 
Brown's  Salvator  Rosa,  Violet  Quarto,  Sarah  Headley,  Pilot,  and 
Triomphe  Koyale. 

Class  C.  Three  Feathered  Tulips,  one  in  each  class  : — 1st  prize,  Mr. 
Joseph  Godfrey,  with  Royal  Sovereign,  Victoria  Regina,  and  Heroine  ; 
2nd,  Mr.  J.  Hepworth,  with  Seedling  210,  Heroine,  and  Surpass 
Catafalque ;  3rd,  Rev.  S.  Cresswell,  Radford  Vicarage,  Nottingham, 
with  Gem,  Cotterill's  Elizabeth,  and  Heroine ;  4th,  R.  Headley,  Esq., 
Stapleford,  Cambridge,  with  La  Belle  Mannette,  Vivid,  and  Duchess  of 
Cambridge ;  5th,  ditto,  with  Aglaia,  Pactolus,  and  Surpass  Fanny. 

Class  D.  Three  Flamed  Tulips,  one  in  each  class,  23  collections : — 
1st  prize,  Charles  Williams,  Esq.?  with  Walker's  Duchess  of  Suther- 
land, Groom's  Orpheus,  and  Triomphe  Royale  ;  2nd,  R.  H%  Betteridge, 
Esq.,  with  Incomparable,  Triomphe  Royale,  and  Glory  of  Abingdon; 
3rd,  Mr.  Joseph  Godfrey,  with  La  Beine  Amia,  Colonel  Windham, 
and  Triomphe  Royale;  4th,  R.  H.  Betteridge,  Esq.,  with  Mountain 
Sylph,  Polyphemus,  and  Triomphe  du  Monde ;  5th,  Charles  Williams, 
Esq.,  with  Sir  J.  Paxton,  Lady  Exeter,  and  Crook's  Alice. 

Class  E.  Six  Breeder  Tulips,  two  in  each  class,  dissimilar : — 1st 
prize,  R.  H.  Betteridge,  Esq.,  with  Battersby's  Sobraon,  Seedling, 
Groom's  Polonius,  Seedling  No.  38,  Groom's  Henry  Fusili,  and  Slater's 
Earl  of  Warwick;  2nd,  H.  Steward,  Esq.,  with  Pilot,  Princess  Royal, 
Anastasia,  Sable  Monarque,  Juliet,  and  King ;  3rd,  Mr.  Thomas 
Allestree,  with  Sobraon,  Adonis,  Juliet,  Seedling,  Earl  of  Warwick, 
and  Queen  of  England  ;  4th,  Mr.  J.  Hepworth. 

Class  F.  Three  Breeders,  one  in  each  class :— 1st  prize,  R.  H. 
Betteridge,  Esq.,  with  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  Seedling  No  38,  and  Sarah 
Ann;  2nd,  H.  Steward,  Esq.,  with  Anastasia,  Willison's  Sir  J.  Paxton, 
and  Princess  Royal ;  3rd,  Joseph  Hunt,  Esq.,  with  Willison's  Queen, 
Sarah  Arm,  and  Pilot ;  4th,  Mr.  J.  Hepworth. 

The  premier  prize  was  awarded  to  R.  Headley,  Esq.,  for  Headley 's 
Adonis,  a  charming  feathered  Bybloemen. 


DUCHESS  OF  NORFOLK  ROSE. 

This  Rose  is  a  remarkable  instance  of  the  gradual  improvement  of 
some  Hybrid  Perpetual  Roses.  It  was  raised  from  seed  by  M.  Mar- 
gottin  some  eight  or  ten  or  twelve  years  since,  and  presented,  with  one 
or  two  other  seedling  Roses  to  his  customers,  Mr.  Rivers  and  Messrs. 
Wood.  The  former,  knowing  very  well  the  usual  value  of  the  seedlings 
given  to  their  clients  by  the  French  florists,  neglected  his  plants,  and 
ultimately  lost  them.  Messrs.  Wood  cultivated  those  in  their  possession 
carefully,  and  were  rewarded  by  one  of  them  proving  worthy  of  being 
named  the  Duchess  of  Norfolk,  which,  although  scarcely  more  than  a 
mediocre  Rose  when  first  sent  out,  has  improved  annually,  and  was  last 
season  among  the  most  beautiful  of  Roses.  R. 


182 


THE    FLORIST. 


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18-1  TIIE    FLORIST. 

VIOLETS. 

With  me,  Violets  are  held  in  great  esteem.  I  was  therefore  quite 
delighted  to  see  Mr.  Shrimpton's  excellent  paper  on  the  Neapolitan 
sort  in  your  last  number.  In  "  Weeds  and  Wild  Flowers "  Lady- 
Wilkinson  has  the  following  pleasant  gossip  about  this  my  favourite 
flower,  which  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  your  readers  : — 

"'Violets,'  says  Gerarde,  '  haue  a  great  prerogative  aboue  others, 
not  only  because  the  mind  conceiueth  a  certain  pleasure  and  recreation 
by  smelling  and  handling  those  more  odoriferous  floures,  but  also  for 
that  verie  manie  of  these  Violets  receiue  ornament  and  comely  grace, 
for  there  be  made  of  them  garlands  for  the  head,  nosegaies,  and  posies, 
which  are  delightful  to  look  upon,  and  to  smel  to  ;  speaking  nothing  of 
their  appropriat  virtues ;  yea  gardens  themselves  receiue  by  these  the 
greatest  ornament  of  all,  chiefest  beauty,  and  most  excellent  grace,  and 
the  recreation  of  the  mind  which  is  taken  hereby  cannot  be  but  very 
good  and  honest.' 

"  Vitru\ius  tells  us  that  the  flowers  were  not  only  used  to  adulterate 
or  counterfeit  the  celebrated  blue  of  Athens,  but  were  also  employed  to 
'  moderate  anger,'  to  cure  ague  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  to  allay 
thirst,  procure  sleep,  and  '  comfort  and  strengthen  the  heart,  as  well  as 
for  cooling  plasters ; '  besides  being  worn  as  a  charm  against  the 
'  falling  sickness,'  and  headaches  ;  and  Pliny  gives  a  long  catalogue  of 
their  virtues ;  affirming  that  they  are  cooling,  good  for  inflammation, 
weak  eyes,  quinsey,  swellings,  &c,  &c,  and  recommending  garlands  of 
the  blossoms  to  be  worn  for  the  preservation  of  the  head.  The  seeds 
were  formerly  believed  to  counteract  the  effects  of  a  scorpion's  sting. 
The  peasant  mother — though  she  no  longer  uses  the  Violet  in  her 
'  pottage  ' — administers  its  syrup  to  her  infant  as  a  medicine  suited  to 
its  tender  age ;  the  Moslem  quaffs  a  similar  preparation  as  one  of  his 
favourite  sherbets ;  and  the  chemist  employs  it  as  his  most  delicate 
test  for  acids  or  alkalis  ;  the  former  giving  it  a  red  tinge,  and  the 
latter  one  of  green.  The  French  make  the  greatest  use  of  the  flowers 
in  their  •  confitures '  and  household  remedies ;  and  on  turning  over 
Machet's  '  Confiseur  Moderne,'  and  works  of  a  similar  character,  we 
are  surprised  to  find  the  frequency  of  receipts  for  conserve  de  violettes, 
(/laces  a  la  violelte,  marmalade  de  violettes,  Pains  souffles  a  la  violette 
(in  which,  however,  Prussian  blue  and  carmine  usually  do  duty  for  the 
hue  of  the  flower,  while  '  iris  de  Florence  enpoudre  '  represents  its  scent 
and  flavour) ,  Pastille  a  la  violette,  pates  des  violettes,  gomme  de  violettes, 
sirop  de  violettes,  and  numberless  confections  of  a  similar  character. 

"  The  root  of  the  sweet  Violet,  V.  odorata,  acts  as  a  powerful  emetic, 
and  is  frequently  used  to  adulterate  ipecacuanha,  and  in  fact  the  whole 
of  the  Violacese  are  thus,  though  in  various  degrees,  distinguished ;  the 
active  principle  of  their  roots,  which  is  called  violene,  closely  resembling 
emetin.  Sir  William  Hooker  has  satifactorily  ascertained  the  Viola 
Ipecacuanha,  or  the  Ionidium  parviflorum,  to  be  the  celebrated 
'  Cuychunchulle  '  of  Dr.  Bancroft.  Pliny  describes  a  liniment  of  Violet 
roots  and  vinegar  for  gout  and  '  disorders  of  the  spleen.' 


JUNE.  185 

"  Thus  the  uses  of  the  plant,  as  well  as  its  exquisite  beauty,  have 
attracted  attention  wherever  it  occurs — and  it  is  by  no  means  sparingly 
distributed.  Aboo  Rumi,  the  eastern  poet,  exclaims ;  '  It  is  not  a 
flower — it  is  an  emerald  bearing  a  purple  gem ! '  And  it  has  been 
said  that  the  Arabs  expressively  describe  the  eye  of  a  beautiful  woman 
by  comparing  it  to  a  Violet.  The  ancient  Greeks  attributed  to  the 
goddess  of  beauty,  '  Violet-like  eyelids,'  and  Shakespeare  speaks  of — 
"  '  Violets  dim, 
But  sweeter  thau  the  lids  of  Juno's  eyes.' 

Comparisons  which  we  may  refer  rather  to  the  delicate  tinting  of 
purple  which  gives  so  great  a  charm  to  some  eyelids,  especially  to  those 
of  little  babies,  rather  than  to  the  ancient  practice  of  imitating  this 
tinge  by  colouring  the  eyelids  with  powder  of  antimony,  to  which  some 
commentators  have  attributed  it :  since  the  black  kohl  or  antimony 
cannot  well  be  compared  in  colour  to  the  Violet. 

"  Shakespeare  alludes  to  a  very  old  belief,  and  one  which  we  find 
frequently  and  variously  expressed,  when  he  says : 

*  *  " '  Lay  her  i'  the  earth, 

And  from  her  fair  and  unpolluted  flesh 

May  Violets  spring.' 

"  Or,  as  Herrick  has  it — 

" '  From  her  happy  spark,  here  let 
Spring  the  purple  Violet.' 

"  Partly  perhaps  for  this  reason  the  Violet,  supreme  in  its  sweetness, 
finds  its  place  with  these  and  other  sweet-smelling  herbs  in  the  grave- 
vards  of  Wales  ;  and  the  Romans  called  the  days  set  apart  for  decking 
their  graves  with  flowers  '  Dies  violaris.y  In  allusion  to  this  use  of 
the  flower,  Shelley  says  : — 

"  '  Lilies  for  a  bridal  bed, 

Roses  for  the  matron's  head, 
Violets  for  a  maiden  dead.' 
"  And,  again, — 

" '  His  head  was  bound  with  Pansies  overblown, 
And  faded  Violets,  white,  pied,  and  blue.' 

"  The  Violet  was  a  great  favourite  with  the  Greeks,  claiming, 
according  to  Theocritus,  the  earliest  place  in  the  flowers  chosen  for  the 
wreath ;  and  Homer,  as  translated  by  Cowper,  says  : — 

*  "  '  Everywhere  appeared 

Meadows  of  softest  verdure,  purpled  o'er 
With  Violets  ;  it  was  a  scene  to  fill 
A  god  from  heaven  with  wonder  and  delight.' 

"  Athens  was  noted  for  its  love  of  Violets.  Aristophanes  (Knights) 
?ays,  '  he  lives  in  the  ancient  Violet-crowned  Athens  ; '  and  (Acharn), 
'  first  they  called  you  (Athenians)  Violet-crowned.'  The  same  epithet 
was  applied  to  the  Muses,  and  Homer  even  calls  Venus  'crowned 
with  Violets.' 

"  Athenseus,  like  other  ancient  writers,  speaks  of  the  use  of  Violets  for 
chaplets  ;  but  in  another  place,  he  pretends  that  they  were  excluded 
from  banquets  because  they  affected  the  head  by  their  scent.  In  this, 
however,  he  is  contradicted  by  Plmy  ;  and  Plutarch  more  distinctly  says 


186  THE    FLORIST. 

'  its  exhalations  greatly  assist  in  removing  the  affections  of  the  head 
caused  by  wine.'  Athenaeus  states  that  at  Cyrene  the  scent  of  the 
Violet  is  '  especially  strong  and  divine,  as  is  that  of  other  flowers  there, 
excepting  the  Crocus ; '  a  statement  probably  borrowed  from  Theophrastus. 
He  also  assigns  to  '  the  black  Violet  the  most  agreeable  scent.' 

"  The  old  Greek  poets,  in  their  admiration  of  the  Violet,  prettily 
feigned  that  when  Io  was  changed  into  a  cow,  the  earth  '  honouring  her,' 
brought  forth  the  Violet  for  her  to  feed  upon  ;  and  Jane  Taylor,  in  her 
delightful  '  Nursery  Rhymes,'  as  prettily,  though  quite  unintentionally, 
re-echoes  the  idea  of  its  being  a  favourite  food  of  the  cow : — 

"  '  Where  the  purple  Violet  blows, 
Pretty  cow  go  there  and  dine.' 

"  Nicander,  however,  ignores  this  fable,  and  substitutes  for  it  the 
legend  already  mentioned. 

"  There  is,  probably,  no  land  in  which  the  Violet  grows — and  it 
abounds  in  every  part  of  Europe,  in  Barbary,  Palestine,  Japan,  China, 
and  America — in  whose  language  its  praises  have  not  been  sung.  The 
Welsh  poet  says : — 

"  '  Beautiful  are  Violets  on  the  broken  bank 
When  starting  into  sudden  bloom  ; 
All  trustfully  they  smile  upon  the  snow 
That  coldly  shrouds  the  hills  above. 

They  are  beautiful ! 

Ob,  they  are  beautiful !  " 

"The  American  bard  says  : — 

"  '  When  its  long  rings  uncurls  the  Fern, 
The  Violet  nestling  low, 
Casts  back  the  white  lid  of  its  urn, 

Its  purple  streaks  to  shew. 
Beautiful  blossom  !  first  to  rise 
And  smile  beneath  spring's  wakening  skies, 

The  courier  of  a  band 
Of  coming  flowers,  what  feelings  sweet 
Gush,  as  the  silvery  gem  we  greet 
Upon  its  slender  wand.' 

"  Robert  Storey,  the  Northumbrian  poet,  thus  alludes  to  the 
emblematic  meaning  attached  to  the  Violet  in  common  with  other  blue 
flowers  : — 

*       *       "  '  Telling  me  in  every  wreath  I  made, 
Not  to  omit  the  Violet,  which  meant  truth.' 

"The  Violet  was  the  appropriate  May-day  prize  bestowed  on  the 
troubadour,  or  the  minnie-singer  of  the  olden  time.  Its  place  was 
afterwards  taken  by  a  golden  Violet;  and  a  remembrance  of  the 
custom  survived  in  the  Toulouse  Academy  cf  Floral  Games. 

"The  words  of  Shakespeare — 

"  '  To  gild  refined  gold,' 
are  familiar  to  every  one,  but  we  seldom  recollect  that  the  illustration 
is,  to  the  full,  as  apt  when  he  pronounces  it  an  equally — 

"  '  Wasteful  and  ridiculous  excess 
To  throw  a  perfume  on  the  Violet.' 

"  This  perfume,  according  to  Lord  Bacon,  may  be  preserved  for  a 
year  or  more  by  repeatedly  infusing  the  petals  in  vinegar. 


JUNE.  187 

"  Most  persons  must  have  felt  the  extraordinary  power  of  scents  in 
recalling  the  memory  of  long-past  years ;  before  the  following  lines 
were  written— 

"  '  The  smell  of  Violets  hidden  in  the  Grass 

Poured  back  into  my  empty  soul  and  frame 
The  times  when  I  remember  to  have  been 
Joyful  and  free  from  blame.' 

"  Milton,  who  is  usually  most  accurate  in  his  observation  of  nature, 
makes  the  remark  that — 

"  '  In  the  Violet-embroidered  vale 
The  love-lorn  nightingale, 
Nightly  her  sad  song  mourneth  ■well.' 

And  it  certainly  is  a  curious  circumstance  that  the  broad  band, 
extending  across  England,  which  rejoices  in  the  possession  of  the  sweet- 
scented  Viola  odorata,  is,  I  believe,  also  frequented  by  this  bird.  Does 
the  plant  nourish  any  peculiar  insect  on  which  the  nightingale  habitually 
feeds  ? 

"  The  sweet  Violet  is  not  the  only  one  used  by  the  rustic  practitioner. 
The  Dog- Violet  (V.  canina) — which,  in  spite  of  all  our  predilections, 
has  really  a  prettier  blossom  than  its  more  valued  and  favoured  sister 
— is  used  to  cure  cutaneous  disorders,  and  mixed  with  milk,  it  forms  a 
highly-prized  cosmetic.  In  mountainous  and  sunny  districts  the  flowers 
of  this  Violet  are  of  great  size  and  of  a  brilliant  colour,  though  the  plant 
becomes  proportionately  dwarfed  ;  while,  in  barren  and  sandy  '  dunes,' 
there  is  satifactory  reason  to  believe  that  it  dwindles  into  the  V. 
flavicornis  of  some  botanists.  This  plant,  with  the  three  following, 
belongs  to  the  subdivision  of  the  Violets  which  are  furnished  with  an 
evident  stem  ;  the  remaining  three  British  species  being  stemless,  or 
nearly  so. 

"  The  so-called  cream-coloured  Violet  (V.  lactea)  is  a  rare  species, 
occurring  on  high  and  heathy  land,  and  bearing  some  resemblance  to 
the  V.  montana  of  Linnaeus,  but  it  is  now  generally  considered  to  be  a 
distinct  plant. 

"  The  yellow  mountain  Violet  (V.  lutea)  occurs  in  the  wilder  districts 
of  Wales,  Scotland,  the  north  of  England,  and  also,  I  believe,  in  Corn- 
wall. At  a  first  view  it  bears  some  resemblance  to  the  Pansy  (V. 
tricolor),  though,  in  reality,  quite  distinct  from  it. 

"  This  last  is  the  '  Hearts-ease,'  the  '  Herb-trinity,'  the  '  Love-in- 
idleness  ; '  the  plant  with  many  other  pleasant  names.  Who  does  not 
know  how  Cupid,  '  in  idleness,'  shot  his  shaft  at  the  fair  queen  of  the 
'  throned  west,'  who  passed  on — 

" '  In  maiden  meditation,  fancy  free  ? ' 
and  how  the  winged  arrow — 

"  '  Fell  upon  a  little  western  flower, 

Before  milk-white ;  now  purple  with  love's  wound, 
And  maidens  call  it  Love-in-idleness.' 

"  And  who  knows  not,  upon  the  same  authority,  that — 

"  '  The  juice  of  it  on  sleeping  eyelids  laid, 
Will  make  a  man  or  woman  madly  dote, 
Upon  the  next  live  creature  that  it  sees  ?  ' 


188  THE    FLORIST. 

"  Besides  the  sweet  Violet  the  stemless  sub-division  includes  the 
hairy  Violet  (V.  hirta),  which  grows  in  such  well-marked  distinctness 
on  calcareous  soils  only  ;  and  the  pretty  little  marsh  Violet  (V.  palustris), 
with  its  delicately-streaked  and  roundish  blossoms,  and  its  fine  glossy 
leaves.  The  latter  grows  in  the  damp  parts  of  the  hilly  regions  of 
Scotland  and  Wales,  mingling  prettily  with  its  companion  flower,  the 
bog  Pimpernel."  Eugenia. 


ROYAL  BOTANIC  SOCIETY,  REGENT'S  PARK. 

May  25. — This  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant  exhibitions  we  have 
witnessed  for  many  a  day.  Azaleas  and  Pelargoniums  were  numerous 
and  very  fine.  Roses  were  also  grand,  and  there  was  a  fine  display  of 
stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  The  day  was  all  that  could  be  wished, 
and  there  was  a  large  attendance. 

In  Stove  and  Greenhouse  plants  (large  collections)  there  was  a  keen 
contest  between  Mr.  Dods,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  Cathcart,  Bart.,  and  Mr. 
Whitbread,  gardener  to  H.  Collyer,  Esq.,  of  Dartford.  The  first  had 
plants  equally  fine  as  those  shown  by  him  at  the  Crystal  Palace.  Mr. 
Collyer's  were  also  in  excellent  condition,  and  nearly  equal  in  merit. 
The  first  prize  was,  however,  awarded  to  Mr.  Dods.  Of  other  Stove 
and  Greenhouse  plants,  Mr.  May,  gardener  to  J.  Spode,  Esq.,  sent  a 
finely-grown  collection  all  the  way  from  Staffordshire ;  and  among 
nurserymen,  Messrs.  Cutbush,  Fraser,  and  Epps  also  furnished  hand- 
some groups.  Orchids,  we  thought,  scarcely  so  fine  or  so  attractive  as 
we  have  seen  them  in  former  years.  Azaleas  were  in  great  perfection. 
Mr.  Carson's  plants,  especially,  were  very  fine,  Mr.  Green's  were  a 
little  past  their  best.  Of  new  varieties,  Messrs.  Ivery  had  a  pretty 
white,  pink-flaked  sort,  called  Flower  of  the  Day ;  and  from  Mr. 
Turner  came  Advance,  also  a  promising  kind.  It  is  a  light  purple, 
strongly  marked,  and  very  handsome.  Miltoni  and  Chameleon  were 
also  good  flowers.  A.  elegantissima,  a  striped  kind,  was  also  promising. 
Heaths  and  Roses  in  pots  were  again  in  beautiful  condition,  and  had,  as 
they  deserved,  many  admirers. 

New  plants  were  scarce — a  Cattleya,  somewhat  resembling  Aclandise, 
was  shown  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  and  Messrs.  Parker  &  Williams  also  sent 
two  or  three  kinds  of  Cattleya  allied  to  intermedia.  From  the  former  firm 
were  likewise  shown  their  handsome  Begonias  and  Pothos  formerly 
noticed,  and  a  yellow-blossomed  Blandfordia.  Mr.  Williams,  nursery- 
man, Herdon,  had  the  pretty  Caladium  argyrites,  with  small  leaves, 
charmingly  blotched  with  white.  Tydsea  Duchesse  de  Brabant  and 
Leopoldi  came  from  Messrs.  Parker  &  Williams,  the  former  purple  and 
the  latter  scarlet,  large  and  showy,  both  beautifully  marked  and  very 
handsome.  The  last-named  firm  also  sent  a  pretty  little  Vanda,  with 
straw-coloured  sepals  and  petals  and  violet  lip.  We  also  noticed  one 
or  two  fine-foliaged  plants,  none  of  them  very  hew,  from  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson. 

Pelargoniums,  like  Azaleas  and  Roses,  looked  very  much  better  under 


JUNE.  189 

canvas  than  they  did  at  the  Crystal  Palace ;  as  shown  on  Wednesday 
they  were  all   that  could  be  desired.     In  the  Nurserymen's  class,  Mr. 
Turner  was  first  with  a  finely  coloured  Etna,  the  large  orange- blossomed 
Festus,    Empress    Eugenie,   Carlos,    Mazeppa,    Admirable,  Governor- 
General,  Lord  Raglan,  Sanspareil,  delicatum,  Fair  Ellen,  and  Matilda. 
Messrs.   Dobson  had   Evelyn,    Rosamond,   Vestal,   Governor-General, 
Fairest  of  the   Fair,  Rosalie,  Bride,  Admirable,   Sanspareil,   Starlight, 
Carlos,  Eugenie  Duval.     Messrs.  Fraser  sent  Clara,  Governor-General, 
Una,  delicatum,  Admirable,  Rosamond,  Lucy,  Sanspareil,  Pallas,  Gem 
of  the  West,  Mr.   Hoyle,  Eclipse.     Mr.  Windsor  and   Mr.  Gaines,  of 
Battersea,  also  showed  in  this  class.     Of  Fancies,  Mr.  C.  Turner  sent 
large  well-bloomed  plants  in  good  variety,  several  of  which  were  new. 
Of  the  latter  were  Crimson  Pet,  Rosabella,  Bridesmaid,  Princess  Royal, 
Madame  Rougiere,  and   Comminution.     Messrs.   Frazer  had  Richard 
Cobden,  Celestial,  Conspicuum,  Formosissimum,  Madame  Sontag,  and 
Delicatum.      Mr.    Windsor   furnished    Electra,    Duchesse   d'Aumale, 
Delicatum,  Perfection,    Lady  Hume   Campbell,  and  Cassandra.     Mr. 
Gaines   also  contributed  a  collection.     In  the  Amateur's  Class,   Mr." 
Nye,  gardener  to  E.  Foster,  Esq.,  furnished  a  fine  plant  of  Carlos,  Fair 
Ellen,  Sanspareil,  Saracen,  Governor- General,  Pallas,  Wonderful,  Una, 
Admirable,  and  Rose  Celestial.  Mr.  Wiggins,  gardener  to  E.  Beck,  Esq., 
Isleworth,  had   Bride,  Admirable,   Fanny,   Laura,   Governor-General, 
Vestal,  Wonderful,  Sanspareil,  and  Symmetry.     Mr.  Bailey,  gardener 
to  T.  T.  Drake,  Esq.,  Amersham,  had  some  well-grown  plants,  con- 
sisting of  Conspicuum,  Gem  of  the  West,  Admirable,  Carlos,  Governor- 
General,  Floribundum,   Fair  Ellen,  and  Mr.   Marnock.     In  Fancies, 
the  best  six  came  from  Mr.  Bailey,  whose  sorts  were  Madame   Sontag, 
Cloth  of  Silver,  Formosum,  Celestial,  Evening  Star,  and  Lady  of  the 
Lake.     Mr.  James  and  Mr.  Holland,  both  from   Isleworth,  exhibited 
well  in  this  class,  in  which  Mr.  Weir  and  Mr.  Turnbull  were  also  com- 
petitors. 

A  nice  bank  of  Seedlings  appeared  greatly  to  interest  growers  of 
this  popular  flower,  as  well  as  the  public.  The  best  were  Autocrat 
(Foster),  white  centre,  dark  top,  and  richly  painted  lower  petals  ;  King 
of  Purples  (Turner),  rosy  purple,  spotted  on  the  lower  petals;  Czar, 
(Hoyle),  similar  in  character  to  Autocrat ;  Angelina  (Hoyle),  a  smooth 
flower,  light  lower  petals,  very  dark  top ;  Hero  (Turner),  salmon 
spotted ;  Spark  (Turner),  a  small  but  vivid  scarlet,  much  the  brightest 
of  its  class.  Fancy  Arabella  Goddard  (Turner),  soft  rose,  white  eye 
and  edge,  fine  form.  The  Judges  selected  the  above  for  prizes.  There 
were  also  Juno  (Beck),  bright  crimson;  Apollo  (Beck),  scarlet,  dark 
*  top ;  Eastern  Beauty  (Hoyle),  rose,  fine  form ;  Inez  (Hoyle),  dark 
top,  lower  petals  light;  Jessica  (Hoyle),  orange,  very  bright;  Light- 
ning (Foster),  Favourite  (Turner),  Mammoth  (Turner),  Hesperus 
(Beck),  Bridesmaid  (Beck),  white,  resembling  The  Bride.  All  the 
above  possess  some  merit,  and  many  of  them  at  some  future  time  may 
possibly  be  found  in  winning  collections.  In  Fancies,  Negress,  multi- 
florum,  Symmetry,  and  Miss  Turner  appeared  to  be  dissimilar  in 
colour,  and  were  of  the  finest  form.  A  pretty  seedling  variegated 
Geranium,  Magnet,  appeared  dwarf  and  of  good  colour,  but  not  new  in 
foliage. 


190  TIIE    FLORIST. 

Although  the  season  for  Cinerarias  is  nearly  over,  nevertheless  the 
two  first  collections  were  very  good.  They  came  from  Mr.  Turner,  of 
Slough,  and  Mr.  Shritnpton,  of  Putney.  Messrs.  Dobson  also  had 
some  good  plants.  The  best  were  Slough  Rival,  Perfection,  Baroness 
Rothschild,  Mrs.  Colman,  Brilliant  (Lidyard),  ditto  (Smith),  and  Mr. 
Hoyle. 

Of  Tulips  some  good  blooms  were  shown  by  J.  Hunt,  Esq.,  Wy- 
combe, and  Mr.  Turner.  The  best  were  Eliza,  Sarah  Headley,  Mary 
Headley,  Bloemart,  Magnum  Bonum,  Maid  of  Orleans,  King,  Victoria, 
and  Heroine. 

Of  Verbenas,  Mr.  Turner  had  a  beautiful  boxful  of  cut  blooms, 
among  which  the  most  conspicuous  were  perhaps  Rosalind,  large  and 
showy  scarlet  ;  Mrs.  Pennington,  rosy  pink,  large  and  fine;  and  Lord 
Elgin,  deep  plum  with  a  white  eye. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Auriculas. — Place  these  in  a  cool  shady  situation,  taking  the 
precaution  not  to  allow  the  drips  from  trees  or  buildings  to  fall  upon 
them.  Green-fly  will  be  troublesome,  but  must  be  kept  under ;  if 
infected,  remove  the  plants  to  a  pit,  that  they  may  be  effectually 
fumigated. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — Keep  the  latter  close  and  with  humid 
atmosphere  until  their  growth  is  completed,  when  more  air  and  less 
moisture  should  be  given,  to  cause  them  to  form  flower  buds.  Clean 
the  decayed  petals  from  Azaleas  as  they  go  out  of  bloom,  and  well  wash 
the  foliage.  The  plants,  after  blooming,  should  be  induced  to  grow  by 
a  nice  moist  atmosphere.  Any  plants  getting  naked  at  bottom  may 
be  laid  on  their  sides,  to  encourage  the  bare  stems  to  break.  Those 
intended  for  early  forcing  will  have  made  their  growth,  and  may  now 
have  more  light  and  air,  to  get  them  to  set  well  for  next  season's  bloom. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — The  main  shoots  should  now  be  carefully 
tied  to  nice  green  stakes.  Remove  any  dead  foliage,  and  likewise  any 
surface  soil  that  may  have  become  green  and  sour — replacing  with  fresh. 
These  also  are  frequently  attacked  with  green-fly  at  this  season,  which 
should  be  brushed  from  the  points  of  the  shoots  as  they  appear,  and 
occasionally  wash  them  with  tobacco  water. 

Cinerarias. — Little  can  now  be  done  with  these  other  than  advised 
last  month.  Cut  down  such  as  are  out  of  flower  to  within  two  or  three 
inches  of  the  surface.  Stir  the  surface  slightly,  and  top  dress  with  light 
soil.  A  north  aspect  is  the  best  at  this  season.  Take  cuttings  as  soon 
as  ready  for  early  flowering  plants.  Sow  seeds  in  a  cool  frame  or  north 
border,  which  prick  off  as  soon  as  liirge  enough  to  handle.  Soil  may 
now  be  prepared  by  putting  together  equal  parts  good  turfy  loam,  leaf- 
mould,  and  stable  manure.  Thoroughly  amalgamate,  and  turn  occa- 
sionally until  required. 


JUNE.  191 

Cold  Frames. — As  these  are  now  clear,  fill  with  Balsams,  Lilies, 
Cape  Bulbs,  or,  indeed,  anything  in  the  way  of  greenhouse  plants,  to 
forward  for  blooming  in  the  autumn. 

Conservatory. — As  the  beauty  and  gaiety  of  the  out-door  gardens 
increase,  less  may  be  expected  here,  and  it  will  afford  a  good  opportunity 
of  attending  to  the  permanent  occupants.  Stove  and  greenhouse  Ferns, 
Palms,  and  other  fmefoliaged  plants  from  the  stoves,  maybe  introduced 
now  for  two  or  three  months  with  good  effect ;  these  should  be  mixed 
with  Pelargoniums  and  other  plants  producing  colour,  and  a  pleasing 
variety  will  be  imparted. 

Dahlias. — Complete  planting  as  soon  as  possible.  The  soil  having 
been  well  prepared  during  winter,  a  little  rotten  manure  to  each  plant 
is  all  that  will  be  required  unless  the  soil  is  very  stiff,  when  a  little  leaf- 
mould  may  be  advantageously  applied  to  give  the  plant  a  fair  start. 
Keep  them  regularly  and  well  watered,  and  secure  them  to  stakes  at 
the  time  of  planting. 

Flower  Garden. — Everything  in  the  planting-out  way  should  be 
brought  to  a  close  as  quickly  as  possible.  Plants  of  straggling  habit 
should  be  at  once  secured  by  pegging  or  tying,  as  the  wind  may  break 
them.  We  are  no  advocates  for  much  watering,  but  when  the  ground 
becomes  dry,  give  a  good  soaking,  and  allow  the  soil  to  again  get  dry 
before  repeating.  On  many  soils,  daily  slight  waterings  do  more 
mischief  than  good.  As  the  plants  progress,  let  them  be  properly  trained, 
to  cover  the  surface  of  the  bed.  Plants  in  ribbon  borders  must  have 
their  lines  well  defined,  to  be  effective.  Stake  Hollyhocks  and  all  tall 
growing  plants.  Herbaceous  plants,  as  Asters,  Phloxes,  Delphiniums, 
when  too  thick,  may  have  their  shoots  thinned  out.  The  new 
herbaceous  Phloxes  are  fine  things  for  autumn  decoration,  and  equally 
useful  for  cutting,  and  should  be  well  encouraged.  Sow  Brompton 
Stocks  for  next  season's  flowering.  Hardy  annuals  may  be  sown  for 
late  blooming,  and  tender  annuals  transferred  to  borders.  Attend  to 
keeping  close  Grass  verges  and  lawns.  When  the  planting  out  is  done, 
will  be  a  good  time  to  fresh  gravel  the  walks,  as  they  will  then  keep  a 
fresh  appearance  through  the  season.  Tie  out  plants  in  vases  or  baskets, 
so  as  to  present  a  natural  appearance  ;  and  look  well  to  tying  in  Roses 
and  climbing  plants  generally  on  walls,  trellises,  &c. 

Fruit  (hardy). — Let  the  wall  trees  have  every  attention.  Peaches 
which  have  been  crippled  with  the  cold  weather  will  require  much  care 
to  get  into  good  wood  for  another  season.  Continue  to  watch  for  and 
keep  down  insects.  Let  disbudding  and  nailing  in  proceed  whenever 
the  year's  wood  is  sufficiently  advanced.  Newly  planted  trees  may 
require  to  be  mulched  should  the  weather  become  hot  or  dry  (it  is  any- 
thing hut  that  now).  We  say  nothing  about  thinning;  those  who  have 
a  superabundance  may  do  so ;  we  have  not. 

Hollyhocks. — Mulch  these,  after  which  give  them  a  thorough  good 
watering,  and  continue  to  give  them  a  good  soaking  once  or  twice  a 
week,  according  to  the  weather.  Secure  the  plants  to  strong  stakes 
firmly  placed  in  the  ground. 

Kitchen  Garden. — Preparations  for  keeping  up  successional  crops  of 
vegetables  will  go  hand  in  hand  with  cultural  operations  to  growing 


192  THE    FLORIST. 

crops,  bearing  in  mind  that  by  frequently  stirring  the  earth  between 
and  around  growing  crops,  you  assist  vegetable  growth  immensely,  and 
add  two-fold  to  the  productive  powers  of  the  soil.  In  dry  soils,  mulching 
is  the  sheet  anchor  of  the  gardener  for  getting  quick-growing  crisp  vege- 
tables, and  we  cannot  too  strongly  recommend  the  practice,  having 
previously  well  loosened  the  surface.  Half-decayed  dung,  leaves,  or  in 
fact  any  litter  which  will  cover  the  surface  soil  without  blowing  about 
will  do  good.  Peas,  Beans,  French  Beans,  Cauliflowers,  Lettuces, 
Spinach,  &c,  should  be  sown  at  intervals  through  the  month.  We  find 
a  good  early  Pea,  as  Goliath  or  Sangster's,  makes  a  good  late  one,  but 
the  Mammoth  is  our  favourite.  Plant  out  Celery  and  Cardoons  in 
well-manured  trenches,  and  on  this  plan  the  best  crops  of  late  Peas  are 
to  be  obtained.  Tomatoes  should  be  planted  against  south  walls,  or 
on  a  warm  border,  to  cover  the  soil. 

Melons. — The  last  crop  of  Melons  may  now  be  sown.  Succession 
crops  earthed  up.  Reduce  the  quantity  of  water  as  the  crop  changes 
colour,  and  increase  the  amount  of  air,  to  improve  the  quality  of  the 
fruit. 

Pansies. — These  must  be  propagated  as  often  as  fresh  cuttings  can 
be  obtained.  They  strike  best  on  a  shady  border  under  small  hand- 
glasses. 

Pelargoniums. — The  plants  in  flower  will  require  to  be  carefully 
shaded  according  to  instructions  given  last  month.  Water  freely  every 
morning,  and  give  as  much  air  as  possible  to  keep  away  any  moisture 
that  may  arise  at  night  and  during  dull  weather.  Stake  and  neatly  tie 
the  later  flowering  plants  as  they  advance  in  growth,  keeping  them  clear 
from  insects.  As  soon  as  the  early  plants  have  done  blooming,  they 
may  be  removed  to  a  sheltered  situation  out  of  doors.  Be  sparing  with 
water,  to  enable  the  wood  to  become  nicely  matured  before  cutting 
down.  Seedlings  should  now  be  selected,  discarding  any  which  are  not 
decided  advances  on  known  kinds. 

Peach-house. — The  ripening  crop  should  have  as  much  air  as 
possible,  to  give  colour  and  flavour  to  the  fruit.  Fruit  swelling  may, 
now  there  is  plenty  of  light,  have  a  more  warm  and  humid  atmosphere, 
which  Peaches  delight  in.  When  swelling  off,  be  careful,  however,  to 
keep  the  night  temperature  down. 

Pinery. — Fruit  swelling  off  cannot  well  have  too  humid  an  atmo- 
sphere, if  attended  with  light.  Tie  up  the  fruit,  to  keep  them  upright. 
Water  may  be  given  now  liberally  if  the  soil  in  the  pots  is  in  good 
condition.  Successions  should  be  potted  on  and  kept  close  to  the  glass 
as  they  get  full  of  roots. 

Tulips. — Beds  that  have  been  covered  should  now  be  uncovered,  and 
allowed  all  the  weather,  unless  we  get  very  heavy  rains.  Too  much 
moisture  would  be  injurious. 

Vinery. — Ripe  Grapes  require  plenty  of  air.  The  houses  for 
ripening  Grapes  for  winter  should  have  fire-heat  when  the  weather  is 
cool.  Keep  down  spider  and  mildew  by  free  ventilation  and  applying 
sulphur,  mixed  with  lime,  to  the  walls  and  heating  apparatus. 


Plate  153. 


T>r,„+*,a.  z,.  r 


JULY. 


193 


L.ELIA  SPECIES. 

[Plate  153.] 

We  have  much  pleasure  in  presenting  our  readers  with  a  plate 
of  this  charming  plant,  which  has  recently  flowered  in  the 
fine  collection  of  Mr.  Veitch,  of  the  Exotic  Nursery,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  and  which  will  prove  a  valnahle  addition  to 
this  genus  of  plants,  already  well  known  as  the  most  beautiful 
even  among  Orchids.  To  our  artist  the  name  Cattleya  was 
given;  but  it  is  doubtless  a  Laslia,  and  probably  L.  Scbil- 
leriana  of  Reichenbach.  Mr.  Veitch  informs  us  that  it  is  one 
among  many  other  things  which  he  imported  from  the  Con- 
tinent without  a  name.  It  is,  as  will  be  seen,  a  really  fine 
thing,  and  will  doubtless  soon  find  its  way  into  collections.  We 
had  intended  giving  our  readers  an  article  on  the  cultivation 
of  Orchids  generally ;  but  we  find  that  as  every  large  cultivator 
has  something  in  practice  peculiar  to  himself,  it  will  be  more 
advisable  to  wait  until  we  have  further  information  on  a  subject 
so  full  of  importance  to  Orchid  growers.  We,  however,  furnish 
the  following  list  of  a  few  very  select  sorts,  which  comprise  all 
the  more  valuable  kinds  to  grow,  and  which  will  prove  a 
useful  guide  to  purchasers  in  making  selections. 

SELECT   LIST   OF   ORCHIDS. 


Aerides  affine,  long  racemes  of  rosy 
pink  and  white 
„       crispum,     branching    spikes, 

pink  labellum,  blush  sepals 
„       Fieldingi,  or  "  Fox's  brush,'' 
pendulous  racemes  of  purple 
and  white 
„       Larpentae,  pendulous  racemes 

of  lilac  and  white 
,,       Lindleyanum,  the  finest  va- 
riety of  A.  crispum 
„       Lobbi,  bright  pink  and  white, 

spotted 
„       maculosum,  racemes  of  pink 

and  white,  fine  lip 
„       odoratum,   white    with    lilac 
tinge ;  an  old  and  cheap  kind, 
but  very  sweet 
„       quinquevulnera,      long      ra- 
cemes of  crimson  and  white, 
spotted,  fine 
„       virens,  pink  and  white  spotted, 
long  racemes 
Barkeria    spectabilis,    white    spotted 
with   lilac ;    does   best  on  a 
block,  in  a  cool  damp  stove 


Cattleya  Aclandice,  fine  crimson  lip 
„       amethystina,  blush  sepals,  fine 

puce  lip 
„       crispa   superba,   light  sepals, 

purple  lip 

,,       elegans,  ditto  ditto,  fine  throat 

„       labiata,  fine  blush  sepals,  large 

dark  piuk    lip,   one   of   the 

finest  autumn  Orchids 

„       Mossise,     an    old    but     very 

showy  useful  kind 
,,       Skinneri,  fine  crimson  purple 
Chysis  bractescens,  clusters  of  white 

and  yellow 
Ccelogyne     cristata,    beautiful     clear 

white,  with  yellow  throat 
Cymbidium    eburneum,    pure  white, 

scented 
Cypripedium   barbatum   majus,   dark 
purple,  spotted 
,,         „         superbum,  very  line 
„  caudatum,  ditto 

,,  villosum,  ditto 

Dendrobium  Cambridgeanum 
,,  Dalhousieanum 

„  densiflorum 


VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXXXVIII. 


194 


THE    FLORIST. 


Dendrobiurn  Devonianum 
,,  Farmeri 

,,  formosum 

„  macrophyllum 

,,  oiiosmum 

Lselia  anceps 
,,      autuinualis 
,,      purpurata 
Lycaste  Skinneri 
Millonia  Morelliana 
Odontoglossum  citrosmum 
,,  grande 

,,  na?vium 

„  Pescatorei 

„  pulchellum 

Oucidium  Lanceanuni 
,,         sarcodes 
And  many  other  good  kinds. 


Phalamopsis  amabilis 

,,  grandiflora 

Saccolabium  IBlumei 

„  „       majus 

,,  curvifolium 

.,  guttatum 

,,  miniatum 

,,  prsemorsum 

Sopbronitis  grandiflora 
Trichopilia  suavis  ;  and  others. 
Vauda  coarulea 
,,      Lowei 
,,      gigantea 
,,      Roxburgbi 
„      suavis 
„      teres 
„      tricolor 

And  many  others. 


CRYSTAL  PALACE  HORTICULTURAL  EXHIBITION. 

June  8. — A  fine  day  and  an  excellent  exhibition  brought  together  on 
this  occasion  a  considerable  assemblage  of  visitors. 

Stove  and  greenhouse  plants  were  again  furnished  in  great  quantities, 
and  in  beautiful  condition.  Indeed,  nothing  in  their  way  could  possibly 
be  finer  than  the  magnificent  plants  which  covered  the  stag-js  of  the 
large  round  table  in  the  centre  of  the  principal  transept.  These  were 
contributed  chiefly  by  Mr.  Dods,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  Cathcart,  Bart , 
and  Mr.  Whitbread,  gardener  to  H.  Collyer,  Esq.,  of  Dartford,  between 
whom  the  struggle  for  mastery  in  this  class  of  plants  now  principally  lies. 
This  time,  their  merits  were  regarded  by  the  judges  to  be  equal.  In 
Mr.  Dods'  group  were  noble  examples  of  Allamandas,  blue  Leschenaultia, 
Everlastings,  among  which  Aphelexis  macrantha  rosea  was  conspicuous  ; 
Azalea  variegata  and  lateritia,  both  still  in  admirable  condition  as  regards 
bloom  ;  the  fine  variety  of  Cape  Heath  called  Erica  tricolor  Wilsoni, 
Coleonema  rubrum,  Ericstemons,  Adenandras,  Boronia  serrulata,  and 
some  very  fine  Ixoras,  more  especially  a  plant  of  the  Wiilow-leaved 
variety,  on  which  were  such  heads  of  bloom  as  one  rarely  sees  on  this 
kind.  It  had  been  grafted  on  I.  coccinea,  which  appears  to  be  an 
excellent  stock  for  it.  In  Mr.  Collyer's  group  were  equally  fine 
specimens  of  nearly  the  same  kind  of  plants,  collections  of  which  were 
also  contributed  by  Messrs.  Peed,  Green,  Page,  and  Baxendine. 
Smaller  exhibitions  came  from  Messrs.  Rhodes,  Cutbush,  Kail,  Chil- 
man,  Smith,  Carson,  Tegg,  and  Hamp.  Among  these  were  nice 
specimens  of  Stephanotis  floribunda,  Pimelea  Hendersoni,  Polygalas, 
Dracocephalum  gracile,  blue  Leschenaultias,  Cyrtoceras  reflexum, 
Allamandas,  Boronias,  Abelia  floribunda,  Ixoras,  Combretium  coccineum 
finely  in  flower,  Everlastings,  Cape  Heaths,  and  Azaleas. 

Of  plants  remarkable  for  fine  foliage  there  was  a  large  collection  from 
Messrs.  Veitch,  who  contributed  among  other  things  beautiful  plants  of 
Dieffenbachia  picta,  Dracsenas,  Palms,  variegated  Screw  Pines,  Maranta 


JULY.         •  195 

vittata  and  zebrina,  Crotons,  and  the  handsome  Theophrasta  imperialis, 
and  some  tree  Ferns.  Messrs.  Jackson  and  Cutbush  also  furnished 
good  collections,  as  did  likewise  Messrs.  Dods,  Colgate,  Young, 
Summers,  Oubridge,  Rhodes,  and  Hamp.  Among  these  were  the 
handsome  Maranta  capitata,  formerly  noticed  by  us ;  Caladiums  of 
different  kinds,  Cissus  discolor,  Palms,  Ferns,  among  which  was  a 
magnificent  example  of  Platycerium  grande  from  Mr.  Dods  ;  Aralias, 
of  different  sorts,  Farfugium  grande,  Begonias,  Rhopalas,  Musas,  and 
Calatheas. 

Orchids  were  produced  on  this  occasion  in  better  condition  than  we  have 
seen  them  at  any  exhibition  this  year.  Messrs.  Veitch  had  a  splendid 
group,  which  contained  among  other  things  beautiful  specimens  of 
White  Butterfly  plants  (Pbaltenopsis),  Cattleya  Mossise,  one  of  the 
handsomest  varieties  of  Cypripedium  barbatum  ;  various  Aerides,  among 
which  the  Fielding  Fox-brush  was  conspicuous ;  Saccolabium  guttatum, 
Vanda  suavis,  the  charming  purple -lipped  white-blossomed  Lselia 
purpurata,  the  showy  clear  yellow  blossomed  Oncidium  ampliatum 
majus,  and  others.  The  next  group  in  point  of  merit  came  from  Mr. 
Gedney,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ellis,  of  Hoddesdon.  It  contained 
Cypripedium  villosum,  finely  in  flower  ;  Phaltenopsis,  the  beautiful 
Dendrobium  Devonianum,  the  yellow  Tulip-like  Anguloa  Clowesi,  Lselia 
purpurata,  Dendrobiums  of  different  kinds,  Aerides,  and  Saccolabiums. 
From  Mr.  Bullen,  gardener  to  J.  Butler,  Esq.,  of  Woolwich,  came  the 
handsome  Dendrobium  Farmeri,  with  numerous  racemes  of  cream- 
coloured  flowers  blotched  with  rich  orange ;  Cattleya  Loddigesi,  with 
deep  lilac  blossoms  ;  the  showy  Sobralia  macrantha,  Anguloa  Clowesi 
with  six  flowers,  all  in  perfection  ;  and  Trichopilia  coccinea.  Mr. 
Woolley  had  a  good  group,  as  had  also  Messrs.  Dods,  Carson,  Rhodes, 
Page,  and  Green.  In  these  we  remarked  the  Orange  Saccolabium 
curviflorum,  Camarotis  purpurea,  Dendrobium  aggregatum,  Lasliacinna- 
barina,  Lycaste  Skinneri,  Stanhopea  oculata,  and  Calanthe  veratrifolia. 

Azaleas  were  greatly  past  their  best,  and  made  but  little  display. 
Tall  Cacti,  of  which  two  collections  were  produced — one  from  Mr.  Green, 
the  other  from  Mr.  Bunn,  gardener  to  R.  S.  Scott,  Esq.,  of  Hornsey — 
were  however  better,  if  possible,  in  flower  than  they  were  in  May,  and 
were  for  their  number,  which  was  small,  very  effective.  A  handsome 
seedling  Epiphyllum,  rich  violet  and  crimson  in  colour,  was  shown  by 
Messrs.  Frazer. 

Cape  Heaths  were  again  furnished  in  great  quantities  and  in  good 
condition  :  but  still  deficient  in  novelty.  They,  however,  had  their 
admirers. 

Roses  in  pots  showed  unmistakeably  the  ill  effects  of  the  late  bright 
weather.  With  the  exception  of  those  from  Messrs.  Lane,  which  were 
good,  the  rest  were  very  much  past  their  best.  Among  them  were 
Baronne  Prevost,  Madame  Plantier,  Coupe  d'Hebe,  Paul  Perras,  General 
Jacqueminot,  and  other  well-known  kinds.  Of  yellows,  we  noticed 
a  fine  plant  of  the  Persian,  from  Mr.  Terry,  gardener  to  C.  W.  G. 
Puller,  Esq.,  of  Youngsbury,  Herts.  Cut  blooms,  very  good  for  the 
season,  were  shown  by  Messrs.  Paul.  Among  them  Jules  Margottin 
and  Coupe  d'Hebe  were  remarkably  fine. 

o  2 


196  THE    FLORIST. 

Ferns,  both  exotic  and  British,  were  in  unusually  good  condition  and 
formed  one  of  the  principal  features  of  the  show.  Of  the  former  the 
best  collection  came  from  Messrs.  Veitch,  who  sent  among  others  splendid 
examples  of  Gleichenia  flabellata,  Speluncse,  dichotoma,  and  hecistophylla ; 
Angiopteris  evecta,  Cyathea  dealbata,  Alsophila  guianensis,  Dicksonia 
antarctica,  Balantium  culcita,  Todea  Fraseri,  Cibotium  Schiedei,  and 
Davallia  polyantha.  Messrs.  Woolley  and  H alley  also  showed  good 
groups,  as  did  also  Mr.  Baillie,  gardener  to  C.  Carbonell,  Esq.,  and  Mr. 
Summers,  gardener  to  A.  Mongredien,  Esq.  The  former  sent  Todea 
pellucida,  quite  a  gem ;  four  species  of  Gleichenia,  one,  microphylla, 
very  large  and  fine ;  Alsophila  aculeata,  a  beautiful  Microlepia  platy- 
phylla,  and  Davallia  oculata,  the  last  a  charming  species.  Mr.  Summers 
sent  Microlepia  polypodioides,  Adiantum  trapeziforme,  a  very  good 
Cheilanthes  elegans,  the  Bird's  Nest  Fern,  the  rare  Gymnogramma 
hybrida,  and  a  good  plant  of  Lygodium  scandens.  Among  British  sorts 
was  nothing  remarkable. 

Of  new  plants,  Messrs.  Veitch  sent  as  usual  the  largest  number. 
Among  them  were  the  Californian  Torreya  myristica,  and  Thuja  Lobbi ; 
various  fine  Begonias,  the  best  of  which  have  been  noticed  by  us  on 
former  occasions  ;  a  cut  specimen  of  Ceanothus  too  withered  to  judge  of 
its  merits,  Farfugium  grande,  the  lilac  and  white-flowered  annual 
Fenzlia  dianthiflora,  Chamasbatia  foliolosa,  a  hardy  flowering  shrub 
from  California,  with  handsome  Mimosa-like  foliage ;  Clianthus 
Dampieri,  a  charming  variety  of  Cattleya  in  the  way  of  C.  elegans,  and 
a  new  variety  of  Gymnogramma  Messrs.  Jackson  sent  some  hand- 
some Caladiums  and  Genetyllis  macrostegia.  From  Mr.  Standish  came 
a  white-blossomed  Viburnum  from  the  north  of  China  ;  Mr.  Carson, 
Cyanophyllum  magnificum  ;  Mr.  Williams,  the  North  American  Good- 
yera  pubescens,  a  pretty  kind,  which  will  succeed  in  a  greenhouse ;  Mr. 
Gedney,  a  handsome  large  rich  Orange-flowered  Hemerocallis  from 
Natal,  with  semi-double  flowers,  and  Tachiadenus  carinatus,  a  Gentian- 
like plant  with  pretty  violet  blossoms.  Mr.  Barnes,  of  Southampton 
Street,  Camberwell,  had  some  Begonias,  the  best  of  which  was  Queen 
of  England,  a  kind  with  large  and  showy  leaves.  The  same  eminent 
cultivator  also  sent  of  Prince  of  Wales,  Princess  Alice,  Minnie,  and 
Water  Witch,  all  pretty,  but  perhaps  a  little  too  much  alike.  From 
the  neighbourhood  of  Windermere,  Mr.  Binder  sent  a  good  specimen  of 
the  Holly-like  Desfontainia  spinosa,  well  furnished  with  bright  crimson 
flowers  tipped  with  orange  yellow.  And  we  also  noticed  from  another 
exhibitor  the  orange  scarlet  Embothrium  coccineum,  also  one  of  Messrs. 
Veitch's  valuable  introductions  to  this  country. 

Of  pitcher  plants  Messrs.  Veitch  and  Gedney  exhibited  splendid 
collections,  in  which  were  noble  examples  of  lanata,  Hookeri,  laevis, 
Rafflesiana,  distillatoria,  ampullacea,  vittata,  and  others,  all  of  which 
excited  much  interest. 

At  the  end  of  a  long  bank  of  Pelargoniums  were  the  seedlings,  to 
which  eight  prizes  were  awarded.  In  large  varieties  Lord  Clyde  was 
selected  as  the  best.  It  is  a  bright  free-flowering  scarlet,  of  fine  form 
and  substance,  with  very  dark  blotch  on  the  top,  having  a  narrow 
margin  of  vivid  crimson.     This  and  Bijou,  which  was  third,  a  curious 


JULY.  197 

shade  of  bluish  purple,  were  raised  by  Mr.  Nye,  gardener  to  E.  Foster, 
Esq.,  Clewer  Manor.  Bacchus,  Ajax,  and  Unique,  also  of  superior 
form,  were  from  the  same  raiser.  Angelina  (Hoyle),an  improved  Fair 
Ellen,  and  very  fine,  was  second.  Of  large  spotted  kinds,  known  as 
French,  there  were  considerable  numbers.  King  of  Purples  is  a  large 
"flower  of  good  quality  ;  Bracelet,  rose  ground,  finely  marked  with 
maroon  spots,  full  size,  and  good  habit ;  Magpie,  white  and  maroon 
with  black  in  centre  of  the  spots.  Rifleman,  Beadsman,  flowers  in  the 
style  of  Sanspareil,  much  better,  and  as  free.  These  all  came  from  Mr. 
Turner,  of  Slough,  the  three  first  named  being  selected  by  the  judges  for 
prizes.  In  Fancies  were  Sarah  Turner,  bright  crimson,  with  white 
centre  and  edge,  and  free  good  habit;  and  Omega,  a  rosy  crimson, 
suffused  with  purple,  and  of  the  finest  possible  form  ;  Amy  Sedgwick, 
fine  Rose,  Louisa  Pyne,  light,  and  Lady  Craven,  crimson  Rose,  were 
each  and  all  good  and  new.  These  were  raised  and  exhibited  by  Mr. 
Turner.     The  judges  selected  the  two  first. 

In  bedding  Geraniums,  Messrs.  Veitch  received  a  first  prize  for  Mrs. 
Ponsonby  Moore,  a  spotted  kind,  of  dwarf  free  blooming  habit,  colour 
bright  crimson,  each  petal  being  ornamented  with  distinct  maroon  spots. 
This  was  greatly  admired.  Christina  (Kinghorn)  also  received  a  prize  ; 
it  appeared  to  be  a  good  free  blooming  bedding  kind  of  a  lively  pink 
colour. 

Collections  of  Pelargoniums  were  numerous  and  generally  good.  Mr. 
Nye  had  some  fine  plants,  the  best  and  most  effective  of  which  were 
Flora,  Prince  of  Wales,  Saracen,  Meteor,  Fair  Ellen,  Viola,  Wonderful, 
and  Carlos.  Mr.  Thos.  Bailey,  gardener  to  T.  J.  Drake,  Esq.,  Amer- 
sham,  sent  the  next  best  collection,  which  contained  a  good  Carlos,  Miss 
Foster,  Meteora,  Mr.  Marnock,  Governor-General,  and  Spotted  Gem. 
Mr.  Bailey  was  first  with  fancies  in  the  amateur  class,  his  plants  being 
nicely  bloomed,  but  not  large — Acme,  Celestial,  Lady  of  the  Lake, 
Evening  Star,  Princess  Royal,  and  formosissimum  were  the  kinds.  Mr. 
James  and  Mr.  Oubridge  also  contributed  collections.  In  the  Nursery- 
man's class  Mr.  Turner,  Messrs.  Dobson,  Mr.  Windsor,  and  Messrs. 
Fraser  were  placed  in  the  order  in  which  their  names  appear.  The 
best  in  Mr.  Turner's  collection  were  Candidate,  Cynthia,  Viola,  Governor- 
General,  Fair  Ellen,  and  Saracen.  Messrs.  Dobson's  contained  good 
plants  of  Evelyn,  Fairest  of  the  Fair,  the  Bride,  Miss  Foster,  and  Rose- 
leaf. 

In  the  class  of  fancies  were  some  remarkable  specimens.  Mr. 
Turner's  plants  were  Celestial,  delieatum,  Evening  Star,  Madame 
Sontag,  Madame  Rougiere,  and  Cassandra.  These  were  of  immense 
size  and  of  unequalled  beauty,  every  leaf  being  hid  by  the  mass  of 
blossoms,  which  in  some  cases  were  so  crowded  together  as  to  prevent 
many  opening.  Mr.  Windsor  and  Messrs.  Fraser  also  sent  well 
bloomed  collections. 

Of  Fuchsias  there  were  some  beautiful  exhibitions,  consisting  of 
pyramidal  plants  six  and  eight  feet  high,  and  loaded  with  flowers  from 
bottom  to  top.  The  sorts  were  not  different  from  those  shown  before 
this  year.  One  plant,  Souvenir  de  Chiswick,  is  however  well  worthy  of 
notice.     It  was  a  fine  specimen  of  a  good  kind,  and  was  literally  loaded 


198  THE    FLORIST. 

with  large  and  showy  blossoms,  whose  charming  violet-coloured  corollas 
and  deep  crimson  sepals  and  petals  rendered  them  objects  of  general 
admiration.     This  is  a  kind  well  worth  possessing. 

Calceolarias,  both  herbaceous  and  shrubby,  were  shown ;  but  we  did 
not  observe  among  them  anything  new.  Of  the  former  the  best  came 
from  Mr.  Cross,  gardener  to  Lord  Ashburton,  at  Addiscombe.  They 
consisted  of  yellow  and  buff  grounds  dotted  all  over  with  minute  spots, 
with  the  exception  of  one,  which  was  blotched,  a  class  to  which  too 
little  attention  has  lately  been  paid. 

Verbenas  were  shown  in  fine  variety  in  a  cut  state  by  Mr.  Turner. 
We  have  before  named  the  best  kinds.  Mrs.  Maclean  was  very 
beautiful. 

Pinks  were  shown  by  Mr.  "Turner  and  Mr.  Bragg.  Mr.  Turner's 
kinds  were  :  Unanimity,  Napoleon,  Gem,  Godfrey  Seedling  No.  3, 
Seedling  Mr.  Hobbs,  Mr.  Weedon,  Winchester  Rival,  Sovereign, 
Prince  of  Wales,  optimus,  Adonis,  Koh-i-noor,  Invincible,  Helen,  Lady 
Blandford,  New  Criterion,  Colchester  Cardinal,  Seedling  No.  6,  Hebe, 
Sultan,  Seedling  Little  Gem.  These  were  finely  laced,  and  larger  than 
the  average. 

Of  fruit  a  considerable  quantity  was  produced,  but  much  of  it  was 
not  above  mediocrity.  A  Providence  Pine  Apple,  weighing  1 1  lbs. 
4  oz.,  came  from  Mr.  Floud,  gardener  to  R.  Fothergill,  Esq.,  of  Aber- 
dare,  and  some  good  fruit  of  the  same  variety  also  came  from  Mr. 
Bailey,  gardener  to  T.  Drake,  Esq.,  Shardeloes  ;  Mr.  Young,  gardener 
to  C.  Bailey,  Esq.,  likewise  sent  a  good  Providence.  The  best  Queen 
came  from  Mr.  Young,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Stone,  Esq.,  of  Dulwich. 
Mr.  Bailey  also  had  a  good  fruit,  and  a  third  came  from  Mr.  Davis,  of 
Starch  Green,  Hammersmith.  Mr.  Scott,  of  Leigh  Park,  sent  a  very 
good  Black  Prince.     We  also  noticed  one  or  two  Black  Jamaicas. 

Black  Hamburg  Grapes  were  again  furnished  in  admirable  condi- 
tion— large  and  black,  both  in  bunch  and  berry — by  Mr.  Hill,  Keele 
Hall,  Staffordshire  ;  by  Mr.  Frost,  gardener  to  E.  L.  Betts,  Esq.  ; 
Mr.  Tillyard,  gardener  to  Viscount  Eversley ;  and  Mr.  Thomas, 
gardener  to  J.  Baxendine,  Esq.,  of  Whetstone.  The  best  basket  of 
J  2  lbs.  came  from  Mr.  Thurston,  of  Leicester.  Messrs.  Alderson  and 
Smith  also  showed  well  in  this  class.  White  Grapes  were  not  good. 
The  best  Muscats  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  Embry,  gardener  to  A.  Moss, 
Esq.,  of  Chadwell  Heath  ;  and  Mr.  Richards  and  Mr.  Baker  also  sent 
exhibitions.  Exhibitions  of  Grapes  in  pots  were  not  good.  The  bunches 
were  small,  and  in  some  cases  unripe. 

Peaches  were  not  very  plentiful.  The  best  Royal  George  were 
contributed  by  Mr.  Sage,  of  Ashridge.  Mr.  Frost  also  sent  the  same 
variety,  as  did  also  Mr.  Hill  and  Mr.  Masters,  gardener  at  Sher- 
burn  Castle,  Oxon.  Elruge  Nectarines,  large  and  fine,  were  furnished 
by  Mr.  Frost,  of  Preston  Hall,  and  an  equally  fine  dish  of  Violet 
Hative  came  from  Mr.  Hill,  gardener  to  R.  Sneyd,  Esq.  Mr.  Page 
and  Mr.  Masters  also  both  showed  good  dishes. 

Of  Apricots,  a  dish  of  small  but  well  ripened  fruit  came  from  Mr. 
Ferguson,  of  Stowe. 

Melons  were  present  in  considerable  numbers.     The  best  in  point  of 


july1.  199 

flavour  in  the  opinion  of  the  judges  were  Bailey's  Green-fleshed  and 
the  Bromham  Hall.  Of  scarlet-fleshed  sorts  the  best  was  one  called 
Scarlet  Gem,  a  small  kind  from  Mr.  Tegg,  gardener  to  Baron  Hambro', 
at  Boehampton. 

Of  Figs,  Mr.  Snow,  gardener  to  Earl  de  Grey,  sent  a  beautiful  dish 
of  the  Brown  Turkey,  large  and  finely  ripened.  Some  good  fruit  of  this 
kind  also  came  from  Mr.  Frost  and  Mr.  Richards  of  Tadcaster. 

Of  Cherries,  by  far  the  best  were  two  dishes,  one  of  Black  Circassian, 
the  other  Elton,  from  Mr.  Henderson,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Suther- 
land at  Trentham.  These  we  were  informed  had  been  grown  in 
the  kind  of  glass  structure  known  as  the  "Trentham  case,"  and  were 
certainly  very  fine.     Others  came  from  Mr.  Ferguson,  of  Stowe. 

Plums  were  shown  by  Mr.  Ingram,  gardener  to  J.  J.  Blandy,  Esq., 
who  sent  good  fruit  of  Denyer's  Victoria. 

Strawberries  were  not  remarkable  either  for  quantity  or  excellence. 
The  best  were  dishes  of  Sir  Charles  Napier,  British  Queen,  and  Keens' 
Seedling  from  Mr.  Smith,  of  Twickenham.  Mr.  Clarke,  of  Twickenham, 
and  Mr.  Stoddart,  of  Colchester,  also  both  had  good  fruit  of  the  kinds 
just  named. 

Among  miscellaneous  exhibitions  we  noticed  a  bunch  of  unripe 
Bananas  and  some  very  good  Cucumbers. 


CAMELLIAS. 

In  your  April  number,  Mr.  Kite  asked  a  question  about  Camellias, 
which  appears  to  be  only  indirectly  answered  in  the  "  leading  article  " 
of  the  next  month,  as  the  question  itself  is  not  there  alluded  to.  The 
variety  figured  is  very  beautiful,  but  it  is  not  new,  as  it  occurs  in  a  list 
I  made  with  great  care  six  years  ago,  for  practical  purposes,  and  which 
1  append  to  these  remarks,  as  an  additional  answer  to  the  above 
question.  In  an  eminent  grower's  catalogue  of  that  year,  the  name 
was  spelt  with  two  slight  differences  from  your  orthography  of  it,  but 
those  differences  made  the  name  beyond  question  a  Flemish  one,  which, 
however,  might  have  been  given  it  in  Belgium,  though  the  plant  were 
raised  in  Italy;  just  as  Wood's  Duchess  of  Norfolk  Rose  is  of  French 
origin,  though  it  has  an  English  name. 

As  my  purposes  were  not  carried  out,  and  a  long  period  has  since 
intervened,  my  list  must,  in  some  degree,  be  obsolete  ;  and,  therefore, 
I  shall  be  as  much  obliged  as  your  April  querist  if  you  or  some  expe- 
rienced correspondent  would  revise  and  correct  it,  and  bring  it  down  to 
the  present  time.  Mr.  Kite's  list  appears,  as  far  as  it  goes,  to  be  a 
good  one,  but  it  omits  what  I  think  the  most  perfect  of  Camellias,  and 
the  only  white  that  surpasses  the  old  Double  White  or  Alba  Plena, 
namely  Montironi.  This  variety  may  have  too  little  depth  for  some, 
for  it  lies  most  evenly  flat;  but  its  exquisite  form,  its  perfect  imbrication, 
and  the  semi-transparent  ethereal  white  of  its  complexion,  render  it 
more  like  a  carved  ivory  brooch  than  a  real  living  flower ;  and  as  the 
plant  blooms  very  freely,  and  is  of  hardy  constitution,  though  of  stiff 


200 


THE    FLORIST. 


erect  habit,  it  is  worth  a  place  in  every  collection,  if  that  collection 
consists  but  of  two. 

In  forming  the  subjoined  list,  I  was  much  indebted  to  a  correspondent 
of  the  Florist  in  1853  (the  same  year  by  the  bye  that  Mr.  Powell 
described  and  gave  a  figure  of  Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  and  anticipated  all 
that  has  been  said  of  that  Apple  in  the  last  two  years.)  The  writer  I 
speak  of  signed  himself  "  Mediterraneus  ;  "  and  I  would  advise  every 
amateur  Camellia  grower  to  consult  that  article,  though,  for  myself,  I 
should  also  like  to  consult  the  writer's  collection.  It  divided  the  colours 
into  classes — a  convenient  method,  and  worth  following,  though  I  have 
not  exactly  copied  his,  nor  do  I  entirely  agree  with  the  colours  to  which 
he  assigned  some  varieties — reticulata  for  instance.  It  will  no  doubt 
surprise  you  that  I  have  omitted  that  now  celebrated  name,  reticulata, 
from  the  list ;  but  it  was  purposely  omitted,  for  I  possessed  the  variety 
at  its  first  introduction,  near  thirty  years  ago,  when  it  was  ten  guineas 
a  plant,  and  know  its  habit.  In  a  large  specimen,  it  is  extremely 
effective,  but  it  is  of  awkward  growth,  many  leaves  having  no  bud  in 
the  axil,  and  so  it  rarely  forms  a  small  bush  well.  It  should  be  spread 
against  an  expanse  of  wall,  as  at  Mr.  Byam  Martin's.  By  the  way, 
Martini,  raised  by  the  late  Mr.  Jackson,  of  Kingston,  and  named  after 
that  gentleman,  should,  by  this  time,  be  added  to  the  list  in  class  IV. 


Class  I. — White. 

1.  Alba  Plena,  old  Double  White 

2.  „         ,,      di  Casoretti 

3.  ,,     Imbricata  (Low) 

4.  „     Insignis 

5.  Mrs.  Gunnell 
C.  Montiroui 

7  Ochroleuca. 

II. — Blush. 

8.  Americana  (Dunlop) 

9.  Prince  Albert  (Chandler) 

III. — Pink,  Bose. 

10.  Beali  rosea 

1 1 .  Chandleri  elegans 

12.  Clowesiana 

13.  Due  de  Bretagne 

14.  Henri  Favre 

15.  Imbricata  (Dunlop) 

16.  Marchioness  of  Exeter 

17.  Miniata  (Low) 

18.  Mazeppa 

19.  Sacchoiana 

20.  Storyi 

21.  Triumphans 

22.  Valtevrede 

23.  Vexillo  de  Flore 

24.  Wilderi 

IV. — Carmine,  Crimson,  Bed. 

25.  Beali 

26.  Bruceana 


IV. —  continued. 

27.  Imbricata 

28.  Gretry 

29.  Mathotiana 

30.  Melloni 

31.  Monarch 

32.  Beine  des  Fleurs 

33.  Beine  Louise 

V. — White  Grounds. 

34.  Countess  of  Orkney 

35.  Feasti 

36.  Jubilee  (Low) 

37.  La  Beine 

38.  Madonna 

39.  Mrs.  Abbey  (Wilder) 

40.  Teutonia 

VI. — Coloured  Grounds. 

41.  Arioste 

42.  Comte  de  Paris 

43.  Jacksoni 

44.  Maddalena 

45.  Marguerite  Guillon 

46.  Mazachelli 

47.  Beine  des  Beiges 

48.  Thomasini 

Semi-double. 

49.  Donkelaari 

50.  Tricolor 

To  Me  Unknown. 

51.  Counestabili 

52.  General  Lafayette 

Iota. 


JULY. 


201 


SALVIA  GESNEILEFLORA. 

I  PROPAGATE  and  cultivate  this  without  heat.  I  take  cuttings  in 
March  or  April ;  good  plants  always  push  from  the  base  or  the  roots 
in  March  ;  as  these  are  useless  for  flowering,  I  cut  them  off,  and  select 
cuttings  from  them — strong  short  bits,  with  three  joints.  I  take  the 
leaves  from  the  bottom  joint  only,  and  insert  the  cuttings  singly  in  the 
middle  of  thumb  pots  filled  with  loam,  silver  sand,  and  charcoal, 
sprinkling  them  with  water,  and  covering  with  bell  glasses.  1  then 
place  them  in  the  shade  in  the  greenhouse,  sprinkle  the  leaves,  and 
wipe  the  damp  from  the  glasses  once  a  day  ;  and  thus  managed,  they  soon 
strike.  I  inure  them  to  the  air  of  the  house,  harden  them  gradually, 
then  place  them  in  a  cold  frame ;  when  the  pot  is  filled  with  roots,  I 
shift  into  a  pint  pot,  when  that  is  filled  into  a  two-quart  pot,  and  when 
that  is  full  of  fibres  give  the  final  shift  into  eleven-inch  pots.  They 
must  not  be  allowed  to  get  pot-bound  till  they  have  had  the  last  shift, 
or  they  will  be  stunted.  Each  plant  requires  one  stick  to  keep  it 
upright.  I  never  stop  the  leader,  nor  any  shoot,  but  let  them  take 
their  own  natural  form,  which  is  pyramidal.  The  frame  will  preserve 
them  from  injury  by  wind,  for  I  never  put  the  lights  on,  except  to 
preserve  the  inmates  from  frost  and  excessive  wet,  and  I  always  tilt 
them  during  rain.  I  introduce  the  plants  to  the  greenhouse  in  October, 
let  them  have  plenty  of  room  and  light,  and  water  when  necessary. 
As  the  pots  are  very  full  of  roots,  I  give  water  till  it  runs  through  the 
hole  at  the  bottom.  When  the  flower  buds  show  colour  I  give  weak 
manure  water  every  watering.  If  the  house  requires  smoking  while 
they  are  in  bud  or  bloom,  they  should  be  removed  to  some  other  place 
for  the  night,  or  they  will  lose  their  flowers  and  forward  buds.  The 
soil  I  use  is  light  loam,  mixed  with  a  little  old  cow-dung  and  silver 
sand,  and  a  liberal  quantity  of  broken  charcoal. 

T.  0. 


SCOTTISH  PANSY  SOCIETY. 

The  fifteenth  annual  competition  of  this  Society  was  held  in  connection 
with  the  Edinburgh  Horticultural  Society,  in  the  Victoria  Hall,  Royal 
Zoological  Gardens,  on  Saturday,  the  4th  ult. 

The  long  continuance  of  hot  and  dry  weather  during  the  month  of 
May  prevented  members  from  being  able  to  bring  forward  as  great  a 
number  of  stands  as  we  have  seen  on  former  occasions.  Notwith- 
standing these  adverse  circumstances,  however,  the  competition  was 
extensive  and  well  contested.  The  censors,  after  a  most  careful  and 
laborious  scrutiny,  awarded  the  prizes  as  follows,  viz. : — 

Nurserymen's  Prize,  for  the  best  24  dissimilar  blooms:  1,  Messrs. 
Downie  &  Laird,  West  Coates,  with  Royal  Standard,  Miss  Hill,  Miss 
Talbot,  General  Vernon,  Duchess  of  Wellington,  Mary  Lamb,  Mrs. 
Hope,  Countess  of  Rosslyn,  Mr.  J.  Graham,  Lord  Cardigan,  Lady 
Matheson,  Nepaulese  Chief,  Mrs.  Laird,  Leviathan,  Colonel  Windham, 


202  THE    FLORIST. 

Mr.  J.  White,  Princess  Royal,  Seedling  No.  26,  Lady  Napier,  Charles 
M'Intosh,  Mrs.  Mill,  Una,  and  General  Young  ;  2,  Messrs.  Dicksons 
&  Co.,  Leith  Walk,  Royal  Standard,  Mrs.  Hope,  J.  B.  Gough,  Seedling 
1859,  Sir  J.  Cathcart,  Mrs.  Laird,  Jeannie,  Princess  Royal,  Refine- 
ment, Mary  Lamb,  Seedling  1859,  Mr.  A.  Murray,  Col.  Windham, 
Earl  of  Derby,  Eugenie,  Seedling  '59,  Ariadne,  Seedling  '59,  Per- 
fection, Lizzy,  Seedling '59,  Charles  M'Intosh,  and  two  other  Seedlings 
of  1S59  ;  3,  Mr.  J.  H.  Douglas,  Rosebank,  Edinburgh;  4,  Messrs. 
Robertson,  Paul,  &  Co.,  Paisley. 

Practical  Gardeners  and  Amateurs :  For  the  best  18  dissimilar 
blooms  :  1,  Mr.  M'Farlane,  gardener,  Barn  ton,  Edinburgh,  with 
Titian,  Mrs.  Hope,  Royal  Standard,  Royal  Albert,  Mary  Lamb,  Mrs. 
Dodwell,  Mrs.  Laird,  Lady  Belhaven,  Sir  J.  Cathcart,  Beauty,  Chris- 
tina, C.  M'Intosh,  James  White,  C  W.  R.  Ramsay,  Eugenie,  Jeannie, 
Lord  J.  Russell,  and  Countess  of  Rosslyn  ;  2,  Mr.  J.  Fraser,  Belmont, 
Edinburgh,  with  Duchess  of  Wellington,  Jeannie,  Colonel  Windham, 
Mrs.  Hope,  Titian,  Indian  Chief,  Royal  Standard,  Sir  J.  Cathcart, 
Mrs.  Laird,  St.  Andrew,  Miss  Talbot,  Lord  J.  Russell,  Alice,  Mr.  J. 
White,  Una,  Captain  Vickers,  C.  M'Intosh,  and  Venus  ;  3,  Mr. 
Niven,  gardener,  Keir,  Dunblane ;  4,  Mr.  Dunlop,  gardener,  Inglis, 
Green,  Slateford. 

For  the  best  12  dissimilar  blooms:  1,  Mr.  M'Farlane,  gardener, 
Barnton,  with  Mrs.  Dodwell,  Mary  Lamb,  Mrs.  Hope,  Mr.  A.  Murray, 
Alice,  Sir  J.  Cathcart,  Mr.  J.  White,  C.  W.  R.  Ramsey,  Earl  of  Derby, 
Christina,  Lord  Dunfermline,  and  Royal  Standard  ;  2,  Mr.  Dunlop, 
gardener,  Inglis  Green,  with  Topee  (a  dark  self  seedling),  Mrs.  Laird, 
Rev.  H.  Gosset,  Jeannie,  Eugenie,  Mr.  J.  Graham,  Countess  of  Ross- 
lyn, Blink  Bonny,  Royal  White,  Sir  C.  Campbell,  Gold  Stud  (a  yellow 
self  seedling),  and  Venus;  3,  Mr.  Niven,  gardener,  Keir;  4,  Mr. 
James  Gibson,  gardener,  Cathcart,  Glasgow. 

For  the  best  6  dissimilar  blooms  :  1,  Dr.  Stuart,  Chirnside,  Berwick, 
with  Duke  of  Sutherland,  Countess  of  Rosslyn,  Ariadne,  Blue  Beauty, 
Duchess  of  Wellington,  and  Una ;  2,  Mr.  J.  Hampton,  Newport,  Fife, 
with  Sir  Colin  Campbell,  Col.  Windham,  Jessie  (Hampton's),  Indian 
Chief,  Garibaldi  (Hampton's),  and  Princess ;  3,  Mr.  Niven,  gardener, 
Keir. 

Amateurs,  exclusively,  who  cultivate  their  own  plants  :  For  the  best 
6  dissimilar  blooms:  1,  Dr.  Stuart,  Chirnside,  with  Mrs.  Hope,  Una, 
Georgey,  Blue  Beauty,  Countess  of  Rosslyn,  and  Ariadne ;  2,  Mr.  J. 
Hampton,  with  Col.  Windham,  Jessie,  Cyrus,  Countess,  Indian  Chief, 
and  Countess  of  Rosslyn  ;  3,  Mr.  Charles  Watson,  Dunse.  For  the 
best  dark  self,  Mr.  J.  Hampton,  with  Indian  Chief.  For  the  best 
yellow  self,  Mr.  Wilson,  Old  Cathcart,  Glasgow,  with  Yellow  Model. 
For  the  best  white  ground :  Dr.  Stuart,  Chirnside,  with  Countess  of 
Rosslyn.  For  the  best  yellow  ground :  Mr.  Wilson,  Old  Cathcart, 
with  Sir  C.  Napier. 

Open  to  all,  for  the  best  12  blooms,  classed,  viz.,  4  selfs,  4,  light 
grounds,  and  4  yellow  grounds  :  1,  Mr.  M'Farlane,  gardener,  Barnton, 
with  Mrs.  Hope,  Titian,  Eugenie,  Christina,  Mrs.  Laird,  Alice,  Royal 
Albert,  Countess   of  Rosslyn,   Mr.  J.  White,  Mary  Lamb,   C.   W.  R. 


3  I  LY.  203 

Ramsey,  and  Blue  MoJel ;  2,  Messrs.  Dicksons  &  Co.,  with  Royal 
Standard,  Mary  Lamb,  Col.  Windham,  Countess  of  Rosslyn,  Mrs. 
Hope,  Sir  J.  Cathcart,  Seedling  of  1859,  J.  B.  Gough,  Ariadne, 
Jeannie,  and  Charles  MTntosh ;  3,  Mr.  Niven,  gr.,  Keir,  Dunblane. 

Open  to  all,  and  selected  from  all  the  blooms  in  the  room :  For  the 
best  self  in  the  room,  Mr.  Taylor,  Blaydon  Burn,  Newcastle,  with 
Royal  Purple.  For  the  best  yellow  ground  in  the  room:  Mr.  M'Far- 
lane,  Barnton,  with  C.  W.  R.  Ramsay.  For  the  best  white  ground  in  the 
room  :  Messrs.  Dicksons  &  Co.,  with  Countess  of  Rosslyn.  For  the 
best  Pansy  in  the  room:  Mr.  Taylor,  Blaydon  Burn,  with  Royal 
Purple.  Sweepstakes  for  the  best  12  dissimilar  blooms,,  open  to  all,  the 
prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  H.  Douglas,  Nurseryman,  Kosebank ; 
there  was,  however,  no  competition  Jbr  this  prize. 

New  flowers  were  on  this  occasion  produced  in  considerable  numbers, 
some  of  which  contested  very  severely  with  older  favourites  for  the 
pre-eminence,  as  will  be  sufficiently  evident  by  a  glance  at  the  winning 
stands.  Mr.  M'Farlane's  new  yellow  ground  flower,  "  C.  W.  R. 
Ramsay,"  figured  in  each  of  his  first  prize  stands,  took  the  prize  for  the 
best  yellow  ground  in  the  room,  and  was  awarded  a  certificate  of  merit ; 
another  flower  shown  by  Mr.  M'Farlane  "  Titian  "  (a  dark  self)  very 
nearly  beat  Mr.  Taylor's  Royal  Purple.  There  was  a  good  white  ground 
flower,  "  Mar)'',"  in  Mr.  Douglas's  stand  from  Rosebank,  to  which  a 
certificate  of  merit  was  awarded;  the  "  Countess  of  Rosslyn  "  was  the 
only  check  to  this  flower  coming  in  for  the  prizes  for  the  best  white 
ground  in  the  room.  These  facts  are  sufficient  to  prove  the  increasing 
interest  taken  in  the  improvement  of  this  interesting  little  flower  by  the 
members  of  the  Scottish  Pansy  Society ;  and  the  great  care  in  not 
granting  first-class  certificates  to  any  but  superior  flowers,  is  an 
encouragement  to  those  who  are  disposed  to  give  their  support  to  the 
Society.  The  next  annual  competition  of  the  Society  will  be  held  in 
Glasgow  in  June  1860. 


CLOTH  OF  GOLD  AND  ISABELLA  GRAY  ROSES. 

As  might  naturally  be  expected  (says  the  Wiltshire  Independent)  the 
controversy  about  the  merits  of  these  two  Roses  has  commenced  with 
the  blooming  season.  The  Gardeners'  Chronicle  of  May  28  has  a 
notice  of  the  two  Roses,  accompanied  by  reports  from  two  correspondents, 
one  of  whom  has  been  blessed  with  so  slight  a  modicum  of  success  with 
the  fair  Isabella,  that  he  must,  indeed,  be  thankful  for  small  mercies, 
to  chronicle  it ;  one  expanded  bloom,  pinched  by  the  cold,  but  showing 
unmistakeable  indications  of  beauty,  and  an  opening  bud,  being  the 
crop  of  a  vigorous  specimen,  planted  in  1857 !  The  other  correspondent, 
a  lady,  has  more  cause  for  joy  ;  her  Isabella  (at  Torquay),  in  its  third 
year,  and  which  grew  immensely  last  year,  having  now  above  90  buds 
on  it,  most  of  which  are  rapidly  expanding.  The  specimen  sent  to  the 
editor  of  the  paper  just  alluded  to  is  described  by  him  as  a  "  nice  "  one 
— not  a  very  glowing  description  of  a  selected  bloom,  sent  by  a  lady  ! 
However,    90   buds,    opening   into  even  nice  blooms,    is    something 


20 i  THE    FLORIST. 

encouraging.  In  each  case  the  fact  that  no  pruning  has  been  allowed 
is  dwelt  on  with  great  force,  and  to  that  circumstance  is  attributed  the 
success.  One  of  the  correspondents,  he  whose  Isabella  Gray  has 
produced  one  pinched  bloom,  and  a  second  about  to  open,  has  also  a 
Cloth  of  Gold,  which  has  been  treated  in  the  same  way  as  the  Isabella. 
It,  also,  was  planted  in  1857,  "  grew  rapidly  in  1858,  no  pruning 
being  allowed,  and  is  now,  in  1859,  making  vigorous,  healthy,  dark 
purple  shoots,  and  will  doubtless  be  covered  with  Roses  by  the  month 
of  July  !  "  May  it  be  so  !  But  those  "  vigorous,  healthy,  dark  purple 
shoots  "  are  sad  deceivers,  too  often  finishing  their  career  with  blind 
ends,  to  the  disgust  of  the  disappointed  grower,  whether  professional  or 
amateur.  The  inference  to  be  drawn  from  the  remarks  of  the  Gar- 
deners Chronicle  itself,  as  well  as  those  of  its  correspondents,  is  that 
"protection  from  the  pruning  knife"  (coupled  with  age  and  suitable 
aspect)  is  the  grand  secret  in  getting  Cloth  of  Gold  blooms,  and  pro- 
bably those  of  Isabella  Grey  and  other  yellow  varieties.  Perhaps  it 
may  be  in  the  recollection  of  the  readers  of  this  paper  that  on  the  10th 
of  June,  last  year,  a  description  was  given  of  a  Cloth  of  Gold  Rose 
growing  at  the  Rev.  R.  M.  Atkinson's,  on  the  Rectory  House  at  Great 
Cheverell,  on  which  there  were  two  or  three  hundred  blooms  fully 
expanded,  and  a  far  greater  number  of  buds  ready  to  expand,  the  tree 
itself  (worked  on  a  yellow  Banksia)  being  in  the  highest  health.  Now 
this  tree,  which  is  covered  with  blooms  every  year,  having  at  this  time 
(although  it  has  suffered  much,  both  in  foliage  and  bloom,  from  the 
severe  blight),  upwards  of  100  fully  expanded  blooms  of  deep  yellow 
colour  and  great  beauty,  with  twice  or  thrice  that  number  ready  to 
burst  forth,  is,  and  always  has  been,  regularly  pruned,  every  shoot 
being  cut  back  to  two  or  three  eyes,  except  when  it  is  necessary 
to  lead  in  long  shoots,  to  fill  up  any  blank  space  on  the  wall.  Another 
constantly  blooming  Cloth  of  Gold,  in  this  neighbourhood,  has  also  been 
always  subjected  to  close  pruning.  In  other  cases,  whether  pruned  or 
unpruned,  the  rule  is,  no  blooms — the  exception,  a  few  stragglers ;  so 
that  pruning  no  more  seems  to  prevent  free  blooming  than  non-pruning 
seems  to  promote  it.  It  may  be  recollected,  too,  that  the  account  of 
Mr.  Atkinson's  Cloth  of  Gold,  above  alluded  to,  caused  a  long  corre- 
spondence in  this  paper,  on  the  subject,  and  that  it  was  suggested  by 
Mr.  Ayres,  of  Orchardleigh  Park,  near  Frome,  that  the  most  likely  way 
to  insure  a  free-blooming  Cloth  of  Gold,  would  be  to  take  the  bud  for 
working  from  immediately  below  a  bloom.  We  should  be  glad  if  any 
correspondent  who  has  tried  the  experiment  will  favour  us  with  the 
result.  And  now  a  word  about  the  Isabella  Grey.  Mr.  Mould,  the 
well-known  gardener  and  florist,  of  Devizes,  has  this  year  succeeded  in 
producing  a  very  fine  and  highly  coloured  bloom,  under  glass  ;  the 
bloom  was  of  good  size,  perfect  shape,  and  of  exquisite  fragrance.  That 
plant  had  been  pruned.  On  the  other  hand,  on  a  very  warm  sunny 
wall,  with  south  aspect,  we  have  seen  upwards  of  30  strong  shoots  of 
Isabella  Grey  (budded  on  a  Banksia),  from  one  to  four  feet  in  length, 
unpruned,  both  wood  and  foliage  a  deep  red,  and  showing  the  highest 
health,  and  not  a  single  blossom  bud  to  be  seen ;  each  one  of  these 
shoots  going  off"  with  blind  ends  !  Thus  it  would  seem  that  pruning 
has  really  nothing  to  do  with  it, 


JULY.  205 


BRISTOL,     CLIFTON,     AND     WEST     OF     ENGLAND 
ZOOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 

This  society  gave  their  first  floral  fete,  June  2,  in  the  grounds  of  the 
society,  Clifton.  There  was  a  very  large  display  of  horticultural 
productions  staged.  The  collections  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants 
contained  many  superb  specimens,  as  did  the  fine  foliaged  plants 
contributed  by  Mr.  Bassett,  the  Messrs.  Maule  &  Sons,  &c.  The 
Orchids  shown  by  this  latter  firm  were  beautifully  grown  and  bloomed. 
Azaleas,  Pelargoniums,  and  Fuchsias,  were  in  great  profusion,  and 
generally  very  creditable  to  the  growers.  The  show  of  fruit,  though 
not  large,  contained  some  things  very  superior,  and  we  noticed  a  very 
interesting  collection  of  cut  flowers,  from  British  plants  growing  in  the 
neighbourhood,  containing  many  rare  species.  Local  societies  would  do 
well  to  encourage  these  exhibitions,  as  they  promote  a  taste  for  botany 
(and  gardening  generally),  and  induce  young  people  to  turn  collectors. 
The  committee  of  this  society  are  most  anxious  to  do  all  in  their  power 
to  promote  and  extend  the  usefulness  of  their  society  by  liberality,  and 
we  can  only  hope  that  their  efforts  to  promote  the  good  of  horticulture 
will  be  responded  to. 


ROYAL    BOTANIC    SOCIETY,  REGENT'S    PARK. 

June  15. — This  was  an  excellent  show,  and  was  very  well  attended. 
Stove  and  Greenhouse  plants  were  in  great  perfection,  and  so  were 
Cape  Heaths  and  Pelargoniums.  The  only  weak  points  were  Roses  in 
pots  and  Azaleas,  the  season  for  both  of  which  was  evidently  over.  There 
were,  however,  some  charming  boxfuls  of  cut  Roses.  The  fruit  show 
was  an  improvement  on  that  held  last  week  at  the  Crystal  Palace. 

Stove  and  Greenhouse  plants  were  contributed  by  the  usual  exhibitors ; 
but  this  time  considerably  the  finest  large  collection  was  produced  by 
Mr.  May,,  gardener  to  J.  Spode,  Esq.,  of  Hawkesyard,  near  Rugely. 
These,  although  they  had  travelled  nearly  150  miles,  were  in  excellent 
condition.  Among  them  were  admirable  samples  of  Dracophyllum 
gracile  loaded  with  compact  heads  of  small  snow-white  blossoms,  which 
are  well  suited  for  bouquets  ;  Allamandas,  Dipladenia  splendens  beauti- 
fully flowered,  Ixora  coccinea,  Phamocoma  proliferum  unusually  well 
furnished  with  showy  heads  of  very  fine  blossoms,  Stephanotis  flori- 
bunda,  and  Pleroma  elegans,  the  last  one  of  the  very  handsomest  of 
Melastomads,  its  flowers  being  of  the  most  beautiful  Tynan  purple,  and 
each  of  them  larger  than  a  five  shilling  piece.  They  are  also  more 
persistent  than  those  of  most  of  the  class  to  which  they  belong.  Mr. 
Dods,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  Cathcart,  Bart.,  and  Mr.  Whitbread,  gardener 
to  H.  Collyer,  Esq.,  were  placed  equal  in  point  of  merit.  In  these 
groups  were  fine  specimens  of  the  well-known  Mahernia  incisa,  Alla- 
mandas, Ixoras,  including  the  fine  example  of  the  Willow-leaved  kind, 
to  which  attention  was  directed  in  our  report  of  the  Crystal  Palace. 
This  may  safely  be  asserted  to  be  one  of  the  best  of  the  genus.  Its 
great  heads  of  showy  flowers  of  a  brilliant  orange  colour  stand  well  up 


206  THE    FLORIST. 

above  the  leaves,  which  are  long  and  pendent,  thus  giving  to  the 
former  an  individuality  and  artistic  beauty  not  possessed  by  other 
species  of  the  genus.  Smaller  collections  were  furnished  by  Messrs. 
Cutbusli,  Fraser,  Green,  Rhodes,  Baxendine,  Peed,  Chilman,  Carson, 
and  Tegg.  These  for  the  most  part  consisted  of  plants  that  were  shown 
at  Sydenham  the  previous  week. 

Orchids  were  furnished  in  beautiful  condition  ;  in  general,  however, 
they  were  very  much  the  same  as  those  produced  at  the  Crystal  Palace. 
In  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ellis's  group  were  the  handsome  Cattleya  superba, 
and  the  singular  looking  rather  than  beautiful  Uropedium  Lindeni. 
Mr.  Bullen,  gardener  to  J.  Butler,  Esq.,  had  a  splendidly  flowered 
Brassia  and  Anguloa  Clowesi,  with  no  fewer  than  five  blossoms  on  it, 
all  in  the  greatest  possible  perfection.  Two  Sobralias  (macrantha  and 
Galeotti)  from  Mr.  Woolley  were  admired ;  Mr.  Dods  sent  a  very  fine 
Phalaenopsis  ;  Mr.  Carson  the  elegant  green  tailed  Dendrochilum  fili- 
forme  and  Stanhopea  tigrina ;  and  Mr.  Ivison,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland  at  Sion,  Acineta  Humboldti  with  a  remarkably  fine 
spike  of  pale  watery  looking  yellow  blossoms. 

Among  Cape  Heaths,  several  collections  of  which  were  exhibited, 
were  some  beautiful  specimens  of  mutabilis,  tricolor  Wilsoni,  one  of  the 
best  of  of  its  class  ;  obbata,  a  fine  old  Heath ;  Massoni,  small  but  very 
handsome  ;  and  different  seedlings  of  Hartnelli  and  aristata. 

Conspicuous  among  Azaleas  were  Ivery's  Gem,  a  sort  remarkable  for 
fine  form ;  and  Extrani,  the  latter  a  lovely  rosy  pink  kind,  still  finely 
in  flower. 

Of  real  novelty  there  was  little.  Though  not  absolutely  new,  perhaps 
the  most  striking  was  a  charming  specimen  of  Coelogyne  pandurata  from 
Mr.  Lawrence,  gardener  to  the  Bishop  of  Winchester.  This  had  a  fine 
spike  of  pale  green  flowers  stained  on  the  lip  with  jet  black,  a  contrast 
of  colours  not  less  remarkable  than  pleasing.  Messrs.  Parker  & 
Williams  sent  a  white  variety  of  Meyenia  erecta,  which  promises  to  be 
a  useful  plant :  Mr.  Parsons  a  hybrid  Achimenes  called  Dazzle,  with 
brilliant  red  flowers  in  the  way  of  Meteor.  From  Messrs  E.  G.  Hender- 
son came  Aucuba  himalai'ca,  a  velvety  crimson-flowered  variety  of 
Dianthus  sinensis  called  Hedwidgii,  and  Amphicome  Emodi,  with  lilac 
flowers  stained  in  the  throat  with  yellow.  The  Dianthus,  to  which  we 
have  just  alluded,  promises  to  be  a  fine  thing  ;  its  blossoms  measure 
at  least  two  inches  across.  We  hope,  however,  to  see  it  again  in  better 
condition. 

Of  Miscellaneous  articles,  Messrs.  Veitch  sent  Oreopanax  hypagyreum, 
a  noble  plant  with  palmate  leaves  ;  Blandfordia  grandiflora  in  flower, 
Rhopala  glaucophylla,  the  violet  Tradescantia  odoratissima,  and  Tacca 
integrifolia,  a  well  known  plant,  whose  singular  dark  looking  leafy  inflo- 
rescence takes  a  form  not  unlike  that  of  some  Orchids.  A  fine  specimen 
of  Eucharis  amazonica  was  shown  by  Mr.  Davis,  of  St.  John's  Wood. 

Ferns  were  shown  in  considerable  quantity,  and  served  to  fill  up  odd 
nooks  and  corners  with  excellent  effect.  Among  those  from  Mr.  Car- 
bonell  were  the  New  Zealand  Todea  hymenophylloides,  the  Jamaica 
Hymenophyllum  hirtellum,  the  handsome  Gleichenia  flabellata,  dicho- 
toma,  and  a  wonderfully  fine  G.  microphylla. 


JULY.  207 

Roses  in  pots,  as  has  been  stated,  were  much  past  their  best.  Among 
them,  however,  one — Charles  Lavvson — deserves  notice.  It  is  very 
double,  something  like  Coupe  d'Hebe,  and  altogether  a  very  fine  kind. 
Among  those  shown  in  boxes  in  a  cut  state  were  many  fine  blooms  of 
most  of  the  leading  sorts.  The  best  came  from  Mr.  Mitchell,  of  Pilt- 
down,  Sussex.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Francis  also  showed  fine  blooms. 
Conspicuous  among  the  latter  were  Madame  Vidot,  Paul  Ricaut, 
General  Jacqueminot,  Lord  Raglan,  Madame  Willermoz,  and  Gloire  de 
Dijon . 

The  Pelargoniums  from  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough,  both  fancies  and 
ordinary  kinds,  were  all  that  could  be  possibly  wished  for,  both  as 
regarded  good  cultivation  and  profusion  of  bloom.  Mr.  Dobson's  were 
also  good,  as  were  likewise  the  collections  from  amateur  growers.  Of 
the  latter  the  best  came  from  Mr.  Foster.  Messrs.  E,  G.  Henderson 
sent  Imperial  Crimson,  a  bright  kind,  but  without  what  florists  call 
form.  The  same  firm  also  sent  two  pretty  kinds  suitable  for  bedding 
purposes,  allied  to  Golden  Chain.  Messrs.  Veitch  had  the  very  hand- 
some spotted  dwarf  kind  that  was  shown  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  and 
from  Mr.  Turner  and  others  was  a  fine  bank  of  seedling  florists' 
varieties. 

Fruit  was  tolerably  plentiful.  Providence  Pines  weighing  between  8 
and  10  lbs.  each  came  from  Messrs.  Young,  Bailey,  and  Floud.  The 
last  sent  the  best  Queen,  whose  weight  was  about  6  lbs.  5  ozs.  It  was 
well  ripened  and  finely  grown.  From  Messrs.  Young,  Bray,  and  Bailey 
also  came  fine  fruit  of  this  variety.  An  Enville,  6  lbs.  10  ozs.  weight, 
came  from  Mr.  Fothergill,  and  we  noticed  one  or  two  small  Jamaicas. 

Grapes  were  good,  especially  black  kinds.  The  best  Black  Ham- 
burgh came  from  Messrs.  Thomas  and  Hill.  The  three  bunches 
from  the  latter  weighed  together  6  lbs.  Others  from  Messrs.  Hen- 
derson, Wood,  and  Drewett  were  nearly  equally  good.  West's  St. 
Peter's  and  Black  Prince,  fine  bunches,  were  furnished  by  Messrs. 
Allport,  Fullerton,  Turner,  and  Miller.  Ot  white  sorts  Mr.  Bailey  sent 
excellent  examples  of  Muscadine,  and  exhibitions  of  the  same  kind  also 
came  from  Messrs.  Jackson,  Wood,  Frost,  and  Alderson.  Frontignans 
came  from  Messrs.  Drewett,  Bond,  Parr,  Standish,  and  Allport. 
Muscats  were  not  at  all  good,  and  many  of  them  were  unripe.  An 
exhibition  marked  StillweR's  Sweetwater,  from  Mr.  Allport/appeared  to 
be  White  Frontignan,  and  very  good  of  its  kind.  Grizzly  Frontignan 
came  from  Mr.  Richards.  "  Masque  Frontignan,"  exhibited  on  this 
occasion,  was  evidently  the  Chasselas  M usque.  It  was  very  fine  and 
not  cracked,  the  only  fault  belonging  to  this  Grape.  The  specimens  in 
question  proved,  however,  that  under  proper  management  it  may  be 
obtained  without  this  defect.  Vines  in  pots,  well  fruited,  were  shown 
by  Mr.  Hutt. 

Peaches,  beautiful  fruit  of  the  Violet  Hutive  sort,  came  from  Mr. 
Gorton  and  Mr.  Sage  ;  Mr.  Oats  sent  Bellegarde  ;  and  fine  fruit  was 
also  contributed  by  Messrs.  Peacock,  Miller,  and  Hill.  The  best 
Nectarines,  Violet  Hative,  came  from  Messrs.  Peacock  and  Frost. 
Messrs.  Carmichael,  Forbes,  Robinson,  Cox,  and  Hill  also  showed  fine 
dishes,  consisting  of  Elruge,  Violet  Hative,  and  Pitmaston  Orange. 


208  THE    FLORIST. 

Of  Cherries,  both  black  and  white,  the  best  were  again  furnished  by 
Mr.  Henderson,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Sutherland,  at  Trentham. 
The  sorts  were  Black  Circassian  and  Elton,  both  large  and  in  every  way 
perfect.  Messrs.  Peacham,  Marcham,  and  others  also  showed  good 
fruit.     Messrs.  Lane  had  some  finely  fruited  trees  in  pots. 

Strawberries  were  scarcely  so  good  as  might  have  been  expected. 
The  best  were  furnished  by  Messrs.  Clarke,  Wood,  and  Widdowson. 
Among  the  varieties  were  British  Queen,  Sir  C.  Napier,  Keens'  Seed- 
ling, Myatt's  Surprise,  and  Sir  Harry,  the  last  very  dark  coloured, 
which  it  should  be  when  fully  ripe.  A  new  kind,  named  Oscar,  of  fine 
colour,  received  a  medal. 

Of  Melons  a  great  many  were  exhibited.  The  best  green-fleshed 
sorts  were  Bailey's  and  Snow's.  Mr.  Bailey  also  sent  the  best  scarlet- 
fleshed  variety,  Scarlet  Gem. 

Of  Figs  we  noticed  some  good  examples  of  Lee's  Perpetual  and  Brown 
Turkey. 

Among  Miscellaneous  Fruit  were  some  Bananas  and  Apples  of  the 
French  Crab  variety,  the  latter  fine  specimens,  as  sound  as  the  day 
they  were  gathered. 


ON  PERENNIAL  FLOWERING  PLANTS. 
The  very  mention  of  herbaceous  plants  reminds  us  of  a  much  esteemed 
friend  we  once  had,  who  for  fifty  years  or  more  was  gardener  to  an 
amiable  nobleman  in  Dorsetshire,  and  who  was  the  most  successful 
grower  of  this  class  of  plants  we  can  call  to  mind.  This  was  some 
fifteen  years  since,  when  the  collection  of  plants,  in  a  garden  appro- 
priated entirely  to  them,  was  an  object  of  great  pride  to  our  old 
friend,  who  considered  the  whole  race  of  Yel'henas,  Petunias,  &c,  as 
mere  kickshaws,  compared  with  his  noble  Campanulas  and  Larkspurs. 
The  noble  proprietor  was  much  attached- to  horticultural  pursuits,  as 
well  as  to  his  gardener,  and  was  therefore  always  anxious  that  he  should 
be  well  informed  with  what  was  going  on  elsewhere,  especially  was  he 
solicitous  that  once  a  year  he  should  visit  the  great  gardens  near  London 
and  the  exhibitions.  Furnished  by  his  kind-hearted  employer  with  a 
skeleton  plan  of  the  environs  of  London,  with  all  the  principal  gardens 
and  nurseries  clearly  marked  out  on  it,  our  worthy  veteran  wended  his 
way  from  one  sight  to  another,  till  Kew  and  Hampton  Court,  Chiswick 
and  Ealing,  the  Royal  Exotic  and  Henderson's  nurseries,  had  all  been 
well  looked  over  and  their  contents  noted  (there  was  no  Crystal  Palace 
in  those  days)  ;  and  therefore,  when  the  series  of  visits  came  to  an  end, 
down  again  went  our  friend  into  Dorsetshire,  with  (it  was  supposed) 
a  bag  full  of  notes,  comprising  all  he  had  seen,  and  all  that  he  was  to 
put  in  practice  on  his  return  home,  to  bring  him  up  to  the  London 
standard  of  excellence.  On  this  head,  however,  there  was  a  hitch,  for, 
in  the  opinion  of  my  good  neighbour  (privately  given  me  by  the  way), 
he  did  not-  consider  there  was  so  much  to  be  picked  up  or  learned  about 
London  as  people  talked  of,  and,  after  all,  //is  things  were  quite  as  good 
as  what  he  saw  there,  nay,  better  in  some  respects ;  for  I  well  remember 


JULY. 


209 


one  year,  in  July,  I  think  it  was  in  1844,  his  taking  me  to  the  garden 
before  mentioned,  filled  with  herbaceous  plants,  and  posting  me  on  one 
particular  spot,  by  the  corner  of  a  greenhouse,  from  whence  the  whole 
could  be  viewed  at  a  glance;  "There,"  says  he,  with  an  air  of  well 
merited  triumph,  "  Did  you  ever  see  anything  better  than  that?" — I 
replied,  "  No  !  "  "  Nor  I  either,  and  1  do  say  there  is  nothing  near 
London  like  it ;  that  is  all  I  have  got  to  say  about  London  gardens  ;  Mrs. 
Lawrence's  plants  are  fine,  and  so  they  are  at  Kew,  but  there's  nothing 
out  o '  doors  but  Geraniums  and  Verbenas,  Verbenas  and  Calceolarias,  in 
every  garden  I  went  to,  and  I've  a  mind  never  to  go  so  far  again  to  see 
so  many  places  all  just  alike." 

I  forget  the  size  of  this  garden,  but  it  was  considerable,  and  filled 
entirely  with  herbaceous  plants,  and  I  know  that  from  early  spring  to 
near  Christmas  there  was  always  an  interesting  display  ;  from  June  to 
October,  a  splendid  one ;  and,  taking  variety  of  outline,  habit  and 
colour,  into  consideration,  and  the  way  they  were  arranged,  it  was 
certainly  the  best  managed  garden  1  ever  saw  of  the  kind.  1  could 
mention  half-a-dozen  other  gardens,  which,  twenty  years  back,  were 
resplendent  with  herbaceous  plants,  were  it  ot  any  use.  But  this  long 
digression  must  end,  and  take  me  to  the  subject  I  started  with — a  list 
of  the  best  herbaceous  plants. 

LIST  OF  SOME  OF  THE  MOST  SHOWY  GENERA  OF  HERBACEOUS 

PLANTS. 

Genera.       Principal  Species. 

Achillea  .     .    Millefolium       rubra, 
Ptarraica  flore  pleno,  and  tomen- 
tosa 
Aconitum      .  bicolor  and  japonicum 
Adonis      .     .  vernalis 
Ajuga    .     .  .  geneveusis 
Alstrcemeria .  aurea,     pulchella,     chi- 
lensis,and  many  others 
Alysum  .     .  gemonense  and  saxatiJe 
Auchusa     .  .  paniculata 
Anemone.     .  japonica  and  all  thesps. 
Authericum  .  liliago  and  ramosum 
Aquilegia      .  glandulosa,     canadensis, 

and  vulgaris 
Arabis  .     .  .  albida-aud  lucida 
Armeria  .     .  formosa 
Asclepias    .  .  tuberosa  and  others,  fine 

for  beds 
Asphodelus   .  luteus  and  ramosus 
Aster  .     .     .  amellus,   cyaneus,  mul- 
liflorus,    elegaus,   ramosus,    and 
( thers 
Astrantia  .  .  major 
Aubrietia      .  deltoidea 
Bellis    .     .  .  perennis,  all  the  varieties 
Bapthalium  .  salicifolium 
Calystegia     .  sepium  iucarnatum 
Campanula   .  persicifolia,    glomerata, 

speciosa,  and  all  the  species 
Catananche  .  bicolor  and  ccerulea 


Genera.     Principal  Species. 
Centaurea     .  leucantha,  macrocephala, 

and  montana 
Cheiranthus  Marshalli  and  ochroleucus 
Chelone    .     .  barbata,  glabra,  Lyoni 
Helonias    .  .  bullatus 
Hemerocallis  flava  and  rutilans 


Hepatica  . 

.  all  the  species  and  vars. 

Hesperis    . 

matronalis,    flore  pleno, 

and  crimson 

Hieracium 

aurautiacum 

Iberis    .     . 

sempervirens,  tenorhma 

Iris      .     . 

all  the  species 

Jasione .     . 

perennis 

Lamium  . 

maculatum 

Lathyrus    . 

granditlorus,     latifolius, 

and  rotundifolius 

Liatris 

.  spicata 

Linaria.     . 

.  Dalmatica 

Linum 

.  flavum,    perenne,    and 

flore  pleno 

Lobelia .     . 

.  all  the  tall  species 

Lotus .     . 

corniculatus,  flore  pleno 

Lupinus     . 

.  giandiflovus,poIyphyllus 

and  variety 

Lychnis    . 

.  chalcedonica,  flore  pleno, 

coronata,     diurna     ilore     pleno, 

iulgens, 

and  viscaria  flore  pleno 

Lysimachia 

.  verticillata 

Lythrum . 

.  roseum     superbum    and 

virgatum 

Macrotys    . 

.  racemosa 

VOL.    XII.,    NO.    CXXXIX. 


210 


THE    FLORIST. 


Genera.       Principal  Species. 

Matricaria    .  grandiflora 

Meconopsis   .  simplicifolia  (very  hand- 
some) 

Oenothera  .  macrocarpa,  missouri- 
ensis,  speciosa  superba,  taraxi- 
folia,  and  Frazeri 

Omphalodes  .  verna 

Onosma    .     .  taurica 

Pseonia .  .  .  all  the  species  and  va- 
rieties, including  the  Moutan  and 
new  varieties 

Papaver  .     .  bracteatum  and  orientale 

Pentstemon  .  argutum,  purpureum, 
azureum,  magnificum,  ovatum, 
Scculeri,  &c. 

Phlox  .  .  .  varieties  too  numerous 
to  name ;  the  most  useful  of  all 
herbaceous  plants ;  the  dwarf 
species  make  pretty  edgings 

Physostegia  .  speciosa 

Polemonium   cceruleum,  variegatum 

Phyteuma     .  orbiculare 

Potentilla      .  formosa,      Garneriana, 
Hopwoodiana,  &c. 

Primula     .  .  cortusoides,     vulgaris, 
auricula,  &c. 

Ranunculus  .  aconitifolius  fl.  pi.,  am- 
plexicaulis,  acris  fl.  pi. 

Rudbeckia     .  Newmani,  hirsuta 

Saponaria  .  .  ocymoides 


Genera.       Principal  Species. 
Saxifraga      .  granulata  pIeno,hirsutn, 
pyramidalis  ;      the    low-growing 
species  suitable  for  rockwork 
Scabiosa     .  .  caucasica 
Sedum      .     .  aizoon  ;  the  other  species 
best  suited  for  rockwork 
Sempervivum  ditto 
Silene  .     .     .  ruaritimum  flore  pleno 
Sisyrinchium  anceps,  grandiflorum 


Solidago 
Spigelia. 
Spiraea 

Stachys 
Statice 

Stenactis    . 
Teucrium 
Tritoma   . 
Trollius      . 
Verbascum 
Valeriana 
Veronica    . 

Verbena  . 
Vinca    . 
Viola  .     . 
Wahlenbergia  grandiflora 
Yucca .     .     .all  the  species 


virgata 

marylandica 

filipendula     plena,     ve- 
nusta,  barbata 

speciosa 

elata,    latifolia,     pseud- 
armeria 

speciosa 
,  multiflorum 

Uvaria,  media,  Burchelli 
,  europaus,  giganteus 
,  multiflorum 
,  rubra 

gentianoides,   incarnata, 

incisa,  latifolia 
.  venosa 
.  all  the  species 
.  ditto 


Hardy  bulbs  for  borders,  &c,  in  your  next  number. 


G.  F. 


HORTICULTURAL  EXHIBITIONS. 
The  spring  exhibition  of  the  Hanoverian  Band  and  Floral  Fete 
Committee  was  held  at  Sydney  Gardens,  Bath,  on  May  11.  We  have 
so  often  had  to  speak  in  praise  of  the  public  spirit  and  liberality  of  this 
Committee,  that,  on  the  present  occasion,  we  can  only  repeat  that  their 
arrangements  were  all  that  could  be  wished  for,  and  their  liberal  list  of 
prizes  was  responded  to  by  a  magnificent  display  of  plants,  filling 
several  large  tents.  The  Azaleas  were  certainly  as  fine  specimens  and 
as  well  done  as  any  we  have  seen  at  the  London  exhibitions,  and,  with 
few  exceptions,  the  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  were  the  same,  while 
the  miscellaneous  classes  were  all  most  creditably  represented  (and  in 
many  cases  could  not  be  surpassed).  The  day  was  fine,  and  a  large 
number  of  visitors  as  usual  attended  the  fete.  This  society  merits  the 
good  wishes  of  every  horticulturist  for  the  spirited  manner  in  which  it 
conducts  its  exhibitions.  To  Mr.  Smith,  the  secretary  our  thanks 
are  doubly  due.     We  regret  we  could  not  find  room  for  this  last  month. 


JULY. 


211 


FERN  CLASSIFICATION.— No.  VI. 

The  tribe  Cyatheinece  includes  three  lesser  sectional  groups,  which 
are  distinguished  in  the  manner  following :  first,  by  characters  derived 
from  the  covering,  or  absence  of  covering,  to  the  sorus,  and  next  by  the 
£_""rr.ngement  of  the  fructification.  The  receptacles,  it  will  be  remem- 
bered, are  always  elevated,  in  the  plants  referred  to  this  tribe. 
Sori  involucrate,  i.  e.  with  inferior  cup-like  indusia — 

Fructifications  thyrsiform       .         .         .         .         .     §1.   Thyrsopteridece. 

Fructifications  dorsal  .         .         .         .         .     .     |2.  Cyathece. 

Sori  naked,  i.  e.  without  indusia    .         .         .         .         •     |3.  Alsophilece. 

The  T/iyrsopferidece  are  a  very  small  group,  consisting  of  a  single 
genus  and  species,  as  far  as 
yet  known.  This  genus  is 
Thyrsopteris.  It  is  a  large- 
growing  Fern,  with  a  short 
thick  decumbent  rhizome, 
and  very  ample  much  divided 
fronds,  of  which  a  portion,  the 
basal  pinnules  of  the  lower 
pinna?,  are  fertile,  while  the 
rest  is  sterile.  In  the  sterile 
parts  the  ultimate  divisions^ 
are  small,  while  the  fertile 
parts  consist  solely  of  thyr- 
siform collections  of  stalked 
cup-shaped  involucres,  con- 
taining   the    spore-cases,    no         &•  Thyrsofterideje  :  Thyrsopteria  elegans. 

leafy  portion  being  produced.     As  in  the  other  Cyatheineous  plants, 
the  spore-cases  are  more  or  less  oblique  laterally  compressed. 

The  Cyathece  are  more  normal-like  than  the  foregoing,  the  fronds 
being  all  in  the  usual  leafy  condition,  and  bearing   the  sori   on  their 

under  surface.  These  sori  are 
in  cup-like  involucres,  more 
or  less  perfectly  formed.  The 
involucres  are  much  like  some 
of  those  of  the  JPeranemece, 
but  the  distinguishing  feature 
of  the  Cyathece  is,  that  in 
addition,  the  receptacles  are 
elevated.  There  are  but  three 
genera  referred  to  the  present 
section  : — Cyathea,  in  which 
the  involucre  forms  a  complete 
cup  ;  and  Hemilelia  and  Am- 
phicosmia,  in  which  the  invo- 
lucres are  half  cup-shaped,  the 
anterior  side  of  the  cup  being 
deficient.  The  two  latter  are 
distinguished  by  their  venation, 


\i,  LVATne^s :  Hemitelia  speciosa. 


212 


THE    FLORIST. 


Hemitelia  having  the  veins  uniting  in  costal  arcs,  while  those  of 
Amphicosmia  are  free.  This  is  one  of  the  principal  groups  of  Tree 
Ferns, 

The  Alsophilece  embrace  only  two  genera — Ahophila  and  Amphi- 
desmium,  not  perhaps  very  well  distinguished,  except  by  habit.  The 
distinctions  chiefly  depended  on  are  these,  that  in  Ahophila  the  venules 
are  unisoriferous  (bearing  one  sorus),  whilst  in  Amphidesmium  the 
veins  frequently  bear  each  two  or  three  sori.  These,  too,  are  mostly 
Tree  Ferns,  with  much  the  aspect  of  the  Cyathecc,  from  which  they  are 


22.  Ctathe/E  :  Cyathea  elegans. 


§3.  Alsophile^:  Alsophila  sp. 


separated  by  the  naked  sori.  The  sori,  being  round  naked  heaps  of 
spore-cases,  have  much  resemblance  to  those  of  Polypodium.  The 
distinguishing  mark  relied  on,  between  these  two  families,  is  the 
elevated  receptacle  of  the  Alsophilce,  but  there  are  cases  in  which 
this  is  less  decidedly  developed  than  usual,  and  in  such  cases  the 
differences  between  the  two  groups  are  not  to  be  very  satisfactorily 
made  out. 

The  Schizceinece,  those  singular  Ferns  with  the  apex  of  the  spore- 
case  radiate-striate,  are  separated  into  two  sectional  groups,  which 
contain  plants  of  very  different  appearance.  These  are — the  Lygodieae, 
a  race  of  scandent  Ferns,  and  the  Schizceece,  which  are  dwarf  herba- 
ceous species.  The  technical  differences  which  are  adopted  to  distin- 
guish them,  are  these : — 

Spore-cases  crowned  by  the  convergent  striae  of  the  ring,  i.  e.,  radiate-striate 
at  the  apex — 

Striae  united  at  the  apex,  without  vacant  space  ;  spore- 
cases  attached  laterally §1.  Lygodiece. 

Striae  disjointed,  forming  an  orbicular  apical  vacuity ; 

spore-cases  attached  basally $2.  Schizceece. 

The  Lygodiece  consist  entirely  of  climbing  species,  very  unlike  other 
Ferns  in  aspect,  and  therefore  extremely  valuable  in  cultivation,  not 


JULY. 


213 


only   for    the   variety   they    offer,    but    for    their    beauty.      There 

are  two    genera,   both   represented    in   our    gardens,   and    of  equal 

equal  interest,  namely,  Lygo- 

dium,  in  which  the  veins  are 

all  free ;    and    Hydroglossum, 

in  which  they  are  reticulated. 

The  lateral  attachment  of  the 

spore-cases    in    this   group    is 

very  curious. 

The  Schizceece,  which  in- 
clude several  genera,  are  very 
remarkable  plants,  quite  dis- 
similar to  other  ■  Ferns.  In 
Sckizaa,  whose  fronds  can 
scarcely  be  said  to  have  any 
leafy  portion,  but  rather  to  con- 
sist of  dichotomously  branched 
ribs,  the  spore-cases  occupy 
curious  contracted  pinnasform 
appendages,    which   terminate 

-iJL  n       c    i.u      u  u  gl.  Lygodie-e:  Hydroglossum  heterodoxum. 

some  or   all   of   the  branches.       K  3     6 

branches.     Another  group,  consisting  of  Anemia  and  Anemidicti/on, 

distinguished  by  the  former  having 
free  and  the  latter  reticulated 
veins,  have  the  fructifications 
paniculate,  borne  on  distinct  fronds 
or  distinct  branches,  and  producing 
the  appearance  of  a  flowering 
Fern.  Mokria  has  the  apical- 
ringed  spore-cases  scattered  near 
the  margin  of  the  scarcely  con- 
tracted plane  segments  of  the 
frond ;  while  in  Trochopteris,  a 
little  rosulate  plant,  an  inch  or  two 
only  in  diameter,  and  looking 
more  like  a  small  flattened  Lichen 
than  a  Fern,  the  spore-cases  are 
similarly  disposed  on  the  basal 
pair  of  lobes  of  the  minute  fronds. 
The  foregoing  descriptions  and  observations,  embracing  all  the  groups 
— Orders,  Tribes,  and  Sections — into  which  Ferns  are  divided  for  the 
purposes  of  classification,  aided  as  they  are  by  ample  illustrations, 
should  enable  intelligent  students  of  Ferns  to  ascertain  the  group  to 
which  any  particular  species  under  examination  should  be  referred. 
The  further  discrimination  of  genera,  and  the  distinctions  of  species, 
are  the  next  steps  in  following  out  the  classification  of  Ferns  to  a 
practical  issue. 

Chelsea.  ■  Thomas  Moore. 


22.  Schiz^ejE:  Auemia  collina. 


Note. — The  references  to  the  engravings  on  pp.  10G,  107,  numbered  22  and  23, 
require  to  be  transposed. 


214  THE    FLORIST. 

NOTES  AND  QUERIES. 
Our  correspondent,  Mr.  Wilson,  suggests  a  sketch,  to  illustrate  the  plan 
of  ventilating  the  upper  angle  of  span-roofed  houses,  in  the  manner 
recommended  by  our  correspondent  in  his  article  on  fruit  houses,  pub- 
lished last  year.  Unavoidable  reasons  have  delayed  our  publishing 
wood  engravings  of  cheap  sashes  and  glazing,  when  the  subject  of  venti- 
lation would  have  been  explained.  We  hope  soon  to  fulfil  our  promise. 
The  article  on  perennials  has  attention  this  month  ;  in  the  meantime, 
as  these  useful  though  neglected  plants  are  now  in  full  glory,  collectors 
should  examine  the  London  and  other  nurseries,  to  see  what  is  in 
bloom,  and  make  their  notes  of  time  of  blooming,  colour  of  flower  and 
height,  when  they  will  be  prepared  for  a  basis  for  arrangement  when 
planting  time  comes.     Kew  should  also  be  visited. 


SECOND  GRAND  NATIONAL  ROSE  SHOW. 
If  ever  the  Queen  of  Flowers  should  hold  a  court,  and  require  a 
champion  to  proclaim  her  dignities,  and  to  maintain  the  rightful  position 
which  she  holds  against  all  comers,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  she 
would  select  for  that  purpose — parson  though  he  be — the  Rev.  Reynolds 
Hole,  of  Caunton  Manor ;  for  to  him  she  is  indebted  for  the  proud 
position  which  she  has  occupied  these  last  two  seasons,  and  to  him, 
mainly  do  the  knights  and  esquires  of  her  floral  majesty  owe  the 
magnificent  display  which  was  brought  together  on  the  23rd  ult.,  at 
Hanover  Square  Rooms  ;  and,  in  truth,  I  for  one  should  be  very  sorry 
to  have  to  meet  the  weight  of  that  brawny  arm  of  his  ;  though  after 
the  glorious  assemblage  that  greeted  one's  optic  and  olfactory  nerves 
there,  he  would  be  a  daring  man  who  would  put  forward  the  claims  of 
any  other  flower  to  usurp  her  position.  As  one's  eye  rested  on  the 
long  lines  of  cut  flowers,  relieved  by  the  pot  Roses  of  Messrs.  Paul  and 
Mr.  Francis,  one  felt  how  nobly  the  Rose  had  claimed  and  held  her 
pre-eminence,  while  an  insight  into  the  individual  flowers  clearly  pro- 
claimed that  its  cultivation  was  progressing  more  rapidly  than  one  could 
have  imagined.  All  misgivings,  too,  which  I  suppose  most  of  us  felt 
in  the  month  of  May,  as  we  looked  on  the  scorched  and  crumpled 
shoots  of  our  trees,  were  banished,  and  the  conclusion  must  be  arrived 
at,  that  no  matter  what  the  season,  so  many  and  so  ardent  are  the 
growers  of  the  flower,  that  we  are  sure  of  a  good  exhibition. 

That  the  season  was  a  most  unfavourable  one  up  to  the  period  of 
which  I  speak,  all  would  agree ;  and  though  in  some  places  the 
recovery  during  the  last  three  weeks  has  been  something  extraordinary, 
yet  the  fact  was  evidenced  by  the  absence  from  the  show  of  Mr. 
Rivers  entirely,  as  a  non-competitor,  and  of  Mr.  Cranston,  who  so 
nobly  won  his  spurs  last  year,  as  an  exhibitor ;  probably  another  week 
would  have  made  a  great  difference  ;  but  when  the  day  was  fixed  this 
year,  everything  being  in  so  forward  a  state,  the  arrangers  of  the  show 
were  justified  in  making  it  a  week  earlier,  although  perhaps,  on  the 
whole,  the  1st  of  July  is  a  better  day.  We  get  few  such  hot  seasons  as 
last  in  this  country,  and  the  later  day  enables  those  who  live  in  cold 
and  exposed  situations  to  be  more  on  a  level  with  their  more  favoured 
brethren  of  Hertfordshire  and  the  south. 


JULY.  215 

Some  idea  of  the  general  character  of  the  show  may  be  gathered 
from  the  fact  that  there  were  68  stands  of  cut  blooms,  besides  the  two 
collections  of  pot  Roses  mentioned  above,  some  of  these  stands  containing 
100  sorts,  and  none  less  than  12.  As  at  last  year's,  also,  these  were 
brought  from  all  parts  of  the  country — the  home  counties,  however, 
furnishing  the  chief  supply ;  but  Oxford,  Nottingham,  Devonshire, 
and  Somersetshire  were  amongst  the  counties  ably  represented,  and  no 
difference  could  be  seen  (so  well  had  they  been  taken  care  of) ,  as  far 
as  freshness  was  concerned,  between  those  from  a  "distance  and  those 
near  at  hand  ;  in  fact,  200  miles  of  rail  is  not  (if  ordinary  care,  be 
taken)  more  telling  on  a  stand  of  Roses  than  would  be  14  or  15  miles 
in  a  spring  cart  or  coach.  These  stands  were  arranged  on  each  side  of 
two  long  tables,  which  went  down  the  centre  of  the  room ;  and  on 
another,  which  was  placed  the  entire  length  under  the  windows,  Mr. 
Paul's  collection  of  large  pot  Roses,  being  arranged  in  groups  on  one 
table,  and  Mr.  Francis'  collection  of  smaller  ones  being  placed  the  whole 
way  down  the  centre  of  the  other.  The  post  of  honour,  around  the 
semicircle  formed  by  the  orchestra,  was  allotted  to  Mr.  Cranston,  of 
Hereford,  whose  Roses  showed  unmistakeably  what  he  might  have 
done,  had  the  show  been  a  little  later  ;  while  the  orchestra  was  relieved 
at  the  back  by  some  fine  exotic  plants  from  Mr.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea ; 
and  the  rather  sombre  appearance  of  the  room  (as  contrasted  at  least 
with  St.  James's  Hall)  was,  to  my  mind  at  least,  rather  in  favour  of 
the  blooms.  On  the  whole  the  Roses  were  admirably  set  up — the 
Moss  in  one  exhibitor's  stand  was  the  most  perfect  thing  possible,  while 
a  few  still  were  slovenly  and  untidy.  As  the  list  of  awards  will  be 
appended  to  this  notice,  I  shall  not,  except  incidentally,  notice  the 
separate  stands,  but  say  what  I  think  upon  particular  Roses,  both  old 
and  new.  At  last  year's  show  I  said  that  the  two  Roses  were  Madame 
Vidot  and  Prince  Leon  ;  and  it  is  a  striking  commentary  on  the  effect 
of  season  upon  this  flower,  that  there  were  hardly  any  good  blooms  of 
either  in  the  room,  while  General  Jacqueminot,  which  last  year  was 
little  better  than  a  semi-double  Gloire  de  Rosamene,  was  this  year  in 
every  stand,  very  double  and  very  brilliant.  Mr.  Cranston's  box  of  it 
was  fine  ;  but  had  all  Mr.  Sladden,  of  Ash's,  flowers  equalled  his  bloom 
of  this  fine  sort,  he  would  have  taken  "  first  honours."  In  equally  good 
order  in  all  the  stands  was  Jules  Margottin,  lovely  in  colour,  good  in 
shape,  and  exquisite  in  perfume.  Colonel  de  Rougemont,  a  younger 
brother  of  Baronne  Prevost,  has  completely  put  his  nose  out  of  joint, 
being  larger  and  brighter  in  tint,  though  similar  in  colour  and  shape. 
Madame  Knorr,  a  Perpetual  Blairi  No.  2,  at  least  so  it  seemed  in 
some  stands,  was  very  large  and  fine,  the  one  in  Mr.  Cant's  especially 
so.  General  Simpson  in  Mr.  Turner's  stand  was  very  bright,  and  is  a 
beautifully  shaped  flower.  Madame  Masson  was  good,  and  so  was 
Mathurin  Regnier,  an  improved  William  Griffith,  brighter  in  colour, 
and  if  possible  better  shaped  ;  Victor  Trouillard,  though  very  good, 
was  not  so  much  so  as  last  year ;  Louise  Peyronney,  though  in  few 
stands,  was,  as  it  ever  will  be,  good  and  striking ;  Triomphe  de  Paris, 
a  bright  crimson,  was  also  very  lovely ;  while  Paul  Dupuy  will  not 
give  way  to  his  rivals  ;  Fauline  Lanzezeur  was  very  fine  crimson  with 
a  purple  shade.     Among  the  darker  colours  Cardinal  Patrizzi  seemed 


216  THE    FLORIST. 

to  hold  the  palm ;  though  the  three  Prince  de  la  Moskowas  in  Mr. 
Cant's  50  were  such  as  I  do  not  believe  any  Rose  grower  ever  saw 
before ;  Prince  Noir  was  also  good,  as  was  Emperor  Napoleon ;  but 
the  first  of  the  four  is  better  in  shape  and  fuller  than  the  other  three ; 
and  in  some  stands  was  nearly  black — indeed,  in  Hybrid  Perpetuals 
we  are  fast  getting  to  the  shade  of  the  old  Tuscan  Piose.  Amongst 
Bourbons  there  was  nothing  very  remarkable ;  Dr.  Leprestre  was 
very  fine;  and  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  of  course  good  as  usual.  In 
Teas  there  was  nothing  particularly  new ;  Devoniensis  was  as  usual 
beautiful ;  and  Gloire  de  Dijon,  good.  A  Noisette  in  Mr.  Standish's 
stand,  named  Ledia,  was  very  fine,  the  centre  being  a  very  bright 
yellow.  In  Hybrid  Bourbons  Charles  Lawson  takes  almost  first  place, 
and  is  a  magnificent  flower,  of  the  true  rose  colour  ;  and  Coupe  d'Hebe 
still  lays  claim  to  being  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  Roses.  In  the 
Gallica  class,  Boula  de  Nanteuil  was  exhibited  in  great  perfection,  as 
was  that  old  and  fine  flower  Kean ;  a  truss  of  Baron  de  Wassenaer, 
in  Mr.  Hilyer's  stand  was  perfectly  grand,  having  in  buds  or  blossoms 
14  or  15  in  one  head.  So  much  for  old  Roses.  New  ones  were  of 
course  well  looked  after ;  and  there  are  some  claimants  for  favour 
which  will,  I  fancy,  find  their  place  in  every  Rose  grower's  hands. 
First  and  foremost  stands  Eugene  Appert,  of  which  23  blooms  were 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Standish,  of  Bagshot ;  it  was  raised  amongst  others 
by  Mons.  Trouillard,  Rose  foreman  to  Mons.  Leroy,  of  Angers,  about 
the  largest  nurseryman  in  the  world,  and  was  named  by  him  after 
M.  Appert,  M.  Leroy 's  son-in-law ;  it  is  of  the  Geant  class,  and  I  am 
inclined  to  stake  my  Rose  reputation  on  it,  that  it  will  be  a  general 
favourite ;  in  colour  it  combines  the  rich  velvety  appearance  of 
Victor  Trouillard  with  the  bright  scarlet  of  Geant,  very  thick  in 
the  petal,  while  its  shape  is  good  ;  some  of  the  blooms  (Mr.  S.  said) 
had  been  out  a  week,  and  yet  there  was  no  appearance  of  that 
slatiness  with  which  the  Geant  and  others  die.  Mr.  S.  says  it  is  a 
model  of  growth,  and  I  can  only  say,  if  it  be  so  with  every  one,  it  is 
the  finest  and  best  Rose  yet  raised ;  it  will  not  be  let  out  until  the 
autumn,  and  though  I  do  not  often  venture  so  far,  I  would  advise  no 
one  to  begrudge  the  half  guinea  at  which  it  will  be  sold  ;  its  constancy 
there  can  be  no  doubt  of,  for  no  one  could  exhibit  23  blooms  of  a  seed- 
ling, and  all  good  ones,  without  its  being  so.  I  hope  and  believe  it 
will  soon  be  figured  in  the  Florist.  Eveque  de  Nimes  is  a  gem, 
brilliant  crimson,  beautiful  rosette  shape,  but  I  rather  fancy  delicate  in 
growth  ;  Duke  of  Cambridge  is  a  large  rose,  of  bright  red  colour,  very 
fine  in  shape  ;  Triomphe  des  Beaux  Arts  (how  these  French  names 
break  the  teeth  of  our  honest  John  Bull  gardeners)  is  a  very  fine  thing, 
of  the  General  Jacqueminot  shade,  but  more  double  than  that  noble 
flower  generally  is — if,  however,  it  comes  always  as  this  season,  we 
shall  have  no  reason  to  complain  ;  Louis  Chaix  was  in  one  or  two 
stands,  very  beautiful  indeed,  a  rich  bright  rose  colour.  I  do  not  think 
that  any  one  will  by  and  bye  call  me  a  deceiver  if  I  recommend  them 
to  add  these  Roses  to  their  collection.  There  was  a  Rose  in  Mr. 
Tiley's  stand,  Cecile  de  Chabrillard,  but  it  seemed  to  me  a  pale 
Mathurin  Regnier. 

I  have  thus  fulfilled  my  task  of  giving  some  guide  to  Rose  growers, 


JULY.  217 

as  to  the  excellence  of  the  kinds  exhibited.  Perhaps  one  may  be  able 
to  add  a  few  observations  at  another  time,  about  the  sorts  most  shown. 
A  report  of  the  show  would  be,  however,  incomplete,  were  one  not  to 
acknowledge  the  great  services  rendered  by  Mr.  Edwards  to  its  success. 
His  perfect  knowledge  of  the  whole  business  ;  his  activity,  energy,  and 
extreme  good  nature,  made  him  a  most  capital  master  of  the  cere- 
monies. Ah  !  that  reminds  me — there  was  a  band !  Purely  this  is 
not  needed.  Will  not  people  come  to  look  at  the  flowers  without  it  ? 
It  is  all  very  well  out  of  doors,  but  such  a  crash  and  a  clamour  as  this 
made  was  enough  to  break  any  one's  tympanum.  We  saw  on  gen- 
tleman rushing  about  after  the  committee,  or  Mr.  Hole,  or  any  one  he 
could  get  to  put  a  stop  to  the  row.  Surely  we  might  set  the  good 
example  of  doing  away  with  it,  or  at  any  rate  of  having  one  of  much 
less  tormenting  power.  As  Mr.  Hole  takes  for  his  motto,  "  Floreat 
regina  riorum,"  let  all  Rose  growers  heartily  thank  him  for  the 
amount  of  time,  labour,  and  energy  he  has  spent  on  this  project. 
Rejoice  with  him  on  the  success  of  his  plans,  and  give  him  the  more 
homely  but  expressive  oriental  wish,  "  May  his  shadow  never  be  less." 
Deal,  June  24.  D. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  prizes  above  alluded  to  : — 
Class  I.,  Letter  A.  1st  Prize,  Messrs.  Paul  and  Son,  of  Cheshunt,  with  Paul 
Perras,  Devoniensis,  Jules  Margottin,  Pierre  Jaussens,  Crested  Moss,  Lamarque, 
Dr.  Leprestre,  Madame  Laffay,  Madame  Place,  Blairi,  Triomphe  d'Avranches, 
Solfaterre,  Madeline,  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  Madame  de  Manual,  Transon  Goubault, 
Raphael,  Madame  Pauline  Laboute,  Cardinal  Patrizzi,  Panache  d'Orleans,  Ohl 
Narcisse,  Triomphe  en  Beaute,  Cynthia,  Victor  Trouillard,  Brennus,  Cabbage 
Moss,  Lord  Palmerston,  Madame  Vidot,  Mrs.  Rivers,  Prince  Leon,  General 
Pelissier,  Colonel  de  Rougemont,  Madame  Duchere,  Madame  Masson,  Louis 
Peyronny,  Souvenir  de  Leveson  Gower,  Duchess  of  Norfolk,  Comtesse  de  Segur, 
Gloire  de  Dijon,  Pauline  Lanzezeur,  Charles  Duval,  Joan  of  Arc,  Madame  Hardy, 
Comte  Bourbet,  Triomphe  de  Beaux  Arts,  Latour  d'Auvergne,  Paul  Ricaut, 
Mdlle.  Therese  Appert,  Kean,  Bougere,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  Laura  Ramond, 
William  Jesse,  Baronue  Prevost,  Telemarque,  Eveque  de  Nimes,  Paul  Dupuy, 
Adam,  Bath  White  Moss,  Cabbage  Provence,  Boula  de  Nanteuil,  Baronne  de 
Wassenaer,  Madame  Hector  Jacquin,  Duke  of  Cambridge,  Alba,  Queen  of 
Denmark,  Auguste  Guinuoiseau,  Lord  Raglan,  Gloire  de  Parthenay,  Chenedole, 
Caroline  de  Sansal,  Madame  Zoutman,  Madame  Domage,  Alba  Felicite 
Parmentier,  Gloire  de  Mosseuses,  Souchet,  Mrs.  Elliott,  Madame  Cambaceres, 
Madame  Willermoz,  Mathuriu  Re^nier,  General  Jacqueminot,  Noemi,  Triomphe 
de  1' Exposition,  Charles  Lawson,  William  Griffiths,  Geant  des  Batailles,  Madame 
Hitz,  Je  me  Mainteudrai,  Lafontaiue,  Louis  Chaix,  General  Simpson,  Madame 
Knorr,  Dr.  Dielthem,  Dr.  Juillard,  General  Castellane,  Leon  des  Combats, 
Coupe  de  Hebe,  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Souvenir  de  Malmaison.  2nd  prize  to 
Mr.  E.  P.  Francis,  Hertford. 

Class  I.,  Letter  B.  Equal  1st.  Mr.  Cant,  Colchester — Joan  of  Arc,  Boula 
de  Nanteuil,  La  Ville  de  Bruxelles,  Louise  Chaix,  Victor  Trouillard,  Gloire  de 
Dijon,  Prince  Regent,  Comte  de  Nanteuil,  Triomphe  de  l'Exposition,  Mathurin 
Reguier,  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  Chenedole,  Etendard  des  Amateurs,  Mrs.  Rivers, 
Gloire  de  Mosseuses,  General  Castellane,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  Ariel,  Bacchus 
Madame  Cambaceres,  Comte  de  Paris,  Kean,  Prince  Leon,  Pauline  Lanzezeur, 
Madame  Stolz,  Paul  Ricaut,  Madame  Bravy,  Charles  Lawson,  Sir  J.  Franklin, 
General  Jacqueminot,  William  Griffiths,  Devoniensis,  Emperor  Napoleon, 
Colonel  de  Rougemont,  Lafontaine,  Julie,  Duke  of  Cambridge,  Madame  Vidot 
Prince  de  la  Moskowa,  William  Jesse,  Souvenir  des  Braves,  Solfaterre,  Souvenir 
de  Leveson  Gower,  Caroline  de  Sansal,  Lord  Raglan,  Madame  Knorr,  Madame 
Masson,  Alphonse  de  Lamartin,  Madame  Heraud. — Class  I.,  letter  B.     Equal 


218  '-"IE    ELQEIST. 

1st.  Mr.  Tiley,  Bath — William  Jesse,  Madame  de  Cambaceres,  Dupetit  Thouars, 
P  us  IX.,  Comte  de  Nanteuil,  Mrs.  Rivers,  Jacques  Lafitte.  William  Griffiths, 
Madame  Knorr,  Devoniensis,  Gloire  de  Vitry,  Souvenir  de  Leveson  Gower, 
Baronne  Prevost,  Reiue  des  Fleurs,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  Geant  des  Batailles, 
General  Jacqueminot,  Vicomtesse  de  Gazes,  Caroline  de  Sansal,  Madame  Fhelip, 
General  Simpson,  Pauline  Lanzezeur,  Eveque  de  Nimes,  Cuintesse  Cecile  de 
Chabrillan,  Sydonie,  Jules  Margottiu,  Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  Madame  Domage, 
Alexandrine  Bachmeteff,  Louise  Odier,  Mere  de  St.  Louis,  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
Noemi,  Lord  Raglan,  Louise  Peyronny,  Madame  Masson,  Acidalie,  Duchess  of 
Sutherland,  Solfaterre,  Prince  Leon,  Mathurin  Regnier,  Paul  Ricaut,  Auguste 
Mie,  Mrs  Bosanquet,  Lady  Franklin,  Cardinal  Patrizzi,  Triomphe  de  l'Expo- 
sition,  Augustine  Mouchelet,  Madame  Laffay,  Madame  Vidot :  2nd  prize  to  Mr. 
C.  Turner,  Slough — Auguste  Mie,  Bacchus,  Baronne  Prevost,  Cardinal  Patrizzi, 
Caroline  de  Sansal,  Duchess  of  Norfolk,  Gloire  de  Dijou,  Duchess  of  Sutherland, 
Emperor  Napoleon,  General  Castellaue,  General  Jacqueminot,  General  Pelissier, 
General  Simpson,  Glory  of  France,  Imperatrice  des  Francais,  Jacques  Lafitte, 
Jules  Margottin,  La  Reiue,  Lord  Raglan,  Leon  des  Combats,  Madame  de 
Cambaceres,  Madame  Domage,  Madame  Hector  Jacquin,  Madame  Knorr, 
Madame  Laffay,  Madame  Marsel,  Madame  Masson,  Madame  Vidot,  Mdlle.  Alice 
Leroy,  Mathurin  Regnier,  Maxime,  Paul  Dupuy,  Pauline  Lanzezeur,  Prince 
Leon,  Queen  Victoria,  Robin  Hood,  Souvenir  de  Leveson  Gower,  Triomphe  de 
l'Fxposition,  William  Griffiths,  William  Jesse,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  Baronne 
Larray,  Charles  Lawson,  Coupe  d'  Hebe,  Paul  Ricaut,  Souvenir  de  Malmaison, 
Juno,  Charles  Duval,  Geant  des  Batailles,  Chenedole  ;  3rd  prize  to  Mr.  Hollamby, 
Tunbridge  Wells. 

Class  I.,  letter  C.  1st  prize  to  Mr.  Fraser,  Lea  Bridge  Road,  with  General 
Jacqueminot,  Jules  Margottin,  Lord  Raglan,  General  Castellane,  Duchess  of 
Norfolk,  Louis  Chaix,  Colonel  de  Rougemont,  Souvenir  de  Leveson  Gower, 
Pauline  Lanzezeur,  Madame  Heraud,  William  Griffiths,  Madame  Recamier, 
Devoniensis,  Madame  Vidot,  Triomphe  des  Beaux  Arts,  Duke  of  Cambridge, 
Prince  Leon,  Souvenir  des  Braves,  Mdlle.  Alice  Leroy,  Mdlle.  Therese  Appert, 
Victor  Trouillard,  Anna  Alexieff,  Triomphe  de  1' Exposition,  Due  de  Os.-ana  ;  2nd 
prize  to  Mr.  Laing,   Twickenham  ;  3rd,  Messrs.  Veitch  aud  Son,  Exeter. 

Class  II.,  letter  D.  1st  prize  to  C.  M.  Worthingon,  Esq.,  Caversham,  near 
Reading — Berenice,  Cynthia,  Dr.  Dielthem,  Transou  Goubault,  Colonel  Coombes, 
Dido,  Auguste  Mie,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  Madame  Hector  Jacquin,  Madame 
Masson,  Triomphe  de  Beaux  Arts,  Madame  Knorr,  Madame  Edward  Ory, 
Lawrence  Moutmorence,  Paul  Ricaut,  Solfaterre,  Polomeu,  Madame  Willermoz, 
La  Quintiuie,  Moiret,  Ophirie,  Prince  Leon,  Triomphe  de  l'Exposition, 
Devoniensis,  Coupe  de  Hebe,  Narcisse,  Leopoldine  d'Beauffremont,  Cornet,  Jules 
Margottin,  Belle  Marie,  Boula  de  Nanteuil,  Chenedole,  William  Jesse,  Duchess 
of  Sutherland,  Caroline  de  Sansal,  Colonel  de  Rougemont,  CEillet  Parfait,  Baronne 
Hallez,  Comte  de  Paris,  Pauline  Lanzezeur,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Julie  d'Etanges, 
La  Ville  de  Bruxelles,  Passhot,  Madame  Breon,  Emperor  Napokon,  Mrs. 
Bosanquet,  Cloth  of  Gold;  2nd  prize  to  Mr.  Holliiigworth,  Maidstone.  3rd 
prize  to  J.  T.  Hedge,  Esq.,  Colchester ;  4th  prize  to  Mr.  Terry,  and  W.  G. 
Puller,  Fsq.,  Youngsbury,  Herts. 

Class  II.,  letter  E.  1st  prize  to  Mr.  Moffet,  gardener  to  Viscount  Maynard, 
Easter  Lodge,  Dunmow,  Fssex— Lady  Stuart,  Pauline  Lanzezeur,  Madame  Vidot, 
Madame  Domage,  Paul  Dupuy,  William  Jesse,  Baronne  Prevost,  Madame 
Masson,  Comtesse  d'Orleaus,  Chenedole,  Cynthia,  Jules  Margottin,  General 
Jacqueminot,  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  Mrs.  Rivers,  Colonel 
de  Rougemont,  Prince  Leon,  Madame  Place,  Paul  Ricaut,  William  Griffiths, 
Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  Baronne  Hallez  ;  2nd  prize  to  Mr.  Thomas  Blake, 
Ware,  Herts ;  3rd  prize  to  J.  T.  Hedge,  Esq.,  Colchester ;  -1th  prize  to  Miss 
Crawshay,  Caversham  Park,  Reading. 

Class  II.,  letter  F.  1st  prize  to  C.  M.  Worthingtou,  Esq.,  Caversham, 
Reading — Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Jules  Margottin,  Baronne  Hallez,  Colonel  de 
Rougemont,  Madame  Masson,  Madame  Domage,  Lord  Raglan,  Emperor  Napoleon, 
Paul  Ricaut,  Cloth  of  Gold,  Madame  William,  Prince  Leon  ;  2nd  prize  to  Mr. 
Plester,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Rush,  Eleseham  Hall ;  3rd  prize  to  the  Rev.  H.  Helyar, 
Pendomer,  Yeovil. 


JULY.  219 

Class  III.,  letter  G.  1st  prize  to  W.  Cant,  Esq.,  Mile  End  Lodge,  Colchester 
— Boula  de  Nanteuil,  Madame  Schmidt,  Prince  Imperial,  Caroline  de  Sansal, 
Jules  Margottin,  Madame  Knorr,  Paul  Ricant,  Charles  Lawson,  General 
Jacqueminot,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  Prince  Leon,  Etendard 
des  Amateurs,  Souvenir  d'uu  Ami,  William  Jesse,  Geant  des  Batailles,  Kean, 
Devoniensis,  Eveque  de  Nimes,  Pauline  Lauzezeur,  Lord  Raglan,  Solfaterre, 
Coupe  d'  Hebe,  General  Jacqueminot ;  2nd  prize  to  Mr.  Thomas  Mallett, 
Nottingham;  3rd  prize  to  Mr.  Thomas  Walker,  Oxford. 

Class  III.,  letter  H.  1st  prize  to  W.  Cant,  Esq.,  Mile  End  Lodge,  Col- 
chester—Jules Margottin,  Madame  Masson,  Baronne  Prevost,  Comte  de  Nantueil, 
Lord  Raglan,  Boula  de  Nanteuil,  Solfaterre,  Coupe  d'  Hebe,  Devoniensis, 
Charles  Lawson,  Kean,  Souchet:  2nd  prize  to  Mr.  Thomas  Walker,  Oxford; 
3rd  prize  to  Mr.  Thomas  Mallet,  Nottingham  ;  4th  prize  to  Mr.  Thirland,  Oxford. 

Class  IV.,  letter  I.  Roses  in  pots.  1st  prize  to  Messrs.  Paul  and  Son, 
Cheshunt ;  2nd  prize  to  Mr.  E.  Francis,  Hertford. 


BROCCOLI. 
The  following  notes  on  this  useful  vegetable  are  taken  from  "  Thomp- 
son's Gardener's  Assistant."     My  own  experience   of  the  few  sorts  I 
grow  shall  be  given  in  your  next : — 

"  Early  Purple  Cape. — This  grows  from  a  foot  to  eighteen  inches 
high.  Leaves  nearly  entire,  erect,  waved ;  veins  and  midrib  stained 
purple.  Heads  middle-sized,  compact,  purplish  green,  the  whole 
becoming  green  when  boiled.  Sow  first  and  third  week  in  May,  for 
use  in  September  and  October.  A  longer  succession — namely,  till 
January — may  be  obtained,  if  required,  from  a  sowing  in  the  second 
week  in  June. 

"  Green  Gape. — Leaves  long,  narrow,  veins  and  mid-ribs  green. 
Head  greenish,  generally  covered  by  the  leaves  ;  comes  into  use  in 
October  and  November,  from  sowings  in  the  middle  of  May,  and  in 
December  if  sown  in  the  second  week  in  June. 

"  Sprouting. — A  strong-growing  hardy  sort,  from  two  to  three  feet 
high.  Leaves  spreading,  much  indented,  of  a  purplish  green.  The 
head  is  of  a  deep  purple  ;  the  first  one  close,  others  smaller  sprout  from 
the  axils  of  the  upper  leaves.  If  sown  in  April  it  produces  heads  or 
sprouts  fit  for  use  in  November.  After  the  first  head  is  cut  out  a 
succession  of  sprouts  is  produced  through  the  winter.  Near  London  the 
principal  sowing  is,  however,  made  in  the  first  or  second  week  of  May  ; 
but  if  the  ground  intended  to  be  planted  is  not  likely  to  be  cleared  of 
the  previous  crop  in  time  to  receive  the  Broccoli  plants  sown  in  the 
beginning  of  May,  before  they  get  too  old  in  the  bed,  the  sowing  must 
be  deferred  till  the  end  of  May  or  beginning  of  June  ;  and  from  these 
late  sowings,  heads  or  flower  sprouts  will  come  in  for  use  in  April. 

"  Green  Close- Headed. — The  plants  are  dwarf  and  hardy,  leaves 
large,  waved,  veins  white.  Heads  middle-sized,  growing  exposed,  of 
a  greenish  colour.  Sown  in  the  third  week  of  May,  it  produces  a 
succession  of  compact  heads  from  November  till  the  end  of  February. 

"  Late  Dwarf  Purple . — Very  dwarf  and  hardy.  Leaves  short, 
dark  green,  deeply  indented.  Heads  small,  conical,  deep  purple, 
becoming  fit  for  use  in  May.     Sow  in  the  second  or  third  week  in  May. 

"  Danish  or  Late  Green. — Leaves  long,  narrow,  much  undulated. 


220  THE    FLORIST. 

Heads  tolerably  large,  compact,  exposed,  and  of  a  greenish  colour  ;  fit 
for  use  in  April  and  May.  The  hardiest  and  best  for  withstanding 
severe  winters.     Sow  in  the  second  week  of  May. 

"  Dwarf  Brown. — Leaves  dark  green  with  white  veins.  Heads 
exposed,  yellowish  brown.  Sown  about  the  middle  of  April,  it  comes 
in  for  use  from  March  till  May. 

"  ChappeWs  Large  Cream-  Coloured, — A  very  large  sort,  which  comes 
in  earlier  than  the  Portsmouth,  and  continues  to  produce  throughout. 
the  winter.     Sow  about  the  middle  of  April  and  first  week  in  May. 

"  Portsmouth. — Leaves  large,  broad,  with  white  veins,  spreading, 
but  the  centre  ones  partially  cover  the  flower  or  head,  which  is  very 
large,  and  of  a  buff  or  cream  colour.  It  is  fit  for  use  in  March  and 
April.  A  hardy  sort  for  its  size,  and  requires  to  be  sown  in  the  first 
or  second  week  in  May. 

"  Sulphur. — Leaves  with  long  stalks.  Heads  large,  compact,  some- 
what conical,  sulphur-coloured,  sometimes  tinged  with  purple.  A  hardy 
sort,  in  use  in  April  and  May.  Sow  in  second  or  third  week  in  May. 
"  Mitchell's  Ne  Plus  Ultra. — Hardy  and  of  dwarf  habit.  Leaves 
smooth,  glaucous,  protecting  the  head,  which  is  large,  compact,  cream- 
coloured.     Sow  middle  of  March  and  middle  of  April. 

"  Grange's  Early  Cauliflower  Broccoli. — This  is  the  earliest  of  the 
white  kinds,  forming  a  succession  to  the  late  crop  of  Cauliflowers. 
Sown  in  the  first  and  third  weeks  of  May,  beautiful  heads  will  be 
produced  in  October,  November,  and  December.  In  the  southern  part 
of  the  kingdom  it  may  be  sown  in  June  for  use  in  January  ;  but  it  is 
better  to  trust  to  a  hardier  sort  for  a  supply  at  that  period  of  the  season. 
"  Cock's  Pari//  White. — This  is  a  very  excellent  sort  for  autumn  use. 
A  small  sowing  should  be  made  about  the  1st  of  May,  and  the  prin- 
cipal sowing  about  the  10th  of  that  month. 

"  Gillespie's  White. — A  fine  early  autumn  sort.  Sow  first  week  of 
May  and  June. 

"  Early  White. — Plants  tall,  with  erect  dark  green  leaves,  which 
are  nearly  entire.  Heads  close  in  texture,  and  of  a  very  white  colour. 
Season — November,  December,  and  January. 

"  Hammond's  White  Cape. — This  is  a  fine  white  autumn  sort,  but 
may  be  obtained  in  long  succession  if  sown  in  April,  and  monthly  till 
June ;  or  it  may  be  had  at  all  seasons  if  treated  the  same  as  the 
Walcheren  Cauliflower. 

"  Steward's  Early  White. — A  sort  much  esteemed  about  Edinburgh. 
Sow  first  week  in  May,  or,  in  the  north,  in  the  third  week  in  April, 
for  produce  in  December  and  January. 

"Adams'  Superb  Early  White. — A  good  autumn  sort.  Sow  middle 
of  April  and  first  week  in  May. 

"  Snow's  Superb  White  Winter  Broccoli. — Dwarf  habit ;  leaves 
broad,  with  short  petioles.  Heads  rather  large,  very  compact,  well 
protected  with  leaves,  white  and  equal  in  quality  to  those  of  the 
Cauliflower.  Sow  early  in  March,  first  week  in  May,  and  middle  of 
June  ;  the  produce  will  be  fit  for  use  in  November,  December,  January, 
and  March.  If  sown  in  the  middle  of  August,  protected  if  the  weather 
should  be  severe,  and  planted  out  early  in  spring,  they  will  come  in 


JULY.  221 

to  succeed  the  spring  Cauliflowers.  Many  prefer  this  sort  to  Grange's 
Early  Cauliflower  Broccoli. 

"  White  Cape. — This  forms  compact  heads  of  medium  size.  If 
sown  in  April  and  May,  it  is  in  season  throughout  January  and  February. 

"  Spring  While. — Leaves  large,  with  thick  white  veins,  encompassing 
the  head  so  as  to  render  it  invisible  when  fit  to  cut.  The  head  is  of 
medium  size,  very  white,  and  is  fit  for  use  in  April  and  May.  Sow 
third  week  in  April. 

"  Cock's  Late  White. — A  fine  close-headed  late  sort,  coming  in  for 
use  in  February  and  March.  The  leaf-stalks  are  somewhat  twisted, 
like  those  of  Knight  s  Protecting,  and,  consequently,  protect  the  head. 
Sow  first  week  in  May. 

"  Knight  %  Protecting. — Amongst  the  hardiest  of  the  white  sorts,  and 
excellent  when  it  can  be  obtained  true  ;  but  it  is  apt  to  degenerate. 
The  leaf-stalks  are  peculiarly  twisted,  so  as  to  encompass  and  protect 
the  head,  which  is  very  large  and  white.  Sow  in  the  third  week  in 
April  and  second  week  in  May. 

"  Melville's  Superior  Late  White  is  a  good  hardy  late  sort.  The 
writer  of  the  calendar  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  1847,  p.  471, 
states,  that  it  was  the  only  kind  he  saved  the  previous  severe  winter 
without  losing  a  single  plant. 

"  Elletson's  Gigantic  Late  White. — Stem  short ;  head  very  large  and 
fine  ;  fit  for  use  in  May  and  June.     Sow  middle  or  end  of  April. 

"  Miller's  Late  White. — This  is  an  old  variety ;  but  is  considered 
by  some  to  be  the  best  late  sort,  if  it  can  be  obtained  true.  It  is  hardy, 
and  requires  to  be  planted  early.     Sow  middle  of  April. 

"  Willcove  Broccoli. — This  is  a  good  very  late  dwarf,  and  compara- 
tively hardy  variety,  affording  a  supply  till  Cauliflowers  come  in.  It 
derives  its  name  from  a  small  village  near  Devonport,  noted  for  the  last 
forty  years  for  producing  the  latest  Broccoli,  and  where  this  variety  is 
said  to  be  grown  in  great  perfection. 

"  Ward's  Superb  Late  Whde. — A  new  sort,  stated  to  be  as  large 
and  as  white  as  a  Cauliflower.     Sow  in  the  end  of  April. 

"  The  varieties  above  noticed  are  too  numerous  ;  but  some  may  wish 
to  try  different  sorts,  in  order  to  ascertain  which  best  suits  their  soil, 
climate,  and  demand." 

Putney  Heath.  J.  S. 


BRITISH  POMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 

June  23. — The  prize  offered  by  this  society  for  the  best  collection  of 
Strawberries,  with  foliage  and  flowers,  was  awarded  to  Mr.  C.  Turner, 
Slough,  for  a  well-arranged  collection  of  24  varieties,  namely  : — Oscar, 
large,  rich  deep  colour,  a  firm  fruit,  of  excellent  flavour ;  British  Queen 
and  Carolina  superba,  these  two  kinds  maintained  their  position  as 
first-class  varieties,  for  delicious  flavour;  Sir  Charles  Napier,  very  large 
and  handsome  fruit,  a  little  acid,  and  yet  a  most  desirable  Strawberry  ; 
Wonderful,  a  long  large  fruit,  of  average  flavour,  rich  colour,  said  to  be 
a  great  cropper  ;  Adair  and  Nimrod,  handsome  deep-coloured  fruit, 


222  THE    FLORIST. 

poor  flavour,  and  considered  to  be  alike — the  same  was  considered  by 
the  meeting  to  be  the  case  with  Omar  Pacha  and  Rival  Queen,  but  both 
much  inferior  to  British  Queen ;  Filbert  Pine,  not  large,  but  fine 
quality  and  flavour — the  same  may  be  said  of  Prince  of  Wales  ; 
Doubleday's  No.  2  and  3  possessed  considerable  merit,  but  not  suffi- 
ciently good  or  distinct — No.  3  is  very  large  and  showy  ;  Elton  Pine, 
Keens'  Seedling,  Rivers'  Eliza,  Cinquefolia,  Hooper's  Seedling,  and 
Sir  Harry,  fine ;  Surprise  and  Admiral  Dundas,  both  large,  but  of 
indifferent  flavour ;  Black  Prince,  Incomparable,  and  Nicholson's  May 
Queen,  comprised  the  collection  ;  the  two  last  by  far  the  worst,  and  of 
no  value.  The  four  best  would  be  British  Queen,  Oscar,  Carolina 
superba,  and  Sir  Charles  Napier. 

Three  varieties  were  exhibited  for  the  prize  offered  for  the  best 
seedling.  It  was  awarded  to  Mr.  S.  Bradley,  Elton  Manor,  Notts,  for 
Oscar,  above  described ;  it  was  stated  to  be  an  excellent  grower,  and 
one  of  the  very  best  kinds  for  travelling. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — All  the  early  started  plants  in  this  class 
will  have  made  their  growth,  and  have  formed  their  bloom  buds  for 
next  year.  More  light  and  air  will  be  necessary,  and  less  water  to 
free  growing  plants,  to  ensure  a  good  set.  A  portion  of  the  earliest 
plants  may  be  placed  out  of  doors,  choosing  a  rather  shady  situation, 
and  one  protected  from  the  wind.  Young  plants  growing  on  for 
specimens  may  now  be  shifted  again,  and  kept  close  in  frames,  to  make 
them  start  afresh. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — There  promises  to  be  this  season  a  very 
fine  show  of  bloom,  and  likewise  early.  Careful  watering  must  be 
observed,  as  it  tends  to  prolong  the  duration  of  the  bloom.  Protect 
the  flowers  from  the  scorching  sun  and  from  wet.  Should  the  method 
of  piping  be  adopted  as  a  means  of  increasing  stock,  the  sooner  it  is 
attended  to  the  better,  otherwise,  layering  will  be  a  better  plan. 

Cinerarias. — Let  us  suppose  Cinerarias  to  be  now  cut  down  and 
placed  in  a  cool  shady  situation,  where  they  will  shortly  break  up,  and  give 
sucker?,  which  may  be  taken  off  as  soon  as  they  attain  the  length  of  an 
inch.  Prepare  the  cuttings,  and  place  them  round  the  edges  of  pots  or 
pans,  in  a  nice  sandy  compost ;  keeping  them  close  for  a  few  days  will 
insure  their  rooting.  Give  air  gradually,  and  pot  off  as  ready  into  a 
nice  loose  compost,  composed  of  turfy  loam  and  leaf-mould.  Sow  seeds 
in  a  cool  frame  or  shady  situation.  Prick  off  as  soon  as  large  enough 
to  handle  into  pans  or  small  pots,  according  to  convenience.  Prepare 
soils  as  advised  last  month,  and  turn  occasionally,  to  sweeten,  which  is 
indispensable  for  the  health  of  the  plants. 

Cold  Frames. — See  our  last  notice,  to  which  add  Achimenes,  which 
may  be  brought  forward  nicely  in  frames,  as  also  Lycopods  and  Ferns, 
if  kept  shaded  and  damp. 

Conservatory. — The  roof,  unless  well  covered  with  climbing  plants, 
will  require  shading  each  sunny  day ;  this,  however,  should  be  removed 


july.  223 

early  in  the  afternoon,  and  as  much  air  given  as  is  possible,  to  induce 
a  sturdy  growth  in  the  permanent  plants.  Well  wash  the  trees  over- 
head frequently,  and  also  attend  well  to  the  inside  borders.  Air  will 
be  given  all  night,  except  during  high  winds,  or  any  stormy  weather. 

Cucumbers,  &c. — During  very  hot  weather,  Cucumbers  should  be 
kept  shaded  from  the  midday  sun,  to  prevent  the  fruit  from  becoming 
bitter,  which  is  apt  to  he  the  case  during  the  hot  season,  particularly 
should  the  border  get  dry.  Tomatoes  should  be  trained  to  walls,  and 
stopped  when  they  have  shown  fruit  enough.  Water  freely  ridge 
Cucumbers  and  Vegetable  Marrows  during  dry  weather. 

Dalilias. — Watering,  mulching,  and  keeping  down  insects,  will  all 
help  to  make  these  grow  luxuriantly.  The  first  and  great  point  towards 
success  is  to  grow  a  fine  plant,  after  which  skill  and  judgment  in 
thinning  must  be  brought  to  bear  ;  and  nothing  but  close  observation 
will  accomplish  this,  as  scarcely  two  varieties  require  precisely  the  same 
treatment. 

Flower  Garden. — The  principal  work  to  be  done  in  this  department 
will  be  merely  of  a  routine  character — tying,  pegging,  pruning,  and 
training,  everything  in  its  way.  As  the  edging  of  flower  beds  is  now 
very  geneially  adopted,  these,  to  be  effective,  should  be  kept  very 
neat  and  regular.  Watering  will  be  required  to  most  things  until  they 
have  covered  the  ground.  Pinch  off  the  blooms  when  you  don't  want  a 
very  early  display,  until  the  plants  are  well  established,  when  the 
bloom  will  be  more  uniform  and  regular.  Hardy  Biennials  and 
Perennials  sown  this  spring  may  now  be  pricked  out  into  nursery  beds, 
to  remain  for  the  present.  Keep  hedges  neatly  cut,  and  the  Grass  and 
gravel  in  good  order  ;  then  an  air  of  high  keeping  may  pervade  the 
whole. 

Fruit  (hardy). — Nothing  more  can  be  done  to  wall  trees,  beyond 
what  we  stated  in  our  last.  Protect  Strawberries  and  bush  fruit  from 
birds.  Strawberry  runners  should  at  once  be  laid  into  small  pots  for 
forcing  and  after  planting.  Strawberries  will  require  very  liberal 
waterings  ;  and,  on  dry  soils,  Raspberries  and  bush  fruits  will  be  much 
benefited  by  mulching  over  the  surface,  between  the  plants,  and  a 
portion  of  the  summer's  wood  cut  away  immediately  after  gathering  the 
fruit,  if  not  before. 

Kitchen  Garden. — The  crops  of  autumn  Greens  and  Broccoli  should 
be  planted  as  quickly  as  the  ground  can  be  got  ready.  All  the  Kales 
(including  of  course  the  Cottager's),  Brussels  Sprouts,  and  Savoys, 
require  to  be  in  early.  As  these  crops  will  generally  follow  early  Peas 
or  Potatoes,  and  supposing  the  ground  manured  for  them,  no  further 
preparation  will  be  necessary,  beyond  digging  the  land  over.  A  good 
breadth  of  Endive  may  now  be  sown,  and  also  successional  crops  of 
Lettuces,  Spinach,  Radishes,  and  Carrots,  to  draw  young.  The  main 
crop  of  winter  Turnips  should  now  be  sown.  Snowball  and  Early 
Mousetail  and  Stone  are  the  best  garden  varieties.  The  last  crop  of 
Peas  may  now  be  sown,  using  any  good  early  sorts,  and  also  French 
Beans,  and  a  row  or  two  of  the  Mazagan  or  Dwarf  Bush,  and  Broad 
Beans  for  the  chance  of  a  few  in  October.  Celery  planting  should  be 
followed  up  at  every  opportunity.     Cauliflowers  and  Walcheren  Broccoli 


224  THE    FLORIST. 

may  also  be  planted,  and  the  last  sowing  to  come  in  this  year  should 
be  sown  at  once ;  we  prefer  the  VValcheren  Broccoli  and  Stadtholder 
Cauliflower  for  this  sowing.  Water  must  be  given  liberally  whenever 
the  ground  becomes  dry,  or  make  use  of  irrigation  when  practicable, 
on  which  a  very  excellent  paper  was  published  in  the  Florist  last  year. 
Melons. — The  more  light  and  air  Melons  can  be  supplied  with  during 
the  period  of  ripening,  the  higher  will  be  their  flavour.  Shading  such 
plants  as  the  Melon  is  decidedly  bad  practice,  but  constant  attention  to 
a  uniform  root  action,  by  keeping  a  moderate  bottom  heat,  is  indispen- 
sable. The  soil  in  which  they  grow  should  be  moist,  but  not  wet. 
Give  water  "  a  little  and  often,"  to  avoid  the  extremes  of  wet  and 
dryness,  which  would  be  fatal  to  the  crop.  Should  red  spider  attack 
the  foliage,  wash  the  interior  sides  of  the  pit  or  frame  with  a  little  sulphur. 
There  is  still  time  to  plant  for  the  latest  crop. 

Peach-house. — As  the  fruit  is  cleared,  go  over  the  trees,  and  remove 
any  useless  wood  not  required  for  bearing  next  year.  The  trees  should 
be  kept  well  washed  every  morning,  to  keep  down  insects,  and  have  a 
large  supply  of  air,  to  assist  in  ripening  the  wood.  If  the  trees  are 
young,  or  are  making  too  strong  wood,  keep  the  border  quite  dry ; 
on  the  contrary,  weak  trees,  or  which  have  been  overcropped,  should 
have  waterings  of  manure  water  applied  two  or  three  times  during  the 
next  two  months. 

Pelargoniums. — After  flowering,  let  the  plants  be  exposed  to  the 
sun  and  air,  to  cause  the  wood  to  well  ripen  before  being  cut  down. 
Fumigate  freely  to  destroy  aphis,  which  adheres  strongly  to  them. 
Cuttings  put  in  now  will  strike  freely  out  of  doors  in  a  sheltered  situ- 
ation, in  a  mixture  of  light  sandy  soil.  The  fancy  varieties  should  be 
struck  in  pots,  and  kept  in  a  cool  house  for  a  time,  giving  a  little  fire- 
heat.     Compost  should  now  be  prepared  for  autumn  use. 

Pinery. — The  plants  for  producing  winter  fruit  should  now  be 
showing  fruit,  and  will  require  plenty  of  air,  to  get  the  shows  up  strong. 
The  first  batch  of  plants  to  fruit  next  season  early  should  now  be  suffi- 
ciently advanced  to  be  potted  into  fruiting  pots.  Pot  on  successions  as 
they  require  it ;  also  the  suckers  taken  from  the  present  season's  stools. 
Pinks  andPansies. — Propagate  these  by  the  usual  method  of  pipings ; 
the  latter  will  require  a  shady  border,  but  Pinks  do  best  on  a  slight  hot- 
bed. 

Vinery. — When  the  fruit  is  all  cleared  from  the  early  house,  let  the 
foliage  be  kept  well  washed  daily,  and  every  means  taken  to  keep  the 
leaves  healthy,  as  long  as  possible,  to  invigorate  the  Vines  for  another 
season.  The  inside  borders,  if  become  dry,  should  also  be  watered, 
taking  proper  care  of  the  foliage.^  Vines,  though  early  forced,  may  be 
kept  in  a  good  productive  state  for  many  years.  We,  last  season,  took 
up  the  Vines  in  a  house  which  had  produced  ripe  Grapes  the  first  week 
in  May,  for  twenty  consecutive  years.  Attend  to  late  Grapes,  by  thinning 
those  not  yet  set,  and  other  points  of  treatment.  Outside  borders,  after 
the  late  dry  weather,  may  require  water,  but  all  will  depend  on  the 
composition. 


J^jbidreH-s.Delt  &  Zinco. 


Eugene  Appert. 
Plate  154. 


PrmtecL  by  C.  Chi 


AUGUST.  225 

ROSE,  EUGENE  APPERT. 

[Plate  154.] 

For  the  following  account  of  this  beautiful  Rose,  prefaced  by 
a  few  well-timed  remarks  on  the  late  great  National  exhibition 
of  this  Queen  of  flowers  in  the  Hanover  Square  Rooms,  we  are 
indebted  to  our  excellent  correspondent,  "  S.  R.  H."  He 
says  : — 

It  may  interest  some  readers  of  the  Florist  to  have  details  of  the 
development  of  a  "  National  Rose  Show  "  from  one  who  has  watched 
it  "  behind  the  scenes."  Well  then,  when  even  Regent  Street  is  still, 
and  all  its  costly  stores  are  barred  and  shuttered,  there  comes  at  sun- 
rise, to  the  Square  of  Hanover,  a  hansom  cab,  which,  stopping  at  "  the 
rooms,"  sets  down,  to  the  especial  gladness  of  its  horse,  a  "  Geant " 
secretary,  a  gardener  "  of  robust  habit,"  Rose-boxes  and  carpet  bags 
galore.  The  bell  is  answered  by  a  porter,  who,  doubtless,  wishes  the 
exhibition  at  Jerusalem,  and  murmurs  to  himself  "  The  Rose  be 
blowed,"  as  he  pilots  the  secretary  through  the  dark  passages,  where 
forms  are  standing  upon  each  other  without  any  ceremony,  and  up  the 
darker  staircase  to  the  room.  There  the  new  light  of  day  reveals  to  the 
rejoicing  Rose-grower  that  his  stanch  and  faithful  ally,  Mr.  Edwards, 
has  all  in  readiness  the  lists  set  out  for  the  tournament,  and  the  course  in 
excellent  order  for  the  race,  and  that  he  has,  in  consequence,  nothing  to 
do  but  to  unpack  his  stationery  in  the  room  appropriated  to  him,  to  take 
a  look  at  his  Roses  (a  very  brief  one,  for  the  day  is  too  early  for  his 
midland  garden),  and  then  to  await  the  arrival  of  his  friends.  They  do 
not  keep  him  long  in  suspense.  Before  six  o'clock,  two  tilted  waggons, 
which  have  travelled  through  the  summer's  night  from  the  grand 
gardens  of  Hertfordshire,  stand  at  the  portals,  ready  to  unload  ;  and  as 
the  covering,  which  has  screened  those  dainty  passengers  from  wind  and 
dust,  is  opened,  you  may  see  two  such  collections  of  Roses  in  pots,  as 
make  the  eyes  sparkle  and  the  nose  rejoice.  To  what  shall  we  compare 
them  ?  They  might  be  a  bevy  of  beautiful  Sabine  girls,  decked  in  their 
festival  attire,  and  hiding  in  a  corner  from  the  Romans ;  but  the  latter, 
you  see,  have  discovered  them  at  last,  and  bear  them  away  ruthlessly. 

And,  now,  light  wain  and  cart  and  cab  arrive  in  quick  succession. 
The  cry  is  still  they  come.  Enthusiastic  amateurs,  who  have  been  up 
all  night,  heavy  of  eye,  and  hairy  of  lip,  longing  for  bath  and  razor,  but 
longing  still  more  to  see  how  their  Roses  have  travelled,  and  as  anxious 
about  each  individual  bloom  as  though  it  were  their  first-born  babe. 
And,  smiling  at  their  earnestness,  "  old  hands  "  and  men  of  business, 
taught  by  defeat  as  well  as  by  victory,  and  by  the  vicissitudes  of  a 
hundred  fights,  not  to  be  over  confident  or  over  careful.  Yes,  they 
smile,  well  pleased  to  see  in  others  the  zeal  which  they  have  known  and 
lost,  and  I  verily  believe  would  give  up  all  their  experience,  all  their 
medals  and  their  cups,  to  feel  once  more  in  their  fulness  the  first 
ambitions  of  youth. 

But  there  is  no  time  now  for  scrutiny  of  others,  or  surmise  as  to  their 
thoughts,  for  the  boxes  are  unlocked,  or  unhooked  (as  the  rase  may  be), 

VOL.   XII.,   no.    cxc.  Q 


22G  THE    FLORIST. 

and  all  are  bending  anxiously  and  fondly  over  their  treasures.  Alas ! 
that  "  Gallica"  so  large  in  form,  so  resplendent  in  colour,  when  we 
placed  it  carefully  in  its  tube,  and  said,  with  a  sigh,  "if  it  will  but 
carry."  Behold  it  quantum  mutata  I  What  a  restless,  feverish  night 
it  must  have  had,  staring  about  it  with  that  great  green  "  eye,"  and 
tossing  off  its  clothes,  its  loliage  I  mean,  all  over  the  box.  Don't  talk 
to  me  about  "  Kean,"  or  "  Shakspere"  no  Rose  with  either  name 
would  ever  show  itself  in  such  undress  when  just  about  to  be  "  staged." 
Ah,  here's  another  disappointment !  That  beautiful  bud  of  some 
delicate  Noisette  or  Tea,  which  we  trusted  would  expand  en  roule  to 
the  show,  looks  more  hard-headed  than  ever,  and  though  we  blew  into 
it  for  a  fortnight,  would  not  display  its  charms.  There,  you  have  broken 
two  petals  with  that  ivory  implement,  and  have  spoilt  your  Rose.  You 
may  play  tricks,  my  friends,  with  some  of  her  subjects,  but  not  with 
the  Queen  of  flowers,  so  keep  your  breath  for  wiser  purposes  than  the 
attempt  to  amplify  her  beauty,  and  look  among  your  spare  Roses  for  a 
successor  to  that  unhappy  piece  of  immaturity. 

And,  now,  all  is  arranged.  .The  Rose-grower,  with  an  artist's  eye, 
and  with  a  lady's  finger  (for  those  large  sunburnt  hands  of  his  ever 
touch  a  Rose  with  reverent  care  and  tenderness),  has  made  the  most  of 
his  flowers,  and,  stepping  back  a  pace  or  two,  surveys  them,  well 
content.  Nothing  now  remains  but  to  "stage"  them,  and  he  has  long 
since  selected  a  delightful  place,  cool,  but  with  a  good  light  upon  it. 
Away  he  goes,  bearing  his  Roses  before  him,  and  meets  about  a  score 
of  his  brethren,  who  have  made  the  same  judicious  choice  of  a  suitable 
site  for  their  flowers.  It  is  plain  that  all  cannot  have  it,  unless  the 
boxes  are  piled  one  upon  the  other,  and  as  this  might  take  from  the 
beauty  of  the  exhibition,  away  they  go  to  the  secretary.  Behold  them 
crowding  around  him,  carrying  their  Roses  in  front,  as  though  they 
were  jewellers,  bringing  their  choicest  cases  for  inspection.  And 
assuredly  in  his,  the  secretary's,  eyes  never  were  gems  so  bright  and 
beautiful.  A  glorious  display,  but — "  What  will  he  do  with  it?  "  All 
is  confusion,  and  yet,  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  the  censors  will  be  here. 
The  tall  official,  beset  by  the  exhibitors,  like  a  Giraffe  run  down  by 
bloodhounds,  is  just  beginning  to  despair,  when  his  trusty  knight,  Sir 
John,  makes  a  sharp  sally  to  the  rescue,  and  lo!  the  disputants  disperse 
— letter  H.  no  longer  insists  on  showing  his  12  varieties  with  letter  A's 
100,  but  goes  quietly  off  to  the  place  assigned  to  him,  and  all  ere  long  is 
peace. 

Peace,  and  order,  and  perfect  beauty !  Ofttimes  has  that  spacious 
room,  roused  from  its  normal  dreariness  (and  it  is  not  a  cheery 
chamber,  I  can  tell  you,  to  tread  alone  at  four  in  the  morning),  but 
transformed  into  a  scene  of  life  and  brilliance,  but  never  saw  such 
loveliness  as  this ;  for 

"  Never  yet  since,  high  in  Paradise, 
O'er  the  four  rivers  the  first  Roses  blew," 

has  the  Queen  of  the  Flowers  held  such  a  Court.  The  Pope  himself, 
Pius  IX.,  H.P.,  attended  by  Cardinal  Patrizzi  and  the  Bishops  of 
Nimes  and  of  Meaux;  the  {>ld  Queen  of  Denmark,  blushing  with 
righteous  anger  to  hear  that  one   of  the  new  Perpetuals  has  coolly 


AUGUST. 


227 


usurped  her  title  ;  the  Queen  of  the  Belgians ;  our  own  dear  sovereign 
Lady,  Queen  Victoria;  the  Empress  Eugenie  (bright  red,  fine  form, 
and  full,  according  to  the  catalogues),  and  near  her,  of  course,  the 
Emperw  Napoleon,  very  sanguinary  in  aspect,  but  still  looking  rather 
small  in  the  society  of  Charlemagne  and  Frederic  the  2nd ;  and  all 
around  Princesses  and  Princes,  Marshals,  Dukes,  and  Duchesses, 
Generals,  and  Poets,  and  Painters — the  beauty  and  the  brains  of  the 
world  !  Yet  here  hath  pride  no  place  :  Homer  and  Shakspere  converse 
with  William  Lobb  ;  and  the  Mother  of  St.  Louis  shrinks  not  from  the 
side  of  Bacchus. 

Now,  what  must  have  been  the  feelings  of  a  bashful  young  Rose 
suddenly  introduced  into  such  an  august  society  ?  Young  ladies  at 
their  first  ball,  young  gentlemen  in  their  first  tailed-coat,  may  form 
some  feeble  conjecture — feeble,  because  they  have  had  some  previous 
knowledge  of  the  world  ;  but  in  the  case  to  which  I  refer  there  existed 
no  such  experience.  No,  it  is  a  fact  that  Master  Eugene  Appert  had 
actually  never  left  the  nursery  until  his  worthy  guardian,  Mr.  Standish, 
introduced  him,  with  many  a  kind  word  of  praise  and  encouragement, 
into  the  midst  of  this  dazzling  scene,  this  glorious  assemblage  des 
Beautes.  Well  might  he  petition  for  that  place  in  an  obscure  corner 
of  the  room,  from  which  he  never  stirred  throughout  the  day,  blushing 
vividly  in  his  nervous  excitement,  and  longing  but  not  daring  to  speak 
to  those  lovely  ladies  in  white*  close  to  him,  resting  gracefully  upon 
their  mossy  couch,  after  their  long  journey  from  pleasant  Devon. 

And  who  shall  attempt  to  describe  his  painful  state  of  trepidation, 
when,  wishing  that,  if  it  were  possible,  he  might  sink  into  his  tube  of 
zinc,  and  be  for  ever  hidden,  he  saw  the  censors  draw  near  to 
scrutinise  ?  Or  who,  on  the  other  hand,  shall  essay  to  tell  of  all  his 
pride  and  ecstasy,  when  kindly  words  of  recognition  and  of  praise  were 
spoken  pleasantly  to  his  listening  ear,  when  he  heard  the  judges  say 
that  they  knew  his  papa,  the  celebrated  Geanf  des  Batailles  :  that  they 
were  intimately  acquainted  with  his  dear  old  French  master,  M.  Victor 
Trouillard,  and  had  recently  seen  his  near  relations,  his  sisters,  Alice 
Leroy,  Rebecca,  and  Stephanie  Beauharnais ;  his  brothers  Patrizzi, 
Francois  Arago  and  Francois  Premier,  and  his  uncle,  Doctor  Bre- 
tonneau.  How  must  his  delight  have  culminated  and  overflowed,  when 
they  expressed  their  positive  opinion  that  he  would  prove  himself  "  a 
better  man  than  his  father  ;"  declared  him  to  be  "  a  decided  addition 
to  the  Rosarium,"  and  finally  inscribed  upon  a  card  above  him,  "  Much 
admired  and  approved  by  the  censors." 

Eugene  Appert  (to  leave  off  mcta;»hor)  is  a  very  beautiful  new  Rose, 
raised  by  M.  Victor  Trouillard,  and  having  much  of  the  gorgeous 
colouring  which  enriches  the  flower  of  that  name.  '  To  those  who  saw 
the  three  blooms  of  Victor  Trouillard,  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Cant,  of 
Colchester,  at  the  National  Rose  Show,  this  resemblance  will  sound  as 
no  mean  compliment ;  but  we  may,  I  think,  indulge  in  still  higher 
eulogy,  and  assert,  that  both  in  arrangement  of  its  petals,  in  the  beauty 
of  its  foliage,  and  the  robust  healthfulness  of  its  vigorous  growth,  the 
Rose  Eugene  Appert  is  superior  to  Victor  Trouillard.     This  combina- 

*  Mr.  Veitch's  box  of  Devouieusis. 


228  THE    FLORIST. 

tion  of  strength  and  beauty  is  to  be  especially  commended  at  a  time 
when  so  many  of  our  new  Roses  are  sadly  defective  in  constitution — 
like  dolls,  beautiful  in  lace,  but  with  nothing  to  support  their  bodies  of 
bran  but  those  thin,  distorted  rickety  legs,  which  cannot  be  induced  to 
stand  at  any  price.  But  Eugene  Appert  is  hale  as  handsome,  not 
glowing  with  that  hectic  flush  which  foretells  a  rapid  decline,  but  with 
the  enduring  bloom  of  perfect  health — health  which  keeps  the  flowers 
beautiful  for  some  days  after  they  have  been  severed  from  the  tree,  and 
this  makes  the  Rose  especially  valuable  to  those  who  grow  for  exhibition. 

S.  R.  H. 


STRAWBERRIES. 


The  Strawberry  crop  here  has  been  abundant,  and  the  fruit  generally 
has  been  fine.  Of  the  new  Strawberries,  the  following  is  a  true 
description,  and  may  be  depended  upon. 

Belle  Bordelaise,  raised  from  the  old  Hautbois,  and  like  it  in  leaf, 
fruit,  and  flavour,  is  quite  excellent.  The  plants  were  sent  to  me  on 
the  26th  of  April,  by  Mons.  F.  Gloede,  arriving  here  some  days  later  ; 
and  though  planted  in  a  discourteous  spring,  the  fruit  was  ripe,  under 
a  south  wall,  in  the  first  week  in  June.  I  think  it  will  supersede  the 
old  Hautbois,  of  which  I  have  had  a  good  crop  of  fair  sized  and  delicious 
fruit.  The  Bicton  Pine,  called  also  Barnes'  Large  White,  of  amber 
colour,  is  an  acquisition,  and  of  nice  flavour.  This,  though  sent  at  the 
same  time,  ripened  a  fortnight  later,  in  the  centre  of  the  garden .  The 
Black  Hautbois,  sent  at  the  same  time,  has  also  produced  a  few  berries 
of  very  dark  hue,  and  of  good  flavour.  Of  Rivers'  Eliza,  sent  to  me 
by  Mr.  Rivers,  and  also  by  Mons.  P.  Gloede,  I  saved  a  few  berries, 
and  I  think  it  will,  when  known,  become  a  great  favourite.  Its  form, 
habit,  flavour,  and  quality  are  very  good.  The  plant  is  vigorous,  and 
when  deeply  rooted,  will  be  a  great  cropper.  Ananias  Lecoq  Pine,  of 
a  peculiar  flavour,  is  a  robust  plant,  and  heavy  cropper.  The  fruit  is 
large,  and  the  flesh  solid  ;  it  is  the  best  winterer  of  any  here.  I  had  a 
fine  dish  of  it  at  my  annual  Strawberry  entertainment  on  Friday,  the 
8th  July,  which  was  much  admired  for  its  size  and  deep  red  colour. 
Madame  Vilmorin  (Gloede),  of  the  Queen  race  and  flavour,  is  a 
vigorous  plant,  but  shy  bearer.  Her  fruit  is  very  large  and  delicious, 
yet  softer  than  the  Queen.  The  dense  green  colour  of  the  foliage  is 
very  strifcng.  These  Strawberries  I  shall  increase,  and  cast  off  Adair 
and  Cremont's  Perpetual,  both  heavy  croppers  and  both  good  forcers. 

The  other  twenty -five  varieties  sent  me  by  Monsieur  F.  Gloede  I 
disfruited,  and  shall  not  be  able  to  speak  of  them  till  this  time  next  year. 

Filbert  Pine  I  tasted  at  Mr.  May's  at  Blandford,  and  I  considered  it 
of  excellent  flavour.  Cinquefolia  I  saw  during  his  absence,  but  did  not 
taste  it ;  he  and  Mr.  Hector  say  it  is  very  good  ;  the  berries  of  it  were 
very  large,  and  of  an  oblong-round  form.  Nimrod  I  tasted  there,  and 
thought  it  better  than  many.  The  British  Queen  (leaving  out  the' 
Hautbois  tribes)  is  still  the  best.  I  have  had  good  crops  on  my  two 
and  three  years  old  plants,  and  the  fruit  was  of  large  size.     Mr.  May's 


AUGUST.  229 

crop  of  her  on  two  years  old  plants,  both  for  size  and  quantity,  was 
wonderful.  The  leaves  of  the  plants  were  tied  back  to  let  in  the  sun, 
and  the  heavy  crop  of  fruit  was  suspended  on  lines  of  string,  which  is 
the  best  way  to  colour  her  to  her  tips.  Bricks,  slates,  and  glass  burn 
the  stems  and  calyx.  Evidently  the  Queen,  where  properly  cultivated, 
is  one  of  the  best  croppers.  She  likes  strong  and  highly  manured  land, 
deeply  trenched.  Mr.  Tatchell  Bullen,  who  lives  below  Bridport,  told 
me,  that  in  his  strong  ground,  the  British  Queen  grew  into  large 
bushes,  and  cropped  wonderfully.  I  have  had  one  of  my  large  plants 
photographed  by  Mr.  Rogers  of  Blandford.  The  plant  had  278  berries, 
the  greater  part  of  which  were  ripe,  and  some  over  ripe.  I  believe  it 
to  be  Keens'  Seedling,  though,  from  the  pubescence  of  its  stems  and  the 
height  and  size  of  the  plant,  Mr.  Ingram  thinks  it  is  not.  I  have 
fifteen  ranks  of  it,  two  feet  apart,  and,  when  Viscount  Curzon  was  here 
to  see  my  Roses,  he  counted  the  stems  of  one  plant,  and  found  it  had 
twenty-five.  The  plants  are  two  years  old,  and  were  planted  with 
peat  charcoal.  The  portrait  of  the  plant  was  taken  by  the  expressed 
wish  of  my  kind  friend,  Monsieur  F.  Gloede,  for  whom  it  is  designed, 
on  his  arrival  at  Rushton. 

W.  F.  Radclyfpe. 


NOTES,  QUERIES,  AND  ANSWERS. 
In  reply  to  "  Grape  Grower  " — Budding  Vines  is  no  modern  practice  ; 
our  recollection  of  its  being  practised  goes  back  25  years.  Vines  may 
be  budded  from  this  season  to  March  next,  with  the  almost  certainty 
of  their  producing  fruit  from  the  same  buds  next  season,  provided  the 
buds  are  sufficiently  ripened  when  inserted,  and  the  stock  is  headed 
back,  to  give  them  a  fair  chance.  The  operation  requires  great  nicety, 
as  you  must  insert  a  part  of  the  wood  with  the  eye,  and  cut  a  corre- 
sponding piecS  of  the  bark  of  the  stock  to  insert^he  bud,  taking  great 
care  that  the  eye  inserted  fits  very  closely  the  incision  made  to  receive 
it.  Our  plan  is  to  take  a  piece  of  the  wood  containing  the  eye  to  be 
budded,  with  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  of  wood  above  and  below  the 
eye,  split  the  wood  down  the  middle,  make  the  cut  smooth,  and  square 
the  ends.  We  then  cut  a  corresponding  piece  out  of  the  bark  of  the 
stock,  which  must  be  done  very  cleanly,  so  as  not  to  rupture  the  bark  ; 
then  fit  in  the  eye,  and  bind  up  closely  with  gummed  tape  or  matting, 
using  a  little  clay  or  not,  as  you  please.  If  the  stock  at  the  time  of 
budding  can  be  partly  cut  back  it  will  assist  the  buds  taking,  which  in 
ordinary  cases,  and  on  young  stocks,  will  soon  he  the  case.  We  have 
found  the  best  stocks  to  be  the  West's  St.  Peter's,  Hamburgh,  Black 
Damascus,  Barbarossa,  or,  indeed,  any  strong  vigorous  growing  Vine, 
excepting  the  Cannon  Hall,  on  which  we  could  never  make  buds  take 
well.  Budding  Vines  in  a  similar  manner  to  Roses  we  never  saw 
practised,  nor  do  we  think  it  practicable,  but  the  plan  detailed  is 
simple  and  safe.  We  should  say  a  well  ripened  bud,  inserted  now  or 
in  September,  on  a  healthy  stock,  and  the  top  cut  down  to  the  eyes 
next  winter,  would  produce  fruit  next  autumn  to  a  certainty. 


230  TUE    FLORIST. 

Raspberries. — My  Raspberry  canes  last  year  died  back  fully  one- 
third,  and  I  have  a  very  inferior  crop.  What  am  I  to  do?  R. — 
Your  Raspberries,  like  many  others,  were  attacked  by  mildew ;  as  a 
preventive  for  another  season,  thin  out  the  old  wood  at  once,  and  wash 
the  present  year's  canes  with  the  Gishurst  Compound  advertised  in 
our  columns,  dissolving  2  «z.  to  the  gallon  of  water,  and  syringe  them 
over  two  or  three  times  at  intervals  of  a  week  between  ;  a  strong  solution 
of  soapsuds  mixed  with  sulphur  would  do — the  former  is  preferable. 
The  disease  has  been  very  general  this  year. 

Broccoli. — I  should  very  much  reduce  the  list  of  Broccolies  in  your 
last.  Had  I  the  privilege  of  recommending  I  should  say  the  following 
would  answer  every  purpose : — Purple,  white,  and  pink  Cape.  Sow  in 
May  and  June  where  they  are  to  stand  ;  season,  October  to  Christmas. 
Snow's  Winter.  Sow  in  April  and  May,  earlier  north  of  the  Trent ;  will 
last  from  November  to  February,  and  even  March,  and  is  unequalled. 
Frogmore  Protecting  (true).  Sow  as  above ;  lasts  from  February  to 
April  ;  the  best  of  its  season.  Dalmeny.  The  largest  and  most 
compact  Broccoli  for  the  season  ;  March,  April,  and  May.  Mitchell's 
hardy  Cauliflower  will  succeed  this  in  May. 

Cloth  of  Gold  Rose. — In  reference  to  the  pruning  or  non -pruning  of 
this  Rose  producing  blooms,  I  may  observe  that  la^t  year  I  budded  a 
strong-growing  Bourbon  Rose,  which  had  been  planted  at  the  end  of 
my  house  by  mistake,  with  a  score  of  buds  of  this  Rose,  every  one  of 
which  has  produced  a  truss  of  bloom. on  shoots  not  more  than  five  or 
six  inches  long,  Whether  this  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  kind  of  stock 
or  the  warm  aspect  (south-east),  or  the  dry  nature  of  the  soil,  your 
readers  must  decide.     I  have  the  same  results  with  Lamarque. 


TUNBRIDGE  WELLS  HORTICUTURAL  FETE. 
This  exhibition,  which  took  place  in  July,  was  honoured  by  the 
presence  of  the  ex-Queen  of  the  French,  and  other  members  of  the  late 
royal  family  of  France,  including  the  Due  d'Aumale,  the  Comte  d'Eu, 
&c. ;  and,  the  day  being  remarkably  fine,  was  attended  by  between 
4000  and  5000  visitors.  The  plants  were  staged  in  a  large  tent  in  the 
grounds  of  the  Calverley  Park  Hotel ;  the  band  of  the  Royal  Artlillery 
attended,  and  the  scene  was  a  very  gay  one.  At  eleven  o'clock  the 
tents  were  cleared,  and  the  adjudication  began,  the  judges  being  the 
Rev.  H.  H.  Dombrain  of  Deal,  and  Mr.  Cox,  gardener  to  W.  Wells, 
Esq.,  Redleaf. 

The  plants  exhibited  on  the  occasion  would,  we  hesitate  not  to  say, 
not  have  disgraced  the  exhibitions  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  or  the  Regent's 
Park.  In  floricultural  language,  nothing  could  have  been  better 
"done"  than  some  of  those  which  obtained  the  chief  prize,  in  Mr. 
McMurdo's  collection,  especially  the  Allamanda  cathartica,  and  Stepha- 
notis  floribunda,  which  were  very  fine,  while  the  Vincas  of  Mr.  Reed 
were  a  model  of  good  growth.  In  the  collection  of  six  greenhouse  and 
stove  plants  there  was  in  those  which  obtained  the  first  prize  a  beau- 
tifully bloomed  plant  of  Ixora  coccinea,  while  the  Medinilla  of  Alderman 


AUGUST.  231 

Salomons  was  greatly  and  deservedly  admired.  It  was  too  late  in  the 
season  for  Pelargoniums,  but  the  winning  lot,  both  of  florist  and  fancy 
varieties,  was  exceedingly  well  bloomed,  and  the  smallness  of  the  pots  in 
which  they  were  grown  fully  entitled  them  to  the  place  of  honour  which 
they  held.  The  variegated  and  handsome  foliaged  plants  were  all  that 
could  be  desired,  and  those  who  had  the  arrangement  of  the  tent  did 
well  to  place  them  In  the  position  which  they  occupied.  Besides  those 
exhibited  for  competition,  a  very  large  number  of  plants  were  forwarded 
by  Mr.  Reed,  Mr.  Alderman  Salomons,  and  the  Rev.  Geo.  Goldney  : 
the  Balsams  of  the  latter  were  fine,  as  were  the  Verbenas,  among  which 
was  a  promising  seedling.  A  very  large  collection  of  cut  Roses  was 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Hollamby,  and  a  smaller  one  by  Mr.  Mitchell ; 
amongst  them  were  excellent  blooms  of  General  Jacqueminot,  Prince 
Leon,  Cardinal  Patrizzi,  Triomphe  des  Beaux  Arts,  and  indeed  most  of 
the  leading  varieties.  The  fruit  was  decidedly  poor,  and  the  offer  of  a 
five  guinea  prize  for  a  collection  of  six  varieties  ought  to  have  brought 
together  a  much  larger  and  better  selection. 

We  would  venture  to  suggest  to  those  gentlemen  who  have  the 
management  of  the  show  that  they  do  not  give  quite  encouragement 
enough  to  amateurs  and  owners  of  small  gardens  and  greenhouses. 
Very  few  people  can  get  together  such  plants  as  Mr.  Reed  or  McMurdo 
exhibited,  and  therefore  we  think  that  if  prizes  were  awarded  for 
Balsams,  cut  Roses,  Verbenas,  &c,  &c,  they  would  have  many  more 
exhibitors,  and  a  wider  interest  taken  in  the  success  of  the  society.  As 
it  is,  it  seems  to  rest  on  the  exertions  of  some  eight  or  nine  persons,  as 
far  as  the  exhibition  of  plants  is  concerned.  In  such  a  neighbourhood 
as  Tunbridge  Wells  this  ought  not  to  be.  Let  there  be  a  wider  basis 
(a  more  liberal  one  there  cannot  be),  and  we  venture  to  say  success 
will  attend  the  effort.  To  the  Rev.  Geo.  Goldney  we  feel  the  thanks  ot 
all  interested  in  it  are  greatly  due  ;  to  his  indefatigable  industry  and 
zeal  the  immense  success  which  was  achieved  was  in  a  great  measure 
due.  Those  who  know  nothing  of  these  things  are  little  aware  what  a 
tax  it  is  upon  the  time  and  means  of  any  one  who  undertakes  it ;  so 
" palmam  qui  meruit,  fer  at" 


ROYAL  BOTANIC  SOCIETY,  REGENT'S  PARK. 

July  6. — This,  the  society's  last  exhibition  for  the  present  season, 
took  place  under  the  most  favourable  circumstances — the  weather  was 
fine,  plants  fresh  for  July,  and  fruit  in  abundance.  The  company, 
including  royalty,  was  both  numerous  and  fashionable.  The  society  has 
just  concluded  the  most  successful  season  it  has  experienced,  with  the 
exception  of  1851.  It  is  also  the  first  year  since  the  establishment  of 
this  society  that  the  three  annual  exhibitions  have  taken  place  without 
even  a  passing  shower. 

Mr.  Whitbread,  gardener  to  H.  Colly er,  Esq.,  showed  as  usual  a 
beautiful  collection  of  16  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  all  large,  and  for 
the  most  part  well  flowered.     Among  them  were  Rondeletia  speciosa, 


232  THE    FLORIST. 

Dracophyllum  gracile,  Phamocoma  proliferum,  immense  bushes  of 
Ixora  javanica  and  coccinea,  Dipladenia  crassinoda,  Pleroma  elegans, 
one  of  the  very  handsomest  of  autumn  blooming  greenhouse  plants,  its 
beautiful  deep  purple  blossoms,  each  as  large  and  round  as  a  five- 
shilling  piece,  being  very  conspicuous.  The  same  exhibitor  also  sent 
handsome  plants  of  Erica  obbata,  Leschenaultias,  Vincas,  and  Roella 
ciliata,  whose  flowers  though  pretty  are  ill  set  off  by  the  foliage,  which 
is  rusty  and  dead  looking.  Mr.  May,,  gardener  to  J.  Spode,  Esq., 
again  showed  a  charming  group  of  16  plants,  some  of  which  had,  how- 
ever, this  time  suffered  a  little  from  travelling ;  nevertheless,  others  as 
Ixora  crocata  and  javanica,  Dipladenia  splendens  and  crassinoda, 
Pleroma  elegans,  Phoenocoma  proliferum,  Aphelexis  sesamoides,  some 
Cape  Heaths,  and  Statice  imbricata,  were  all  that  could  be  desired.  The 
same  excellent  cultivator  also  sent  a  charming  specimen  of  the  white- 
flowered  Ixora,  quite  a  cone  of  blossoms  from  top  to  bottom.  Among 
plants  from  Mr.  Peed,  who  also  showed  in  this  class,  were  admirable 
examples  of  Erica  mutabilis,  Dipladenia  crassinoda,  Vincas,  yellow  and 
white -flowered  Cape  Heaths,  an  Azalea  still  in  good  condition,  Ever- 
lastings, the  white  and  Java  Ixoras,  Cyrtoceras  reflexum,  and  the  white 
Dracophyllum  gracile.  In  a  group  of  16  from  Mr.  Rhodes,  chiefly 
small  plants,  were  pretty  specimens  of  Pleroma,  Kalosanthes,  Cyrtoceras, 
Allamandas,  and  the  seldom  seen  Bartonia  ericoides. 

Smaller  collections  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  were  furnished  by 
Messrs.  Cutbush,  Fraser,  Green,  Page,  Baxendine,  and  Chilman. 
These  consisted  chiefly  of  Vincas.  Everlastings,  Clerodendrons,  Stepha- 
notis,  Allamandas,  Dipladenias,  Rhynchospermums,  Heaths,  Tetratheca 
verticillata,  Kalosanthes,  the  seldom  shown  Lapageria  rosea,  Statice 
Holfordi,  Pavetta  Caffra,  and  Phoenocoma  proliferum.  The  last  when 
well  grown  and  flowered,  though  somewhat  Thistle-like  in  appearance, 
is  nevertheless  a  handsome  plant. 

Of  plants  remarkable  for  fine  foliage,  magnificent  collections  were 
furnished  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  Jackson,  Young,  Cutbush,  and  Bunney. 
Among  them  were  Palms,  Marantas  of  different  kinds,  Coleus  Blumei 
and  pectinatus,  Crotons,  Rhopalas,  Cissus,  tree  Ferns,  Dieffenbachias, 
Theophrasta  imperialis,  Calathea  zebrina,  Aspidistra  lurida  variegata, 
Dion  edule,  Dioscoreas,  Farfugium  grande,  Caladiums,  one  of  the 
handsomest  of  which  is  Chantini ;  variegated  Yuccas  and  Begonias. 
Of  the  last  named  plants  Mr.  Barnes,  of  Camberwell,  showed  a  fine 
collection,  in  which  were  Rex,  argentea  splendens,  Griffiths!,  Queen, 
Princess  Alice,  Water- witch,  and  Prince  of  Wales,  all  large-leaved  and 
handsomely  variegated.  Mr.  Cole,  of  Manchester,  also  contributed  a 
fine  kind  called  Marshalli,  with  large  leaves  strikingly  variegated  with 
broad  silvery  markings. 

Cape  Heaths  ■  were  shown  in  admirable  condition  and  tolerable 
abundance  Among  them  was  nothing  new.  We  observed,  however, 
beautiful  plants  of  obbata,  Jasminiflora  alba,  and  Metuloeflora  bicolor  ; 
the  last  a  very  handsome  variety  with  rich  rosy  pink  flowers  tipped 
with  white.  Of  the  Hartnelli  ajid  aristata  breeds  there  were  also  some 
good  samples. 

Orchids,  though  not  plentiful,  were  for  the  most  part  well  flowered 


AUGUST.  233 

Messrs.  Gedney  and  Bullen  again  showed  excellent  collections,  as  did 
also  Messrs.  Woolley,  Carson,  Rhodes,  May,  and  Page.  In  the 
different  groups  were  fine  plants  of  the  handsome  Cattleya  superba, 
Cypripedium  villosum,  White  Butterfly -plant,  the  singular-looking 
Coryanthes  macrantha,  White  Phaius,  the  yellow  Anguloa  Clowesi, 
Dendrobes  of  different  sorts,  Miltonia  spectabilis,  Epidendrum  verru- 
cosum,  Odontoglossum  hastilabium,  the  green-tailed  Dendrochilum 
filiforme,  Saccolabium  Blumei  and  guttatum,  Aerides  odoratum,  and 
others,  Stanhopea  tigrina,  various  Oncids,  Sobralia  macrantha,  and  one 
or  two  varieties  of  Brassia. 

Of  new  plants,  Messrs.  Veitch  sent  Fentstemon  Jeffreyi,  a  pretty 
blue -flowered  kind  from  California,  with  a  tinge  of  pink  in  it;  a 
Bilbergia,  with  a  large  branching  spike  of  pale  pink  blossoms  ; 
Calanthe  Dominii,  with  numerous  spikes  of  pink  flowers ;  a  small 
canary-blossomed  Calla,  the  singular  Ceratodactylis  Osmundoides ; 
Pteris  argyrsea,  with  large  fronds  striped  with  white  ;  Platycerium 
Wallichii,  from  Moulmein ;  two  kinds  of  Blandfordia,  Clianthus 
Dampieri,  Chamaebates  foliolosa,  Dichorozanclra  vittata  discolor,  with 
leaves  striped  with  red  ;  Spraguea  umbellata,  a  pink  and  white  woolly- 
flowered  plant  from  California ;  iEschynanthus  tricolor,  Boehmeria 
argentea  from  South  America,  and  Cyanophyllum  magnificum.  both 
remarkable  for  the  size  and  beauty  of  their  leaves ;  and  Philesia 
buxifolia.  Messrs.  Parker  and  Williams  furnished  the  pretty  white 
and  blue  flowered  Statice  brassicaefolia,  the  double  yellow  Datura,  a 
variegated  Tussilago,  an  Anaectochilus,  Tydsea,  and  Begonia;  also  some 
rare  Ferns,  Maranta  fasciata,  and  others  ;  and  a  yellow-flowered  grey- 
leaved  Centaurea.  From  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson  were  the  white 
Portlandia  platantha,  Gazania  splendens,  a  spreading  silvery-leaved 
plant  with  handsome  orange  flowers.  Messrs.  Low  showed  several 
Bornean  plants,  some  of  which  were  without  names ;  others  were  a 
variegated  variety  of  Franciscea  confertiflora,  Myrsine  picta,  Gona- 
tanthus  cuprea  (?)  with  metallic -like  foliage,  Pothos  argyraea,  the  new 
greenhouse  shrub  Chamaebates  foliolosa,  from  California ;  Plocostemma 
lasianthum,  an  Asclepiad  with  bunches  of  tawny  orange-coloured 
flowers  not  unlike  those  of  Cyrtoceras  reflexum  ;  Spraguea  umbellata, 
and  Gcethea  strictiflora,  whose  naked  stem  was  ornamented  with  flowers 
enclosed  within  crimson  bracts,  in  which  the  chief  beauty  of  the  plant 
resides. 

The  display  of  cut  Roses  was  excellent ;  beautiful  collections  of  50 
sorts  were  furnished  by  Messrs.  Paul,  Fraser,  Francis,  Lane,  and 
Mitchell.  Among  the  varieties  were  Victor  Trouillard,  Comte  de 
Nanteuil,  Queen  Victoria,  Mathurin  Regnier,  Charles  Lawson,  Madame 
Hector  Jacquin,  Kean,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  William  Griffiths,  Madame 
Vidot,  General  Simpson,  Niphetos,  Prince  Leon,  Paul  Perras,  Louis 
Peyronney,  Boule  de  Nanteuil,  Crested  Moss,  Louise  Magnan,  Juno, 
Madame  William,  Devoniensis,  Jules  Margottin,  Augusta,  Alphonse 
Karr,  Baronne  Prevost,  Felicite  Parmentier,  Auguste  Mie,  Pius  the 
Ninth,  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Vicomtesse  Decazes,  Coupe  d'Hebe, 
Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  Narcisse,  Duchesse  d'Orleans,  Marie  Thierry, 
Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  Eveque  de  Nimes,  Mrs.  Rivers,  Joan  of  Arc, 


234  IHE    FLORIST. 

Ohl,  Duchess  of  Buecleuch,  Souvenir  dela  Reine  d'Angleterre,  La  Reine, 
Duchess  of  Norfolk,  Madame  Knorr,  I.  Gray,  Lord  Raglan,  Caroline 
de  Sansal,  Triomphe  de  Rennes.  Of  single  blooms,  24  varieties,  Mr. 
Turner,  of  slough,  sent  Devoniensis,  Glory  of  France,  La  Reine,  Gloire 
de  Dijon,  Eveque  de  Nimes,  Gloire  de  Vitry,  Cloth  of  Gold,  Louise 
Peyronney,  Madame  Domage,  Mrs.  Rivers,  Victor  Trouillard,  Madame 
Willermoz,  Salvator  Rosa,  Larnarque,  Enfant  du  Mont  Carmel, 
Adelaide  Fontaine,  Niphetos,  Prince  Imperial,  William  Griffiths,  Lord 
Raglan,  Madame  Vidot,  Ohl,  General  Jacqueminot,  and  Jules  Margottin. 
Of  bunches,  24  kinds,  from  private  growers,  Mr.  Wilcox,  gardener  to 
Miss  Crawshay,  had  Charles  Lawson,  Paul  Perras,  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
Lord  Raglan,  Larnarque,  Jules  Margottin,  Madame  Hector  Jacquin, 
Madame  E.  Ory,  Paul  Ricaut,  Duchess  of  Norfolk,  Auguste  Mie, 
Moiret,  Crested  Moss,  Salvator  Rosa,  Devoniensis,  Great  Western, 
Solfaterre,  H.  General  Jacqueminot,  H.  P.  General  Jacqueminot, 
Madame  de  Cambaceres,  Coupe  de  Hebe,  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  Napoleon, 
Baronne  de  Wassenaer,  and  Madame  de  Manoel.  Of  Cloth  of  Gold  we 
noticed  a  boxful  from  Pymms  House,  Edmonton.  Mr*  Standish  had 
also  good  blooms  of  Eugene  Appert. 

Pelargoniums  in  large  numbers  were  contributed.  Some  were  good, 
others  very  inferior.  The  best  came  from  Mr.  Turner,  Mr.  Wmsor, 
Messrs.  Dobson  and  Son,  Mr.  Gaines,  and  Mr.  Bragg.  Private 
growers  were  Mr.  Bailey,  Shardeloes ;  Mr.  Shrimpton,  gardener  to  A. 
J.  Doxat,  Esq.,  Putney  Heath  (the  collections  from  these  two  very 
fine);  Mr.  Weir,  gardener  to  —  Hodgson,  Esq. ;  Mr.  Tandy,  gardener 
t  E.  Saunders,  Esq.,  Putney  Heath ;  and  Mr.  Baillie,  gardener  to  W. 
C.  Carbonell,  Esq.,  Harrow  Road.  Varieties  still  in  good  colour,  and 
which  evidently  stand  sunshine  well,  were  Etna,  Cynthia,  R.  Benyon, 
Prince  of  Prussia,  Monarch,  Empress  Eugenie,  Sir  Colin  Campbell, 
Guillaume  Severyns,  Madame  Furlardo,  Ariel,  Bianca,  King  of  Scarlets, 
Fairest  of  the  Fair,  Marvellous,  Flora,  Meteora,  and  the  Bride.  These, 
one  and  all,  were  good.  Among  fancies  the  following  were  the  best : — 
Bridesmaid,  Acme,  Mrs.  Turner,  Columbine,  Rosabella,  Zoe,  delicatum, 
Captivator,  Cloth  of  Silver,  Celestial,  and  Madame  Sontag.  Mr.  King- 
horn  sent  Christina  and  Sheen  Rival,  and  Messrs.  E.  G.  Henderson 
their  new  kind  called  Imperial  Crimson  Nosegay. 

Pinks  and  Pansies  were  getting  over,  but  there  were  some  remark- 
ably fine  Carnations  and  Picotees.  Mr.  Turner  sent  24  varieties  of 
each,  very  large  and  bright,  namely  :  Carnations. — Mayor  of  Notting- 
ham, Poor  Tom,  Mr.  Tugwell,  Sir  G.  Brown,  Prince  Albert,  Justice 
Shallow,  National,  Mars,  Christopher  Sly,  Seedling,  Ascendant, 
Seedling,  Antinio,  Juno,  Exit,  Earl  Stamford,  Seedling,  Tenby  Rival, 
Sir  H.  Havelock,  Garland,  Mayor  of  Oldham,  Friar  Lawrence,  Seed- 
ling, Admiral  Curzon.  Picotees. — Charlemagne,  Emma,  Rival  Purple, 
Rev.  A.  Matthews,  Mr.  Hobbs,  Cedo  Nulli,  Miss  Holbeck,  Prince 
Arthur,  Mrs.  Norman,  Amy  Robsart,  Countess  Alice,  Mary,  Mrs.  May, 
Mrs.  Drake,  Eliza,  Miss  Charlotte,  Prince  of  Wales,  Duke  of  Devon- 
shire, Mrs.  Strachan,  Prince  Albert,  Finis,  Ne  Plus  Ultra  seedling. 
Mr.  Norman,  of  Woolwich,  also  sent  a  stand  of  each,  in  collections  of 
12  varieties,  very  pretty,  but  much  less  in  size.     Mr.   Bragg  sent  24 


AUGUST.  235 

Carnations  and  the  same  number  of  Picotees,  the  latter  included  some 
pretty  yellow  kinds.  A  certificate  was  awarded  to  a  fine  scarlet  flake, 
named  Sir  H.  Havelock  (Puxley)  ;  the  Rev.  A.  Matthews  and  Rival 
Purple,  two  heavy-edged  Picotees,  were  very  fine. 

Verbenas  were  shown  only  in  a  cut  state ;  several  collections  were 
shown.  The  only  prize  awarded  was  to  Mr.  Turner,  for  Nostradamus, 
Mrs.  Pennington,  Fairy,  conspicua,  Gem,  Lord  Elgin,  Ajax,  Lady  Peto, 
Lord  Raglan,  Comet,  Leviathan,  Earl  of  Shaftesbury,  Novelty,  Venus, 
Satanella,  Matilda,  Catherine,  Lord  Clyde,  Verdi,  Sir  J.  Outrain, 
Monsieur  Hardy,  La  Magicienne,  Charles  Dickens,  Mrs.  Maclean. 
Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  of  Birmingham,  received  a  certificate  for  Clara,  a  rose 
Verbena.  A  pretty  seedling,  blue  with  white  eye,  named  Lady  Dover, 
was  shown  in  a  growing  state,  and  promises  to  be  fine. 

Fuchsias  wire  largely  contributed  and  in  finer  condition  than  usual. 
The  fault  was  that  too  great  a  proportion  of  the  kinds  was  dark.  The 
best  came  from  Mr.  Oubridge,  gardener  to  —  Foster,  Esq.,  Stamford 
Hill,  Mr.  Bray,  of  Regent's  Park,  being  second.  The  best  kinds  were 
Little  Bopeep,  Clio,  Fairest  of  the  Fair,  Venus  de  Medici,  Gen.  Williams, 
Souvenir  de  Chiswick,  Peer  of  England,  Queen  of  Hanover,  Honeyball, 
Wonderful,  Guiding  Star,  and  Rose  of  Castile. 

Of  Ferns  two  or  three  collections  were  shown.  The  best  came  from 
Messrs.  Baillie,  Bunney,  and  Gedney.  They  contained  fine  plants  of 
Gleichenias,  and  other  favourite  sorts,  the  names  of  which  have  been 
given  in  former  reports. 

Of  miscellaneous  subjects  Mr.  Ivison,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland  at  Sion,  showed  immense  leaves  of  Victoria  Regia  in 
shallow  tanks ;  also  the  pink  Nympha^a  Devoniana,  together  with 
examples  of  the  white  and  blue  kinds,  and  of  Nelumbium  speciosum. 
We  also  noticed  finely  flowered  specimens  of  Lisianthus  Russellianus, 
a  plant  now  rarely  to  be  met  with,  and  the  handsome  Vallota  purpurea. 

Calceolarias  were  shown  in  good  condition  by  Mr.  Cole,  of  St. 
Alban's.  Of  shrubby  kinds  the  best  were  Magnet,  rosy  crimson ; 
Orion,  yellow;  aurea  floribunda,  Amazon,  and  Queen  of  Yellows. 

Of  Phloxes  two  handsome  sorts  were  shown  by  Mr.  Turner ;  one,  a 
white  kind,  was  named  Blanche,  the  other  was  lilac  and  named  Model. 

Petunias,  both  double  and  striped,  were  exhibited  by  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson.  Among  them  the  most  striking  were  M.  Henry  Jacotot, 
purple  blotched  with  white  ;  Coquette,  and  Ernest  Benary,  the  last  a 
Carnation  striped  sort;  M.  F.  Beosl,  semi-double  crimson  ;  Madame 
de  Pruins,  and  Virgo  Maria,  pale  rose,  very  double.  The  last-named 
firm  also  contributed  some  extremely  showy  varieties  of  Dianthus 
sinensis  giganteus.  They  were  of  various  colours,  varying  from  deep 
crimson  to  pale  pink  striped  or  blotched,  or  mottled  with  white,  each 
Sower  measuring  not  less  than  2^  inches  in  diameter !  The  effect 
produced  by  a  mass  of  such  blossoms  as  we  have  just  described  may 
therefore  be  easily  conceived. 

Of  fruit  there  was  a  large  display.  Pine  Apples  especially  were 
excellent,  beautiful  examples  of  this  fruit  being  shown  by  Messrs. 
Davies,  Floud,  Young,  and  Page.  Mr.  Floud's  Pines  in  particular 
have  been  very  fine.     A  Providence,  weighing  11  lbs.  4  oz.,  was  shown 


236  THE    FLORIST. 

by  that  grower  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on  the  8th  ult.,  and  at  the  exhi- 
bition held  here  on  the  15th  ult.  he  furnished  a  Queen  weighing  6  lbs. 
5  oz.,  an  Enville  6  lbs.  10  oz.,  and  a  Providence  11  lbs.  9  oz.  Nor 
were  his  fruit  inferior  on  this  occasion.  Messrs.  Povey,  Davies,  Young, 
and  Oates  also  showed  fine  fruit  of  the  last  named  variety.  Queens 
came  from  Messrs.  Dalrymple,  Fryer,  Page,  Halliday,  and  Temple ; 
and  a  Prickly  Cayenne,  an  extra  fine  specimen,  weighing  8-Jlbs.,  came 
from  Mr.  Bailey,  Shardeloes.  We  also  noticed  two  very  fine  specimens 
of  Enville. 

Of  Grapes,  Mr.  Drewitt,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Cubitt,  the  Denbies,  near 
Dorking,  sent  admirable  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh,  and  Grizzly  and 
White  Frontignan.  These  were  each  perfect  of  their  kinds,  and  fully 
maintained  the  reputation  for  good  Grape  growing  which  this  excellent 
grower  has  already  attained.  Not  less  remarkable  were  three  bunches 
from  Mr.  Allport,  gardener  to  H.  Ackroyd,  Esq.,  Doddington  Hall, 
Cheshire.  These  were  Black  Hamburgh,  West's  St.  Peters,  and  Golden 
Hamburgh.  The  latter  was  stated  to  have  been  from  a  bud  inserted 
in  a  very  old  Vine  on  the  18th  Feb.  last  year.  The  fruit  exhibited 
was  ripe  on  the  10th  ult.,  and  was  larger  than  that  of  the  sort  on 
which  it  was  budded.  Messrs.  Wortley,  Frost,  Page,  Bousie,  Wood, 
and  Turnbull  also  showed  well  in  this  class.  Of  Black  Hamburgh  the 
best  dishes  came  from  Messrs.  Young,  Henderson,  Little,  Hill, 
Sawkins,  Page,  Harrison,  Simpson,  and  Perkins.  Beautiful  bunches 
of  West's  St.  Peters  came  from  Mr.  Allport,  and  fine  fruit  of  this  variety 
also  came  from  Messrs.  Williamson,  Turner,  Turnbull,  and  Tillyard. 
Of  Muscats  the  ripest  and  most  perfect,  though  by  no  means  the  largest, 
were  shown  by  Mr.  Ingram,  gardener  to  J.  J.  Blandy,  Esq.  Mr. 
Allport  and  Mr.  Turnbull  also  showed  very  fine  Muscats.  Fine  bunches 
of  the  Bowood  variety  came  from  Mr.  Thomson  of  Dalkeith,  but 
generally  the  Muscats  were  not  ripe.  The  best  basket  of  12  lbs.  was 
contributed  by  Mr.  Hill,  gardener  to  R.  Sneyd,  Esq.,  Keele  Hall, 
Staffordshire.  Messrs.  Hodson,  Bailey,  Thomson,  and  Jackson  also 
furnished  good  baskets,  chiefly  of  Black  Hamburgh.  Of  White 
Hamburgh,  Mr.  Bailey  showed  three  very  fine  bunches  ;  of  Golden 
Hamburgh  we  noticed  several  exhibitions,  but  none  so  good  as  Mr. 
Allport's.  A  remarkable  fact  connected  with  this  Grape  is  that  those 
from  budded  Vines  were  much  rounder  in  the  berry  than  others  from 
plants  on  their  own  roots.  Of  pot  Vines  there  were  exhibitions  from 
Messrs.  Standish,  Alderson,  Ivison,  and  others.  Mr.  Standish's,  both 
Muscats  and  Black  Hamburghs,  were  extremely  good,  the  bunches 
being  large,  and  the  Muscats  especially  well  ripened,  though  the  only 
places  they  had  to  grow  in  were,  as  we  understood,  low  pits  heated 
with  dung  and  leaves. 

Of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  beautiful  exhibitions  of  four  dishes  each 
came  from  Messrs.  Miller,  Henderson,  Thomas,  Turnbull,  Little,  and 
Allen.  The  sorts  were  chiefly  Royal  George,  Bellegarde,  and  Noblesse 
Peaches,  and  Violet  Hative,  Elruge,  and  Pitmaston  Orange  Nectarines. 
Of  two  dishes,  the  best  came  from  Messrs.  Dawson,  Judd,  Rutland, 
Sawkins,  and  Miller.  Grosse  Mignonne  Peaches,  large  and  fine,  came 
from  Mr.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Widdowson. 


AUGUST. 


23 


Of  Apricots  only  one  dish  was  shown.  They  came  from  Mr. 
Cameron,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Richmond  at  Goodwood. 

Figs  :  Brown  Turkey  and  Lee's  Perpetual  were  contributed  by 
Messrs.  Page,  Snow,  Ruffet,  Hutt,  and  Bousie.  We  also  noticed  a 
dish  of  the  Violet  Fig,  the  fruit  of  which  was  nearly  black. 

Cherries  came  from  Messrs.  Bousie,  Wood,  Snow,  and  Widdowson. 
The  sorts  were  Elton,  May  and  Late  Duke,  and  Morello. 

Strawberries  were  furnished  by  Messrs.  Bailey,  Sage,  Turner, 
Kimberley,  and  Tillyard.  Among  the  sorts  were  Bicton  White, 
British  Queen,  Myatt's  Eleanor  and  Surprise,  Admiral  Dundas,  Sir 
C.  Napier,  Stirling  Castle  Pine,  Carolina  Superb,  Filbert  Pine,  Crimson 
Queen  (large  deeply-furrowed  late  kind),  Adair  (a  large  dark  kind), 
and  Nimrod.  Of  seedlings  the  best  was  Oscar,  the  merits  of  which 
may  now  be  considered  established.  It  is  certainly  the  best  flavoured 
of  large  kinds,  and  being  a  great  cropper  must  soon  find  a  place  in 
every  garden.     This  was  shown  by  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough. 

Melons  were  numerous.  The  best,  however,  were  Scarlet  Gem  and 
Orion,  the  latter  green-fleshed.  The  former  has  been  successful  at 
every  show  this  season. 

Of  Apples  a  dish  of  the  variety  called  French  Crab  was  again  exhi- 
bited, still  in  an  excellent  state  of  preservation. 

Miscellaneous  collections  of  fruit  came  from  Messrs.  Turnbull, 
Dawson,  Thomas,  Ruffet,  and  Davies,  the  names  being  put  down  in 
the  order  in  which  the  prizes  were  awarded.  In  the  first  lot  were 
Pine  Apples,  Strawberries,  West's  St.  Peters  and  Muscat  Grapes, 
Royal  George  Peaches  and  Elruge  Nectarines,  Bousie's  Incomparable 
Melon,  a  handsomely  netted  sort ;  Violet  Figs  and  May  Duke  Cherries. 
The  second  group  consisted  of  Providence  and  Queen  Pine  Apples, 
Black  Hamburgh  and  Chasselas  Musque  Grapes,  Myatt's  Surprise  and 
Sir  Harry  Strawberries,  Melons,  Royal  George  Peaches,  and  Violet 
Hative  Nectarines  and  Cherries.  In  the  third  lot  were  Queen  Pines, 
Muscadine  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  British  Queen  Strawberries, 
Violet  Hative  and  Royal  George  Peaches,  and  Golden  Perfection  Melon. 
In  the  other  two  collections  were  Queen  Pines,  Black  Hamburgh 
Grapes,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Strawberries,  and  Cherries. 


REV.  MR.  RADCLYFFE'S  ROSES 
The  following  particulars  of  a  visit,  which  I  made  by  invitation  to  Mr. 
Radclyffe's  residence  at  Rushton  Rectory,  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic 
and  extensive  Rose  amateurs  in  this  country,  may  not  peihaps  be 
uninteresting. 

In  your  June  number  of  this  year  you  will  observe  that  my 
approaching  visit  to  the  rectory  was  mentioned,  and,  as  I  have  been 
for  many  years  an  ardent  admirer  and  cultivator  of  the  Queen  of 
flowers,  I  hailed  with  gladness  the  birth  of  the  day  which  was  to  bear 
me  to  the  south-west.  After  a  wearisome  journey  of  above  three 
hundred  miles,  lightened  however  by  the  pleasure  which  I  enjoyed  by 


238  THE    FLORIST. 

anticipation,  I  arrived  at  my  destination,  and  received  as  hospitable  a 
welcome  as  possibly  could  be  desired.  After  a  few  hours'  rest,  in 
company  with  my  host  I  sallied  forth  into  his  garden,  and  can  truly 
say  that  such  a  glorious  and  dazzling  floral  sight  I  never  witnessed 
before.  To  me,  who  had  never  seen  the  national  flower  cultivated  by 
an  amateur  to  such  an  extent,  the  first  effect  was  overwhelming,  and 
it  was  enhanced  when  I  found  that  they  were  with  rare  exception  in 
prime  condition.  The  foliage  in  particular  was  splendid,  so  healthy, 
large,  and  clean,  and  the  blooms  so  perfect  and  of  so  large  a  size,  as 
could  only  have  been  produced  by  superior  management  and  incessant 
attention.  These,  my  first  impressions,  were  strengthened  by  a  minute 
examination,  which  spread  over  several  days.  The  following  summer 
Roses  especially  arrested  my  attention  and  admiration  : — Paul  Ricaut, 
General  Jacqueminot,  Chenedole,  Princess  Clementine,  Madeline, 
Charles  Lawson,  La  Ville  de  Bruxelles,  Adele  Prevost,  Kean,  General 
Lamoriciere,  Triomphe  de  Jaussens,  and  Cynthia  ;  these  were  fine, 
exquisite,  and  fit  for  exhibition.  The  autumnal  Roses  were  numerous 
and  most  beautiful ;  among  those  in  bloom,  the  following  especially 
attracted  my  notice  by  their  superiority  in  the  qualities  which 
render  the  Rose  so  seductive  to  its  admirers : — Prince  Leon,  Jules 
Margottin,  Triomphe  de  l'Exposition,  Triomphe  de  Paris,  General 
Simpson,  Pauline  Lanzezeur,  Comte  de  Montego,  Comte  de  Nanteuil, 
William  Griffiths  (fine  form),  Ornament  des  Jardins  (lovely),  Mathurin 
Regnier,  Caroline  de  Sansal,  Souvenir  cle  Leveson  Gower,  Dupetit 
Thouars,  Henri  Lecoq,  Durment  de  Urville,  Colonel  de  Rougemont 
(very  large  and  fine),  Louis  Peyronney  (most  lovely),  Madame  de 
Cambaceres,  Madame  Phelip,  Madame  Place,  Geant  des  Batailles, 
Duchess  of  Norfolk  (in  fine  bloom  and  most  beautiful),  General  Jacque- 
minot, Prince  Noir,  Deuil  de  F.  Willermoz,  and  Emperor  Napoleon  ; 
the  last  is  a  brilliant  gem,  and  the  two  preceding  are  nearly  black 
flowers  of  great  attraction.     Moskowa  was  not  yet  in  bloom. 

Among  the  novelties  or  newer  Roses,  I  had  the  pleasure  to  see 
Rebecca,  Monsieur  Ravel,  Eveque  de  Nimes,  Lord  Palmerston, 
Cardinal  Patrizzi  (a  beautiful  and  dark  crimson,  very  darkly  shaded), 
Lord  Raglan,  and  Toujours  Fleuri.  I  confess  that  among  these  beau- 
tiful Roses,  Madame  Vidot,  Prince  Leon,  Jules  Margottin,  Kean,  Paul 
Ricaut,  Simpson,  Comte  de  Nanteuil,  Montego,  Triomphe  de  Paris, 
General  Jacqueminot,  H.C.,  Lord  Raglan  (the  best  of  the  Geant  race), 
Triomphe  de  l'Exposition,  Mathurin  Regnier,  William  Griffiths,  Eveque 
de  Nimes,  Monsieur  Ravel,  Henri  Lecoq,  and  Caroline  de  Sansal,  won 
my  affections;  but  the  Rose  which, par  excellence,  enchanted  me  was 
Madame  Vidot ;  it  is  pre-eminently  beautiful — a  perfect  gem,  replete 
with  floral  grace.  The  most  remarkable  Rose  which  I  saw  in  point  of 
prodigality  of  bloom  was  Solfaterre — upon  a  single  tree  of  this  Rose  I 
counted  no  fewer  than  406  blooms,  and,  though  this  fact  may  appear 
incredible  to  some,  your  readers  may  rely  upon  the  accuracy  of  my 
statement,  for  I  was  at  great  pains  to  ascertain  the  correct  number  for 
curiosity  sake. 

In  confirmation  of  the  above  statements,  I  may  mention  that  on  the 
22nd  of  June,  Mr.  Radclyffe  exhibited  at  Wimborne  over  100  Roses, 


AUGUST.  239 

winning  the  first  prizes  for  six,  twelve,  and  twenty-four,  and  also  a 
second  prize  for  a  collection.  I  think  that  the  day  before  the  show,  and 
eavly  in  the  morning  of  the  exhibition  day,  we  must  have  cut  at  least 
170  Roses  of  varied  hues,  including  yellow,  white,  black,  purpled 
crimsons,  and  fiery  centred,  with  purple  and  slate  edges ;  of  the  latter 
class,  I  saw  General  Jacqueminot,  H.C ,  and  consider  it  one  of  the 
finest,  most  beautiful,  and  perfectly  shaped  of  the  summer  Roses,  and 
worthy  to  cope  with  the  best  autumnals.  But.  in  my  admiration  of  my 
favourite  flower,  I  must  not  overlook  the  Peach  trees  and  Strawberry 
plants  which  adorn  my  worthy  host's  garden  ;  considering  the  bad  spring 
which  has  prevailed  all  over  France  and  England,  the  fair  quantity  of 
the  former,  and  4he  size,  variety,  and  quantity  of  the  latter  delicious 
fruit,  are  quite  surprising. 

I  am  afraid  I  have  already  trespassed  too  much  upon  your  space,  but, 
before  I  part  from  you,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  I  would 
gladly  travel  twice  the  distance,  between  six  and  seven  hundred  miles, 
though  it  be  to  enjoy  such  a  feast  again.  I  am  an  enthusiast  in  the 
Rose  cause,  and  have  seen  many  fine  collections  of  this  flower,  but  that 
was  such  a  sight  as  no  lover  of  the  Rose  can  realise  by  mere  contempla- 
tion. To  the  rev.  gentleman,  therefore,  whose  kindness  afforded  me 
such  a  treat,  I  beg  to  tender  my  most  sincere  thanks. 

Jno.  Milne. 

Derringham,  Spring  Bank,  Hull,  July  8. 


THE   HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

The  proposed  scheme  for  making  a  grand  ornamental  garden  at  Ken- 
sington Gore  will  have  been  read  by  every  Fellow  of  the  Society  with 
the  deepest  interest,  and  in  fact  by  all  interested  in  maintaining  so 
important  an  establishment  as  a  National  Horticultural  Society, 
which,  as  representing  Great  Britain,  and  her  almost  unlimited 
dependencies  ;  ought  to  be  conducted  on  a  scale  commensurate  with 
the  great  objects  it  has  to  fulfil.  That  the  Society  has  not  been  in  a 
healthy  state  for  several  years  is  well  known,  and  the  Council  have  long 
been  anxiously  watching  for  opportunities  which  might  relieve  them 
from  their  embarrassment.  We  could  perhaps  point  out  where  mistakes 
have  been  made,  even  by  the  reforming  Council,  which  increased  rather 
than  diminished  their  difficulties  ;  but  we  are  willing  to  let  bygones  be 
byegones,  and  enter  on  the,  to  us,  far  more  agreeable  task  of  pointing 
out  to  our  readers  what  is  proposed  to  be  done,  in  respect  to  which  we 
wish  individually  to  say,  that  the  scheme,  if  it  can  be  carried  out  satisfac- 
torily to  the  minds  of  those  embarking  their  capital  in  the  undertaking, 
has  our  warmest  wishes  for  its  success. 

The  site  of  the  proposed  garden  is  the  centre  of  a  block  of  ground 
opposite^  Hyde  Park,  and  lying  between  the  Kensington-road  and  the 
Cromwell- road,  leading  to  Old  Brompton.  This  ground  was  purchased 
by  the  Royal  Commissioners  of  the  Exhibition  of  1851  from  their 
surplus  funds,  with  the  idea  of  its  forming  a  suitable  site  for  public 
buildings  connected  with  science  and  the  fine  arts.     The  situation,  fo 


240  THE    FLORIST. 

far,  is  unexceptionable,  and  if  carried  out  agreeably  with  the  plans 
laid  down,  will  no  doubt  make  a  highly  attractive  place  of  resort,  well 
adapted  for  holding  horticultural  exhibitions,  concerts,  &c,  as  well  as 
exhibiting  what  can  be  effected  in  the  way  of  town  gardening,  a  point 
we  have  long  advocated  as  being  much  wanted  in  Hyde  and  St.  James's 
Parks,  which,  notwithstanding  all  that  irir  Joseph  Raxton  said  to  the 
contrary  the  other  day  in  the  House  of  Commons  we  consider  would  be 
greatly  improved  by  mors  floral  embellishment. 

The  fum  required  to  carry  these  works  to  completion  is  estimated 
at  £100,000,  of  which  the  Royal  Commissioners  are  willing  to  expend 
£50,000  on  the  arcades  and  ground -work  which  are  to  surround  the 
gardens,  by  the  Horticultural  Society  undertaking  to»expend  an  equal 
sum  in  finishing  the  terraces  and  erecting  a  winter  garden  and  colonnade 
on  the  north  side  of  the  ground ;  the  Commissioners  stipulating  that  all 
expenses  contingent  on  the  maintenance  of  the  gardens  at  Kensington 
Gore,  and  also  for  keeping  up  the  experimental  garden  at  Chiswick,  shall 
be  a  first  charge  on  the  profits  ;  next,  that  the  interest  of  the  £50,00, 
to  be  borrowed  by  the  Horticultural  Society  shall  be  paid ;  and  lastly 
the  debenture  interest  on  the  £50,000  to  be  expended  by  the  Royal 
Commissioners.  After  providing  for  these  sums,  should  there  be  any 
surplus  remaining,  it  is  to  be  divided  between  the  Royal  Commissioners 
and  the  Horticultural  Society.  So  far  the  terms  are  favourable,  as, 
according  to  a  statement  submitted  to  the  meeting  of  the  Horticultural 
Society  convened  to  discuss  these  proposals,  a  profit  is  shown  on  the 
estimates  of  receipts  and  expenditure  of  £8075,  from  which  deducting 
rent  and  interest  on  debentures,  say  £5000,  will  leave  a  handsome 
sum  to  be  divided,  supposing  the  foregoing  calculations  prove  correct, 
or  nearly  so.  It  is  presumed,  however,  that  the  profits  will  far  exceed 
the  amount  stated. 

We  must  beg  our  readers  to  bear  in  mind  that  a  portion  only  of 
Chiswick  is  to  be  retained  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  experimental 
gardening  ;  and,  we  presume,  also  for  acting  as  a  nursery  for  furnishing 
the  houses  and  gardens  at  Kensington  Gore  with  plants  for  decoration. 

The  Society,  then,  is  in  this  position.  It  has  the  offer  of  20  acres 
of  ground  most  advantageously  situated  for  show  grounds,  on 
which  an  expenditure  of  £50,000  has  to  be  incurred  to  form  an  orna- 
mental town  garden,  the  expenses  for  keeping  up  which,  we  may  take 
it  for  granted,  will  be  secured  to  it,  as  also  the  interest  of  the  money 
it  will  have  to  borrow  to  carry  out  its  agreement ;  and  it  is 
also  secured  the  maintenance  of  keeping  up  its  experimental  garden 
at  Chiswick.  At  least  we  think  all  this  may  fairly  be  inferred,  from 
the  popularity  the  gardens  at  Kensington  will  doubtless  attain.  And 
further,  it  has  the  chance,  through  a  right  to  a  mo'ety  of  any  surplus 
profits  which  may  accrue  after  paying  interest  on  their  loans  and 
£2000  for  rent  to  the  Royal  Commissioners,  of  benefiting  horticulture 
generally,  and  of  promoting  the  more  legitimate  objects  for  which,  as  a 
Society  for  the  encouragement  of  horticulture,  it  obtained  its  charter 
of  incorporation,  and  which,  we  beg  to  impress  on  the  Council,  should 
be  still  the  great  object  and  aim  of  the  Society  to  pursue. 

The  means  proposed  by  the  Society  for  raising  the  necessary  capital 


AUGUST.  241 

are  the  issuing  of  debenture  bonds,  life  membership,  &c.  Of  this  latter 
mode  the  present  Fellows  of  the  Society  will  doubtless  avail  themselves 
more  generally  than  they  have  hitherto  done.  Respecting  the  deben- 
tures, we  should  have  liked  to  have  heard  something  more  explicit 
stated  ;  the  lease  is  for  31  years  only,  and  we  are  not  told  what  security 
can  be  given  for  the  repayment  of  these  bonds  when  due,  as  it  is  con- 
sidered by  many  that  the  proposal  to  pay  them  off  by  surplus  income 
and  life  subscriptions  is  too  vague  a  statement  on  which  to  borrow  so 
large  a  sum  as  is  required.  We  hope,  therefore,  the  Council  will  be 
enabled  to  announce  at  the  next  meeting  that  some  arrangement  has 
been  effected  with  the  Royal  Commissioners  whereby  they  should  take 
up  the  existing  obligations  at  the  expiration  of  the  lease,  supposing  it 
not  renewed.  This  would  give  confidence  to  the  undertaking,  and 
would  only  be  fair  and  equitable  towards  the  debenture  holders. 

Her  Majesty  and  the  Prince  Consort  have  most  graciously  set  an 
example  of  liberality  and  patronage  towards  the  Society  of  which  the 
horticultural  world  have  good  reason  to  be  proud,  and  its  effect  on  the 
future  welfare  of  the  Society  can  hardly  be  over-rated. 

The  last  point  to  which  on  this  occasion  we  shall  advert  is  as  to  the 
management  of  Chisvvick,  and  especially  to  the  distribution  of  those 
funds  which  may  hereafter  be  specially  devoted  to  horticulture  proper, 
and  which  of  course  would  include  the  collecting  and  distributing  of  new 
plants,  as  well  as  carrying  on  a  large  series  of  experimental  trials  on 
culture,  training,  and  proving  new  things.  When  the  proper  time 
arrives  we  shall  be  prepared  to  urge  the  necessity  of  a  separate  com- 
mittee of  practical  and  scientific  men  to  manage  this  department ;  but 
as  there  is  time  enough  yet  for  this,  we  only  direct  attention  to  its 
importance. 

Since  the  above  was  written,  we  learn  from  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle 
of  July  23,  that  the  arrangements  with  the  Commissioners  are  fully 
settled,  as  the  following  extract  will  show : — "  Nor  is  there  any  sign 
of  serious  difficulty  in  completing  the  fund  of  £50,000,  by  the  issue  of 
debentures,  which,  under  the  new  arrangement  proposed  by  the  Royal 
Commissioners,  will  afford  as  safe  an  investment  as  can  ever  be  obtained 
in  operations  of  this  kind.  Each  debenture  is  to  be  of  the  value  of 
£100,  carrying,  until  paid  off,  5  per  cent,  interest,  payable  half  yearly, 
and  giving  the  holder  free  admission,  either  in  person  or  by  transferable 
nomination  to  the  garden  at  all  times  whatsoever.  The  Royal  Com- 
missioners are  to  guarantee  a  sum  not  exceeding  £20,000  to  all  deben- 
ture holders  remaining  unpaid  at  the  end  of  the  first  term  of  31  years, 
or  else  to  renew  the  lease  for  31  years  more." 

We  should  have  been  more  satisfied  with  this  arrangement  had  the 
Royal  Commissioners  guaranteed  to  have  taken  all  the  unpaid  debentures 
at  the  expiration  of  the  31  years,  should  they  not  renew  the  lease  sup- 
posing they  did  not  exceed  £50,000,  the  sum  now  authorised  to  be  raised 
by  the  Horticultural  Society,  as  the  contingency  may  arise  that  the 
liabilities  might  exceed  the  £20,000  guaranteed  to  be  paid  by  the 
Commissioners,  which  in  such  case  would  leave  a  deficit  unprovided  for. 


VOL.  XII.,  no.  cxxxix. 


242  THE    FLORIST. 

HOMES  OP  THE  FLORIST.— No.  I. 

STAPLEFORD. 

As  the  sun  was  declining  in  the  west,  on  a  fine  evening  in  the  month 
of  May,  in  the  year  of  grace  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty  nine,  a  traveller 
might  have  been  seen  wending  his  way  along  the  high  road  that  leads 
from  Cambridge  to  Stapleford.  He  was  about  the  prime  (?)  of  life, 
and  of  average  stature  ;  while  the  snow  that  had  begun  to  whiten  his 
whiskers  betokened  that  he  was  perhaps  on  the  shady  side  of  the  said 
prime ;  from  the  fact  that  he  was  without  attendant  of  any  kind,  and 
unencumbered  with  luggage,  you  might  have  guessed  him  (i.  e.  if  you 
were  an  ignoramus)  to  be  a  traveller  who  lived  upon  his  wits  and  the 
inexperience  of  others  ;  but  a  closer  inspection  would  have,  notwith- 
standing his  dusty  and  soilworn  appearance,  detected  that  he  belonged 
to  the  ecclesiastical  order.  He  was  evidently  a  stranger,  for  each  little 
ragged  urchin  he  passed  was  pressed  into  his  service,  to  inquire  the  way 
to  a  house,  at  the  door  of  which  he  soon  found  himself.  In  such  a  way 
— in  G.  P.  R.  James'  style — I  might  go  on  to  describe  what  I  will, 
however,  attempt  in  a  less  enigmatical  way,  my  visit  to  one  of  the  first 
florists  in  the  kingdom,  R.  Headly,  Esq.,  of  Stapleford.  Tulipomaniacs, 
moonstruck  Auricula  growers,  Carnation  fanciers,  you  all  know  Richard 
Headly.  Let  me  tell  you  what  sort  of  a  man  he  is,  and  how  he  treated 
a  poor  brother  florist,  and  how  he  will  treat  you,  if  you  ever  go  near  him. 
It  was  just  as  I  had  said  I  had  ccme  round  by  Bury  St.  Edmonds, 
and  seen  its  glorious  church  and  ruins,  had  wandered  through  the 
shady  groves  of  Cambridge,  and  not  liking  the  prices  of  mine  host  of 

the — ,  I  thought,  1  will  take  my  bag,  go  to  Stapleford,  put  up  at 

a  nice  clean  country  inn  there,  and  ask  permission  to  see  Mr.  Headly 's 
flowers.  So  I  carried  this  plan  into  execution.  Leaving  the  railway 
station  at  Cambridge  (which  is  by  the  bye  one  of  the  most  delicious 
puzzles  of  a  station),  a  few  minutes  brought  me  to  Sheldford,  where, 
depositing  my  bag,  I  walked  on  boldly  to  Mr.  Headly 's.  I  was  utterly 
unknown  to  him,  save  by  two  or  three  foolish  letters  I  had  sent  to 
but  I  sent  in  my  name,  and  in  a  fewr  minutes  Mr.  H.  came  in  ; 
he  received  me  with  the  utmost  cordiality  as  a  brother  florist,  insisted 
on  sending  for  my  bag,  made  me  take  up  my  quarters  with  him,  and 
took  me  round  his  garden.  Of  course,  as  everybody  tells  you  when 
you  go  to  see  their  garden,  or  look  over  their  house,  it  is  a  very  bad 
time  to  come ;  they  are  all  muddle  and  confusion,  and  that  if  you  could 
only  come  a  little  later  it  would  be  very  different.  So  said  Mr.  Headly  ; 
he  had  been  burnt  up  by  the  long  drought,  scorched  with  the  east 
winds,  and  his  gardener  was  ill,  all  which  were  unhappily  too  true,  but 
they  did  not  seem  to  have  exerted  much  influence  on  the  state  of  his 
garden,  which  was  very  different  to  what  the  common  notion  of  a 
florist's  garden  would  induce  people  to  expect.  They  say  you  must 
never  look  for  it  to  be  tidy,  there  are  so  many  awnings  and  contrivances 
for  shading,  traps  for  insects,  &c,  that  it  is  never  to  look  well ;  all  which, 
though  true  of  some,  is  not  true  of  Mr.  Headly.  The  house  stands  in 
the  centre  of  a  very  pretty  plot,  in  which  are  Roses,  shrubs,  and  some 


AUGUST.  243 

nice  specimens  of  Deodar  and  other  Pines ;  beyond  it  is  the  garden, 
where  so  much  has  been  done  to  advance  the  love  of  and  taste  for 
flowers.  Mr.  H.,  as  it  is  well  known,  is  a  very  large  Tulip  grower,  and 
his  beds  of  this  flower  are  very  large  and  numerous ;  they  were  not, 
however,  in  their  usual  order.  The  season,  which  had  at  first  promised 
favourably,  changed  early  in  April,  and  from  the  middle  of  the  month 
a  succession  ot  blasting  scorching  east  winds  prevailed,  which,  despite 
of  Mr.  Kingsley,  the  inhabitants  of  these  islands  will  proclaim  to  be 
"  good  neither  for  man  nor  beast,"  and  certainly  not  good  for  florists 
and  gardeners.  There  were  both  here,  and  also  in  another  garden 
which  he  has  a  little  further  off,  a  large  quantity  of  breeders,  some 
of  which  were  breaking  in  good  style,  and  we  may  still  expect  some 
toppers  from  the  same  strain  as  Sarah  Headly.  I  am  not  a  Tulip 
fancier,  and,  I  fear,  sunk  some  degrees  in  Mr.  Headly 's  estimation, 
when  I  announced  a  fact,  so  derogatory  to  one's  position  as  a  florist. 
Of  Carnations  and  Picotees  there  was  a  large  army  in  pots,  which 
were  then  standing  on  the  walks,  but  would  by  and  bye  be  staged 
under  the  Tulip  awning ;  while  a  long  bed  of  the  very  best  Ranun- 
culus, in  vigorous  health,  promised  a  treat,  which  I  should  have  been 
glad  to  have  seen,  and  which,  Mr.  H.  afterwards  wxote  to  me,  he  was 
not  disappointed  in ;  it  reminded  me  of  a  bed  I  saw,  now  about  28 
years  ago,  and  which  first  made  me  a  florist.  I  have  no  doubt  the 
sorts  were  inferior  to  those  now  grown,  but  there  was  such  exquisite 
variety  of  beauty  of  them,  at  least  to  my  then  boyish  eyes,  that  I  have 
never  forgotten  it,  and  have  ever  regarded  it  as  one  of  those  sights 
which  I  am  not  to  see  again.  The  stock  of  Auriculas  was  smaller  than 
I  had  been  led  to  anticipate,  but,  Alexander-like,  Mr.  H.  had  beaten 
every  one  he  came  in  contact  with,  and  then  he  began  to  grow  careless, 
because  he  had  not  a  worthy  competitor.  He  still,  however,  grows  a 
nice  collection,  which  looked  well  and  healthy  (but  out  of  bloom),  among 
which  was  Geo.  Lightbody,  a  seedling  named  after  his  friend,  the 
famous  Auricula  wizard  of  the  north ;  and  which  is  said,  as  a  grey  edge, 
to  possess  qualities  which  will  place  it  at  the  top  of  the  list.  I  should 
have  been  glad  had  my  visit  been  a  week  later,  that  I  might  have  seen 
the  original  G.  L.,  who  was  coming  on  a  visit  to  Mr.  Headly.  Pinks, 
and  indeed  all  the  florist  flowers,  looked  well ;  but,  let  it  not  be  thought 
that  these  are  the  only  objects  of  Mr.  Headly's  care.  He  has  an 
extensive  range  of  greenhouses,  stoves,  &c,  and  in  them  were  plants 
preparing  for  the  Cambridge  show,  in  the  following  week,  which  would 
have  taken  a  good  place  at  a  metropolitan  show — Cinerarias,  greenhouse 
and  stove  plants,  and  some  idea  of  the  manner  in  which  they  were 
"  done,"  may  be  estimated  from  the  fact  that  20  prizes  were  awarded  to 
their  owner  at  the  exhibition.  Vegetables  and  fruit  are  equally  well 
cared  for,  but  some  of  the  Peach  trees  were  in  a  sad  state,  from  the 
effect  of  the  "  Gishurst  Compound,"  of  which  so  much  has  been  said ; 
whether  it  was  an  over  dose  or  not  I  cannot  say — Mr.  H.  seemed  to 
think  not.  Like  a  true  florist,  Mr.  Headly  is  a  liberal  man  ;  he  sent 
me  away  with  a  goodly  half-dozen  of  Auriculas,  and  a  promise  of  a 
young  Geo.  Lightbody,  as  well  as  some  self-coloured  Ranunculus,  to  add 
to  my  stock.     Mrs.  Headley,  too,  ably  seconds  him  in  all  his  plans  ;  she 


244 


THE    FLORIST. 


does  know  a  Rose  from  a  Cabbage,  and  I  was  amused  at  her  anxiety 
to  see  a  package  of  plants  from  London  unpacked.  I  could  not  help 
observing  to  myself,  when  I  left  their  hospitable  roof  in  the  morning, 
we  often  talk  of  Irish  hospitality  as  a  thing  sui  generis.  I  have  known 
Ireland  for  many  years,  have  received  oftentimes  its  cead  milleafealtha, 
but  I  can  safely  say  I  never  experienced  a  more  true  and  hearty  hos- 
pitality than  that  which  was  accorded  to  me  at  Stapleford,  and  which, 
as  entirely  a  stranger,  I  had  no  right  to  expect ;  and  what  is  more,  I 
am  quite  sure  that  any  brother  of  the  craft,  who  might  be  attracted  by 
the  fame  of  Stapleford  to  visit  it,  would  find  the  same.  All  honour  to 
such  florists,  they  tend  to  roll  away  the  reproach,  which  is  often  brought 
against  us,  of  selfishness,  though  I  cannot  understand  how  any  one  can 
care  to  grow  things  merely  for  their  own  sake,  and  not  be  ready  to  help 
those  around  them ;  and  I  hope  that  we  shall  yet  see,  in  Auriculas, 
Carnations,  and  Tulips,  more  Splendours,  George  Lightbodys,  Auroras, 
King  James,  Sarah  Headly,  Adonis,  &c,  to  raise,  if  possible,  still 
higher  the  fame  of  the  excellent  grower. 

The  following  list  of  seedlings  raised  by  Mr.  Headly,  will  be  the  best 
proof  of  his  title  to  be  a  successful  raiser. 

CARNATIONS. 


AURICULAS. 

Green-edged. 
Defiance 
Rifleman 
Conductor 
Mary  Headly 
Magnificent 

Grey-Edged. 
Superb 

Geo.  Lightbody 
Sir  Charles  Napier 
Stapleford  Hero 

White. 
Conqueror 

Selfs. 
Pastorella 
Royal  Purple 
Aurora 
Adonis 
Sylph 


Achilles  (S.  B.) 
Wm.  Cobbett 
Victoria  Regina 

PICOTEES. 

Sarah 

King  James 
Mrs.  Headly 
Prince  Albert 
Captivation 
Cedo  Nulli 
Ne  Plus  Ultra 
Mrs.  Brown 

Besides  other  unnamed  seedlings. 
D. 


BRITISH    POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY. 

Mat  5. — Mr.  Hogg  in  the  chair.  This  was  the  day  appointed  for 
competing  for  the  prize  of  one  guinea,  offered  by  Mr.  Spencer,  of 
Bowood,  for  the  best  Seedling  Late  Kitchen  Apple.  That  to  which  the 
prize  was  awarded  was  raised  by  Mr.  Bradley,  gardener  to  W.  F.  N. 
Norton,  Esq.,  Elton  Manor,  near  Nottingham,  and  was  raised  from  seed 
of  Dumelow's  Seedling  in  1850,  since  which  time  it  has  been  allowed 
to  grow  naturally  without  grafting.  The  variety  has  been  named  Baron 
Ward.  It  is  below  medium  size,  and  of  an  ovate  shape  ;  the  skin  is 
of  a  fine  golden  yellow  colour,  quite  smooth  and  shining ;  eye  slightly 
open,  and  stalk  short ;  flesh  very  tender,  crisp,  and  fine-grained,  with 


AUGUST.  245 

a  nice,  subdued  and  very  agreeable  acid,  not  unlike  in  flavour  that  of 
the  Gooseberry  Apple.  Its  acid  is  less  rough  and  severe  than  the 
Dumelow's  Seedling,  against  which  it  was  tested ;  and  it  is  considered 
a  very  valuable  culinary  Apple  for  this  late  season  of  the  year,  as  it 
appears  to  keep  well  without  shrivelling,  having  been  gathered  in 
October.  It  is  reported  to  be  growing  on  strong  adhesive  loam,  over 
the  lias,  in  the  Vale  of  Belvoir.  The  habit  of  the  tree  is  described  as 
vigorous  and  healthy ;  inclined  to  spread  horizontally  ;  and  retaining 
the  foliage  at  the  point  of  the  shoots  until  late  in  the  winter,  although 
ripening  its  wood  perfectly ;  the  young  wood  is  not  speckled  like 
Dumelow's  Seedling. 

Rev.  J.  Bramhall,  of  St.  John's  near  Lynn,  again  sent  specimens  of 
Clissold's  Seedling,  or  Lodgemore  Nonpareil,  a  seedling  which  he  sub- 
mitted to  the  society  at  the  meeting  of  May  6th  last  year.  A  very  high 
opinion  was  then  expressed  regarding  it,  and  which,  this  year,  was  fully 
sustained.     It  is  a  most  valuable  dessert  Apple  at  this  late  season. 

Mr.  Horton,  Post  Office,  Toddington,  Bedfordshire,  sent  a  seedling 
Apple  (raised  by  a  friend),  and  also  a  variety  which  had  been  sent  in 
1857,  on  which  occasion  the  meeting  desired  to  see  it  again.  This 
year  the  sender  considered  the  crop  inferior  to  last,  when  it  was  reported 
to  have  kept  sound  until  the  new  crop  was  gathered.  The  fruit  is  about 
the  medium  size,  greenish  yellow  on  the  shaded  side,  and  dull  red  next 
the  sun.  A  month  ago  it  would  have  been  in  good  condition,  as  it  had 
the  remains  of  a  good  flavoured  Apple,  something  like  that  of  London 
Pippin,  but  it  had  now  become  mealy.  Mr.  E.  Simpson,  gardener  to 
Lord  Wrottesly,  Wrottesly  Hall,  Wolverhampton,  sent  a  dish  of  very 
beautiful  Dumelow's  Seedling,  large,  firm,  and  heavy.  They  have 
been  beautifully  kept.  The  Rev.  H.  Manton,  of  Sleaford,  sent  a  dish 
of  Scarlet  Nonpareil,  which  were  considerably  shrivelled,  but  well 
flavoured,  and  were  also  well  kept  for  that  variety.  The  Rev.  Adam 
Fitch,  Thornton  Stewart,  Bedale,  sent  a  dish  of  Aromatic  Russet,  still 
good  in  flavour  although  shrivelled. 

June  23. — Mr.  Hogg  in  the  chair.  The  premiums  offered  at  this 
meeting  were  a  guinea,  and  half-a-guinea,  for  the  best  collections  of 
Strawberries,  the  object  being  to  draw  together  as  many  as  possible  of 
the  varieties  in  cultivation,  that  the  society  might  compare  them,  test 
them,  and  decide  upon  their  respective  merits  and  corrections  of 
nomenclature.  Only  one  collection  came  within  their  intentions,  and 
was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough  ;  the  first  premium  was 
unanimously  awarded  it.  The  most  remarkable  variety  in  the  collection 
was  Oscar,  a  seedling  exhibited  for  the  first  time  last  year,  when  high 
encomiums  were  passed  on  it ;  and  this  year's  examination  has  fully 
borne  out  the  former  impression.  For  further  particulars  see  notes  on 
seedlings  below. 

In  the  following  remarks  the  varieties  are  arranged  according  to 
size  ;  and  those  nearly  allied  are  brought  together.  Oscar  (Bradley) 
is  after  the  way  of  Sir  Harry  (Underhill),  which  was  also  exhibited 
very  ripe  and  good-flavoured.  The  last-mentioned  variety  has  not 
found  universal  favour ;  probably  because  it  is  not  generally  known 
that  the  fruit  requires  to  be  very  ripe,  and  its  great  firmness  permits  it 


24G  THE    FLORIST. 

to  be  gathered,  packed,  and   carried  long  distances  without   injury. 
Hooper's  Seedling  is  another  of  this  class,  very  highly  coloured,  but 
inferior  to  either  of  the  above  in  flavour.     Sir  Charles  Napier  (Smith), 
bright  scarlet,  pectinate,  and   very  handsome ;    very  refreshing  and 
juicy,  brisk,  but  not  richly  flavoured.     Doubleday's  No.  3,  or  Crimson 
Queen  (Myatt),  is  large,  coarse,  irregular,  very  pectinate,  and  deeply 
furrowed.     Colour  bright  cerise-scarlet.     Flesh  red  throughout,  brisk, 
acid,  not  rich.     It  is  reported  to  be  a  great  cropper.     British  Queen 
(Myatt)  needs  no  description  ;  as  it  is  always  good  where  it  succeeds, 
which  is  generally  on  strong  soils ;    as  also  on  light  soils,  or  in  dry 
localities,  is  its  near  relative  Carolina  superba  (Kitley),  which  is  now 
equally  well  known.     Very  nearly  allied  to  British  Queen  is  Double- 
day's  No.  2  (Myatt),  both  in  colour  and  flavour,  but  scarcely  equal  in 
the  latter.     It  does  not,  therefore,  appear  in  what  point  this  variety  is 
desirable.     Omar  Pacha  (Ward),  was  not  distinguishable  from  Rival 
Queen   (Tiley),   large,  regular,   and  handsome,  pale   scarlet,  general 
conoid,  somewhat  cristate,  refreshing  flavour,  after  the  way  of  British 
Queen.       Reported   to   be  a  good   cropper.      Surprise   (Myatt),  pale 
scarlet,    very    cristate,   very    soft,    acid,    and    deficient    in    flavour. 
Wonderful   (Jeyes),  similar  to  the  above,  but  longer  in  form,  very 
corrugate,  seeds  more  numerous,  firmer  in  flesh,  juicy,  and  briskly  acid, 
with  a  medium  flavour.     Adair  (Elphinstone)  is  handsome  and  highly 
coloured,  brisk,  but  not  highly  flavoured  ;    reported  to  be  a  strong 
grower  and  medium  cropper.      Nimrod   (Pince)   was  so  nearly  like 
Adair  both  in  fruit  and  foliage,  that  the  meeting  were  unable  to  dis- 
tinguish them.     Admiral  Dundas  (Myatt)  is  large,  conoid,  somewhat 
cristate,  very  rugged,  and  irregular ;  colour  pale  red ;  flesh  white,  very 
juicy,  brisk,  and  fine  flavoured.      Prince  of  Wales   (Ingram)  ;    this 
kind,  now  well  known,  is   a  favourite  for  forcing  purposes  ;    it  was 
exhibited   in  good   condition  ;    flavour   rich  and  juicy.      Elton    Pine 
(Myatt)  ;    this   was   scarcely   ripe,    but   well   grown.      Filbert    Pine 
(Myatt);    this   variety   deserves   to  be  more  known;    pale-coloured, 
very  regular  in  form,  medium  size,  conical,  and  handsome ;  flesh  pale, 
with  a  pink  core,  firm  and  solid,  with   a  rich  nutty  flavour.     Eliza 
(Rivers)  was  small,  and  not  equal  to  its  average  quality.     Incom- 
parable (Continental).     Mr.  Turner  reported  that  he  had  selected  this 
as  the  best  out  of  a  large  number  of  continental  varieties  ;  it  was  pale 
in  colour,  regular  in  form,  and  distinct,  but  soft  in  flesh,  and  worthless 
in  flavour.     Quinquefoiia  ("Myatt),  is  a  medium  sized,  elongated  fruit ; 
not  a  good  grower,  nor  first-class  in  flavour.     Black  Prince  (Cuthill), 
not  any  better  in  quality  than  when  reported  on  last  year ;  the  only 
merit  this  variety  possesses  is  earliness,  and  a  slightly  perpetual  habit, 
which  makes  it  also  a  late  variety,     May  Queen  (Nicholson),  a  small, 
round,  and  coarse  variety,  very  acid,  utterly  worthless.     Mr.  Jones, 
gr.  to   E.  Rosher,  Esq.,  of  Hamilton  Terrace,  St.  John's  Wood,  exhi- 
bited a  remarkably  fine  dish  of  British  Queen,  as  evidence  of  what  may 
be  done  within  London  in  the  way  of  Strawberry  growing ;  they  were 
large,  well  coloured,  and  very  fine  flavoured. 

For  Seedling  Strawberries  the  premium  of  One  Guinea,  offered  by 
Mr.  Turner,  was  awarded  to  a  dish  of  Oscar,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Bradley, 


AUGUST.  247 

gr.  to  W.  P.  N.  Norton,  Esq.,  of*  Elton  Manor,  near  Nottingham,  in 
very  fine  condition.  The  fruit  is  very  large,  ovate,  angular,  and 
frequently  cristate,  but  rarely  flat,  or  wedge-shaped  ;  seeds  rather 
large  and  deeply  imbedded  ;  colour  very  dark,  becoming  deep  mulberry 
when  fully  matured  ;  flesh  red  throughout,  solid,  firm,  and  juicy  ; 
flavour  very  rich  and  fine  when  quite  ripe,  apparently  near  in  affinity 
to  Sir  Harry,  on  which  it  was  considered  an  improvement.  Particular 
notice  was  taken  of  its  firm  and  solid  qualities,  which  augured  well  for 
its  powers  of  enduring  package  and  carriage.  The  above  dish  afforded 
good  evidence  of  this,  as  the  fruit  itself  was  firm,  plump,  and  uninjured, 
although  it  had  travelled  from  Nottinghamshire  ;  and,  in  consequence, 
the  footstalks  and  calices  were  dry  and  withered.  It  was  reported  to 
be  a  great  cropper,  next  in  earliness  to  Cuthill's  Black  Prince,  and 
some  days  earlier  than  Keens'  Seedling. 

July  7- — Mr.  Hogg  in  the  chair.  An  interesting  dish  of  Double- 
day's  No.  3,  or  Crimson  Queen  (Myatt),  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Turner, 
to  show  its  qualities  as  a  late  Strawberry.  The  fruit  was  even  finer 
'than  those  in  the  collection  last  meeting;  but  the  meeting  did  not 
attribute  to  it  a  higher  place  amongst  mid-season  varieties  than  would 
accrue  to  it  from  the  opinion  above  expressed  ;  its  continuing  to  produce 
large  fruit  later  than  other  kinds  may  be  a  point  in  its  favour,  but  this 
will  be  more  satisfactorily  seen  a  fortnight  hence. 


PALACE  OF  THE  PEOPLE,  MUSWELL  HILL. 

On  Saturday  July  16,  the  inauguration  of  a  site  for  the  proposed 
Palace  of  the  People,  was  performed  by  Lord  Brougham,  in  presence  of 
a  numerous  company,  comprising  the  patrons  and  patronesses  of  the 
proposed  institution. 

We  have  before  noticed  in  our  pages  this  proposed  institution, 
designed  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  northern 
parts  of  the  great  metropolis  the  same  amount  of  physical  recreation 
and  intellectual  improvement  as  the  Crystal  Palace  affords  to  the  south 
of  London  ;  and  we  are  glad  to  learn  that  the  Palace  of  the  People  is 
projected  in  no  spirit  of  opposition  to  the  Sydenham  Palace.  Granted 
that  institutions  like  the  Crystal  Palace,  founded  on  the  most  com- 
prehensive basis  for  affording  relaxation  and  instruction  of  a  strictly 
moral  and  intellectual  character  to  the  masses  of  population  are 
necessary* — and  according  to  so  high  an  authority  as  Lord  Brougham 
they  are  imperatively  so — it  then  becomes  a  question  how  far  two 
grand  institutions,  having  similar  objects  in  view,  may  best  conduce  to 
the  desired  object,  without  injury  to  themselves ;  and  we  hope  that 
nothing  but  the  most  liberal  feeling  towards  each  other  will  exist 
between  them.  It  will  not  in  fact  be  a  case  of  Crystal  Palace  v. 
Palace  of  the  People,  but  instruction,  enjoyment,  and  physical  recrea- 
tion, obtained  in  the  midst  of  beautiful  objects  and  scenery,  and  the 
attractions  (such  as  they  are)  of  Tavern,  tea-gardens,  and  less 
questionable  places  of  resort  in  the  suburbs  of  London.     The  growing 


248  THE    FLORIST. 

disposition  on  the  part  of  the  people  for  visiting  highly  kept  gardens 
and  parks  is  clearly  demonstrated  by  the  large  annual  increase  of 
visitors  to  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Kew.  In  1841  it  appears  9174 
persons  only  visited  the  gardens,  (a  less  number  than  attended  one  of 
the  Chiswick  fetes  for  that  year ;)  but  this  number  has  steadily 
increased  to  405,376,  the  number  of  visitors  to  the  Kew  gardens  in 
1858.  It  also  appears  that  no  less  a  number  than  1,058,206  persons 
visited  the  Crystal  Palace  and  grounds  during  the  0  months  ending 
Oct.  SO,  1858 ;  and  it  must  be  a  most  satisfactory  fact  to  all  interested 
in  this  subject,  that  the  present  season  will  show  a  large  increase  in  the 
number  of  visitors  over  that  of  1858. 

These  are  facts  which  clearly  prove  that  the  projectors  of  the  Palace 
of  the  People  have  rightly  defined  the  bent  of  popular  feeling  in  this 
direction  ;  and  in  projecting  a  Palace  and  grounds  which  shall  combine 
every  requisite  for  promoting  the  enjoyment  and  instruction  of  all 
classes  of  their  fellow  men,  they  merit  the  support  of  all  interested  in 
the  momentous  question  of  improving  the  moral,  and  intellectual  con- 
dition of  the  lower  classes,  and  by  making  the  finest  productions  of 
nature  and  art  subservient  to  educational  purposes,  will  do  all  that  can 
be  done  to  improve  the  national  taste,  and  confer  a  boon  on  the  public 
which  can  scarcely  be  over  estimated.  Of  the  stimulus  the  Palace  of 
the  People  will  give  to  horticulture,  we  shall  say  but  little  now ;  here 
after,  when  the  details  are  more  complete,  we  hope  we  shall  be  able  to 
show  that  this  important  subject  has  received  due  consideration,  and 
will  be  suitably  represented  by  an  experimental  garden  on  the  one 
hand,  and  every  feature  of  scientific  application  on  the  other. 


HORTICULTURAL   SOCIETY. 

July  12. — Mr.  Jas.  Veitch's  prize  of  £5,  offered  for  the  best  exhi- 
bition of  Stockwood  Golden  Hamburgh  Grape,  was  awarded  on  this 
occasion  to  Mr.  Sparey,  of  Brighton,  for  three  fine  bunches  of  that 
variety.  Two  other  exhibitions  were  also  entered  for  the  prize,  one 
from  Mr,  Allport,  gardener  to  H.  Ackroyd,  Esq.,  of  Doddington  Park, 
!Nantwich,  and  the  other  from  Mr.  Crambe,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Ducie,  at  Tortworth  Court,  Gloucestershire.  The  bunches  exhibited  by 
Mr.  Sparey  were  produced  from  a  shoot  grown  from  a  graft  of  the 
Golden  Hamburgh,  which  was  put  on  in  April  1858,  and  which,  Mr. 
Sparey  stated,  bore  this  season  in  all  13  bunches.  The  three,  exhibited 
were  remarkably  well  grown,  both  as  regards  form  of  bunch  and  size 
of  berries,  all  of  which  were  well  and  equally  swelled.  The  bunches 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Crambe  were  likewise  very  fine  ;  they  were  longer 
than  those  which  gained  the  prize,  but  the  berries  were  not  quite  so 
large.  The  specimens  exhibited  by  Mr.  Allport  were  over-ripe.  It 
was  stated  that  the  fruit  was  ripe  on  the  10th  of  June,  and  was  larger 
than  that  of  a  very  old  Black  Hamburgh  on  which  it  was  worked. 


AUGUST.  249 


NOTES  ON  THE  MONTH. 

The  present  month  has  perhaps  been  the  hottest  on  record,  taken  alto- 
gether— remarkable,  too,  for  the  constant  repetition  of  thunderstorms, 
attended  with  violent  storms  of  rain  and  hail,  which  in  many  districts 
have  done  great  damage  to  crops  of  all  descriptions,  and  will  seriously 
affect  the  Wheat  returns.  The  connection  between  the  Potato  disease 
and  electrical  storms  has  been  verified  this  present  season.  Early  in 
the  month  a  district  near  where  I  write  was  visited  by  a  thunderstorm, 
accompanied  with  rain  and  hail,  confined  to  a  small  district.  Within 
a  day  or  two  the  disease  made  its  appearance,  and  increased  most 
rapidly,  while  in  those  fields  which  the  storm  did  not  reach  they  have 
continued  without  being  attacked,  until  they,  in  their  turn,  were  visited 
by  a  storm,  since  which  they,  too,  have  gone.  Of  the  former,  most  of 
them  are  now  quite  rotten,  and  are  now  being  dug  up,  to  be  replaced 
by  Turnips.  We  may  remark  that  the  crop,  taken  altogether,  has  a 
worse  appearance  than  for  the  last  ten  years,  the  appearance  of  the 
disease  having  been  much  earlier  than  of  late  years,  and  is  almost 
universal  over  the  whole  country.  In  many  places  forcing  houses  and 
flower  gardens  have  been  converted  into  a  complete  wreck  by  hail- 
storms, as  have  also  many  hundred  acres  of  field  crops  by  the  same 
means  and  the  floods. 

A  writer  some  time  since  in  the  Gardeners  Chronicle  astonished 
English  planters  by  affirming  that  French  planters  entirely  denuded 
unhealthy  trees  of  the  whole  of  their  bark,  as  a  way  of  recovering  them. 
Surely  such  absurd  nonsense  required  no  confutation.  It  is  now  dis- 
covered that  the  outer  or  rough  portion  only  is  taken  away  before 
planting.  There  was  a  very  good  description  of  the  French  mode  of 
transplanting  the  large  trees  employed  to  replace  the  dead  Elms  in  the 
Champs  Elysees  and  the  Boulevards,  I  think,  in  the  September  number 
of  last  year's  Florist ;  and  having  seen  the  process  carried  out  myself 
this  season,  I  beg  to  say  I  saw  nothing  like  barking  the  trees.  A  few 
of  them  had  the  loose  bark  shaved  off,  before  enveloping  the  stems  in 
their  mossy  bandage.  I  could  not  help  noticing  the  care  with  which 
the  minutest  details  were  conducted  as  to  planting  the  trees  and 
attending  to  them  afterwards.  Those  noticed  by  your  correspondent 
last  year,  as  being  then  planted  near  the  Palais  de  l'lndustrie,  are 
growing  well  and  look  healthy ;  indeed  it  is  marvellous  to  see  how  they 
grow  at  all  in  some  situations  where  they  are  planted.  The  trans- 
planting of  large  evergreen  and  deciduous  trees  in  spring,  notwithstanding 
all  that  has  been  said  to  the  contrary,  is  yet  far  too  prevalent ;  probably 
as  regards  old  places,  from  the  fact  that  during  the  autumn  the  "  family  " 
are  generally  located  at  their  country  seats,  and  much  work  of  this 
description  would  be  inconvenient,  and  all  is  postponed  till  the  removal 
of  the  family  to  town  the  following  spring.  If  we  could  impress  on  the 
minds  of  those  having  planting  to  do  what  trouble  and  annoyance  they 
would  save  themselves  and  their  employers  by  planting  during  Sep- 
tember and  October  (or  even  August),  we  should  do  a  good  service  to 
all ;  but  we  despair.  However,  let  those  who  can  do  so  prepare  at 
once.  G.  F. 


250 


THE    FLORIST. 


EUGENE  APPERT  ROSE. 

I  have  already  given  my  opinion  about  this  splendid  new  Rose,  in  last 
month's  Florist,  and  have  but  little  to  add  to  what  I  then  stated.  Mr. 
Andrews  has  endeavoured  to  give  the  readers  of  the  Florist  a  life-like 
representation  of  it ;  but  it  is  difficult  to  pourtray  so  exquisite  a  Rose. 
Will  it  bear  out  all  the  good  opinions  that  have  been  expressed  about 
it?  This  it  is  impossible  to  answer.  Many  Roses  are  promising  as 
seedlings,  which  do  not  afterwards  bear  out  their  character ;  but  I,  for 
one,  do  not  think  that  there  is  any  likelihood  of  Eugene  Appert  beincr 
one  of  these ;  there  is  an  evident  constancy  about  it  that  I  think  will 
remove  all  doubts  on  this  point.  If  I  may  judge  from  the  plant  now 
before  me,  its  growth  will  be  all  that  is  required — short,  yet  vigorous 
and  freely  blooming.  I  shall  look  for  him  anxiously  next  season, 
to  see  if  he  be  true  to  his  youthful  promises. 

Deal,  Jali/  25.  D. 


PLANTING  STANDARD  ROSES. 

By  the  time  I  became  settled  in  life,  1  had  succeeded  in  propagating 
a  large  stock  of  Roses,  embracing  upwards  of  one  hundred  varieties. 
With  these  I  have  decorated  my  house  and  lawns,  not  only  to  my 
own  gratification,  but,  whilst  they  are  in  bloom,  to  the  admiration 
of  visitors  and  passers-by.  I  am  convinced  that  parents  cannot  do 
better  than  supply  their  growing-up  families  with  such  works  as 
the  Florist,  and  also  to  encourage  them  in  growing  any  class  of 
flowers  for  which  they  may  have  a  partiality.  I  persevered  in  grow- 
ing the  Rose  amidst  many  discouragements ;  in  fact,  my  straight 
sticks  for  stocks  were  the  butt  of  all  my  friends  and  neighbours  ;  but 
as  soon  as  they  began  to  put  on  their  rosy  heads,  one  of  those  who 
made  the  most  sport  planted  some  stocks  himself. 

It  is  my  opinion  that  "  the  trade  "  would  do  well  to  assist  and 
encourage  young  amateurs  in  their  endeavours  to  cultivate  and  pro- 
pagate the  different  florists'  flowers,  as  I  believe  an  amateur  who 
could  successfully  propagate  as  well  as  grow  flowers  would  be  in- 
clined to  purchase  to  a  larger  extent  than  an  unsuccessful  cultivator  ; 
at  least,  it  is  the  case  with  myself,  for  ever  since  I  have  cultivated 
the  Rose  satisfactorily,  I  have  spent  more  pounds  than  I  should 
shillings  in  flowers  had  I  been  less  successful.  In  regard  to  the 
varieties  of  Roses  to  be  grown,  the  various  characteristics  of  the 
different  divisions  or  families,  and  the  varieties  in  each  family,  I 
cannot  do  better  than  refer  the  amateur  to  the  "  Rose  Amateur's 
Guide,"  by  Rivers,  or  "  Paul's  Rose  Garden,"  as  a  larger  work,  in 
conjunction  with  the  catalogues  published  annually  by  Mr.  Rivers  and 
other  eminent  Rose -growers.  I  will  now  proceed  to  make  a  few 
observations  on  planting. 

In  passing  through  the  country,  I  am  often  sorry  to  see  neat 
cottages,  villas,  and  even  mansions,  with  some  half-dozen  or  more 
stunted  standard  Rose-trees   planted  in  the  turf,  neither  dead  nor 


AUGUST.  251 

alive,  forming  no  ornament;  whereas  had  more  care  and  attention 
been  bestowed  on  them  when  they  were  planted,  the  case  would 
have  been  quite  the  reverse.  Their  owners  have  no  notion  of  the 
true  cause  of  their  failure,  but  cast  all  blame  upon  the  nurseryman 
from  whom  the  plants  were  obtained.  I  have  seen  young  plants 
just  taken  from  the  nursery,  where  they  had  been  attended  with  the 
greatest  care,  planted  in  a  hole  scarcely  large  enough  to  contain 
their  roots,  in  a  very  poor  lawn,  with  the  turf  laid  close  up  to 
their  stems,  and  without  any  manure.  How,  therefore,  can  they  be 
expected  to  thrive  ?  Should  you  venture  to  give  a  hint  to  a  person 
who  is  planting  in  this  manner,  it  is  more  than  probable  your  remark 
would  be  answered  by,  "  I  don't  understand  it  myself;  but  I  believe 
my  man  (a  kind  of  nondescript  between  a  gardener  and  groom)  does." 
Such  a  person  under  the  skilful  direction  of  a  master  or  mistress 
would  be  useful ;  but  when  the  operation  of  transplanting  is  entirely 
left  to  his  discretion,  it  is  too  often  performed  in  an  improper, 
slovenly  manner,  and  the  beauty,  health,  and  even  life  of  the  plants 
are  sacrificed.  Where  it  is  desirable  to  plant  Standard  Roses  singly 
in  grass  lawns  (and  what  can  be  more  ornamental  than  a  well-grown 
healthy  plant  covered  with  bloom  ?),  a  circle  of  turf  should  be 
removed  not  less  than  five  or  six  feet  in  diameter.  If  the  first  spit 
of  soil  be  moderately  rich,  it  may  be  placed  on  one  side,  and  the 
whole  of  the  subsoil,  to  the  depth  of  three  feet,  entirely  removed, 
and  replaced  with  a  mixture  of  good  rich  loam,  good  strong  stable 
manure,  or  old  night-soil,  and  the  top  spit  next  the  turf  well  mixed 
with  them.  If  the  top  soil  is  rather  light,  a  good  proportion  of  the 
subsoil,  if  heavy,  may  be  added  to  it,  in  order  to  make  the  compost 
heavier,  as  I  find  Roses  budded  on  stocks  of  the  Dog- Rose  flourish 
best  in  a  moderately  heavy  soil.  Tread  the  mixture  in  the  hole,  to 
prevent  it  from  sinking,  till  nearly  full,  place  the  plant  in  the  centre, 
spreading  the  roots  and  fibres  in  an  horizontal  direction,  and  cover 
them  with  rich  garden-mould.  Especially  avoid  planting  too  deeply. 
On  the  top  spread  a  layer  of  subsoil,  poor  sand,  or  road  earth,  one  or 
two  inches  thick,  to  prevent  the  turf  from  growing  more  luxuriantly 
than  the  rest  of  the  lawn.  In  replacing  the  turf,  leave  a  circle  not 
less  than  eighteen  inches  or  two  feet  in  diameter  around  the  stem. 
This  should  be  filled,  instead  of  subsoil  or  poor  sand,  with  a  rich 
compost,  which  will  be  washed  down  to  the  roots  by  the  rain.  To 
ensure  the  future  health  and  vigour  of  the  plants,  one  or  two  gallons 
of  good  liquid  manure  should  be  poured  on  this  circle  two  or  three 
times  every  succeeding  winter. 

The  same  remarks  are  applicable  to  Roses  in  beds  or  borders ; 
but  the  whole  of  the  beds  or  borders  should  be  dug  three  feet  deep, 
mixing  the  top  soil,  the  subsoil,  and  a  good  quantity  of  manure 
together  ;  and  each  winter  succeeding  the  planting,  a  layer  of  manure 
may  be  spread  on  the  surface  of  the  beds  or  borders,  to  be  washed 
down  to  the  roots  by  the  rains  :  in  order  to  obviate  its  unsightly  ap- 
pearance, cover  with  a  little  earth.  Amateurs  should  not  neglect  to  pro- 
vide themselves  with  stocks  (for  budding  during  the  ensuing  summer) 
in  October  and  November ;  this  should  not  be  delayed  later ;  plant 


252  THE    FLORIST. 

them  in  an  airy,  open  situation,  but  sheltered  from  the  wind.  Strong 
healthy  stocks  should  be  obtained  about  the  thickness  of  a  man's 
thumb  ;  the  common  dog- Rose  can  be  taken  up  from  the  hedges  ; 
and  I  suppose  the  Boursault,  or  any  other  stock  preferred,  may  be 
obtained  from  any  nurseryman.  They  should  be  cut  off,  with  a 
clean  slanting  cut,  just  above  an  eye  or  bud,  any  height  the  grower 
wishes  to  have  his  plants ;  but  if  worked  much  above  four  feet,  the 
wind  has  a  very  powerful  effect  on  them  when  they  have  large  heads. 
As  the  young  shoots,  in  which  to  insert  the  buds,  generally  break 
from  where  the  side-shoots  have  been  cut,  the  latter  should  be  re- 
moved close  to  the  stock,  smoothly  and  nicely,  but  not  too  close. 

J.  B. 


THE  PHILOSOPHY  OF  TRANSPLANTING. 

What  is  the  secret  of  successful  planting  ?  Why  do  some  trees  live, 
and  some  die  under  the  operation  ?  Why  do  they  not  all  live  ?  Why 
do  any  of  them  die  ? 

Though  comprising  some  of  the  simplest  questions,  and  affording  as 
simple  answers,  who  has  ever  heard  a  satisfactory  one  given  ?  Jupiter, 
when  he  undertook  to  receive  the  complainings  of  the  sons  of  men, 
could  not  be  more  struck  with  the  opposite  nature  of  their  wants  and 
wishes,  than  a  new  beginner  in  the  planting  line  must  be  at  the 
varying  and  contradictory  advice  he  is  constantly  receiving. — "  Don't 
plant  in  autumn,"  "  Don't  plant  in  spring,"  "  Prune  severely,"  "  Don't 
prune,"  "Water  at  planting,"  "  Don't  water ;  "  but  we  may  as  well 
stop.  As  to  reasoning  on  the  matter,  who  attempts  it  ?  Some  few  do  ; 
but  how  do  they  do  it  ?     "  Dogmatically  and  dictatorially." 

Now,  if  we  can  only  demonstrate  why  a  transplanted  tree  dies  at 
all,  all  the  questions  about  the  time  and  season  and  manner  of  planting 
may  be  compressed  into  a  small  paragraph.  It  needs  no  reasoning  to 
tell  us  an  umbrella  is  useful  in  rainy  weather,  or  that  a  well-corked 
bottle  will  keep  the  liquid  safely  inside  for  an  indefinite  period,  and  yet 
these  simple  facts  might  be  so  confused  by  words,  and  obscured  by 
scientific  verbiage,  that  a  score  of  opinions  might  be  conscientiously 
entertained  of  them.  This  is  the  way  errors  arise  in  the  idea  of  tree 
planting.  We  read  learned  disquisitions  on  the  functions  of  the  leaves, 
and  their  relation  to  the  roots — of  the  cells  and  tissues,  and  of  crude 
sap,  and  sap  elaborated — and  after  all  the  terms  in  physiology  have 
been  exhausted  to  show  the  cause  of  the  death  of  a  transplanted  tree,  it 
all  amounts  to  this  matter-of-fact  conclusion  :  that  it  died  through 
being  dried  up. 

Through  being  dried  up  !  You  may  as  well  tell  us  an  animal  dies 
for  want  of  breath.  And  if  it  does,  we  may  not  be  able  to  give  the 
breath,  but  we  may  give  the  necessary  moisture  to  the  tree.  To  make 
the  matter  plain,  if  we  take  up  one  of  two  trees,  and  leave  it  exposed 
for  a  few  days,  it  dies, — it  withers  and  shrinks  away  ;  but  the  other 
lives  on  as  ever.    Evaporation  is  continually  going  on  from  the  branches 


AUGUST.  253 

of  trees.  In  the  exposed  tree  the  roots  are  prevented  from  supplying 
the  waste ;  in  the  other  they  maintain  the  balance ;  so  that  the  one 
dies  and  the  other  lives. 

Shall  we  now  say  that  every  case  of  death  from  transplanting  is  only 
a  modification  of  this  simple  process  ?  Indeed,  it  is  from  no  other 
cause.     The  tree  has  dried  up. 

It  is  a  remarkable  circumstance  that  our  physiological  writers  have 
nearly,  we  may  say  quite,  overlooked  this  matter  of  evaporation.  Only 
a  few  days  ago,  we  read  a  very  learned  disquisition,  showing  that  trees 
should  never  be  pruned  at  transplanting,  because  the  speedy  production 
of  roots  was  a  great  object ;  and  as  the  elaborated  sap  in  the  branches 
was  the  matter  from  which  roots  were  formed,  why  the  more  branches 
the  better  for  the  roots.  All  true  enough,  my  good  friend,  if  you  could 
prevent  the  moisture  from  drying  out  in  the  mean  time ;  but  there's 
the  rub, — the  more  surface  the  more  waste. 

Instead  of  allowing  the  tree  to  lie  neglected  on  the  ground,  we  will 
say  that  it  is  actually  planted.  The  roots  are  more  .or  less  mutilated — 
that  is  a  necessary  result  of  removal — and  many  not  mutilated  are  not, 
even  with  the  best  care,  so  closely  imbedded  or  surrounded  by  soil  as 
to  be  able  to  obtain  the  same  amount  of  moisture  from  the  earth  they 
could  before  transplanting.  And  now  immediately  follows  a  bitter  cold 
windy  day,  or  a  hot  and  dry  time,  when  the  very  skies  seem  like  brass, 
and  all  nature  seems  languid  and  debilitated ;  the  sap  is  exhausted 
faster  than  the  roots,  so  circumstanced,  can  supply,  and  just  the  same 
as  in  the  totally  neglected  tree,  it  dies — dries  up. 

But  the  result  is  not  often  so  palpable.  No  cold  winds  or  hot  days 
perhaps  follow  for  a  long  time,  but  the  soil  is  cold,  and  unfavourable  to 
the  production  of  new  roots,  and  so  the  tree  stays  in  a  state  of  rest — 
laying  up  no  treasures,  taking  no  thought  of  to-morrow — and  when  the 
adverse  time  does  come,  its  sandy  foundation  is  discovered.  It  dies — 
it  dries  up.  So  we  may  go  on  through  a  score  of  illustrations.  Still 
the  same  explanation,  the  same  reasoning,  the  same  result :  it  dies — 
it  dries  up. 

From  all  this  it  follows,  that  to  succeed  in  transplanting,  all  that  is 
necessary  is  to  have  control  of  the  evaporating  power  of  the  tree — to 
prevent,  in  plain  language,  the  sap  from  drying  out  of  the  tree,  until 
the  roots  have  made  new  fibres,  and  thus  able  to  supply  whatever 
demands  the  branches  may  make  on  them  for  moisture. 

There  are,  then,  two  periods  when  it  is  good  to  plant  trees  ;  one  is 
when  there  is  very  little  evaporation  going  on  from  the  top  of  the  tree ; 
the  other  when  the  roots  are  active,  and  the  fibres  are  pushing  with 
freedom  and  vigor,  and  the  best  time  is  when  we  can  get  the  two  to 
work  together.  This  is  not  easy.  When  the  thermometer  ranges 
between  35°  and  45°,  little  or  no  evaporation  is  going  on — the  air  is 
saturated  with  moisture,  and  a  tree  might  be  dug  up,  and  suffered  to 
lie  for  a  week  with  its  roots  exposed,  without  experiencing  material 
injury.  Such  times  we  often  find  in  September  and  October, 
February  and  March,  and  at  certain  times  at  other  seasons.  But  the 
opposite  objection  arises  ;  the  ground  is  cold,  and  the  roots,  though  not 
perhaps  entirely  dormant,  are  but  little  active.     Again  in  the  spring 


254  THE    FLORIST. 

the  roots  are  very  active,  and  are  ready  to  draw  water  almost  as  soon 
as  the  tree  is  transplanted ;  but — again  that  implacable  but — the  wood 
has  become  more  soft  and  spongy,  and  the  atmosphere  warm  and 
drying,  and  evaporation  goes  on  so  very  very  fast,  that  the  advantages 
of  the  newly  pushing  roots  is  more  than  balanced. 

In  whatever  way  we  look  at  the  subject,  this  conclusion  is  apparent : 
that  to  be  successful  with  tree-planting,  evaporation  from  the  branches 
must  be  checked  until  the  new  fibres  push.  Let  this  be  a  recognised 
principle. 

What  will  our  readers  say  to  the  doctrine  that  deciduous  trees  can 
be  removed  more  successfully  in  May  and  June  than  at  any  other 
season  ?  But  it  is  a  fact.  It  must  be  done  in  the  usual  way.  The 
leaves  have  to  be  stripped  off,  and  the  young  growth  shortened-in ; 
evaporation  is  arrested,  and  the  young  roots,  rejoicing  in  their  newly- 
found  liberty,  push  forth  in  all  directions,  and  sustain  the  tree  at  once. 
New  buds  and  leaves  start  immediately,  and  the  tree  goes  on  apparently 
with  very  little  check.  [We  would  certainly  prefer  September. — Ed  ] 
Over  and  over  again  have  we  seen,  during  the  past  few  seasons, 
trees  taken  up  in  May  and  June,  and  in  August  and  September,  and 
with  the  most  complete  success. 

It  is  more  trouble,  to  be  sure,  to  prune  and  strip  the  leaves  from  the 
trees,  and  the  whole  care  required  to  control  this  evaporation  costs 
more  than  trees  planted  in  the  usual  time  and  way ;  but  to  many  a 
man,  labour  is  worth  more  in  April,  when  everything  has  to  be  done  at 
once,  than  it  is  in  June,  when  nearly  all  is  finished  up. 

Without  making  this  chapter  much  too  long,  it  is  impossible  to  go 
into  the  details  of  this  idea  as  we  would  like  to  do.  The  reader  must 
apply  the  principle  for  himself.  He  must  check  evaporation  till  new 
roots  are  produced,  either  by  syringing,  or  shading,  or  pruning,  or  dis- 
leafing ;  he  must  do  all  he  can  to  insure  a  rapid  formation  of  new 
fibres.  He  must,  in  fact,  experiment  and  observe  a  little  for  himself; 
and  when  he,  as  he  soon  will  be,  becomes  master  of  the  idea,  he  may 
remove  things  at  any  time  of  the  year  when  he  has  the  most  leisure 
and  inclination.  G.  W. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias  will  now  occupy  sheltered  places  out-of-doors. 
Do  not  allow  the  sun  to  shine  on  the  pots,  as  it  quickly  absorbs  all  the 
moisture  from  the  ball,  and  frequently  kills  the  plants  in  a  few  hours. 
Attend  well  to  keeping  them  supplied  with  water,  washing  the  plants 
overhead  occasionally  on  the  evenings  of  hot  days. 

Auriculas. — These  plants  must  now  receive  attention,  after  lying 
dry  and  comparatively  dormant  for  the  last  two  months.  The  plants 
will  now  require  to  be  shaken  out  of  the  old  soil,  and  repotted,  using 
moderately  rich  but  well  sweetened  soil,  to  ensure  a  good  growth  during 
autumn,  and  bloom  next  spring.  After  repotting,  keep  the  plants 
rather  close  in  a  frame  or  pit  for  some  little  time ;  give  air  by  degrees, 
and  in  proportion  as  they  draw  root  until  they  can  be  entirely  exposed 


AUGUST. 


255 


to  the  air,  excepting  to  heavy  rains,  to  which  they  should  never  be 
subjected.  Aphides  must  not  be  allowed  to  infest  them,  or  dead  foliage 
to  remain  on  the  plants. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — These  being  unprecedentedly  early,  a 
great  advantage  is  gained  this  season,  by  the  layering  being  completed 
in  good  time.  The  unusually  early  blooming  was  over  here  by  the 
15th  of  July.  Watering  must  be  carefully  attended  to;  this  and 
cutting  away  dead  foliage  are  the  only  requisites  this  month. 

Conservatory  may  now  be  all  but  cleared  of  surplus  plants,  to  allow 
the  proper  inmates  a  full  share  of  light  and  air.  Now,  also,  is  a  good 
time  for  repairing  and  painting,  if  required.  A  few  Ferns,  Palms, 
stove  plants,  and  Achimenes  may  be  introduced  as  wanted. 

Cucumbers. — A  crop  for  the  autumn  and  winter  supply  should  now 
be  sown  ;  when  up,  keep  the  plants  as  hardy  as  you  can,  as  they  will 
withstand  mildew  much  better  if  grown  hardy  when  young,  and  will 
make  much  longer-lived  plants. 

Dahlias. — Water  freely  during  dry  weather,  and  in  addition  give  the 
plants  a  good  sprinkling  overhead  every  evening,  after  the  sun  has  left 
them.  Go  over  the  plants  regularly  twice  a  week,  and  remove  all 
superfluous  small  shoots  and  buds ;  this  must  be  done  with  care  and 
judgment,  only  cutting  away  a  little  at  a  time,  leaving  large  varieties 
full  for  a  time.  Secure  the  side  shoots  by  tying  them  to  stakes,  in 
doing  which  draw  them  away  from  the  centre,  to  prevent  weakness  by 
overcrowding  of  the  shoots.  Earwigs  should  be  got  under  as  much  as 
possible,  to  prevent  the  annoyance  generally  occasioned  by  their  dis- 
figuring the  finest  blooms. 

Flower  Garden. — The  flower  garden  will  now  be  in  full  beauty, 
and,  as  great  attention  is  now  paid  to  arrangement  of  colour,  any  defects 
in  composition,  or  the  substitution  of  newer  and  better  plants  should  be 
carefully  noted,  and  stock  procured  for  next  season.  Variety  is  often 
more  pleasing  than  the  mere  display  of  colour  ;  we  cannot  therefore  too 
strongly  insist  on  the  employment  of  herbaceous  plants,  as  well  as  of 
the  different  shades  of  scarlet,  blue,  and  yellow.  For  certain  situations 
the  primary  colours  are  indispensable,  as,  for  instance,  when  there  are 
large  spaces  of  Grass  adjoining  the  beds,  to  counteract  the  effects  of 
which  warm  colours  are  decidedly  required ;  but  for  a  general  garden, 
containing  a  number  of  beds,  and  especially  if  on  gravel,  more  variety 
than  is  usually  seen  will  prove  more  agreeable  to  the  majority  of  persons. 
The  great  beauty  and  order  of  a  flower  garden  depend  much  on  the 
training  and  management  of  the  various  plants,  whether  growing  in 
beds,  or  on  walls,  trellis,  vases,  &c.  Let  everything  be  kept,  therefore, 
to  its  proper  limits  as  to  training,  the  Grass  kept  close,  and  the  gravel 
free  from  weeds  and  frequently  rolled,  and  you  will  go  far  towards 
making  your  garden  perfect.  The  propagation  of  plants  for  another 
year  should  commence  as  soon  as  the  cuttings  can  be  spared.  There  is 
no  better  plan  for  all  the  scarlet  and  variegated  Geranium  class  than 
putting  the  cuttings  in  on  well  prepared  sandy  soil  on  a  south  border, 
or  indeed  in  any  open  place,  fully  exposed.  Verbenas  strike  equally 
well  the  same  way,  with  the  addition  of  a  handglass  over  them. 

Kitchen  Garden. — The  main  breadth  of  Cabbages  should  be  sown  at 


256  THE    FLORIST. 

once  on  well  prepared*  soil ;  the  old  dates  used  to  be  about  the  1 2th, 
but  any  time  from  the  1st  to  that  date  will  secure  you  good  plants,  not 
liable  to  run  to  seed.  A  supply  of  Cauliflowers  for  standing  over  the 
winter  in  frames  and  handglasses  should  be  sown  between  the  20th 
and  the  end  of  the  month,  and  the  true  Bath  Cos,  and  some  good  hardy 
Cabbage  Lettuce,  at  the  same  time.  As  the  summer  crops  of  Peas, 
Beans,  Cauliflowers,  and  Potatoes,  are  cleared  off,  fill  up  every  avail- 
able space  with  Coleworts,  Winter  Greens,  Brussels  Sprouts,  Broccoli, 
&c,  the  Potato  disease  is  making  great  havoc  this  season.  Greens  of 
all  kinds  will  be  more  than  useful  next  spring.  Turnips,  for  winter, 
may  be  sown  up  to  the  middle  of  the  month  ;  also  Spinach  and  a  few 
Horn  Carrots.     Earth  up  the  forwardest  Celery. 

Peach-house. — As  the  wood  becomes  ripened,  which  may  be  known 
by  its  assuming  a  reddish  brown  tinge  and  leaves  becoming  yellow,  take 
off  the  sashes  and  fully  expose  the  trees.  The  late  houses  should  have 
their  foliage  attended  to  to  keep  down  insects  and  assist  the  ripening 
process,  until  the  trees,  as  above,  will  bear  exposure. 

Pelargoniums. — As  soon  as  the  plants  have  broken  sufficiently,  they 
should  be  shaken  out  of  the  old  soil,  and,  after  having  been  disrooted, 
put  into  as  small  pots  as  they  will  conveniently  go  into.  Drain  care- 
fully, and  place  some  vegetable  fibre  over  the  drainage,  so  as  to  prevent 
stoppage.  After  the  plants  are  potted  they  should  be  placed  in  a  frame 
or  pit,  and  be  kept  close  for  a  time,  and  be  well  shaded  during  the  day. 
Watering  is  an  operation  at  this  time  requiring  very  great  care.  The 
mould  must  be  kept  moist  but  not  sodden  ;  still  it  is  necessary  when 
the  plants  are  watered  that  they  have  a  quantity  sufficient  to  go  quite 
through  the  pots.  When  the  plants  have  taken  root  give  air,  but  use 
shading  only  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  or  when  the  sun  is  very  powerful, 
say  for  a  week  or  so,  when  it  may  be  kept  off  entirely,  and  air  given 
more  freely. 

Pinery. — The  best  grown  plants  should  now  be  potted  into  fruiting 
pots,  if  not  done,  for  the  earliest  supply  next  spring;  use  pure  loam, 
and  well  drain  the  pots ;  they  will  then  take  water  often  without  its 
injuring  the  soil.  A  portion  of  the  stock  may  remain  for  two  or  three 
weeks  longer  to  keep  up  a  succession.  Suckers  and  succession  plants 
will  also  require  potting,  and  may  have,  at  this  season,  a  good  shift,  as 
they  will  grow  freely  from  now  to  the  end  of  October,  and  should  not 
be  potted  again. 

Pinks. — These  should  be  planted  into  beds  that  have  been  prepared 
for  them,  as  soon  as  sufficiently  rooted.  The  beds  should  have  been 
trenched  and  mixed  with  good  rotten  manure,  and  some  loam  if  the 
soil  is  light.  By  early  planting,  Pinks  winter  better  and  produce 
larger  flowers.  The  remainder  of  the  stock  should  be  planted  out  in 
spare  beds  much  nearer  together.  Look  well  after  the  grubs,  so 
very  destructive  to  the  young  plants  at  this  season. 

Vinery. — The  late  crops  should  be  kept  growing  by  a  moist  atmo- 
sphere. Keep  down  insects,  and  apply  fires  to  Muscats  on  wet  days. 
The  sashes  may  now  be  taken  from  the  earliest  forced  houses,  as  the 
wood,  by  this  time,  will  be  well  ripened,  and  the  foliage  beginning  to 
decay,  and  of  no  further  use  for  supplying  nutrition. 


indrews  If 


Phlox. 

1  Juho/Rousseb.  _    2   Saia'emr  dim-Ami: 
$    La  Vohupte/. 


Tnnted  /;% 


SEPTEMBER.  257 


PHLOXES. 

[Plate  155.] 

In  many  classes  of  flowers  we  are  almost  entirely  indebted  to 
our  continental  neighbours   for   new    varieties ;    the  climate 
is  so  much  more  favourable  to  the  ripening  of  the  seed,  that 
they  are  able  to  effect  that  which  we  find  impossible.     All  the 
new  Roses,  without  exception,  are  French ;  for  though  some 
one  has  said  that  Devoniensis  was  an  English  raised  Eose,  it 
is  a  mistake ;  the  variety  was  raised  in  France,   bought  by 
Messrs.  Lucombe,  Pince,  &  Co.,  and  by  them  given  its  name. 
Hyacinths  are   all  Dutchmen,  Asters  principally  German  or 
French,  Verbenas  and   Chrysanthemums  largely  so,  and  the 
varieties  of  Phlox  which  have  for  the  last  few  years  been  intro- 
duced, are  "  furriners  "  also — much  to  the  discomfort  of  our 
gardeners,  whom  the  names  confound  very  much.     It  would 
really  be  a  much  more  sensible  plan,  when  things  are  intro- 
duced by  any  English  grower  for  him  to  have  a  rechristening ; 
for  what    can    a  plain  John  Bull    make  of  such   names  as 
"  Souvenir  de  la  Heine  dAngleterre,"  or  "  Souvenir  de  l'Expo- 
sition  ?"     Why,  our  old  man  thinks  he's  no  end  of  a  scholar 
because  he  can  talk  of  "  Chany  Austens"  and  "  Cranthins"  (a 
free  way  of  rendering  China  Asters  and  Chrysanthemums)  ; 
imagine,  then,  his  attempting  such  names   as  these.     If  the 
great  growers,  or  rather  introducers   of  French  productions 
were  to  do  this,  they  would  greatly  add  to  the  comfort  of  many 
a  gardener,  and,  we  may  add,  to  many  a  master,  too,  whose  ears 
are   horribly  jarred   and  his  risibility   often    excited  by  the 
marvellous  attempts  his  man  makes  at  getting  to  windward  of 
these  French  words.     This  is   a  digression,  and  yet  we  must 
make  another.     What  a  curious  thing  it  is  that  the  odd  bizarre 
coloured  things  seem  all  to  be  French  ;  fancy  Dahlias,  striped 
Verbenas,  spotted  and  odd   coloured  Pelargoniums,  are  all  of 
French  extraction ;  they  are  a  very  "  bizarre  "  people,  but  this 
cannot  affect  theirhybridising ;  but  we  suppose  they  are  fond  of 
such  things,  and   so  try  to  obtain,  by  a  system  of   crossing 
likely  to  produce  it,  these  odd  and  striking  things.     Be  the 
reason  what  it  may,  the  fact  is  there,  and  when  in  any  class  of 
flower  you  see  something  peculiar  in  its  markings,  you  may 
give  a  tolerably  shrewd  guess  that  it  is  French. 

But  "  revenons  a  nous  moutons,"  the  "  moutons  "  in  this 
case  being  Phloxes.  If  any  of  the  readers  of  the  Florist  are 
possessed  of  its  back  volumes,  they  may  see  something  of  the 
rapid  strides  that  this  flower  has  made,  by  referring  to  the 
volumes  for  1848  and  1854.     In  the  former  year  Coelestis  and 

VOL.  XII.,  no.  cxli.  s 


258  THE    FLORIST. 

Nitens  were  figured,  and  considered  then  to  be  a  great  addition, 
and  in  1854  Countess  of  Home  was  figured  in  Mr.  Andrews' 
usual  style,  and  most  persons  were  struck  with  the  vast  im- 
provement made  in  the  six  years.  At  that  time  a  list  of  41 
varieties  was  given,  comprising  all  the  best  sorts  in  culti- 
vation. Of  these  very  few  are  now  grown,  our  continental 
neighbours  having  succeeded  in  vastly  improving  them  in  the 
five  years  that  have  elapsed  since  then,  a  fact  which  we  saw 
ourselves,  when  last  month  we  paid  a  visit  to  the  Royal  Nursery 
at  Slough.  A  very  fine  collection  was  just  then  coming  into 
bloom,  showing  great  variety  in  colour,  beautiful  shape,  thick 
waxy-looking  petals,  and  dwarf  habit.  Of  some  of  these  we 
took  notes  at  the  time,  and  among  them  are  those  in  the  plate 
now  presented  to  the  patrons  of  the  Florist.  Julia  Boussel 
is  dwarf  in  habit,  very  round,  thick  petalled,  with  a  crimson 
eye.  La  Volupte  is  quite  a  new  shade  of  colour,  and  forms  a 
striking  contrast,  in  its  richness  of  colour,  to  the  white  ones. 
Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  though  not  so  bright,  is  still  of  a  very 
pleasing  tint.  Quite  as  good  were  Vicomte  Adalbert  de 
Beaumont,  bright  rose ;  Augustine  Lierval,  white  with  cerise 
eye ;  Model,  bright  lilac ;  Madame  Suer,  very  like  Julia 
Boussel ;  Blanche,  new,  pure  white,  about  2  feet  high  ;  Boi 
Leopold,  white  and  lilac  striped,  very  pretty ;  Madame 
Bougiere,  pure  white,  crimson  eye,  of  very  dwarf  habit,  and 
only  12  inches  high.  We  must,  for  a  description  of  the  others, 
refer  our  readers  to  the  accompanying  list,  which  contains  nearly 
every  good  variety  in  cultivation.  It  is,  however,  only  fair  to 
add  that  owing  to  a  desire  to  give  as  many  varieties  on  the 
plate  as  possible,  it  has  not  been  found  practicable  to  give 
anything  like  a  correct  idea  of  the  size  and  beauty  of  the 
spike.  It  were  needless  to  say  anything  as  to  the  method  of 
growing  so  hardy  a  perennial ;  they  are  easily  increased  by 
cuttings,  struck  in  the  summer,  or  division  of  the  roots  ;  while 
for  their  aftergrowth,  they  require  nothing  more  than  the 
ordinary  treatment  of  herbaceous  perennials.  Like  everything 
else  they  will  repay  good  treatment  and  careful  management ; 
but,  unlike  a  good  many,  they  will  bear  much  hardship.  Our 
lady  friends  will  bear  us  out  in  saying  that  they  form  a  very 
attractive  feature  in  a  well  put  together  bouquet.  While  they 
will  live  in  any  part  of  the  garden,  we  think  a  shady  border 
will  bring  out  their  tints  better,  and  is  perhaps  more  in  accord- 
ance with  their  original  habitat,  North  America.  We  are  sure 
that  any  lover  of  this  tribe  may  very  safely  add  to  their  stock 
those  we  have  mentioned,  while  if  there  are  others  who  do  not 
grow  them,  an  order  to  any  respectable  nurseryman  for  a  good 
dozen,  will  be  found  money  well  laid  out. 

Deal,  Aug.  22.  D. 


SEPTEMBER.  259 

HERBACEOUS  PHLOXES. 

Augustine  Lierval,  pure  white,  crimson  centre,  dwarf  compact  habit,  large 

spike,  very  distinct.     18  inches. 
Admiral  Linois,  bright  rose,  crimson  centre,  free,  extra  fine.     30  inches. 
Beauty  of  Milrig,  white,  small  flower,  very  compact.     2  feet. 
Blanche  (new),  pure  white,  compact  habit,  fine  form.     2  feet. 
Cristine  Marjette,  soft  lilac,  free,  good  habit.     3  feet. 

Countess  of  Haddington,  purple  lake,  dark  crimson  centre,  small  flower.  2  ft. 
Claytoni,  white,  lavender  centre,  very  distinct,  fine  form,  good  habit.     1^  ft. 
Comte  de  Chambord,  white,  very  compact  flower.     2\  feet. 
Countess  of  Morton,  pure  white,  good  habit,  large  flower,  and  free.    2\  feet. 
Countess  of  Ellesmere,  white,  lilac  centre,  good  habit,  fine  form,  very  free. 

3  feet. 
De  Lardenella,  white,  lavender  centre,  compact  habit  and  free.     \\  foot. 
Eliza,  mottled  rose,  good  habit,  very  free.     2\  feet. 
Enchantress,  French  white,  rose  centre,  very  free.     3  feet. 
Empereur  de  Tons  les  Russias,  dark  rosy  purple,  very  distinct,  good  habit 

and  free.     2  feet. 
General  Brea,  rosy  lilac,  good  habit  and  free.     3  feet. 
Genevieve,  lilac,  compact  habit,  very  free,  good  form.     2  feet. 
Julia  Roussel,  white,  large  crimson   centre,  fine  form,  large  flower,  good 

habit,  the  finest  of  its  class.     2  feet. 
L'Ami  Georgin,  soft  lilac,  fine  habit,  large  spike  and  free.     3  feet. 
L'Enfant  Prodigue,  rosy  lilac,  large  spike,  good  habit,  free.     3  feet. 
La  Volupte,  soft  rosy  carmine,  very  fine,  good  habit.     3  feet. 
Louis  Guerard,  bright  ruby,  compact  habit,  large  spike,  the  finest  of  its 

class,     l^foot. 
Louis  Noisette,  rosy  lilac,  crimson  centre,  extra  large  spike,  very  fine.    3  ft. 
Louis  Germain,  lilac,  crimson  centre,  dwarf  compact  habit,  free.     1  foot. 
Le  Gamin  de  Paris,  carmine,  crimson  centre,  extra  large  spike,  compact 

habit,  free.     1^  foot. 
Madame  Sueur,  French  white,  crimson  centre,  compact  habit,  very  distinct. 

15  inches. 
Madame  Rendatler,  white,  lilac  centre,  very  free,  good  habit.     2f  feet. 
Madame  de  Vatray,  dark  rich  rosy  purple,  large  spike,  very  free.     2\  feet. 
Madame  E.  Lamble,  white,  dark  lilac  centre,  small  flower,  very  pretty.  3  ft. 
Madame  Rougiere,  pure  white,  carmine  centre,  dwarf  habit,  large  spike, 

ex.  ex.  fine.     1  foot. 
Madame  de  St.  Innocent,  dark  rose,  very  large  spike,  good  habit,  free.  3  ft. 
Madame  Jolly,  mottled  lilac,  very  compact  habit,  large  spike,  very  fine,  ex. 

fine.     \\  foot. 
Mons.  Forrest,  rich  crimson,  compact  habit,  free  and  very  fine.     \\  foot. 
Marie  Cubertier,  French  white,  crimson  centre,  compact  habit,  extra  large 

spike,  very  fine.     15  inches. 
Maria  Lamarcq,  white  lilac,  centre  very  distinct,  good  habit,  free.     2  feet. 
M.  Vatray,  French  white,  rose  centre,  small  neat  flower,  good.     2  feet. 
Omniflora  compacta,  white,  very  dwarf,  and  free.     1  foot. 
Princess,  lilac,  large  spike,  good  habit,  free.     3  feet. 
Rigoli,  mottled  rose,  crimson  centre,  very  free,  very  fine.     \\  foot. 
Rubens,  rosy  lilac,  crimson  centre,  compact  habit,  large  spike,  ex.  fine.    2  ft. 
Rubra,  purplish  crimson,  strong  habit,  very  free.     3  feet. 
Roi  Leopold,  white  and  lilac  striped,  very  pretty.     3  feet. 
Surpasse  Maria  Bellanger,  rosy  carmine,  crimson  centre,  good  habit,  very 

free,  ex.  fine.     \\  foot. 
Surpasse  Madame  Rendatler,  white,  crimson  centre,  very  compact,  large 
spike,  and  free.     3  feet, 


260  THE    FLORIST. 

Salliere,  rosy  purple,  large  spike,  very  free.     3  feet. 

Souvenir  de  Madame  Poivre,  white,  carmine  centre,  good  habit,  very  free.  3  ft. 
Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  rose,  crimson  centre,  compact  habit,  very  free.     1  \  foot. 
Veronique,  lilac,  very  robust  habit,  large  spike.     3  feet. 
Vicomte  Adalbert  de  Beaumont,  bright  rose,  crimson  centre,  large  flower, 
very  free.     2£  feet. 


ECONOMICAL  CULTURE  OF  FRUIT  TREES. 

It  is  a  question  of  importance  as  to  the  precise  form  of  fruit-tree  most 
profitable  to  grow — whether  standards,  half-standards,  or  dwarfs  ;  and 
again,  whether  trained  or  untrained.  For  small  gardens,  the  dwarf 
bush  form  of  Apples  and  Pears  has  long  superseded  the  standards  for- 
merly planted,  and  we  have  now  to  consider  whether  any  economy  can 
be  introduced  into  the  system  by  training.  If  dwarf  trees  are  prefer- 
able, on  the  score  of  economy,  to  standards  on  a  small  scale,  they  must 
be  equally  so  on  a  large  one,  and  we  therefore  must  look  at  the  question 
as  to  its  bearing  on  fruit  culture  in  a  general  point  of  view.  For  exten- 
sive orchards  tall  standard  trees  will  still  be  planted,  as  such  orchards 
are  generally  laid  down  to  Grass,  and  require  but  little  care  afterwards ; 
and  the  same  may  be  said  as  to  planting  Apples  and  Pears  in  hedge- 
rows or  banks.  Rut  where  the  finest  fruits  are  required  there  will  be 
little  difficulty  in  proving,  that  the  same  quantity  of  fruit  can  be  obtained 
on  a  smaller  space  of  ground  than  is  required  to  produce  the  same 
quantity  in  orchards  ;  and  even  with  the  market- gardeners'  orchards, 
where  the  ground  between  the  trees  is  filled  up  with  Gooseberries  and 
Currants,  or  vegetables,  we  shall  have  to  show  that  by  proper  manage- 
ment more  can  be  obtained  from  the  ground  by  cultivating  one  kind  of 
fruit  only,  than  by  attempting  the  mixed  plan. 

But,  to  obtain  the  greatest  produce  from  a  given  space  of  ground,  the 
usual  plan  of  confining  Apples  and  Pears  to  the  height  of  five  or  six  feet 
must  be  abandoned.  As  Dean  Swift  once  satirically  remarked  to  an 
overcrowded  mob,  who  were  crying  out  for  more  room — "  Why,  you 
have  it  ;  there  is  plenty  upwards."  So  the  remark  may  apply  to  fruit 
growers  with  a  limited  space  only — you  must  look  upwards  ;  that  is  to 
say,  you  must  carry  your  trees  up  to  fourteen  or  fifteen  feet  in  height, 
to  enable  them  to  carry  crops  to  repay  for  the  cost  of  planting  and  alter 
management.  To  explain  our  views  more  fully,  let  us  take  an  acre  of 
ground,  which  is  to  be  planted  with  Apples  by  themselves.  We  should 
select  untrained  dwarf  trees,  and  plant  them  in  rows  from  twelve  to 
fourteen  feet  apart,  in  the  direction  of  north-east  and  south-west,  or 
north  and  south,  as  near  as  the  ground  would  admit,  planting  the  trees 
from  eight  to  ten  feet  apart ;  but  in  this  respect  some  allowance  must  be 
made  for  the  size  the  trees  will  hereafter  attain,  some  kinds  growing 
much  stronger  than  others.  The  first  season  some  training  will  be 
necessary,  as  two  shoots  from  each  tree  should  be  tied  out  to  stakes  in 
the  direction  the  rows  run,  and  as  wide  as  three  or  four  feet  apart. 

{To  be  continued.) 


SEPTEMBER.  261 


LAYING  OUT  SMALL  GARDENS. 

The  following  common -sense  observations  on  this  subject  are  abridged 
from  an  American  publication  devoted  to  gardening  ;  they  may  not  be 
without  interest  to  possessors  of  villa  gardens  in  this  country : — 

"  Persons  who  have  small  places  are  often  puzzled  as  to  the  best  way 
to  lay  them  out.  A  too  common  error  is  to  attempt  too  much.  Having 
read  of  fine  specimens  of  taste,  or  imbibed  a  love  of  the  art  from  some 
superior  work  on  landscape  gardening,  or  some  friend's  extensive  country 
seat,  it  is  quite  natural  to  wish  to  make  the  most  of  a  limited  plot.  And 
this  making  the  most  of  the  thing  implies  a  good  deal,  while  it  leads  into 
many  errors.  The  relation  of  the  means  to  the  end  should  never  be 
lost  sight  of,  and  nothing  attempted  that  has  not  some  well-defined 
object. 

"  When  a  house  is  built,  the  first  object  is  to  connect  it  with  the 
public  road,  with  the  stable,  and  with  the  offices.  In  laying  out  these 
roads  convenience  and  beauty  must  be  consulted.  The  first  suggests  to 
go  ;  straight  on ;'  the  last  whispers,  '  curve  gracefully  round.'  Con- 
venience being  the  chief  object,  must  be  respected ;  and  whatever 
deviations  from  the  straight  line  are  allowed  to  the  importunities  of 
beauty,  should  be  done  from  a  seeming  compulsion.  Hence  the  curve 
should  have  its  salient  point  filled  with  a  heap  of  roots  or  rocks,  or  a 
thick  mass  of  shrubbery  ;  or,  what  is  still  better,  the  soil  should  be 
raised  to  form  a  rise  or  knoll,  as  if  the  road  had  been  taken  around  to 
avoid  the  obstruction.  Much  may  be  done  for  a  small  plot  by  this  plan 
of  making  the  surface  irregular.  A  dead  level  or  a  regular  plane  look3 
smaller  than  it  really  is.  Around  the  house  it  should  be  so,  as  a  sudden 
transition  from  the  delicacies  of  art  in  the  building  to  the  roughness  of 
nature  in  the  grounds  is  offensive  ;  but  at  a  little  distance  off  very 
lively  effects  may  be  obtained  by  taking  off  a  little  soil  here  and  adding 
there,  so  as  to  make  the  surface  broken  and  irregular.  The  effect  may 
still  further  be  increased  by  planting  the  rises  and  leaving  the  lower 
surfaces  bare.  To  still  further  give  the  idea  of  extent,  shrubbery  should 
be  planted  in  irregular  masses  to  conceal  the  fences  and  boundaries,  and 
many  objects  on  the  place  itself  may  be  partially  concealed  by  planting 
all  with  a  view  of  exciting  the  curiosity  to  know  '  how  much  more  is 
beyond.'  Besides  the  mere  purposes  of  shade  from  the  sun  and  screen 
from  winds,  large  growing  trees  should  not  be  employed  in  decorating 
the  property,  as  all  large  objects  lessen  the  apparent  size  of  the  place. 
Besides,  small  and  medium  growing  trees  afford  a  greater  variety. 

"  The  walks  being  decided  on  with  a  view  to  convenience  and  beauty, 
and  the  general  idea  of  giving  the  plot  the  appearance  of  as  much  extent 
as  possible  being  kept  in  view,  it  may  be  useful  to  give  some  details 
respecting  the  preparation  of  the  grounds.  It  should  be  remembered 
that  Grass  and  trees  are  not  only  required  to  grow  therein,  but  that 
they  must  grow  well.  The  top  soil  is  often  covered  by  refuse  from 
the  excavations,  trusting  to  heavy  manuring  to  promote  fertility.  But 
this  is  a  too  slow  and  expensive  process.  The  surface  soil  should  in  all 
cases  be  saved,  and  replaced.     Also,  where  it  is  necessary  to  lower  a 


262  THE    FLORIST. 

piece  of  ground,  the  top  spit  should  be  saved  to  be  used  again.  The 
depth  of  the  soil  is  an  important  matter,  both  for  the  trees  and  the 
lawn.  It  should  be  at  least  eighteen  inches  deep.  In  shallow  soils 
Grass  will  burn  out  under  a  hot  sun.  In  a  soil  eighteen  inches  deep 
a  lawn  will  be  green  except  in  the  very  hottest  weather.  For  the  sake 
of  the  trees,  also,  the  ground  should  be  not  only  deep  but  rich.  Life  is 
too  short  for  it  to  be  an  object  to  wait  too  long  for  trees  to  grow,  and 
planting  large  ones  is  an  expensive  as  well  as  unsatisfactory  business. 
A  tree  in  a  rich  and  deep  soil  will  grow  as  much  in  one  year  as  in  five 
in  a  poor  one.  So,  in  preparing  a  lawn,  it  is  fortunate  that,  while 
aiming  at  the  best  effects,  we  are  helping  our  trees  also. 

"  While  on  the  subject  of  improvements,  we  may  add  that  the  latter 
end  of  August  is  one  of  the  best  seasons  of  the  year  to  transplant  ever- 
greens. The  young  growth  of  the  past  season  has  got  pretty  well 
hardened,  so  as  to  permit  of  but  very  little  evaporation,  and  the  earth 
being  warm  new  roots  push  with  great  rapidity,  and  the  tree  becomes 
established  in  the  ground  before  the  cold  autumn  winds  begin." 


AN  ANALYSIS   OF  ROSES,  OLD,  NEW,  AND  NOVELTIES, 
FIT  FOR  SHOW  PURPOSES. 

Several  amateurs  and  gardeners  in  different  parts  of  England,  and 
one  nurseryman  in  America,  having  addressed  questions  on  this  subject, 
or  on  some  particular  Rose  or  Roses,  I  am  reluctantly  obliged,  with 
great  apologies,  to  request  so  soon  a  place  in  your  much  read  and  highly 
valuable  pages.  I  may  here  say,  before  1  begin  about  Roses,  how 
much  I  am  indebted  to  your  Florist  for  Raspberry  information.  I  have 
had  a  noble  crop  this  year,  and  the  canes  are  now  seven  feet  high,  and 
of  the  greatest  substance.  The  avidity  with  which  your  work  is  read, 
and  the  eagerness  with  which  it  is  looked  for,  on  the  first  of  each  month, 
confirm  me  in  the  belief,  that,  in  time,  the  number  of  copies  published 
will  be  very  great.  » 

I  will  now  speak  first  of  summer  Roses  (all  of  which  here  are  on  the 
Brier)  fit  for  show  purposes,  and  some  of  which  are  absolutely  essential. 
Pure  white  :  Clementine — Blush,  Adele  Prevost,  a  fine  Rose,  Cynthia, 
not  so  strong  in  habit,  but  is  of  a  very  fine  Hollyhock  shape,  Juno,  very 
large — Rose  coloured,  Charles  Duval,  Charles  Lawson,  Paul  Perras, 
are  fine  bold  Roses  of  the  most  robust  habit ;  Volupte  is  large  and 
perfect  and  refined;  Dometille  Bear  is  very  fine — Pink,  Coupe  d'Hebe, 
Sanchette,  Bruxelles,  are  all  beautiful  Roses — Purple,  Frederick  II.  is 
large  and  of  a  splendid  colour.  Who  will  raise  a  Hybrid  Perpetual  of 
the  same  colour  and  of  the  shape  as  Comte  de  Nanteuif  ?  Under  shade 
or  a  north  wall  is  the  place  to  preserve  its  fine  colour.  The  sun  soon 
slates  a  purple  Rose.  Different  shades  of  crimson  and  purple  crimson, 
Paul  Ricaut,  Ohl,  Boula  de  Nanteuil,  Kean,  Triomphe  de  Jaussens, 
General  Jacqueminot  (H.C.),  DAguesseau,  are  a  noble  lot  of  Roses, 
and  all  valuable  for  their  colours — Variegated  Roses,  Bizarre  Masbree, 
Tricolor  des  Flandres,  Madeline,  a  very  curious  Rose,  essential  at  Bath 


SEPTEMBER.  263 

for  ball  bouquets  for  the  young  ladies — Pure  slate,  Schismaker,  another 
curiosity,  useful  in  large  collections  to  diversify  eternal  rose  colours,  but 
it  is  not  equal  in  shape  to  any  of  the  former— r-Carmine,  Brennus — 
Yellow,  Persian,  Harrisonii,  both  too  small,  except  where  shown  in  a 
collection — Moss:  White  Bath  and  Crested  are  very  beautiful, 
Wassenaer  is  a  fine  light  crimson,  Mosseuses  is  the  largest  of  all 
Mosses,  blush,  and  is  fine.  The  two  first  are  delicate  but  the  best,  and 
the  two  last  are  the  most  robust.  Crested,  when  expanded,  shows  its 
family  more  plainly  than  any  other  Moss  Rose.  Madame  Audot, 
Felicite  Parmentier,  La  Seduisante,  are  highly  beautiful  flesh  Roses, 
but  they  have  not  this,  their  first  year,  been  large  enough  to  cope  in  size 
with  the  large  and  noble  Roses  above,  and  therefore  amateurs  must  use 
their  own  mind  in  buying  them.  Felicite  won  several  times  at  the 
National  Show  in  1858.  The  Persian  Yellow  and  Harrisonii  bloom 
well,  and  abundantly  on  both  stocks.  These,  the  Moss  Roses  and 
Damask,  must  live  extra  well,  and  be  kept  well  watered. 

I  will  now  speak  secondly  of  autumnal  Roses  for  show  purposes. 
Moss  Roses,  Ory,  rose  coloured — Damask,  Mogador,  Rose  du  Roi, 
both  crimson  ;  they  require  the  highest  cultivation — Hybrid  Perpetuals, 
Salmon  pink,  M.  Regnier,  William  Griffiths,  Auguste  Mie,  all  good  on 
both  stocks — Rose  coloured,  good  here  only  on  Manetti,  La  Ville  de  St. 
Denis,  Comte  de  Nanteuil,  two  magnificent  and  perfect  show  flowers ; 
M.  de  Manoel,  Jacques  Lafitte,  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Elegante 
JNouvelle,  medium  sized,  but  perfect  in  shape,  Louise  Peyronney. 
Good  here  on  both  stocks,  Cambaceres,  Angleterre,  Rougemont, 
Baronne  Prevost.  Good  on  Briers,  M.  Domage,  Lselia,  Prince  Imperial, 
Adelaide  Fontaine.  Lselia  and  Peyronney  are  best,  when  cut  before 
ripe,  and  shown  as  incurved  Roses ;  the  colours  and  class  of  petal  are 
the  same  as  Auguste  Mie's.  The  whole  of  the  above  are  most  noble 
Roses.  The  two  first  and  Adelaide  Fontaine  are  grand  Roses,  perfect 
in  shape.  Crimson  and  its  shades  on  a  Brier :  Raglan  is  in  all  respects 
the  best ;  Sir  John  Franklin.  Good  on  both  stocks,  Geant  des  Batailles 
(best  on  Manetti),  Triomphe  de  TExposition,  Jules  Margottin,  Prince 
Leon,  this  Rose  is  not  strong  enough  in  habit  on  either  stock,  but  it  is 
thoroughly  first  class.  -Good  here  on  Manetti  only,  Laffay,  Norfolk,  Paul 
Dupuy,  this  last  Rose  also  wants  freedom  of  growth.  Good  on  a  Brier 
here,  Triomphe  de  Paris.  Red  or  shades  of  red,  good  on  both  stocks  : 
Gloire  de  France,  Bachmeteff — on  a  Brier:  Pius  IX. — on  Manetti  only, 
Lion  des  Combats,  a  fine  dark  colour,  much  like  Beaux  Arts ;  its  shape 
is  not  so  good  as  that  of  many  others,  but  you  must  have  it  for  its  size 
and  colour.  White  outer  petals  and  blush  or  flesh  centres,  Madame 
Vidot  is  the  most  perfect,  Duchesse  d'Orleans,  Paul's  Victoria :  these 
bloom  beautifully  on  Manetti.  On  a  Brier,  Madame  Rivers,  uncertain, 
but  lovely  ;  Madame  Phelip,  hardy  and  lovely.  On  both  stocks,  Caro- 
line de  Sansal,  Madame  Knorr,  both  are  excellent  and  fine :  Victoria 
blooms  freely  and  finely  here  on  Manetti.  Scarlet,  on  a  Brier,  Monsieur 
Ravel.  On  Manetti,  General  Jacqueminot :  Eveque  de  Nimes  is  a 
first-class  medium-sized  micropetalous  scarlet  Rose  ;  I  have  two  plants 
on  a  Brier,  but  cannot  speak  at  present  with  certainty  of  its  habit ;  it 
appears  to  be  of  the  habit  of  Rebecca,  which  latter  Rose  is  not  free 


264  THE    FLORIST. 

enough  to  please  me,  though  highly  beautiful  and  thick  in  petal.  I 
have  not  included  Simpson  and  Place  in  their  class  of  colours,  because 
they  are  not  large  enough  to  put  with  huge  Poses  :  they  are  perfect  in 
form,  and  bloom  beautifully  here  on  Manetti  only.  Dark  Roses,  or 
radiant  and  dark ;  all  are  on  Briers  except  Willermoz,  and  all  are  small 
or  medium  sized,  but  very  beautiful :  Patrizzi,  Arthur  de  Sansal,  Noir, 
Moskowa  (the  largest  but  hollow),  Napoleon  :  they  are  useful  for 
showing  in  large  collections. 

With  regard  to  Bourbons,  I  will  observe  two  or  three  things. 
They  are  best  on  low  stocks,  and  better  fall  than  summer  bloomers. 
The  dark  and  purpureous  Roses,  such  as  Reveil,  Paul  Joseph,  Montijo, 
Proserpine,  Dupetit  Thouars,  have  bloomed  here  well  all  summer, 
close  under  a  north  wall.  Paul  Joseph  and  Proserpine  are  old  on  their 
own  roots,  and  bloom  continually ;  they  are  first-class  medium-sized 
Roses  of  great  substance  and  good  form.  The  first,  I  think,  is  the 
best  of  all  dark  Roses.  Leprestre,  brilliant,  is  not  equal  in  habit  to 
Dupetit  Thouars;  Reveil  is  the  most  superb;  Montijo  is  lovely,  and 
thicker  than  any  Rose  in  petal ;  Louise  Odier,  Paxton,  Lecoq,  Acidalie, 
Vicomte  de  Cussy,  are  good  free  bloomers,  early  in  summer,  in 
scorching  situations.  None  are  equal  in  size  to  the  above  Hybrid 
Perpetuals,  except  Malmaison,  blush,  which  is  the  finest  of  all,  and 
good. 

China :  Mrs.  Bosanquet,  wax-like  flesh,  a  good  and  useful  Rose. 
Teas :  Gloire  de  Dijon,  orange  and  buff,  is  good  on  both  stocks  every- 
where, and  at  all  times ;  Devoniensis,  good  on  Manetti,  but  better  here 
old  on  her  own  roots.  Noisettes  :  Cloth  of  Gold  and  Isabella  Gray  are 
best  if  you  can  grow  them  :  mine  look  like  Italian  greyhounds  on  the 
rocks  of  Labrador,  and  have  gone  blind :  Solfaterre  and  Lamarque  are 
easier  managed  and  beautiful :  Triomphe  de  Rennes,  a  smaller  and 
more  perfect  Dijon,  orange  and  canary  or  buff,  is  really  a  gem. 

New  Roses :  Beaux  Arts  is  a  large  dark  Rose,  free  bloomer,  of  a 
plum  purple  colour  ;  its  habit  is  apparently  not  equal  to  the  size  of  its 
flowers ;  perhaps,  on  stronger  stocks,  it  may  be  more  likely  to  bear  such 
large  and  abundant  blooms.  Marie  Portemer,  red,  is  good  habited, 
and  excellent :  I  hope  she  will  supplant  those  tender  Roses  Chipetouzikof 
and  Madame  Masson.  Reine  de  Denmark,  blush,  is  the  finest  I  have 
yet  bloomed  of  the  novelties :  she  is  splendid.  Gloire  de  Lyons  is  a  great 
favourite,  fiery  centre,  and  plum  purple,  excellent  in  habit  These 
three,  and  the  two  Bourbons,  Monsieur  Jard  and  Dr.  Berthet,  a  rich 
crimson,  are  all  that  I  have  seen  sufficient  of  to  bear  the  responsibility 
of  recommending.  The  others  have  been  making  nice  little  bushes, 
and  doubtless  will,  one  day,  give  me  as  great  pleasure  as  the  above  have 
done.  If  any  of  the  numerous  novelties  not  yet  bloomed  should  do  well, 
as  far  as  I  am  concerned,  the  public  shall  not  be  kept  in  the  dark. 

All  of  the  above  Roses,  summer  and  autumnal,  if  highly  manured 
and  supplied  with  water,  will  give  you  great  satisfaction.  I  have  left 
out  some  beautiful  Roses,  either  because  I  have  not  sufficiently  proved 
them,  or  because  they  are  weather  Roses,  and  are  only  occasionally 
good,  or  because  they  are  dwarf  habited.  With  the  exception  of  summer 
Roses,  Roses  do  better  here,  on  the  whole,  on  Manetti  stocks.  It  is  fair, 


SEPTEMBER.  265 

however,  to  observe,  that  the  Manetti  stocks  sent  to  me  are  strong, 
young,  and  good,  but  the  Briers  are  not  always  so.  Some  are  dry- 
rinded  ;  others  are  like  knob-sticks,  with  two  thin  roots,  like  the 
"  feelers  of  a  lobster."  Before,  therefore,  you  can  draw  a  just  com- 
parison, you  must  look  into  this.  In  my  rich,  friable  garden,  so  highly 
manured,  the  Roses  on  Manetti  have  bloomed  beautifully.  They  began 
their  second  series  about  the  24th  of  July,  and  are  now  (the  8th  of 
August),  full  of  large  and  beautiful  blooms.  After  their  first  bloom, 
all  Roses  here  were  supplied  with  a  shovelful  of  black  manure.  The 
earth  was  scraped  away,  the  manure  put  in  over  the  earth  on  the  roots, 
and  then,  having  been  drowned  with  water,  the  earth  scraped  away 
was  replaced.  The  Manetti  Roses  are  earthed  up,  like  Potatoes,  over 
the  bud  union,  a  thing  most  essential  to  be  done.  Manetti  Roses 
require  a  deal  of  manure  to  supply  the  immense  exhaustion  ;  and,  to 
prevent  them  going  blind,  you  must  not  cut  too  hard.  I  cut  them  all 
about  one  foot  high  the  Saturday  after  Good  Friday,  to  meet  the  22nd 
of  June,  and  I  thank  Mr.  Milne  for  the  account  he  has  given.  The 
present  bloom,  however,  of  autumnals,  is  far  superior.  The  Roses  are 
larger,  brighter,  and  more  numerous.  The  manures  which  I  use  are 
abundance  of  wood  ashes  (retainers  of  moisture),  and  decayed  horse  and 
pig  manure  mixed  with  road  scrapings.  With  plenty  of  this,  and  careful 
summer  pruning  and  watering,  I  get  a  quick  and  prolonged  succession 
of  these  glorious  flowers. 

Allow  me  to  thank  Messrs.  Cranston,  Rivers,  Gill  (of  Blandford), 
and  Davis  (of  Newbury),  for  the  superb  materials  sent  to  me  this 
year. 

Aug.  8.  W.  F.  Radclyffe. 

P.S.  August  24. — Portemer  and  Eveque  de  Nimes,  budded  on  a 
brier  two  months  ago,  have  fine  buds,  clean  foliage,  and  appear  to  be 
of  good  habit. 


AURICULAS  AND  THEIR  CLASSES. 

A  notice  which  I  inserted  in  "  Gossip  for  the  Garden,"  having  elicited 
some  letters  on  the  subject  of  which  I  wrote,  I  am  desirous  of  putting 
the  same*  matter  before  the  readers  of  the  Florist,  the  sole  object  for 
which  I  contend  being  the  best  means  of  advancing  the  cultivation  of 
this  lovely  flower,  the  chief  point  at  issue  being  whether  the  system  of 
showing  in  the  north  of  England,  and  the  rules  by  which  the  judges 
seem  to  be  regulated,  are  those  likely  to  effect  this  object.  Anyone  who 
has  grown  them  is,  of  course,  aware  that  few  flowers  have  made  less 
advance,  and  that  in  no  tribe  of  florists'  flowers  are  there  so  few  additions 
by  seedlings ;  and  it  is  a  matter  of  some  importance  to  determine 
whether  the  acknowledged  difficulty  of  raising  seedlings,  and  propagating 
them  when  raised,  is  the  only  cause  of  this.  If  a  good  seedling  Verbena 
or  Geranium  is  produced,  in  two  or  three  years'  time  not  a  garden  but 
what  possesses  it ;  an  Auricula  raised  at  the  same  time  is  still  in  the 
raiser's  hands,  and  will  not  probably  leave  them  for  a  year  or  two 


266  THE    FLORIST. 

longer.  But  it  would  appear  from  reports  of  shows  held  in  Lancashire, 
which  is  looked  upon  as  the  home  of  the  Aurjeula,  that  the  system  of 
showing  turns  upon  two  points — the  quality  of  the  edges,  and  the  size 
of  the  individual  pip  ;  the  character  of  the  plant  and  the  beauty  of  the 
truss  are  left  out  of  sight,  and  hence  a  long-legged  flower  like  imperator, 
and  faulty  in  many  other  respects,  takes  the  lead  over  many  a  better 
flower,  while  to  effect  this  a  truss  is  often  reduced  to  two  or  three  pips. 
They,  on  the  contrary,  accuse  us  in  the  south  of  sacrificing  every- 
thing to  colour,  and  ridicule  the  idea  of  our  new  flowers  coming  into 
competition  with  the  older  varieties.  Florists  know  that  this  is  not  the 
only  point  on  which  "  North  and  South"  disagree.  Pinks  with  two 
rows  of  petals,  little  better  than  a  single  Dianthus,  were  in  favour  with 
one ;  while  mops  with  no  regularity  were  said  to  be  the  thing  in  the 
south.  Again,  Tulips,  in  the  north,  were  once  only  looked  at  for  colour, 
and  a  stained  bottom  was  not  thought  fit  for  rejection.  Intercourse  (so 
facilitated  by  railways)  has  led  to  juster  views  on  these  points  ;  and  so 
I  cannot  but  think  if  we  were  able  to  bring  north  and  south  together 
on  an  Auricula  stage,  we  should  do  good  service  to  the  cause.  I  do  not 
by  any  means  wish  to  lower  the  taste,  but  I  do  want  to  see  somewhat 
more  liberal  views  taken,  and  specially  in  this  matter  of  the  edges. 
Very  similar  is  the  division  amongst  Dahlias  into  show  flowers  and 
fancies  ;  it  is  only  the  dealers  in  them  that  can  rightly  determine  which 
is  which.  I  do  not  desire  therefore  to  see  such  a  flower  as  Lancashire 
Hero  or  Chapman's  Maria  despised  as  a  "Mongrel"  or  a  "  Chaney" 
nor  do  I  want  bad-shaped,  or  thrum-eyed,  or  dirty-eyed  flowers 
recognised  as  leading  varieties.  Some  growers  say  those  flowers  I  have 
named  are  only  fit  for  the  dung-heap,  while  others  laud  them  up  as  the 
perfection  of  an  Auricula.  I  am  not,  however,  without  allies  who  take 
my  view  of  the  question,  and  I  should  be  very  glad  to  have  the  matter 
talked  over  and  entered  into  practically.  I  have,  therefore,  a  proposition 
to  make — that  an  Auricula  Exhibition  be  held  in  London  in  April  next, 
somewhere  about  the  20th  ;  and  that,  as  it  would  be  desirable  to  avoid 
expense  as  much  as  possible,  the  Royal  Botanic  Society  be  solicited  to 
allow  it  to  take  place  at  one  of  their  spring  shows,  the  rules,  &c,  to  be 
determined  on  as  soon  as  we  can  see  our  way  clear  into  the  matter. 
The  circle  of  growers  is  of  course  circumscribed  (though  I  am  in  great 
hopes  that  it  is  widely  increasing),  and  therefore  we  do  not  expect  to 
offer  very  great  prizes ;  this  will,  however,  be  entirely  regulated  by  the 
number  of  subscribers  and  amount  subscribed.  I  should  be  glad, 
therefore,  if  any  who  are  interested  in  the  growth  of  this  lovely  flower 
would  be  good  enough  to  communicate  with  me,  to  the  office  of  the 
Florist,  addressed  as  "  D.,"  and  I  would  feel  obliged  if,  at  the  same  time, 
they  would  give  their  opinion  on  the  following  points  : — 

1 .  Whether  the  time  and  place  are  considered  desirable. 

2.  What  should  be  the  style  of  showing. 

3.  (Important !)  What  amount  they  would  subscribe  for  the  purpose. 

My  own  stock  is  so  small,  and  my  time  so  limited,  that  I  shall  not 
(most  likely)  be  able  to  exhibit,  but  I  shall  be  very  glad  to  take  any 
trouble  in  the  matter  that  I  can  ;  if  it  outgrows  my  capabilities,  I  must 


SEPTEMBER.  2(37 

give  it  up  to  other  hands.  I  am  glad  to  be  able  to  say,  that  already 
we  may  count  on  the  support  of  two  of*  the  largest  public  growers  in  the 
kingdom.  Rose  shows  are  a  great  success  ;  Dahlia  shows  thrive,  and 
Carnation  shows  are  prosperous.  Why  not  an  Auricula  show?  Let 
the  lovers  of  the  flower  manifest  their  zeal,  and  the  thing  will  be  done. 

D. 
Deal,  August. 


WHY  DO   GRAPES  SHANK? 
Much  as  has  been  written  on  this  subject,  we  venture  to  again  moot 
the  question,   having  had   the  above  query  addressed  to  us  for  the 
hundredth  time  a  short  time  back. 

Why,  then,  do  Grapes  shank  ?  Let  us  carry  the  question  further, 
and  ask  why  do  Peaches  and  other  wall-fruit  fall  off? — why  do  Figs 
turn  yellow  and  shrink  away  ? — and  why,  in  a  hundred  other  cases,  do 
fruits  of  all  kinds  fail  in  reaching  maturity? — all  of  which  causes  of 
failure,  in  some  degree  or  other,  are  attributable  to  the  inability  of 
plants  to  carry  onwards  their  crop  of  fruit  to  perfection,  through  causes 
weakening  or  obstructing  their  powers  of  vitality,  and  preventing  the 
proper  functions  of  those  organs  which  supply  the  fruit  with  nourish- 
ment. 

Again,  let  us  go  back  to  our  first  question,  why  do  Grapes  shank  ? 
One  gardener  states  that  the  borders  are  too  wet ;  another,  that  they  are 
too  dry  ;  a  third  says  it  is  for  want  of  a  reciprocal  action  between  the 
roots  and  stem,  the  former  being  often  in  a  very  cold  medium,  while  the 
stem  and  foliage  are  luxuriating  (?)  in  a  tropical  climate;  another  main- 
tains the  cause  to  be  ill-drained  borders  and  want  of  bottom-heat  (!)  to 
the  roots.  Then  it  is  stated  to  be  caused  only  by  house  treatment ; — 
want  of  air,  too  much  night-firing  or  too  little,  or  the  house  too  damp, 
or  insufficient  light,  or  too  heavy  cropping  :  these  are  a  few  of  the  reasons 
which,  from  time  to  time,  have  been  given  as  the  cause  of  Grapes 
shanking. 

Now  we  have  seen  Grapes  shank  under  very  different  and  opposite 
circumstances.  They  will  shank  when  growing  in  pots,  with  their  roots, 
of  course,  in  the  same  temperature  as  the  top.  Indeed,  we  have  seen 
shanking  take  place  under  each  and  all  of  the  circumstances  mentioned, 
and  therefore  we  must  not  look  at  one  cause  in  particular  as  doing  the 
mischief,  and  overlook  the  others.  To  be  brief;  Grapes  will  shank 
whenever  the  general  health  of  the  Vines  is  disturbed,  and  whether 
caused  by  one  or  more  of  the  reasons  so  frequently  given  as  causing  the 
mischief. 

To  ensure  Grapes  from  shanking  the  Vine  must  be  healthy,  and 
there  must  be  no  interruption  of  the  healthy  action  of  all  its  parts. 
The  supply  of  sap  from  the  roots  must  be  uniform,  and  equal  at  all 
times  to  the  demand  called  into  action  by  the  leaves ;  this  infers  that 
the  roots  must  be  kept  in  a  congenial  medium,  where  their  extension 
can  go  on  progressively  and  they  can  take  up  their  supply  of  food 
without    intermission :    this   bespeaks    a   well-drained   and    properly 


268  THE    FLORIST. 

constituted  soil  as  the  medium  for  the  roots  to  grow  in,  in  which,  and 
under  ordinary  circumstances,  the  temperature  may  be  left  to  take  care 
of  itself.  Next,  the  proper  assimilation  and  distribution  of  the  sap, 
supplying  food  to  the  plant  and  fruit,  will  depend  on  the  leaves  having 
the  power  of  exercising  their  functions ;  this  is  the  most  important 
point  to  be  considered  in  the  cultivation  of  the  Vine,  as  regards  treat- 
ment. The  leaves  must  grow  in  an  atmosphere  where  their  peculiar 
functions  of  elaboration  and  exhalation  can  be  properly  performed.  To 
this  end,  supposing  them  grown  under  glass,  the  house  must  admit 
sufficient  light  to  enable  the  leaves  to  act  freely ;  the  air,  too,  of  the 
house  must  not  be  too  moist  to  prevent  them  from  parting  with  a  portion 
of  their  natural  moisture  by  perspiration,  or  you  interfere  with  an 
important  function  of  these  organs,  and  on  which  health  mainly 
depends — (What  have  the  advocates  of  continually  syringing,  damping 
down,  and  shutting  vineries  up  damp  and  close,  got  to  say  to  this  ?) — 
nor  must  it  be  too  dry,  to  cause  the  leaves  to  part  with  their  water 
too  rapidly,  thereby  diminishing  them  in  size  and  substance,  and  inducing 
the  attacks  of  insects.  The  air,  moreover,  must  circulate  freely  and 
continuously  through  the  foliage,  so  that  each  leaf,  and  all  parts  of 
its  surface  may  be  exposed  to  its  influence  in  motion,  and  this  by 
night  as  well  as  during  the  day.  (What  about  close  glazing  and  close 
shutting  up  by  night  ?)  The  night  temperature  must  by  no  means 
equal  that  of  the  day.  The  temperature  of  fruit-houses  should  be  many 
degrees  lower  by  night  than  by  day,  and  rather  dry  than  moist.  Next, 
you  must  not  over-crop ;  for  if  it  does  not  induce  shanking,  through 
overtaxing  the  vitality  of  the  Vine,  you  get  an  inferior  production. 
In  ripening  fruits,  take  nature  as  your  guide.  In  Grape  countries,  the 
Vines  flower  during  the  hottest  months  of  the  year,  and  the  fruit  ripens 
when  the  day  temperature  has  sensibly  declined  and  the  night  tem- 
perature more  so.  Comparatively,  does  not  this  teach  us  the  proper 
treatment  to  follow  ?  We  have  never  known  forced  fruit  of  any  kind 
but  what  was  always  greatly  improved  in  size,  colour,  and  flavour  by 
ripening  slowly,  and  in  a  moderate  temperature. 

We  have  said  nothing  about  the  temperature  of  the  soil  for  Vine 
roots  beyond  giving  it  as  an  opinion  that,  with  properly  constituted 
borders,  the  temperature  might  be  left  to  take  care  of  itself.  But,  for 
Grapes  ripening  before  June,  means  should  be  taken  to  keep  the  borders 
(if  outside)  dry — (They  will  be  naturally  damp  enough,  from  the  effects 
of  the  preceding  autumn's  rains) — by  covering  them  with  leaves  or 
Fern — (not  with  a  mass  of  materials  in  a  state  of  rapid  fermentation, 
as  is  sometimes  done,  which  produces  more  mischief  than  if  the  borders 
had  no  covering  at  all) — or  by  the  application  of  hot-water  pipes.  We 
have  stated  enough  to  show  what  is  required  for  the  roots  and  Vine 
generally  to  prevent  shanking ;  the  precise  application  must  rest  with 
those  concerned. 

G.  F. 

[We  fully  endorse  these  assertions. — Ed.  F.] 


SEPTEMBER.  269 


CROM  CASTLE,  NEAR  LISNASKEA,  CO.  FERMANAGH, 
IRELAND. 
This  the  residence  of  Lord  Erne  is  situated  five  miles  west  of  Lisnaskea. 
The  present  building  is  of  modern  erection  ;  the  castle  and  grounds 
are  partly  surrounded  by  Lough  Erne  ;  the  pleasure  grounds  and  parterre 
lie  north-west  of  the  mansion.     In  front  of  the  castle  is  a  geometrical 
flower-garden  laid  out  on  gravel  edged  with  Box  ;  the  centre  is  a  raised 
flower-bed  bordered  with  a  bold  edging  of  stone,  and  planted  with  tall- 
growing   Geraniums ;  the  corresponding  beds  are  planted  to  form  a 
contrast  in  height  and  colour,  and  looked  very  effective.     On  each  side 
of  this  garden  is  an  arcade  covered  with  Roses,  and  noble  vases  filled 
with  large  Geraniums  (scarlet),  and  light  Fuchsias   are  freely  inter- 
spersed in  suitable  positions.     From  the  bottom  of  the  flower-garden 
broad  gravel  walks  lead  to  the  old  castle   and  lake  respectively  ;  the 
view  from  this  part  is  extremely  grand.     Following  a  long  avenue,  each 
side  of  which  has  a  row  of  Hollyhocks,  we  reach  the  old  castle,  situate 
on  the  margin  of  the  lake,  and  a  considerable  distance  from  the  modern 
residence.     This  castle  is  a  place  of  great  historical  interest,  the  wars 
which  Irish  history  relates  having  so  frequently  converted  these  chieftain 
residences  into   besieged  forts.     The  lake  or  Lough  Erne  is  here  of 
great   size  and  highly  picturesque,   and,  as  it  partly  surrounds  the 
grounds,  the  view  of  it,  from  all  points  in  the  neighbourhood,  is  grand 
and  striking.     In  the  grounds  adjoining  is  one  of  the  finest  Yew  trees 
perhaps  in  the  three  kingdoms,  the  age  of  which  is  unknown.     The 
most  remarkable  thing  about  this  fine  old  tree  is,  that  the  branches 
grow  through  and  through  each  other,  as  if  grafted  so*     The  branches 
measure  in  circumference  90  yards  ;    associated  with  this  are  some 
grand  specimens  of  Lime  and  other  trees,  of  apparently  great  antiquity. 
Returning  to  the  pleasure  grounds,  we  were  next  shown  a  fine  specimen 
of  Lrugmansia  sanguinea.     Mr.  Dowling,  the  intelligent  gardener  here, 
gave  us  the  following  particulars  relating  to  this  tree : — In  May,  1845, 
it  was  planted  in  the  conservatory,  and  was   then  three  feet  high; 
notwithstanding  the  annual  pruning  it  got,  it  grew  too  large  in  a  few 
years  for  its  then  situation.     In  May,  1851,  it  was  planted  out  in  the 
open  ground,  having  the  previous  autumn  had  its  roots  cut  in  to  within 
three  feet  from  the  stem.     The  tree  now  girths  at  the  ground  three  feet 
and  a  half,  and  is  20  feet  high,  covering  an  area  of  170  square  feet ;  it 
was  planted  out  in  a  mixed  soil,  composed  of  loam,  bog  earth,  a  good 
portion  of  charred  matter,  rotten  dung  and  leaves,  perfect  drainage,  &c. 
Each  year,  in  October,  the  tree  is  covered  by  sticking  poles  in  the 
ground,  five  inches  apart,  the  places  between  being  stuffed  tight  with 
packing    Moss.     A   span-roof  is    then  put  on,  one  side  of  which  is 
thatched,  the  other  covered  with   sashes,  which  have    an   additional 
covering  in  severe  frosts.     The  protection  is  gradually  taken  away  in 
March  and  April,  and  altogether  in  May.     It  is  surprising  the  immense 
size  this  tree  would  have  grown  had  it  not  been  subjected  to  severe 


We  shall  be  glad  to  know  further  particulars  of  this  remarkable  tree  from  our 
correspondent  or  Mr.  Dowling. 


270  THE    FLORIST. 

annual  pruning.  When  we  visited  the  place,  some  hundreds  of  blooms 
were  nearly  expanded,  and,  when  in  full  flower,  it  has  a  very  remark- 
able appearance,  from  the  singular  shape  of  the  blooms,  and  is  altogether 
a  very  striking  plant.  We  gathered  a  berry  or  seed  pod  of  it  nearly 
ripe ;  is  this  not  a  rare  thing.  The  pleasure  grounds  also  contain 
many  other  fine  specimens  of  trees  and  shrubs,  dotted  about.  Among 
these  were  some  choice  Coniferae,  which  are  doing  well,  and  produce  a 
good  effect. 

The  conservatory,  a  large  spar.-roofed  building,  with  a  conical-shaped 
projecting  end,  adjoins  the  mansion,  and  contains  a  mixed  collection  of 
greenhouse  plants,  chiefly  intended  for  autumn  and  winter  display. 
We  noted  a  fine  healthy  specimen  of  Norfolk  Island  Pine  (Araucaria 
excelsa),  20  feet  high.  The  kitchen  garden  stands  on  an  island, 
in  the  lough,  opposite  the  grounds,  and  is  reached  by  a  bridge,  thrown 
over  the  lake.  The  glass  erections  here  consist  of  four  vineries,  two 
Peach-houses,  Pine-stove,  orchard-house,  plant-stove,  succession  Pine- 
pits,  Melon  and  Cucumber-pits.  The  first  house  of  Vines  consists  of 
Hamburgh  and  Sweetwater,  which  were  carrying  a  fine  crop,  and  well 
coloured  ;  second,  planted  with  Hamburgh  and  White  Nice  ;  third,  with 
Muscats  of  Alexandria  ;  fourth,  with  Hamburgh,  West's  St.  Peter's,  &c. 
The  Muscats  were  remarkably  fine,  in  fact,  all  the  Grapes  were  in 
excellent  condition.  The  trees  in  the  Peach-houses  were  loaded  with 
fine  fruit.  The  Pine-stove,  a  span-roof,  is  about  20  yards  long,  divided 
in  the  centre  by  a  glass  partition.  The  fruiting  plants  were  planted 
out  on  the  open-bed  system,  in  18  inches  of  soil,  over  hot-water  pipes, 
so  that  any  amount  of  bottom  heat  can  be  kept  as  required.  Mr. 
Dowling  prefers  his  plants  showing  fruit  prior  to  planting  out.  We 
noted  some  fine  Providence,  Queens,  &c,  in  fruit.  The  orchard-house 
is  a  new  erection,  and,  when  well  established,  we  have  no  fear  as  to  its 
giving  every  satisfaction.  The  young  trees,  both  planted  out  and  in 
pots,  were  promising  well.  Not  alone  are  orchard-houses  useful  for 
growing  fruits  ;  they  form  an  excellent  auxiliary  for  keeping  bedding- 
out  plants  secure  during  winter.  The  plant-stove  contains  a  goodly 
collection  of  mixed  stove  plants,  Ferns,  and  Lycopods.  Planted  out  in 
the  centre  bed  were  some  fine  plants  of  the  Musa  Cavendishii,  which 
we  believe  annually  produces  a  fine  crop  of  excellently  flavoured  fruit. 
Arranged  with  good  effect  were  variegated  and  fine  foliaged  plants,  such 
as  Crotons,  Dracaenas,  Rhopalas,  &c.  Melons  and  Cucumbers  are 
grown  largely  here  in  dung  pits  for  summer  use  ;  the  Melons  were 
superb.  The  kitchen -garden  is  divided  into  four  compartments  by  two 
centre  walks,  intersecting  in  the  middle  of  the  garden  ;  one  square  was 
filled  chiefly  with  Currants  and  other  bush  fruit,  bearing  a  good  crop. 
The  most  prolific  kind  of  red  Currant  we  ever  saw  was  here,  under  the 
name  of  the  Mallow-leaved  Currant.  A  row  of  dwarf  bush  Apple 
trees  surrounds  each  square.  Next  the  walk  is  a  border  filled  with 
flowering  plants.  When  we  visited  the  place;  the  bedding-out  plants 
were  just  coming  into  flower,  the  whole  presenting  a  very  gay  appear- 
ance, fully  entitling  it  to  the  rank  of  being  called  a  "  dress  garden." 
Wall  fruit  were  scarce  here  as  everywhere  else  this  season.  As  some 
thousands  of  bedding-out  plants   are   annually   required   here,   Mr. 


SEPTEMBER.  271 

Bowling's  system  may  not  be  unacceptable  to  the  readers  of  the  Florisl  • — 
In  spring,  he  prepares  "  sods  "  of  turfy  loam,  say  three  inches  broad, 
and  about  the  same  in  depth,  the  length  according  to  convenience. 
Cutting  off  the  grassy  surface,  he  then  shakes  over  the  top  a  little  sand  ; 
the  cuttings  are  then  put  in  a  single  row  up  the  centre  of  each  strip  of 
turf,  which  is  then  removed  to  the  cutting-pits.  When  struck  they 
can  be  cut  or  torn  apart,  and  planted  out  without  any  trouble  or  expense 
of  potting,  and  it  answers  the  purpose  equally  well.  Nothing  could  be 
more  simple  when  the  modus  operandi  is  understood.  This  plan  is  not 
alone  restricted  here  to  bedding-out  plants,  but  we  noticed  a  great 
quantity  of  greenhouse  plants  struck  in  the  same  way.  From  the 
perfect  neatness  and  order  which  were  everywhere  apparent  on  those 
extensive  grounds  and  gardens,  we  are  irresistibly  led  to  form  a  high 
opinion  of  Mr.  Dowling's  assiduity,  professional  skill,  and  taste. 
Ireland,  July.  D. 


NATIONAL  CARNATION  AND  PICOTEE  SOCIETY. 
Why  call  it  National?  say  I;  for  this  year  I  take  up  the  list  I 
have  made,  and  find  there  were  thirty-one  prizes,  independent  of  the 
class-showing.  Of  these  there  were  thirteen  taken  by  Yorkshire 
growers,  twelve  by  those  of  Lancashire,  four  by  those  of  Warwickshire, 
and  two  by  the  north  part  of  Derbyshire.  Are  these  the  only  counties 
where  Carnations  and  Picotees  are  grown?  or  has  there  been  a 
mistake?  And  has  the  Northern  Counties'  Carnation  and  Picotee 
exhibition  been  held  instead  of  the  National  ?  I  could  find  no  Mr. 
Turner — no  southern  growers  at  all.  The  midlands,  too,  were  absent. 
The  reason  was  obvious  ;  the  exhibition  was  fixed  much  too  late  ;  and  I 
hold,  as  I  have  done  before,  and  as  I  have  done  publicly  in  print  this 
year,  that  the  National  Show — if  it  is  really  to  be  a  National  Show — 
must  be  held  in  July.  The  National  Society  headed  their  circulars, 
that  the  proposed  amalgamation  of  the  two  societies  (viz.,  the  Northern 
Counties  and  the  National)  was  not  acceptable  to  the  great  majority  of 
cultivators  ;  but  I  think  it  is  hardly  fair  that  the  southern  and  midland 
counties  should  have  no  chance  to  represent  their  various  localities.  The 
blooms  with  me  had  been  over  nearly  three  weeks — that  is,  the  best  of 
the  bloom  ;  and  on  the  day  of  exhibition  I  don't  think  a  pan  could  have 
been  cut  from  the  whole  of  the  county.  I  do  not  make  these  remarks 
with  any  ill  feeling  at  all,  but  s'mply  to  prevent  a  recurrence  of  the 
same,  for  it  must  of  necessity  damage  the  Society,  because  the  mid- 
landers  and  the  southern  men  will  undoubtedly  withhold  their  support, 
if  debarred  from  showing.  The  management  of  the  whole  reflected 
credit  on  the  secretaries  and  committee.  In  the  analysis  it  will  be 
found  that  the  greatest  number  of  flowers  were  old  faces.  In  the 
crimson  bizarre  class  of  Carnations  Black  Diamond  and  Warrior  are 
most  frequent,  which  is  about  the  same  position  occupied  by  them  last 
season.  In  scarlet  bizarres  Admiral  Curzon  maintains  its  old  position, 
while  Dreadnought,  a  flower  remarkably  like  it  and  a  new  competitor, 
comes  second.     In  rose  flakes  Lovely  Ann  is,  as  last  year,  first ;  while 


272  THE    FLORIST. 

Queen  Boadicea  is  second.  In  scarlet  flakes  Splendour  stands  first  and 
Sportsman  second,  while  in  purples  Squire  Meynell  and  Premier  occupy 
positions  as  before. 

Picotees  :  In  heavy  purples  Mrs.  Bayley  and  Lord  Nelson  maintain 
their  ground,  and  stand  first,  as  last  season.  In  light  purples  Amy 
Robsart  and  Haidee  are  again  as  before  ;  while  in  heavy  reds,  Mrs. 
Dodwell  takes  the  lead,  and  is  followed  by  Sultana  and  Mrs.  Norman, 
the  last  being  the  leader  previously.  In  light  reds  Ada  Mary  is  again 
favourite,  while  Miss  Holbeck  recedes  and  Sultana  is  prominent.  In 
heavy  roses  Aurora  rises  to  the  first  position,  and  Venus  maintains 
about  her  old  place.  In  light  Roses  Mrs.  Turner  is  again  leader,  and 
Crystal  takes  the  place  of  Bertha. 

Carnations:  Black  Diamond  (11J),  Warrior  (10),  Jenny  Lind  (9), 
Lord  Milton  (8),  Sarah  Payne  (7),  Lord  Goderich  (2),  Falconbridge  (1), 
King  of  Carnations  (1).  Scarlet  Bizarres :  Admiral  Curzon  (21), 
Dreadnought  (10),  Paladin  (3),  Lord  Rancliffe  (2),  Mr.  Ainsworth  (2), 
Sir  J.  Paxton  (1),  Lord  Lincoln  (1).  Scarlet  Flake:  Splendour  (9), 
Sportsman  (6),  Lady  Curzon  (4),  William  IV.  (4),  Firebrand  (3), 
John  Bayley  (2),  Christopher  Sly  (1),  Ivanhoe  (1),  Cradley  Pet  (1). 
Rose  Flakes  :  Lovely  Ann  (10),  Queen  Boadicea  (5),  Rose  Castille  (3), 
King  John  (3),  Poor  Tom  (3),  Lady  Ely  (2),  Maid  of  Athens  (1), 
Ariel  (1),  Rosy  Queen  (1),  Lovely  Mary  (1).  Purple  Flakes  :  Squire 
Meynell  (5),  Premier  (3),  Beauty  of  Woodhouse  (2),  Earl  Wilton  (2), 
Esther  (2),  Favourite  (1),  Squire  Trow  (1),  Earl  Spencer  (1),  Napier(l). 

Picotees — Heavy  Purple:  Mr.  Bayley  (14),  Lord  Nelson  (11), 
Alfred  (5),  Countess  (1),  Mrs.  May  (1).  Light  Purple  :  Amy  Rob- 
sart (15),  Haidee  (4),  Mrs.  Eyre  (3).  Heavy  Rose:  Aurora  (8), 
Venus  (6),  Queen  (4),  Mrs.  Drake  (2),  Alice  (2),  Helen  (1).  Light 
Rose:  Mrs.  Turner  (15),  Crystal  (9),  Bertha  (4),  Eva  (4),  Mrs.  Bar- 
nard (3).  Heavy  Red  :  Mrs.  Dodwell  (12),  Sultana  (9),  Mrs.  Norman 
(7),  Dr.  Pitman  (5),  Mrs.  Hoyle  (5),  Lauretta  (4),  Mrs.  Lochner  (2), 
Prince  of  Wales  (I).  Light  Red  :  Ada  Mary  (11),  Eugenie  (5), 
Miss  Holbeck  (4),  Charles  Turner  (1). 

Alfred  G.  Sutton,  F.H.S. 

Grove  Cottage,  Radford,  Nottingham. 


PERPETUAL  STRAWBERRIES. 
Almost  every  season,  says  the  American  "  Gardeners'  Monthly,"  brings 
advertisements  of  new  perpetual  Strawberries.  Like  the  comet,  they  take 
us  very  much  by  surprise,  and  their  course  to  our  gardens  is  marked  by 
much  the  same  train,  and  received  with  the  same  admiration,  as  we 
see  follow  on  the  comet's  wondrous  tail.  No  sooner,  however,  do  they 
come  near  enough  for  us  to  get  a  fair  glimpse  of  them,  than,  like  the 
great  celestial  luminary,  they  recede  from  our  view  more  rapidly  than 
they  came,  and  are  soon  forgotten  and  lost  to  us.  for  ever. 

Once  we  had  faith  in  that  horticultural  astronomy  which  predicted 
the  advent  of  some  perpetual  Strawberry  star.  The  savans  learned  in 
the  science  assured  us  positively  that  a  new  body  had  been  discovered 


SEPTEMBER.  273 

in  the  constellation  "  New  Orleans."  It  was  considered  a  genuine 
planet  of  the  first  magnitude,  and  named  "Crescent  Seedling  Perpetual," 
from  its  connection  with  that  city  of  the  moon.  Patiently  we  waited 
its  appearance  in  our  own  grounds,  and  made  every  preparation  to 
observe  the  distinguished  stranger  in  his  best  aspects  when  he  appeared  ; 
but,  behold !  "  he  came,  we  saw,  and  he  vanished."  The  solidity  of 
his  planetship  was  but  a  myth, — a  mere  cometary  nebulosity, — and  he 
was  as  quick  gathered  to  his  fathers  as  his  ancestors  had  been  before 
him.  Still  the  race  continues  to  appear, — some  with  more  brilliancy 
than  others, — sometimes  a  mere  second  crop  in  some  cottager's  garden ; 
at  others  a  "  Delices  d'Automne." 

Now,  are  these  "  celestial  visitors"  to  be  considered  something  like 
meteoric  forms, — called  into  existence  for  the  purpose  of  mere  "  blaze," 
perfect  when  they  have  once  made  a  "dazzling  show"  in  "horticul- 
tural space,"  then  to  burst  and  disappear?  or  are  they  the  nuclei  of 
"  new  wcrlds,"  like  all  new  beginners,  imperfect  and  incomplete, — fore- 
shadowing to  us  star-gazers  how  glorious  they  will  be  when  their 
destiny  is  complete  ?  Will  "  Perpetual  Strawberries"  ever  be  more 
than  a  "wandering"  idea,  and  become  a  real  "  planetary,"  substantial 
fact? 

Why  should  it  not  ?  The  improvements  in  many  of  our  fruits  and 
vegetables  have  become  so  extensive,  that  we  can  scarcely  discern  the 
sources  of  their  origin,  and  the  early  history  of  many  of  them  is  nearly 
lost  in  obscurity. 

Even  the  Strawberry  itself  is  scarcely  able  to  produce  a  clean  record 
to  its  title  as  a  British  fruit.  The  first  knowledge  we  have  of  its  culti- 
vation in  history  is  that,  about  the  year  1600,  an  English  gardener 
saw  a  plant  growing  in  a  poor  woman's  garden  in  the  south  of  England, 
the  fruit  little  larger  than  peas,  said  to  have  been  found  in  the  woods  by 
the  good  lady's  daughter ;  but  it  is  well  known  that  they  were  culti- 
vated by  those  good  friends  of  horticulture  in  those  days,  the  monks,  in 
the  monastic  gardens,  long  before  that  time,  and  they  may  as  likely 
have  escaped  from  them,  and  become  wild  and  deteriorated,  as  to  have 
been  truly  indigenous  to  the  wood  where  the  young  lady  found  it. 

But  to  return  to  perpetual  Strawberries.  We  have  early  Strawberries, 
and  succession  Strawberries,  and  late  Strawberries.  We  have  them  in 
May,  and  if  the  reports  of  a  new  Californian  Strawberry  are  not  fabulous, 
we  have  them  in  September.  Now,  why,  by  a  judicious  system  of 
crossing,  may  we  not  have  a  kind  which  will  unite  all  the  seasons  in 
one  individual  ?  We  all  know  how  Mr.  Knight's  experiments  in  hybri- 
dising the  kinds  already  supposed  to  be  of  European  origin  with  kinds 
of  American  birth  gave  to  the  horticultural  world  a  race  of  fruit,  from 
which  all  we  know  the  most  prizes  have  been  obtained.  What  may  not 
yet  be  done  by  similar  experiments  ?  And  this  is  our  great  want — 
experiment  and  experimenters, — men  like  Knight  and  others,  with  the 
leisure  and  the  taste  to  patiently  investigate,  and  test,  and  originate 
new  ideas  and  practices.  It  is  the  great  want  of  our  age  ;  affording  a 
fine  chance  for  any  lover  of  his  fellows  to  distinguish  and  immortalise 
himself. 

Depend  upon  it,  we  are  to  have  perpetual  Strawberries ;  and  the 

VOL.   XII.,  NO.  CXLI.  T 


274  THE    FLORIST. 

man  who  deliberately  goes  to  work  to  turn  them  up,  will  reap  a  great 
reward, — one  well  worth  trying  for,  and  calculated  to  excite  the  envy 
of  us  poor  hacks  of  editors  who  sit  patiently  waiting  for  the  good  fruit 
to  come.  The  French  already  have  a  kind  that  bears  for  four  months, 
— a  poor  miserable  thing,  'tis  true,  grown  merely  as  a  curiosity  for 
edging  borders,  as  it  throws  all  its  energies  into  flowers  instead  of 
runners ;  but  no  matter  about  the  quality, — that  is,  perhaps,  better 
than  the  grand  aborigines  of  our  present  Strawberry-beds. 

Yes,  ladies  and  gentlemen,  we  must  have  perpetual  Strawberries. 
All  that  we  have  yet  had  have  been  myths, — all  that  we  now  have 
may  be  no  more  than  that ;  but  who  will  be  the  man  to  show  us  a  real 
genuine  article — one  that  will  stand  the  test  like  an  English  Elton  or  an 
American  Hovey?     He  is  not  far  in  the  future. 


NATIONAL    CARNATION    AND    PICOTEE    SOCIETY, 
CHESTERFIELD,  1859. 

We  are  the  flowers 

Born  of  sunny  hours. 
Think,  whenever  you  see  us,  what  our  beauty  saith  : 

Utterance  mute  and  bright 

Of  some  unknown  delight, 
We  fill  the  air  with  pleasure  by  our  simple  breath. 

All  who  see  us  love  us, 

We  fit  all  places  ; 
Unto  sorrow  we  give  smiles,  and  unto  graces,  graces. 

Thursday,  August  4. — A  fine  bright  morning.  We  journeyed  with 
a  train,  not  of  florists  from  Nottingham,  but  of  visitors  who,  attracted 
by  the  cheap  trains,  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity.  Indeed,  we 
must  say  that  it  was  with  pain  we  saw  so  few  of  the  Carnation  and 
Picotee  growers  with  us ;  but  whatever  was  the  reason — whether  the 
exhibition  being  too  late,  or  otherwise — so  it  was,  there  were  but  few 
present.  When  we  arrived,  too,  we  must  say  we  were  disappointed ; 
for  spite  of  the  earliness  of  the  season,  we  had  hoped  that  some  of  the 
southern  growers — at  all  events,  Mr.  Turner — would  have  been  there. 
But  no.  Take  a  map,  and  make  your  furthest  point  south  Chesterfield, 
and,  drawing  a  line,  you  would  find  all  your  exhibitors  come  northward 
of  that  line.  The  flowers  on  the  whole,  considering  the  season,  were 
better  than  we  had  anticipated.  Dreadnought,  a  new  flower,  vastly 
like  Admiral  Curzon,  in  many  instances  occupied  a  prominent  position 
in  the  stands,  it  being  exhibited  no  less  than  nine  times,  and  standing 
in  point  of  numbers  second  in  its  class.  Nurserymen  wrere  represented 
by  Messrs.  Dodwell  &  Co.,  Mr.  R.  R.  Oswald,  &c. ;  while  amateurs 
were  well  represented  by  the  Lancashire  and  Yorkshire  growers.  In 
Mr.  Openshaw's  pan  of  Twelve  Carnations  an  exceedingly  fine  bloom  of 
Lord  Milton  was  shown ;  while  in  Mr.  Baildon's  pan  of  Carnations  a 
very  fine  seedling  in  the  style  of  Lady  Ely  attracted  much  attention. 
The  premier  Carnation  at  the  meeting  was  a  bloom  of  Dreadnought, 
exhibited  by  Messrs.  Dodwell  &  Co. ;  while  the  same  honour  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  E.  Wood,  of  York,  for  Mrs.  Bayley,  in  the  Picotee  class. 


SEPTEMBER.  275 

We  shall  not  enter  into  the  merits  and  demerits  of  the  various  stands. 
The  decision  of  the  judges  seemed  to  give  universal  satisfaction ;  the 
amateurs  judging  the  dealers'  classes,  while  the  dealers  served  the  same 
office  for  the  amateurs.  The  Hollyhocks  exhibited  by  Mr.  Chater,  of 
Saffron  Walden,  were  remarkably  good.  A  new  seedling,  tipped  with 
blush,  and  which  Mr.  Chater,  jun.,  kindly  informed  us  was  the  first 
bloom  opened,  will,  if  we  mistake  not,  be  a  first-rate  variety.  Celestial, 
Memnon,  Harriet,  Exhibitor,  Mary  Ann,  Sceptre  d'Or,  Seedling 
(blush),  and  J.  Clarke,  were  also  flowers  after  our  own  heart.  The 
season  was  so  unfavourable  that  the  roses  were  really  good  for  nothing. 
A  nice  collection  of  plants  from  Fisher,  Holmes,  &  Co.  His  Grace  the 
Duke  of  Devonshire's,  though  not  large,  were  very  beautiful  ;  they 
principally  consisted  of  Begonias,  Farfugium  grande,  Venus'  Flytrap, 
"Jug-plants,"  Pitcher-plants,  Orchid  Miltoniaspectabilis,  Cotton,  Ginger, 
Coffee,  and  Arrow-root  plants.  Some  fine  Potatoes  and  Black  Grapes 
were  also  to  be  found  in  the  Amateurs'  tent  ;  while  a  collection  of 
Potatoes  from  Wingerworth  gardens  were  in  first-rate  order.  The 
following  were  the  awards  of  the  judges  : — 

Class  A.  For  Nurserymen — Premier  prize  for  the  best  Twelve 
Carnations,  and  the  best  Twelve  white-ground  Picotees,  dissimilar 
varieties,  a  silver-plated  Tea  and  Coffee  Service  :  Messrs.  Dodwell  and 
Bayley.  Carnations :  Lord  Milton,  Rose  of  Castille,  Dreadnought, 
Premier,  Lovely  Ann,  Admiral  Curzon,  Squire  Meynell,  Sarah  Payne, 
John  Bayley,  Queen  Boadicea,  Jenny  Lind.  Picotees  :  Prince  of 
Wales,  Mrs.  Bayley,  Mrs.  Turner,  Sultana,  Aurora,  Lord  Nelson,  Ada 
Mary,  Amy  Robsart,  Seedling  (light  purple),  Seedling  (rose),  Mrs. 
Barnard,  Venus. 

Class  B.  For  Private  Growers — Premier  prize  for  the  best  Twelve 
Carnations,  to  contain  not  less  than  nine  dissimilar  varieties,  and  the 
best  Twelve  white-ground  Picotees,  not  to  contain  less  than  nine  dis- 
similar varieties,  a  silver-plated  Tea  and  Coffee  Service ;  Mr.  H. 
Steward,  York.  Carnations :  Jenny  Lind,  King  John,  Lord  Rancliffe, 
Jenny  Lind,  Beauty  of  Woodhouse,  Warrior  (Slater),  Christopher 
Sly,  Uncle  Tom,  Dreadnought,  Uncle  Tom,  Falconbridge,  Warrior. 
Picotees  :  Mr.  Bayley,  Mrs.  Turner,  Amy  Robsart,  Dr.  Pitman,  Ada 
Mary,  Mrs.  Hoyle,  Mr.  Bayley,  Aurora,  Mrs.  Dodwell,  Lord  Nelson, 
Mrs.  Turner,  Mrs.  Dodwell. 

Class  C.  Premier  prize  (open  to  cultivators  whose  stock  shall  not 
exceed  150  pairs),  for  the  best  Six  Carnations  and  the  best  Six  white- 
ground  Picotees,  dissimilar  varieties,  a  silver-plated  Tea  and  Coffee 
Service  :  Mr.  W.  M.  Hewitt,  Chesterfield.  Carnations  :  Friar  Law- 
rence, Squire  Meynell,  Dreadnought,  Admiral  Curzon,  Lord  Milton, 
John  Bayley.  Picotees:  Crystal,  Ada  Mary,  Aurora,  Queen,  Amy 
Kobsart,  Mrs.  Norman. 

Class  D.  For  Nurserymen — Twelve  distinct  varieties  of  Carnations  : 
1st  prize,  Messrs.  Dodwell  &  Bayley,  for  Rose  of  Castille,  Admiral 
Curzon,  Sarah  Payne,  Dreadnought,  Lord  Milton,  Squire  Meynell, 
Ivanhoe,  Queen  Boadicea,  Sportsman,  Lovely  Ann,  Earl  Wilton ;  2nd, 
Mr.  Walmsley,  Oldham,  for  Dreadnought,  Squire  Meynell,  Uncle  Tom, 
Mr.  Ainsworth,  Lovely  Ann,  Splendour,  Curzon,  Lady  Ely,  Seedling, 


276  THE    FLORIST. 

Lord  Milton,  Mr.  Holland,  King  of  Carnations ;  3rd,  Mr.  R.  R.  Oswald, 
Adderley  Gardens,  Birmingham,  for  Jenny  Lind,  Admiral  Curzon,  Black 
Diamond,  Dreadnought,  Lady  Curzon  (very  like  Sportsman),  Warrior, 
Lady  Gardiner,  Favourite,  Florence  Nightingale,  Lovely  Ann,  Sir  J. 
Paxton,  Cradley  Pet. 

Class  E.  For  Nurserymen — Twelve  distinct  varieties  of  white- 
ground  Picotees  :  1st,  Mr.  Walmsley,  Oldham,  for  Mrs.  Norman,  Seed- 
ling, Crystal,  Mrs.  Bayley,  Bertha,  Green's  Queen,  Lauretta,  Mrs. 
Drake,  Countess,  Miss  Holbeck,  Lord  Nelson,  Sultana ;  2nd,  Messrs. 
Dodwell  &  Bayley,  for  Mrs.  Dodwell,  Mrs.  Turner,  Lord  Nelson, 
Sultana,  Mrs.  Bayley,  Seedling,  Crystal,  Amy  Robsart,  Venus,  Seed- 
ling, Alfred;  3rd,  Mr.  R.  R  Oswald,  Adderley  Gardens,  Birmingham, 
for  Ada  Mary,  Alfred,  Lady  Alice  Peel,  Sultana,  Mrs.  Turner,  Seedling, 
Lavinia,  Mrs.  Barnard,  Mrs.  Bayley,  Dr.  Pitman,  Amy  Robsart,  Mrs. 
Hoyle. 

Class  F.  For  Private  Cultivators — Twelve  Blooms  of  Carnations,  not 
less  than  nine  dissimilar  varieties  :  1st,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq.,  Bury, 
Lancashire,  for  Lord  Milton  (very  fine),  Seedling,  Black  Diamond, 
Dreadnought,  Lovely  Ann,  Splendour,  Lord  Rancliffe,  Squire  Meynell, 
Squire  Trow,  Lady  Gardiner,  Admiral  Curzon,  Warrior  ;  2nd,  Mr. 
Samuel  Yardley,  Oldham,  for  Dreadnought,  Splendour,  Warrior,  Admiral 
Curzon,  William  IV.  (Wilson),  Mr.  Ainsworth,  Sportsman,  Uncle  Tom, 
Ariel,  Black  Diamond,  Lady  Ely,  Premier  ;  3rd,  Mr.  Samuel  Brown, 
Handsworth,  for  Jenny  Lind,  Lord  Lewisham,  King  John,  Jenny  Lind, 
Florence  Nightingale,  Admiral  Curzon,  Black  Diamond,  Lady  Rhodes, 
Admiral  Curzon,  Warrior,  Lady  Curzon,  Premier  ;  4th,  Mr.  J. 
Cheetham,  Rochdale,  for  Dreadnought,  Earl  Wilton,  William  IV., 
Jenny  Lind,  Black  Diamond,  Lady  Gardiner,  Lord  Goderich,  Splendour, 
Lovely  Ann,  Queen  Boadicea,  Magnet,  Admiral  Curzon  ;  5th,  Mr.  E. 
Elliott,  Rochdale,  for  Poor  Tom,  Paladin,  Premier,  Admiral  Curzon, 
Firebrand,  Beauty  of  Woodhouse,  William  IV.,  Earl  Spencer,  Admiral 
Curzon,  Poor  Tom,  Lady  Curzon,  Lord  Goderich  ;  6th,  Mr.  Baildon, 
Halifax,  for  Admiral  Curzon,  Lovely  Ann,  Admiral  Curzon,  Seedling, 
Paladin,  Juno,  Queen  Boadicea,  Firebrand,  Premier,  Seedling  (good — 
in  style  of  Lady  Ely),  Black  Diamond. 

Class  G.  For  Private  Cultivators — Twelve  Blooms  of  white -ground 
Picotees,  not  less  than  nine  dissimilar  varieties  :  1st,  J.  J.  Openshaw, 
Esq.,  Bury,  for  Mrs.  Bayley,  Crystal,  Haidee,  Dr.  Pitman,  Amy  Robsart, 
Seedling,  Lord  Nelson,  Aurora,  Alfred,  Mrs.  Norman,  Amy  Robsart, 
Ada  Mary ;  2nd,  Mr.  Jos.  Cheetham,  Rochdale,  for  Haidee,  Crystal, 
Lauretta,  Amy  Robsart,  Lord  Nelson,  Mrs.  Turner,  Eugenie,  Bertha, 
Eva,  Sultana,  Mrs.  Eyre  (good),  Dr.  Pitman  ;  3rd,  Mr.  W.  Baildon, 
Halifax,  for  Amy  Robsart,  Crystal,  Mrs.  Holbeck,  Mrs.  Norman,  Mrs. 
Dodwell,  Alfred,  Mrs.  Turner,  Amy  Robsart,  Lord  Nelson,  Mr.  Drake, 
Lauretta,  Mrs.  Bayley ;  4th,  Mr.  Samuel  Brown,  Handsworth,  Eva, 
Sultana,  Ada  Mary,  Aurora,  Mrs.  Lochner,  Lady  Alice  Peel,  Mrs.  Hoyle, 
Alfred,  Mrs.  May,  Lavinia,  Mrs.  Bayley,  Sultana;  5th,  Mr.  H.  Steward, 
York,  for  Mrs.  Lochner,  Mrs.  Eyre,  Mrs.  Turner,  Mrs.  Hoyle,  Ada 
Mary,  Aurora,  Lord  Nelson,  Ada  Mary,  Dr.  Pitman,  Mrs.  Turner,  Alice 
(Hoyle),  Mrs.  Dodwell ;   6th,  Mr.  W.  M.  Hewitt,  Chesterfield,    for 


SEPTEMBER.  277 

Seedling  (good),  Bertha,  Mrs.  Dodwell,  Mrs.  Turner,  Bertha,  Queen, 
Crystal,  Mr.  Dodwell,  Lauretta,  Lady  Grenville,  Ada  Mary,  Victoria. 

Class  H.  For  Private  Growers — Six  Blooms  of  Carnations,  dissimilar 
varieties,  open  to  growers  whose  stock  does  not  exceed  150  varieties  : 
1st,  Mr.  E.  Wood,  York,  for  Grand  Monarch,  Jenny  Lind,  King  John, 
Lovely  Ann,  Warrior,  Comet ;  2nd,  Mr.  Biierley,  Chadderton,  for 
Lady  Curzon,  Lovely  Ann,  Sportsman,  Warrior,  Admiral  Curzon, 
Black  Diamond  ;  3rd,  Mr.  Mellor,  Ashton,  for  Warrior,  Seedling,  Queen 
Boadicea,  Black  Diamond,  Esther,  Admiral  Curzon ;  4,  Mr.  Bardsley, 
Oldham,  for  Admiral  Curzon,  Splendour,  Sportsman,  Esther,  Lord 
Milton,  Rosy  Queen  ;  5th,  Mr.  H.  Williamson,  Oldham,  for  Admiral 
Curzon,  Splendour,  Warrior,  Black  Diamond,  Sportsman,  Lovely  Mary. 

Class  I.  For  Private  Growers,  Six  Blooms,  white-ground  Picotees, 
dissimilar  varieties,  open  to  cultivators  whose  stock  shall  not  exceed 
150  pairs  :  1st,  Mr.  E.  Wood,  York :  Ada  (Barnett's,  a  very  pretty 
thing),  Seedling,  Mr.  Hoyle,  Aurora,  Eva,  Mrs.  Bailey ;  2nd,  Mr. 
Brierly,  Chadderton  :  Amy  Robsart,  Mrs.  Turner,  Seedling,  Mrs. 
Norman,  Venus,  Lord  Nelson  ;  3rd,  Mr.  Weller,  Ashton :  Mrs. 
Dodwell,  Mrs.  Turner,  Crystal,  Sultana,  Mrs.  Barnard,  Eugenia, 
4th,  Mr.  Badsley,  Oldham :  Mrs.  Dodwell,  Lord  Nelson,  Miss  Holbeck, 
Haidee,  Helen,  Ada  Mary  ;  5th,  Mr.  H.  Williamson,  Oldham  :  Amy 
Robsart,  Ada  Mary,  Mrs.  Norman,  Picco,  Eva,  Mrs.  Dodwell. 

CLASS  SHOWING. 

Carnations. — Scarlet  Bizarre  :  1,  Admiral  Curzon,  J.  J.  Open- 
shaw,  Esq. ;  2,  do.,  Dodwell  and  Bayley  ;  3,  Dreadnought,  do  ;  4, 
Admiral  Curzon,  do.  ;  5,  Palladin,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq.  Crimson 
Bizarre:  1,  Black  Diamond,  J.  .1.  Openshaw,  Esq.;  2,  La  Mullen, 
do. ;  3,  do.,  do. ;  4,  Jenny  Lind,  do. ;  5,  Black  Diamond,  do.  Rose 
Flakes  :  1,  Lovely  Ann,  Mr.  Cheetham ;  2,  Maid  of  Athens,  J.  J. 
Openshaw,  Esq. ;  3,  Poor  Tom,  Mr.  Elliott;  4,  Rose  of  Castille,  Dodwell 
and  Co. ;  5,  Seedling,  Mr.  Baildon.  Purple  Flakes  :  1,  Seedling,  Mr. 
Baildon  ;  2,  do.,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq. ;  4,  Napier,  Mr.  Cheetham ;  5, 
Premier,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq.  Scarlet  Flakes;  Splendour,  J.  J.  Open- 
shaw, Esq. ;  2,  do.,  do. ;  3,  William  IV.,  Mr.  Cheetham  ;  4,  Fire- 
brand, Baildon. 

Picotees. — Heavy  Purple  :  1,  Mrs.  Bayley,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq. ; 
2,  do.,  Mr.  J.  Walmesley  ;  3,  do.,  Mr.  J.  Yardley ;  4,  do.,  Mr.  J. 
Walmesley;  5,  Lord  Nelson,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq.  Heavy  Red: 
1,  Sultana,  Dodwell  and  Co.;  2,  Mrs.  Dodwell,  Mr.  Steward;  3,  Mrs. 
Norman,  Mr.  Baildon ;  4,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq.  ;  5,  Mrs.  Dodwell, 
Mr.  Yardley.  Heavy  Rose  ;  1,  Aurora,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq. ;  2, 
Venus,  Dodwell  and  Co.;  3,  do.,  do.;  4,  Alice,  do.;  5,  Venus,  do. 
Light  Purple  :  1,  Amy  Robsart,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq. ;  2,  do.,  do. ,  3, 
Haidee,  do. ;  4,  Amy  Robsart,  do. ;  5,  Mrs.  Eyre,  do.  Light  Red'  1, 
Eugenia,  J.  J.  Openshaw,  Esq. ;  2,  do.,  do. ;  3,  do.,  Mr.  Mellor :  4, 
Charles  Turner,  Mr.  Steward ;  5,  Miss  Holbeck,  J.  J.  Openshaw,   Esq. 

The  company  of  Alvan's  Coloured  Opera  Troupe,  as  well  as  a  fine 
regimental  band,  enlivened  the  whole,  the  former  proving  an  almost 
paramount  attraction. 

Grove  Cottage,  Radford.  Alfred  G.  Sutton,  F.H.S, 


278  THE    FLORIST. 


CULTIVATION  OF  THE  AMARYLLIS. 
This  has  seldom  received  the  attention  it  deserves.     We  find  a  few  of 
them  here  and  there,  but  they  are  "  wide  and  far  between." 

If  you  inquire  how  this  class  of  plant  should  be  managed,  this  is 
generally  the  instruction  given  :  "  The  plant  must  be  potted  in  a  small 
pot  in  spring,  in  sandy  soil.  When  it  has  bloomed  then  it  requires  no 
further  care  or  attention  until  next  potting-time."  But  when  a  bulb 
goes  to  rest  in  its  natural  state,  after  the  production  of  leaves  and  flowers, 
the  decay  is  gradual.  All  the  sap  in  the  flower  stem  and  leaves  which 
has  not  been  actually  assimilated  returns  to  supply  the  bulb  with  some 
of  the  original  nourishment,  and  to  replace  and  restore  some  of  those 
elements  requisite  for  the  future  plumpness  and  continuous  well  being 
of  the  plant.  It  will  at  once  be  seen  that  when  a  bulb  is  forced  into 
growth,  and  as  soon  as  the  flowers  are  over,  the  leaves  pulled  off  and 
thrown  away,  and  then  the  plant  placed  on  some  dry  shelf  for  months, 
where  the  soil  frequently  becomes  perfectly  dry,  this  sort  of  rest,  as  it 
is  called,  is  very  different  from  the  natural  rest  of  Nature. 

Supposing  that  the  general  method  of  cultivation  was  not  in  strict 
accordance  with  the  theory  of  horticulture,  some  six  years  ago  I  deter- 
mined on  trying  a  method  founded  on  a  more  rational  view  of  nature, 
and  the  result  has  been  of  the  most  satisfactory  character.  I  used 
large  pots  and  light  rich  soil.  I  destroyed  no  leaf  or  flower  stem  until 
it  was  thoroughly  decayed,  and  when  the  bulbs  would  go  to  rest,  I  kept 
them  moderately  warm  and  moist.  I  never  force  these  plants  to  rest, 
but  try  to  keep  them  growing.  When  they  show  a  disposition  to  rest, 
then  I  remove  them  to  a  cooler  and  dryer  house,  where  they  gradually 
become  dormant.  But  some  of  the  Amaryllis  tribe  will  keep  con- 
stantly growing  in  size  and  substance,  until  they  become  immensely 
large  and  are  then  capable  of  producing  blooms  of  an  extra  size.  I  feel 
satisfied  that  if  gardeners  in  general  were  aware  of  the  real  worth  of 
these  plants,  they  would  become  universal  and  indispensable. 

When  any  of  my  bulbs  have  had  rest,  and  show  signs  of  growth,  I 
remove  all  the  old  soil  and  roots  completely  away  from  them.  I  then 
give  them  a  good  large  pot,  drained  thoroughly,  generally  by  turning  a 
small  thumb-pot  upside  down  to  cover  the  hole,  and  then  quite  cover 
that  over  with  broken  pots,  or  charcoal  lumps,  or  rough  sods.  I  use 
for  compost  rough  sods  of  fibry  loam,  about  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg, 
with  about  half  the  quantity  of  half-decayed  leaves,  also  in  a  rough 
state,  with  a  little  sand.  I  top-dress,  for  the  sake  of  a  neat  finish,  with 
the  fine  soil  shaken  from  the  other  mixture.  When  this  is  done,  I 
remove  the  plants  to  a  Stove  where  the  temperature  ranges  from  60°  to 
70°  Fahrenheit.  I  give  plenty  of  water  daily  when  the  plants  are 
growing  freely,  with  an  occasional  syringing,  to  freshen  and  keep  them 
clean,  for  the  thrips  is  liable  to  attack  them  if  the  atmosphere  becomes 
too  dry.  These  keep  constantly  growing  on,  if  possible.  The  Hippe- 
astrum  aulicum  seems,  in  particular,  a  continuous  grower  on  this 
system.  I  put  a  bulb  of  this  variety  of  about  8  inches  circumference  in 
a  10-inch  pot.  In  the  course  of  a  year  this  bulb  will  require  a  still 
larger  shift,  and  will  have  made  several  fine  bulbs,  which,  if  permitted 


SEPTEMBER.  279 

to  remain  until  a  second  year,  will  flower  finely.  They  generally 
flower  twice  in  the  season.  We  have  had  as  many  as  six  spikes  of 
flowers  from  one  pot,  and  as  many  as  ten  blooms  open  from  one  pot  at  a 
time,  presenting  a  magnificent  sight.  Some  of  our  flower-stems  have 
been  fully  four  feet  high,  and  four  inches  in  circumference.  In  one  or 
two  cases,  we  have  had  four  such  stems  from  one  bulb,  with  three 
blooms  on  a  stem.  My  largest  bulb  is  17  inches  in  circumference. 
My  largest  plant  is  in  a  pot  fifteen  inches  in  diameter,  and  requires  a 
still  larger  shift.  This  season  I  have  fertilised  some  of  the  finer 
varieties,  and  have  now  a  number  of  promising  plants. 

W.  Payne. 


BRITISH  POMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 
July  21. — Mr.  Hogg  in  the  chair.  The  Secretary  read  a  letter  from 
Mr.  W.  J.  Ward,  of  Headington  Hill,  near  Oxford,  concerning  the 
identity  of  his  Strawberry  Omar  Pacha  with  Rival  Queen  and  Eliza. 
He  affirmed  his  variety  to  have  been  raised  from  seed  at  Prospect  Hill, 
in  1851,  from  Caroline  Pine  impregnated  with  British  Queen;  sown  in 
a  pan  as  soon  as  ripe,  and  planted  out  the  following  spring ;  that  his 
late  employer,  W.  Stephens,  Esq.,  and  he  watched  them  with  great 
interest,  and  selected  Omar  Pacha  for  its  superior  flavour  :  that  he  had 
sufficient  stock  in  185-4  to  gather  from  and  exhibit,  which  he  did  at 
Regent's  Park,  Chiswick,  Ashford,  and  Bath,  sending  fruit  also  to  those 
whom  he  considered  the  best  authorities  of  the  day.  He  accompanied 
this  letter  by  a  copy  of  the  circular  which  contained  their  opinions,  to 
show  that  it  was  not  sent  out  without  a  character.  He  further  stated 
that  he  does  not  know  Myatt's  Eliza,  being  quite  sure  that  it  was  never 
cultivated  at  Prospect  Hill  during  the  fourteen  years  he  was  there. 
Also  that  he  knows  nothing  of  Rival  Queen,  and  that  Mr.  Tiley  bought 
Omar  Pacha  of  him.  It  was  further  reported  by  a  member  present  that 
Omar  Pacha  had  been  carefully  compared  with  Eliza  in  a  private 
garden  at  Winchester,  where  it  had  been  obtained  directly  from 
Mr.  Ward.  Mr.  Ward's  letter  was  considered  by  the  meeting  sufficient 
to  clear  him  from  any  knowledge  of  the  mistake.  Mr.  Spary,  of 
Brighton,  sent  a  good  and  well-ripened  bunch  of  Golden  Hamburgh 
Grape,  the  fourth  he  had  cut  from  a  graft  inserted  on  the  young  wood 
last  year. 

Aug.  4. — Annual  General  Meeting.  Mr.  Hogg  in  the  chair.  The 
accounts  for  the  past  year  were  laid  before  the  meeting  and  unanimously 
approved.  They  showed  the  receipts  to  have  been  200/.  Is.  \\d.,  and 
the  expenditure  194/.  19s.  2d.,  which  showed  a  balance  to  the  credit  of 
the  society  of  5/.  2s.  9d.  The  secretary  reported  that,  notwithstanding 
the  loss  of  four  members  by  death  and  resignation  during  the  past  year, 
the  number  now  upon  the  list  was  232,  being  80  more  than  the  cor- 
rected number  reported  at  the  last  annual  meeting.  With  reference  to 
office-bearers,  F.  J.  Graham,  Esq.,  of  Cranford,  and  H.  Webb,  Esq.,  of 
Redstone  Manor,  Reigate,  were  elected  new  vice-presidents  ;  and  the 
following  names  were  added  to  the  Council,  viz.,  E.  W.  Cox,  A.  Scrutton, 
R.  Frankum,  R.  Stains,  and  J.  B.  Haig,  Esquires ;  Messrs.  J.  Fraser, 


280  THE    FLORIST. 

S.  Mart,  G.  Paul,  J.  Spencer,  J.  Cutbush,  W.  Davidson,  E.  Spary, 
G.  Gordon,  J.  Ivison,  J.  Peel,  and  J.  Milne.  Messrs.  J.  Fraser, 
W.  Paul,  and  R.  A.  Amott,  were  elected  auditors. 

This  being  the  meeting  on  which  premiums  were  offered  for  collec- 
tions of  Grapes,  a  very  large  and  interesting  collection  was  contributed 
by  Mr.  Newton,  gardener  to  G.  J.  Graham,  Esq.,  Enfield  Chase,  and 
which  was  awarded  the  first  premium  of  Three  Guineas.  In  the 
Muscat  section  the  following  varieties  were  contributed  : — Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  a  good  bunch,  well  ripened,  which  served  for  comparing 
and  testing  other  varieties  :  Muscat  of  Eschcolata :  this  variety  in  the 
Horticultural  Society's  catalogue  has  been  confounded  with  the  former 
one.  It  is,  however,  unquestionably  distinct,  as  it  appears  to  set  better, 
and  evidently  ripens  in  much  lower  temperature,  a  bunch  of  Merrick's 
Victoria  Hamburgh  from  the  same  house  being  scarcely  so  ripe ;  in 
every  other  respect  the  varieties  are  very  similar: — a  Seedling  Muscat, 
raised  from  White  Syrian  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  appeared  very 
similar  to  the  last  mentioned  variety,  and  from  the  evidence  adduced, 
appeared  suited  to  a  cool  house  ;  the  berries  were  very  sweet  and  good, 
and  the  exhibitor  affirmed  it  to  be  a  better  setter  than  the  other  kinds. 
The  meeting,  however,  desired  more  conclusive  evidence  before  they 
would  express  an  opinion  upon  its  merits.  In  this  class  should  be  men- 
tioned Uva  Troggin,  a  kind  bearing  some  resemblance  to  Cornichon 
Blanc,  but  in  form  of  berry  about  halfway  between  that  and  Muscat. 
It  was  a  variety  imported  from  Italy,  and,  although  sweet,  was  thick- 
skinned  and  of  no  value.  Allied  to  the  Muscats  was  a  fine  and  well- 
ripened  bunch  of  the  White  or  Genuine  Tokay.  This  Grape  is  a  free 
grower,  great  bearer,  good  setter,  hangs  well,  and  is  very  hardy :  as  it 
is  also  a  sweet  and  thin-skinned  Grape,  it  is  worthy  of  being  more 
usually  grown  where  an  assortment  is  desired.  In  the  Black  Hamburgh 
section  there  was  a  bunch  of  the  usual  variety  ;  also  one  called  Coventan, 
which  was  too  nearly  similar  to  be  considered  distinct.  Wilmot's  Black 
Hamburgh,  which  is  distinguished  by  the  berries  being  more  elongated, 
and  having  the  appearance  commonly  called  hammered.  It  is  generally 
more  compact  in  bunch  than  the  original  variety.  And  Meyrick's 
Victoria  Hamburgh,  which  is  generally  very  large  in  berry,  and  more 
round  than  the  last  mentioned,  but  is  frequently  less  highly  coloured. 
It  approaches  very  nearly,  if  it  is  not  identical  with,  the  Mill  Hill 
Hamburgh.  A  fine  and  well-set  bunch  of  the  Black  Morocco  included 
in  the  collection  was  not  quite  ripe.  Of  the  St.  Peter's  section  was  a 
bunch  of  the  original  variety,  quite  ripe  and  very  sweet ;  and  one  of 
Black  Prince,  in  good  condition  but  less  ripe.  A  large  bunch  of  that 
peculiar  variety,  Gros  Gromier  du  Cantal,  partaking  of  the  qualities  of 
Sweetwater  and  Hamburgh,  with  the  colour  of  Grizzly  Frontignan,  had 
been  cut  some  days,  but  was  ripe,  sweet,  and  very  juicy.  Of  the  White 
Frontignan,  a  bunch,  remarkably  large  and  handsome,  though  scarcely 
ripe,  was  included  in  the  collection.  Of  the  Muscadine  section  were  a 
bunch  of  the  true  Royal,  mis-named  White  Sweetwater  ;  also,  one 
called  Griffin's  Royal  Muscadine,  which  was  undistinguishable,  save  in 
the  bunch  being  smaller.  In  the  Sweetwater  section  were  a  good  bunch 
of  the  Old  Dutch,  and  one  called  Diamond  Drop,  which  appeared  to  be 


SEPTEMBER.  281 

a  better  setter,  but  was  thicker  skinned  and  inferior  in  flavour.  A 
variety  something  like  Esperione,  but  smaller  and  inferior,  was  not 
recognised.  A  Black  Seedling,  said  to  have  been  raised  between  Black 
Cluster  and  White  Sweetwater,  described  as  a  great  bearer,  was 
straggling  in  bunch,  small  in  berry,  full  of  seeds,  very  thick  skinned, 
and  utterly  worthless.  Mr.  Ivery  exhibited  a  very  fine  bunch  of  his 
Buckland  Sweetwater.  The  meeting  was  much  gratified  to  find  that  it 
so  fully  maintained  the  high  opinion  which  the  society  had  previously 
passed  on  it ;  the  only  peculiarity  noted  regarding  it,  which  differed 
from  the  description  given  last  year,  was  that  the  berries  had  reassumed 
the  bluntly  ovate  form  under  which  it  had  first  been  presented. 


PROTECTING  AND  PRESERVING  BROCCOLI  IN  WINTER. 

Although  most  of  the  varieties  <5f  Broccoli  are  hardy  enough  to  resist 
the  cold  of  tolerably  mild  winters,  and  some  kinds  even  withstand  frosts 
that  are  rather  severe,  yet  we  occasionally  experience  winters  that  cut 
off  nearly  every  kind.  It  is,  therefore,  advisable  to  adopt  such  means 
as  will  insure  at  least  a  portion  of  the  crop.  This  can  be  done  most 
effectually  by  taking  up,  on  the  approach  of  frost,  those  which  have 
either  formed  or  are  just  beginning  to  form  a  head,  and  placing  them 
side  by  side  on  the  floor  of  a  cellar.  They  should  be  taken  up  on  a  dry 
day.  The  temperature  of  an  underground  cellar  is  usually  between  45° 
and  50°,  and  this  will  be  sufficient  to  push  the  plants  in  flower-heads, 
the  substance  for  the  growth  of  which  is  derived  from  the  stem.  In 
this  way  Broccoli  is  secure  from  frost,  but  the  flavour  is  not  so  fine  as 
that  of  plants  gi  own  in  the  open  air.  Another  mode  of  protection  is  to 
dig  a  trench  at  the  end  of  a  row,  and  then  incline  the  plants  one  after 
the  other,  so  that  the  soil  may  come  close  up  to  the  bases  of  the  lower 
leaves ;  or,  a  trench  adapted  to  the  size  of  a  transplanter  may  be  dug 
along  the  side  of  a  row,  and  the  plants  taken  up  and  dropped  in,  so  that 
their  necks  may  be  a  few  inches  above  the  level  of  the  quarter.  When 
thus  transplanted,  the  soil  should  be  drawn  up  and  pressed  close  to  the 
necks  of  the  plants,  thus  forming  a  slight  ridge  to  throw  off  the  rain. 
Another  mode  consists  in  taking  the  plants  carefully  up  with  balls,  and 
replanting  them  tolerably  close  together,  with  their  heads  inclined 
towards  the  north.  All  these  transplantations  should  be  done  in  October, 
or  in  the  end  of  September  in  the  north,  and  whilst  there  is  still  heat 
enough  in  the  ground  to  encourage  fresh  roots.  Means  may  also  be 
adopted  for  protecting  the  plants  without  removing  them.  To  do  this, 
in  planting,  mark  off  two  rows  18  inches  apart ;  then  a  space  of  4  feet; 
and  again  other  two  rows,  18  inches  apart,  and  so  on,  having  a  4-feet 
space  between  every  pair  of  rows.  The  plants  may  be  only  15  or  18 
inches  apart  in  the  rows,  according  as  the  sort  is  large  or  small,  and 
according  to  the  richness  of  the  soil.  In  these  rows  winter  and  spring 
sorts  should  be  planted  ;  but  along  the  middle  of  each  4-feet  space  a 
row  of  early  Broccoli  may  be  planted,  such  as  will  be  cleared  off  before 
protection  is  required  for  the  winter  kind  ;    or,  till  that  time,  it  may  be 


282  THE    FLORIST. 

found  convenient  to  occupy  the  space  with  some  other  crop.  Before 
frost  becomes  severe,  each  pair  of  rows  can  be  hooped  over  and  protected 
by  mats,  straw  covers,  or  any  other  protecting  materials  that  can  be 
easily  removed,  either  partially  or  entirely,  during  the  day,  and  replaced 
at  night,  according  to  the  state  of  the  weather.  But  now  that  glass  is 
cheap,  boxes  could  be  made  so  as  to  include  rows,  and  with  sloping 
glazed  lids  that  could  be  readily  opened  and  shut ;  and  a  protection  of 
this  kind  would  doubtless  prove  cheaper  in  the  long  run  than  some  other 
modes  less  effective  and  requiring  more  labour. 


HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY'S  NEW  GARDEN  AT 
KENSINGTON  GORE. 
We  learn  with  much  gratification,  from  a  circular  just  issued  by  this 
society  to  its  members,  that  satisfactory  modifications  of  the  right  of  re- 
entry, and  terms  of  compensation  at  the  termination  of  the  lease,  have 
been  conceded.  The  Council  acting  therefore  on  the  power  entrusted  to 
them  by  the  General  Meeting  of  the  20th  of  July,  have  passed  the 
following  Resolution  : — "  That  the  terms  of  her  Majesty's  Commissioners 
be  accepted  as  the  basis  of  a  lease,  and  that  the  society's  solicitors  be 
instructed  to  act  for  the  society  in  its  preparation." 

A  list  which  accompanied  this  circular  shows  that  1800/.  is  promised 
as  actual-  donations,  principally  by  her  Majesty  and  H.R.  H.  the 
President  of  the  society,  and  that  various  Fellows  and  others  have 
agreed  to  propose  different  branches  of  their  family  and  friends  as  Life 
Members  to  the  extent  of  5660/.  (in  number  197  to  this  day — Aug.26), 
and  also  to  lend  20,000/.  on  debentures.  Altogether,  it  may  be 
assumed  that  above  29,000/.  out  of  the  50,000/.  is  already  subscribed. 


COBHAM  HALL,  THE    SEAT  OF  THE    RIGHT   HON.  THE 
EARL  OF  DARNLEY. 

This  noble  demesne  is  situated  about  five  miles  south-east  of  Graves- 
end,  in  the  heart  of  the  beautiful  county  of  Kent.  The  approach  to 
the  mansion  and  gardens  lies  through  extensive  woods  and  park.  In 
the  former  Rhododendrons  are  largely  planted,  and  come  up  abun- 
dantly from  self-sown  seeds.  They  appear  to  grow  here  with  extra- 
ordinary luxuriance.  The  gardens,  which  are  extensive,  are  situated 
close  to  the  ancient  and  beautiful  hall,  which  is  an  interesting  specimen 
of  old  English  architecture.  On  the  north  side  a  long  flower  garden, 
with  beds  on  grass,  was  exceedingly  gay ;  extending  along  one  side  of 
the  walk  is  a  row  of  slender  pillars,  connected  by  a  chain  running  through 
their  tops ;  over  these  are  trained  a  variety  of  climbing  Roses,  and  round 
the  base  of  each  pillar  is  a  circular  flower-bed.  A  large  circular  bed 
planted  as  follows  had  a  most  pleasing  effect.     In  the  centre  was  a 


SEPTEMBER.  283 

large  pyramidal  scarlet  Fuchsia,  then  a  circle  of  yellow  Calceolarias, 
after  that  one  of  scarlet  Geraniums,  then  Purple  King  Verbena,  and  an 
edging  of  variegated  Alyssum.  Another  bed  formed  of  Agapanthus 
umbellatus,  interspersed  with  Mangles'  Variegated  Geranium,  and 
edged  with  Lobelia  speciosa,  was  novel  and  effective.  Backing  this 
garden  are  some  noble  specimens  of  Sophora  japonica,  Cedars  of 
Lebanon,  Magnolias,  Sequoia  sempervirens,  Taxodiums,  and  one  of  the 
finest  evergreen  Oaks  we  have  ever  seen.  Passing  from  this  flower- 
garden  a  terrace  walk  is  reached,  terminated  by  an  open  balustrade, 
from  which  a  magnificent  view  of  the  park  is  obtained. 

On  the  south  front  of  the  mansion  is  another  flower-garden,  which 
has  recently  been  much  enlarged,  and  to  which  further  additions  are 
contemplated.  A  border  here  was  particularly  striking  and  effective. 
It  is  close  to  the  mansion,  against  the  walls  of  which  various  plants  are 
trained.  The  back  row  consisted  of  scarlet,  white,  and  purple  Dahlias, 
of  dwarf  habit ;  then  came  a  row  of  white,  scarlet,  and  rose  Geraniums  ; 
after  that  a  row  of  yellow  Calceolarias,  and  the  outer  row  Mangles' 
Variegated  Geranium :  this  border  had  a  very  rich  effect.  A  pretty 
bed  was  also  formed  of  Flower  of  the  Day  Geranium,  edged  with 
Lobelia  speciosa.  Asters  were  just  being  planted  out  in  many  of  the 
beds  ;  they  are  retarded  till  this  time,  as  Mr.  Clarke,  who  is  gardener 
here,  finds  that  by  keeping  them  back  till  now  he  ensures  a  fine  display 
of  bloom  late  in  the  season,  when  flowers  are  scarce. 

In  the  kitchen  garden  is  a  Vinery  54  feet  long,  filled  with  a  single 
black  Hamburgh  Vine,  which  was  loaded  with  fruit.  In  another' 
house  were  fine  bunches  of  Chasselas  Musque.  One  or  two  bunches  of 
Black  Hamburgh  were  attacked  by  mildew  some  little  time  since,  and 
Mr.  Clarke  found  that  dipping  them  into  a  solution  of  2  oz.  of  Gishurst 
Compound  to  a  gallon  of  water  effectually  destroyed  the  disease  without 
injuring  the  fruit.  Muscats  were  in  fine  condition,  and  beautifully  set. 
Pines  were  excellent ;  among  them  were  some  splendid  fruit.  Of 
Plums,  Reine  Claude  de  Bavay  seems  a  most  prolific  sort,  being  loaded 
with  fruit ;  Tay  Bank  is  also  a  fine  sort,  producing  immense  fruit. 
Strawberries  are  fruited  here  from  February  ;  two-thirds  of  the  stock 
consists  of  Keens'  Seedling,  which  is  found  to  be  the  best  variety  for 
early  work.  In  the  Pinetum  are  some  nice  specimens  of  Wellingtonia 
gigantea,  one  of  which  has  made  a  shoot  this  year  of  the  astonishing 
length  of  2  feet  9  inches. 

Everything  was  exceedingly  neat  and  clean,  not  an  insect  was  per- 
ceptible in  any  of  the  houses,  and  the  whole  keeping  of  the  place 
certainly  reflects  great  credit  upon  Mr.  Clarke. 

W.  H. 


284  THE    FLORIST. 


SIKKIM  RHODODENDRONS. 
Two  specimens  of  the  Sikkim  Rhododendron  Thomsoni  blossomed 
baautifully  this  spring  in  the  Stamvell  Nurseries,  Edinburgh  ;  one  of 
these  had  ten  trusses  on  it,  with  from  seven  to  12  florets  in  each.  The 
blooms  are  of  a  brilliant  crimson  colour  with  a  few  dark  spots  in  the 
throat,  and  have  a  remarkably  stiff  and  waxy  appearance,  resembling 
in  form  those  of  R.  Dalhousieanum  ;  that  is,  tubular  or  trumpet- 
shaped,  gradually  widening  out  to  the  edge,  which  is  neatly  reflexed. 

This  plant  is  a  standard,  five  feet  high,  with  a  fine  bushy  top,  grafted 
on  a  common  ponticum  stock,  and  when  in  flower  had  a  most  striking 
appearance,  more  than  realising  all  that  has  been  expected  of  it  from 
Dr.  Hooker's  drawing,  and  from  the  single  truss  which  the  same  plant 
produced  two  years  ago,  the  florets  being  much  larger,  and  more  of  them 
in  the  truss.  Indeed,  it  can  hardly  be  surpassed  as  an  effective  spring- 
flowering  conservatory  plant,  and  needs  but  to  be  seen,  covered  with  its 
beautiful  flowers,  to  ensure  for  it  a  prominent  position  in  every  collection. 
A  plant  of  the  Bhotan  R.  Windsori  also  produced  two  trusses  of  flowers 
in  this  nursery.  It  proves  to  be  a  decided  acquisition,  and  possesses  the 
very  desirable  quality  of  flowering  in  a  very  small  state,  the  plant  in 
question  being  only  about  18  inches  high. 


SEA-SIDE  PLANTATION. 
Situation. — West  coast  of  Guernsey,  but  sheltered  from  the  south- 
west by  a  hill.     Soil. — Sandy  peat  mixed  with  vegetable  mould,  on  a 
granite  formation. 

About  sixteen  years  ago  we  commenced  the  first  attempt  to  raise  a 
plantation.  The  following  trees  and  shrubs  had  been  recommended  for 
it,  viz  : — Arbutus,  Holly,  common  Laurel,  Laurestinus,  Portugal  Laurel, 
Scotch  Fir.  Repeated  failures  of  these  so-called  hardy  plants  had  nearly 
led  to  despair  of  ever  raising  a  stick  with  a  green  leaf  on  it.  Whatever 
shoots  these  plants  made  during  summer  were  literally  cut  off  by  the 
winter  storms,  and  the  leaves  of  the  shrubs  became  shrivelled  and 
bronzed  after  every  gale,  as  if  a  blast  of  lightning  had  passed  over  them. 
After  four  years'  repeated  trials  there  remained  not  a  tenth  part  of  the 
above  plants  alive,  and  all  were  sickly  and  withering. 

Then  commenced  a  fresh  struggle  for  a  little  green  shade,  which  was 
at  last  attended  with  success.  First  of  all  tried  was  the  Tamarisk. 
This  plant  grew  rapidly,  and  soon  raised  sufficient  shelter  for  further 
hopes.  The  next  shrub  was  the  Pittosporum.  This  shrub  thrived 
admirably.  The  more  violent  the  gale  of  wind,  the  brighter  the  green 
leaves  appear  after.  Then  were  planted  with  success  the  following : — 
The  Ilex,  the  Turkey  Oak,  the  Euonymus  japonica,  the  New  Zealand 
Flax,  the  Pampas  Grass,  the  Camellia  japonica,  and  lastly,  the  Arau- 
caria  imbricata.  There  now  exists  a  respectable  shrubbery,  covering 
the  bare  land.  The  Tamarisk  and  Pittosporum  have  attained  the 
height  of  upwards  of  twelve  feet,  and  the  Araucaria  seems  to  court  the 
breeze. 


SEPTEMBER.  285 

To  give  an  idea  of  the  proximity  of  the  place  to  the  sea,  its  waves 
dash  against  a  wall  built  to  protect  the  land  from  the  sea's  encroachment 
to  the  north-west.  On  the  north  side  of  this  wall  the  sea,  in  a  gale, 
chafes  with  Atlantic  fury ;  while  on  the  south  side  of  the  same — not 
five  yards  from  the  sea — Camellias  blossom  in  profusion  from  Christmas 
to  May. 

T.  P. 


THE  HYACINTH. 

We  extract  the  following  from  Butler  and  McCulloch's  Catalogue 
of  Dutch  and  other  bulbs  just  published.  It  may  be  acceptable  to  our 
readers  at  the  present  season  : — 

Culture  of  the  Hyacinth  in  Moss  and  Sand. — Of  the  very  many 
interesting  ways  of  growing  the  Hyacinth,  the  following  is  exceedingly 
elegant  and  worthy  of  special  attention.  Fill  with  silver  sand  a  china 
bowl,  glass  dish,  vase,  or  anything  of  an  ornamental  character,  capable 
of  containing  moisture,  bring  the  sand  to  a  point  in  the  centre,  and 
place  three  or  more  Hyacinths  at  equal  distances,  filling  up  the  space 
between  them  with  Crocuses,  Snowdrops,  Tulips,  or  Jonquils,  or  a 
mixture  of  all.  Cover  the  whole  with  sand,  or  push  them  into  it  as 
may  be  most  convenient,  allowing  the  top  of  the  bulb  alone  to  be  seen ; 
then  immerse  the  vessel  into  a  bucket  of  water  for  ten  minutes,  to 
settle  the  sand,  and  fix  the  bulbs  in  their  position,  put  them  in  a  dark 
cool  place  for  three  weeks,  afterwards  keep  them  on  a  table  near  to  the 
window,  where  they  can  have  plenty  of  light  and  air ;  at  no  period 
should  the  sand  be  allowed  to  get  dry,  which  will  be  prevented  by  the 
vessel,  once  a  week  at  least,  being  immersed  in  water  for  five  minutes 
in  the  manner  previously  directed.  Hyacinths,  &c,  when  grown  in 
suspended  wire  baskets  planted  in  moss,  and  treated  as  recommended 
for  those  grown  in  sand,  are  strikingly  ornamental. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Auriculas. — Those  that  have  not  been  repotted  should  be  done  so  at 
once.  Little  attention  will  be  required  for  some  time  to  come.  The 
plants  should  be  placed  in  a  nice  cool  frame,  fixed  on  a  well-drained 
border,  giving  as  much  air  as  possible,  and  a  moderate  supply  of  water. 
Protect  from  rains,  and  pick  off  all  dead  foliage,  and  look  carefully  after 
the  green-fly.  If  any  start  for  bloom,  pinch  off  the  buds  only  when 
above  the  foliage. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — Plants  out  of  doors,  if  the  weather  is  stormy 
and  wet,  should  be  placed  in  the  house  towards  the  end  of  the  month. 
See  to  the  drainage  before  housing  the  plants,  and  let  the  pots  be  washed 
and  the  surface  soil  loosened,  adding  a  little  fresh  compost,  to  give 
a  neat  appearance.  Where  the  buds  of  Camellias  are  set  too  thickly, 
they  should  be  thinned  out,  having  regard  to  the  strength  of  the  plants. 

Carnations  and  Pico/ees. — The  soil  required  for  wintering  the  plants 
in  small  pots  should  be  kept  well  turned  and  tolerably  dry.     The  prin- 


286  THE    FLORIST. 

cipal  attention  required  will  be  to  eradicate  all  dead  foliage  from  the 
layers.  Water  regularly  and  carefully.  Pot  the  young  stock  from  the 
stools  any  time  after  the  15th  of  the  month,  if  sufficiently  rooted. 

Cinerarias. — Those  that  have  been  struck  early  will  now  require 
every  attention.  Pot  off  into  small  pots,  say  small  60's,  using  a  nice 
turfy  loam,  with  an  admixture  of  well  decomposed  manure  and  leaf- 
mould,  a  little  silver  sand  being  necessary  to  drain  the  soil.  Shift  into 
a  size  larger  pot  such  seedlings  as  are  ready,  and  prick  off  the  second 
crop;  as  soon  as  established,  give  all  the  air  possible,  to  prevent  mildew. 
Select  from  the  first  struck  plants  for  specimens ;  take  care  that  these 
have  good  strong  stems,  as  they  will  require  stopping  in  due  season. 
Shift  into  larger  pots  as  soon  as  they  reach  the  outside  of  the  pots.  When 
about  three  or  four  inches  long,  pinch  out  their  centres,  and  as  soon  as 
broken  sufficiently,  pot  deep  into  flowering  pots.  Fumigate  occasion- 
ally, to  prevent  the  green-fly,  and  sulphur  whenever  mildew  makes  its 
appearance. 

Conservatory. — This  house  should  be  got  ready  for  receiving  plants 
by  the  end  of  the  month.  Let  any  repairs  which  may  be  requisite  for 
the  roof  or  heating  apparatus  be  completed  at  once,  that  every  prepara- 
tion may  be  made  for  arranging  the  pot  plants,  now  standing  out,  when 
bad  weather  arrives.  Attend  to  the  creepers  on  the  roof,  which  at  this 
season  are  growing  fast,  and  require  frequent  attention.  Avoid 
formality,  and  do  not  overcrowd  the  roof,  to  obstruct  too  much  light. 

Cucumbers. — Attend  to  last  directions.  The  best  road  to  success  in 
growing  winter  Cucumbers  is  to  get  the  plants  sown  early  and  kept 
hardy  by  a  cool  temperature  and  abundance  of  light.  When  the  plants 
have  good  foliage  and  a  hardy  constitution,  they  withstand  the  attacks 
of  mildew  and  other  diseases  much  better  than  weakly  overforced  plants, 
and  will  produce  fruit  through  the  dark  days  of  winter  much  better. 
Plants  in  dung  frames,  exhausted  by  long  bearing,  may  be  well  cut  in, 
and  six  inches  of  fresh  compost  spread  over  the  roots.  The  renewal  of 
the  linings  will  also  give  a  stimulus  to  the  roots,  and  induce  a  fresh 
growth,  which  will  keep  the  plants  in  bearing  for  some  time  to  come. 

Dahlias. — Protecting  the  blooms  for  exhibition,  if  grown  for  show  or 
enjoying  their  gay  colours  and  noble  form,  if  cultivated  for  decorative 
purposes  only,  will  be  the  principal  work  of  this  month.  In  shading 
for  exhibition,  avoid  doing  so  more  than  six  or  seven  days  before  time 
required,  as  it  spoils  the  richness  of  the  colour,  and  causes  many  varieties 
to  quill.  When  confined  from  the  air  in  too  young  a  state,  they  do  not 
so  freely  develope  or  grow  into  their  true  character.  Seedlings  will 
require  constant  attention,  particularly  if  they  have  not  proper  distance 
afforded  them  in  growing,  or  some  of  the  finest  flowers  may  be  over- 
looked. Dahlias  are  coming  fine  this  season ;  many  of  the  new  varieties 
are  great  improvements  on  existing  kinds  of  the  same  colour.  Of 
seedlings,  it  is  too  soon  to  speak,  yet  there  has  been  some  promising 
kinds  sent  to  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Horticultural  Society.  Before 
this  is  in  the  hands  of  our  readers,  the  result  of  the  seedling  competition 
at  Salisbury  and  Reading  will  be  known.  The  third  great  meeting  for 
seedlings  will  be  at  Birmingham  on  the  20th,  when  a  great  meeting  of 
Dahlia  growers  is  expected. 


SEPTEMBER. 


287 


Flower  Garden. — The  work  of  propagation  will  now  require  much 
attention,  as,  on  the  early  striking  of  the  stock  for  next  year,  the  health 
and  hardiness  of  the  plants  will  mainly  depend.  For  all  kinds  of 
Geraniums,  no  better  plan  can  be  adopted  than  what  we  advised  in  our 
last,  in  sticking  the  cuttings  in  the  open  ground  (at  any  rate  for  the 
middle  and  south  of  England)  :  a  south  border,  over  which  spread  a  few 
inches  in  depth  of  light  soil  mixed  with  sand,  is  all  that  is  necessary ; 
it  will  assist  some  of  the  tender  kinds,  as  Mountain  of  Light,  Golden 
Chain,  and  Lady  Plymouth  ;  to  put  a  sprinkling  of  white  sand  at  the 
bottom  of  the  drill,  for  the  base  of  the  cuttings  to  rest  on,  make  the 
cuttings  firm.  When  a  large  stock  of  soft  things  is  required,  as 
Petunias,  Verbenas,  Senecios,  Ageratums,  Lobelias,  Anagallis,  &c,  a 
cheap  way  is  to  make  a  slight  hotbed,  two  or  three  feet  high,  to  hold  a 
number  of  handglasses  ;  cover  over  with  two  or  three  inches  of  sandy 
soil,  and  then,  when  the  soil  gets  slightly  warmed,  insert  the  cuttings  in 
squares,  and  cover  them  with  the  glasses.  Shade  in  bright  sunshine,  and, 
when  the  plants  commence  growing,  give  air  gradually,  and,  when  fully 
rooted,  remove  the  glasses  altogether.  Plants  struck  in  this  way  are 
remarkably  strong  and  stocky.  As  we  winter  this  class  in  shallow 
propagating  pans,  we  have  only  to  lift  the  plants  in  bunches  sufficient  to 
fill  a  pan,  when  they  are  rooted,  place  them  in  a  sheltered  place,  to 
harden  off  for  the  winter.  All  the  above  may  likewise  be  struck  by 
inserting  the  cuttings  in  shallow  pots,  and  placing  them  in  an  empty 
frame.  Take  care  of  the  seed  of  choice  annuals  as  it  ripens,  and  mark 
all  good  seedling  plants,  for  further  trial.  For  routine,  see  our  last,  as 
to  keeping  all  clean,  &c. 

Hard-icooded  Plants. — Heaths,  Epacrises,  and  New  Holland  plants 
are  very  impatient  of  too  much  wet,  and  therefore  should  heavy  rains 
occur,  some  means  of  protecting  them  should  be  resorted  to,  such  as  by 
making  a  slight  frame  of  wood  over  them,  on  which  to  throw  some 
waterproof  material  during  heavy  rains.  These  plants  grow  much  more 
freely  out,  from  July  to  the  commencement  of  October,  if  protected  as 
described.  From  this  season,  we  should  prefer  their  having  the  full 
sun,  and  to  be  placed  sufficiently  wide  apart  for  the  plants  to  grow 
equally  on  all  sides.  Use  sulphur  over  parts  infested  with  mildew, 
and  see  that  worms  do  not  gain  admittance  into  the  pots. 

Hollyhocks. — Continue  to  put  in  cuttings  or  plant  them  out  in  beds  ; 
by  these  means,  a  large  stock  of  plants  may  be  procured  if  diligently 
attended  to.  If  the  seed  is  sown  as  soon  as  ripe,  and  pricked  off  into 
thumb-pots,  one  in  a  pot,  they  will  be  ready  to  plant  out  in  April,  and 
will  flower  well  the  following  August  and  September. 

Kitchen  Garden. — The  sowing  of  vegetable  crops  will  be  nearly  over. 
A  few  Radishes,  Lettuces,  Cauliflowers,  and  Spinach,  may  be  sown 
early  in  the  month ;  to  stand  a  chance,  should  anything  occur 
to  the  regular  crops,  for  it  is  always  well  to  be  provided  against  con- 
tingencies ;  and,  therefore,  all  that  remains  in  this  way  is  to  see  well 
to  the  growing  crops,  and  more  especially  to  fill  up  all  vacant  ground 
with  Greens,  Broccoli,  &c. ;  thin  out  winter  Spinach,  Lettuce,  Tur- 
nips, and  prick  out  the  winter  Cauliflowers  and  Cabbage,  &c, 
hoe   and   keep   clean    all  advancing  crops,  earthing   up   Celery  and 


288  THE    FLORIST. 

Cardoons,  and  blanching  Lettuce  and  Endive  as  they  advance. 
Tomatoes  against  walls  should  be  stopped,  and  have  a  few  of  the  leaves 
taken  from  before  the  fruit,  to  assist  to  ripen  it.  The  Potato  crop  may 
be  taken  up  as  soon  as  the  tops  are  ripened  off;  the  disease  has  not 
made  so  much  progress  with  the  late  crop  as  it  did  with  the  early  ones, 
but  the  produce  will  be  small. 

Orchard-houses. — Orchard  houses  are  showing  their  real  value  this 
season,  where  the  garden  walls  present  foliage  only.  The  trees  in 
these  structures  are  loaded  with  fruit — Peaches,  Nectarines,  Apricots, 
Plums,  and  Figs.  As  it  is  very  desirable  to  keep  these,  let  the  house 
be  kept  cool  and  dry,  as  the  fruit  ripens ;  and  the  admission  of  wasps 
and  flies  prevented  by  "  Nottingham  netting."  These  orchard-houses 
are  invaluable. 

Peach-house. — Remove  the  sashes  from  the  late  houses,  and  fully 
expose  the  trees. 

Pelargoniums. — All  will  have  been  shaken  out  by  this  time  ;  if  not, 
it  should  be  no  longer  delayed.  Those  first  done  for  May  blooming 
will  have  filled  their  pots  with  roots,  and  should  receive  their  final 
repotting  towards  the  end  of  the  month.  The  following  will  be  found 
a  very  valuable  composition  : — Two- thirds  maiden  loam,  and  one-third 
sheep  or  deer  dung,  all  well  decomposed ;  a  little  silver  sand,  to  assist 
in  keeping  it  porous.  Let  the  pots  be  well  drained,  to  allow  the  water 
to  pass  freely,  The  first  struck  cuttings  should  be  stopped  to  make 
strong  bushy  plants,  and  the  young  stock  in  general  will  require  much 
care  and  attention.  Let  all  plants  be  well  housed  and  kept  warm  and 
dry.  Give  plenty  of  air  while  the  weather  remains  open.  Geraniums, 
to  flower  well,  should  make  their  principal  growth  before  Christmas. 
Seedlings  should  be  repotted. 

Pinks. — Plant  out  into  beds,  towards  the  end  of  the  month,  for  next 
season's  blooming ;  should  the  weather  be  wet,  defer  it  for  a  little. 
Pinks  thrive  best  in  a  good  rich  soil,  and  should  be  planted  about  six 
inches  apart. 

Pinery. — Finish  potting  the  plants  to  fruit  next  year,  as  the 
succession  pits  are  cleared,  to  fill  up  the  fruiting  houses  ;  set  the  young 
plants  wider  apart.  Fruit  swelling  should  be  kept  moderately  moist, 
and  will  require  a  little  fire-heat  when  the  night  temperature  falls 
below  60°.  Renew  the  linings  to  plants  grown  by  dung-heat,  so  as  to 
keep  the  night  temperature  60°,  as  above.  The  largest  fruiting  plants 
required  to  produce  fruit  next  March,  April,  and  May,  should  now  be 
kept  comparatively  dry,  and  have  a  large  share  of  air,  to  throw  them 
into  a  state  of  rest. 

Tulips. — The  soil  should  now  be  prepared  for  blooming  these  in. 
Look  carefully  after  the  roots,  the  green-fly  being  so  apt  to  attack  them. 
Fumigate  if  necessary.  Finally,  arrange  the  roots  preparatory  for 
planting. 

Vinery. — Late  Muscats  should  at  once  have  fire-heat  applied,  to 
assist  their  ripening  ;  and  this  will  also  apply  to  the  St.  Peters,  if  not 
likely  to  ripen  without  artificial  assistance.  Let  the  air  of  the  houses 
be  kept  dry,  with  as  much  air  as  can  be  admitted  safely.  Now  is  the 
best  time  to  prepare  composts  for  new  borders. 


J^AtAvm,Det  I  Zmcv. 


Picotees. 

1.  RevdA.Maffiews.  f&rilandj 
2.Bzval']?urpl&.  (Headly) 

Bate   156. 


Printed,  ty  C.  ChcCbot. 


OCTOBER.  289 

PICOTEES. 

(Plate  156.) 

One  consequence  of  the  utter  absurdity  of  having  the  National 
Carnation  and  Picotee  Show  at  the  time  it  has  been  held  the 
last  two  years,  is,  that  there  is  no  good  opportunity  afforded 
of  testing  the  comparative  value  of  the  new  flowers  which 
North  and  South  are  respectively  bringing  before  the  public. 
I  was  at  Mr.  Turner's  about  a  week  before  the  said  show  took 
place,  and  there  was  not  a  single  bloom  left  on  all  his  plants, 
nor  had  there  been  one  for  a  week  previous.  If  anybody 
could  by  management  keep  back  plants  for  the  show,  he  could; 
his  immense  stock  giving  him  an  advantage  over  most  other 
growers,  and  this  was  fully  borne  out  by  the  fact  that  not  one 
southern  grower  entered  the  lists.  Might  I  not  ask  whether  it 
would  not  be  possible  for  the  southerns  to  band  together  and 
have  an  exhibition  to  themselves,  at  a  time  suitable  to  them, 
for  the  present  state  of  things  is  most  unsatisfactory  ?  But, 
whatever  may  be  the  opinion  of  the  public  in  this  matter,  there 
can  be  no  doubt  of  the  value  of  the  two  flowers  of  which  we 
give  a  portrait  in  our  present  number.  The  purple-edged 
Picotee  was  raised  by  that  veteran  grower  and  hybridiser, 
Mr.  Headly,  of  Stapleford,  the  originator  of  King  James, 
which  has  been  the  parent  of  very  many  of  the  heavy  flowers. 
When  I  was  with  him  the  other  day,  we  had  a  talk  over  these 
flowers,  and,  notwithstanding  the  multifarious  objects  of  his 
attention  (for  I  really  do  not  know  what  he  does  not  grow), 
Carnations  and  Picotees  claim  still  a  little  of  his  affection. 
Besides  the  one  figured  he  has  another  purple,  and  I  saw  the 
old  stool  layered  of  a  red-edged  heavy  flower,  which  will  not 
be  let  out  this  season,  but  which  he  believes  to  be  the  best 
flower  ever  yet  raised.  The  one  now  figured — a  child  of  John 
Linton  crossed  with  King  James — is  large  in  size,  the  colour 
bright  and  confined  to  the  edge,  and  the  habit  and  constitution 
of  the  plant  excellent ;  this  I  can  vouch  for,  having  seen  the 
entire  stock  at  Slough.  The  heavy-edged  rose  is  a  seedling  of 
Mr.  Kirtland,  already  well  known  for  many  excellent  flowers, 
and  is  said  to  have  been  raised  from  Marris's  Unexpected. 
Here,  too,  we  have  quality ;  the  habit  of  the  plant  is  good, 
though  not  so  strong  as  the  purple ;  indeed,  growers  of 
Picotees  know  that  this  is  generally  the  habit  of  the  rose- 
edged  varieties,  and  yet  there  is  no  class  more  attractive, 
whether  we  take  the  heavy  or  light-edged  varieties.  I  am 
glad  to  find  these  new  ones  coming  out,  for  the  retirement  and 

VOL.  XIII.,  no.  cxli.  u 


290 


THE    FLORIST. 


death  of  some  of  our  most  celebrated  raisers  of  seedlings — 
May,  Puxley,  and  others — made  me  rather  fear  that  we  should 
not  see  novelties.  Notwithstanding  the  unfavourable  nature 
of  the  season,  the  stocks  that  I  have  seen  look  healthy ;  and, 
as  far  as  my  own  little  number  is  concerned,  I  never  had  better 
or  more  healthy  increase.  Will  not  some  energetic  friend  of 
this  flower  endeavour,  without  injuring  the  National  Show,  to 
get  up  one  for  the  southern  counties  of  England,  to  be  held  in 
July  ?  Mr.  Turner  has  too  much  on  hands  to  do  it.  Can  no 
one  else  be  induced  to  do  it  ? 

I  herewith  subjoin  a  fuller  description  of  the  two  flowers, 
with  a  list  of  first-rate  varieties  in  each  class. 

Rev.  A.  Matthews,  heavy-edged,  colour  a  soft  rose,  much 
like  Unexpected,  but  flower  much  larger  and  more  full;  strong 
grower.  It  was  highly  commended  by  the  Floral  Committee 
of  the  Horticultural  Society,  in  July  last.  This  variety  was 
raised  by  Mr.  George  Kirtland,  of  Bletchington,  a  successful 
raiser  and  grower. 

Rival  Purple,  a  heavy-edged  flower,  colour  very  rich  purple, 
good  white,  without  spot  or  bar;  it  is  large  and  full,  and  a  fine 
healthy  grower.  This  was  likewise  highly  commended  by  the 
Floral  Committee  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  in  July.  This 
variety  produces  flowers  much  larger  than  is  indicated  in  our 
representation,  and  is  a  very  great  addition  to  existing  kinds 
of  this  class,  as  well  as  the  rose,  and  is  one  more  of  the  gems 
produced  by  that  veteran  florist,  R.  Headly,  Esq.,  of  Stapleford. 


Our  former  representations  of  Picotees  were — 

|     Florist,  1849. 


Duchess  of  Sutherland 

Loriiia 

Alfred     . 

Mrs.  Norman     . 

Mrs.  Drake    . 


(Burroughes) 
(Burroughes) 

(Dodwell)       |     j.W,  1851. 
(Norman)       J 
(Turner)  Florist,  1855. 


I  subjoin  a  list  of  the  best  varieties  in  each  class  : — 


HEAVY  RED. 

Dr.  Pitman 
Mrs.  Hoyle 
Mrs.  Dodwell 
Mrs.  Norman 
Prince  Albert 
Sultana 

LIOHT  BED. 

Ada  Mary- 
Charles  Turner 
Eugenie. 
Lauretta 
Lavinia 
Miss  Holbeck 


HEAVY  PURPLE. 

HEAVY  ROSE. 

Countess 

Alice 

Lord  Nelson 

Helen 

Mrs.  Bayley 

Mrs.  Drake 

Mrs.  May 

Queen  Victoria 

Rival  Purple 

ltev.  A.  Matthews 

John  Linton 

Venus 

LIGHT  PURPLE. 

LIGHT  ROSE. 

Amy  Robsart 

Ariel 

Eliza 

Bertha 

Finis 

Crystal 

Mrs.  Hobbs 

Mrs.  Turner 

Mrs.  Eyre 

Mrs.  Barnard 

National 

Miss  Puxley 

Deal,  Sept.  24. 


I). 


OCTOBER.  291 


THE  AURICULA. 

The  Parthians  of  old  used  to  hit  hardest  as  they  retreated ;  and  I 
cannot  but  hope  that  "  D. "  of  Deal  will  be  found  to  have  made  a 
successful  hit  in  retreating  from  his  untenable  position  as  an  opponent 
of  the  present  system  that  obtains  among  Auricula  growers.  His 
notion  of  a  National  show  I  like  well,  for  the  very  reason  that  I  dissent 
from  him  on  the  subject  of  the  fusion  of  classes.  If  a  National  show 
can  be  organized,  we  may  hope  to  see  an  advance  in  the  prevailing 
notions  respecting  that  flower,  as  we  have  in  all  others  that  have  been 
subjected  to  that  ordeal,  whereas  fusion  is  by  its  nature  retrograde. 

1  think  it  most  probable  that  I  shall  not  be  able  to  compete  for  a 
prize,  except  the  chief  of  all,  namely,  the  show  itself.  But  I  willingly 
put  my  name  down  as  a  subscriber  for  a  guinea  towards  the  objects  in 
view.  With  an  expressed  hope,  however,  that  the  day  may  not  be,  as 
unintentionally  suggested,  so  early  as  to  suit  southern  growers  only. 
Should  the  proposition  take,  and  the  funds  admit  of  it,  I  think  it  would 
tend  to  show  the  comparative  merits  and  demerits  of  Lancashire  and 
London  ideas  respectively,  if  besides  class  showing,  and  prizes  for 
premier  trusses,  and  perhaps  also  pips,  prizes  were  also  given  for 
collections,  say  of  twelve  or  twenty-four.  It  seems  to  me  that  for  want 
perhaps  of  mutual  contact,  the  two  systems  are  diverging  farther 
asunder  instead  of  assimilating,  and  each  to  its  loss.  London  is  growing 
more  careless  of  "  properties,"  Lancashire  more  exclusive.  If  Lanca- 
shire makes  a  pet  of  the  "  long-legged  "  Imperator,  London  at  least 
has  no  right  to  laugh  at  it,  while  it  strides  into  the  lists  with  Duke 
of  Wellington  for  its  cognizance.  Surely  Imperator  is  better  than  that. 
Let  both  these  be  seen  in  company,  with  better  flowers  in  the  same 
stand,  with  Booth's  Freedom  from  Dr.  Plant's  stages,  and  with  some 
more  of  his  "Cauliflowers  ;"  and  the  discussion  on  comparative  merits, 
with  picked  specimens  under  the  eyes  of  the  disputants,  will  speedily 
work  a  change  for  the  better  in  all  our  notions,  perhaps  including  those 
who  think  the  Auricula  a  tame  and  uninteresting  flower. 

Regarding  the  proposal  for  fusion,  I  have  called  it  a  retrograde 
movement.  I  will  explain  what  I  mean.  Precision  and  definite  ideas 
are  just  what  we  most,  and  most  evidently,  want.  Now,  we  are  taught 
that  the  first  step  to  precision  is  to  arrange  and  classify;  to  disentangle 
from  the  rest,  and  to  separate  into  groups  whatever  are  distinguishable 
from  other  groups  by  natural  marks  common  to  themselves  and  wanting 
in  others,  is  the  legitimate  province  of  scientific  classification.  Growers 
have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  four  such  classes  may  be  distinguished 
in  the  cultivated  Auricula.  Are  these  distinctions  existing  in  nature, 
or  are  they  not  ?  If  they  are,  to  throw  them  together  again  is  to 
confuse,  and  to  go  backward  instead  of  forward.  Now,  I  think  no  one 
will  deny  that  there  are  pure  examples  of  each  of  the  four  classes  ;  and, 
if  so,  it  is  no  answer  to  say  that  many  of  the  best  flowers  are  not  pure 
examples  of  any  of  them.  As  well  may  you  scratch  out  of  your 
vocabulary  the  words  "  child,  boy,  youth,"  because  many  good  specimens 
of  human  nature  are  in  a  transition  state  between  two  of  these  conditions, 


292  THE    FLORIST. 

and  not  exclusively  referable  to  either.  Neither  do  I  wish  to  see  a 
large  and  heterogeneous  class  compounded  of  the  nondescripts  of  all 
classes.  The  very  notion  savours  of  the  slovenly ;  of  the  attempt  to 
avoid  trouble,  which  is  the  natural  inheritance  of  those  who  live  in  a 
world  in  which  there  are  no  hard  outlines,  in  which  even  the  animal 
and  the  vegetable  kingdoms  are  interlaced,  and  much  more  green-edged 
Auriculas  and  grey.  At  present,  cultivation  has  elicited  from  the 
original  species  Primula  Auricula  no  more  than  four  legitimate  classes 
of  varieties,  but  it  has  established  those.  And  admitting,  as  I  do,  the 
necessary  imperfection  of  all  classification,  I  shall  be  perfectly  satisfied 
when  1  exhibit  Duke  of  Cambridge,  Lancashire,  Sir  John  Moore,  True 
Briton,  and  other  borderers,  to  leave  it  to  the  appointed  judges  to 
apportion  the  items  of  compensation,  and  to  settle  how  much  must  be 
detracted  from  the  merit  of  any  of  these  on  account  of  an  undecided 
edge,  and  yet  leave  it  an  ornament  to  the  stand,  and  a  promising 
candidate  for  a  prize.  "  D."  is  quite  right  in  saying  a  grey  with  a 
dash  of  green  in  it  is  often  the  most  attractive  condition  of  an  edged 
Auricula.  It  is  so,  and  yet  the  condition  itself  may  be  an  inferior  one, 
and  allowance  ought  to  be  made  accordingly  in  deciding  on  the  claim  to 
a  prize.  It  is  a  defect,  but  not  a  disqualification.  It  is  a  defect,  though 
in  some  specimens,  and  under  certain  circumstances,  it  adds  to  the 
beauty  ;  this  is  not  uncommon.  Angularity  in  any  of  the  zones  is  an 
analogous  case ;  in  the  abstract,  and  generally,  it  deteriorates.  In 
Imperator,  Fletcher's  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  and  some  others,  it  adds  positively 
to  the  effect.  Yet  it  also  must  be  allowed  for,  though  not  to  the 
same  extent,  in  apportioning  a  prize. 

It  is  the  more  important  now  to  settle  the  principles  that  are  to  guide 
our  estimate  of  the  properties  of  this  flower,  because  we  are  getting  to 
greater  variety  in  the  newer  seedlings  than  heretofore  ;  and  it  is 
unworthy  of  men  of  sense  to  cling  to  old  landmarks,  which  were  good 
in  their  time,  but  which  nature  itself  has  now  made  obsolete.  It  may 
move  a  smile  in  the  possessor  of  Chapman's  Mowers,  to  hear  them 
derided  by  nicknames,  but  it  will  be  a  smile  of  satisfaction  at  conscious 
possession. 

Populus  me  sibilat ;  at  mihi  plaudo  ipse  domi.  Such  treatment 
will  not  retard  for  a  day  the  growing  desire  in  others  to  possess  them 
also  when  they  see  them.  01  course  it  will  not.  We  are  not  children ; 
we  trust  our  own  eyes,  not  the  ipse  dixit  of  self-constituted  authorities. 
The  colours  of  these  varieties  are  unequalled,  of  one  of  them 
unapproached  ;  and,  if  they  have  faults,  they  share  that  property  with 
every  Auricula  grown,  while  they  are  confessedly  the  greatest  ornaments 
of  our  stages.  Let  those  faults  therefore  be  carefully  estimated  in 
demerit,  as  their  beauties  for  merit,  and  the  fair  balance  struck.  One 
of  the  benefits  of  a  National  show,  and  of  large  stands,  will  be  the 
bringing  together  well -grown  examples  of  the  best  of  Dickson's,  Chap- 
man's, Lightbody's,  Headly's,  and  other  modern  raisers,  with  the 
Colonel  Taylors,  Freedoms,  and  Privateers,  of  more  established 
repute ;  and  I  for  one  have  no  doubt  that  the  modems  will  have  no 
reason  to  regret  the  comparison,  even  though  some  recent  ones  of  high 
name  and  price,  will,  I  think,  be  consigned  to  a  more  modest  position 
than  they  now  hold  in  the  catalogues. 


OCTOBER.  293 

"D."  has  announced  that  "  $  "  has  given  up  Auricula  growing; 
and  while  all  who  know  him,  personally  or  by  the  pen,  will  share  with 
me  the  regret  that  his  health  has  made  this  sacrifice  advisable,  I  think 
I  may  take  the  opportunity  of  expressing  a  hope  that  his  singular 
power  of  discrimination  and  comparison  may  aid  "  D."  in  his  project, 
if  it  comes  to  maturity.  I  never  yet  saw  his  accuracy  of  eye,  both  for 
foliage  and  flower,  at  fault,  when  a  variety  either  unnamed  or  wrongly 
named  was  before  him.  He  has  sometimes  reminded  me  of  the 
marvellous  but  well-attested  feat  of  the  late  Mr.  Capel,  by  the  sense 
of  taste,  who  correctly  named  each  of  a  series  of  samples  of  tea,  sub- 
mitted to  him  for  examination  as  if  unknown,  but  which  were  only 
selected  on  purpose  to  test,  without  his  being  conscious  of  it,  his 
unrivalled  powers  as  a  tea  taster.  I  think  "  $  "  has  something  like  a 
similar  power  of  vision. 

Iota. 


GLADIOLUS  FOR  AUTUMN  DISPLAY. 

Tins  class  cannot  be  too  strongly  recommended  to  all  lovers  of  gay 
flowers.  Nothing  can  be  more  gorgeous  than  their  colours,  nothing  more 
easy  than  their  culture ;  and  their  price  (excepting  with  very  recently 
raised  kinds),  places  them  within  the  reach  of  the  many,  and,  besides, 
they  may  very  readily  be  raised  from  seeds.  G.  gandavensis  hybrids 
are  the  most  showy  and  most  generally  useful.  Nothing  can  well 
exceed  the  beauty  of  many  of  the  varieties,  as**Brenchleyensis,  amabilis, 
Comtesse  de  Bresson,  Daphne,  and  many  others  ;  these  may  be  planted 
in  April  and  May.  Any  common  sandy  soil  will  suit  them,  if  enriched 
by  digging  in  a  little  rotten  leaf-soil,  but  the  soil  should  be  moderately 
deep  and  open,  to  allow  the  roots  to  descend,  and  at  the  same  time  well 
drained.  We  advise  the  bulbs  to  be  potted  soon  after  Christmas, 
and  plunged  under  some  dry  material  behind  a  north  wall,  so  as  not 
to  excite  them  beyond  making  roots,  and  in  April  they  may  be  planted 
to  form  the  first  show  of  bloom.  Bulbs  of  the  same  kind  planted  at 
the  same  time,  which  have  not  been  potted,  will  bloom  a  month  later, 
and  by  selecting  the  kinds  which  succeed  each  other,  a  succession  may 
be  had  from  July  to  November. 

When  planted  in  groups  by  themselves,  as  they  are  deficient  in 
foliage,  to  make  a  good  bottom,  they  should  always  be  mixed  with 
other  things,  to  fill  up.  On  the  Continent,  young  Asparagus  is  largely 
used,  but  this  would  hardly  be  considered  dressy  enough  for  a  first-rate 
English  parterre.  Cineraria  maritima  and  Verbena  venosa,  mixed, 
and  the  bed  filled  up  with  hybrid  G.  gandavensis,  produces  a  mass  of 
colour  quite  magnificent.  The  different  species  of  Indian  Shot,  which 
are  easily  propagated,  and  grow  well  during  the  summer  in  the  open 
ground,  form  an  admirable  bottom ;  their  fine  foliage  forming  a  suit- 
able base  for  the  grand  scapes  of  the  Gladiolus,  which  afe  strikingly 
beautiful,  rising  above  them.  Some  of  the  strong  growing  hardy 
Ferns,  if  their  culture  could  be  attended  to,  would  be  extremely 
suitable,  and  the  combination  would  be  unique.     When  Arundinaria 


294  THE    FLORIST. 

falcata  becomes  common  enough  to  plant  extensively,  a  bed  of  it,  filled 
in  with  Gladioluses,  would  form  one  of  the  most  beautiful  objects  possible 
to  imagine,  treating  the  Arundinaria  as  the  subordinate  plant.  All  the 
sections — that  is,  the  hybrids  from  gandavensis,  ramosus,  and  cardinalis 
— are  well  adapted  for  planting  among  American  plants,  or  among  any 
low  growing  shrubs,  where  the  blooms  can  rise  above  the  mass  of 
foliage.  In  these  situations  the  ground  should  be  well  loosened,  and  a 
little  decayed  leaf-soil  and  sand  added  on  heavy  soils.  The  effective 
show  Gladioli  make  during  autumn  in  any  of  these  situations,  is 
such  that,  when  once  seen,  they  will  become,  as  they  deserve  to  be, 
universal  favourites,  and  we  cannot  too  strongly  recommend  them. 


ECONOMICAL  CULTURE  OF  FRUIT  TREES. 

(Continued from  page  200.) 

At  the  conclusion  of  our  former  article,  we  stated  that  two  shoots  from 
each  tree  should  be  tied  out  to  stakes  in  the  direction  the  rows  are  to 
run,  and  as  wide  as  three  or  four  feet  apart ;  it  ought  to  have  been, 
tie>o  shoots  from  each  side  of  the  tree.  It  the  tree  at  planting  has  more 
than  four  good  branches  the  rest  may  be  cut  away,  and  the  trained 
shoots  should  be  cut  back  one-third  of  their  length ;  this  will  induce 
the  trees  to  break  vigorously  the  following  spring,  and  from  the  wood 
thus  produced  eight,  ten,  or  twelve  of  the  best  placed  shoots  will  have 
to  be  selected,  during  the*summer,  for  forming  the  skeleton  of  the  future 
tree,  cutting  away  the  rest.  At  the  end  of  the  first  season  after 
planting,  the  trees  will  have  four  primary  branches,  trained  two  or  three 
feet  from  the  ground,  in  the  direction  of  the  row,  and  slightly  elevated 
towards  the  extremities  ;  and  each  branch  furnished  with  two  or  three 
upright  shoots  to  form  the  tree.  As  the  habit  of  the  Apple  varies  con- 
siderably— some  growing  upright,  others  horizontally,  and  a  few  pen- 
dulous— this  will  have  to  be  taken  into  account ;  and  a  few  stakes, 
and  some  training,  will  be  required  with  a  few  kinds  before  the 
proper  form  has  been  gained.  It  must,  however,  be  borne  in  mind, 
that  I  by  no  means  intend  to  introduce  a  system  of  training  to  effect  my 
object  beyond  that  of  a  very  elementary  character.  I  simply  recom- 
mend that  the  trees  should  form  a  continuous  kind  of  Apple  hedge  (if  I 
may  so  term  it),  each  tree  filling  up  a  space  of  from  7  to  10  feet  in 
length,  and  6  or  7  feet  in  width  ;  the  height  of  the  rows  should  .be  kept 
at  from  12  to  15  feet,  according  to  the  variety.  Anyone  at  all 
acquainted  with  the  habit  of  the  Apple  will  soon  get  them  in  this  form 
by  attention  in  selecting  the  wood  to  remain  permanently,  and  summer 
pruning.  More  care  will  be  required  with  those  of  weeping  habit ;  but 
even  with  these  a  small  amount  of  training  will  suffice  to  form  the  out- 
line of  the  tree,  when  short  cutting-in  will  effect  the  rest. 

If  the  orchard  is  extensive  it  will  be  well  to  keep  the  strong-growing 
kinds  by  themselves,  allowing  them  a  larger  space  each  way  than  need 
be  given  to  the  weaker  growing  kinds,  which,  again,  should  be  planted 
towards  the  middle  of  the  ground  for  additional  shelter.     When  the 


OCTOBER.  295 

trees  are  full-grown  the  orchard  will  present  the  appearance  of  a  series 
of  hedges,  from  12  to  15  feet  high  and  (5  to  7  feet  through,  leaving  a 
clear  space  between  the  trees  of  from  7  to  8  feet,  which,  while  the  trees 
are  young,  may  be  occupied  by  Gooseberries,  Currants,  &c,  all  of  which 
must  be  cleared  away  as  the  roots  of  the  Apple-trees  extend  them- 
selves, and  also  to  admit  the  sun  and  air  between  the  rows. 

By  a  well-arranged  system  of  summer  pruning,  the  main  branches 
of  the  trees,  as  well  as  the  subsidiary  ones,  will  be  furnished  with  fruit- 
bearing  spurs  from  within  2  or  3  feet  of  the  ground  to  their  summit,  but 
this  will  only  follow  after  close  attention  to  summer  pruning,  from  the 
time  the  tree  is  planted.  After  the  number  of  shoots  to  form  the  tree 
is  decided  upon,  everything  else  must  be  pinched  out  with  the  thumb 
and  finger  ;  and  so,  each  season,  no  summer  wood,  except  what  is 
required  to  fill  up  the  tree,  should  be  allowed  to  grow  beyond  5  or  6 
inches,  when  it  should  have  its  end  pinched  off;  no  doubt  it  will  throw 
out  wood  again  from  the  uppermost  eyes,  which  must  be  again  stopped 
when  2  or  3  inches  long,  and  the  shoot  finally  cut  down  to  within 
two  eyes  of  the  base  in  September ;  but  this  process,  while  it  entails 
some  trouble,  will  also  act  powerfully  in  inducing  the  production  of  fruit- 
bearing  spurs  at  the  base  of  the  stopped  shoots,  after  cutting  back  ; 
and  these  when  once  formed,  and  exposed  to  light  and  air,  will  remain 
permanently  fruitful  for  many  years  ;  whereas,  had  the  shoots  remained 
unstopped  till  winter,  and  then  been  pruned  in  the  ordinary  manner, 
the  main  branches  in  the  middle  of  the  tree  would  soon  grow  naked, 
and  become  irrecoverably  barren  of  fruit-spurs.  By  following  up  the 
practice  of  disbudding  and  stopping,  it  is  quite  practicable,  not  only  to 
induce  so  moderate  a  growth  in  trees  of  even  the  strongest  habit,  that 
they  may  be  kept  for  many  years  within  the  bounds  we  have  allotted 
them  ;  but  the  main  branches  may  also  be  kept  clothed  from  bottom  to  top 
with  productive  fruit-spurs  by  the  same  system,  presenting  in  the 
aggregate  a  larger  number  of  spurs  capable  of  bearing  fruit  than 
orchard  trees  three  or  four  times  their  size,  under  the  ordinary  system 
of  management ;  and  if  we  take  into  account  the  close  arrangement 
of  the  trees  in  our  plan,  we  shall  not  be  far  wrong  in  saying  that 
during  an  average  of  years,  fully  three  times  the  quantity  of  fruit 
will  be  the  result  of  the  hedgerow  plan,  as  compared  with  standard 
planting.  We  might  carry  the  comparison  further  and  ask  the 
question,  how  far  fruit  is  superior  grown  on  trees,  all  whose  energies 
are  carefully  directed  to  its  growth  and  maturation,  than  on  those 
produced  on  unpruned  standard  trees,  generally  overcrowded  with  old 
wood ;  and  invariably  so  with  the  same  season's  growth.  We  know 
that  the  magnificent  fruit  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Snow,  Whiting,  Breadley, 
Frost,  Harrison,  and  many  others  of  our  best  gardeners,  are  the 
result  of  careful  pruning ;  and  it  is  for  such  reasons  we  maintain,  both 
on  the  score  of  economy  and  profit,  that  well-managed  dwarf  trees  will 
prove  more  profitable  than  large  ones,  and  that  a  larger  quantity  of  fruit 
can  be  obtained  from  a  given  space  of  ground  by  dwarf  trees  than  by 
standards,  when  systematically  managed. 

The  hedge  Apple  system  has,  however,  other  advantages,  which  should 
not  be  lost  sight  of  by  fruit-growers.     By  following  the  arrangement 


296  THE    FLORIST. 

described,  the  trees  protect  each  other  in  the  spring  from  cold  cutting 
winds,  and  if  protected  on  the  outside  to  the  north,  and  east,  by  the 
shelter  of  a  plantation  or  high  ground,  would  most  effectually  screen 
each  other.  The  same  rule  follows  when  laden  with  fruit  in  autumn, 
as  the  fruit  will  not  be  so  liable  to  be  blown  down  as  from  standards, 
or  even  from  dwarfs,  when  the  wind  is  allowed  to  play  all  round  them. 
The  space  between  the  rows  should  on  no  account  be  cropped  when  the 
trees  are  fully  grown,  but  as  soon  as  the  roots  have  extended  them- 
selves across  the  space  just  named  a  mulching  of  half  decayed  dung, 
leaves,  or,  indeed,  any  kind  of  litter,  two  or  three  inches  thick,  will 
materially  help  them,  if  spread  between  the  rows  in  May,  and 
allowed  to  remain  all  the  summer.  We  do  not  advise  either  digging  or 
forking  up  the  ground,  unless  it  becomes  very  hard  and  baked,  as 
the  mulching  will  encourage  the  roots  to  the  surface,  and  digging  the 
ground  will  only  destroy  them.  Weeds  must  be  kept  down,  and  the 
sun  allowed  to  have  free  access  between  the  rows,  the  action  of  which 
on  the  roots  of  the  trees,  brought  near  the  surface  by  mulching,  and 
exposed  to  its  influence,  will  greatly  assist  the  trees  in  becoming  fruitful 
and  keeping  them  so.  We  cannot  conclude  without  noticing  that  this 
method  of  planting  presents  great  facilities  for  preventing  the  mischief 
often  caused  by  the  caterpillars  of  the  different  species  of  Bombyx  and 
Geometra,  which,  during  the  months  of  May  and  June,  when  the  cater- 
pillars infest  the  trees,  commit  great  ravages  on  the  flowers  and  foliage ; 
to  stop  this  slow-burning  fires  should  be  lighted  between  the  rows,  the 
smoke  from  which  will  spread  through  the  trees  and  keep  in  check 
these  pests  to  orchards.  The  fires  may  be  kept  supplied  with  any 
rubbish  not  too  dry,  that  the  smoke  may  be  dense  enough  to  be  effective. 
A  writer  in  your  periodical,  a  few  years  since,  described  an  orchard, 
which  had  a  fine  crop  of  Apples,  preserved  solely  by  lighting  slow- 
burning  fires  under  the  trees  during  the  continuance  of  a  frost  which 
destroyed  the  fruit  crop  in  adjoining  orchards.  I  am  not  going  to  say 
that  the  effects  of  frost  may  be  prevented  altogether  by  this  plan,  but 
that  smoking  the  trees  by  fires  of  rubbish  will  prevent  the  ravages  of 
caterpillars,  I  know  from  experience,  and  where  the  materials  exist,  the 
trial  might  be  made  as  a  preventive  against  frosts. 

G.  P. 


THE  NATIONAL  DAHLIA  SHOW  FOR  1859. 

This  exhibition  took  place  at  Aston  Hall,  Birmingham,  on  September  20. 
The  holding  the  meeting  in  the  midland  counties  enabled  growers  from 
all  parts  to  attend,  including  Dublin,  which  was  represented  by  Mr. 
Campbell.  Late  as  the  day  was,  the  flowers  were  very  large,  and  in 
many  instances  very  fine,  and  they  also  exhibited  great  variety. 

The  nurserymen's  classes  consisted  of  50  and  24  varieties,  exhibitors 
in  the  former  not  being  allowed  to  show  in  the  latter.  In  the  fifties,  the 
first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Slough,  for  Commander,  Lady 
Mildmay,  Mrs.  Huntley,  Lord  Bath,  Sir  R.  Bruce,  John  Dorey,  Lord 
Palmerston,    Pandora,    Chairman,    Rosebud,    Duchess   of    Kent,    Sir 


OCTOBER.  297 

Henry  Havelock,  Dr.  Gully,  Daughter  of  the  Morning,  Peerless, 
Disraeli,  Goldfinder,  Midnight,  Emperor,  Flower  of  the  Day, 
J.  Franklin,  Sir  Charles  Napier,  Mrs.  Church,  Mentor,  Conqueror, 
Lord  Cardigan,  Hon.  Mrs.  Trotter,  Triomphe  de  Pecq,  Lord  Eversley, 
Miss  Pressley,  Pluto,  Merveille,  Rachel  Rawlings,  Eclipse,  Lollipop, 
Touchstone,  Sidney  Herbert,  Beauty,  Standard  Bearer,  Cherub, 
Pre-eminent,  Miss  Watts,  Perfection,  Lady  Taunton,  and  six  seed- 
lings ;  2nd,  Mr.  J.  Keynes,  Salisbury  ;  3rd,  Mr.  Kimberley,  Coven- 
try;  4th,  Mr.  J.  Harrison,  Darlington.  In  24  varieties,  the  first  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  Walker,  Thame,  Oxon,  with  Empress,  Colonel  Wind- 
ham, Miss  Pressley,  King,  Marmion,  Triomphe  de  Pecq,  Sidney 
Herbert,  Chairman,  Miss  Chetwode,  Sir  J.  Paxton,  Venus,  Grand 
Sultan,  Touchstone,  Satirist,  Mrs.  Wheeler,  Fanny  Keynes,  Goldfinder, 
Admiral  Dundas,  Annie  Rawlings,  Honourable  Mrs.  Trotter,  Lollipop ; 
2nd,  Messrs.  Wood  &  Ingram,  Huntingdon  ;  3rek,  Mr.  Legge,  London  ; 
4th,  Mr.  Sealey,  Bristol ;  5th,  Mr.  Baylis,  Wolverhampton  ;  6th,  Mr. 
Heath,  Chelteuham.  Fancy  varieties,  24  blooms:  1st,  Mr.  Keynes, 
Salisbury,  with  Baron  Alderson,  Countess  of  Derby,  Zebra,  Charles 
Perry,  Cleopatra,  Oliver  Twist,  Leopard,  Flirt,  Triomphe  de  Roubaix, 
Madame  Alboni,  Favourite,  Marc  Antony,  Bayadere,  Duchess  of  Kent, 
Lady  Paxton,  Conqueror,  Sportsman,  Miss  Frampton,  Jessie,  Pretty 
Polly,  Rev.  Joshua  Dix  ;  2nd,   Mr.  C.  Turner  ;  3rd,  Mr.  Kimberley. 

In  12  Fancies  for  Nurserymen  not  exhibiting  in  the  class  for  24, 
the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Legge,  for  Marc  Antony,  Lady 
Paxton,  Miss  Herbert,  Triomphe  de  Roubaix,  Papilio,  Pigeon,  Baron 
Alderson,  Cleopatra,  Tiger,  Duchess  of  Kent,  Comus,  Butterfly ;  2nd, 
Messrs.  Wood  &  Ingram;  3rd,  Mr.  Walker;  4th,  Mr.  Campbell, 
Dublin. 

If  nurserymen  were  represented  by  such  growers  as  Turner,  Keynes, 
Kimberley,  Harrison,  Wood  &  Ingrain,  Walker,  Legge,  Campbell, 
Baylis,  Heath,  and  Sealey,  amateur  growers  were  equally  strong  by 
being  represented  by  the  Revs.  C.  Fellowes  and  C.  Roe  ;  Perry,  Hop- 
kins, Cook,  Lofley,  and  Thornycroft.  The  first  prize  for  24  varieties 
was  awarded  to  the  Rev.  C.  Fellowes,  for  Pre-eminent,  Venus,  Mentor, 
Chairman,  Touchstone,  Peerless,  Fanny  Keynes,  Sir  J.  Paxton,  Miss 
Pressley,  Triomphe  de  Pecq,  Pioneer,  Satirist,  Sir  Robert  Bruce,  Miss 
Caroline,  Commander,  Lord  Cardigan,  Lemonade,  Knight  of  the  Bath, 
Golden  Drop,  Rosebud,  Lady  Popham,  Wallace,  LordPalmerston,  Mrs. 
Church  ;  2nd,  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  Castle  Bromwich,  Birmingham ;  3rd, 
Mr.  Thornycroft,  Floore  ;  4th,  Mr.  Brown,  York;  5th,  Mr.  Horton, 
Coughton  Court.  In  12  varieties,  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
J.  Lofley,  Brigg,  Lincolnshire,  for  Pandora,  Admiral  Dundas,  Miss 
Watts,  Mrs.  Church,  Lord  Cardigan,  Gold  Drop,  Commander,  Chair- 
man, Lord  Palmerston,  Fanny  Keynes,  Sir  H.  Havelock,  Venus  ;  2nd, 
R.  Hopkins,  Esq.,  Brentford;  3rd,  Mr.  Hobbs,  Bristol;  4th,  Mr. 
Thos.  Goodwin,  Holdgate  House,  York;  5th,  Mr.  Cooper,  Castle 
Bromwich ;  6th,  Rev.  C.  Roe,  Ipswich ;  7th,  J.  Cooke,  Esq., 
London ;  8th,  Mr.  Woodward,  Coventry.  In  fancy  varieties  the 
first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  who  exhibited  Lady  Paxton, 
Countess  of  Derby,  Cleopatra,  Charles  Perry,  Flirt,  Duchess  of  Kent, 


298  THE    FLORIST. 

Miss  Frampton,  Favourite,  Butterfly,  Oliver  Twist,  Inimitable,  Countess 
of  Bective ;  2nd,  Rev.  C.  Fellowes  ;  3rd,  Mr.  Thornycroft ;  4th,  Rev. 
C.  Boe.  Six  fancies  :  1st  prize,  Mr.  Hobbs,  with  Baron  Alderson, 
C.  Perry,  Lady  Granville,  Lady  Paxton,  Gloire  de  Kain,  Jupiter;  2nd, 
Mr.  Cooper;  3rd,  Mr.  Woodward;  4th,  Mr.  Goodwin. 

Seedlings  formed  a  great  feature ;  they  were  both  numerous  and 
good ;  many  of  the  kinds  will  be  found  in  our  best  collections  for  many 
years  to  come.  Not  less  than  three  blooms  each  were  shown.  First 
class  certificates  were  awarded  to  Harlequin  (Grant),  a  striped  fancy, 
yellow  ground,  with  bright  red  marking,  the  colour  most  evenly  and 
beautifully  distributed,  and  of  fine  form  ;  Lilac  Queen  (Grant),  pale 
lilac,  finest  form ;  Lady  Taunton  (Turner),  white  edged  with  bright 
crimson,  full  size,  great  depth,  and  new ;  Sir  J.  Badcliffe  (Grant), 
maroon  ;  Pluto  (Turner),  dark  fancy,  maroon  tipped  with  white,  of  great 
depth;  Alba  multiflora  (Turner),  a  pure  white  kind  for  bedding;  Queen 
Mab  (Turner),  fancy,  scarlet  and  white,  large  and  fine  ;  Mrs.  H. 
Vyse  (Church),  white  edged  with  purple.  The  two  latter  received 
second  class  certificates.  The  above  were  contributed  by  Mr.  C.  Turner. 
Mr.  Keynes  also  sent  a  large  number  of  seedlings.  First  class 
certificates  were  awarded  to  Lady  Pennant  (Keynes),  pale  yellow  ;  Mrs. 
Wellesley  Piggot  (Keynes),  pure  white,  very  fine  flower ;  William 
Dodds  (Keynes),  deep  yellow  ;  Sir  Geo.  Douglass  (Dodds),  yellow 
tipped  and  veined  with  red ; — and  second  class  certificates  to  Leopard 
(Keynes),  striped  fancy;  Mr.  Boshel  (Rawlings),  buff;  and  Jenny 
Austin  (Keynes),  lilac.  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry  received  a  first  class  certificate 
for  Acme,  a  pleasing  light  flower,  of  good  form ;  and  Earl  of  Shaftesbury, 
a  light  mottled  purple,  of  good  size  and  form.  Mr.  S.  Hodges,  Chelten- 
ham, received  a  first  class  certificate  for  Model,  a  small  buff  flower,  of 
good  outline.  The  same  award  was  made  to  Mr.  Addis,  Gospel  End, 
Wolverhampton,  for  Oscar,  a  red  flower,  with  fine  petal  and  outline. 

In  addition  to  the  certificates  just  enumerated,  eight  money  prizes  were 
awarded  for  seedlings,  six  blooms  of  a  kind.  These  were  awarded  as 
follows  : — 1,  Lady  Taunton  (Turner)  ;  2,  Acme  (Perry)  ;  3,  Lady  D. 
Pennant  (Keynes)  ;  4,  Jenny  Austin  (Keynes)  ;  5,  Mrs.  W.  Piggot 
(Keynes) ;  6,  William  Dodds  (Keynes) ;  7,  Miss  Chetwode  (Walker)  ; 
8,  Sir  G.  Douglass  (Dodds). 


THE  ROYAL  GARDENS,  FROGMORE. 
As  an  account  of  these  gardens  has  appeared  more  than  once  in  the 
Florist,  I  do  not  hope  or  expect  to  give  any  very  fresh  information 
about  them  ;  in  fact,  my  simple  object  is  to  state  the  impression  they 
made  upon  me,  and  wherein  I  consider  their  excellences  or  defects  to  be. 
It  is  more  than  twelve  years  since  I  had  visited  them  before,  and  they 
were  then,  comparatively  speaking,  new  ;  the  trees  were  young,  and  all 
about  it  had  the  appearance  of  a  place  not  yet  formed.  Twelve  years, 
under  the  management  of  such  an  experienced  hand  as  Mr.  Ingram, 
must  needs  have  made  a  vast  difference,  but  I  was  certainly  hardly 
prepared  for  such  rapid  progress  as  had  evidently  been  male.     It  may 


OCTOBER.  299 

be  as  well  to  say  that  Frogmore  is  a  sort  of  compensating  garden,  in  lieu 
of  two  or  three  other  royal  gardens,  which,  being  formerly  each  under 
a  separate  head,  were  very  expensive  ;  and  as  each  did  not  know  what 
the  other  was  growing,  the  royal  household  was  never  properly  supplied. 
Frogmore  was  bought  and  enclosed,  and  a  most  perfect  system  of  supply 
carried  out,  so  that  the  immense  establishment  is  always  provided  with 
the  rarest  and  most  costly  fruits  and  vegetables.  The  extent  covered  by 
them  is  somewhere  about  34  acres,  and  the  wall  presents  a  surface  of 
upwards  of  two  miles ;  the  iron  trellis  for  Pears  and  Apples  being 
upwards  of  a  mile  long,  while  the  houses  for  forcing  fruit  are  of  immense 
length — that  they  must  needs  be  so  will  be  gathered  from  the  fact,  that 
between  two  and  three  tons  of  Grapes,  and  £00  dozens  of  Apricots,  and 
the  same  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  have  been  supplied  from  these 
gardens,  in  the  course  of  one  year,  for  the  royal  household — and  I  have 
no  doubt  that  the  royal  "  Jeameses"  and  "  Abigails"  do  not  come  in 
for  the  worst,  or  the  least  share  of  them  ; — that  Grapes  are  to  be  found 
on  the  royal  table  nearly  every  week  in  the  year,  and  that  French 
Beans  and  Cucumbers  are  always  in  abundance.  Although  it  is  not 
celebrated  as  a  flower-garden,  Mr.  Ingram  has  been  successful  in  raising 
some  excellent  Geraniums  and  other  flowers,  and  takes  a  great  deal  of 
interest  in  the  whole  subject  of  hybridizing. 

I  was  conducted  through  the  fruit-houses  by  Mr.  Powell,  under 
whose  management  the  hardy  fruit  department  is,  and  who  is  well 
known  to  the  readers  of  the  Florist  by  his  valuable  contributions  to  its 
pages  on  fruit  culture  ;  and  the  great  object  is  to  save  both  time  and 
labour.  The  plan  of  growing  the  Pines  in  pits,  planted  out,  is  an 
immense  saving  of  trouble,  and  so  effectively  is  it  done  that  only 
eighteen  months  elapse  from  the  time  the  sucker  is  taken  off  the  old 
plant  till  the  delicious  and  fragrant  Pine  is  ready  for  table.  Of  this  the 
queen  of  fruits,  all  the  more  celebrated  kinds — Cayennes,  Providence, 
Queens,  Sic. — were  in  growth,  and  looking  remarkably  healthy,  the 
handsomest  fruit  being,  probably,  the  smooth  Cayenne.  Why  this 
plan,  saving  so  much  expense  and  trouble,  is  not  more  generally 
adopted,  is  a  puzzle,  save  that  we  English  are  very  slow  to  adopt 
improvements,  however  desirable.  In  sad  contrast  with  this  was  the 
Pinery  of  a  friend  I  saw  the  other  day,  1  have  no  doubt  costing  him  a 
mint  of  money,  but  nothing  in  it  worth  looking  at,  and  no  prospect  of 
any  fruit.  The  early  Grapes  were  of  course  over,  and  late  ones  were  in 
a  state  of  forwardness  ; — these,  which  are  West's  St.  Peter's,  will  begin 
to  fruit  about  January,  and  will  supply  the  royal  table  until  nearly  the 
end  of  March,  about  which  time  the  early  ones  will  be  coming  on,  and 
thus  the  succession  is  kept  up.  In  the  same  way,  the  Peaches  and 
Nectarines  were  now  drawing  to  a  close  in  the  houses  and  were  coming 
in  on  the  walls  ;  but  before  these  are  used,  there  are  some  trees  which 
simply  have  a  glass  case  before  them,  without  any  heat,  and  these  will 
just  supply  the  break  where  the  house  fruit  ends  and  the  wall  fruit 
begins.  All  the  trees  which  had  been  forced  had  had  the  top  lights 
taken  off,  and  were  receiving  the  full  benefit  of  sun  and  air  for  the 
ripening  of  the  wood.  I  noticed,  too,  that  the  young  shoots  are  allowed 
to  grow  on  the  wall-trees,  and  were  just  being  cut  and  laid  in  when  I 


300  THE    FLORIST. 

was  there  ;  by  this  means  protection  is  given  to  the  young  fruit,  and 
the  wood  has  a  better  chance  than  if  nailed  in  earlier  ;  nothing  could  be 
more  vigorous,  even  in  this  unfavourable  year,  than  the  appearance  of 
the  trees.  The  same  abundance  was  noticeable  in  the  smaller  fruits  ; 
houses  for  forcing  Cherries  ;  others  in  which  Plums  were  coming  in  fast, 
among  them  two  very  fine  trees  of  Jefferson — a  favourite  Plum  here. 
In  the  same  way,  Strawberries  are  largely  cultivated,  both  forced  and 
in  the  open  air  ;  they  were  now  nearly  over,  save  the  Alpine,  which 
was  in  large  quantities,  and  is  a  great  favourite  with  H.R.H.  the  Prince 
Consort.  Apples  and  Pears  were,  as  everywhere,  a  failure,  though  last 
year  the  trellis  was  covered  with  fruit,  and  must  have  been  a  beautiful 
sight.  I  must  not  omit  to  mention  here  the  ingenious  plans  that  are 
adopted  for  the  purpose  of  economising  time  and  labour  in  the  ventilation 
of  the  houses ;  by  a  very  simple  contrivance,  one  man  can  open  all  the 
front  sashes  of  a  house  150  feet  long,  by  simply  turning  a  crank,  and 
the  top  lights  are  let  up  and  down  by  another  simple  plan,  which  effects 
the  object  with  very  little  effort. 

The  vegetable  garden,  which  is  under  the  able  superintendence  of 
Mr.  Marr,  was,  of  course,  well  stocked.  Here  all  the  new  and  valuable 
sorts  of  esculents  are  tried,  and  many  of  them  originated,  the  latest 
being  the  Frogmore  Protecting  Broccoli,  which  promises  to  be  a  valuable 
sort.  I  learned  that  Dioscorea  Batatas,  like  a  good  many  other  things 
greatly  puffed  up,  was  a  failure— that  it  strikes  its  roots  so  low,  that  a 
man's  labour  in  digging  it  would  never  repay  the  trouble,  even  were  it 
a  much  better  thing  than  it  is  ;  as  to  its  being  a  substitute  for  the 
Potato,  soft  people  may  believe  it,  but  that  it  will  never  be — a  few 
years,  and  it  will  probably  be  amongst  the  things  that  have  been. 
Frames  are  of  course  largely  used  for  forcing  vegetables,  Potatoes  and 
Carrots,  and  salading  of  all  sorts,  being  brought  forward  in  this  way — 
three  crops  in  the  year  being  generally  taken  out  of  them. 

Nor  would  I  be  supposed  as  saying  that  flowers  are  neglected. 
Far  from  it ;  both  in  the  houses  and  in  the  grounds  there  were  many 
things  of  interest — among  them  two  seedling  bedding  Geraniums,  which 
I  think  are  likely  to  prove  of  interest — but  it  is  not  the  feature  of  the 
garden,  nor  that  for  which  it  is  so  celebrated.  And  was  there  nothing 
to  find  fault  with  ? — was  I  so  lubricated  by  the  spirit  of  loyalty  as  to 
become  a  floricultural  "  Oily  Gammon?"  No — not  so  ;  but  my  fault- 
finding has  nothing  in  it  that  can  reflect  on  those  in  whose  hands  it  is, 
but  to  whomsoever  (I  believe  it  is  "  the  country,"  and  we  are  safe  in 
abusing  it)  the  providing  for  it  depends  on.  When  the  gardens  were 
originally  formed  there  was  a  staff  of  about  33  or  34  men,  a  man  to  an 
acre.  The  trees  were  young — the  ground  not  filled — and  possibly  they 
could  at  that  time  have  compassed  the  work  ;  but  is  it  not  absurd  to 
suppose,  that  while  everything  else  has  increased,  the  houses  been 
added  to,  the  requirements  of  the  royal  household  been  greater,  that  the 
same  number  of  persons  is  sufficient  for  the  work  ?  Nor  is  this  mistake 
uncommon  ;  I  noticed  it  at  Dropmore  and  other  places,  and  the  result 
consequently  is  that  weeds  cannot  be  kept  down,  and  the  extreme 
neatness  that  ought  to  mark  a  royal  garden  is  not  attained  ;  the  wonder 
to  me  is,  that  with  so  limited  a  staff  so  much  is  done.     Mr.  Thomas 


OCTOBER.  301 

Ingram,  jun.,  ably  cultivates  the  large  succession  of  blooming  plants 
required  throughout  the  year ;  and  Mr.  Murray  superintends  the 
forcing  department  with  great  ability.  D. 

Deal,  Sept.  24. 


PTERIS  ARGYRJEA. 


This  new  Fern  proved  to  be  a  beautiful  object  of  an  entirely  distinct 
character,  being  the  first  well-marked  variegated  Fern  introduced  to 
cultivation.  The  Floral  Committee  of  the  Horticultural  Society  unani- 
mously awarded  it  a  first- class  certificate,  as  being  an  entirely  novel 
ornamental  plant.  It  has  been  introduced  from  Central  India  by 
Messrs,  Veitch.  Habit  vigorous ;  fronds  five  feet  long,  including  the 
stout  stipes,  which  is  scaly  below,  and  occupies  about  half  of  the  entire 
length ;  ovate  in  outline,  about  two  and  a  half  feet  wide  at  the  base  ; 
pedately  bipinnatifid,  the  two  lower  pairs  of  pinna?  usually,  sometimes 
the  third  also,  having  a  posterior  basal  branch  ;  segments  of  the  pinnae 
obtusely  linear  subfalcate,  1^  inch  long,  somewhat  wavy,  spinulose  on 
the  upper  rachis,  the  terminal  one  caudate.  The  peculiar  beauty  of 
the  Fern  is  owing  to  the  base  of  each  segment,  for  a  quarter  of  an  inch 
or  more  of  its  length,  being  of  a  silver-grey  colour,  so  as  to  produce  a 
broad  silvery  stripe  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  breadth  down  the 
centre  of  each  of  the  pinnae  and  of  their  branches.  It  is  a  most  valuable 
addition  to  our  garden  Ferns. 


PLANTING   AND  PLANTATIONS. 

"  When  are  we  to  reform  our  planting?"  said  a  gentleman  to  us  the 
other  day — a  man  of  taste  and  a  large  planter  himself.  "  I  am  tired 
of  witnessing  the  ever-recurring  mixed  shrubbery,  and  the  bad  taste 
and  worse  economy  of  modern  plantations.  Do  write  something  about 
it,  for  since  the  death  of  Loudon  no  one  has  ever  mentioned  the  subject, 
and  I  believe  planters  themselves  have  become  quite  indifferent  to  the 
subject." 

We  have  long  felt  the  force  of  the  remarks  addressed  to  us.  The 
subject  of  planting  is  a  national  one ;  not,  perhaps,  imperatively  so,  as 
was  once  considered,  but  a  very  important  one  even  yet  to  land  pro- 
prietors. As,  however,  a  dissertation  on  planting  generally  would  be 
out  of  the  question  in  our  pages,  we  shall  confine  our  observations  solely 
to  the  subject  of  ornamental  planting. 

As  a  matter  of  taste,  ornamental  planting  in  Britain  ought  to  be  far 
in  advance  of  that  in  all  other  countries,  for  nowhere  besides  can  such 
materials  be  obtained ;  in  no  other  country  does  the  climate  agree  with 
so  large  a  number  of  plants  ;  and  nowhere  else  do  the  means  exist,  or 
the  opportunities  occur,  for  carrying  out  ornamental  planting  on  a  lar<?e 
scale.  On  these  grounds,  many  foreigners  of  taste  have  expressed  to  us 
their  surprise  at  the  trifling  attempts  which  have  been  made  to  arrange 
the  extensive  collections  of  ornamental  plants,  evergreen  and  deciduous, 


302  THE    FLORIST. 

with  which  our  nurseries  aud  private  gardens  abound,  under  some 
combination  which  should  show  their  capability  for  producing  artistic 
effects  vastly  superior  to  anything  our  shrubberies  or  park  plantings 
can  produce.  In  Germany,  where  there  are  only  a  lew  evergreens 
which  will  stand  the  severity  of  their  winters,  German  gardeners 
have  the  art  of  massing  their  deciduous  shrubs  most  admirably  in 
reference  to  their  habit  and  colour,  and  by  such  means  produce  striking 
combinations  and  contrasts,  even  with  the  most  common  flowering  shrubs. 
Let  us  ask  the  question  whether,  if  the  same  attention,  and  the  same 
amount  of  thought  and  discussion,  had  been  bestowed  on  planting,  as 
an  art,  as  has  been  given  to  the  designing  and  planting  of  modern 
flower-gardens,  British  plantations  would  not  take  a  much  higher 
position,  as  artistic  creations,  than  can  now  be  awarded  them  ?  We 
think  so.  But  the  modern  mania  for  flower-gardens  with  stripes  and 
ribands  and  edgings,  ad  infinitum,  has  diverted  attention  from  a  most 
important  point  of  gardening.  Gay- coloured  flower-gardens  are  all 
very  well  when  not  overdone,  as  we  so  frequently  see  is  the  case  ;  but  we 
must  remind  our  readers,  that  ornamental  planting  is  capable  of  pro- 
ducing effects  far  more  pleasing  and  lasting  than  even  the  beautiful 
productions  of  the  flower-garden,  however  well  disposed. 

Let  us  look,  for  example,  at  what  is  called  a  shrubbery,  or  garden 
plantation,  and  which  may  be  met  with  almost  anywhere,  and  we  shall 
find  a  pretty  regular  mixture  of  evergreens  and  deciduous  shrubs,  the 
latter  represented  largely  by  Laburnums,  Sumachs,  Lilacs,  Syringas, 
Spirteas,  &c.  ;  while  of  the  former,  Portugal  and  common  Laurel, 
Laurestinus,  Mahonias,  Phillyreas,  Arbutus,  and  Hollies,  will  form 
the  greater  portion.  Plant  the  tallest  plants  at  the  back,  if  it  is  a  belt, 
or  in  the  centre,  if  a  group,  and  the  lowest  at  the  front,  and  divide  the 
evergreens  and  deciduous  plants  regularly  throughout,  and  you  have  a 
good  idea  of  ornamental  planting,  as  generally  witnessed,  and  of  orna- 
mental plants,  exclusive  of  Conifers  and  American  plants. 

To  us  it  appears  that  planting,  whether  intended  to  form  a  decorative 
feature  in  dressed  grounds,  or  simply  as  blinds  to  block  out  the 
objectionable  parts,  should  be  considered  in  a  two- fold  character: 
First,  as  furnishing  or  clothing  the  surface  of  the  ground,  so  as  to  give 
it  a  certain  character  or  expression,  as  well  as  to  back  up  and  support 
any  architectural  features  which  may  be  present ;  and,  secondly,  as 
showing  the  individuality  of  trees  and  shrubs  as  to  habit  and  outline, 
and  their  capability  for  producing  a  certain  effect,  either  through  massing 
individual  or  different  species  together,  as  the  case  may  require,  to  form 
the  whole  or  parts  only  of  the  scenery.  And  so  with  colour,  in  which 
both  deciduous  and  evergreen  trees  present  an  almost  endless  variety  of 
shades,  which,  when  arranged  with  the  hand  of  taste,  may  be  worked 
up,  either  in  combination  or  contrast,  so  as  to  complete  the  pictorial  effect 
of  the  whole. 

It  must  be  obvious  to  the  most  casual  observer  that  there  is  a  some- 
thing in  the  habit  and  appearance  of  deciduous  plants — indefinable, 
perhaps — but  which  prevents  their  harmonising  with  evergreens,  when 
planted  together ;  and  that  the  want  of  this  harmony  should  teach  us 
that,  to  produce  the  most  powerful  effects  with  each  class,  in  forming 
landscape  scenery,  each  should  be  planted  separately. 
{To  be  continued.) 


OCTOBER.  303 


THE  HYACINTH. 

We  extract  the  following  from  Butler  and  McCulloch's  Interesting 
Catalogue  of  Dutch  and  other  Bulbs,  just  published  : — 

The  Hyacinth,  like  the  Rose,  is  a  universal  favourite  ;  for  although 
diversity  of  taste  occurs  in  floral  matters,  as  in  all  others,  the  Hyacinth 
is  never  questioned.  Every  body  loves  it  for  its  beauty  and  frag- 
rance ;  and  it  may,  with  justice,  be  termed  a  "household  flower."  It 
will  thrive  almost  in  any  soil  or  medium  capable  of  retaining  moisture  ; 
and  will  flower  almost  as  finely  when  grown  in  water,  or  moist  sand, 
as  when  planted  in  the  richest  compost. 

Culture  of  the  Hyacinth  in  Glasses. — Of  all  the  plants  with  which 
we  are  acquainted,  the  Hyacinth  is  the  most  suitable  for  this  elegant, 
although  somewhat  unnatural,  system  of  culture.  Its  roots,  like  those 
of  other  plants,  shun  the  light  with  instinctive  care  ;  therefore,  dark- 
coloured  glasses  should  be  selected.  Place  the  bulbs  on  the  glasses, 
and  fill  with  pure  rain  water  to  within  a  quarter  of  an  inch  of  the  bulb ; 
and  set  them  in  a  cellar,  or  any  other  dark,  cool  situation.  When  the 
glasses  are  moderately  filled  with  roots,  which  will  be  the  case  in  the 
course  of  three  or  four  weeks,  remove  to  where  the  plants  will  receive 
moderate  light ;  and  as  soon  as  the  leaves  assume  a  healthy  green 
colour,  place  the  plants  in  the  lightest  possible  situation,  and  where  they 
can  have  abundance  of  fresh  air.  A  close,  heated  atmosphere  is  very 
unfavourable  to  the  development  of  handsome  spikes  of  bloom.  When 
in  actual  growth,  keep  them  as  near  the  glass  as  convenient,  and  turn 
them  occasionally  to  prevent  long,  weakly,  ill-shaped  stems  ;  the  water 
should  not  be  changed  so  long  as  it  remains  fresh  ;  merely  add  a  little 
as  may  be  required  to  replace  what  is  taken  up  by  the  roots  or  removed 
by  evaporation  ;  in  short,  the  less  Hyacinths  are  handled  the  better. 
Should  the  water  become  offensive,  however,  not  only  is  a  change 
necessary,  but  ■  all  superfluous  or  decaying  matters  that  may  have 
collected  about  the  base  of  the  bulbs  or  roots  must  also  be  removed.  In 
all  instances  rain  water  must  be  employed,  and  at  the  same  tempera- 
ture as  that  already  in  the  glasses.  As  an  artificial  stimulant,  we 
know  of  nothing  better  than  to  dissolve,  in  a  quart  of  rain  water,  an 
ounce  of  guano,  and  to  pour  one  teaspoonful  of  that  into  each  glass 
once  a  fortnight  after  the  flowers  begin  to  appear.  Tye's  glasses 
of  new  and  elegant  design,  with  supports,  are  the  most  perfect  yet 
introduced.  Bulbs  grown  in*  glasses,  if  to  be  of  any  use  the  following 
season,  should,  as  soon  as  the  beauty  of  the  flower  is  over,  be  removed 
to  a  bed  of  rich  soil,  in  a  frame,  or  very  sheltered  situation,  and  be 
carefully  planted  and  properly  tended  until  the  leaves  die  off.  If  bright 
sunshine  or  frost  occur  before  they  become  accustomed  to  their  fresh 
situation,  afford  them  the  protection  of  a  slight  covering.  If  well  cared 
for  till  ripe,  they  will  be  worth  planting  in  open  borders  the  following 
season ;  but,  with  the  best  management,  will  not  bloom  so  finely  as 
imported  bulbs. 

Culture  of  the  Hyacinth  in  Pots. — For  this  purpose,  the  Hyacinth 
is  remarkably  well  adapted;  and,  with  the  assistance  of  a  garden 


304  THE    FLORIST. 

frame,  with  some  stable  manure,  or  tan,  to  furnish  a  gentle  heat,  it 
may  be  had  in  flower  at  Christmas ;  and  with  a  good  stock  of  bulbs, 
the  display  may  be  kept  up  till  April  or  May.  For  early  flowering, 
the  bulbs  should  be  planted  early  in  September ;  those  to  flower  in 
spring  should  be  planted  during  the  months  of  October,  November,  and 
December.  The  best  pots  are  5 -inch  (forty-eights)  for  one  bulb, 
and  6  or  7-inch  (thirty-twos  or  twenty-fours)  for  three  bulbs.  It 
may  be  well  to  add,  that  three  roots  grown  together  in  one  pot  produce 
a  much  finer  effect  than  single  bulbs.  If  smaller  pots  than  the  above 
be  used,  greater  care  will  be  necessary  in  watering.  The  soil  used  for 
potting  should  be  as  rich  as  possible  ;  such  as  one  half  fresh  loam,  cut 
from  a  pasture,  with  the  turf  decayed  in  it,  and  well  decomposed  cow 
or  horse  manure,  with  a  small  portion  of  clean  sand,  well  intermixed. 
If,  however,  this  cannot  be  obtained,  then  the  lightest  and  richest  at 
command  must  be  employed  instead,  mixing  freely  with  it  well-decayed 
cow  dung.  Fill  the  pots  lightly  with  the  prepared  compost,  and  place 
the  bulb  upon  the  surface,  slightly  pressing  it  into  the  soil.  After 
giving  the  newly-planted  bulbs  a  liberal  watering,  set  the  pots  out  of 
doors  on  a  place  where  perfect  drainage  is  secured,  and  cover  them  with 
about  a  foot  of  old  tan,  ashes,  saw-dust,  leaf-soil,  or  any  other  light 
material.  After  remaining  there  for  a  month  or  five  weeks,  the  bulbs 
will  be  sufficiently  rooted  to  render  it  safe  to  remove  them  to  a  gentle 
bottom  heat  of  about  55°,  introducing  the  pots,  in  numbers  propor- 
tionate to  the  demand,  at  intervals  of  about  a  fortnight ;  a  succession 
of  flowers  will  then  be  secured,  until  those  in  the  open  air  come  into 
bloom.  We  would  caution  the  amateur,  when  forcing  the  Hyacinth, 
to  be  careful  that  the  roots  are  not  allowed  to  penetrate  the  fermented 
material.  Persons  possessing  no  better  accommodation  than  a  room 
window,  will,  with  ordinary  management,  be  able  to  grow  and  flower 
the  Hyacinth  as  well,  if  not  to  have  it  in  bloom  as  early,  as  those  who 
can  command  a  gentle  heat.  We  need  hardly  observe,  that  plants 
growing  during  the  dark  days  of  winter,  should  be  placed  near  the 
glass,  and  be  freely  supplied  with  air,  when  this  can  be  given  with 
safety  ;  and  those  grown  in  windows  will  draw  towards  the  light,  unless 
the  pots  are  frequently  turned.  A  sitting-room  window  forms  a  suit- 
able situation  for  Hyacinths  while  in  bloom,  and  their  beauty  will  be 
longer  in  fading  here  than  in  most  situations :  in  no  instance  should 
they  be  removed  from  a  close  atmosphere,  and  suddenly  exposed  in  a 
sitting-room  window,  until  they  have  been  previously  hardened  in  a 
suitable  temperature  to  withstand  cold  drying  currents.  We  warn  the 
inexperienced  to  guard  against  this  common  error,  and  to  avoid  sub- 
jecting the  plants  to  sudden  changes  at  any  period  of  their  growth. 

Culture  of  the  Hyacinth  in  the  Floioer  Border  or  Bed. — Much  has 
been  written  respecting  the  culture  of  this  lovely  plant,  the  greater 
portion  of  which  has,  unfortunately,  been  calculated  to  deter  persons 
dependent  upon  such  sources  of  information,  from  attempting  its 
growth.  It  is  usual  with  writers  on  the  culture  of  the  Hyacinth,  to 
state,  that  to  grow  it  successfully,  a  very  rich  soil  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary ;  but  we  know,  from  experience,  that  any  well-drained  garden 
soil  is  easily  rendered  suitable  for  the  growth  of  the  Hyacinth.     If  the 


OCTOBER.  305 

s  >;1  is  of  a  strong  adhesive  nature,  add  two  inches  of  sharp  sand,  and 
as  much  well-decayed  manure ;  then  dig  the  soil  two  feet  deep  with  a 
steel  fork,  taking  care  to  nicely  mix  the  sand  and  manure  with  the  soil 
as  the  work  proceeds.  Friable  loamy  soils  will  require  merely  a  liberal 
dressing  of  manure,  and  deep  digging ;  and  it  will  be  found  that  the 
Hyacinth  will  produce  equally  fine  spikes  of  blossom  grown  in  soil 
prepared  thus,  as  when  planted  in  more  expensive  compost.  The 
season  for  planting  Hyacinths  in  beds,  in  the  open  air,  is  from  Septem- 
ber onwards.  Select  a  dry  day  for  putting  in  the  bulbs ;  and  if  the 
same  can  be  chosen  for  the  preparation  of  the  soil,  it  will  be  in  much 
better  condition  for  tho  growth  of  the  plant  than  if  worked  when  wet. 
Plant  in  lines,  nine  inches  by  twelve  inches  apart,  which  will  afford 
space  between  the  plants,  when  up,  to  work  a  hoe,  for  the  destruction 
of  weeds,  and  keeping  the  surface  friable,  to  prevent  the  escape  of  mois- 
ture in  dry  weather.  The  crowns  of  the  bulbs  should  be  four  inches 
under  the  surface  of  the  soil ;  and,  lest  a  severe  winter  should  occur,  it 
is  well  to  cover  the  bed  with  a  few  inches  of  old  tan,  litter,  or  any  light 
substance,  to  exclude  frost.  This  should  be  removed,  however,  when 
the  plants  begin  to  grow  through  it. 


CRYSTAL  PALACE  HORTICULTURAL  EXHIBITION. 

Sept.  7  and  8. — This,  the  autumn  show  of  this  Company,  was  chiefly 
remarkable  for  cut  flowers,  fruit,  and  fine  foliaged  plants.  The  col- 
lections of  mixed  plants,  as  a  matter  of  course,  had  a  weedy  look  about 
them,  though  containing  many  fine  specimens  of  good  cultivation.  But 
the  past  season  has  told  its  tale  with  this  kind  of  plants.  Of  fruit  a 
very  large  quantity  was  staged,  but,  with  some  exceptions,  there  was 
nothing  calling  for  special  remark.  Grapes,  taken  as  a  whole,  were 
decidedly  inferior  ;  the  exceptions  were,  Mr.  Drewett's  fine  Cannon 
Hall  and  Mr.  Frost's  Muscats,  the  Golden  Hamburghs,  shown  by  Mr. 
Scott  (which  were  very  fine),  and  the  Black  Hamburgh  and  Prince 
Grapes  shown  by  Messrs.  Hill  and  Frost.  The  Pine  Apple  class  only 
produced  very  moderate  fruit.  Some  fine  dishes  of  Peaches  were 
evidently  orchard-house  productions.  Late  Admirable,  Bellegarde,  and 
Walburton  Admirable  may  be  classed  as  the  finest  dishes.  We  also 
noticed  some  good  Grosse  Mignonne  and  Royal  George  Peaches,  wall 
fruit,  and  also  some  admirable  Murray  and  Elruge  Nectarines.  The 
class  for  Plums  produced  no  fruit  very  remarkable  ;  but  then  the  season 
has  made  Plums  a  scarce  article  in  most  gardens.  Some  n'ce  dishes  of 
Jefferson,  Reine  Claude  de  Bavay,  and  Washington  were  among  the 
collections.  Pears  were  numerous  and  good ;  the  kitchen  Apples 
generally,  and  the  collection  of  dessert  kinds  shown  by  Mr.  Whiting 
and  Mr.  Mortimore  were  excellent.  Pears,  fit  for  the  table,  consisted  of 
Williams  and  Beurre  d'Amanlis,  the  latter  a  good  useful  fruit  at  this 
season.  There  was  a  row  of  Melons,  containing  eighty  or  more  fruits  ; 
the  greater  part,  we  were  told,  worthless,  but  the  few  selected  for  prizes 
good.    Fruit  trees  in  pots  were  scarce  ;  some  fruit-bearing  Vines  in  pots 

VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXLII.  X 


306  THE    FLORIST. 

were  very  inferior.     Orange  trees  in  fruit  very  good.     Morello  and  Car- 
nation Cherries,  fine,  and  a  few  dishes  of  good  Figs,  conclude  the  fruit. 

Of  new  plants,  Messrs.  Veitch  had  a  batch  of  seedling  Cattleyas,  very 
interesting  productions,  but  hardly  so  bright  in  colour  as  some  of  the 
species.  This  enterprising  firm  also  exhibited  the  new  hardy  shrub 
Chamrebatia  foliolosa,  whose  evergreen  foliage  is  very  beautiful.  1'othos 
argyrsea  and  Pteris  argyrsea,  the  latter  a  variegated  Fern,  and  both 
good  additions  to  variegated  plants  ;  and  two  Selaginellas,  charming 
plants,  from  Borneo. 

Ferns  were  generally  good  as  well  as  plentiful.  Exotic  kinds  were 
contributed  by  Messrs.  Baillie,  Lavey,  Summers,  and  Oubridge ;  and 
in  the  nurserymen's  class,  by  Messrs.  Bunney,  Woolley,  Milne,  Arnott 
&  Co.,  and  Hally.  Among  these  were  beautiful  plants  of  different 
sorts  of  Gleichenia,  Cyathea  medullaris  and  microlepis,  Dicksonia 
antarctica,  Nephrolepis  davalloides,  some  good  Cheilanthes,  Aspleniums, 
Davallias,  Adiantums,  Gymnogrammas,  Csenopteris  fabiana,  Hypo- 
lepis  Dicksonioides,  and  others.  British  Ferns  came  from  Messrs. 
Sim,  Lavey,  and  Baillie.  Among  them  were  some  charming  varieties 
but  little  different  from  what  has  been  recorded  by  us  in  former  reports. 
The  remark  just  made  also  applies  to  Lycopods,  among  which  there 
were,  however,  several  splendidly  grown  specimens,  measuring  not 
less  than  3  feet  across.  The  best  came  from  Mr.  Higgs,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Barchard. 

Of  new  Hybrid  Achimenes  Messrs.  Milne,  Arnott  &  Co.  sent  an 
interesting  collection,  chiefly  with  rosy  pink  coloured  flowers  charmingly 
spotted  with  brilliant  crimson. 

Fuchsias  were  contributed  in  excellent  condition  by  several  growers. 
The  best  came  from  Messrs.  Cannell,  Elliott,  Oubridge,  and  Rhodes. 
They  were  for  the  most  part  in  the  form  of  pyramids  and  beautifully 
covered  with  bloom. 

Scarlet  Geraniums  were  exhibited  in  considerable  numbers  from  the 
neighbourhood  of  Sydenham,  Croydon,  Dulwich,  and  Hampstead. 
Among  them  there  was  nothing  new.  They  consisted  of  Brilliant, 
Punch,  Tom  Thumb,  Cerise  Unique,  Trentham  Hybrid,  Lady  Mid- 
dleton,  Kingsbury  Pet,  and  one  or  two  other  pink  and  salmon  sorts. 

Of  Balsams  there  was  an  extensive  display.  They  were  generally 
well  grown,  with  flowers  large  and  double,  and  of  all  shades  of  colour. 
The  best  came  from  Mr.  Brown,  of  Dulwich. 

■  Of  Japan  Lilies  there  was  a  noble  bank  ;  but  owing  to  want  of  variety 
among  them  they  made  but  little  display.  They  were,  however,  all 
fine  plants,  and  tolerably  well  matched  as  to  height. 

Some  handsome  varieties  of  Gladioli  and  Phloxes  came  from  Mr. 
Standish,  of  Bagshot. 

Dahlias,  both  from  amateurs  and  professional  growers,  were  excellent. 
The  three  first  stands  in  each  class  contained  blooms  above  the  average 
in  size  and  general  merit.  Fancies  were  also  good  and  in  great  variety. 
Of  50  blooms  the  best  came  from  Mr.  Turner,  Royal  Nursery,  Slough. 
They  consisted  of  Robert  Bruce,  Seedling,  Flower  of  the  Day,  Pioneer, 
Commander,  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  Sidney  Herbert,  Midnight,  Mrs. 
Church,  The  Flirt,  Constancy,  Seedling,  Deutsche,  Duchess  of  Kent, 


oct<  i  307 

Mentor,  Chairman,  Triomphe  de  Pecq,  three  very  pretty  seedlings, 
Pre-eminent,  Hon.  Mrs.  Trotter,  Emperor,  Col.  Wyndham,  Enchan- 
tress, Seedling,  Miss  Watts,  Bravo,  Goldfinder,  Mr.  Charles  Waters, 
Seedling,  Disraeli,  Lady  Popham,  King,  Standard  Bearer,  Cherub, 
Adam  Bode,  Yellow  Beauty,  Purple  Standard,  Mrs.  H.  Vyse,  Lollipop, 
Lord  Palmerston,  Lady  Franklin,  Miss  Pressley,  Touchstone,  Seedling, 
Lord  Eversley,  Seedling,  Lady  Taunton,  George  Elliott,  Mr.  Kim- 
berley,  of  Stoke,  Coventry,  and  Mr.  J.  Keynes,  of  Salisbury,  also 
showed  in  this  class.  Of  "24  Dahlias,  the  best  came  from  the  Rev.  C. 
Fellowes,  of  Shottesham,  near  Norwich.  They  consisted  of  Wallace, 
Pre-eminent,  Miss  Caroline,  Touchstone,  Miss  Watts,  Satirist,  Lord 
Palmerston,  Rosebud,  Pandora,  Chairman,  Duchess  of  Marlborough, 
Fanny  Keynes,  Deutsche  Wurde,  Mentor,  Golden  Drop,  Robert  Bruce, 
Standard  Bearer,  Lady  Franklin,  Goldfinder,  Emperor,  Dr.  Gully, 
Lady  Popham,  Mr.  Critchett,  Purple  Standard.  From  Mr.  W.  Dodds, 
of  Salisbury,  came  Duke  of  Roxburgh,  Pandora,  Chairman,  Lord  Bath, 
Royal  Lilac,  Lord  Clyde,  Golden  Drop,  Cherub,  Dr.  Simpson,  Mrs. 
Church,  Emperor,  Sidney  Herbert,  King,  Lord  Derby,'  Hon.  Mrs. 
Trotter,  Sir  H.  Havelock,  Venus,  Miss  Pressley,  Lord  Palmerston, 
Seedling,  Sir  G.  Douglas,  Touchstone,  Lady  Franklin,  Mr.  Critchett. 

In  the  class  of  Fancy  Dahlias  the  best  came  from  Mr.  C.  Turner, 
of  Slough.  The  sorts  were  Ethel,  Tiger,  Elizabeth,  Pluto,  Butterfly, 
Madame  Alboni,  Comus,  Jessie,  Flirt,  Duchesse  de  Brabant,  Queen 
Mali,  Charles  Perry.  From  the  Rev.  Charles  Fellowes  came  Souter 
Johnny,  Madame  Alboni,  Charles  Perry,  Triomphe  de  Roubaix,  the 
Flirt,  Countess  of  Bective,  Jupiter,  Oliver  Twist,  Jessie,  Conqueror, 
Mark  Antony,  Elizabeth.  Mr.  J.  Keynes  and  others  also  showed  in 
this  class. 

Of  Seedling  Dahlias  there  was  a  large  collection,  and  in  most  instances 
several  blooms  of  each  variety  were  shown.  The  judges  selected  11 
kinds  for  certificates,  namely,  George  Elliott,  light  purple,  of  fine  build  ; 
Mrs.  Howard  Vyse,  white,  with  rosy  purple  edge  or  tip ;  Beauty,  pale 
cream,  shaded  ;  Queen  Mab,  a  fancy,  scarlet  and  white  ;  Pluto,  a  dark 
fancy,  of  great  depth  and  fine  form;  and  Harlequin,  a  large  striped 
fancy.  These  were  shown  by  Mr.  C.  Turner.  Mr.  Keynes  had  Win. 
Dodds,  a  deep  yellow  of  good  shape  ;  Lady  Douglass  Pennant,  prim- 
rose ;  Wellesley  Piggot,  fine  white  ;  Neville  Keynes,  pale  yellow, 
edged  with  purple,  fine ;  and  Sir  Geo.  Douglass,  yellow,  deeply  tipped 
with  red,  very  showy.  There  were  some  promising  kinds,  however,  to 
which  no  awards  were  made,  viz.,  Miss  Boyce,  white,  tipped  with 
crimson  purple ;  Purple  Standard,  deep,  finely  formed  purple  ;  Mr. 
Boshel,  salmon  ;  and  Lady  Taunton,  white  edged  with  crimson. 

Among  cut  flowers,  in  addition  to  Dahlias,  were  Roses,  Hollyhocks, 
Verbenas,  and  Asters.  Of  the  latter,  both  German  and  French,  there 
were  some  fine  blooms. 

Among  vegetables,  Onions  especially  were  large  and  fine ;  they  were 
chiefly  White  Lisbon  and  Spanish.  Cabbages  were  not  very  remarkable. 
Of  Savoys  there  were  good  specimens  of  Early  Ulm,  and  we  noticed 
some  very  fine  large  Musselburgh  Flag  Leek.  Among  Potatoes  was  a 
large  fine-looking  kind  called  Stafford  Hall.  This  is  reported  to  be  one 
of  the  best  Potatoes  grown.     Also  very  fine  Lapstones. 


308  THE    FLORIST. 


ROSA  DEVONIENSIS. 

Your  correspondent,  "  D.,"  has  fallen  into  an  error,  when  he  states,  as 
he  does  at  page  257  of  your  September  number,  that  this  Rose  was 
raised  in  France,  and  introduced  into  this  country  by  Messrs.  Lucombe, 
Pince,  and  Co. 

Now,  I  will  endeavour  to  give  your  readers  some  little  account  of 
this  Rose,  so  far  as  I  am  concerned  in  the  matter,  and  in  doing  this  I 
will  be  as  brief  as  I  possibly  can.  In  the  year  1840,  I  was  in  the 
employment  of  Messrs.  Lucombe,  Pince,  and  Co.,  in  the  plant  depart- 
ment of  their  nursery.  In  August  of  that  year,  that  firm  was  solicited 
to  send  some  plants  to  a  horticultural  show  at  Devonport,  which  was 
accordingly  done.  Mr.  Nott,  the  foreman,  took  me  with  him  as  an 
assistant.  Devonport  being  about  40  miles  and  upwards  from  Exeter, 
we  started  with  a  van-load  of  plants  on  Wednesday  afternoon,  and 
arrived  in  Devonport  on  the  Thursday.  After  the  plants  were  put  in 
their  proper  places,  two  or  three  hours  were  given  me  to  see  Devonport ; 
and  as  I  had  never  before  seen  a  man-of-war,  and  a  great  many  other 
things  connected  with  a  Royal  arsenal,  I  very  much  enjoyed  myself.  A 
young  man,  of  the  name  of  Short,  from  Messrs.  Pontey's  of  Plymouth, 
was  my  companion.  I  returned  to  the  Town  Hall  (in  which  the  exhi- 
bition was  held)  at  the  time  appointed  for  me  to  be  there.  I  had  not 
been  there  long,  before  an  elderly  gentleman  came  to  Mr.  Nott,  with  a 
Rose  in  his  hand,  and  asked  him  his  opinion  of  it,  which  was  given 
favourably,  and  I  was  immediately  despatched  to  see  the  plant  from 
which  the  flower  was  cut.  As  I  write  from  memory,  I  cannot  recollect 
the  name  of  the  place,  but  I  rather  think  it  was  Stoke  Dammerell ;  be 
that  as  it  may,  I  had  a  good  long  walk.  Mr.  Foster,  for  that  was  the 
gentleman's  name,  sent  a  lad  with  me,  to  show  me  the  place  ;  I  believe 
it  was  his  own  son  ;  and  in  a  small  garden,  and  growing  by  the  side  of 
a  wall,  I  saw  the  original  seedling  plant.  According  to  my  instructions, 
I  noted  down  in  a  pocket  book  the  number  of  branches  and  the  length 
of  them,  and  cut  some  fresh  flowers,  to  take  to  Exeter.  On  my 
arriving  at  the  place  of  exhibition,  we  repacked  our  plants,  and  started 
again  for  Exeter,  where  we  arrived  on  Friday.  The  first  person  I  met 
in  the  nursery  was  Mr.  Pince.  I  presented  the  flowers  to  him,  and 
never  shall  I  forget  the  smile  that  came  over  him,  when  he  exclaimed 
— "  Willcocks,  1  never  saw  such  a  beautiful  Rose  before;  what's  the 
the  history  of  it?"  That  I  left  Mr.  Nott  to  explain.  Mr.  Pince 
immediately  put  himself  in  communication  with  Mr.  Foster,  and,  the 
first  letter  that  was  written  was  read  by  Mr.  Pince  to  Mr.  Nott  and 
me,  and  I  then  went  and  posted  it.  The  correspondence  was  of  short 
duration,  for,  in  a  few  days,  I  provided  a  hamper,  and  all  things  requisite 
for  packing ;  and  saw  Mr.  Nott  start  by  the  coach  for  Devonport,  to 
bring  away  the  seedling  Rose,  from  the  place  that  gave  it  birth.  The 
next  day,  Mr.  Nott  returned  with  his  darling  child,  as  he  called  it.  The 
plant  was  unpacked  by  Mr.  Pince,  Mr.  Nott,  and  myself — Mr.  Pince 
counting  the  branches,  to  see  if  they  tallied  with  my  statement,  and 


OCTOBER.  309 

they  were  found  correct.  The  plant  was  "cut  up  for  cutttings,  and  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  putting  in  the  first  of  them  in  the  Exeter  nursery. 
I,  however,  left  a  few  clays  after  that,  to  go  as  foreman  to  Mr.  Duns- 
ford,  then  gardener  to  Baron  Dimsdale,  in  Hertfordshire,  and  I  heard 
no  more  of  the  Rose,  till  I  saw  by  the  papers  that  it  had  been  exhibited 
at  one  of  the  horticultural  meetings  in  Regent  Street,  under  the  name 
of  Devoniensis. 

•Now,  as  regards  the  origin  of  this  Rose,  I  was  given  to  understand 
at  the  time,  that  as  Mr.  Fqster,  who  was  a  retired  naval  officer,  was 
passing  through  the  market  one  day,  he  became  enamoured  with  a  Rose 
in  a  small  pot,  and  carried  it  home,  and  put  it  in  his  window.  After 
the  flower  had  dropped,  a  seed  pod  succeeded  it,  which  ripened  in  the 
window,  and  for  curiosity  it  was  sown  under  the  window,  and  that  was 
the  seedling  plant  which  I  saw,  for  it  was  growing  under  a  window. 
As  it  is  now  19  years  since  this  occurred,  and  as  I  have  stated  before  I 
write  from  memory  alone,  should  there  be  any  inaccuracies  ;  and  if  this 
should  meet  the  eye  of  Mr.  Pince,  no  doubt  that  gentleman  will  most 
readily  put  me  right.  This,  therefore,  1  trust  will  prove  to  the  readers 
of  the  Florist  that  Rosa  Devoniensis  is  a  true  English  Rose. 

William  Richard  Willcocks, 

Gardener  to  John  Murray  Aynsleg,  Esq.,  Underdown, 
Ledbury,  Herefordshire. 


CADLANDS,  THE  SEAT  OF  MR.  DRUMMOND. 

Some  account  of  what  the  difference  of  climate  can  do  for  plants  may 
perhaps  not  be  uninteresting  to  your  readers.  Cadlands  is  pleasantly 
situate  on  one  of  the  many  undulating  hills  on  the  west  shore  of  South- 
ampton Bay.  Entering  by  a  lodge  from  the  New  Forest,  some  two 
miles  from  the  house,  the  drive  leads  through  plantations  of  Firs, 
Holly,  evergreen  Oak,  and  some  fine  old  trees  in  the  open  places,  and 
terminates  at  the  south  side  of  the  house,  which  is  the  chief  entrance ; 
from  the  portico  is  a  fine  view  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  through  a  vista 
of  trees,  commencing  with  large  Cedars  of  Lebanon  on  each  side. 

The  house  is  a  large  plain  structure  of  white  brick,  with  Portland 
stone  corners ;  and  thence,  entering  from  this  front,  we  come  to  the 
east  and  north,  the  latter  being  the  main  or  principal  flower  garden 
front.  At  the  east  side  the  house  is  surrounded  by  broad  gravel  walks, 
and  from  this,  all  round  the  two  fronts,  are  beautiful  views  across  the 
bay,  Southampton,  in  the  distance,  looking  bright  with  the  setting  sun, 
and  the  bay  between  covered  with  numerous  steamers,  yachts,  and 
smaller  craft  of  all  descriptions,  their  white  sails  glittering  in  the  sun, 
and  their  movements  adding  life  and  interest  to  the  view ;  further  up 
the  shore  is  Netley  Abbey,  nestling  among  the  trees,  the  Royal 
Military  Hospital,  and  the  shore  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach,  is  studded 
with  fine  villas  and  trees.     Every  care  has  evidently  been  bestowed  upon 


310  THE    FLORIST. 

the  cutting  and  keeping  of  these  views,  as  the  trees  below  rise  suffi- 
ciently high  to  render  this  necessary  The  lawn  is  extensive,  and  almost 
completely  covered  in  both  fronts  with  beds  ;  and  lower  down  the  lawn 
are  various  designs  with  rustic  baskets  and  rustic  edgings  to  the  beds, 
and  such  other  variations  as  this  easy  style  admits  of;  among  others 
a  small  Rosery,  where  we  found  mildew  quite  covering  the  plants  : 
Mr.  Arnott,  the  gardener,  told  us  it  was  occasioned  by  hot  dry  weather, 
and  that  the  common  kinds  of  Roses  were  always  the  greatest  sufferers. 

The  beds  near  the  house  are  large  and  mostly  filled  with  Geraniums, 
with  edgings,  as  generally  used  ;  but  no  person  who  has  not  seen 
Geraniums  round  here,  or  at  the  Isle  of  Wight,  can  credit  the  difference  : 
they  are  one  intense  blaze  of  colour,  with  scarcely  a  leaf  to  be  seen.  In 
the  lower  and  mixed  beds  we  saw  fine  Myrtle  bushes,  Coronilla,  Plum- 
bago, Veronica  Lindleyana,  Hydrangea — fine  bushes  on  the  Grass, 
which  take  the  form  of  shrubs,  and  other  varieties,  standing  the  winter 
and  blooming  abundantly — the  old  sweet-scented  Lemon  Aloysia,  and 
several  others  also  winter  here.  Among  the  mixture  in  these  beds 
we  saw  quantities  of  the  old-fashioned  herbaceous  plants,  as  the  Golden 
Rod,  tall  Phloxes,  &c,  making  quite  a  show ;  in  some  of  the  beds 
round  the  baskets  the  dwarf  French  Asters,  not  more  than  six  inches 
in  height,  made  good  compact  beds.  On  the  lawn  are  some  fine 
Cedars,  Platanus,  &c,  one  of  the  former  terminating  the  broad  front 
walk  where  it  branches  into  two,  one  leading  to  the  forest  and  the  other 
to  the  park  in  front  of  the  lawn,  which  suddenly  terminates  here  on 
the  west  side,  at  the  top  of  a  deep  dell.  The  sudden  contrast  from  gay 
and  dressy  to  Nature's  wildest  forms  of  heath,  with  Furze  up  the  oppo- 
site hill  mixed  with  stunted  Firs,  &c,  is  quite  startling.  In  returning 
to  the  house,  on  the  right  hand  is  a  good  sized  garden  in  front  of  a 
temple,  laid  out  in  stone,  with  a  large  fountain  in  the  centre  ;  the  beds 
full  and  fine.  A  back  border  here  was  filled  with  conservatory  plants 
in  pots,  and  mossed  to  the  level  of  the  pots — a  good  plan. 

On  the  west  side  of  the  house  there  is  a  conservatory  of  large  dimen- 
sions in  communication  with  the  rooms  of  the  house.  A  fine  plant  of 
Mandevilla  suaveolens  in  full  bloom  completely  scented  the  air  with  its 
beautiful  fragrance.  Some  large  plants  of  the  old  Brugmansia  suaveolens 
also  aided  ;  this  is  a  fine  plant  for  large  conservatories,  of  which  we  will 
have  something  to  say  another  day  ;  Fuchsias,  trained  mushroom  shape, 
looked  novel  and  well.  This  house  is  principally  for  Orange  trees,  of 
which  there  is  a  fine  lot  of  clean  stemmed  young  trees,  set  at  present 
round  the  house,  and  covered  with  fruit ;  Mr.  Arnott  told  us  they  were 
used  for  dessert  and  greatly  prized  ;  we  tasted  one,  and  found  little 
difference,  except  a  little  milder  in  flavour  from  those  imported. 

The  kitchen  garden  is  some  distance  from  the  house  on  a  slope  to 
the  south,  nearer  the  shore,  and  divided  into  sections,  with  good  high 
walls.  At  the  entrance  are  two  large  fish  ponds,  with  a  walk  all 
round.  A  fine  border  of  shrubs,  with  Apple,  Pear,  Medlar  and  other 
standard  fruit  trees,  for  a  backing,  divides  this  from  the  park.  In  this 
border  are  fine  trees  of  the  Magnolia  grandiflora,  25  feet  high,  and 
most  of  them,  as  is  the  habit  of  this  plant,  with  a  k\v  flowers  in 
different  stages  ;  these,  from  the  flower,  I  thought  were  the  Exmouth 


OCTOBER.  311 

variety  ;  some  of  the  stems  at  the  ground  were  like  a  good  aged  forest 
tree.  At  the  top  of  this  pond  is  a  fine  specimen  of  the  deciduous 
Cypress,  60  feet  high  and  12  feet  round  the  stem  above  a  seat.  In  the 
houses  we  found  plenty  of  Grapes  in  different  stages.  The  first  Vinery 
Mr.  Arnott  had  taken  a  leaf  out  of  the  hints  of  the  Gardeners''  Chronicle 
in  spring,  and  lifted,  putting  a  bed  of  heating  material  over  the  roots 
of  the  new  border ;  only  one  Vine,  a  Muscat,  had  shown  any  signs  of 
llagcring. 

In  a  small  stove  we  found,  planted  out  and  covered  with  bloom,  Alla- 
manda,  Stephanotis,  and  other  stove  plants  in  good  condition.  Apricots 
had  been  nearly  a  failure ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines  plentiful ;  a  fair 
sprinkling  of  Pears  and  Plums  ;  and  fine  crops  of  Apples.  Figs  grow 
and  ripen  their  fruit  as  standards  anywhere  in  the  garden.  We  also 
saw  Raspberries  in  great  quantities ;  Mr.  Arnott  said  they  keep  bearinn 
until  frost  comes. 

In  most  of  the  cottage  gardens  we  saw  Myrtle  bushes.  In  the 
village  of  Hythe,  close  by,  one  or  two  were  completely  covered  with  the 
broad- leaved  variety,  forming  low  hedges  in  front  similar  to  the  ever- 
green Privet,  even  in  exposed  situations  open  to  the  sea. 


BRIGHTON  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

This,  the  sixth  annual  autumn  exhibition,  was  held  as  usual  at  the 
Royal  Pavilion,  on  the  14th  and  15th  ult.  The  arrangement  of  the 
productions  was  exceedingly  good,  and  reflects  the  highest  credit  on  Mr. 
Spary,  the  superintendent.  To  speak  of  the  effect  produced,  we  must 
remind  our  readers  how  well  adapted  is  the  entire  suite  of  rooms  at 
the  Royal  Pavilion  for  an  exhibition  of  this  description.  In  the 
banqueting  room,  and  both  drawing  rooms,  the  plants  are  reflected 
and  re-reflected  by  the  large  pier  glasses,  whilst  in  the  music  room, 
the  effect  produced  by  the  pier  glass  at  the  north  side  of  the  room  was 
magnificent. 

Under  the"  glass  was  a  large  platform  of  several  tiers ;  at  the  top 
were  tall  Fuchsias,  all  of  superb  growth  ;  the  centre  one  a  specimen 
(Surprise)  by  Mr.  Kemsley,  gardener  to  C.  Catt,  Esq.,  Brighton,  was 
more  than  10  feet  in  height,  beautifully  grown  and  in  magnificent 
bloom.  Immediately  under  these  were  the  stove  and  greenhouse  plants 
in  the  county  division,  all  of  which  were  beautiful  specimens. 

To  give  a  proper  idea  of  this  excellent  show,  we  will  accompany  the 
visitor  through  the  rooms  devoted  to  the  exhibition. 

In  the  entrance  hall,  on  the  right,  was  a  valuable  collection  of  tropical 
plants  by  Mr.  H.  Smythe,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  T.  R.  Rooper,  Wick, 
including  some  interesting  productions.  On  the  left  was  a  magnificent 
collection  of  variegated-leaved  plants  by  Mr.  J.  Miles,  gardener  to  C. 
S.  Hannington,  Esq.,  Hurst,  including  two  species  of  Canna  or  Indian 
Shot,  Croton  angustifolium,  Dioscorea  discolor,  Solanum  purpureum, 
and  Dracsena  ferrea,  which  were  highly  attractive. 


312  TriE    FLORIST. 

On  entering  the  banqueting  room  was  a  grand  display  of  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants  on  raised  platforms.  Those  shown  by  Mr.  J. 
Miles,  gardener  to  C.  S.  Hannington,  Esq.,  took  the  first  prize. 
Amongst  them  were  Allamanda  Schottii,  with  its  large  yellow  blossoms, 
Rondeletia  speciosa  major,  with  beautiful  corymbs  of*  scarlet  flowers, 
Meyenia  erecta,  with  dark  green  foliage,  deep  blue  purple  blossoms 
with  yellow  throat,  and  Clerodendron  fallax. 

The  variegated-leaved  plants,  a  most  attractive  feature  in  this  room, 
were  placed  on  platforms  at  each  end.  To  convey  a  proper  idea  of  the 
lovely  foliage  of  these  favourites  would  be  difficult.  Each  collection 
had  excellent  specimens,  and  all  were  greatly  and  deservedly  admired. 
At  the  window  was  a  magnificent  specimen  of  Begonia  fuchsioides. 
It  was  quite  six  feet  high,  and  one  mass  of  bloom.  Mr.  C.  Green, 
gardener  to  Wra.  Borrer,  Esq.,  Henfield,  had  an  exceedingly  beautiful 
specimen  of  Selaginella  Martensii.  This  beautiful  moss-like  plant  was 
much  admired,  not  only  for  its  lovely  green,  imbricated,  leafy  branching 
stems,  but  also  for  its  immense  size,  for  it  must  have  been  nearly  eight 
feet  in  circumference.  Mr.  McKenzie,  Bristol  Nurseries,  presented  a 
beautiful  specimen  of  Phoenocoma  proliferum,  and  Mr.  Hudson  exhibited 
a  fine  plant  of  Solanum  atropurpureum.  Turning  from  these  to  the 
centre  platform,  the  display  was  most  exquisite,  for  there  were  lovely 
Achimenes,  Gloxinias,  cut  flowers,  Verbenas,  and  Asters.  All  the 
Asters  were  good,  and  more  beautiful  varieties  or  finer  specimens  could 
scarcely  be  exhibited.  We  cannot  leave  this  platform  without  giving 
a  passing  notice  to  the  exquisite  collection  of  stove  and  greenhouse  cut 
flowers,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Cameron,  Goodwood,  and  Mr.  Hudson, 
Horsted.  Passing  from  the  banqueting  room  into  the  yellow  drawing 
room,  the  visitor  was  struck  by  the  exhibition  of  Dahlias,  arranged 
on  a  double  tier  of  platforms  throughout  the  whole  length  of  the  room. 
Those  shown  by  Mr.  Turner,  Slough,  were  exceedingly  large,  and  in 
the  greatest  perfection ;  so  were  those  by  Mr.  J.  Keynes,  Salisbury ; 
very  beautiful  also  were  the  fancy  varieties,  particularly  those  shown 
by  Mr.  J.  Keynes,  and  Mr.  C.  J.  Perry,  Birmingham.  Mr.  Kimberley, 
Stoke  Nursery,  near  Coventry,  and  Mr.  Legge,  of  Edmonton,  had  also 
splendid  collections  ;  indeed,  so  beautiful  was  the  exhibition  of  Dahlias, 
that  the  room  was  crowded  with  admirers  throughout  both  days.  The 
centre  of  attraction,  however,  was  the  railway  cup.  This  cup  is  given 
for  the  best  24  dissimilar  Dahlia  blooms,  and  was  obtained  by  Mr. 
Dodds,  gardener  to  Colonel  Baker,  Salisbury.  The  following  seedlings 
were  shown  in  good  condition,  viz.,  Conqueror,  Flower  of  the  Day, 
Pluto,  Queen  Mab,  Sir  George  Douglass,  Dr.  Boshel,  Delicata,  Earl  of 
Shaftesbury,  Mrs.  W.  Piggott,  J.  Edwards,  Neville  Keynes,  Win. 
Dodds,  Mrs.  P.  Bailhache,  Lady  Douglass  Pennant,  Salamander, 
Leopard,  and  the  Rev.  J.  Dix.  Of  most  of  these  descriptions  have  already 
appeared,  and  we  were  glad  to  see  the  good  character  formerly  given 
them  fully  maintained  on  the  present  occasion.  In  the  drawing  room 
was  a  beautiful  plant  of  Cyanophyllum  magnificum,  whose  foliage  is 
most  lovely ;  it  was  admired  by  all.  This  beautiful  gem  was  shown 
by  Mr.  J.  Miles,  gardener  to  C.  S.  Hannington,  Esq. 

On  entering  this  room,  the  rich  fragrance  of  the  Roses  first  directed 


OCTOBER.  313 

attention  to  the  immense  collection  displayed.  It  extended  the  whole 
length  of  the  room  in  double  tiers,  with  splendid  grown  Fuchsias  at  the 
back,  except  in  the  centre,  which  was  occupied  with  some  beautiful 
ornamental  plants  by  Mr.  G.  Young,  Dulwich.  But  as  we  are  to  speak 
of  the  Roses,  we  must  injustice  begin  with  Mr.  Jas.  Mitchell,  Piltdown 
Nurseries,  Maresfield,  who  obtained  the  1st  prize  for  the  best  36  varieties 
in  three  bunches,  and  an  extra  prize  for  an  immense  display  of  upwards 
of  one  hundred  varieties.  They  were  exceedingly  beautiful  and  in  the 
finest  condition.  Those  shown  by  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt, 
Herts ;  Mr.  Parsons,  florist,  Brighton ;  Mr.  Knight,  nurseryman, 
Hailsham  ;  and  Mr.  Wm.  Mitchell,  Tower  Nursery,  Heathfield,  were 
also  exquisite  productions.  Amongst  the  most  lovely  were  Hybrid 
Perpetuals :  Auguste  Mie,  Cardinal  Patrizzi,  Conrte  de  Nanteuil,  Com- 
tesse  de  Chabrillan,  Eveque  de  Nimes,  General  Jacqueminot,  Gustave 
Coraux,  Jacques  Lafitte,  Jules  Margottin,  La  Reine,  Lord  Raglan, 
Louise  Odier,  Madame  Domage,  Madame  Knorr,  Madame  Rivers, 
Madame  Vidot,  Mathurin  Regnier,  M.  Montigny,  Pauline  Lansezeur, 
Prince  Leon,  Souvenir  de  la  Reine  d'Angleterre,  Triomphe  de  l'Expo- 
sition,  Victor  Trouillard,  William  Griffiths.  Tea-scented :  Auguste 
Vacher,  Comte  de  Paris,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Louise  de  Savoie,  Madame 
de  Vitry,  Souvenir  de  Elise.  Noisettes :  Cloth  of  Gold,  Lamarque, 
Miss  Gray,  Narcisse,  Solfaterre,  and  Triomphe  de  Rennes. 

On  entering  the  Music-room  the  display  was  truly  excellent.  We 
have  in  the  earlier  part  of  this  notice  mentioned  the  beautiful  effect  of 
the  Fuchsias,  and  the  magnificent  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  front 
of  the  large  pier  glass  ;  equally  effective  was  the  arrangement  on  the 
platform  under  the  organ,  which  was  devoted  principally  to  specimens 
of  Begonias,  Gloxinias,  and  Achimenes,  at  the  foot  of  which  were  cut 
flowers.  Most  of  the  plants  in  this  room  were  in  the  county  division. 
Ere  we  leave  for  the  lawn,  we  cannot  pass  unnoticed  the  Cotton  Plant,  or 
Gossypium  herbaceum,  shown  by  Mr.  W.  Martin,  Shermanbury.  It 
was  in  every  stage  from  the  bud  to  the  ripe  fruit,  passing  from  the 
blossom  and  the  green  fruit  to  the  fruit  just  bursting,  showing  the 
cotton. 

The  lawn  was  fitted  up  with  marquees.  At  the  north  end  was  one 
in  which  were  Scarlet  Geraniums,  of  which  there  was  a  very  fine  dis- 
play. The  prizes  offered  for  designs  for  flower-gardens  produced  some 
five  or  six  model  gardens,  some  of  them  on  a  tolerably  large  scale. 
That  to  which  the  first  prize  was  awarded  consisted  of  beds  on  gravel 
arranged  in  a  parallelogram.  The  second,  in  addition  to  the  usual 
flower-garden,  had  in  connection  with  it  miniature  lakes,  brido-es, 
fountains,  and  rockery  work.  The  third  was  what  is  termed  a  sunk 
panel,  octagonal  in  shape,  with  Grassy  sides,  and  having  flower-beds  on 
gravel  in  the  bottom,  which  was  reached  by  flights  of  stone  steps  in  the 
banks.  About  the  rest  there  was  nothing  worthy  of  remark.  Hung 
up  against  the  walls  we  noticed  a  tastefully  executed  plan  of  a  terrace- 
garden  from  Mr.  Sanders,  of  Tedvvorth,  who  had  also  a  perspective 
view  of  the  interior  of  the  fine  conservatory  at  that  place. 

The  weather  was  cold,  but,  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  slio-ht 
showers,  fine.    The  assembly  on  both  days  was  large.    On  Wednesday, 


314  THE    FtOBIST. 

the  14th,  2570  were  admitted,  exclusive  of  the  exhibitors  and  officials, 
and  on  the  second  day  nearly  5000.  The  shillings  taken  for  admission 
were  3893. 

Fruit,  both  from  the  county  of  Sussex  and  from  other  quarters,  was 
good.  Pine-apples  were  however  scarce ;  the  best  was  a  Queen, 
weighing  4  lbs.,  finely  swelled  and  ripened,  from  Mr  Cameron,  of 
Goodwood.  Of  Grapes  there  was  a  fair  display.  A  beautiful  basket  of 
12  lbs.  of  Black  Hamburgh  came  from  Messrs.  Balchin  &  Nell,  and 
Messrs.  Lucas  &  Parsons  also  showed  fine  fruit  of  the  same  variety. 
Mr.  Gilbert  produced  three  beautiful  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh,  and 
the  same  kind  of  Grape  was  also  shown  in  good  condition  by  Mr. 
Fillery.  The  best  Muscats  were  furnished  by  Mr.  Gilbert,  and  we  also 
noted  some  fair  fruit  of  this  description  from  others.  On  the  whole, 
however,  the  best  were  very  inferior  to  those  shown  the  other  day  at  the 
Crystal  Palace  by  Messrs.  Drewett  and  Frost.  Of  Royal  Muscadine 
good  bunches  came  from  Mr.  Fowler,  and  of  Barbarossa  there  were 
three  good  bunches. 

Peaches  were  good  for  the  season.  Among  them  were  fair  examples 
of  Kirke's  and  Walburton  Admirable,  Barrington,  and  Noblesse.  Of 
the  first-named  sort  beautiful  specimens  were  shown  by  Messrs.  Lambert 
and  Daniels.    Nectarines  were  scarce  ;  the  best  was  Pitmaston  Orange. 

Of  Plums,  good  fruit  of  Coe's  Golden  Drop  came  from  Mr.  Lambert, 
and  we  also  noticed  Green-gage,  Jefferson,  and  Magnum  Bonum  in  fine 
condition  from  other  growers. 

Cherries  were  wholly  confined  to  the  Morello,  of  which  several  fine 
dishes  were  shown. 

Figs,  for  which  Brighton  and  its  neighbourhood  are  celebrated,  were 
but  scantily  shown  ;  but  what  were  produced  were  really  fine. 
Unusually  large  and  fine  fruit  of  the  Brown  Turkey  came  from 
Messrs.  Dennis  &  Sharpe. 

Melons  were  plentiful.  Among  them  the  best  were  Golden  Perfection, 
Bromham  Hall,  and  Beechwood. 

Of  Miscellaneous  collections  of  fruit  there  were  four.  They  came 
from  Messrs.  Kaile,  Young,  Burnett,  and  Gadd  &  Son.  Mr.  Kaile 
sent  Coe's  Golden  Drop  Plum,  Walburton  Admirable  and  Barrington 
Peaches,  Black  Hamburgh  and  Muscat  Grapes,  the  latter  umipe; 
Imperial  Scarlet  Melon,  a  Queen  Pine  Apple,  and  Williams's  Bon 
Chretien  Pears.  From  Mr.  Young  came  Late  Admirable  Peaches, 
Coe's  Golden  Drop  Plum,  Muscat  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  a 
Queen  Pine-apple,  Brown  Ishcia  Figs,  Golden  Perfection  Melon,  and 
Gansell's  Bergamot  Pear.  In  the  other  collections  were  Black  Jamaica 
and  Queen  Pine-apples,  Muscat  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Late 
Admirable  Peaches,  Golden  Drop  and  Beechwood  Melons,  Morello 
Cherries,  Blue  Imperatrice  Plums,  Williams's  Bon  Chretien  Pears, 
and  Brown  Turkey  Figs. 

Of  out- door  fruit  considerably  the  best  were  some  Ribston  Pippin 
Apples  from  Mr.  Cameron,  of  Goodwood.  These  were  unusually  large 
and  fine.  Other  fruit  of  this  variety,  with  a  beautiful  warm  yellow 
ground  colour  suffused  with  red,  were  shown  by  Mr.  Starr,  of  Brighton. 
Among  kitchen  Apples  the  best  was  a  dish  of  Knight's  Grange,  a  large 


OCTOBER.  315 

and  fine-looking  variety,  from  Mr.  Cameron.  Others  consisted  princi- 
pally of  Alfriston,  Hawthorn  den,  and  Emperor  Alexander. 

Pears  were  chiefly  Williams's  Bon  Chretien,  of  which  we  observed 
some  fine  fruit.  Marie  Louise  was  likewise  shown  in  good  condition, 
as  was  also  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey. 

Bed  and  white  Currants  were  furnished  in  excellent  condition  by 
Messrs.  Lambert  and  Evans,  and  we  also  noticed  a  few  Warrington 
Gooseberries.     From  Mr.  Cameron  came  a  dish  of  Guavas. 


REVIEW. 

The   Peach   and  Nectarine.     By  the  late  G.  M'Ewen.     Edited  by 

J.  Cox,  F.H.S.,  Redleaf.  8vo.  Groombridge.  pp.  52. 
This  is  the  second,  and  unfortunately  the  last,  of  the  late  Mr. 
M'Ewen's  projected  series  of  works  on  the  culture  of  fruits,  that  on  the 
Strawberry  being  the  first.  Of  its  value  to  the  cultivator  of  the  two 
kinds  of  fruits  on  which  it  treats,  the  two  names  recorded  at  the  head 
of  this  notice  are  a  sufficient  guarantee.  To  the  M.S.  left  by  Mr. 
M'Ewen  at  his  death,  Mr.  Cox  has  made  numerous  additions,  and 
altogether  the  work  is  one  which  we  can  heartily  recommend. 

The  following  extract  will  give  some  idea  of  the  kind  of  useful 
information  it  contains,  and  at  the  same  time  will  prove,  we  hope, 
acceptable  to  our  readers  : — 

"  PEACHES.— EARLY  SORTS. 

"1.  Acton  Scott. — This  is  a  very  excellent  early  sort,  and  the  best 
adapted  of  them  for  house  culture. 

"  2. — Early  Anne. — A  very  good  early  sort  for  the  walls,  chiefly 
valuable  for  its  ripening  about  ten  days  before  the  earliest  of  the  mid- 
season  Peaches. 

"  3. — Red  Nutmeg. — This  and  also  the  white  variety  are  both  of 
very  indifferent  flavour,  and  are  only  valuable  as  being  the  earliest, 
generally  ripening  early  in  August.  These  as  well  as  the  Early  Anne, 
will  most  probably  be  superseded  by  the  Early  York,  a  recently  intro- 
duced American  Peach.  (See  Mr.  Rivers'  List.) 
"MIDSEASON   PEACHES. 

"  4.  Barrington. — A  very  excellent  Peach,  not  subject  to  mildew, 
and  an  abundant  bearer. 

"  5.  Bellegarde. — A  first-rate  Peach,  either  for  the  open  wall  or  for 
house  culture.     The  Violette  Hative  and  the  Galande  are  synonyms. 

"  6.  Malta. — A  very  estimable  sort,  not  so  extensively  cultivated  as 
it  deserves.     It  bears  carriage  well  and  is  a  good  keeper. 

"7-  Grosse  Mignonne. — One  cf  the  very  best  sorts  grown  :  forces 
well,  is  not  subject  to  mildew,  and  its  excellence  is  sufficiently  attested 
by  its  having,  in  the  catalogue  of  the  Horticultural  Society,  no  less  than 
thirty-nine  synonyms. 

"  8.  Noblesse. — This  fine  old  sort  is  too  well  known  generally  to 
need  any  panegyric.  It  is  well  adapted  either  for  forcing  or  wall 
culture. 


316  THE    FLORIST. 

"  9*  Pourpree  Hative. — This  is  an  excellent  Peach,  of  large  size, 
and  good  quality. 

"  10.  Royal  Charlotte. — A  very  fine  melting  Peach,  an  excellent 
bearer,  forces  well,  but,  like  the  following,  is  subject  to  mildew. 

"11.  Royal  George. — The  flavour  of  this  variety  is  one  of  the  most 
exquisite  of  any  sort  grown  ;  it  is  much  cultivated,  and  deservedly  so, 
being  very  handsome  when  full  grown. 

"LATE  SORTS. 

"12.  Late  Admirable. — This  is  one  of  the  very  best  late  sorts  in 
cultivation,  and  should  be  classed  A  1,  in  a  selection.  It  is  well  adapted 
for  house  culture,  where  it  ripens  well,  after  the  earlier  sorts ;  on  the 
wall  it  is  indispensable. 

"  13.  Late  Catharine. — This  is  a  good  old  late  clingstone,  of  a  large 
size,  and  very  handsome  appearance ;  in  favourable  autumns  it  is  full 
of  a  rich  sugary  juice  ;  keeps  a  long  time.     A  very  useful  sort. 

"  14-  Old  Newington. — A  handsome  clingstone  Peach,  of  tolerable 
quality  ;  may  be  planted  in  a  large  collection,  but  the  two  preceding 
varieties  will  answer  every  useful  purpose,  in  a  small  collection. 

"15.  Walburton  Admirable. — This  is  a  variety  supposed  to  be  a 
seedling  from  Noblesse,  which  it  much  resembles  ;  it  ripens  about  the 
same  time  as  the  last,  and  is  of  great  excellence. 

"16.  Salway  Peach. — This  variety,  which  was  raised  in  the  garden 
of  Colonel  Salway,  from  a  stone  brought  from  Italy,  is  one  of  the  latest 
varieties  known.  It  has  received  a  very  high  character  from  Mr.  Ingram, 
of  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Frogmore  ;  also  from  the  British  Pomological 
Society,  and  the  Fruit  Committee  of  the  Horticultural  Society ;  and 
Mr.  Turner,  of  Slough,  informs  me,  that  it  in  noways  loses  its  high 
character  on  a  further  acquaintance  with  its  many  estimable  properties, 
but  that  it  may  be  very  confidently  recommended  as  an  acquisition  of 
great  worth. 

"NECTARINE.— EARLY  SORTS. 

"  1.  Fab-child's  Early. — A  small  red  Nectarine,  of  medium  quality, 
only  valuable  for  its  earliness,  for  which  purpose,  when  only  one  is 
required,  the  next  is  preferable. 

"  2.  Hunt's  Tawny. — This  is  a  medium  sized  early  Nectarine,  of 
first-rate  quality,  and  well  worthy  of  cultivation. 

"MIDSEASON  DITTO. 

"  3.  Boston. — A  fine  handsome  Nectarine,  good  for  forcing,  but 
requiring  the  best  situation  on  a  south  wall,  out  of  doors. 

"  4.  Elruge. — One  of  the  best  in  cultivation,  good  for  either  walls  or 
forcing,  a  great  bearer,  and  a  general  favourite. 

"  5.  Old  Newington. — This  is  also  a  good  bearer,  of  a  fine  red  colour, 
and  first-rate  both  in  size  and  quality. 

"  6.  Early  Newington. — Rather  earlier  and  deeper  in  colour  than 
the  last,  and  by  many  preferred  to  it,  but  both  are  good. 

"  7-  Red  Roman. — An  old  sort,  good  quality,  and  an  abundant 
bearer. 

"  8.  Brugnon. — A  very  good  second  early  Nectarine,  requires  to  be 
eaten  soon  after  being  gathered,  as  it  soon  loses  flavour. 


OCTOBER.  S!7 

"  9.  Violette  Hative. — One  of  first-rate  excellence,  both  for  wall  and 
forcing-house  ;  a  good  bearer,  and  ranks  high  in  point  of  flavour  and 
size. 

"  10.  Pitmaston  Orange. — The  best  of  the  yellow-fleshed  varieties, 
good  bearer,  and  first-rate  in  flavour,  size,  and  quality. 

"LATE   DITTO. 

"11.  Vermash. — A  fine  late  Nectarine,  of  a  greenish  'colour, 
inclined  to  red  on  the  side  next  the  sun.     Medium  size,  good  quality. 

"12.  Peterborough. — Similar  to  the  last,  but  later. 

"  13.  Staniciek. — There  is  no  doubt  but  this  variety,  when  its 
cultivation  is  better  understood,  will  prove  to  be  one  of  the  finest  late 
varieties  ;  the  flavour,  as  described  by  Dr.  Lindley,  is  '  as  far  beyond 
all  other  Nectarines  as  the  Green-gage  Plum  is  beyond  all  other  Plums.' 
Mr.  M'Ewen  observes,  in  a  note,  '  The  Stanvvick  suits  well  to  be  grown 
in  a  house  with  such  sorts  as  the  Late  and  Walburton  Admirable, 
because  a  dish  of  Nectarines  with  late  Peaches  is  rare,  and  the  treat- 
ment agrees.' " 

The  work  is  well  printed  and  neatly  got  up.  It  opens  with  a  good 
representation  of  the  Late  Admirable  Peach,  by  Andrews,  and  wherever 
the  subject  required  it,  woodcuts  have  been  added  by  way  of  illustration. 


BRITISH  POMOLOGICAL  SOCIETY. 

Sept.  1. — Mr.  Hogg  in  the  chair.  For  a  collection  of  fruit,  comprising 
not  less  than  two  dishes,  to  be  exhibited  by  the  grower,  a  prize  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  Whiting,  of  the  Deepdene,  for  a  collection  comprising 
Trebbiana  and  Raisin  de  Calabre  Grapes ;  Bellegarde  and  Noblesse 
Peaches ;  Violet  Hative  and  Elruge  Nectarines ;  Belgian  Purple, 
Cooper's  Large  Red,  and  Imperial  Diadem  Plums.  A  second  premium 
was  awarded  to  Mr.  Newton,  of  East  Lodge,  Enfield  Chase,  for  a 
collection  containing  Black  Hamburgh  and  Black  Morocco  Grapes ; 
Grosse  Mignonne  Peaches ;  Violette  Hative  Nectarine  ;  Williams's 
Bon  Chretien  Pears  ;  Kirke's  and  Jefferson  Plums  ;  Red  Quarrenden 
and  Kerry  Pippin  Apples ;  and  Red  Dutch  Currants. 

Mr.  Rivers,  of  Sawbridgeworth,  again  brought  the  Seedling  Peach  he 
exhibited  last  year,  and  which  he  at  present  distinguishes  as  No.  6 ;  it 
was  raised  from  the  largest  of  all  the  Pavies — namely,  the  Pavie  de 
Pompone,  a  late  clingstone  variety.  The  flowers  (large)  and  leaves 
(with  small  round  glands)  are  like  the  parent,  but  the  flesh  is  red  near 
the  stone,  from  which  it  parts  freely,  and  is  melting  and  delicious  ;  its 
season  being  intermediate  between  the  Royal  George  series  and  the  later 
October  kinds.  Mr.  Rivers  reported  that  it  ripens  about  a  fortnight 
after  the  Grosse  Mignonne,  a  tree  of  which  stood  beside  it  in  the  same 
house.  Last  year  it  was  pronounced  promising,  and  at  this  examina- 
tion it  was  considered  to  have  sustained  the  favourable  impression  formed 
of  it ;  Mr.  Rivers,  however,  expressed  his  determination  to  give  it  a 
further  trial,  and  bring  it  again  before  the  Society.  Mr.  Rivers  also 
brought  a  seedling  Peach  raised  from  the  Pitmaston  Orange  Nectarine  ; 


318  THE    FLORIST. 

the  fruit  was  very  juicy,  and  possessed  in  a  great  degree  the  flavour  of 
the  parent. 

On  the  subject  of  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Apricots,  Mr.  Bye  desired 
to  call  attention  to  an  old  but  almost  forgotten  method  by  which  he  had 
retarded  and  protected  the  blossoms  of  the  trees  on  walls  for  several 
years  past.  About  the  middle  or  end  of  January,  he  selected  the 
longest  of  the  untrimmed  brushwood  intended  for  Pea-sticks,  such  as 
Hazel  or  Elm  ;  the  thick  end  thereof  being  sharpened  the  same  as  if 
intended  for  Peas ;  he  had  them  fixed  in  the  ground  in  front  of  the 
trees,  about  eighteen  inches  from  the  bottom  of  the  wall,  and  leaning 
against  it  at  top  ;  affording  a  partial  shade  to  the  trees,  preventing  the 
blossoms  from  expanding  too  early  in  spring,  and  remaining  until  the 
fruit  begins  to  swell.  Under  such  treatment  the  blossom  is  about  three 
weeks  later  than  if  uncovered,  and  during  and  after  flowering  a  slight 
protection  is  afforded  ;  and  by  these  means  he  had  secured  this  year  a 
fair  average  crop,  while  his  neighbours  had  lost  all. 

Of  Grapes,  Mr.  Whiting  exhibited  Trebbiana,  a  variety  of  the  Syrian 
or  Tokay  section,  not  much  known,  but  worthy  of  cultivation,  as  it 
produces  a  large,  handsome,  well-shouldered,  and  compact  bunch,  is 
moderately  hardy,  sets  well,  and  keeps  good  without  shrivelling  or 
becoming  spotted  until  March.  The  berry  is  of  full  medium  size,  and 
oval;  colour  pale  amber;  skin  rather  thick  ;  flesh  melting,  very  juicy, 
and  sweet ;  seeds  very  few,  frequently  none. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Auriculas. — These  may  be  removed  to  a  southern  or  western  situation 
for  the  winter  ;  the  latter  is  preferable.  Cleanse  the  frames  and  glass, 
that  when  necessary  to  cover  the  plants  they  may  have  the  full  benefit 
of  the  light.  Continue  to  keep  the  soil  moist  through  the  month,  and 
open  the  surface  as  often  as  it  appears  closed.     Look  well  after  insects. 

Azaleas  and  Came/lias. — These  will  now  be  housed.  Pick  off 
decayed  leaves,  and  keep  the  plants  rather  dry  and  give  plenty  of  air, 
that  the  wood  may  become  thoroughly  ripened,  which  will  make  the 
blooms  finer  next  season. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — Potting  for  winter  should  now  be  com- 
pleted. Never  take  the  layers  from  the  stools  when  in  a  wet  state. 
Remove  dead  foliage,  and  grow  them  as  hardy  as  possible. 

Cinerarias — This  is  the  month  for  progression  with  this  plant.  We 
suppose  that  now  there  are  plants  in  abundance  from  the  early  struck 
cuttings.  Every  encouragement  should  now  be  given  to  aid  a  free 
growth.  Shift  such  of  the  early  potted  plants  as  are  ready  into  a  size 
larger  pots,  in  a  compost  of  ecpjal  parts  turfy  loam  and  well  decomposed 
stable  manure  ;  leaf  mould  will  answer  the  same  purpose  should  this 
not  be  at  hand.  Keep  them  as  near  the  glass  as  possible,  and  ventilate 
freely.  As  frosts  may  now  be  expected,  it  would  not  be  advisable  to 
expose  them  at  night.  Look  well  to  mildew,  and  sulphur  such  as  have 
it.     A  slight  fumigating  now  and  then  with  tobacco  will  be  found  the 


OCTOBER.  319 

best  preventative  against  the  green -fly,  which  is  a  great  pest  in  the 
cultivation  of  this  plant.  Should  compost  not  be  prepared,  it  should  be 
attended  to  forthwith.  Give  the  final  shifting  to  such  as  are  required 
for  winter  flowering. 

Conservatory. — From  this  time  the  conservatory  will  be  used  as  a 
promenade,  and  probably  as  a  working  room  for  the  ladies  in  bad 
weather;  care  should  therefore  be  taken  to  have  everything  kept  as 
neat  as  possible.  Avoid  crowding  the  house  for  the  present,  as  many 
things  may  be  kept  under  temporary  shelter ;  but  keep  up  a  good 
stock  of  sweet  plants,  with  enough  of  plants  in  bloom  to  make  it 
attractive. 

Dahlias. — Seed  should  be  saved  as  often  as  it  can  be  gathered  ripe 
and  dry.  Remove  all  dead  petals,  otherwise  the  seed  will  rot  in  the 
pods,  there  being  so  much  moisture  at  this  time ;  a  long  piece  of  the 
footstalk  should  be  gathered  with  it.  See  that  all  are  correctly  named 
before  the  frost  arrives.     Also  mark  promising  seedlings. 

Flower  Garden. — All  the  one-year-old  Scarlet  Geraniums,  including 
too  the  variegated  class,  which  it  is  practicable  to  winter  in  any  shape, 
should  be  taken  up  on  the  approach  of  frost,  and  either  potted  or  packed 
in  boxes,  in  dry  sandy  soil.  These  plants  will  bloom  much  earlier  and 
more  profusely  the  second  year  than  the  first,  however  well  they  are 
prepared ;  indeed,  we  are  in  the  habit  of  keeping  some  kinds  as  long  as 
we  can,  as  we  find  them  much  more  telling  for  certain  purposes  than 
young  plants.  Some  of  our  vase  Geraniums  have  six  or  seven  hundred 
heads  of  bloom  open  at  one  time,  and  these  in  very  small  vases.  When 
the  above  are  potted,  they  should  be  placed  under  glass  for  a  short  time 
to  enable  them  to  recover  themselves,  after  which  their  wintering  will 
depend  on  what  accommodation  exists.  Salvias,  Fuchsias,  tall  Lobelias, 
&c,  may  also  be  lifted,  and,  if  clone  with  care,  they  will  soon  rally,  and 
become  very  ornamental  for  mixing  with  greenhouse  and  conservatory 
plants.  Now  is  a  good  time  to  put  in  cuttings  of  Calceolarias.  Get  the 
rest  of  the  propagating  finished  quickly,  and  harden  off  those  already 
struck.  Pay  attention  to  order  and  neatness  by  picking  off  decayed 
blooms  and  leaves  and  keeping  the  Grass  and  gravel  clean. 

Forcing  Ground. — Rhubarb  and  Sea-kale  may  be  started  towards 
the  end  of  the  month,  and  the  empty  Melon  and  Cucumber  pits  should 
have  the  soil  turned  up  and  watered,  and  the  pits  filled  with  French 
Beans  (which  may  have  been  sprouted  for  the  purpose  in  heat),  Lettuce, 
Endive,  Parsley,  and  other  things  required  for  winter.  Plant  the  Beans, 
if  you  have  the  room  to  spare,  in  pits  heated  so  that  you  can  give  them 
a  little  fire  heat  by  and  bye  ;  they  will  frequently  continue  bearing  till 
Christmas,  or  even  later.    We  prefer  the  Newington  Wonder. 

Hard-wooded  Plants. — These  will  require  placing  under  protection  of 
glass  at  once.  Allow  them  plenty  of  room  and  all  the  air  you  can,  to 
get  the  wood  properly  ripened  before  winter.  Before  placing  them  in 
their  winter  quarters  look  to  the  drainage,  and  have  the  outsides  of  the 
pots  well  washed ;  no  plant  can  thrive  well  when  the  surface  soil  and 
outside  of  the  not  are  covered  with  vegetation. 

Hardy  Fruit. — Many  kinds  of  Apples  and  Pears  should  be  gathered 
at  once,  where  not  already  done  ;  a  few  late-ripening  kinds  may  remain 


S20  THE    FLORIST. 

longer  on  the  trees.  In  keeping  the  fruit,  let  all  the  finest  specimens 
be  laid  separately  in  the  fruit  room,  and  handled  as  slightly  as  possible, 
even  when  being  gathered ;  those  intended  for  long  keeping  should  on 
no  account  be  tumbled  together. 

Hollyhocks. — The  stools  of  choice  kinds  may  be  potted  up,  to  produce 
cuttings  during  the  winter.  Cuttings  will  now  strike  readily  if  a  little 
bottom  heat  is  used ;  repot  those  first  struck  in  nice  light  rich  soil. 

Kitchen  Garden. — Plant  a  good  breadth  of  Cabbage  for  early  spring 
use  ;  also,  Cauliflowers  sown  last  month  should  be  pricked  out  on  well- 
enriched  soil,  five  or  six  together,  to  be  covered  hereafter  with  hand- 
glasses. Another  portion  of  the  plants  should  be  pricked  into  cold 
irames,  to  be  protected  by  glass  during  severe  weather,  and  a  portion 
also  may  be  pricked  on  a  warm  south  border,  to  take  their  chance.  A 
portion  of  the  true  Bath  Cos  Lettuce  may  also  be  treated  the  same,  and 
fill  up  the  bases  of  walls  and  other  sheltered  places  with  good  hardy 
varieties  of  Cabbage  Lettuce,  to  stand  the  winter.  Broccoli,  Borecule, 
&c,  should  be  frequently  hoed  between,  and  finally  earthed  up  before 
frosts  come  on.  Continue  earthing  up  Celery  and  Cardoons,  and  tying 
up  Lettuce  and  Endive,  as  the  weather  permits,  and  have  the  ground  well 
stirred  between  every  growing  crop.  Potatoes  and  Carrots  may  now  be 
taken  up  and  stored  away ;  take  especial  care  the  latter  are  quite  dry 
when  put  away.  Piemove  all  kinds  of  litter,  decayed  vegetables,  &c, 
from  the  ground,  and  spread  quicklime  over  the  newly  cleared  ground ; 
this  will  kill  slugs,  and  save  you  much  trouble  in  the  spring. 

Pelargoniums. — These  should  all  be  housed  without  delay,  if  not 
already  done ;  and,  after  they  are  all  got  in,  a  good  fumigation  is 
necessary,  to  clean  them  thoroughly  of  green- fly.  Those  plants  that 
are  intended  to  flower  early,  and  have  not  received  their  final  shift, 
more  especially  the  specimens  that  are  selected  for  the  early  exhibitions, 
must  not  be  delayed.  Repot  young  plants  as  needed.  Water  carefully 
when  they  require  it,  and  shut  the  house  up  soon  in  the  afternoon  ;  and 
towards  the  end  of  the  month,  if  the  weather  is  damp  and  cold,  slight 
fires  will  be  required  at  night,  so  as  to  keep  a  dry  atmosphere ;  and 
when  the  weather  is  fine,  an  abundance  of  air  should  be  given. 

Pinks. —  If  not  already  done,  finish  planting  out  into  their  blooming 
beds,  to  enable  them  to  get  thoroughly  established  before  winter. 
Great  care  should  be  taken  after  planting  to  keep  the  surface  in  a 
pliable  state  by  stirring  or  hoeing  on  a  dry  day,  as  this  will  tend  to 
facilitate  their  growth.  The  taller  growing  varieties  should  be  secured 
by  small  sticks,  to  preserve  them  against  strong  winds.  At  the  end  of 
the  month,  pot  up  such  varieties  as  are  required  for  wintering  in  pots. 

Tulips. — Examine  the  bulbs,  and  if  not  previously  done,  let  them 
now  be  arranged  for  planting,  making  any  alterations  and  improvements 
noted  down  in  blooming  time.  New  varieties  should  now  be  procured, 
and  then  rearrange  them.  The  bed  should  now  be  prepared,  that  they 
may  be  got  in  about  the  1st  of  November. 

Vinery. — The  earliest  house  of  Vines,  if  Grapes  are  required  next 
April,  should  be  pruned  at  once,  the  Vines  dressed,  and  the  sashes  put 
on  towards  the  end  of  the  month,  previously  covering  the  border,  if  out- 
side, with  a  good  coat  of  leaves  or  Fern. 


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NOVEMBER.  321 

CAMELLIA  "  COUNTESS  OF  DERBY." 

(Plate  157.) 

This  truly  fine  Camellia,  like  many  others  of  our  best  varieties, 
is  of  Italian  origin,  Mr.  Veitch  having  imported  it  from  Italy 
during  the  autumn  of  1856.  Having  seen  the  plants  when  in 
bloom  last  spring,  we  can  answer  for  the  following  description, 
taken  from  Mr.  Veitch's  catalogue  just  published,  being  strictly 
correct : — "  The  flowers  are  of  immense  size,  and  of  a  clear 
white,  broadly  and  distinctly  flaked  with  deep  rose;  the 
individual  petals  are  of  fine  form  and  great  substance,  and 
most  beautifully  reflexed,  which  gives  the  flowers  an  effect 
second  to  no  other  in  cultivation.  It  is  of  vigorous  habit,  with 
foliage  of  a  peculiarly  rich  green."  Our  own  impression  when 
looking  at  the  plants  last  spring  was  that  it  was  the  finest 
Camellia  in  cultivation,  and  which  opinion  we  think  will  be 
borne  out  by  all  who  take  it  into  cultivation  when  it  comes  to 
bloom. 

In  our  May  number  we  gave  a  list  of  a  few  sterling  new 
varieties  which  all  growers  of  Camellias  should  have.  Quite 
as  much  has  been  done  by  way  of  improving  the  form  and 
properties  of  the  Camellia  as  with  the  Azalea,  Rhododendron, 
and  other  favourite  flowers  of  the  florist,  though  this  is  a  fact 
not  generally  known.  Take  a  few  kinds,  as  the  Double  White, 
Eimbriata,  Chandlerii,  Imbricata,  Colvillii,  Beali,  and  one  or 
two  others  from  the  old  collections,  and  the  rest  will  stand  no 
comparison  whatever  with  the  magnificent  kinds  now  to  be  had 
at  ordinary  prices.  The  new  kinds  being  principally  European 
hybrids  are  also  of  much  more  vigorous  habit  than  the 
originally  imported  species,  and  sooner  make  specimen  plants. 
We  have  before  alluded  to  the  great  value  of  the  Camellia 
to  country  residences  as  a  conservatory  plant  for  the  winter, 
and  also  for  decorating  corridors,  halls,  &c,  it  has  no  com- 
petitor ;  and  we  hope  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the  same 
care  and  attention  will  be  bestowed  on  it  as  is  now  done  in 
many  places  on  the  continent,  when  we  feel  satisfied  it  will  be 
as  highly  prized.  A  cool  shady  house  for  its  summer  growth, 
and  protection  from  frost  during  winter,  are  all  this  noble  tribe 
requires  to  form  those  magnificent  sjjecimens  which  they  are 
capable  of  becoming  when  otherwise  suitably  grown. 

In  a  note  on  this  Camellia,  Mr.  Veitch,  jun.,  informs  us 
that  it  is  at  present  profusely  covered  with  buds,  and  that  as 
he  has  propagated  it  extensively  he  hopes  soon  to  be  able  to 
send  it  out. 


VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXLIII. 


322  THE    FLORIST. 


STRAWBERRIES— ELEANOR,  NIMROD,  ADAIR. 

I  see  in  Strawberry  catalogues,  as  well  as  in  the  accounts  of  the 
British  Pomological  Society  in  your  August  number,  some  things 
which  I  think  are  incorrect.  Nimrod  is  said  to  be  like  Eleanor,  and 
"  difficult  to  be  distinguished  from  it."  "  Nimrod  (Pince),  was  so  like 
Adair,  both  in  fruit  and  foliage,  that  the  meeting  were  unable  to  dis- 
tinguish them."  Permit  me  to  observe,  that,  as  these  Strawberries 
grow  here,  they  are,  in  both  cases,  as  unlike  as  "  horses  and  hens." 
Eleanor  is  a  very  large,  flatfish,  wedge-coned  Strawberry — something 
like  a  wedge  that  you  split  wood  with,  a  little  rounded — with  seeds 
deeply  imbedded  and  far  distant :  its  colour  is,  when  properly  ripened, 
deep  red,  and  its  flesh  nearly  red  throughout.  Its  flavour  is  sharp,  and 
with  a  little  sugar  it  is  a  very  good  Strawberry,  and,  to  my  taste,  the 
noblest  that  I  have  yet  seen.  No  garden  should  be  without  it.  The 
leaf-stalks,  here,  appear  to  be  more  furry  or  pubescent  at  the  base  than 
those  of  Nimrod.  The  growth  also  of  the  plant  is  more  dwarf  and 
bushy,  and  the  leaves,  though  like  those  of  Nimrod,  are  more  taper, 
and  of  less  substance  than  those  of  Nimrod.  Mr.  May  and  Mr.  Ingram 
of  Blandford,  who  have  grown  both  Strawberries  for  some  years,  laugh 
at  the  assertion  that  Nimrod  is  ITeanor.  I  see,  moreover,  that  my 
Eleanor  and  Nimrod,  coming  from  a  totally  different  locality,  agree 
with  theirs,  both  as  to  plant  and  fruit.  Mr.  Gill,  nurseryman,  of 
Blandford,  gave  me  my  Nimrod,  unsolicited  ;  and  Mr.  Tiley  gave  me 
Eleanor,  Lecoq,  Vilmorin,  and  Adair,  unsolicited. 

Let  me  now  proceed  to  describe  Nimrod,  as  it  is  here.  Nimrod  is 
Queen-flavoured  and  sweet,  roundish,  long-coned,  and  of  a  pale  orange 
red.  It  is  a  very  excellent  Strawberry,  and  more  like  Carolina 
superba,  as  they  grew  under  last  summer's  sun  under  the  same  hot 
wall,  than  any  other,  the  leaves  of  the  two  being  very  different,  and 
Nimrod  being  much  hardier.  I  sent  some  fine  plants  of  it  to  Mr. 
Nicholson,  with  the  earth  on;  and  Mr.  F.  Gloede  has  also  taken  some 
similar  ones,  fine  uncropped  plants,  to  France  with  him,  as  well  as  other 
Strawberries,  one  of  which  you  may  hear  of  another  day.  I  must 
here  say,  that  I  do  not  dispute  the  correctness  of  the  decision  of  the 
Botanic  or  Pomological  Society,  as  to  the  fruits  and  plants  presented 
to  them  under  the  names  of  Nimrod  and  Adair,  but  I  mean  to 
assert  that  Nimrod  is  a  totally  distinct  Strawberry  from  Eleanor  and 
Adair. 

Now  let  us  come  to  Adair.  Adair  is  as  unlike  Nimrod,  in  foliage 
and  fruit,  as  a  "  pump  is  unlike  a  wheelbarrow."  Adair  is  a  roundish 
heart-shaped  Strawberry,  with  long  stems  and  vigorous  leaves,  some- 
what cupped ;  but  the  leaves  of  Nimrod  are  perfectly  flat.  There  is 
no  Queen  flavour  in  Adair,  nor  any  peculiar  flavour.  I  parted  with  it, 
though  a  heavy  cropping,  excellent  second-class  Strawberry,  because  I 
prefer  Trollope's  Victoria,  hardly  so  firm,  but  good  in  every  other 
respect.  With  regard  to  the  colour  of  Adair ;  a  little  shaded  on  south 
side  by  a  tree,  it  was  pale  reddish  blush,  and  not  "  dark  red."  Soil, 
situation,  and  different  suns  greatly  alter  the  colour  and  also  the  flavour 


NOVEMBER. 


323 


of  the  same  fruit.  Moreover,  the  same  plant,  placed  under  a  north 
wall  or  south,  assumes  a  different  character*  The  high  characters  of 
Messrs.  Pince,  Myatt,  and  Henderson  need  no  defence  from  me  ;  but 
it  is  due  to  them  to  issue  these  observations  in  relation  to  Eleanor, 
Nimrod,  and  Adair,  three  most  distinct  Strawberries. 

I  will  now  say  a  word  about  the  Rival  Queen,  which  I  bought  of 
Mr.  Tiley  in  1857,  I  believe  after  forcing,  but  I  am  not  sure.  They 
did  well  in  plant,  but  fruited  badly,  in  1858 ;  but  this  year  they  have 
flowered  and  fruited  nobly.  The  flavour  is  first-rate,  and  so  like  the 
Queen  that  it  would  probably  deceive  you  with  your  eyes  shut.  I  had 
two  fine  picked  dishes  at  my  "  Entertainment,"  and  all  who  tasted  it 
pronounced  it  to  be  delicious.  I  did  not  mention  it  in  my  last,  because 
one  visitor  here  said  he  did  not  think  the  plants  were  true  ;  but  now 
M.  Gloede  has  been  here,  and  cleared  up  that  point,  I  have  great 
pleasure  in  recommending  this  elegant  and  beautiful  coned  Strawberry, 
second  to  the  Queen  only  in  size  and  firmness,  but  superior  in  shape 
and  the  constitution  of  the  plant.  I  like  it  better  than  Carolina  superba, 
which  is  very  good  and  first-rate  ;  but  the  plant  has  hitherto  assumed 
those  canary  tints  which  show  its  near  relationship  to  the  noble  British 
Queen,  which  is,  praecipue  and  pre-eminens,  the  best  Strawberry  as 
yet  known  to  me.  Her  Majesty,  here,  as  usual,  is  of  all  colours 
— dense  green,  canary,  and  Farfugium  grande.  Hendrie's  seedling, 
raised  from  her,  is  exactly  like  her  in  plant  and  leaf,  but  a  much  better 
doer,  and,  if  good,  and  of  Queen  flavour,  will  be  greatly  increased  here. 
In  August  next  I  shall  be  able  to  report  on  several  new  white  seedlings, 
and  also  on  Leopold  and  some  others,  sent  to  me,  most  kindly,  by 
Mr.  Nicholson,  accompanied  by  a  desire  that  I  will  give  him,  after 
fruiting,  a  candid  opinion.  As  the  old  Hautbois  and  Queen  are  my 
touchstones  of  flavour,  they  will  have  to  pass  a  severe  ordeal,  but  I 
promise  to  be  candid.  My  friend,  M.  Gloede,  most  kindly  brought 
me  the  white  Brittany  Pine,  Ambrosia,  Malakoff,  and  others  ;  these, 
in  due  time,  I  shall  be  able  to  speak  of.  I  will  only  say  now,  in 
conclusion,  that  I  hope  that  what  I  have  said  will  not  be  taken 
amiss  ;  and  that,  if  I  am  wrong  in  the  above  remarks,  some  one 
who  has  had  more  experience  will  be  kind  enough  to  correct  me. 
M.  F.  Gloede,  whose  visit  was  too  short,  has  kindly  promised  to  come 
in  the  fruiting  season  for  a  week,  which  implies  a  compliment  more 
than  I  deserve.     He  is  a  talented  linguist  and  fragrarian. 

Rushton,  Oct.  16.  W.  F.  Radclyffe. 


BRUGMANSIA  SUAVEOLENS. 
Parties  having  large  conservatories  or  entrance  halls  to  decorate  in  the 
autumn,  will  find  this  one  of  the  most  useful  plants,  treated  as  under, 
If  commencing  with  a  young  plant  it  must  be  grown  on  as  much  as 
possible  the  first  year,  keeping  it  to  one  stem  ;  and  if  anything  like 
justice  has  been  done.it  will  attain  a  considerable  height,  so  that  the 
next  season's  routine  may  be  taken  as  the  annual  one.     In  March  or 


324  THE    FLORIST. 

April  cut  this  back  to  (say)  5  or  6  feet,  according  to  the  height  required, 
allowing  from  3  to  4  ftr  the  growth  of  the  young  shoots  before 
branching  out.  Shake  it  out,  and  repot  it  in  a  proportionate  sized  pot, 
giving  it  nothing  but  well-decayed  .Melon  ground  dung,  in  lumps,  and 
a  little  sand ;  if  convenient  to  the  parties,  give  a  little  bottom  heat,  that 
by  having  a  stock  it  gives  earlier  bloom,  but  this  is  by  no  means 
necessary  to  success ;  when  it  begins  to  break  all  the  shoots  must  be 
rubbed  off  but  one — in  this  and  the  dung,  I  consider,  lies  the  secret. 
For  three  months,  I  have  seen  from  twenty  to  eighty  blooms  out 
every  morning  on  this  young  shoot,  filling  the  air  with  perfume. 
The  older  the  plant  the  more  certain  the  success  as  to  large  blooms  and 
rich  dark  leaves. 

J.  F. 


LEASOWES,  THE  RESIDENCE  OF  THE  POET  SHENSTONE. 

This  place  is  famous  in  the  history  of  modern  landscape  gardening,  but 
very  little  is  known  of  its  details.  The  following  from  the  pen  of  Whately 
may  be  worth  preserving  : — 

"  Near  the  entrance  into  the  ground  this  walk  suddenly  plunges  into 
a  dark  narrow  dell,  filled  with  small  trees  which  grow  upon  abrupt 
and  broken  steeps,  and  watered  by  a  brook,  which  falls  among  roots 
and  stones  down  a  natural  cascade  into  the  hollow.  The  stream  at 
first  is  rapid  and  open  ;  it  is  afterwards  concealed  by  thickets,  and  can 
be  traced  only  by  its  murmurs  ;  and  gliding  then  between  little  groups 
of  trees,  loses  itself  at  last  in  a  piece  of  water  just  below.  The  end  of 
this  sequestered  spot  opens  to  a  pretty  landscape,  which  is  very  simple  ; 
for  the  parts  are  but  few,  and  all  the  objects  are  familiar ;  they  are 
only  the  piece  of  water,  some  fields  on  an  easy  ascent  beyond  it,  and  the 
steeple  of  a  church  above  them. 

"  The  next  scene  is  more  solitary  ;  it  is  confined  within  itself,  a  rude 
neglected  bottom,  the  sides  of  which  are  over-run  with  bushes  and 
Fern,  interspersed  with  several  trees.  A  rill  also  runs  through  this 
little  valley,  issuing  from  a  wood  which  hangs  on  one  of  the  declivities  ; 
the  stream  winds  through  the  wood  in  a  succession  of  cascades  down  a 
quick  descent  of  a  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  continuance  ;  Alders  and 
Hornbeam  grow  in  the  midst  of  its  bed ;  they  shoot  up  in  several 
stems  from  the  same  root,  and  the  current  trickles  amongst  them.  On 
the  banks  are  some  considerable  trees,  which  spread  but  a  chequered 
shade,  and  let  in  here  and  there  a  sunbeam  to  play  upon  the  water  ; 
beyond  them  is  a  slight  coppice,  just  sufficient  to  screen  the  spot  from 
open  view  ;  but  it  casts  no  gloom,  and  the  space  within  is  all  an  animated 
scene ;  the  stream  has  a  peculiar  vivacity,  and  the  singular  appearance 
of  the  upper  falls,  high  in  the  trees,  and  seen  through  the  boughs,  is 
equally  romantic,  beautiful,  and  lively.  The  walk  having  passed  through 
this  wood,  returns  into  the  same  valley,  but  into  another  part  of  it, 
similar  in  itself  to  the  former ;  and  yet  they  appear  to  be  very  different 
scenes,  from  the  conduct  only  of  the  path  ;  for,  in  the  one,  it  is  open, 


NOVEMBER.  325 

in  the  bottom,  and  perfectly  retired  ;  in  the  other,  it  is  on  the  brow  ;  it 
is  shaded,  and  it  overlooks  not  only  the  little,  wild  below,  but  some  corn 
fields  also  on  the  opposite  side,  which,  by  their  cheerfulness  and  their 
proximity,  dissipate  every  idea  of  solitude. 

"  At  the  extremity  of  the  vale  is  a  grove  of  large  forest  trees,  inclining 
down  a  steep  declivity ;  and  near  it  are  two  fields,  both  irregular,  both 
beautiful,  but  distinguished  in  every  particular  ;  the  variety  of  Leasowes 
is  wonderful ;  all  the  enclosures  are  totally  different ;  there  is  seldom  a 
single  circumstance  in  which  they  agree.  Of  these  near  the  grove, 
the  lower  field  comprehends  both  the  sides  of  a  deep  dip  ;  the  upper  is 
one  large  knoll ;  the  former  is  encompassed  with  thick  wood  ;  the  latter 
is  open  ;  a  slight  hedge,  and  a  serpentine  river,  are  all  its  boundaries. 
Several  trees,  single  or  in  groups,  are  scattered  over  the  swells  of  the 
ground  ;  not  a  tree  is  to  be  seen  on  all  the  steeps  of  the  hollow.  The 
path  creeps  under  a  hedge  round  the  one,  and  catches  here  and  there 
only  peeps  of  the  country.  It  runs  directly  across  the  other  to  the 
highest  eminence,  and  bursts  at  once  upon  the  view. 

"This  prospect  is  also  a  source  of  endless  variety  ;  it  is  cheerful  and 
extensive,  over  a  fine  hilly  country,  richly  cultivated,  and  full  of 
objects  and  inhabitants  ;  Hales  Owen,  a  large  town,  is  near ;  and  the 
Wrekin,  at  30  miles  distance,  is  distinctly  visible  in  the  horizon. 
From  the  knoll,  which  has  been  mentioned,  it  is  seen  altogether,  and 
the  beautiful  farm  of  the  Leasowes  is  included  in  the  landscape.  In 
other  spots,  plantations  have  been  raised,  or  openings  cut,  on  purpose 
to  shut  out,  or  let  in,  parts  of  it,  at  certain  points  of  view.  Just  below 
the  principal  eminence,  which  commands  the  whole,  is  a  seat,  where  all 
the  striking  objects  being  hid  by  a  few  trees,  the  scene  is  simply  a  range 
of  enclosed  country.  This  at  other  seats  is  excluded,  and  only  the  town, 
or  the  church,  or  the  steeple  without  the  church,  appears.  A  village, 
a  farm  house,  or  a  cottage,  which  had  been  unobserved  in  the  confusion 
of  the  general  prospect,  becomes  principal  in  more  contracted  views ; 
and  the  same  object  which  at  one  place  seemed  exposed  and  solitary,  is 
accompanied  at  another  with  a  foreground  of  wood,  or  backed  by  a 
beautiful  hill.  The  attention  to  every  circumstance  which  could  diver- 
sify the  scene  has  been  indefatigable  ;  but  the  art  of  the  contrivance  can 
never  be  perceived — the  effect  always  seems  accidental. 

"  The  transitions  also  are  generally  very  sudden  ;  from  this  elevated 
and  gay  situation,  the  change  is  immediate  to  sober  and  quiet  home 
views.  The  first  is  a  pasture,  elegant  as  a  polished  lawn,  in  size  not 
diminutive,  and  enriched  with  several  fine  trees,  scattered  over  ground 
which  lies  delightfully.  Just  below  it  is  a  little  waste,  shut  up  by  rude 
steeps  and  wild  hanging  coppices,  on  one  side  of  which  is  a  wood,  full  of 
large  timber  trees,  and  thick  with  underwood.  This  receives  into  its 
bosom  a  small  irregular  piece  of  water,  the  other  end  of  which  is  open  ; 
and  the  light  there  breaking  in  enlivens  all  the  rest,  even  where  trees 
overhang,  or  thickets  border  upon  the  banks,  though  the  reflection  of 
the  shadows,  the  stillness  of  the  water,  and  the  depth  of  the  wood, 
spread  a  composure  over  the  whole  scene  ;  yet  the  coolness  of  it  strikes  no 
chill ;  the  shade  spreads  no  gloom ;  the  retreat  is  peaceful  and  silent, 
but  not  solemn — a  refreshing  shelter  from  the  scorching  heat  of  noon, 


326  THE    FLORIST. 

without  suggesting  the  most  distant  idea  of  the  damp  and  the  darkness 
of  night. 

"  A  rill  much  more  gentle  than  any  of  the  former  runs  from  this 
piece  of  water  through  a  coppice  of  considerable  length,  dropping  here 
and  there  down  a  shallow  fall,  or  winding  about  little  pits,  in  which 
some  groups  of  small  trees  are  growing.  The  path  is  conducted  along 
the  bank  to  the  foot  of  a  hill,  which  it  climbs  in  an  awkward  zig-zag ; 
and  on  the  top  it  enters  a  straight  walk,  over-arched  with  trees ;  but 
though  the  ascent  and  terrace  command  charming  prospects,  they  are 
both  too  artificial  for  the  character  of  the  Leasowes.  The  path,  how- 
ever, as  soon  as  it  is  freed  from  this  restraint,  recovers  its  former 
simplicity,  and  descends  through  several  fields,  from  which  are  many 
pretty  views  of  the  farm,  distinguished  by  the  varieties  of  the  ground, 
the  different  enclosures,  the  hedges,  the  hedge-rows,  and  the  thickets, 
which  divide  them  ;  or  the  clumps,  the  single  trees,  and  now  and  then 
a  haystack,  which  sometimes  break  the  lines  of  the  boundaries,  and 
sometimes  stand  out  in  the  midst  of  the  pastures. 

"  At  the  end  of  the  descent  an  enchanting  grove  overspreads  a  small 
valley,  the  abrupt  sides  of  which  form  the  banks  of  a  lovely  rivulet, 
which  winds  along  the  bottom ;  the  stream  rushes  into  the  dell  by  a 
very  precipitate  cascade,  which  is  seen  through  openings  in  the  trees, 
glimmering  at  a  distance  among  the  shades  which  overhang  it ;  the 
current,  as  it  proceeds,  drops  down  several  falls,  but  between  them  it 
is  placid  and  smooth ;  it  is  everywhere  clear,  and  sometimes  dappled 
by  gleams  of  light ;  while  the  shadow  of  every  single  leaf  is  marked  on 
the  water,  and  the  verdure  of  the  foliage  above,  of  the  moss,  and  the 
grass,  and  the  wild  plants,  on  the  brink,  seems  brightened  in  the 
reflection  ;  various  pretty  clusters  of  open  coppice  wood  are  dispersed 
about  the  banks  ;  stately  forest  trees  rise  in  beautiful  groups  upon  fine 
swelling  knolls  above  them  ;  and  often  one  or  two  detached  from  the 
rest,  incline  down  the  slopes,  or  slant  across  the  stream.  As  the  valley 
descends,  it  grows  more  gloomy ;  the  rivulet  is  lost  in  a  pool,  which  is 
dull,  encompassed  and  darkened  by  large  trees ;  and  just  before  the 
stream  enters  it,  in  the  midst  of  a  plantation  of  Yews,  is  a  bridge  of 
one  arch,  built  of  a  dusky  coloured  stone,  and  simple  even  to  rudeness  ; 
but  this  gloom  is  not  a  black  spot,  ill-united  with  the  rest ;  it  is  only  a 
deeper  cast  of  shade ;  no  part  of  the  fence  is  lightsome;  a  solemnity 
prevails  over  the  whole,  and  it  receives  an  additional  dignity  from  an 
inscription  on  a  small  obelisk,  dedicating  the  grove  to  the  genius  of 
Virgil.  Near  to  this  delightful  spot  is  the  first  entrance  into  the 
grounds,  and  thither  the  walk  tends,  along  the  side  of  a  rill. 

"  But  it  would  be  injustice  to  quit  the  Leasowes  without  mentioning 
one  or  two  circumstances,  which,  in  following  the  course  of  the  walk, 
could  not  well  be  taken  notice  of.  The  art  with  which  the  divisions 
between  the  fields  are  diversified  is  one  of  them  ;  even  the  hedges  are 
distinguished  from  each  other ;  a  common  quickset  fence  is  in  one 
place  the  separation  ;  in  another,  it  is  a  lofty  hedge-row,  thick  from  the 
top  to  the  bottom;  in  a  third,  it  is  a  continued  range  of  trees,  with 
all  their  stems  clear,  and  the  light  appearing  in  the  intervals  between 
their  boughs  and  the  bushes  beneath  them ;  in  others,  these  lines  of 


NOVEMBER.  327 

trees  are  broken,  a  few  groups  only  being  left  at  different  distances  ; 
and  sometimes  a  wood,  a  grove,  a  coppice,  or  a  thicket,  is  the  apparent 
boundary,  and  by  them  both  the  shape  and  the  style  of  the  enclosure 
are  varied. 

"The  inscriptions  which  abound  in  the  place  are  another  striking 
peculiarity  ;  they  are  well  known  and  justly  admired  ;  and  the  elegance 
of  the  poetry,  and  the  aptness  of  the  quotations,  atone  for  their  length 
and  number ;  but,  in  general,  inscriptions  please  no  more  than  once ; 
the  utmost  they  can  pretend  to,  except  when  their  allusions  are  emble- 
matical, is  to  point  out  the  beauties,  or  describe  the  effects,  of  the  spots 
they  belong  to ;  but  those  beauties  and  those  effects  must  be  very  faint, 
which  stand  in  need  of  the  assistance.  Inscriptions,  however,  to  com- 
memorate a  departed  friend  are  evidently  exempt  from  this  censure  ; 
the  monuments  would  be  unintelligible  without  them  ;  and  an  urn,  in 
a  lonely  grove,  or  in  the  midst  of  a  field,  is  a  favourite  embellishment 
at  the  Leasowes.  They  are,  indeed,  amongst  the  principal  ornaments 
of  the  place,  for  the  buildings  are  mostly  mere  seats,  or  little  root- 
houses  ;  a  ruin  of  a  priory  is  the  largest,  and  that  has  no  peculiar 
beauty  to  recommend  it ;  but  a  multiplicity  of  objects  are  unnecessary 
in  the  farm  ;  the  country  it  commands  is  full  of  them,  and  every  natural 
advantage  of  the  place  within  itself  has  been  discovered,  applied,  con- 
trasted, and  carried  to  the  ucmost  perfection,  in  the  purest  taste,  and 
with  inexhaustible  fancy." 


THE  CAMELLIA. 
Within  the  last  thirty  years  or  so,  Camellias  have  been  planted  in  the 
open  air,  some  against  walls,  and  others  as  bushes ;  and  provided  they 
are  protected  a  little  after  planting,  till  their  roots  become  firmly  esta- 
blished in  the  soil,  they  stand  as  well  as  the  common  Laurel,  in  the 
climate  of  London.  In  Devonshire,  Camellias  have  grown  to  immense 
bushes  without  any  protection,  and  have  also  ripened  seeds,  from  which 
young  plants  have  been  raised.  Camellias,  however,  succeed  best  when 
treated  as  conservatory  plants  ;  that  is,  when  planted  in  an  open  border, 
under  glass,  just  protected  from  frost,  and  freely  exposed  to  light  and 
air ;  they  then  grow  to  large  evergreen  bushes,  covered  with  dense 
foliage,  upon  which,  as  on  a  lovely  background,  their  fine  flowers  are 
beautifully  relieved :  they  are  then  far  handsomer  objects  than  when 
their  roots  are  confined  within  the  limits  of  a  garden  pot  or  box.^ 

The  most  successful  and  generally  applied  method  of  increasing  this 
family,  is  by  grafting  or  inarching  ;  and  by  these  means  each  variety 
is  extended  and  perpetuated :  the  most  suitable  season  for  performing 
the  operation  is  in  spring,  when  the  plants  have  done  flowering,  and 
show  an  inclination  to  grow  ;  the  re-action  of  the  vital  powers  does  not 
however  take  place  in  all,  at  any  one  particular  time,  on  account  of 
Camellias  being  forced  into  bloom  at  different  periods  ;  this  point,  there- 
fore, I  consider  it  best  to  leave  to  the  good  judgment  and  practical 
experience  of  the  cultivator  ;  yet  those  that  are  done  in  the  latter  _  end 
of  March  and  beginning  of  April  will  be  most  successful.     Sometimes 


328  THE    FLORIST. 

they  are  increased  by  cuttings,  but  this  is  both  a  tedious  and  precarious 
method  of  obtaining  them,  especially  the  double  varieties.  It  is  only 
from  seeds  that  we  can  expect  new  varieties,  and  of  these,  the  single 
red  is  most  prolific  :  they  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  they  are  ripe,  in  a 
compost  of  one  part  loam,  one  part  leaf  mould,  one  part  heath  mould, 
and  one  part  silver  sand  ;  after  sowing,  plunge  the  pots  in  a  hot-bed, 
and  the  seeds  will  vegetate  in  a  month  or  six  weeks :  if,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  seeds  are  kept  long,  they  will  seldom  vegetate  in  less  than  a 
year,  and  the  greater  number  not  at  all.  Stocks  raised  from  seed  are 
the  best,  but  as  these  latter  are  seldom  produced  in  any  quantity  in  this 
country,  and  are  seldom  imported  in  a  fit  state  to  vegetate,  recourse  is 
had  to  some  other  source  for  the  almost  unlimited  number  annually 
required.  Layering  may  be  considered  as  the  best  means  of  meeting 
the  demand,  and  it  is  accordingly  much  resorted  to  ;  for  this  purpose 
stools  are  planted,  of  the  common  red  variety,  or  any  of  the  common 
sorts,  in  a  cold  frame  or  pit,  and  layers  are  made  of  the  young  wood  of 
the  previous  year,  which  will  root  freely,  and  make  good  stocks  the 
following  season. 

On  preparing  soil  for  the  Camellia,  various  opinions  have  been  enter- 
tained, and  two  growers  of  this  tribe  of  plant  can  scarcely  be  found  who 
entirely  agree  in  the  preparation  of  their  compost.  The  soil  used  by 
nurserymen,  and  that  used  by  gardeners,  ought  to  be  two  very  different 
compositions  :  the  nurseryman  is  looking  to  bulk  of  plant,  and  increase 
of  young  wood ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  gardener's  object  is  to 
increase  the  proportion  of  blossoms.  The  soil  most  suitable  for  growing 
the  Camellia,  and  producing  flowers,  is  two  parts  good  loam  from  a 
pasture,  and  two  parts  heath  mould,  which  ought  to  be  brought  to  the 
compost  yard  at  least  twelve  months  previous  to  its  being  used,  during 
which  time  it  should  be  freely  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  atmosphere, 
which  is  of  great  importance.  The  soil  ought  to  be  mixed,  and  broken 
with  the  spade,  never  resorting  to  the  detestable  and  often-practised 
plan  of  sifting,  which  carries  away  and  abstracts  the  decomposing 
fibrous  matter,  which  is  the  principal  support  of  plants  cultivated  in 
pots. 

The  soil  used  by  nurserymen  ought  to  be  that  recommended  above, 
for  seed  sowing,  which  if  used  with  the  addition  of  a  small  portion  of 
wTell-decomposed  cow-dung,  will  have  every  tendency  to  produce  young 
wood,  which  is  their  chief  object. 

In  potting  Camellias,  great  attention  should  be  paid  to  secure  a  free 
drainage,  a  circumstance  of  infinite  importance  to  their  welfare  :  also, 
so  to  place  the  potsherds  as  to  defy  the  entrance  of  the  earthworm, 
having  for  a  second  course  a  quantity  of  burnt  clay,  or  potsherds,  broken 
about  the  size  of  horse  beans  ;  and  finally,  a  layer  of  dry  sphagnum  or 
turf  not  decomposed,  the  quantity  of  each  to  be  regula.ed  by  the  size  of 
the  pots. 

When  the  plants  become  rather  large  they  may  be  placed  in  tubs,  in 
preference  to  large  pots,  if  there  is  not  the  convenience  of  a  conservatory 
border  for  them.  It  may  here  be  remarked  with  what  apparent 
pleasure  the  roots  cling  to  the  sides  of  a  tub  and  receive  refreshment, 
and  on  the  other  hand  how  speedily  they  return  whence  they  came, 


NOVEMBER.  329 

namely,  into  the  exhausted  ball  of  earth,  whenever  they  come  in  contact 
with  the  sides  of  a  pot. 

Various  opinions  are  also  held  as  to  what  season  of  the  year  is  fittest 
for  repotting  Camellias,  but  this,  I  think,  ought  also  to  range  under  two 
heads  :  the  one,  with  a  view  to  the  increase  of  wood,  and  the  other  that 
of  blossoms ;  for,  be  it  remembered,  the  production  of  wood,  and  of 
flowers,  are  two  very  different  affairs.  It  is  the  opinion  of  some  of  our 
most  practical  men  that  potting  should  be  performed  as  soon  as  they 
begin  to  grow  ;  this  is,  I  think,  most  applicable  to  the  nurseryman's 
course  of  treatment,  his  object  being  to  obtain  luxuriant  plants.  The 
best  season  to  repot  them,  to  obtain  a  profusion  of  bloom,  is,  as  soon  as 
the  young  wood  is  ripe,  or  nearly  so,  when  the  flower  buds  can  be 
observed.  It  is  a  good  rule  never  to  set  in  action  a  new  series  of  fibres, 
until  the  flower  buds  are  actually  formed,  but  if  the  plants  are  potted 
at  the  period  when  re-action  takes  place,  an  abundance  of  wood  and  few 
flower  buds  must  be  expected.  If  the  roots  are  matted,  be  particular  in 
leasing  them  out  at  the  bottom  with  the  hand,  and  apply  the  knife  as 
seldom  as  possible  ;  it  has  a  great  tendency  to  make  them  canker  and 
short-lived.  After  this  is  completed,  the  plants  may  be  placed  in  a 
north  aspect,  beside  a  wall,  or  they  may  be  placed  in  a  greenhouse, 
according  to  the  season  they  are  wanted  in  flower.  If  placed  in  a  house, 
a  free  current  of  air  is  indispensable.  At  all  times,  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  watering  of  them  properly,  more  particularly  during  the 
swelling  of  the  buds  ;  likewise  in  their  growing  season  they  ought  to  be 
plentifully  supplied  with  that  element. 

They  should  be  frequently  watered  overhead,  with  a  moderately  fine 
syringe,  so  as  to  wash  away  the  dust  from  their  leaves,  which  to  all 
plants  is  extremely  injurious,  as  by  falling  on  the  surface  it  stops  the 
pores  through  which  they  are  supposed  to  breathe,  which  must  conse- 
quently be  highly  detrimental  to  them. 

E.  P. 


ROSA    DEVONIENSIS     IN     PARTICULAR,    AND     OTHER 
ROSES  IN  GENERAL. 

Those  who  have  frequented  the  picture  galleries  of  Italy  must  have 
often  remarked  a  very  favourite  subject  of  the  Italian  masters — an 
unfortunate  man  tied  to  a  stake,  and  exhibiting  much  the  same  sort  of 
appearance  that  a  target,  on  some  crack  archery  tete  day  does,  arrows 
sticking  out  all  over  his  body,  making  him  look  more  like  the  "  fretful 
porcupine,"  than  would  be  consistent  with  comfort.  Such  a  St. 
Sebastian  (for  that  is  the  name  of  this  poor  martyr,  and  if  I  recollect 
aright  there  is  one  in  the  Dulwich  Gallery,  whose  existence  perhaps  is 
about  as  authentic  as  our  own  St.  George,  or  many  other  of  the  saint- 
ships,  which  have  emanated  from  the  same  mint)  it  seems  floriculturally 
I  am  to  be.  Your  correspondent,  Mr.  Willcocks,  takes  me  to  task  for  a 
wrong  done  to  that  splendid  rose  "  Devoniensis,"  by  giving  it  a  French 
instead  of  an  English  parentage;  then  comes  my  friend  "Iota,"  who 
turns  me  over  completely — philosophizes  on  my  errors,  and  then  calls 


330  THE    FLORIST. 

me  a  "  Parthian  "  (I  suppose  his  arrows  are  to  take  me  flying,  and  to 
stamp  me  as  a  runaway);  while,  when  I  turn  to  the  "Gossip  of  the 
Garden,"  I  find  another  friend  (save  me  from  my  friends!)  "<£,"  gives 
me  a  tremendous  castigation  on  the  same  score,  because  forsooth  I  am 
desirous  of  attempting  a  change  in  the  way  of  judging  Auriculas — more 
of  this  by  and  bye. 

But  now  let  me  say  a  word  on  the  subject  of  your  correspondent's 
letter  about  Devoniensis.  I  am  afraid,  though  a  very  good  gardener, 
he  is  not  a  lawyer  ;  he  has  never  had  to  hunt  up  a  pedigree,  or  prove 
a  case  before  a  court ;  he  has  never  experienced  the  delightful  sensation 
of  being  cross-examined  by  a  "  'cute"  lawyer,  and  after  being  spitted 
and  gibbeted — been  told,  "  no  hearsay,  if  you  please,  Sir,  speak  as  to 
facts,  not  what  you  think."  Let  him  imagine  then  a  sharp  practitioner, 
who  wishes  to  obtain  a  decent  little  property  for  a  client,  and  who  to  do 
that  has  to  consult  various  registers,  and  obtain  certificates  of  births, 
deaths,  &c.  He  has  been  very  successful  in  his  search,  has  got  a  nice 
bundle  of  them,  and  thinks  all  is  in  a  fair  train,  when  he  is  thrown  off 
the  scent,  by  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  one  marriage  certificate  ;  he 
consults  all  sorts  of  people,  they  tell  him  "Oh  yes!  they  know  all  about 
it,  they  believe  the  parties  were  married  in  Bubbleton  Church ; "  off  he 
goes,  no  such  thing — the  clerk  thinks  it  was  the  next  parish,  there 
again  he  fails ;  and  at  last  nonplussed  he  returns  to  his  chief,  and  says 
he  hears  and  understands  and  thinks.  "  Ah  !  my  good  friend,  that  won't 
do ;  we  must  have  the  proof,  or  our  case  fails."  Now,  when  I  began  to 
read  Mr.  Willcocks'  letter,  I  soliloquized — "  Well,  clearly  I  am  wrong, 
nothing  can  be  more  circumstantial  than  this,  and  I  shall  have  to 
apologize  in  the  next  number  of  the  t  lorist ;"  but,  as  I  went  on,  just 
where  the  interest  of  the  paper  was  greatest,  and  where  one  expected 
the  evidence  most  conclusively  to  overthrow  me,  a  gleam  of  hope  shot 
across  me.  Ah !  he  knows  all  about  the  pleasure  he  had — he  tells  very 
prettily  his  share  in  it ;  but,  when  he  comes  to  the  point,  happily  for 
me  he  fails,  he  understood,  he  says,  that  it  was  raised  from  seed.  Now, 
when  I  say  happily,  I  do  not  by  any  means  wish  to  take  away  from 
us  the  credit  of  having  reared  such  a  Rose,  but  one  does  not  like  to  find 
one's  self  in  the  wrong,  and,  until  Mr.  W.  can  give  better  evidence  than 
what  he  heard,  I  must  be  content  to  say  "  non  proven."  I  have 
certainly  seen  somewhere,  whether  in  Mr.  Kivers's  "  Rose  Guide  "  or 
not,  I  cannot  say — statements  to  the  effect  that  it  is  of  French  origin, 
the  presumption  is  in  favour  of  that ;  the  very  thickness  of  the  petal 
would  be  against  the  probability  of  such  a  flower  being  raised  in  this 
country ;  and  I  think  it  quite  as  likely  as  not,  that  the  brave  lieutenant 
picked  it  up  in  his  wanderings,  for  it  was  at  a  time  when  the  Rose  was 
not  so  much  thought  of  as  now,  when  English  growers  did  not  visit  the 
Continent  as  they  do  now — seize  on  everything  they  could,  and  then 
bring  home  a  Rose  and  call  it  after  their  own  name.  This  I  call  a 
take-in  ;  the  general  public  are  led  to  believe  that  it  was  raised  by  the 
person  whose  name  it  bears,  and  perhaps  are  soft  enough  to  think  that 
they  too  may  become  raisers  of  seedlings  that  are  to  bear  their  names. 
I  am  glad  to  find  that  Mr.  Standish  does  not  claim  Eugene  Appert  as 
his,  but  acknowledges  its  parentage.     Little  is  to  be  gained  by  sailing 


NOVEMBER.  331 

under  false  colours,  even  at  the  time,  and  by  and  bye  one  may  get  a 
sharp  blow,  which  would  have  been  avoided  if  strict  truth  had  been 
adhered  to ;  and,  while  upon  the  subject  of  Roses,  I  may  take  the 
opportunity  of  answering  the  questions  of  several  correspondents  as  to 
the  best  Roses — as  in  every  list  of  the  kind  that  I  may  give  I  do  not 
pledge  myself  that  they  will  please  everybody,  but  they  are  what  have 
pleased  me.     I  take  now  the  Hybrid  Perpetual  class : — 

Alexandrine  Bachmeteff,  bright  red,  a  free  blooming  and  good  growing  rose, 

inclined  to  show  the  eye. 
Alice  Leroy,  a  very  bright  pink,  full,  and  prettily  shaped  rose,  with  me  delicate 

in  growth,  and  therefore  better  as  a  dwarf  than  a  standard. 
Baronne  Prevost,  an  old  and  fine  rose,  true  rose  colour,  but  eclipsed  by  Colonel 

de  Rougemont,  in  the  same  style. 
Duchess  of  Norfolk,  rich  lively  crimson,  a  very  bright  flower. 
Colonel  de  Rougemont,  an  improved  Baronne  Prevost. 
Cardinal  Patrizzi,  a  bright  crimson  approaching  scarlet,  excellent. 
Comte  de  Nanteuil,  rose,  a  cupped  Coupe  d'Hebe  style  of  flower,  excellent  habit. 
Duke  of  Cambridge,  brilliant  red,  large-sized  flower. 
Eveque  de  Nimes,  brilliant  crimson,  a  beautiful  rosette  style  of  flower,  but  I  fear 

the  habit  of  the  plant  is  not  good. 
Geaut  des  Batailles,  still  an  indispensable  rose,  though  faulty  in  its  dying  off 

slaty,  and  with  me  inclined  to  die  out. 
General  Bedeau,  bright  red;  a  very  beautiful  rose. 

„        Brea,  bright  pink,  with  a  good  deal  of  the  habit  of  the  Bourbons  in  it. 
,,        Jacqueminot,  you  may  rind  fault  with  it  if  you  like,  but  you  must  have  it. 
„        Simpson,  a  very  beautifully  shaped  carmine-coloured  rose. 
J  ules  Margottiu,  large,  bright  crimson,  a  free  grower,  and  most  abundant  bloomer. 
Lord  Palmerston,  bright  carmiue;  as  jaunty  as  his  namesake,  but  of  his  habit  I 

know  nothing. 
Lord  Raglan,  a  well-shaped  crimson  rose,  but  I  do  not  think  it  deserves  to  be 

called  vivid,  as  there  is  a  dulness  about  it,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes. 
Eugene  Appert,   I  shall  be  disappointed  if  this  rose  do  not  eclipse  Geaut  and 

others  of  the  same  stock. 
Louise  Peyronney,  a  splendid  bright  rose,  shy  in  flowering,  but  grand  in  the 

Madame  Knorr,  bright  rose,  the  guard  petals  lighter  than  the  centre,  giving  it 
sometimes  the  appearance  of  Blairii  No.  2. 
„         Laffay,  a  fine  old  rose. 

„         Massou,  crimson  rose,  a  large  and  striking  flower. 
„         Rivers,  in  some  catalogues  marked  as  a  pillar  rose,  with  me  very  delicate, 

but  a  pretty  flesh-coloured  rose. 
„         Vidot,  a  very  beautifully  shaped  flesh-coloured  rose. 
Mathurin  Regnier,  an  improved  William  Griffiths. 
Paul  Dupuy,  a  charming  rose,  rather  delicate  in  growth. 
Prince  Leon,  a  lovely  flower,  too  well  known  to  need  a  word  in  its  favour. 
Souvenir  de  la  Reine  d'Angleterre,  a  vigorous  growing,  large,  but  somewhat 

coarse  rose. 
Triomphe  de  Paris,  dark  crimson  ;  a  fine  free-growing  variety. 

l'Exposition,  brilliant  crimson,  flower  cupped,  habit  of  plant  excellent 
','        des  Beaux  Arts,  a  bright  crimson  and  warm-looking  flower. 
Victor  Trouillard,  a  very  dark  well-filled  crimson  flower. 
William  Griffiths,  a  good  old  and  indispensable  flower. 
Arthur  de  Sansal,  deep  purplish  crimson,  a  well-shaped  rose. 
Prince  de  la  Moskowa,  the  darkest  Hybrid  Perpetual  grown,  very  striking. 
Emperor  Napoleon,  nearly  scarlet,  and  very  beautiful. 

I  do  not  think  that  any  of  these  36  Roses  would  disappoint  a  grower, 
most  of  them  I  have  in  growth,  and  all  but  two  or  three  I  have  seen  in 
various  places,  and  I  think  they  can  be  with  confidence  recommended. 
Deal,  October  IS.  D- 


332  THE    FLORIST. 


CHINESE  YAM. 
Messrs.  Ivery  &  Son,  Dorking,  exhibited  to  the  Horticultural  Society, 
last  year,  som^  fine  tubers  of  the  Dioscorea  Batatas,  accompanied  by 
the  following  letter  :  — 

"  We  have  sent  nine  roots  of  Dioscorea  Batatas.  The  three  largest 
were  obtained  from  whole  roots  planted  the  first  week  in  April, 
and  then  weighed  about  1  lb.  each.  The  other  six  roots  were  obtained 
from  cut  sets  planted  at  the  same  time,  and  side  by  side.  The  ground 
was  trenched  to  the  depth  of  3  feet,  and  had  a  good  coat  of  hot-bed 
manure ;  they  were  planted  1  foot  apart  in  the  row,  and  2|  feet 
between  the  rows  (there  being  only  two  roots).  When  they  began  to 
grow  we  had  them  sticked  with  pea-sticks,  but  for  these  the  plants  soon 
got  too  strong,  and  we  then  had  placed  between  the  two  rows  some  fir- 
poles,  to  which  the  plants  soon  clung,  as  the  points  of  the  shoots  twist 
round  the  pole,  in  the  same  manner  as  those  of  the  hop.  The  foliage 
of  the  plant  is  very  ornamental ;  and  the  bloom,  though  small,  is  very 
fragrant." 

The  largest  of  the  tubers  weighed  4  lb.,  and  when  taken  up  4  lb.  6  oz. 
The  above  mode  of  cultivation  may  therefore  be  recommended.  It  is 
reasonable  to  suppose,  that,  as  the  plant  is  adapted  for  twining,  its 
foliage  will  be  in  a  more  natural  position,  and  better  exposed  to  light, 
when  elevated,  than  if  left  to  trail  on  the  damp  soil,  and  that  it  will 
consequently  the  better  elaborate  the  sap  for  the  production  of  roots  of 
large  size,  and  superior  quality. 


PLANTING   AND    PLANTATIONS. 

{Continued  from  page  302.) 

The  result  of  mixing  deciduous  and  evergreen  trees  in  the  same  planting 
is  to  mar  the  effect  of  the  whole,  more  especially  in  winter;  for,  when 
viewed  from  a  distance,  the  naked  stems  of  the  deciduous  plants  give  the 
appearance  of  so  many  blanks  between  the  evergreens,  and  destroy  the 
massiveness  which  groups  of  evergreens  should  present  at  that  season ; 
and  which,  viewing  them  as  component  parts  of  landscape  scenery, 
should  by  all  means  be  kept  unbroken.  The  great  beauty  and  utility 
of  evergreens  is  best  studied  and  appreciated  in  winter ;  not  only  do 
they  afford  shelter  and  retreats  from  the  cold  winds  of  our  climate  at 
that  season,  but  they  enliven  the  scenery  by  their  cheerful  expression, 
and  on  bright  sunny  days  give  animation  to  the  landscape  by  the  play 
of  light  on  their  foliage,  caused  by  the  reflection  of  the  sun's  rays  from 
the  surface  of  their  leaves,  and  which,  when  put  in  motion  by  a  breeze, 
afford  a  striking  contrast  to  the  general  torpor  of  vegetation  around. 
What  is  more  beautiful  in  the  depth  of  winter  and  early  spring  than  to 
view  large  masses  of  evergreens,  even  of  the  commonest  kinds,  such  as  we 
now  and  then  see  surrounding  some  old-fashioned  residence,  bestowing 
a  warmth  and  tone  about  the  place  which  no  other  kind  of  embellish- 
ment can  give,  and  forcing  the  idea  upon  us  of  the  agreeable  shelter 


NOVEMBER.  333 

they  afford  to  the  mansion  they  embower,  as  well  as  improving  the 
general  scenery  of  the  locality.  Under  almost  every  arrangement  of 
ornamental  planting  we  would  keep  each  class  separate.  Groups  of 
flowering  shrubs  and  ornamental  leaved  plants  may  be  introduced  under 
certain  restrictions  in  the  foreground  of  planting  intended  to  be  backed 
by  evergreens  ;  but  they  should  not  interfere  with  any  landscape  feature 
it  is  desirable  the  evergreens  should  assume,  so  that,  while  adding 
to  the  interest  of  the  whole  during  summer,  they  will  not  detract  from 
it  in  the  winter,  when  their  own  powers  of  pleasing  are  over.  What 
more  effectual  means  (where  a  certain  amount  of  colour  is  required  at 
particular  seasons)  is  there  of  showing  to  advantage  the  glowing  tints 
of  the  Azalea,  or  the  graceful  forms  of  some  species  of  Spiraea,  or  the 
rich  scarlet  pervading  the  dying  leaves  of  the  Sumach,  than  a  deep 
background  of  evergreens,  provided  these  latter  are  planted  so  as  to  employ 
the  foreground  ot  deciduous  shrubs  to  assist  merely  in  giving  the 
colour  wanted,  without  weakening  the  effect  of  the  evergreen  masses 
behind  them  in  winter. 

But  there  are  very  few  places  or  situations  where  the  massing  or 
planting  of  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs  by  themselves  cannot  be  carried 
out,  and  then  it  is  we  see  how  completely  they  are  suited  for  producing 
the  most  striking  display  of  flowers  and  foliage  in  their  season.  Such 
combinations  should  not  be  introduced  in  sight  of  the  principal  windows 
of  the  mansion,  for  the  reason,  that  groups  of  this  character  will  have  a 
cold  and  somewhat  formal  appearance  during  winter,  owing  to  the  naked 
ground  which  would  be  visible  on  the  margin  of  their  foreground. 
But  in  their  proper  situation,  as  an  ornament  to  the  pleasure  grounds 
or  shrubbery,  what  a  rich  glow  of  colour  may  be  produced  by  selecting 
the  most  showy  species  of  Azalea,  Spiraea,  Hibiscus,  Syringa,  Cytisus, 
Genista,  Cistus,  Amygdalus,  Ribes,  Wistaria,  Weigela,  Lonicera, 
Magnolias,  &c,  and  grouping  them  with  Acers,  Acacias,  Cercis, 
Aralias,  the  Leycesteria,  Rhus,  Quercus,  Liriodendrons,  Edwardsias, 
Koelreuteria,  &c,  with  aforeground  of  Hypericums,  tree  and  common 
Pseonies,  Helianthemums,  dwarf  Cistus,  and  Clematis  (pegged  down), 
with  occasional  patches  of  Roses.  We  have  never  seen  this  tried  on 
the  large  scale  the  plan  deserves,  but  groups  of  this  character  would 
unquestionably  produce  during  summer  and  autumn  a  grand  effect  ; 
while  by  careful  attention  to  the  time  of  flowering,  and  the  height  and 
habit  of  each  species,  the  utmost  harmony  might  be  kept  up,  and 
the  groups  made  to  assume  any  particular  outline  called  for  by  the 
natural  or  artificial  character  of  the  surrounding  scenery. 

To  carry  out  this  system  to  its  highest  limits,  as  regards  the  pro- 
duction of  bloom,  good  culture  would  be  necessary.  Many  of  the 
species,  to  grow  them  well,  require  liberal  manurings ;  others,  as  the 
Azaleas,  a  particular  soil;  and  some,  annual  prunings.  These  are 
points  which  are,  however,  easily  managed,  and  common  to  all  kinds  of 
gardening. 

While  the  above  system  would  constitute  a  principal  feature  of  the 
summer  garden,  evergreens  alone  would  furnish  the  winter  and  early 
spring  scenery  with  the  grandest  exhibition,  and  one  giving  more 
characteristic  expression  to  the   grounds ;  for,  by  studying  the  outline 


334  THE    FLORIST. 

and  shade  of  colour  of  each  species,  the  planter  might  fairly  reckon  on 
producing  a  scenic  effect  which,  although  perfectly  distinct  from  that 
produced  by  deciduous  trees,  would  be  equally,  perhaps  more  really 
beautiful  than  the  former,  with  the  advantage  of  even  a  larger  field  of 
materials  to  work  with,  for  we  may  select  from  evergreens  every  shade 
of  green,  including  the  sombre  hue  of  Pinus  pichta,  the  Irish  Yew,  and 
Garrya  elliptica,  and  the  softest  shades  of  silver  grey,  as  witnessed  in 
Abies  Menziesi,  the  Swedish  Juniper,  Sabine's  Pine,  and  Abies  Bruno- 
niana ;  then  there  is  the  warm  green  of  Pinus  insignis  and  P.  tuber- 
culata,  the  peculiar  glaucous  hue  of  many  varieties  of  Cedar,  the  full 
deep  green  of  Abies  grandis  and  Nordmanniana.  We  might  carry 
these  remarks  much  further,  but  conclude  by  pointing  to  the  warm 
yellow  tints  of  the  dwarf  Corsican  Pine,  the  gold-striped  Yew,  and 
variegated  White  Cedar,  to  the  many  beautiful  forms  of  variegation 
met  with  in  the  Holly,  the  Euonymus,  and  some  other  evergreen 
plants,  as  affording  the  planter  every  gradation  of  tint,  from  the  deepest 
green  to  a  rich  golden  yellow  and  silver  grey,  and  leaving  him  the 
power  to  employ  each  as  judgment  may  direct  for  producing  pictorial 
effect  of  the  highest  class — an  effect  totally  lost  by  the  indiscriminate 
principle  of  modern  planting. 

Then,  as  regards  habit,  what  variety  of  form  and  outline  do  not 
evergreens  give  us.  The  spiral  form  of  the  upright  Cypress  holds  the 
same  position  among  evergreens  as  the  Lombardy  Poplar  among 
deciduous  trees  ;  while  the  sharp  outline  of  the  Irish  Yew  and  giant 
Cephalotaxus,  with  the  more  graceful  and  perhaps  more  beautiful 
Swedish  Juniper,  make  them  indispensable  accompaniments  to  archi- 
tectural gardening ;  and  also  for  breaking  up,  and  contrasting  with 
round-headed  trees  and  shrubs,  for  which,  on  a  large  scale,  the  large 
Californian Cypress  (C.  Lambertiana)  will  equally  apply.  Abies  grandis, 
pichta,  and  Nordmanniana  are  admirably  adapted,  from  their  dense 
habit  and  dark  foliage,  for  forming  the  back  ground  of  plantations  ;  each 
belongs  to  what  may  be  termed  the  pyramidal  section,  and  their  repre- 
sentatives among  the  round-headed  Pines  will  be  Pinus  Benthamiana, 
austriaca,  Montezuma?,  and  the  Pinaster  and  Stone  Pines,  P.  insignis 
and  radiata  holding  an  intermediate  place.  The  Cedars  may  occasionally 
be  grouped,  but  their  characteristic  habit  is  best  developed  when  planted 
singly  ;  they  may  be  sparingly  admitted  in  the  foreground  of  large  masses 
and  plantations,  more  especially  the  Deodar  and  Mount  Atlas  Cedar ; 
but  the  Cedar  of  Lebanon  harmonises  completely  with  no  other 
vegetable  form,  and  requires  the  ground  to  itself,  unless  when  planted 
where  it  can  be  said  to  ally  itself  with  the  simple  but  grand  forms  of 
the  classic  school  of  architecture,  for  which  it  is  admirably  adapted. 

By  a  rather  singular  coincidence,  the  Coniferous  tribe,  while  fur- 
nishing the  most  gigantic  forms  of  vegetation  to  be  met  with  on  the 
surface  of  the  globe,  and  as  such  adapted  for  the  grandest  situations 
where  trees  will  grow,  supply  us  also  with  specimens  equally  suited  for 
the  villa,  the  parsonage,  and  the  ferme  ornee.  Pinus  Mugho  rarely 
attains  20  feet  in  height,  with  all  the  characteristics  of  an  old  tree  ; 
Pinus  pumilio  is  yet  dwarfer ;  Abies  orientalis  is  a  dwarf  and  elegant 
form  of  the  common  Spruce,  and  there  are  many  other  dwarf  varieties 


NOVEMBER,  335 

of  the  same  species.  A.  pinsapo  and  cephalonica  are  both  invaluable 
for  specimens  on  small  lawns,  as  well  as  for  working  in  with  others. 
Juniperus  recurva  and  caucasica  are  beautiful  weeping  plants  of  mode- 
rate growth,  and  Juniperus  phcenicea  and  thurifera  are  equally  striking 
for  situations  where  room  is  an  object. 

The  length  of  our  remarks  on  Coniferce  must  prevent  our  noticing  at 
length  the  many  handsome  varieties  of  Holly,  Yew,  Box,  Berberry, 
Mahonia,  Euonymus,  Phillyrea,  and  others ;  and  also  of  that  im- 
portant class  called  American  plants,  of  which,  however,  only  the 
hardier  kinds,  which  grow  freely  and  mass  well  together,  can  the 
planter  notice,  these  form  round-headed  groups  with  a  dense  habit, 
valuable  for  working  in  with  other  plants,  independent  of  their  flowers, 
which  constitute  them  a  great  feature  in  May  and  June.  In  thus 
bringing  forward  what  we  consider  would  be  an  improvement  in  much  of 
our  present  mode  of  making  plantations  and  shrubberies,  we  feel  we 
have  only  entered  on  the  threshold  of  a  most  important  subject,  and  one 
which  we  shall  be  glad  to  hear  is  taken  up  by  those  who  have  the  spirit 
to  break  through  the  old  rules  of  planting,  and  to  substitute  a  more 
rational  and  higher  class  style  of  art  in  its  stead. 


PRUNING  AND  TRAINING  THE  VINE. 

To  several  inquiries  which  have  reached  us  on  this  subject,  the  fol- 
lowing will  be  found  a  satisfactory  reply.  It  is  from  Thompson's 
"  Gardener's  Assistant,"  an  excellent  work  just  completed,  and  of 
which  we  have  spoken  favourably  in  former  numbers. 

"  The  mode  of  bearing  in  the  Vine  is  very  different  from  that  of 
many  other  kinds  of  fruit-trees.  In  the  Peach,  for  example,  no  fruit  is 
borne  on  the  young  shoots  of  the  current  year,  but  on  these  blossom-buds 
are  formed  for  fruiting  in  the  following  season ;  and  it  can  be  perceived  in 
winter  where  fruit  will  be  situated  in  the  summer,  provided  no  accident 
occur.  Such  is  not  the  case  with  the  Vine  ;  a  shoot  may  push  from  an 
unseen  latent  eye  in  the  old  wood,  and  on  this  shoot  as  it  grows,  whilst 
young  and  tender,  the  rudiments  of  a  bunch  may  be  seen ;  and 
frequently,  as  the  same  shoot  proceeds  in  growth,  a  second  bunch,  or 
more,  will  sometimes  be  formed.  A  young  shoot  may  this  year  grow 
to  the  length  of  15  or  20  feet,  and  having  been  shortened  to  10  or  12 
feet  by  cutting  off  the  more  recently  formed,  and  consequently  least 
matured  portion,  an  eye  or  bud  will  be  found  in  the  axil  of  every  leaf 
on  that  which  remains.  Next  season  it  is  possible  that  on  this  shoot, 
or  rod,  as  it  is  termed,  every  eye  may  develop  a  young  shoot  which  will 
bear  one  or  two  bunches  of  Grapes.  Thus,  any  young  shoot  of  a  Vine, 
whether  proceeding  from  a  bud  on  the  last  year's  shoot,  or  from  older 
wood,  is  eligible  for  bearing  fruit.  Therefore,  whether  we  leave  the 
last  year's  shoots  long,  or  short,  or  cut  them  back  to  within  a  few  eyes 
of  their  bases,  or  even  to  the  lowest  eye,  still  on  the  shoot  or  shoots 
which  push  there  may  be  fruit.  It  is  necessary  to  bear  in  mind,  that 
if  the  sap  finds  plenty  of  eyes  on  young  rods  of  the  preceding  season's 


336  THE    FLORIST. 

growth,  it  will  not  readily  push  latent  eyes  from  old  wood.  Some 
principally  depend  on  the  last  year's  shoots  for  bearing  the  crop,  leaving 
a  few  at  considerable  length  for  that  purpose ;  others  do  the  same, 
cutting  them  back,  however,  to  shorter  lengths  and  leaving  more  of 
them  ;  whilst  many  adopt  the  system  of  cutting  back  all  the  last  year's 
wood  nearly  close  to  the  stem.  Accordingly  there  are  three  systems  in 
use,  termed  the  long-rod,  the  short-rod,  and  the  spur  systems,  and 
there  are  various  intermediate  modifications  of  these.  It  must  be 
admitted  that  good  crops  have  been  obtained  for  several  years  in  suc- 
cession by  each  of  the  above  methods ;  and  that  being  the  case,  it  is 
evident  that  productiveness  does  not  absolutely  depend  on  the  adoption 
of  any  particular  mode  of  training.  Whatever  this  may  be,  the  pro- 
duction of  foliage,  and  its  maintenance  in  an  efficient  state,  should  be 
the  primary  consideration.  As  regards  the  culture  of  the  Vine  under 
glass,  some  that  get  credit  for  being  goo&  fruit  growers  are  not  in  all 
cases  good  leaf  growers.  A  person  may  obtain  large  crops  of  fruit  for 
a  few  years  if  he  have  strong  well-  conditioned  Vines  to  commence  with ; 
but  if  the  quantity  of  foliage  he  maintains  be  not  equal  to  supply  the 
roots  with  a  due  share  of  elaborated  sap,  a  general  weakness  will 
ensue.  Roots  under  certain  circumstances  will  continue  to  grow  for  a 
time,  although  there  be  no  leaves  on  the  plant ;  but  the  growth  of 
roots  cannot  be  long  carried  on  independent  of  the  leaves.  If  the 
foliage  is  scanty,  the  roots  will  be  few  ;  if  unhealthy,  the  roots  will 
soon  become  unhealthy  too.  The  amount  of  foliage  should  be  as  much 
as  can  possibly  be  well  exposed  to  light,  of  course  more  or  less  according 
to  the  surface  of  glass.  So  far  then  as  regards  the  essential  principle  of 
maintaining  the  Vine  in  a  healthy  vigorous  state,  that  mode  of  pruning 
and  training  is  the  best  which  admits  of  the  greatest  amount  of  foliage 
being  exposed  to  light.  In  order  to  turn  the  structure  to  the  best 
account,  as  great  an  amount  as  possible  of  the  light  transmitted  through 
the  glass  should  act  upon  the  foliage.  We  do  not,  of  course,  mean  that 
the  leaves  should  form  a  close  green  canopy  under  the  glass  through 
which  no  direct  solar  rays  could  penetrate,  and  below  which  all  would 
be  darkness  ;  on  the  contrary,  there  ought  to  be  numerous  openings 
clear  of  foliage,  so  that  the  whole  of  the  interior  of  the  house  may  be 
light.  Under  one  sash  the  leaves  should  not  be  crowded,  whilst  below 
others  there  are  none.  Whatever  mode  of  training  we  may  choose  to 
adopt,  these  observations  should  be  borne  in  mind  ;  for,  by  acting  in 
accordance  with  them,  Vines  will  be  kept  long  in  good  health  and 
bearing,  instead  of  being  ruined,  as  is  frequently  the  case  when,  in 
training,  the  importance  of  the  foliage  is  overlooked. 

"  Long '-rod  System. — By  this  it  is  generally  admitted  that  larger 
bunches  are  obtained  than  by  the  spur  system  ;  but  for  a  greater 
weight  of  fruit  under  the  same  extent  of  glass  the  latter  is  preferred. 
In  long-rod  pruning  the  principle  is  to  train  a  shoot  of  the  last  year's 
growth  for  producing  shoots  to  bear  fruit  in  the  current  year,  shortening 
it  more  or  less  according  to  its  strength.  From  the  buds  formed  on  it 
last  season,  young  shoots  will  push  and  bear  fruit  in  the  present. 
After  bearing,  this  rod  is  cut  away ;  thus  all  the  two-years  old  wood  is 
dispensed  with,  provided  it  is  not  required  to  furnish  the  upper,  part  of 


NOVEMBER.  337 

the  house.  As  by  this  system  the  two-years  old  rods  have  to  be  cut 
away  in  the  autumn,  young  shoots  must  be  trained  up  during  the 
summer,  in  order  to  be  ready  to  replace  them  ;  and  these,  in  their  turn, 
are  cut  out  in  the  autumn  of  the  following  season,  and  are  then  replaced 
by  shoots  of  that  summer's  growth.  Long-rod  training  in  its  simplest 
form  is  accomplished  as  follows  : — 

"  Plant  the  Vine,  train  up  one  shoot,  and  when  the  leaves  have  fallen 
prune  it  back  to  the  bottom  of  the  rafter.  In  the  next  season  train  up 
only  two  of  the  best  shoots,  and  when  they  have  completed  that  season's 
growth  cut  one  of  them  back  to  two  eyes  at  the  base.  The  shoot  left 
at  greatest  length  will  likely  bear  some  fruit ;  the  other,  cut  back  to 
two  eyes,  will  produce  two  shoots.  In  autumn  the  one  which  bore  the 
fruit  should  be  cut  out ;  one  of  the  two  young  shoots  cut  back  according 
to  its  strength,  will  supply  its  place,  and  the  other  young  shoot  must  be 
cut  back  to  two  eyes.  '  This  mode  of  pruning  and  training  is  appli- 
cable principally  to  those  houses  where  the  rafters  only  are  to  be 
occupied  by  the  Vine,  as  over  the  Pine-pit,  or  where  other  crops  are 
cultivated  in  the  body  of  the  house  ;  but  when  it  is  intended  to  occupy 
the  whole  roof,  this  system  may  still  be  adopted,  by  extending  the  Vine 
on  each  side  of  the  rafter,  till  it  meets  that  from  the  adjoining  one ;  or, 
the  Vine  may  be  divided  at  the  bottom  of  the  rafter,  on  its  first 
training,  and  formed  with  two  principals  on  each  side,  making  four 
principals  to  each  Vine.  If,  however,  the  Vines  should  consist  of  the 
larger  fruited  class,  such  as  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Black  Hamburgh, 
or  Syrian,  &c,  one  principal  on  the  rafter,  and  one  on  each  side  will  be 
much  better  than  more-  It  may  likewise  be  necessary  to  extend  this 
system  still  further,  where  the  house  is  large,  and  has  a  great  length  of 
rafter,  which  may  be  done  by  forming  a  second  series  one- half  the  way 
up  the  rafter.' — Lindleys  Guide,  p.  224. 

"  In  carrying  up  a  stem,  to  furnish  shoots  for  the  upper  part  of  the 
house,  that  stem  will  be  naked  between  the  parts  where  shoots  proceed 
to  furnish  the  lower  part.  To  these  naked  portions  of  stem  the  young 
wood  of  the  lower  series  may  be  closely  trained,  for  naked  wood  does 
not  require  light. 

"  Short-rod  System. — Instead  of  training  rods  at  considerable  length 
for  bearing,  some  prefer  short  rods,  treating  them  on  the  same  system 
of  cutting  out  the  shoots  which  have  borne,  and  supplying  their  places 
with  young  shoots  trained  up  for  that  purpose. 

"  Mr.  Roberts'  selects  buds  for  the  origin  of  spurs  alternately  on 
each  side  of  a  shoot  which  is  allowed  to  progress  to  the  top  of  the  house, 
and  he  removes  the  other  buds  on  each  side,  but  so  that  those  retained 
on  one  side  may  be  situated  about  half-way  between  those  left  on  the 
other.  About  two-thirds  of  the  buds  are  thus  removed  ;  those  retained 
being  situated  alternately  on  the  right  and  left  sides  of  the  shoot.  The 
operation  of  disbudding  is  performed  when  the  wood  is  nearly  mature, 
by  cutting  out  the  bud  in  the  axil  of  the  leaf,  taking  care  not  to  injure 
the  latter.  The  buds  left  push,  and  generally  bear  in  the  following 
season  ;  in  summer  they  are  stopped  one  joint  beyond  the  fruit,  and  in 
autumn  are  cut  back  to  two  eyes.  These  produce  two  shoots,  one  of 
which  is  allowed  to  bear  fruit,  and  the  other  is  not.     At  the  autumn 

VOL.    XIII.,    NO.    CXLIII.  Z 


333  THE    FLORIST. 

pruning  the  shoot  which  bore  fruit  is  cut  back  to  one  eye  at  its  base  ; 
the  other  is  shortened  to  two,  three,  or  four  eyes,  cutting  above  a  bold 
prominent  bud  for  fruiting,  and  those  below  are  cut  clean  out,  with  the 
exception  of  one  at  the  base,  which  is  allowed  to  grow  for  succession, 
but  not  to  bear  fruit.  There  are  left  then,  on  the  shortened  shoot,  only 
one  bud  at  top  to  bear  fruit,  and  one  at  the  base  for  a  succession  shoot. 

"  Spur  System. — This  is  becoming  the  most  general.  The  Vines 
are  usually  planted  so  that  one  can  be  trained  up  each  rafter  ;  but  some 
train  them  up  the  middle  of  the  sash,  and  this  we  believe  to  be  the 
preferable  mode,  because  in  spur  training  the  shoots  are  cut  back  to 
buds  close  to  the  stem,  and  for  the  sake  of  the  buds  the  leaves  next  the 
stem  should  be  well  exposed  to  light.  Under  the  rafter  the  stem  is 
partially  shaded,  whereas,  in  the  middle  of  the  sash,  it  is  in  the  best 
position  for  the  shoots  proceeding  from  it  being  immediately  acted  upon 
by  the  light.  A  Vine  may  therefore  be  introduced  at  that  point,  and 
trained  in  an  upward  direction  ;  and  care  should  be  taken  that  shoots 
are  encouraged  alternately,  by  removing  two  buds  and  leaving  one,  or, 
in  some  cases,  by  retaining  every  other  bud. 

"  When  the  young  shoots  push  let  them  be  gently  brought  to  a  hori- 
zontal position,  by  bending  them  a  little  at  a  time,  but  so  as  not  to 
break  them.  Frequently,  opposite  the  fourth  leaf,  the  rudiments  of  a 
bunch  will  be  developed.  The  leaf  directly  opposite  the  bunch  must 
always  be  preserved.  Some  stop  the  young  shoot  at  one  joint  or  leaf 
beyond  the  fruit,  and  some  at  two  joints.  It  seems  to  be  of  little 
importance,  as  regards  the  swelling  of  the  bunch,  at  which  it  is  done, 
and  hence,  many  good  gardeners  are  not  very  particular  whether  they 
stop  at  one  or  two  joints.  Where  there  is  plenty  of  room  for  the 
foliage  to  expand  fully,  we  would  say  stop  at  two  joints  ;  for  the  sap 
elaborated  by  the  additional  leaf  will  go  to  strengthen  the  Vine,  and 
increase  its  roots.  On  the  other  hand,  if  stopping  above  the  second  leaf 
beyond  the  fruit  would  render  the  foliage  crowded,  then,  by  all  means 
stop  at  one  leaf.  After  stopping,  laterals  will  push  ;  they  may  be 
stopped  above  their  first  or  second  joints. 

"  Thinning. — This  is  sometimes  necessary  as  regards  the  bunches  ; 
and  in  all  cases  the  berries  ought  to  be  properly  thinned  out  and  regu- 
lated. When  more  bunches  are  formed  than  the  Vine  can  bring  to 
perfection,  those  which  are  superabundant  should  be  reduced  in  an 
early  stage  of  their  growth,  at  all  events  before  they  come  into  bloom. 
Sorts  that  produce  large  bunches  should  have  fewer  of  them  than  those 
which  naturally  bear  comparatively  small  bunches.  The  weight  of  fruit 
ought  to  correspond  with  the  amount  of  good  foliage  ;  we  have  frequently 
seen  it  out  of  all  proportion,  in  fact,  so  much  so  that  there  have  been 
nearly  as  many  bunches  as  leaves.  Naturally  the  young  shoots  push 
a  few  leaves,  then  a  bunch  or  a  tendril  appears,  and  this  is  always 
opposite  a  leaf.  As  the  shoot  proceeds  other  bunches  may  form  at 
greater  or  less  intervals,  but  still  in  the  natural  state  the  number  of 
leaves  far  exceeds  the  number  of  bunches. 

"  The  thinning  of  the  berries  should  also  take  place  as  soon  as  they 
are  well  set,  which  will  be  soon  after  blooming.  The  general  form  of 
the  bunches  of  some  sorts  of  Grapes  is  that  of  an  inverted  cone,  of 


NOVEMBER.  3o0 

which  the  stalk  is  the  axis ;  in  others  the  main  stalk  subdivides  and 
forms  shoulders.  At  the  upper  part  of  the  bunch  branchlets-  diverge 
from  the  axis,  and  often  these  again  throw  out  stalks  bearing  frequently 
three  berries,  namely,  two  side  ones  and  one  terminal.  -  Towards  the 
lower  extremity  of  the  bunch  the  footstalks  of  4he  individual  berries 
proceed  directly  from  the  axis,  which  terininatesyn  a  single  berry.  In 
thinning,  the  berries  which  proceed  directly  fro'ni  the  axis  should  be 
first  removed,  then  each  ramification  should  be  Successively  inspected, 
and  the  berries  thinned  out  where  they  would  otherwise  be  too  thick, 
taking  care  to  cut  off  those  nearest  the  axis  or  central  stalk.  The 
reason  of  this  is  obvious,  for  if  we  cut  off,  say,  two-thirds  of  the  outmost 
berries,  those  left  would  still  be  crowded  ;  but  by  reversing  the  process 
the  berries  occupy  a  wider  space,  just  as  a  number  of  persons  forming 
a  small  circle  may  be  overcrowded,  but  by  each  withdrawing  from  the 
centre,  all  soon  rind  plenty  of  room.  In  proceeding  up  the  bunch, 
peduncles  from  the  main  axis,  bearing  three  berries,  as  already  men- 
tioned, will  be  met  with.  Mr.  Roberts  recommends  {Culture  of  the 
Vine,  p.  52)  the  terminal  one  to  be  left,  and  the  two  side  ones  removed. 
Where  there  are  shoulders,  they  should  be  thinned  on  the  same 
principle,  and  also  tied  away  from  the  main  part  of  the  bunch  by 
slender  pieces  of  matting.  The  thinning  should  be  modified  according 
to  the  varieties,  and  the  space  their  berries  require  when  full-grown  ; 
and  in  avoiding  overcrowding,  the  berries  should  not  be  made  too  thin 
and  straggling. 

"  In  thinning,  the  berries  should  not  be  touched  either  with  head  or 
hands  that  are  perspiring ;  and  as  they  increase  in  size  after  the  first 
thinning,  the  bunches  should  be  looked  over,  and  regulated  by  a  second 
thinning  when  necessary. 

"  Pot  Culture. — The  cultivation  of  Vines  in  pots  is  not  new,  for  it 
was  practised  by  Speechly  at  Welbeck  in  the  end  of  the  last  century, 
but  chiefly  with  a  view  of  proving  varieties  forming  part  of  a  collection 
too  extensive  for  being  all  planted  in  the  vineries.  Recently,  however, 
this  mode  of  culture  is  found  very  advantageous  in  other  respects, 
especially  as  regards  a  very  early  supply  ;  for  by  it  such  can  be  obtained 
without  forcing  the  permanent  Vines  so  much  in  winter,  and  conse- 
quently they  are  enabled  to  bear  larger  and  finer  crops  for  many  years 
consecutively. 

"  Plants  for  fruiting  in  pots  should  be  raised  from  eyes,  and  grown 
as  strong  as  possible  in  rich  turfy  loam  mixed  with  about  one-third  of 
horse  dung,  and  a  little  bone-dust.  The  temperature  should  be  gradu- 
ally increased  from  60°  to  80°  or  90°  by  sun  heat,  and  a  bottom  heat 
always  a  few  degrees  higher  must  be  maintained.  As  the  root3  require 
more  room,  the  plants  ought  to  be  shifted  from  3-inch  pots  into  those  of 
6,  9,  13,  or  15  inches  in  diameter,  and  in  either  of  the  latter  two 
sizes  they  may  be  fruited  in  the  following  season.  As  growth  proceeds 
it  should  be  determined  how  the  plant  is  to  be  trained  for  fruiting  in 
the  ensuing  season,  whether  upright,  arched  spirally,  or  umbrella- 
shaped  ;  and  then  from  what  part  of  the  shoot  it  would  be  desirable 
that  buds  to  push  shoots  for  fruiting  next  year  should  be  situated. 
The  lowest  of  these  buds  having  been  fixed  upon,  the  leader  ought  to  be 


340  THE    FLORIST. 

stopped  at  five  or  six  joints  above  it  by  pinching  out  the  growing  point. 
From  the  axil  of  the  leaf,  immediately  below  the  point  of  stopping,  a 
lateral  will  readily  push,  and  a  bud  by  its  side  in  the  same  axil  will  not 
likely  do  so  till  next  season  if  the  lateral  is  allowed  to  grow ;  the  latter 
should  therefore  be  entirely  removed  as  soon  as  it  can  be  laid  hold  of. 
The  bud  will  then  start  and  take  the  lead,  making  a  much  stronger 
shoot  than  the  lateral  would  have  done.  This  stopping  will  concentrate 
the  sap  in  the  buds  below,  and  tend  to  ensure  their  breaking  into  fruitful 
shoots  in  the  following  season.  When  the  new  leader  has  formed  buds 
as  high  as  will  be  required  for  fruit  shoots,  it  should  be  also  stopped  and 
the  lateral  displaced,  so  as  to  stimulate  the  latent  bud  to  take  the  lead 
as  before.  It  may  be  allowed  to  grow  to  the  length  of  7  fret,  and  then 
be  finally  stopped.  A  few  laterals  near  the  top  may  be  permitted  to 
push  several  joints  ;  those  situated  lower  should  be  pinched  at  an  early 
stage  of  their  growth,  and  entirely  removed  when  the  wood  of  the  prin- 
cipal shoot  begins  to  turn  brown.  In  the  beginning  or  middle  of  July 
the  wood  ought  to  be  ripe  along  the  whole  7  feet  of  rod,  and  any 
laterals  remaining  should  be  cleared  off;  the  pots  must  then  be  removed 
to  the  south  side  of  a  wall,  or  any  convenient  shelter,  and  mulched  with 
some  substance  which  will  protect  the  roots  from  the  vicissitudes  of  cold 
and  heat.  Prune  the  plants  in  October,  top-dress  with  a  compost  of 
rich  turfy  loam  in  November,  wash  them  with  sulphur  and  soft  soap, 
and  they  will  then  be  ready  for  forcing.  About  the  middle  of  November, 
earlier  or  later  according  to  the  urgency  of  the  demand  for  early 
Grapes,  the  plants  should  be  introduced  into  the  forcing  house  or  pit. 
To  ensure  the  greatest  success,  the  pots  should  be  plunged  in  a  heat  of 
65°  or  70° ;  the  atmospheric  temperature  may  follow  that  in  the  table 
already  given  ;  and  the  bottom  heat  ought  always  to  be  as  high  as  the 
mean  top  heat.  Train  six  or  eight  shoots  for  fruiting  ;  but  in  order  to 
have  the  bunches  fine,  only  one  bunch  should  be  left  on  each.  The 
shoot  ought  to  be  stopped  at  one  joint  beyond  the  bunch.  Keep  the 
air  rather  dry  when  the  plants  are  in  flower  ;  and  supply  manure 
water  alternately  with  pure  water.  By  these  means  6  or  8  lbs.  of 
well-ripened  Grapes  may  be  obtained  from  each  pot,  in  April,  sixteen 
months  after  striking  the  plant  from  the  eye. 

"  The  above  may  be  considered  one  of  the  best  modes  where  bottom 
heat  can  be  afforded  ;  but,  instead  of  raising  plants  from  eyes  in  one 
season  and  fruiting  them  in  the  next,  plants  may  be  reared  with  less 
heat  and  fruited  after  two  seasons'  growth.  In  the  autumn  after  pro- 
pagation they  may  be  cut  down  to  two  or  three  eyes.  In  February, 
the  best  shoot  from  these  should  be  trained  as  directed  for  those  of 
plants  forced  in  the  winter  following  the  first  season's  growth  from  the 
eye.  Some  place  the  pots  on  rich  compost,  or  in  other  pots  nearly  filled 
with  such,  in  order  that  the  roots  of  the  Vines  whilst  being  forced 
may  penetrate  into  it  on  passing  through  the  hole  in  the  bottom  of 
the  pot. 

"  It  is  necessary  to  observe,  that  Vines  and  other  fruit-trees  in  pots 
are  frequently  treated  when  at  rest  as  if  they  were  certain  kinds  of 
bulbs,  which,  having  a  store  of  moisture  in  themselves,  do  not  require 
to  be  supplied  with  any  whilst  vegetation  is  inactive.     But  such  is  not 


NOVEMBER.  34] 


the  case  with  Vines,  and  unless  it  can  be  proved  that  the  soil  in  which 
Vines  have  lived  out  of  doors  for  hundreds  of  years  is  drier  in  winter 
than  in  summer,  we  must  conclude  that  keeping  the  roots  of  pot  Vines 
in  winter  in  a  soil  as  dry  as  dust  must  be  very  injurious  to  the  plants." 


WINTERING  OF  AURICULAS. 

"  Put  your  frames  in  a  southerly  or  westerly  aspect,"  says  the  Florist: 
"  Let  your  frames  face  the  north-east  during  the  winter,"  says  the 
"  Gossip  for  the  Garden:"  "  Turn  your  frames  to  the  north,"  says  a 
contributor  to  the  Florist.  Now,  here  are  differences  of  opinion  with  a 
vengeance,  and  when  doctors  differ,  who  is  to  decide?  Let  us  ask 
common  sense  what  it  says,  and  I  think  that  it  will  decide  against  the 
westerly  view  of  the  case  ;  the  inevitable  result  of  that  must  be  a  con- 
stant succession  of  freezing  and  thawing,  which  must  be  injurious  to  the 
plants,  and  moreover  the  hurrying  of  them  on  into  a  premature  bloom ; 
and  should,  by  any  neglect,  the  plants,  when  in  this  forward  state,  be 
left  uncovered  during  a  frosty  night,  you  will  have  a  crumpled  bloom. 
The  Auricula  naturally,  we  know,  is  an  Alpine  plant,  lying  warm  under 
its  snow  covering  for  months ;  but  high  cultivation  has  made  it  tender, 
and  therefore  we  cannot  with  impunity  allow  it  to  be  frozen  much, 
especially  after  the  bloom  has  shown  itself.  My  own  opinion  then,  is, 
to  let  them  have  an  aspect  in  winter  where  they  will  not  get  much  sun, 
and  not  to  remove  them  to  a  more  sunny  one  until  frost  is  pretty  well 
over,  if  at  all ;  yes,  if  at  all — for  I  am  not  sure  whether  a  north-east 
aspect  would  not  suit  them  in  early  spring,  if  you  could  break  off  the 
wind.  I  shall  try  one  frame  this  way  this  season,  and  report  on  the 
result ;  if  I  recollect  right,  this  is  the  position  of  Dr.  Plant's  blooming 
stage.  And  now,  when  one's  pen  goes  off  on  the  subject  of  Auriculas, 
there  is  no  knowing  where  it  is  to  stop.  I  fear  very  much  there  is  but 
little  prospect  of  a  good  bloom  this  spring  ;  from  correspondents  in  all 
directions — Scotland,  Yorkshire,  Cheltenham,  &c. — there  is  the  one 
cry,  "  I  never  knew  such  a  quantity  of  autumn  trusses  ;"  and  I  can 
add  to  the  testimony.  Last  year  it  was  confined,  as  far  as  I  was  con- 
cerned, to  two  or  three  kinds ;  now,  it  has  spread  like  an  epidemic  all 
over  the  frame,  and  no  sort  seems  to  be  determined  to  be  out  of  the 
fashion.  Mr.  Lightbody  says,  "  I  have  had  great  difficulty  in  supplying 
even  a  dozen  plants,  nearly  the  whole  of  my  stock  having  sent  up 
autumn  blooms.  I  never  experienced  the  like  before."  Were  there  a 
probability  of  a  mild  winter  this  would  not  so  much  matter,  but  see 
what  an  October  we  have — what  a  climax  to  one  of  the  most  extra- 
ordinary seasons  on  record — on  the  23rd  of  the  month  four  degrees  of 
frost,  all  out-of-doors  things  blackened  and  dead,  Chrysanthemums  and 
Pompones  even  looking  miserable ;  at  least  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Brighton,  Arundel,  &c,  where  I  have  been,  for  what  will  be  the  state 
of  my  own  I  do  not  exactly  know.  I  am  sorry  for  this,  as  far  as  my 
favourite  Auriculas  are  concerned  ;  there  are  so  many  who  are  now 
growing  them  for  the  first  time — so  many,  too,  whose  love  of  them  has 


342  THE    FLORIST. 

revived,  that  it  will  be  rather  disappointing  to  have  a  bad  bloom. 
However,  let  us  hope  for  better  things.  Next  month  I  may  have  a 
word  more  to  say  upon  the  subject,  for  it  is  now  so  late  in  the  month  I 
am  afraid  the  editor  will  cry  out. 

Deal,  Oct.  26.  D. 


HOW  TO  MAKE  A  MUSHROOM  BED. 

Previous  to  making  beds  (for  they  may  be  made  at  any  season  of  the 
year),  collect  a  quantity  of  fresh  horse  dung  that  has  not  been  exposed 
to  wet  or  fermentation  ;  clear  it  of  loner  straw,  so  as  to  leave  all  the 
short  that  has  been  trodden  into  the  wet  interstices  of  the  stable  floor, 
partially  dry  it,  either  in  a  shed  or  under  a  tree ;  turn  it  over  once  or 
twice,  till  it  is  half  dry  ;  to  this  add  one-fourth  of  light  turf,  cut  fresh 
from  a  pasture  field,  chopped  small  with  the  spade,  but  not  sifted  ;  a  few 
decaying  Oak  or  Beech  leaves,  and  a  small  portion  of  sheep  or  deer's 
dung ;  mix  the  whole  well  together,  and  throw  them  in  aheap  till  they 
begin  to  sweat,  then  take  and  spread  a  layer  of  the  mixture  four  inches 
thick,  on  the  place  where  they  are  intended  to  be  grown,  and  beat  it 
down  firmly  with  a  mallet,  and  continue  this  till  the  bed  is  not  less 
than  a  foot  thick  ;  should  it  heat  so  that  there  is  danger  of  rotting,  make 
a  few  holes  in  the  bed  with  a  dibble  ;  of  this,  however,  there  is  little 
fear,  if  the  dung  and  soil  have  been  properly  dried.  After  the  heat 
begins  to  subside  the  spawn  is  to  be  put  in,  making  holes  about  nine 
inches  apart,  and  putting  pieces  of  the  spawn  about  three  or  four  inches 
square  in  them,  leaving  the  holes  open  at  the  top,  to  allow  the  steam,  if 
any,  to  escape  ;  about  a  fortnight  after  the  spawn  has  been  put  in  the 
holes  should  be  again  spawned,  in  case  the  first  should  have  received 
any  injury,  and  also  to  prolong  the  bearing  of  the  bed  ;  close  them 
firmly  up  as  soon  as  the  spawn  has  run  through  the  bed,  which  can 
easily  be  known  by  examination  ;  the  bed  is  to  be  covered  over  with 
dry  soil  from  a  pasture  field  or  common,  and  firmly  pressed  down,  but 
not  beaten,  as  that  would  break  the  threads  of  spawn,  which  are  fast 
approaching  the  state  of  Mushrooms. 

Mushrooms  are  impatient  of  wet,  therefore,  wherever  they  are  grown, 
it  is  indispensable  that  they  should  have  a  dry  bottom ;  when  the  beds 
are  in  want  of  water,  the  best  plan  is  to  give  them  a  moderate  watering 
at  once,  in  preference  to  many  light  waterings  ;  the  water  should  be 
warm,  and  though  the  crop  should  be  destroyed,  they  will  spring  up 
in  a  few  days  with  renewed  vigour.  Mushrooms  may  be  grown  in  any 
place  that  is  dry — in  a  shed,  or  a  stable,  in  a  box,  or  a  drawer ;  and  in 
either  case  the  process  is  the  same.  Covering  the  beds  is  injurious,  and 
should  not  be  adopted  except  in  severe  weather,  or  in  old  beds  where 
the  heat  is  decayed. 

Mushrooms  are  impatient  of  the  extremes  either  of  heat  or  cold  ;  the 
proper  temperature  is  from  55°  to  60°,  and  where  this  cannot  be 
steadily  maintained,  by  some  means  or  other,  the  cultivation  of  them  in 
the  winter  season  should  not  be  attempted. 


NOVEMBER.  343 

The  beds,  made  in  the  manner  herein  described,  will  be  firm,  yet 
elastic,  and  if  the  dung  has  been  properly  dried  there  will  be  little  fear 
of  its  overheating;  at  the  same  time  its  decomposition  will  be  prevented, 
and  that  mild  heat,  so  congenial  to  the  Mushroom,  will  be  prolonged. 
The  plentiful  use  of  earth,  moreover,  will  tend  to  give  it  that  firmness 
of  flesh  and  fineness  of  flavour  which  we  seek  for  in  vain  in  Mushrooms 
grown  in  the  dark,  or  on  a  bed  of  rancid  dung. 

The  principal  requisites  for  the  successful  culture  of  the  Mushroom 
may  be  thus  defined  : — never  allow  the  dung  to  get  wet  or  to  ferment, 
keep  a  regular  heat,  and  avoid  all  damp ;  these,  with  a  moderate  share 
of  attention,  will  ensure  a  moderate  crop  of  good  Mushrooms. 

C.  M.  D. 


NOTES  ON  THE  MONTH. 


"The  extraordinary  mildness  of  the  season"  which  has  lately  given  the 
country  newspapers  a  vast  amount  of  trouble  to  chronicle  all  the  proofs 
which  wondering  countrymen  like  to  have  recorded — of  Apple  trees 
blooming  in  September,  of  ripe  Strawberries  picked  in  October,  and  a 
whole  budget  of  similar  extraor -dinar -ies — was  brought  to  a  close  by  the 
sudden  appearance  of  winter  on  the  21st,  and  which  has  continued  up 
to  the  day  we  write  (the  24th),  on  the  morning  of  which  our  thermo- 
meter registered  10°  of  frost,  the  nights  of  the  22nd  and  23rd  having 
shown  7°  and  8°.  There  was  a  fall  of  snow  on  the  morning  of  the  23rd 
in  some  places  two  inches  thick,  and  up  to  the  present  time  there  is 
every  appearance  of  a  continuance  of  cold  weather.  The  effect  of  this 
has  been  to  kill  all  the  tender  plants  of  the  flower  gardens,  and  many 
kinds  of  vegetables.  A  frost  of  such  severity,  so  early  in  the 
season,  has  not  occurred  for  many  years ;  and  without  wishing  to  speak 
in  the  spirit  of  a  prediction,  we  incline  to  the  opinion,  formed  on 
observations  of  our  own,  that  we  shall  have  an  early  winter. 

The  unusual  warmth  of  September  and  the  early  portion  of  October, 
attended  with  the  drenching  showers  which  have  frequently  fallen,  has 
had  a  wonderful  effect  on  all  kinds  of  green  crops,  both  field  and  garden. 
Swedes  and  Turnips  were  never  better,  notwithstanding  that  here  and 
there  the  Black  Jack  has  committed  devastations  with  the  latter. 
Potatoes  have  been  a  total  failure  in  some  localities,  but  much  better  in 
others.  As  the  cause  of  failure  can  now  be  clearly  traced  to  the  effect 
of  electrical  storms,  we  hope  some  of  our  scientific  men  will  further 
investigate  this  important  subject,  if  only  to  show  the  connexion  between 
the  cause  and  effect.  The  fruit  crop  taken  generally  has  been  a  very 
short  one.  Apples  in  certain  situations  have  partially  succeeded,  and 
in  others  are  a  total  failure ;  we  hear  that  on  the  south-west  coast, 
that  is  from  Brighton  to  Cornwall,  the  crops  are  good,  particularly  in 
South  Devon,  where  the  yield  of  cyder  is  stated  to  be  a  very  large  one. 
Pears  are  a  very  short  crop,  and  are  ripening  early,  so  that  the  fruit- 
rooms  will  soon  be  clear  of  all  but  the  very  latest  kinds  ;   Plums  were 


344  TI1E    FLORIST. 

thin,  and  so  was  the  crop  of  Damsons.  Looking  at  the  result  of  the 
past  summer,  on  fruit  trees,  there  is  good  hope  for  another  season,  if  it 
proves  propitious  when  the  trees  are  in  bloom.  The  wood  on  wall  fruit 
trees  has  so  far  ripened  well,  and  as  the  present  frost  will  stop  all  further 
growth,  we  may  expect  to  get  the  ripening  process  completed  early,  and 
of  course  the  wood  well  matured — the  same  rule  will  apply  to  orchard 
and  open  garden  trees ;  so,  with  our  present  prospects,  we  may  look 
forward  hopefully  to  1860. 

I  see  by  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  that  a  garden  superintendent  for 
the  Horticultural  Society  is  advertised  for  at  a  liberal  salary,  to 
commence  with  the  new  gardens  at  Kensington  Gore,  the  subscription 
ist  for  which,  it  appears,  from  the  same  source,  is  nearly  filled  up.  We 
hope  he  best  things  from  this  successful  move  towards  resuscitating  the 
society.  But  whether  the  garden  committee  (who  have  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  superintendent)  will  succeed  in  obtaining  a  person  possessing 
the  many  qualifications  which  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  states  are 
indispensable  to  any  one  filling  the  office,  is  very  doubtful ;  it  is  an 
extraordinary  opening,  and  certainly  the  qualifications  required  are  no 
less  extraordinary :  we  shall  see  ! 

G.  F. 


THE  ORANGE. 


The  Orange  (says  Sutton  in  his  work  on  the  Grape  and  the  Orange) 
has  generally  been  found  to  succeed  in  countries  most  favourable  to  the 
cultivation  of  the  Vine,  though  it  requires  a  very  different  soil ;  and  a 
lower  latitude  would  also  seem  congenial  to  it.  It  is  not  indigenous  to 
Persia,  though  it  is  now  much  cultivated  there.  The  China  Orange, 
like  the  Grape,  is  the  better  for  a  little  frost.  In  Australia*  I  have 
noticed  that  the  fruit  begins  to  ripen  and  acquires  the  highest  flavour 
after  the  frost  has  checked  the  growth  of  the  trees,  which  there  make 
strong  autumnal  shoots,  and  in  some  cases  produce  abundance  of  flowers 
at  that  season.  The  fruit  on  the  top  of  the  tree  is  the  best,  has  the 
thinnest  rind,  and  the  highest  flavour.  There  are  several  varieties  in 
the  colony,  but  soil  and  situation  make  a  considerable  difference  in  the 
growth  and  quality  of  the  fruit,  as  the  tree  is  very  choice  in  its  soil,  and 
will  not  thrive  in  such  as  are  not  suited  to  its  nature. 

It  is  curious  to  notice  the  changes  which  have  been  made  in 
the  names  of  the  Orange,  since  I  can  remember.  In  London,  more 
than  sixty  years  ago,  they  were  then  generally  known  as  the  China 
Oranges.  "  Here's  your  sweet  China  Oranges  !  "  was  then  the  cry  : 
now  it  is  the  "  Real  St.  Michaels ! "  the  fine  Lisbon,  the  Malta,  the 
Mandarin,  the  Tangier,  &c,  all  of  which,  I  believe,  are  varieties 
from  the  China  Oranges.  Time  makes  great  changes  in  the  names  of 
things.  Certain  it  is,  also,  that  climate,  soil,  and  cultivation  work 
wonderful  changes  in  plants  and  fruits,  so  that  they  can  hardly  be 
known  again  by  the  skilful  botanist.     The  varieties  of  the  Orange,  like 

*  Fruit  of  the  "Navel"  Orange  from  Australia,  was  exhibited   in  Webber's 
window,  in  Covent  Garden,  last  spring. 


NOVEMBER.  345 

the  Apple,  the  Peach,  &c,  are  brought  to  a  maturity  and  a  high 
saccharine  quality  by  great  pains,  labour,  and  long  cultivation,  with  a 
suitable  soil  and  climate  ;  and  thence  old  names  and  sorts  become 
extinct,  and  new  ones  prevail. 

The   best   stocks   for   working   the   Orange    on,  I    have  found  by 
experience  to  be  those  of  the  Spanish  Lemon.     I  have  been  informed 
by  persons  of  high  respectability,  who  have  resided  at  Malta,  that  the 
best  Oranges  there  are  grafted  on  the  Pomegranate.     I  have  tried  this 
in  my  Orangery,  but  I  never  could  get  them  to  grow.     I  believe  it  is 
a  mere  fiction  to  say  that  the  Orange  unites  with  the  Pomegranate : 
indeed  I  have  been  well  informed  that  Sir  Joseph  Banks  ascertained 
that  the  blood-red  Orange  of  Malta  has  its  peculiarity  from  the  nature 
of  the  soil,  on   a  part  of  that  island  where  scoria  abounds,  and  red 
ochre :  these  causes  have  given  to  the  Orange  of  Malta  the  colour  which 
distinguishes  it  as  the  blood-red  Orange,  and  it  does  not  proceed,  as  has 
been  reported,  from  being  worked  on  the  citron.     Of  Citri  I  reckon  five 
species: — 1,  the  Orange  (Aurantium)  ;  2,  the  Citron;  3,  the  Lime  ; 
4,  the  Lemon ;  5,  the  Shaddock.     Their  respective  varieties  consist  of 
hybrids  innumerable,  many  of  which  intermix.     Some  of  the  species, 
we  learn,  were  well  known  in  Europe,  and  cultivated ;    one  has  its 
name  from  Spain  ;  but  whether  it  is  indigenous,  or  was  introduced 
there  from  Africa  by  the  Moors,  I  am  not  able  to  tell,  or  from  whence 
it  came, — I  mean  the  Seville  or  bitter  Orange.     There  is  a  great  variety 
of  Oranges  now  in  the  London  market,  and  other  markets  of  Europe, 
differing  very  little  (except  two  or  three  of  them)  from  each  other  ;  yet 
an  experienced  dealer  can  tell  you  from  which  country  they  came. 
The  Saint  Michael's  are  the  best.     The  modern  Lemon,  I  think,  differs 
much  from  what  was  sold  in  my  younger  days  ;  it  is  more  mixed  with 
the  perfumed  hard  citron,  and,  in  my  opinion,  is  improved  in  its  acid, 
though  it  has  not  so  much  juice.     It  is,  I  believe,  the  Lisbon  Lemon, 
and  is  cultivated  at  the  Azores  and  in  Australia ;  it  is  a  good  keeping 
Lemon.     The  Lime  and  Shaddock  are  tropical  plants,  or  best  suited  to 
a  tropical  climate,  being  common  in  the  East  and  West  Indies.     At  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  in  South  America,  the  Brazils,  and  new  South 
Wales,  the  China  Orange  is  extensively  cultivated.     At  Rio  Janeiro 
I  have  seen  them  very  large,  and  they  are  there  very  sweet,  but  not  of 
so  lively  a  taste  as  at  Sydney  ;  the  heat  of  the  climate  seems  to  injure 
the  acidous  flavour.     It  is  very  curious  that  the  Portugal  Lemon  should 
lose  its  fine  acid  in  America,  and  become  so  extremely  bitter,  that  it  is 
useless  as  a  Lemon  ;  while  the  Lime  there  possesses  a  fine  sharp  acid. 
When  in  South  America,  I  was  told  that  they  had  not  a  good  Lemon 
in  any  part  of  America.     Colonel  Paterson,  on  his  voyage  to  Sydney, 
in  1799,  touched  at  Saint  Salvador,  at  the  time  the  Oranges  were  ripe, 
and   he   told   me   they  were  the  best  he  had  ever  met  with.     He 
succeeded  in  taking  six  of  the  plants  to  Sydney,  and  in  1801  presented 
me  with  three  of  them  ;  they  were  the  originals  of  those  now  in  my 
Orangery.     I  have  obtained  some  good  varieties  from  them  by  working 
on  the  stocks  of  the  Spanish  Lemon,  and  again  other  varieties  from 
the  seeds   of  these  worked  trees ;  more  varieties  may  be  gained  by 
working  the  China  Orange  on  the  stocks  of  the  Seville.     The  Lime  does 


340  TIIE    FLORIST. 

not  succeed  at  Paramatta  ;  it  cannot  endure  any  frost,  which,  though 
not  sufficient  there  to  produce  ice  but  very  rarely,  or  to  injure  the 
Orange,  would  kill  the  Lime.  All  the  Limes  that  I  have  seen  are  of 
low  growth  ;  while  the  Orange  and  the  Lemon  rise  to  a  good  height, — 
twenty-five  feet  or  more.  The  culture  of  what  I  call  the  hardy  sorts 
of  the  Citrus  genus  is  much  the  same ;  they  all  require  a  sheltered 
situation,  a  rather  dry,  strong  soil,  on  a  gentle  slope :  though  moisture 
is  not  disagreeable  to  them,  yet  a  wet  or  swampy  ground  is  not  suitable 
for  producing  good  fruit,  or  preserving  the  health  of  the  trees  ;  it  should 
have  a  rich  mould  on  the  surface,  with  a  deep,  tenacious  subsoil,  into 
which  their  fangs,  or  strong,  deep-holding  roots  can  penetrate,  so  as  to 
support  the  tree  in  hot  and  dry  seasons. 

•The  sweetest  fruit  is  produced  after  hot  summers.  A  sandy  or 
porous  rocky  ground  is  not  fit  for  them.  Indeed  the  Orange  may  be 
said  to  be  very  fastidious  in  its  choice  of  situations,  soils,  &c,  and  is 
very  sensible  to  injury,  which  it  does  not  soon  overcome,  nor  does  it 
bear  much  pruning ;  it  is,  I  think,  the  better  for  having  its  branches 
near  the  ground,  so  as  to  shade  its  roots. 


GEOMETRICAL    ARRANGEMENT     FOR    AN    AMERICAN 

GARDEN. 
References  to  Plan. 

a. — General  turf  level  of  great  panel. 

b. — Easy  turf  sloping  descents  into  panel,  angle  22£  degrees. 

c. — General  turf  slope  bounding  panel,  angle  30  degrees. 

D. — Middle  level  of  turf,  with  beds  cut  out  thereon. 

e. — Gravel  walks  round  the  entire  garden,  with  large  circles  at  the  angles. 

f. — Gravel  slope  of  easy  gradient — 1  in  5,  or  angle  of  9  degrees ;  the  broad  sloping 
banks  on  each  side  are  formed  at  the  same  angle. 

o. — Stone  steps  in  mitres  of  the  sloping  banks,  with  side  blockings,  and  termi- 
nating piers  and  vases. 

n. — Upper  level  broad  turf  promenade. 

I. — Circular  recesses  in  angles,  each  containing  a  seat  forming  three-fourths  of  a 
circle. 

K. —  Winding  gravel  approaches. 

l. — Architectural  approaches  on  two  sides,  by  which  it  is  connected  with  a  series 
of  geometrical  arrangements. 

m. —  Stone  fountain  in  the  centre. 

n. — Stone  pedestals  for  large  tazza  vases  or  groups  of  statuary. 

o. — Eight  large  compound  beds  formed  and  planted  as  follows : — the  space 
between  the  two  outer  lines  is  a  slope  of  turf  rising  18  inches  above  the 
general  level,  a.,  between  the  second  and  third  lines  is  flat  turf;  and  the 
remainder  is  to  be  filled  up  with  shrubs.  An  Irish  Yew  is  to  be  planted 
in  the  centres  of  the  terminating  circles  in  each  bed,  each  Yew  being 
surrounded  by  a  different  variety  of  dwarf  Heath,  planted  sufficiently 
close  to  cover  the  entire  space  within  the  circles.  The  main  portions  of 
the  clumps  are  to  be  filled  each  with  a  distinct  choice  variety  of  large- 
flowering  Rhododendron;  and  surrounded,  as  shown  by  dotted  lines,  each 
with  a  line  of  some  different  dwarf  species,  as  hirsutum,  daphnoides,  &c. 

p. — Standard  Rhododendrons,  in  pairs,  of  different  choice  kinds,  carefully 
selected  as  to  size,  habit,  colour,  &c. 

q- — Large  clumps,  to  be  filled  with  Ghent  Azaleas,  and  margined  by  a  line  of 
Rhododendron  ponticum  variegatum,  cut  in  well  every  year  just  before 
making  its  new  growth,  that  it  may  always  be  kept  dwarf. 


NOVEMBER. 


347 


r. — Sixteen  small  round  beds,  containing  an  Irish  Juniper  in  the  centre  of  each, 
the  remainder  being  filled  up  -with  difi'erent  kinds  of  dwarf  Heath.  The 
eight  long  narrow  beds,  on  the  same  level,  are  each  to  be  filled  with  two 
kinds  of  shrub  ;  a  marginal  line  being  planted  round  each  of  a  distinct 
species  of  Ledum,  Pernettya,  Gaultheria,  &c,  and  the  centres  filled  each 
with  a  distinct  species  of  Andromeda,  Vaccinium,  Kalmia,  &c. 

s. — Single  specimen  of  Siberian  Arbor-vitai,  planted  on  the  sloping  bank. 

t. — Masses  of  Rhododendrons  of  the  less  choice  varieties,  mixed  with  Azaleas, 
and  margined  all  round  with  a  single  line  of  Mahonia  aquifolium. 

u. — Bank  of  ordinary  mixed  shrubs,  margined  towards  the  turt  walk  by  a  fringe 
of  Ivy,  Cotoneaster,  Savin,  and  similar  dwarf  evergreen  shrubs,  which  will 
cover  the  ground,  and  admit  of  being  clipped  to  a  straight  line. 
All  the  above  shrubs  within  the  Grass  promenade,  excepting  the  staudard  and 

fastigiate  specimens,  are  intended  to  be  kept  within  their  prescribed  limits  by 

pruning.   This  is  to  be  done  in  every  case  immediately  after  the  kind  in  question 

has  done  flowering,  that  its  shoots  may  have  time  to  perfect  their  growth  for  the 

ensuing  season. 


348  THE    FLORIST. 

REVIEW. 

The  Fern  Collector  s  Album. 

A  handsome  quarto  portfolio  bearing  this  title  has  just  been  published 
by  Mr.  Hardvvicke  of  Piccadilly.  It  is  tastefully  bound  "  in  scarlet 
and  gold,  with  blank  leaves,  on  which  dried  specimens  may  be  fastened 
by  the  collector ;  and  short  accounts  of  the  structure,  habitation,  and 
cultivation  of  each  species  on  the  opposite  page."  It  therefore  offers  an 
excellent  inducement  for  us  to  turn  our  country  rambles  to  a  profitable 
account.  Ferns  retain  in  a  dried  state  their  original  beauty,  both  of 
form  and  colour,  better  than  most  plants.  A.  portfolio  like  the  one 
now  under  notice,  when  filled,  may  therefore  be  made  a  source  of  real 
delight,  not  only  to  the  possessor,  but  to  others. 

In  the  preface  we  find  the  following  useful  instructions  respecting 
Fern  drying,  which  we  extract  for  the  encouragement  of  beginners. 

"  To  those  who  have  not  already  made  botanical  collections,  we  would 
give  the  following  simple  directions  for  their  guidance : — Before  you 
leave  home,  get  any  carpenter  to  plane  you  two  deal  boards,  about  half 
an  inch  thick,  a  foot  wide,  and  a  foot  and  a  half  long  ;  between  these, 
place  one  or  two  quires  of  Bentall's  drying  paper,  which  may  be  bought 
at  almost  any  stationer's,  or,  if  unattainable,  common  blotting  paper 
and  old  newspapers  will  answer  very  well.  Round  the  boards  put  two 
narrow  but  strong  leather  straps,  which  cost  about  a  shilling  each ; 
these  must  be  drawn  as  tightly  as  possible,  and  will  secure  a  great 
amount  of  pressure  on  the  plants  inside;  and  the  whole  may  be  strapped 
on  the  top  of  a  box  in  travelling,  so  as  not  to  take  up  much  room.  In 
gathering  the  Ferns,  cut  them  as  low  down  the  stem  as  possible,  and, 
in  small  specimens,  get  up  the  root  if  you  can.  In  putting  them  to  dry 
in  the  blotting  paper,  have  respect  to  the  natural  position  of  the  Fern, 
and  also  to  the  size  of  the  sheet  of  paper  on  which  they  are  to  be  finally 
placed.  When  the  fronds  are  long,  or  the  specimens  large,  they  may 
be  bent  so  as  to  lie  in  a  smaller  space  than  they  otherwise  could,  and, 
if  dried  in  a  certain  position,  will  retain  the  form  easily.  It  is  best  at 
first  to  make  the  pressure  lightly,  so  as  to  alter  the  form  of  the  plant 
if  needful  before  it  is  completely  dried ;  then  increase  the  pressure  day 
by  day  until  the  specimens  are  ready  to  remove.  Ferns  dry  quickly 
and  easily,  and  may  without  injury  be  kept  in  the  drying  paper  for 
some  time ;  when,  however,  they  are  removed  for  putting  down  finally, 
they  should  be  secured  by  thin  little  strips  of  gummed  paper,  which  is 
best  prepared  beforehand  by  covering  a  sheet  of  note  paper  with  a 
strong  solution  of  gum,  which,  when  dry,  may  be  kept  for  a  long  time 
ready  for  use :  the  thinner  the  strips  are  cut  the  better,  so  as  to  hold 
the  parts  of  the  plant  in  their  right  position.  This  plan  is  preferable 
to  gumming  the  whole  plant  or  portions  of  it,  as  the  little  slips  can  at 
any  time  be  removed  with  a  pen-knife,  without  injuring  the  paper  or 
book  in  which  they  are  fixed,  should  there  be  occasion  to  remove  the 
specimens.  In  drying  your  Ferns,  be  careful  to  change  the  blotting 
paper  two  or  three  times  a  week,  so  as  to  remove  any  dampness ;  and 
dry  your  paper  in  the  sun,  or  before  the  fire,  very  often.     It  is  best  to 


NOVEMBER.  349 

have  two  sets  of  paper,  so  that  one  can  be  dried  while  the  other  is  in 
use.  Any  ordinary  Fern  will  be  fit  to  put  in  the  folio  in  two  or  three 
weeks  at  most." 

The  work  itself  we  heartily  recommend  to  the  notice  of  our  readers. 
By  lovers  of  Ferns,  and  who  are  not,  we  are  sure  it  will  be  greatly 
prized. 


ROSES— OLD  AND  NEW. 


The  question  of  new  and  old  Roses,  I  believe,  is  still  unsettled,  and 
unsettled  it  will  remain  so  long  as  the  advocates  of  each  side  refuse  to 
look  calmly  on  the  reverse  of  the  medal.  Among  old  Roses,  the  few 
leaps  of  the  day  remain,  and  will  long  remain,  undimmed ;  but  the 
many  slight  improvements,  good  in  their  time,  are  every  year  falling 
farther  and  farther  back  before  successive  improvements.  At  the 
London  exhibitions  this  year,  Boula  de  Nanteuil  and  Coupe  d'Hebe — 
the  leaps  of  their  day — were  as  beautiful  as  ever,  but  we  missed  many 
old  ones  that  we  had  been  accustomed  to  see ;  on  the  other  hand, 
Eveque  de  Nimes,  Louise  Chaix,  and  some  other  new  ones  lent  a 
brilliancy  to  the  exhibitions  which  they  never  attained  before.  It 
makes  no  little  difference  to  a  stand  of  24  varieties  of  Roses,  if  we  take 
out  the  worst  and  replace  it  with  one  equal  or  superior  to  any  one  of 
the  remaining  23. 

An  Old  Soldier. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Auriculas. — There  is  often  trouble  at  this  season  in  keeping  these 
plants  sufficiently  dry,  to  prevent  damping  of  the  foliage.  Give  all  the 
air  possible  without  allowing  them  to  have  rain.  If  the  plants  are  in 
an  elevated  position,  so  much  the  better.  Remove  dead  foliage  as  often 
as  it  appears. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — The  buds  of  the  Camellias,  where  set  too 
thickly,  should  be  thinned  out  at  once.  During  winter,  the  plants 
intended  for  blooming  late  should  be  kept  cool,  but  at  the  same 
time  well  attended  to  with  water,  as  the  buds  are  now  filling  themselves, 
weakly  and  underpotted  plants  will  be  benefited  (even  now)  with 
weak  manure  water  occasionally.  Place  a  few  of  the  earliest  rested 
Camellias  in  a  rather  warmer  house  to  bring  them  into  bloom  quicker. 
Small  plants  are  invaluable  for  rooms  during  the  winter,  and  should  be 
brought  on  in  succession.  Azaleas,  keep  cool,  and  with  a  dryish  atmo- 
sphere. A  few  good  forcing  kinds  may  now  be  placed  in  a  warmer 
house  to  forward  them. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — Treat  these  plants  nearly  similar  to  the 
Auricula,  so  long  as  wet  weather  continues,  and  water  but  sparingly 


c350  THE    FLOEIST. 

in  clear  weather.  Cleanliness,  with  plenty  of  light  and  air,  is  the 
principal  thing  to  attend  to,  to  ensure  success.  All  should  by  this  time 
be  in  their  winter  quarters. 

Cinerarias. — This  and  next  month  are  the  worst  for  the  culture  of  this 
plant,  being  subject  to  mildew  ;  great  care  must  be  taken  to  sulphur 
such  as  are  infected  by  it.  Specimen  plants  will  now  require  great 
attention  ;  thin  out  all  small  and  decaying  leaves,  and  peg  down  the 
strong,  to  admit  the  light  and  air.  Such  as  are  required  for  early 
fluwering  may  now  have  their  final  shift ;  stop,  that  is,  pinch  out,  the 
tops  of  their  shoots  as  soon  as  thoroughly  established.  In  potting,  give 
a  light  compost,  viz.,  two  parts  good  turfy  loam,  with  a  good  admixture 
of  well  decomposed  stable  manure,  and  leaf  mould;  use  sand  liberally. 
In  placing,  keep  as  near  the  glass  as  possible. 

Conservatory. — This  department  will  now  require  every  care  to 
maintain  a  display  of  bloom,  and  to  preserve  the  necessary  neatness 
and  order,  that  at  the  same  time  it  may  afford  an  enjoyable  retreat  in 
bad  weather,  or  during  the  evening  if  it  is  accessible  from  the 
mansion.  Heliotropes,  Mignonette,  Jasmines,  Tea  Roses,  Daphne 
indica,  Violets,  and  other  sweet  scented  plants,  should  be  largely  intro- 
duced ;  and  more  showy  plants,  as  Chrysanthemums,  Salvias,  tall 
Lobelias,  Fuchsias,  Gesneras,  Belladonna  and  Guernsey  Lilies,  and 
many  kinds  of  Amaryllis,  may  also  be  added,  to  set  off  the  permanent 
occupants,  and  warm  up  the  building  by  giving  colour.  A  most  useful 
conservatory  plant  is  the  recently-introduced  Heterocentrum  roseum, 
which,  under  good  cultivation,  flowers  profusely  at  this  season.  A  few 
things  may  be  added  from  the  stove,  as  Hedychiums,  Crinums,  and 
Begonias,  as  they  come  into  bloom.  Fires  will  now  be  necessary,  and 
should  be  stirred  up  briskly  on  damp  mornings  to  dry  the  atmosphere 
after  watering  and  cleaning  out,  giving  air  at  the  same  time.  Night 
temperature  45°. 

Dahlias. — These  should,  if  not  already  done,  be  taken  up  and  stored 
for  wintering  the  first  time  the  soil  is  tolerably  dry;  dry  them  thoroughly, 
with  some  of  the  soil  about  them.  Seed  will  require  much  attention  to 
prevent  its  rotting  in  the  pod. 

Flower  Garden. — Continue  to  place  under  protection  half  hardy 
plants  taken  up  from  the  garden,  as  room  can  be  found  for  them. 
Those  who  have  an  orchard  house  will  find  it  invaluable  for  wintering 
many  things  in  this  way,  which  suffer  more  from  damp  than  cold. 
Give  the  recently  struckcuttings  as  much  light  and  air  as  you  can,  to  get 
them  established  and  hardened  off  before  winter,  or  they  will  most  likely 
fog  off.  Scarlet  Geranium  cuttings  may  yet  be  put  in,  placing  the  pots 
with  the  cuttings  on  the  shelves  of  any  house  where  they  can  be  kept 
dry.  Those  who  are  deficient  of  room  for  wintering  Scarlet  Geraniums 
may  keep  them  in  any  dry  out-house  open  to  the  south,  that  the  plants 
may  get  what  sun  there  is  till  sharp  frosts  set  in,  when  any  place 
secure  from  frost,  but  dry,  will  keep  them  for  a  long  time  uninjured  ; 
give  them  no  water  whatever,  nor  allow  the  rain  to  fall  on  them.  The 
great  secret  is  getting  the  wood  hard  and  well  ripened  ;  and  then  when 
kept  dry  they  will  break  freely  on  the  return  of  warm  weather.  The 
beds  of  the  flower  garden,  as  the  summer  plants  are  cleared  away, 


NOVEMBER.  851 

should  either  be  neatly  raked  over  or  the  beds  filled  with  dwarf  shrubs, 
bulbs,  early  flowering  herbaceous  plants,  and  annuals  previously  sown 
for  this  purpose  ;  to  make  a  display  in  spring.  A  very  nice  arrange- 
ment of  colours  may  be  made  with  Crocuses  and  early  Tulips,  followed 
by  Narcissus,  later  Tulips,  Hyacinths,  Scillas,  and  Anemones,  &c. 

Forcing  Ground. — Mushroom  beds  should  now  be  made  for  winter. 
Where  there  is  a  large  family  to  supply,  Seakale  and  Rhubarb  should 
be  started  at  once,  that  the  forcing  may  be  slow — always  attended  with 
the  best  success.  Where  space  is  not  an  object,  and  there  is  plenty  of 
leaves  or  stable  manure,  we  prefer  the  old  plan  of  covering  the  crowns 
with  pots,  and  then  forcing  by  covering  with  leaves,  or  litter  and  leaves 
mixed.  In  other  respects,  Rhubarb  roots  may  be  taken  up,  potted,  and 
introduced  wherever  there  is  a  slight  heat ;  and  Kale  may  be  success- 
fully forced  by  packing  the  roots  closely  together  in  a  common  frame  or 
pit,  and  working  them  by  linings  ;  the  crowns  should  be  covered  with 
a  dry  material  to  blanch  them.  Fill  a  pit  or  frame  with  Asparagus  roots 
(good  three  or  four  year  old  plants)  over  a  gentle  bottom  heat,  when 
Grass  is  wanted  in  November. 

Hard-icooded  Plants  will  now  be  under  glass;  water  only  when 
the  soil  in  the  pots  becomes  dry,  and  then  thoroughly  ;  give  air  on  all 
opportunities  both  day  and  night  in  mild  weather,  and  set  the  plants 
sufficiently  wide  apart  to  prevent  drawing,  and  also  to  preserve  the 
foliage  healthy  down  to  the  edge  of  the  pots.  Any  Heaths  affected 
with  mildew  should  be  dusted  with  sulphur,  or  washed  with  a  weak 
solution  of  the  Gishurst  compound. 

Hardy  Fruit. — Go  over  the  Apples  and  Pears  stored  away,  and 
remove  decayed  specimens.  Keep  the  room  cool,  and  ventilate  pretty 
freely  until  the  sweating  process  is  over,  after  which  a  rather  close,  dry, 
and  cool  atmosphere  is  best  adapted  for  keeping  fruit.  Now  is  the  best 
time  for  planting  fruit  trees,  and  where  additions  are  wanted,  or  new 
borders  made,  no  time  should  be  lost  in  getting  the  materials  together, 
and  the  trees  on  the  ground.  Pruning  may  commence  at  once  with 
such  trees  as  have  lost  their  leaves  ;  and  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and 
Apricots  should  have  their  ripe  leaves  removed  with  a  slight  besom,  to 
admit  the  sun  and  air  to  the  wood. 

Hollyhocks. — A  cold  pit  or  frame  is  sufficient  to  winter  well  esta- 
blished plants  if  kept  near  the  glass,  but  they  should  have  sufficient 
pot-room,  and  not  over  watered.  Those  now  striking  will  be  liable  to 
damp  off  from  over  moisture,  which  must  be  guarded  against. 

Kitchen  Garden. — Look  to  your  Potatoes  and  other  roots  stored 
away  ;  they  are  decaying  very  fast  with  us  though  pitted  quite  dry. 
Take  up  Endive  in  quantities  on  the  approach  of  frost,  and  fill  empty 
frames,  sheds,  or  other  places  where  you  can  keep  it  dry  and  preserve 
it  from  frost.  Lettuce  must  have  the  protection  of  glass  to  get  it  good 
through  the  winter.  Earth  up  Artichokes  to  preserve  the  crowns  from 
frost ;  and  Parsley  should  be  hooped  over  to  be  ready  for  protecting  when 
required.  Give  plenty  of  air  to  Cauliflowers,  Lettuces,  and  Radishes 
under  hand-glasses,  and  see  that  a  quantity  of  the  two  former  are 
planted  in  sheltered  places  for  further  protection  in  severe  frost.  A 
sowing  of  Peas  for  the  first  crop  may  be  made  towards  the  middle  of 


352  THE    FLORIST. 

the  month,  aud  at  the  same  time  a  few  rows  of  Mazagan  Beans  may  be 
planted.     Trench  and  ridge  up  vacant  ground  to  take  the  weather. 

Peach  House. — The  sashes  may  be  placed  on  the  earliest  house  when 
Peaches  are  required  in  May.  Dress  over  the  trees  and  train  them 
regularly,  and  surface  over  the  border  with  fresh  loam.  Fires  need  not 
be  applied  for  a  fortnight,  and  then  only  by  day,  as  artificial  heat  to  a 
small  extent  will  be  required. 

Pelargoniums. — These  will  require  much  care  to  prevent  their 
getting  drawn,  as  many  of  them  are  growing  freely,  and  therefore  will 
want  plenty  of  air  at  all  favourable  opportunities.  Make  fires  only  in 
frosty  and  very  damp  weather,  both  of  which  may  now  be  anticipated. 
If  previous  directions  have  been  attended  to  with  early  specimen  plants, 
little  can  be  done  this  month,  except  with  the  training  of  the  young 
shoots ;  let  them  be  tied  out  carefully,  as  it  will  greatly  benefit  and 
strengthen  them.  Avoid  crowding  the  plants  ;  let  them  have  all  the 
room  that  can  possibly  be  spared.  Be  careful  in  watering  at  this 
season  ;  only  water  those  that  are  really  dry,  and  avoid  wetting  the 
foliage.  Continue  to  repot  any  plants  that  require  it,  and  also  stop 
young  struck  plants.  Cuttings  will  strike  freely  now  in  heat,  and 
withal  attend  strictly  to  cleanliness. 

Pinery. — Plants  swelling  their  fruit  should  be  supplied  with  a  moist 
warm  atmosphere,  more  especially  by  day.  When  the  sun  is  bright 
close  the  house  early,  but  allow  air  to  be  given  freely  soon  in  the 
mornings  when  the  weather  is  mild ;  the  night  temperature  may  be 
65°,  with  a  steady  bottom  heat.  Successions  should  now  be  kept  drier, 
but  do  not  allow  either  the  bottom  or  top  heat  to  fall  below  the  point 
which  would  check  the  plants.  60°  and  80°  are  safe  points  for  the 
night  and  day  thermometers  to  range,  and  the  bottom  heat  should  not 
be  much  less  than  85°. 

Pinks. — If  not  already  done,  a  few  pairs  should  be  potted  up,  to  fill 
vacancies  in  beds  that  may  occur  during  the  winter,  as  well  as  some  of 
the  more  tender  growing  kinds,  to  ensure  them  against  eventualities. 
A  small  bed  of  such  planted  out  in  spring  will  be  very  useful,  and  will 
in  some  seasons  produce  the  finest  flowers. 

Tulips. — Complete  planting  without  delay,  the  beds  having  been 
prepared  as  previously  recommended.  The  beds  may  remain  open  and 
unprotected  till  after  Christmas. 

Vinery. —  If,  as  directed  last  month,  the  Vines  in  the  early  house 
have  been  dressed,  border  covered,  &c,  gentle  fires  may  be  lighted  on 
dull  cold  days,  so  as  to  keep  the  temperature  to  45°  by  night  and  60° 
by  day,  with  a  pretty  liberal  admission  of  air.  We  prefer  the  border 
being  covered  only  with  leaves,  Fern,  or  dry  straw,  and  afterwards 
coated  over  with  coarse  mortar  or  concrete  to  exclude  wet,  to  putting 
fermenting  dung  on  the  borders.  Keep  a  dry  atmosphere  to  ripe 
Grapes,  and  remove  all  superfluous  leaves  to  admit  the  air  to  the 
bunches.  In  wet  weather  let  the  fires  be  lighted  in  the  morning  to 
dry  the  air  of  the  house,  and  let  go  out  in  the  evenings,  air  at  all  times 
being  admitted. 


Geraniums 


1. Lords  Clyde.   (Foster) 

Z.KZTU}    of -Purples.    (  TzcrnerJ 
J^Jn3rews,DA>  &  Zinco.  Plate  158. 


% 


JPrmtecL  ly  C.  Chaiot. 


DECEMBER.  353 


PELAKGONIUMS. 

(Plate  158.) 

Our  present  illustration  consists  of  the  two  leading  Pelar- 
goniums of  the  season,  hoth  having  heen  first  in  their  respective 
classes  at  the  Crystal  Palace  and  other  exhibitions.  Our  plate 
faithfully  represents  their  colour  and  form,  hut  to  this  we  can 
add  the  very  satisfactory  requisite  to  their  becoming  general 
favourites,  viz.,  that  they  are  free  bloomers,  fine  growers,  and 
of  easy  culture.  The  very  noble  flower,  raised  by  E.  Foster, 
Esq.,  has  that  depth  of  rich  colour  so  well  known  in  many 
of  Mr.  Foster's  seedlings,  but  with  lower  petals  such  as  were 
never  before  produced  at  Clewer.  It  is  without  doubt  the 
finest  Pelargonium  of  any  class  that  has  yet  come  under  our 
observation.  King  of  Purples  is  also  new  in  colour,  and  one 
of  the  best  of  this  popular  class,  the  spotted  varieties. 

We  have  been  favoured  with  the  following  observations  from 
a  most  successful  grower,  and  an  old  and  highly  respected  con- 
tributor : — 

It  is  some  time  since  your  readers  were  favoured  with  any  remarks 
upon  the  new  Pelargoniums  which  have  been  annually  sent  forth  into 
the  floricultural  world,  to  be  criticized  and  admired,  and,  as  I  do  not 
possess  the  data  for  a  full  detail  of  all  the  new  flowers  that  have  appeared 
since  your  last  remarks,  I  shall  not  therefore  attempt  a  description  cf 
them,  yet  there  are  several  that  have  been  exhibited  during  the  past 
season  that  are  so  decidedly  worthy  of  notice,  and  which  must  give  satis- 
facton  to  all  who  are  fortunate  enough  to  obtain  them,  that  I  believe  your 
readers  will  be  glad  to  have  their  attention  directed  to  them.  I  think  I 
am  not  far  wrong,  if  wrong  at  all,  in  saying  that  at  no  period  has  the 
improvement  of  the  Pelargonium  been  more  marked  and  decided  than 
in  the  new  flowers  of  the  last  two  or  three  years,  and  this  improve- 
ment has  not  been  confined  to  one  particular  point,  but  has  com- 
prised general  freedom  of  bloom,  size  and  substance,  form  and 
colour,  all  which  are  leading  points.  The  new  flowers  are  strikingly 
fine,  nor  is  their  increased  variety  less  remarkable.  Some  years  ago 
there  was  but  one  class  of  Pelargoniums  (leaving  out  the  Cape  species), 
and  now  we  have  three,  with  distinctions  very  strongly  marked, 
viz.,  the  old  style,  the  spotted,  and  the  fancies,  and  each  of  these  classes 
contains  numerous  varieties. 

The  first  flower  that  attracted  my  attention  this  season  was  Festus, 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Turner  at  Regent's  Park,  in  May ;  the  individual 
flowers  and  also  the  trusses  are  large,  bold,  smooth,  and  constant,  and 
the  general  habit  excellent ;  a  most  desirable  exhibition  plant,  and 
likely  to  be  a  favourite  for  some  time. 

VOL.    XII.,  NO.  CXLIV.  A   A 


354  THE    FLORIST. 

Monarch,  very  large,  fine  in  form,  and  constant ;  a  truly  noble  flower ;  I  think 

second  to  none  that  I  have  seen 
Leviathan,  a  purple  crimson,  with  black  top  petals,  large,  very  free  and  fine 
Lady  Canning,  similar  in  colour  to  the  old  favourite  Rosamond,  but  brighter  • 

and  very  much  larger 
Ariel,  white,  with  rich  rosy  carmine  top  petals,  good  form,  and  fair  size 
Bride,  white,  with  blotch  of  bright  rose  on  the  top  petals,  very  pretty,  very  free 

and  lively,  of  medium  si  .e 
Empress  Eugenie,  white,  with  carmine  spot  on  the  top  petals,  a  dwarf  habit, 

free  and  beautiful,  the  white  very  pure 
Candidate,  in  colouring  similar  to  Wonderful,  rather  more  orange,  very  fine 

and  free,  remarkably  smooth  on  the  edge  (not  a  strong  grower) 
Sir  Colin  Campbell,  white  centre,  with  remarkably  rich  deep  colouring,  profuse 

bloomer,  rather  less  in  size  than  some  in  this  list 

These  are  almost  dec'ded  improvements  in  the  old  style  of  Pelar- 
goniums, and  the  list  might  be  much  extended  by  the  insertion  of  very 
interesting  flowers,  such  as  Desdemona,  The  Belle,  Etna,  Richard 
Benyon,  Rajah,  Brilliant,  Sunset,  &c. 

In  spotted  varieties  also  there  is  a  manifest  advance,  as  in  Peaeock, 
Osiris,  and  others,  and  we  are  told  that  the  old  favourite,  Sanspareil, 
is  to  give  place  to  Beadsman  ;  we  shall  see  ;  it  must  have  many  good 
properties  to  drive  that  old  favourite  from  the  field.  Many  of  the  new 
flowers  in  this  class  are  striking  and  very  effective  in  colouring,  and 
they  are  now  sufficiently  numerous  to  be  shown  as  a  distinct  class,  and 
should  be  made  ineligible  for  the  other  classes. 

I  have  purposely  been  silent  upon  the  new  flowers  going  out  for  the 
first  time  this  autumn,  not  having  seen  sufficient  of  some  of  them  to 
speak  decidedly,  but,  of  some  that  I  have  seen,  I  have  hopes  that  they 
will  be  found  on  trial  worthy  to  be  placed  besides  those  I  have  described. 
It  is  perhaps  hardly  necessary  to  say  anything  as  to  the  culture  of  this 
favourite  and  easily  managed  flower,  but  I  would  just  venture  to 
recommend  any  of  your  readers  whose  plants  may  be  backward  in  the 
spring,  to  water  them  once  a  week  with  a  solution  of  sheep's  dung  ;  they 
will,  I  think,  be  benefited  both  as  regards  foliage  and  bloom. 

Delta. 


WHAT  CAN  BE  DONE  WITH  TIFFANY? 

It  now  and  then  happens  that  the  gardening  world  is  all  at  once  startled 
from  its  propriety  by  the  exhibition  of  some  marvellous  invention,  or 
instances  of  culture  which  surprise  everybody  for  the  time,  and  afford 
a  fertile  theme  for  praise  or  censure,  as  individuals  feel  disposed  to  go 
for,  or  against  the  novelty.  We  well  remember  the  time  when 
the  late  Mr.  Wilmot,  of  Isleworth,  was  going  to  astonish  Covent 
Garden  Market  by  sending  there  first-class  Grapes  in  May,  which  he 
was  going  to  produce  with  the  aid  of  "  The  Arnott  Stove,"  at  a  cost 
of  somewhere  about  Is.  6d.  per  lb. ;  then  "  Polmaise  "  was  going  to 
revolutionise  the  entire  system  of  heating  forcing  houses,  and  an  atmo- 
sphere unequalled  by  all  the  appliances  of  steam  and  hot  water  was  to 
be  produced,  wherein  the  finest  fruits  of  the  world  might  be  grown  to 


DECEMBER.  355 

perfection,  with  no  more  expensive  materials  than  a  "  fifty  shilling 
stove,  a  hole  in  the  wall,  and  a  wet  blanket ; "  and  even  this  was  stated, 
by  a  great  authority  at  the  time,  to  be  costly  for  many  descriptions  of 
forcing  houses,  "which,"  it  was  said,  "  might  be  very  well  warmed  by 
an  old-fashioned  brick  oven,  heated  by  faggots  burnt  in  the  inside !  " 
Then  followed  the  astounding  information  by  "  Mirubile  Dictu"  that 
French  gardeners  were  growing  Queen  Pines  in  poor  sandy  peat,  from 
8  to  10  lbs.  each,  in  ordinary  brick  pits  without  fire-heat.  We  might 
follow  up  the  enumeration  much  further  by  alluding  to  the  Bicton  system 
of  growing  Pines,  "the  most  exquisite  ever  tasted,"  in  the  open  ground! 
or  to  the  splendid  Grapes  grown  at  Isleworth,  in  clinkers  and  gravel, 
as  well  as  to  other  eccentricities  of  gardening,  were  we  not  reminded 
of  the  notice  which  heads  our  article,  "  What  can  be  done  withTiftany." 

We  have  raked  up  these  now  almost  forgotten  wonders  with  no 
malevolent  feeling,  for  without  a  certain  amount  of  enthusiasm 
gardening  would  sink  below  mediocrity.  Arnott's  stove  answered  well 
for  certain  purposes,  although  it  was  a  misapplication  in  forcing 
houses ;  Polmaise  was  a  grand  idea,  scientifically  correct,  but  imprac- 
ticable to  carry  out ;  the  Meudon  system  of  Pine  growing  has  simplified 
our  practice,  and  has  produced,  at  Frogmore,  results  even  more 
wonderful  than  the  8  lb.  Queens  at  Meudon*  In  fact,  these  innova- 
tions on  the  usual  routine  of  gardening  are  strongly  conducive  to  the 
progress  of  the  art,  by  way  of  showing  what  may  be  effected,  and  so 
with  the  simple  material  called  "Tiffany." 

We  now  have  to  inform  our  readers,  that  during  a  late  ramble 
through  the  country,  we  "  looked  in"  at  Mr.  Standish's  nursery,  at 
Bagshot,  a  wonderful  depot  for  Rhododendrons,  Mahonias,  Berberis, 
Conifers,  and  the  like,  which  are  there  raised  by  thousands,  for  the 
future  decoration  of  the  scores  of  mansions  and  villas  which  are 
springing  into  existence  all  over  the  country.  On  passing  through  the 
home  grounds,  Mr.  Standish  introduced  us  to  a  novel  erection  which 
he  was  pleased  to  call  his  "  Tiffany -house"  and  which  we  must  briefly 
describe  ;  first  let  us  premise  that  all  who  have  gardens,  and  who  wish 
to  preserve  their  fruit-blossoms  from  the  frosts  of  spring,  or  their  plants 
under  glass  from  being  scorched  by  a  July  sun,  have  doubtless  heard  of 
Mr.  Shaw,  of  Manchester,  and  his  famous  "  Tiffany,"  a  new  kind  of 
shading  invented  and  introduced  to  the  public  by  that  gentleman. 
This  material  Mr.  Standish  has  applied  to  a  most  useful  purpose  in 
his  nursery,  and  as  its  application  (so  it  appears  to  us),  may  be  extended 
to  a  great  variety  of  objects  in  connexion  with  gardening,  we  very 
gladly  avail  ourselves  of  his  permission  to  publish  his  experience  in 
the  matter. 

The  spring  is  always  a  critical  period  with  those  who  are  propa- 
gating largely  hardy  and  half  hardy  plants.  The  modern  system  of 
striking,  grafting,  and  inarching,  does  not,  as  of  old,  take  several  weeks 
to  accomplish.  Heat  and  moisture  are  brought  to  bear  very  largely 
on  the  operation,  to  produce  a  quick  union  between  the  scion  and  stock, 
and,  as  a  consequence,  the  plants  are  in  a  highly  excited  state.     The 

*  We  intend  to  give  a  notice  of  the  extraordinary  growth  of  the  Pine  in  the 
Royal  Gardens  in  our  next. 


356  THE    FLORIST. 

process  of  hardening  these  plants  off  is  the  next  step,  which  can  only 
be  done  under  glass,  and  even  when  removed  from  this  protection  many- 
plants  do  not  bear  well  full  exposure  to  the  open  air  ;  add  to  this  the 
number  of  seedling  plants,  which  also  require  some  degree  of  protection, 
and  we  shall  perceive  that  it  was  necessity  which,  in  some  measure, 
compelled  Mr.  standish  to  bring  this  material  into  use. 

The  "  Tiffany  House'"  has  a  framework  of  stout  Larch  poles,  10  ft. 
high,  which  are  placed  at  right  angles  7  or  8  feet  apart.  The  poles 
stand  about  7  feet  out  of  the  ground,  and  are  unbarked,  but  with  their 
tops  cut  square  and  chiselled  out  with  a  gouge  to  receive  the  imposts, 
which  are  formed  of  rather  smaller  poles  sawn  through  the  middle, 
and  nailed  to  the  uprights  round  side  downwards  ;  cross-pieces  are  also 
introduced  to  form  a  stout  frame,  over  which  the  Tiffany  is  stretched, 
and  nailed  on  with  list.  During  the  early  part  of  the  season  the  sides 
are  also  covered  with  the  same  material,  but  as  the  weather  becomes 
warmer  this  is  removed  to  admit  more  air  underneath.  The  rain,  as  it 
falls  on  the  surface  of  the  flat  roof,  of  course  finds  its  way  inside, 
but  in  no  way  to  injure  anything  beneath,  as  it  gradually  filters 
through.  Mr.  Standish's  house,  we  should  say,  is  90  feet  long, 
about  60  feet  wide,  and  7  feet  high  ;  and  underneath,  arranged  in 
beds,  were  a  large  number  of  choice  plants,  exhibiting  a  degree  of 
health  and  luxuriance  never  before  attained  by  similar  plants, 
even  under  glass.  Camellias,  Rhododendrons  of  all  kinds,  Berberis 
nepalensis,  Bealii,  and  japonica,  were  growing  most  luxuriantly,  as 
well  as  the  new  Forget-me-not,  and  a  host  of  other  things  Mr.  Standish 
had  purposely  placed  under  this  protection,  to  try  how  far  partial 
shade  would  suit  them.  We  were  much  surprised  to  find  that  Roses, 
which  proverbially  delight  in  sunshine,  were  producing  blooms  of 
immense  size  and  of  most  intense  colour,  and  the  dark  green  aspect  of 
the  leaves  clearly  indicated  that  the  amount  of  light  and  atmospheric 
conditions  were  entirely  suited  to  the  habit  of  the  plants. 

Mr.  Standish  is  sanguine  that  he  can  grow  Grapes  and  Peaches  in  a 
house  of  this  description,  and  next  year  intends  trying  the  experiment 
of  fruit  culture  under  Tiffany  on  a  considerable  scale.  We  shall  watch 
the  experiment  with  great  interest ;  and  whether  he  will  succeed  or  not 
with  fruits  will  be  recorded ;  we  have  no  hesitation  in  asserting,  how- 
ever, that  it  forms  a  superior  medium  to  glass  for  growing  many 
kinds  of  plants  under  during  the  summer,  and  that  its  general  applica- 
tion for  that  purpose  will  soon  follow.  Camellias,  Rhododendrons, 
Azaleas,  Epacris,  Heaths,  and  hard-wooded  plants  generally,  as  well 
as  greenhouse  Ferns,  are  a  few  genera  which  occur  to  us  which  would 
grow  luxuriantly  under  a  Tiffany  roof,  and  it  will  also  form  the  best 
roof  material  for  retarding  plants  in  bloom,  in  which  case  a  double 
roof  would  be  preferable. 

As  regards  the  form  of  roof  Mr.  Standish  has  adopted,  a  ridge  and 
furrow  one  would  perhaps  in  some  respects  be  preferable  ;  but  the 
mode  of  construction  is  so  simple,  and  ihe  material  so  cheap,  that  the 
shape  of  the  roof  is  of  but  little  importance,  provided  it  is  not  carried 
too  high  above  the  plants.  We  must  defer  noticing  the  application  of 
Tiffany  as  a  fruit  protector  to  our  next  number. 


DECEMBER.  357 


FINE  WALL  ROSE  TREES  IN  DORSETSHIRE. 
The  following  account  may  perhaps  interest  the  readers  of  the  Florist : — 

First :  Jaime  of  Smith  or  Yellow  Tea  Noisette ;  this  tree  I  saw  two 
years  ago  at  my  friend's,  the  Rev.  C.  Sawbridge,  at  Aimer  Rectory ;  it 
was  then  in  fine  and  abundant  bloom.  The  following  is  his  account  of 
it : — "  My  famous  Rose  tree  is  the  Yellow  Tea,  styled  Jaune  of  Smith  ; 
its  blooms  are  pale  yellow,  and  its  buds  are  beautiful.  I  brought  it 
from  my  paternal  home  in  Kent,  some  25  years  ago — a  mere  cutting 
from  a  small  Rose  growing  against  the  house  ;  and  I  soon  found  that 
the  offspring  was  likely  to  surpass  its  parent  in  every  respect,  and  that 
the  removal  to  Dorsetshire  was  most  beneficial.  I  called  it  the  Magnolia 
Rose,  because  its  leaves  were  so  large,  and  its  buds  almost  rivalled  the 
blossoms  of  the  Magnolia.  For  many  years  it  continued  to  bloom  and 
be  greatly  admired  by  my  neighbours  when  calling  at  the  rectory,  but, 
of  late  years,  it  has  fallen  off  in  appearance,  its  buds  have  decreased, 
there  have  been  fewer  of  them,  and  the  leaves  are  nothing  to  what  they 
once  were.  Last  winter  I  had  it  cut  about  all  over,  so  that  only 
straight  branches  remained,  and  therefore  I  could  hardly  expect  that  it 
would  have  many  blooms  this  summer,  but  it  has  put  forth  plenty  of 
young  wood,  and  I  hope  it  may  do  well  again  next  year.  The  space 
allotted  to  it  is  8  feet  wide  and  9|  feet  high  ;  but  what  it  would  have 
been,  if  allowed  more  space,  I  cannot  say.  It  is  evidently  a  delicate 
Rose  to  manage.  I  have  often  given  it  away  to  different  persons,  but 
it  has  never  thrived."  [My  Smithii  mentioned  in  the  Florist  was  struck 
from  this  tree,  and  which,  though  well  rooted,  lived  here  only  six  weeks. 
W.  F.  R.] 

Secondly  :  The  Deans  Court  Lamarque.  This  fine  old  tree  I  have 
not  lately  seen,  but  it  is  a  noted  tree.  It  is  growing  at  Deans  Court, 
Wiinborne,  now  occupied  by  Major  Portman,  Lord  Portman's  brother ; 
and  the  following  account  has  been  kindly  sent  to  me  by  Mrs.  Port- 
man  : — "  It  was  planted  in  1843  by  Mr.  John  Hanham,  before  he 
went  to  India ;  it  is  therefore  16  years  old  ;  it  is  20  feet  high  and  9h 
feet  wide;  it  is  a  bud  on  a  Briar;  it  blossoms  twice  a  year  luxuriantly, 
but  this  year  its  promise  of  abundant  blooms  was  checked  by  a  severe 
frost ;  its  autumn  bloom  was  not  so  fine  as  usual,  the  reason  is,  I  think, 
that  there  is  too  much  old  wood ;  it  requires  fresh  training,  cutting  out 
of  the  old  wood,  and  replenishing  with  young  shoots ;  its  blossoms  are 
lovely,  and  sometimes  there  are  as  many  as  ten  on  one  stalk ;  it  is 
slightly  tinged  with  yellow  inside,  and  is  very  sweet." 

Thirdly:  The  Rev.  H.  Austen's  five  trees  at  Keynstone : — These 
trees  face  the  east  (observe  that),  and  are  all  on  their  own  roots,  except 
Ophirie,  which  the  gardener  says,  he  thinks,  is  on  Manetti.  I  have 
reviewed  and  carefully  measured  these  trees,  and  the  following  is  the 
account  of  them,  as  you  face  the  house,  built  about  12  years  ago. 
They  have  only  15  inches  width  of  friable  soil,  which  is  ed^ed  with 
6  inches  of  Grass,  and  then  their  roots  run  under  a  wide  gravel  walk. — 
No.  1.  The  Cloth  of  Gold,  six  years  old,  on  its  own  roots,  struck  from 
No.  4,  has  seven  stout  main  leaders  at  the  base.    Its  height  is  16  £  feet, 


358  THE    FLORIST. 

its  breadth  is  6  feet. — No.  2.  Ophirie,  12  years  old,  is  15  feet  high 
and  7|  feet  wide,  with  leaders  so  beautifully  covered  that  I  could  not 
count  even  the  base  leaders ;  the  gardener  thinks  there  are  about  10. 
This  is  the  best  wall  Rose  I  have  ever  seen,  because  its  leaves  and 
branches  cover  the  leaders  from  the  top  to  the  bottom  of  the  tree ;  for 
these  attributes  Madame  Plantier  is  the  best  pole  Rose  that  I  ever  saw; 
when  properly  managed,  she  presents  to  the  eye  nothing  but  foliage 
and  flowers. — No.  3.  Solfaterre,  12  years  old,  the  parent  of  No.  5,  is 
15  feet  high  and  6  feet  wide,  and  has  9  stout  leaders  at  the  base. — 
No.  4.  The  Cloth  of  Gold  was  planted  by  (Jill,  of  Blandford,  12  years 
ago,  is  17  feet  high  by  6  feet  wide ;  it  is  very  stout  in  wood,  and 
luxuriant  all  over  ;  the  measured  circumference  of  the  root,  close  to  the 
ground,  is  17  inches ;  this  beautiful  tree  has,  at  the  base,  18  main 
leaders ;  like  Smithii,  it  requires  more  room ;  this  Cloth  is,  for  training 
and  general  appearance,  though  not  for  altitude  and  extensive  range,  as 
you  shall  see  presently,  the  best  Cloth  of  Gold  I  ever  yet  saw. — No.  5. 
Solfaterre,  six  years  old,  was  struck  from  No.  3,  and  is  14  feet  high  by 
6  feet  wide,  and  has  six  main  leaders  at  the  base. — Thus  there  are 
two  Cloths  of  Gold  and  two  Solfaterres  on  their  own  roots,  while 
Ophirie  is  on  Manetti.  I  asked  the  gardener,  "  Do  you  cut  these  Cloths 
of  Gold  and  the  other  wall  trees?"  He  said,  "  I  cut  them  all  hard 
every  year.  I  cut  out  of  No.  4  faggots,  last  year,  from  the  top  of  the 
tree,  but  cut  sparingly  at  the  base  and  centre."  You  will  hear  presently 
what  Mrs.  Fowler  says  on  the  subject  of  cutting.  In  the  centre  of  the 
house  is  a  fine  Magnolia,  24J  feet  high  by  15J  feet  wide,  whose 
beautiful  blooms  I  have  seen.  These  six  trees,  with  an  Austrian 
Briar  and  Persian  Yellow,  well  trained,  Red  Currant  fashion,  decorate 
the  frontage  of  Keynstone  Rectory ;  and,  glorious  in  the  season,  to  use 
Mr.  Milne's  words,  is  the  display  of  "  floral  grace."  At  the  back  of  the 
house  are  two  fine  trees  of  Jaune  Desprez  and  Bonaparte.  There  is 
one  tree  there  which,  though  not  a  wall  tree,  I  cannot  pass  over.  It  is  a 
large  standard  of  the  Triumph  of  Milton,  about  18  years  old,  measuring 
in  diameter  over  14  feet ;  in  the  season,  it  is  a  blaze  of  crimson  glory. 
Should  any  amateur,  travelling  this  way,  think  it  worth  his  while  to 
call  on  me,  I  will  show  him  my  neighbour's  trees,  my  Solfaterre,  which 
is  13|  feet  high  by  33  feet  5  inches  wide,  and  also  a  fine  tree  of  sweet- 
scented  Jaune  Desprez.  I  need  hardly  say  that  there  will  be  a  bed 
and  knife  and  fork ;  I  now  come  to  speak  of  three  Cloths  of  Gold, 
which,  at  Mr.  Ingram's  request,  I  went  to  see  on  the  10th  of  October, 
and  which  I  have  now  revisited,  with  a  view  to  correct  measurement ; 
No.  3  is,  I  think,  a  most  wonderful  tree. 

Fourthly,  then,  we  proceed  to  describe  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fowler's  Cloths 
of  Gold,  at  Kingston,  near  Blandford.  No.  1  Cloth  of  Gold,  on  a  4-feet 
Briar,  independent  of  a  wall,  planted  by  Mr.  Gill,  of  Blandford,  in 
1849,  was  then  a  young  tree,  and  has  never  since  been  moved.  It  is 
trained  down  to  hoop  wire,  umbrella  fashion,  and  has  thrown  out  this 
year  three  branches,  each  of  which  is  10  feet  long,  and  one  13  feet. — 
No.  2  Cloth  of  Gold  was  planted  four  years  ago,  on  a  4-feel  Briar, 
against  the  east  gable  end  of  the  house,  with  a  wall  to  the  south  of 


DECEMBER.  359 

it;  its  aspect  is  therefore  north-east,  in  an  inclosed  garden.  It  has 
much  overswollen  the  Briar  at  the  point  of  union.  It  is  5|  inches  in 
girth  at  7  feet  high,  and  is  27  feet  7  inches  in  full  height.  It  is  in  the 
shape  of  a  fan,  and  is  a  very  pretty  tree.  Its  top  branch  forms  an 
arcade  with  No.  3.  Between  these  two  is  a  Glou  Morceau  Pear,  alias 
Delices  des  Hardenpont,  from  which  I  have  this  day  eaten  some  excel- 
lent fruit.  It  is  a  pity  that  either  No.  2  or  3  had  not  been  planted 
where  this  Pear  stands. — No.  3  Cloth  of  Gold  is  a  very  fine  tree,  the 
loftiest  and  most  extensive  of  any  Cloth  of  Gold  that  I  have  yet  seen. 
This  tree  is  on  a  1-foot  Briar,  which  it  has  much  overswollen,  at  the 
north-east  corner  of  the  gable,  opposite  to  No.  2.  It  was  planted  (a 
very  small  plant),  by  Mr.  Gill,  in  1849.  It  is  in  an  inclosed  garden, 
with  a  draughty  door  close  to  it.  The  tree  has  been  trained  with  a  view 
to  avoid  Glou  Morceau.  It  has  two  main  stems,  and  out  of  one  of  these 
is  a  long  rider.  The  two  stems  are  in  girth,  at  12  feet  from  the  ground, 
5  J  inches  ;  the  main  body  is  (east  aspect)  36  feet  high.  A  long  branch 
runs  west  against  the  north  side  of  the  house,  31  feet  in  length,  and 
out  of  this  branch  another,  25  feet  2  inches,  runs  under  the  garden 
wall  thatch,  northwards.  The  growth  of  the  terminal  shoot  of  this 
branch,  this  year,  is  9  feet  4  inches.  On  the  10th  of  October,  at  the 
top  of  the  36-feet  department,  I  saw  sixty  fine  buds. 

With  regard  to  cutting  the  Cloth  of  Gold,  Mrs.  Fowler  told  me  that 
the  effect  was,  that  she  got  lots  of  long  wood  and  less  flowers.  This  I 
believe  to  be  the  case  with  most  Noisettes,  Hybrid  Chinas,  and  Hybrid 
Bourbons.  Finally,  observe  that  four  of  these  Cloths  of  Gold  face  the 
east.     These  are  the  finest  and  best  wall  trees  known  to  me. 

As  I  am  "  in  the  prose  line,"  I  must  leave  it  to  "  Punch,"  who  is  at 
Rushton,  to  enliven  the  article  with  a  little  poetry,  in  which,  it  is 
probable,  he  will  express  himself  "  rather  freely"  at  some  (! ! !)  people's 
expense. 

"  FIRST  STAVE. 

"  Five  glorious  Cloths  of  Gold,  three  Solfaterres, 
No  amateur  to  visit  long  defers. 
Ophirie,  too,  and  Jaune  both  wanton  here, 
In  Dorset,  and  Lamarque  is  very  near, 
With  lengthen'd  branches  reaching  to  the  skies, 
A  noble  sight  to  gladden  human  eyes. 
Punch  is,  as  all  know,  a  funny  fellow, 
Hates  the  Austrian,  loves  the  Persian  Yellow, 
Loves  best  of  all  the  glorious  Cloth  of  Gold, 
Whose  gilded  glory  never  can  be  told. 

" SECOND  STAVE. 

"  Come,  then,  to  Rushton,  ply  your  knife  and  fork; 
'Twill  amply  pay  you  for  your  journey's  work. 
Gloede  said,  '  I  ne'er  felt  bliss  before' 
(Forgetting  nuptial  bliss  and  wedding  lore)  ; 
1  I  '11  come  in  June,  and  visit  here  once  more.' 
R.  hopes  he  will.     He  '11  gladden  all  our  hearts, 
And  tuck  in  English  beef  and  Raspb'ry  tarts. 
One  thing  he  '11  see,  which  made  Punch  vacant  stare, 
Nimrod's  not  Eleanor,  much  less  Adair. 


360  THE    FLORIST. 

Pomologists  who  live  in  London  smoke, 
Sent  through  the  floral  world  this  cruel  joke. 
Where'er  Punch  goes,  most  popular  of  men, 
Loud  is  the  cry,  '  Here's  Niinrod  come  again  ! ' 
If  taking  ship,  Punch  braves  the  mighty  main, 
The  sailors  cry,  '  Here's  Nimrod  come  again  ! ' 

Tis  Nimrod  here,  'tis  ISimrod  there, 

'Tis  Nimrod  always,  everywhere! 
No  wonder  the  nations  should  at  Punch  stare, 
Don't  all  these  judges  (connoisseur's  the  name) 
See  that  a  horse  and  hen  are  quite  the  same? 
'Tween  pumps  and  barrows  Punch  more  likeness  sees 
Than  is  between  distinctive  Strawberries. 
Punch  thinks,  the  way  t'  improve  a  critic's  taste, 
Is  with  the  "  cat,"  his  body  well  to  baste. 
This  nostrum,  well  applied,  will  fill  the  air 
With  the  quick  cry  that  Nimrod  's  not  Adair  ! 

"  LAST   STAVE. 

"  The  '  Wizard  of  the  North  '  is  come  in  Plate, 
Who  sent  it,  R.,  Punch  really  cannot  state; 
R.  thanks  the  sender,  hopes  he'll  see  it  here 
In  gilded  frame  as  well  as  China  ware  ; 
Here's  Oscar,  too,  a  noble  plant  and  print, 
Buy  it  at  Slough,  you'll  bless  Punch  for  the  hint. 
Good  bye  Fragrarians, 
Adieu  Rosarians. 
The  doctors  cannot  differ  more, 
You're  all  gone  mad,  I'm  certain  sure. 
Thus  writes  shrewd  Punch,  despising  words  well  known, 
'  Who  lives  in  glass  should  never  throw  a  stone;' 
Asserts  he  still,  asserts  with  living  breath, 
The  British  Queen  has  twice  saved  Punch  from  death ; 
While  his  breath  lasts  he'll  fill  the  London  air, 
In  crying  loudly,  '  Nimrod 's  not  Adair ! '  " 

W.  F.  Radclypfe. 
Rushton,  November  16. 


NOTES  ON  THE  MONTH. 


The  frost  of  the  third  week  in  October  was  followed  by  violent  storms 
and  cold  weather  (the  rains  in  this  district  having  been  very  heavy), 
indicating  considerable  electrical  action  in  the  atmosphere.  On  November 
14,  15,  and  16,  sharp  frosts  again  occurred,  the  thermometer  in  some 
situations  marking  12°  of  frost.  Ice  was  abundant,  and  the  effect  on 
vegetation,  though  not  so  striking  as  what  resulted  from  the  frosts  of 
October,  has  put  the  finishing  stroke  on  many  garden  plants.  Even 
hardy  Borecoles  have  suffered,  to  say  nothing  of  Broccoli,  Cabbages,  and 
Cauliflowers,  which  in  many  places  have  the  appearance  of  having  been 
parboiled;  while  Lettuces,  Endive,  Parsley,  &c,  are  killed  entirely; 
this  destruction  will  cause  much  annoyance  to  gardeners,  whose  means 
of  supply  have  thus  been  unexpectedly  cut  short.  Nurserymen  have 
not  escaped.  Many  plants  which  the  warmth  of  the  season  had 
forced  into  a  vigorous   autumn  growth  have  had  their  young  wood 


DECEMBER.  361 

killed  back,  and,  with  the  loss  of  the  leaders,  will  be  thrown  back  a 
season,  and  in  some  cases  very  valuable  plants,  considered  hardy,  have 
been  much  injured.  These  early  frosts  have  brought  down  the  iolmge  of 
trees  rapidly,  and  during  this  autumn  we  have  experienced  none  of  'those 
delightful  transitions  of  colour  in  the  decaying  foliage  of  the  Beech, 
Oak,  and  Maple,  which  in  other  seasons,  when  their  decay  has  been 
gradual,  have  beautified  the  landscape. 

The  rapid  increase  of  the  Pomological  Society,  and  the  interesting 
reports  of  its  proceedings,  are  exciting  much  interest.  The  exertions 
of  the  committee  in  classifying  and  reporting  on  the  fruits  submitted  to 
them  at  their  meetings  merit  the  thanks  of  fruit  growers,  and  have 
already  given  great  impulse  to  fruit  growing.  But  they  evidently  want 
local  secretaries  in  each  fruit-producing  district,  and  more  correspondence 
on  fruit  matters  ;  and  it  is  thought,  even  by  some  of  their  own  members, 
that  a  jury  of  some  20  or  30  individuals,  some  of  whom  are  but 
partially  informed  on  the  subject,  is  not  the  best  medium  for  getting 
at  a  right  decision  on  the  fruits  submitted.  Would  it  not  be  better  to 
elect  proper  censors,  and  let  them  award  the  prizes,  instead  of  putting 
the  matter  to  the  vote  of  the  whole  meeting ;  and,  as  the  number  of 
fruits  to  be  adjudicated  upon  is  now  large,  the  censorship  might  take 
place  the  day  before,  or  on  the  morning  previous  tc  the  meeting,  at 
which  a  short  lecture  and  discussion  might  take  place  on  the  suhjects 
present.  We  name  this  with  the  most  friendly  feeling  towards  the 
society.  The  fruit  and  floral  committees  of  the  Horticultural  Society  are 
also  proceeding  with  zeal  and  vigour.  We  shall  expect  much  from 
these  committees,  more  especially  now  that  their  means  of  doing  good 
will  be  enlarged,  through  the  general  prosperity  of  the  main  body. 
The  publication  of  the  monthly  proceedings  is  a  step  in  the  right 
direction,  and  we  are  glad  to  notice  that  experiments  on  vegetables  have 
not  been  given  up. 

G.  F. 


MR.  McEWEN'S  WORK  ON  THE  PEACH. 
Your  favourable  notice  of  this,  at  page  315,  has  surprised  not  only 
myself  but  others  of  your  readers,  who,  having  read  over  the  work, 
fail  to  discover  anything  either  new  in  practice  or  sound  in  prin- 
ciple in  its  pages.  To  me,  it  appears  most  unfortunate  for  Mr.  Cox, 
that  he  should  have  made  any  additions  at  all  to  Mr.  McEwen's 
manuscript,  for,  on  reading  the  work,  we  find  that  nearly  in  every 
instance  where  the  editor's  notes  are  inserted,  they  contradict  the 
original  matter.  Mr.  Cox's  labour  in  the  matter  may  have  been  one  of 
love  (as  he  informs  us  in  the  preface  was  the  case),  and  it  was  no  doubt  a 
congenial  one  ;  but  the  public  now-a-days  expect  to  get  some  informa- 
tion when  they  buy  a  new  work,  particularly  when  two  such  practical 
names  as  those  of  the  author  and  editor  are  attached  to  it. 

At  page  7  we  are  told  that  all  outside  borders  should  be  repeatedly 
forked  over  in  hot  sunny  weather;  and  at  page  18 — "That  when  the 
weather  is  dry,  and  evaporation  excessive,  I  frequently  tread  over  open 


362  THE    FLORIST. 

soils,  to  give  them  a  fixedness  and  prevent  waterings.  .  .  .  This 
treading  in  many  cases  is  preferable  to  mulching,  inasmuch  as  it  does 
not  intercept  the  sun's  rays  from  the  border." 

As  regards  soils  for  borders,  rich  unctuous  loam,  free  of  manure,  is 
very  properly  recommended  by  the  author  (page  5);  but  afterwards,  at 
page  9,  in  introducing  the  opinion  of  a  "friend"  on  Peach  culture,  and 
which  the  author  endorses,  it  is  stated,  "  But  to  return  to  the  Peach ; 
after  pruning,  cleaning,  dressing,  and  tying  the  trees,  and  slightly 
loosening  the  surface  soil,  I  have,  for  the  last  few  years,  covered  the 
borders  with  fresh  cow  dung,  to  the  depth  of  two  or  three  inches,  and 
covered  that  with  a  thin  coat  of  soil;"  and  then  he  goes  on  to  say,  "The 
trees  do  not  want  this  until  the  end  of  May,  and  by  that  time  it  is 
sufficiently  decayed  for  them  to  enter  it  freely."  Now,  what  must  be 
the  state  of  a  Peach  border,  which  has  had  an  annual  covering  of  two 
or  three  inches  of  cow  dung,"after  half-a-dozen  years ;  we  may  imagine 
pretty  correctly,  if  the  trees  could  stand  the  rich  dressing  so  long  without 
dying  of  gum  and  canker.  At  page  12,  in  recommending  standard 
trees  to  dwarfs  for  walls,  it  is  stated  that,  "  The  atmosphere,  so  near 
the  surface,  is  always  some  degrees  colder  than  four  feet  up  the  wall;" 
in  my  simplicity,  I  thought  that  the  warmest  part  of  the  wall  if 
unshaded.  I  say  nothing  of  whether  dwarfs  or  standards  are  the  most 
preferable  trees  to  plant,  but  merely  differ  from  the  reasons  given  why 
dwarfs  should  be  given  up.  I  might  quote  other  passages,  which, 
if  not  objectionable,  yet  produce  no  information  satisfactory  to  the 
reader ;  and,  in  submitting  the  above  to  you,  as  you  have  recommended 
the  work,  merely  ask  how  you  can  reconcile  such  advice  with  the 
contradictions  contained  in  the  work. 

J.  B. 

[We  are  in  duty  bound  to  give  publicity  to  our  correspondent's 
remarks.  The  work  in  question  was  reviewed  by  one  of  our  contributors 
without  our  having  read  it  ourselves,  and  is  certainly  open  to  some  of 
the  objections  named  by  our  correspondent ;  but  clever  practical  men 
are  not  always  clever  writers,  and  such  may  be  the  case  with  the  present 
work. — Ed.  Florist.'] 


ROSA  DEVONIENSIS. 


I  AM  so  much  a  lover  of  my  country  as  to  be  glad  of  the  discussion 
that  has  arisen  on  the  origin  of  this  Rose,  because  such  points  are  only 
settled  satisfactorily  where  there  is  discussion,  and  that  before  it  is  too 
late,  before  the  facts  are  forgotten,  or  the  actors  passed  from  the  scene. 
Whether  any  more  evidence  will  be  forthcoming  I  cannot  tell,  nor  am 
I  anxious  that  there  should  be,  though  I  shall  gladly  receive  it  if  there 
is.  The  object  of  this  communication  is  to  show  that,  if  not,  the 
common  notion  of  its  being  an  English  Rose  must  be  accepted  as  the 
true  one ;  and  that  though  no  doubt  it  would  be  desirable  that  Mr. 
Foster  or  his  representative  should  state  positively  that  the  plant  sold  to 
Messrs.  Lucombe,  Pince,  &  Co.,  was  a  seedling,  and  thus  supply  the 


DECEMBER.  363 

only  missing   link,  even  then  the  moral  evidence  would  hardly  be 
stronger  than  it  is  now. 

Accepting  the  illustration  of  a  suit  at  law,  it  must  be  remembered 
that  when  the  best  evidence  on  any  point  is  not  procurable,  the  next 
best  is  admissible.  Also  that  possession  is  nine  points  out  of  the  ten, 
and,  where  possession  is  sought  to  be  disturbed,  the  onus  probandi  lies 
on  the  plaintiff  or  disturber.  And  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  showing 
that  Mr.  Foster's  evidence,  if  not  procurable,  is  amply  supplied  by 
what  we  have  ;  that  nothing  has  been  adduced  to  shake  the  current 
belief  that  this  fine  Rose  is  a  native  of  England.  I  at  first  intended  to 
carry  on  the  similitude  used,  and  imitate  the  practice  of  the  courts,  but 
as  it  appeared  on  trial  that  the  sifting  of  evidence  necessarily  led  to  the 
exposure  of  weak  points,  which  might  unconsciously  cause  a  wound,  I 
will  confine  myself  to  the  strong  ones,  in  favour  of  its  English  parentage. 

Mr.  Willcock's  letter  is  accepted  as  true  in  its  facts  ;  the  allegation 
is  that  the  facts  do  not  reach  far  enough,  that  they  stop  short  at  a 
material  point,  which  mars  their  value,  and  that  the  plant  he  brought 
from  Mr.  Foster's  might  have  been,  and  probably  was,  picked  up 
by  that  gentleman  in  his  wanderings ;  of  which  the  thickness  of  the 
petal  affords  presumptive  evidence.  This,  I  believe,  is  all,  and  it  will 
be,found  to  be  insufficient — indeed,  it  will  show  that  the  facts  already 
obtained  involve  a  moral  certainty  upon  the  point  in  which  it  has  been 
alleged  to  be  deficient. 

First,  however,  it  may  be  as  well  to  state  that  Mr.  Rivers,  in  his 
"  Rose  Amateur's  Guide,"  page  138,  3rd  edition,  says  nothing  of  its 
supposed  French  origin  ;  for  myself,  I  have  never  before  heard  any 
other  than  an  English  one  given  to  it,  and  it  has  been  so  described,  if 
I  am  not  mistaken,  in  the  pages  of  the  Florist.  And  now  let  us 
examine  the  objections  made  to  it,  and  to  the  sufficiency  of  Mr.  Will- 
cock's  statement. 

The  thickness  of  petal  in  Devoniensis  is  said  to  be  presumptive 
evidence  against  its  English  origin.  Why?  I  know  of  no  principle  in 
the  physiology  of  plants  that  would  lead  to  this  conclusion.  If  England 
were  notorious  for  its  dryness  of  climate,  I  could  understand  this,  though 
I  might  not  assent  to  it,  but  the  cause  intended,  I  imagine  to  be,  not 
that,  but  its  want  of  warmth.  As  this  is  the  only  Rose  of  note  that 
we  can  pretend  to,  there  are  not  instances  to  judge  by  comparison  ;  but 
in  Camellias,  at  any  rate,  the  rule  does  not  hold  good  ;  for  in  plants  of 
that  tribe,  raised  from  seed  ripened  in  England,  there  are  some  with 
petals  as  thick  as  any  of  those  raised  under  the  suns  of  France  or 
Italy.  I  cannot  therefore  admit  this  to  be  presumptive  evidence,  even 
if  there  were  room,  as  I  contend  there  is  not,  for  such  presumptive 
evidence  at  all. 

For  now  look  at  the  alternative,  if  Mr.  Willcock's  supposition  be 
judged  erroneous,  and  the  plant  he  took  away  were  not  a  seedling 
raised  by  Mr.  Foster,  as  they  all  supposed.  Either  it  was  a  (French) 
seedling,  or  it  was  not ;  if  it  was,  then  you  have  to  account  for  a  French 
seedling  Rose  purchased  at  seedling  price,  and  that  in  1838  or  there- 
abouts, certainly  not  less  than  20  guineas,  growing  in  the  open  ground, 
under  a  cottage  window,  till  hawked  for  sale. 


364  THE    FLORIST. 

If  it  were  not  a  seedling,  but  an  ordinary  dealer's  plant,  then  you 
are  in  a  greater  difficulty  still ;  for  if  so,  it  must  have  been  one  of  many 
of  the  same  sort.  Of  these  many,  this  one  only,  the  Lieutenant's 
purchase,  was  named  Devoniensis.  Where,  then,  are  all  the  others, 
and  under  what  alias  is  the  Rose  we  called  Devoniensis  to  be  procured  ? 
There  is  no  such  alias  in  either  France  or  England,  or  Mr.  Rivers 
would  have  known  of  it  in  the  seventeen  or  eighteen  years  that  have 
elapsed  since  he  first  possessed  it.  No !  That  which  grew  under  the 
cottage  window  at  Stoke  Dammerel  is  the  parent  plant  of  all  of  this 
variety ;  it  was  raised  by  Mr.  Foster,  and  all  honour  to  him  for  it ; 
and  Devoniensis  is  an  English  Rose. 

Iota. 


HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 


The  Gardeners'  Chronicle  informs  us  that  the  £50,000  required  to 
be  raised  to  carry  out  the  intended  new  garden  at  Kensington  Gore 
have  been  subscribed,  and  that  the  lease  of  the  ground,  from  the  Royal 
Commissioners  to  the  Horticultural  Society,  is  now  being  executed. 
We  may,  therefore,  presume  that  as  soon  as  the  council  have  possession 
of  the  ground,  proceedings  for  the  necessary  erections  will  at  once 
commence.  On  analysing  the  subscription  list,  we  find  that  £39,000 
are  advanced  by  way  of  debentures,  bearing  interest  at  5  per  cent. ;  that 
£1936  are  by  donations  (£1500  of  which  have  been  subscribed  by  Her 
Majesty  and  the  Prince  Consort)  ;  and  the  remainder  £9064  is  made  up 
by  sums  advanced  for  life  memberships,  nearly  300  having  paid  the 
compensation  in  lieu  of  annual  subscriptions.  Of  course  the  greater 
part  of  this  sum  is  subscribed  by  existing  fellows,  and  will  so  far  cause 
a  deduction  on  the  future  annual  revenue  of  the  society. 

We  may  now  fairly  conclude  that  the  worst  days  of  the  society  are 
past,  and  that  a  brighter  era  is  before  it ;  and  as  good  luck,  like  mis- 
fortunes, never  comes  alone,  the  society  has  had  the  good  fortune  to 
appoint  one  of  the  very  best  men  in  the  country  for  their  superintendent, 
Mr.  George  Eyles,  the  manager  of  the  Crystal  Palace  and  grounds  at 
Sydenham.  Mr.  Eyles  is  a  gentleman  so  well  known  to  the  gardening 
world,  both  as  a  practical  man  and  successful  manager  of  exhibitions, 
that  nothing  short  of  getting  possession  of  the  grounds  at  Kensington 
Gore  could  have  happened  so  favourable  to  the  society's  future  pro- 
sperity as  this  appointment. 

We  hear  that  Mr.  Nesfield  is  to  give  the  designs  for  the  grounds,  by 
request,  but  by  "who  or  whom"  we  are  not  informed  ;  and  we  think  the 
council's  first  proposition  to  advertise  for  designs  would  have  been 
more  complimentary  to  British  landscape  gardeners,  and  have  given 
the  council  more  scope  in  selection,  than  leaving  the  matter  in  the  hands 
of  one,  however  competent  he  may  be.  That  Mr.  Nesfield  will  produce 
a  first-rate  geometrical  garden  no  one  doubts ;  but  as  competition  is  now 
generally  admitted  as  a  principle  in  designing  public  works,  it  appears 
to  us  that  it  would  have  been  more  conducive  to  the  progress  of  taste 
in  landscape  gardening,  had  advantage   been  taken   of  the  present 


DECEMBER.  365 

opportunity,  by  the  council  soliciting  designs  for  laying-out  the  gardens 
from  all  who  might  have  been  disposed  to  have  contributed  plans  for 
that  object. 

We  are  further  informed  that  the  "  re-organization  of  the  society 
upon  a  scale  commensurate  with  the  importance  of  the  position  it  is 
now  about  to  assume,"  is  occupying  the  consideration  of  the  council. 
We  shall  look  forward  with  some  anxiety  to  see  what  their  plans  to 
effect  this  are  to  be.  That  there  is  much  more  to  be  done  than  the 
forming  a  grand  town  garden  at  Kensington  Gore,  if  horticulture  is  to 
be  efficiently  promoted,  is  a  fact  at  once  obvious  to  every  practical  mind ; 
and  believing,  as  we  do,  that  the  council  are  most  anxious  to  give  every 
support  and  encouragement  to  the  important  objects  entrusted  to 
their  care,  we  can  only  hope  that  their  deliberations  may  result 
in  some  liberal  and  comprehensive  scheme,  which  shall  unite  the 
various  sections  of  Pomology,  Floriculture,  and  practical  Horticulture 
into  one  vigorous  body,  with  the  power  and  means  to  develope  and 
carry  out  each  department  of  horticultural  science  and  practice,  in  a 
manner  worthy  of  the  age  and  the  high  position  already  occupied  by 
British  gardening. 


HOMES  OF  THE  FLORIST.— No.  II. 

BROOKE. 

I  CHANCED  the  other  day,  while  waiting  in  the  drawing-room  of  a 
friend,  to  take  up  a  book  entitled,  I  think,  "  The  Floral  Museum," 
published  in  the  year  1837,  and  professing  to  give  accurate  figures  of 
some  of  the  best  and  newest  florists'  flowers  of  that  day,  and  I  think  few 
things  have  impressed  me  more  as  to  the  rapid  strides  that  in  the  last 
twenty  years  nearly  every  flower  has  made,  than  a  comparison  of  those 
plates  with  the  figures  of  the  same  classes  of  flowers  in  the  last  volume  of 
the  Florist.  You  take  leave  of  the  companion  of  your  boyish  days  ;  he 
is  a  long  and  gawky  youth,  full  of  angles,  and  evidently  blessed  with 
appendages,  in  the  shape  of  arms  and  legs,  which  are  sadly  in  his  way, 
a  miserable  downy  appearance  disfigures  his  upper  lip,  making  him 
look  rather  like  the  callous  brood  of  some  unhappy  bird — you  pronounce 
him  decidedly  queer  looking.  He  comes  back  after  ten  years'  absence. 
How  altered  ! — strong  in  limb,  brawny  with  muscle,  and  "bearded  like 
the  pard."  Can  it  possibly  be  the  same  ?  Yea !  no  mistake  ;  but  time 
and  exercise  and  good  feeding  have  made  all  the  difference  ;  no  greater, 
however,  than  that  between  the  florists'  flowers  of  those  days — "  the 
days  when  I  was  young" — and  the  present.  There  were  Dahlias, 
starry,  reflexed,  and  formless ;  Pansies  without  a  bit  of  eye,  but  just 
two  or  three  eyelashes  ;  Pinks  jagged  in  the  edge,  irregular  in  form,  and 
faint  in  colour ;  and,  as  I  pondered  on  the  matter,  the  first  thing  that  I 
uttered,  in  a  whisper,  was — "  Well,  George  Glenny  was  a  courageous 
and  clever  fellow ;  when  things  were  in  this  state  he  told  us  what  they 
ought  to  be,  gave  diagrams,  and  defined  properties,  which  were  sneered 


366  THE    FLORIST. 

at  and  ridiculed,  but  an  inch  he  would  not  budge.  '  That  is  what  they 
ought  to  be  ;  nay,  more,  that  is  what  they  will  be,'  he  said.  And  was 
he  not  right  ?  He  did  well  to  make  a  high  standard,  and  we  must  feel 
that  we,  as  florists,  owe  him  much.  But  what  has  all  this  rigmarole 
to  say  to  Brooke  ?  Just  this  ;  that  there  lives  one  of  a  class  to  whom 
we  are  still  more  indebted,  who  saw  what  was  wanted,  and  who  worked 
to  obtain  it.  I  mean  the  amateur  florists ;  who,  taking  up  some 
particular  flower,  have  toiled  earnestly  to  improve  it,  and  well  nigh 
brought  it  to  perfection  ;  and  when  I  say  that  at  Brooke  resides  George 
Holmes,  Esq.,  the  raiser  of  Cherub,  Lollipop,  Lord  Palmerston,  Flirt, 
and  other  Dahlias  of  first-rate  quality,  all  who  have  grown  that  very 
fine  autumn  flower  will  readily  recognise  him  as  one  to  whom  they  are 
deeply  indebted.  I  little  imagined,  when  going  to  that  parish  to  see  my 
old  friend  the  vicar,  that  I  should  meet  with  one  there  who  is  so  well 
known  in  the  floral  world,  or  that  I  should  have  the  pleasure  of  making 
his  acquaintance. 

Brooke  is  a  small  village,  most  pleasantly  situate,  about  seven  miles 
from  Norwich,  adjoining  another  well-known  floral  home,  of  which 
more  by-and-bye — Shottisham ;  and  is  just  one  of  those  pretty  bits 
of  English  rural  scenery  that  we  in  vain  seek  for  in  any  other  country. 
Amongst  the  trees  that  enfold  the  village  there  is  a  plain  old  English 
country-house,  standing  back  a  little  from  the  high  road,  and  this  is 
Brooke  Lodge,  the  residence  of  Mr.  Holmes.  His  garden  is  at  the  rear 
of  it,  and  by  no  means  large  ;  the  only  florists'  flowers  that  he  culti- 
vates are  Dahlias  and  Roses.  Of  the  former  he  does  not  at  present 
grow  more  than  thirty  plants,  and  yet  from  them  he  has  taken  first 
prizes  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  showing  how  well  they  must  be  done ;  the 
number,  however,  is  too  small  to  venture  to  exhibit  from,  and  I  believe 
Mr.  H.  will  not  again  attempt  it.  I  should  say  that  he  does  not  grow 
fancies,  though,  by  one  of  those  strange  freaks  which  all  seedling  growers 
have  often  noticed,  Flirt  appeared  in  his  seedling  bed.  Amongst  the 
flowers  which  have  had  a  trial  this  year,  and  which  will  be  let  out  in 
the  spring,  are  two  very  fine  self-coloured  ones,  Scout  and  Bravo.  The 
former  is  a  crimson  flower,  two  or  three  shades  lighter  than  the  Lord 
Palmerston  of  the  same  grower,  medium  size,  with  a  fine  high  centre, 
and  being  of  very  dwarf  habit  and  an  extremely  free  bloomer, 
will,  doubtless,  become  very  valuable  as  a  bedder,  as  it  is  superior 
in  quality  to  anything  in  that  class.  The  latter  is  a  dark  crimson 
purple  (somewhat  of  the  colour  of  Lord  Bath),  well  up  in  the  centre, 
and  likely  to  be  a  constant  flower.  The  seedling  bed  had  been 
gradually  weeded  of  all  inferior  flowers,  and  only  half  a  dozen  left  for 
further  trial.  These  will,  next  year,  pass  not  only  through  the  second 
ordeal  of  Mr.  H.'s  critical  eye,  but  will  be  grown  at  Slough  and  there 
proved  also,  and  by  these  means  a  tolerable  amount  of  certainty  as  to 
the  goodness  of  Mr.  H.'s  flowers  is  obtained,  though  even  then  it  is 
impossible  to  be  certain,  some  flowers  will  grow  well  in  one  situation 
and  not  in  another,  even  a  few  miles  off;  e.g.,  Fanny  Keynes,  which 
few  can  do  well,  blooms  most  beautifully  at  Shottisham,  while  Mr.  H. 
cannot  get  it  to  succeed  with  him,  although  he  has  obtained  plants  from 


DECEMBER.  367 

the  Shottisham  roots,  thinking  perhaps  there  was  something  in  the 
strain  ;  while  one  sees  in  Roses,  Dahlias,  Chrysanthemums,  and  indeed 
all  florists'  flowers,  one  particular  sort  which  in  some  years  will  not  do 
well  anywhere,  but  in  others  succeeds  everywhere. 

Mr.  Holmes  is  a  believer  in  summer  Hoses,  and  I  take  it  to  be  a 
refreshing  thing  now  and  then  to  meet  with  a  man  who  will  not  run 
with  the  crowd,  even  though  you  differ  from  him.  He  is  so  because,  he 
says,  the  finest  Roses  are  to  be  found  amongst  them,  as  Coupe  d'Hebe, 
Kean,  Boule  de  Nanteuil,  &c,  and  because  he  thinks  the  title  of 
Hybrid  Perpetual  all  stuff.  "  You  get,"  is  his  contemptuous  way  of 
putting  it,  "  a  few  Roses  in  the  autumn,  but  they  are  all  so  much  alike 
that  you  cannot  distinguish  the  sorts,  as  they  are  all  so  out  of  character." 
It  must  be  confessed  that  very  often  the  prospect  of  an  autumn  bloom  is 
very  disappointing,  but  one  does  get  a  second  bloom  in  August,  when 
all  the  summer  Roses  are  done,  and  if  the  year  be  fine,  a  third  bloom 
from  some  sorts  in  September  and  October;  while  the  summer- flowering 
varieties  only  give  you  their  one  bloom,  fine  though  it  be.  Believing  this, 
he  takes  care  that  his  Roses  are  very  fine,  and  certainly  there  is  this  ad- 
vantage in  them,  that  one  obtains  much  finer  plants  and  a  larger  quantity 
of  bloom  at  once.  Nothing  can  be  more  gorgeous  while  it  lasts  than  a 
large  tree  of  Paul  Ricaut ;  and  yet,  with  all  this,  I  believe  Mr.  Rivers  is 
right,  when  he  says  that  summer  Roses  will,  ere  long,  be  amongst  the 
things  of  the  past ;  certainly,  it  will  be  so,  as  far  as  small  gardens  are 
concerned,  and  while  our  exhibitions  show  they  are  not  discarded, 
unquestionably  nine- tenths  of  the  flowers  shown  do  not  belong  to  them. 
I  saw  here,  for  the  first  time,  a  new  method  of  growing  Peach  trees, 
which  Mr.  H.  is  determined  to  give  a  fair  trial  to.  It  is  of  French 
•  origin.  The  growers  around  Paris  say,  that  the  utmost  that  they  can 
obtain  from  Peach  trees  trained  in  the  present  fashion  is  30  to  the  square 
yard,  while  according  to  the  new  plan,  they  say,  they  can  obtain  50. 
It  is  this  : — maiden  trees  are  planted  against  the  wall  at  about  16  to 
18  inches  apart,  and  are  pruned  to  one  shoot ;  this  is  carried  straight  up 
the  wall,  and  when  it  reaches  the  top  the  tree  is  bent  at  an  angle  of  45°, 
and  in  this  position  nailed  to  the  wall,  all  the  shoots  having  been  previously 
cut  back  to  short  spurs  about  3  or  4  inches  long ;  on  these  the  blossoms 
appear  and  the  fruit  is  produced.  The  advantage  of  bending  them  at 
this  angle  is,  that — 1st,  a  much  greater  length  of  stem  is  obtained  than 
if  trained  in  a  straight  line ;  and  that,  2nd,  it  is  likely  to  check  a  too 
vigorous  growth,  and  thus  promote  fruiting.  Mr.  Holmes  kindly  informs 
me,  that  his  knowledge  of  the  plan  was  obtained  from  a  friend  who  has 
resided  for  the  last  three  or  four  years  in  France,  and  who  had  taken 
considerable  pains,  by  visiting  the  gardens  where  the  system  was 
adopted  at  different  times  of  the  year,  to  learn  all  he  could  about  it. 
Mr.  H.  slyly  says,  "  It  is  only  hearsay  evidence,  and  therefore,  perhaps, 
not  worth  much."  I  think  it  questionable  whether,  in  this  climate,  these 
spurs  will  sufficiently  ripen,  or  whether  the  fruit  so  produced  will  equal 
that  grown  under  the  old  system  ;  some  of  our  most  eminent  fruit- 
growers, including  Mr.  Rivers,  are  decidedly  against  the  plan,  but  it 
will  be  a  matter  of  some  satisfaction  to  know  that  it  will  be  tried  under 
the  hand  and  eye  of  so  experienced  a  floriculturist  as  Mr.  Holmes. 


368  THE    FLORIST. 

All  around  Norwich  there  are  many  amateurs  who  devote  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  their  time  to  the  cultivation  of  flowers,  and  this  is 
one  of  the  advantages  of  having  a  good  local  flower-show  ;  it  stimulates 
persons  in  the  neighbourhood,  they  try  accordingly  to  outvie  one 
another,  and  thus  the  cause  of  floriculture  is  prospered ;  and  so  a  little 
village,  which  but  for  it  would  never  have  been  heard  of  in  the  flori- 
cultural  world,  becomes  celebrated  as  the  home  of  an  able  and 
accomplished  florist. 

Deal,  November.  D. 


CULTURE  OP  THE  GARDENIA  OR  CAPE  JASMINE. 
There  is  scarcely  a  flower  so  universally  in  demand  as  what  used  to 
be  called  the  Cape  Jasmine,  but  now  named  popularly  in  Covent 
Garden  Market  as  Floridas,  or,  botanically  speaking,  Gardenia 
florida.  Not  only  are  its  blooms  of  the  purest  white,  but  they  are 
also  most  deliciously  fragrant,  and  just  the  right  size  and  form  to  make 
up  into  bouquets  ;  so  that  whether  as  a  pot  plant  laden  with  its  sweet 
scented  flowers,  or  for  cutting,  either  for  glasses  or  bouquets,  it  is  a 
general  favourite  ;  add  to  this,  when  in  good  health  and  well  grown, 
its  dark  glossy  foliage  is  no  mean  accompaniment  to  its  snow-white 
blossoms.  But  the  plant,  though  by  no  means  difficult  to  grow  when 
once  its  treatment  is  understood,  is  but  rarely  seen  in  health  or  well 
bloomed. 

To  attempt  to  grow  either  Gardenia  florida,  radicans,  amoena,  or 
Fortuni  as  ordinary  stove  plants  will  end  in  failure ;  they  require,  and 
must  have,  special  treatment  to  do  them  well.  This  special  treatment 
consists  of  a  strong  moist  heat  whilst  they  are  growing  and  producing 
blooms,  which,  if  accompanied  with  bottom  heat  for  their  roots,  and 
plenty  of  ammoniacal  vapour  with  the  top  heat,  will  grow  them 
vigorously.  To  be  short  with  the  matter,  Gardenias  prefer  a  dung  pit 
or  pit  with  dung  linings  to  an  ordinary  stove,  and  such  being  the  case 
I  shall  now  describe  my  own  practice  in  cultivating  them. 

My  pit  is  a  common  brick  one,  with  a  hot-water  pipe  running  along 
he  back ;  a  dung  lining  heats  the  front,  the  steam  from  which  is 
admitted  through  the  pigeon-holed  walls.  The  plants  are  grown  in 
pots,  and  are  potted  in  three  parts  peat,  and  the  rest  sandy  loam.  The 
plants  are  plunged  in  a  bed  well  filled  with  tree  leaves,  which  afford 
them  warmth  during  the  'growing  season.  Supposing  the  plants  to 
have  made  their  growth  during  the  preceding  season,  and  to  have  been 
kept  comparatively  cool  and  dry  through  the  winter,  we  begin  forcing 
in  February  by  applying  a  lining  of  hot  dung  to  the  front,  and  allow 
the  pipes  to  get  warm  behind  them  ;  this  soon  excites  them  into 
growth,  and  causes  the  embryo  buds  which  terminate  each  shoot  to 
swell  and  develope  themselves,  and  by  April  or  May  the  blsoms 
commence  opening,  and  continue  for  three  or  four  months  to  produce 
a  regular  succession.  The  earliest  formed  shoots,  which  generally 
proceed  from  the  axils  of  those  leaves  below  the  terminal  buds,  will 
have  formed  flower  buds,  which  will  open  in  July,  and  by  these  means 


DECEMBER.  .id!) 

a  succession  of  flowers  is  produced  lasting  from  April  till  August  or 
September.  During  this  period  1  keep  the  night  temperature  of  the 
pit  at  about  65°,  and,  as  the  plants  are  syringed  and  shut  down  early, 
while  the  sun  has  any  power,  the  temperature  in  the  afternoon  of 
sunny  days  frequently  rises  to  90°.  The  dung  lining  is  kept  constantly 
worked  and  renewed,  so  as  to  throw  its  steam  into  the  pit.  The 
Gardenia  appears  to  flourish  best  when  supplied  with  dung  steam,  and 
I  have  never  found  the  strongest  dung  vapour  hurt  the  plants  ;  on  the 
contrary,  the  leaves  become  almost  black  with  health,  and  the  blooms 
produced  are  much  larger  when  assisted  by  dung  heat.  Manure  water 
is  supplied  regularly  to  the  plants  whilst  blooming,  and  the  black 
fly,  when  troublesome,  is  destroyed  by  fumigation.  I  now  and  then 
syringe  the  plants  with  diluted  tobacco  water,  and  when  brown  scale 
appears  it  is  washed  off  with  the  same,  with  the  addition  of  common 
brown  soap-suds.  About  September  I  stop  firing ;  the  plants  by  this 
time  being  pretty  well  exhausted,  I  now  take  them  all  out  of  the 
pit,  cut  off  the  roots  which  have  run  through  the  holes  of  the  pots,  and, 
supposing  the  plants  already  in  full-sized  pots — 15  or  18-inch — the  old 
soil  is  shaken  from  the  roots,  which  are  reduced  a  little,  and  then 
potted  afresh.  The  pit  is  next  emptied  and  filled  again  with  fresh 
leaves,  and  the  plants  plunged,  placing  them  on  bricks  to  prevent  the 
roots  again  getting  through.  1  now  keep  them  close  for  a  fortnight, 
until  the  roots  have  got  hold  again,  when  the  dry  treatment  is  com- 
menced, the  night  temperature  b'0°  and  day  80°,  with  no  more  syringing 
or  vapour  than  will  suffice  to  keep  the  plants  free  from  red  spider.  By 
these  means  the  summer  wood  becomes  matured  and  firm,  new  growths 
are  arrested,  and  each  shoot  terminates  in  a  flower  bud,  which  only 
requires  the  application  of  heat  in  the  spring  to  bring  them  out. 

The  winter  treatment  consists  in  keeping  them  rather  dry,  compara- 
tively cool — 55°  to  70° — with  air  on  all  occasions  ;  and,  as  detailed 
above,  when  forcing  commences,  the  bottom  heat  is  turned  up,  and  the 
pots  set  entirely  in  the  leaves,  without  bricks,  for  the  summer's  growth. 
I  allow  them  to  root  into  the  leaves  as  much  as  they  please  during  the 
summer,  as  it  helps  them  to  produce  blooms  in  abundance.  By  this 
plan  hundreds  of  dozens  of  blooms  are  produced  through  the  season,  for 
which  the  largest  plants  are  best  adapted,  and  the  blossoms  as  a  matter 
of  course  are  all  cut.  If  the  plants  are  intended  to  be  used  in  bloom, 
much  smaller  plants  will  be  required :  from  6  or  8  to  10-inch  pots  are 
best,  which  will  furnish  nice  sized  plants.  The  treatment  will  be  the 
same  as  detailed  above,  but  as  the  blooms  expand  the  plants  should  be 
removed  from  the  pit  to  a  damp  stove  for  a  few  days,  and  then  into 
an  intermediate  house,  to  gradually  harden  them  before  placing  them 
in  the  conservatory  or  drawing  room.  As  the  blooms  soon  decay  in  a 
dry  heat,  a  good  succession  should  be  kept  up,  that  the  plants  may  be 
frequently  changed,  as  they  only  open  a  few  flowers  at  a  time.  For 
rooms,  however,  Gardenia  radicans  and  amoena  are  best  suited,  as  they 
produce  a  good  show  of  blossoms  at  one  time,  and  as  such  are  more 
valuable  for  pot  plants,  but  very  inferior  to  florida  for  cutting.  Their 
treatment  is  precisely  similar  to  what  has  been  given  for  G.  florida. 

Delta. 
vor-.  xiir.,  no.  cxuv.  b  b 


370  THE    FLORIST. 


NOTES  ON  GRAPES    FOR   THE    POMOLOGICAL   SOCIETY. 

I  see  a  discussion  has  taken  place  among  members  of  this  society,  as  to 
an  original  St.  Peter's  Grape,  the  Black  Prince  being  considered  the 
old  St.  Peter's  by  many.  I  beg  to  say  I  fully  remember  the  old  St. 
Peter's  Grape  ;  it  had  round,  or  nearly  round,  berries,  a  very  thin  skin, 
and  was  of  an  intense  blue  black  colour.  The  bunches  set  badly,  and 
the  berries  were  very  liable  to  crack,  which  may  have  led  to  its  being 
given  up  by  growers ;  indeed,  the  present  St.  Peter's  is  a  much  more 
valuable  Grape,  and  was  very  probably  obtained  from  it.  The  Black 
Morocco  is  a  coarse  Grape,  with  immense  berries,  and  requires  artificial 
setting.  Its  synonyms  are  Wortley  Hall  Seedling  and  Le  Coeur. 
Has  anyone  seen  the  true  Black  Tripoli,  as  described  by  Speedily  ? 
This  was  grown  in  Leicestershire  thirty  years  back :  berries  of  a  dull 
black,  very  firm  and  sweet,  and  used  to  be  the  latest  Grape  to  hang, 
keeping  till  March  ;  the  leaves  were  deeply  cut,  and  the  wood  peculiar. 
The  present  Black  Tripoli  is  a  mere  variety  of  the  Black  Hamburgh, 
with  coarser  flesh.  Where,  too,  is  the  Flame-coloured  Lombardy,  with 
bunches  of  immense  size  ;  the  Black  Aleppo,  with  curiously  striped 
berries,  and  the  Poonah,  and  several  other  old  kinds  not  generally 
known  ?  The  Society  should  look  these  up,  if  they  are  going  to  re-classify 
Grapes.  The  Damascus  and  Mogul  are  occasionally  seen,  but  I  have 
not  seen  the  others  for  years.  Where  are  Mr.  Duncan's  late  Black 
Grapes,  of  which  much  was  expected  ? 

B. 


AMERICAN  STRAWBERRIES. 

Are  American  Strawberries  worth  growing  ?  is  a  question  often  asked 
of  us,  and  doubtless  it  is  a  question  likely  to  interest  many  of  our 
readers,  more  especially  now  that  the  Strawberry  is  a  fruit  of  especial 
notice,  which  is  manifest  by  the  number  of  seedlings  continually  coming 
before  the  public. 

There  are  now  a  great  many  varieties  of  American  origin,  and  we 
may  suppose  that  nine-tenths  are  worthless,  judging  from  those  we 
have  grown,  such  as  Hovey's  Seedling,  Ross's  Phoenix,  &c,  which  are 
considered  by  all  American  pomologists  to  be  among  the  best  in  their 
collections.  Now,  those  varieties  are  quite  inferior  to  our  class  of  Pine 
Strawberries,  and  Mr.  Rivers,  who  is  a  good  authority  on  the  subject, 
having  imported  and  proved  a  great  many  varieties  of  American  fruit, 
says  of  the  Strawberries,  that  they  "do  not  seem  to  be  adapted  to 
our  climate,"  and  "the  best  of  them  is  Hovey's  Seedling,  which  grows 
most  vigorously,  but  is  a  shy  bearer,  and  of  a  brisk  agreeable  flavour, 
but  not  at  all  rich."  And  Downing,  in  a  work  on  American  fruit,  says, 
"  that  Hovey's  Seedling  fe  undoubtedly  the  finest  of  all  varieties  for 
this  country,  and  is  well  known  throughout  all  the  States,  and  has 
everywhere  proved  superior  for  all  general  purposes  to  any  other  large 
fruited  kind."  Although  we  have  not  grown  or  heard  of  an  extra- 
ordinary American  Strawberry  finding  its  way  across  the  Atlantic,  it 


DECEMBER.  371 

is  no  reasonwhy  a  good  one  should  not  some  day  come  forth,  that  is 
when  they  have  passed  through  many  stages  of  improvement  like  our 
own,  for,  in  all  probability,  our  original  stock,  from  whence  all  our 
present  excellent  varieties  sprang,  were  natives  of  America,  viz.,  the 
Old  Scarlet  and  Carolina. 

The  Americans  admit  that  some  of  the  European  varieties  are  superior 
to  their  own  in  size  and  flavour;  still  they  say,  "  it  is  impossible  to 
cultivate  them  with  success,  and  that  every  recommendation  of  these 
foreign  hermaphrodites,  as  productive  and  valuable  for  market  purposes, 
is  a  gross  imposition.'1''  They  are  also  termed  fancy  varieties, 
and  Dr.  Bayne,  who  is  said  to  be  a  "highly  intelligent  cultivator," 
says,  "  All  English  varieties  have  proved  with  me  icorthless  trash." 
Now,  I  think,  we  may  return  the  compliment  with  a  good  grace ; 
the  only  difference  is,  that  we  could  grow  the  American  varieties  in 
this  country  perhaps  better  than  they  can  themselves,  only  for  this 
simple  reason,  that  they  are  not  worth  growing  in  comparison  with  our 
own  kinds. 

It  seems  evident  that  the  climate  of  the  States  is  not  well  suited 
to  the  successful  cultivation  of  the  Strawberry,  and  that  none  of  our 
fine  European  varieties  thrive  so  well  as  their  own  inferior  strain  of 
seedlings,  which  are  mostly  of  the  Old  Scarlet  class,  and  which  nearly 
every  grower  in  this  country  has  ceased  to  cultivate,  to  give  place  to 
other  kinds  of  superior  merit. 

Lately,  we  have  received  a  descriptive  catalogue  of  American  Straw- 
berries grown  by  W.  R.  Prince  &  Co.,  of  Long  Island,  N.Y.,  which 
enumerates  153  varieties,  among  which  number,  63  named  kinds,  and 
said  to  be  splendid,  are  their  own  seedlings,  and  sent  out  by  themselves  ; 
now  if  all  are  as  good  as  they  are  represented,  we  may  suppose  them 
to  be  the  most  successful  raisers  of  Strawberries  in  the  world ;  and  in 
all,  their  catalogue  contains  109  varieties  of  American  origin,  and 
mostly  all  the  European  kinds  are  rejected,  among  which  are  all 
Hyatt's  seedlings ;  and,  when  we  find  that  Nicholson's  May  Queen  is 
described  as  of  fine  flavour,  Omar  Pacha  very  large  and  beautiful,  and 
Sir  C.  Napier  as  a  late  kind,  we  cannot  place  much  confidence  in  their 
display  of  judgment,  or  the  correctness  of  the  description  of  other  kinds. 

We  have  also  before  us  a  circular  respecting  a  new  Strawberry,  named 
Downer's  Prolific  Seedling,  from  J.  S.  Downer,  a  nurseryman  near 
Elkton,  Todd  County,  K.Y.  This  wonderful  Strawberry  is  reported 
to  be  "  ten  times  as  productive  as  any  of  the  100  varieties  cultivated 
in  that  vicinity,  averaging  123  berries  to  each  single  plant,  and  of 
course,  in  size  and  flavour,  equal  to  any  other  variety  in  cultivation, 
and  not  to  be  sent  out  till  25,000  plants  are  ordered;"  so  Mr.  Downer 
intends,  if  possible,  to  be  on  the  safe  side,  as  it  is  coming  out  at  a  very 
high  price,  accompanied  with  a  deal  of  puff;  and  all  who  may  think 
fit  to  favour  Mr.  Downer  with  an  order  will  have  to  pay  about  £7 
for  100  plants. 

We  must  leave  our  readers  to  judge  for  themselves  whether  it  is  all 
gospel  that  our  American  friends  set  forth  ;  as  for  ourselves,  we  think 
no  American  varietv  would  improve  our  present  collection. 

J.  P. 


r 


372  THE    FLORIST. 

ROSA  DEVONIENSIS. 

Prom  the  remarks  that  have  appeared  in  recent  numbers  of  the  Florist, 
respecting  the  above  named  Rose,  and  feeling  very  much  interested  in 
the  same,  I  am  induced  to  give  you  a  genuine  account  of  its  history. 

It  was  raised  from  seed  by  George  Foster,  Esq.,  of  Outland  House, 
about  a  mile  distant  from  the  towns  of  Devonport  and  Plymouth.  It 
flowered  for  the  first  time  in  the  summer  of"  1837,  and  was  sold  to 
Messrs.  Lucombe,  Pince,  &  Co.,  in  1840.  It  was  a  seedling  from  the 
Yellow  China.  Your  Deal  correspondent  asserts  that  it  was  raised  in 
France,  and  is  not  an  English  Rose ;  as  has  already  been  stated,  I  can 
only  say  that  the  assertion  is  untrue  and  unfounded.  I  may  here 
remark  that  the  raiser  of  this  Rose  was  a  gentleman  well  known  to 
Mr.  Pontey,  the  proprietor  of  the  Plymouth  Nursery,  and  also  to  Mr. 
Rendle,  Plymouth,  and  it  was  Mr.  Rendle  who  was  in  the  habit  of 
purchasing  seedlings  of  the  gentleman  I  have  named.  The  Glory  of 
Plymouth  Dahlia  was  raised  the  same  year  as  the  Rose  in  question, 
and  by  the  same  gentleman. 

In  Rivers'  "Rose  Guide,"  at  page  118,  5th  edition,  are  the  following 
remarks  : — "  Devoniensis,  the  only  Tea-scented  Rose  ever  raised  in 
England,  is  still  unrivalled."  I  should  have  thought  that  such  an 
authority  as  Mr.  Rivers  would  have  been  sufficient  to  have  satisfied 
any  one  as  to  its  being  an  English  Rose,  unless  they  have  strong  proof 
to  the  contrary. 

John  Conning, 
Gardener,  Royston,  Herts. 


ROSE   RECOLLECTIONS. 


If  your  readers  have  not  already  heard  sufficient  about  Roses  and  their 
management,  perhaps  it  may  interest  some  of  them  to  know  how  this 
pet  of  flowers  will  succeed  under  more  than  ordinary  difficulties  of  culti- 
vation. I  may  premise  that,  three  years  ago,  having  commenced  the 
formation  of  a  new  garden,  I  laid  in  a  stock  of  Briars  for  budding  in  the 
following  season,  with  the  intention  of  removing  the  worked  plants  to 
their  permanent  places  in  the  autumn  of  last  year.  Circumstances, 
however,  supervened  to  prevent  that  intention  being  carried  into  effect, 
for,  having  to  add  several  acres  to  the  pleasure-ground,  it  became 
impossible  to  plant  the  Roses  until  such  time  as  the  final  arrangements 
as  to  the  shrubbery  borders  were  complete.  Now  the  order  to  "go 
ahead  "  in  the  addition  to  the  pleasure-ground  was  not  given  until  the 
10th  of  March,  at  which  time  Rose-growers  will  say  the  Roses  ought 
to  have  been  planted  and  growing.  I  will  grant  that  much,  but  at  the 
same  time  endeavour  to  show  that  success  is  not  incompatible  with 
planting  at  a  much  later  season ;  or,  if  you  like,  planting  and  trans- 
planting several  times  in  the  course  of  a  few  weeks,  and  that  at  the 
worst  end  of  the  season  for  deciduous  plants. 

In  anticipation  of  not  being  able  to  plant  until  very  late,  the  Roses 


DECEMBER.  873 

were  taken  up  in  February,  had  their  roots  trimmed  and  the  branches 
shortened  one-third,  and  were  laid  in  again.  Towards  the  end  of 
March  they  were  growing  freely,  and  hence  a  similar  process  had  to  be 
gone  through,  cutting  off  the  growing  part  of  the  branches,  and  returning 
the  roots  to  their  temporary  quarters.  This,  as  was  intended,  was  a 
second  severe  check,  and  a  third  had  to  be  inflicted  upon  them  at  the  end 
of  April,  at  which  time  they  were  planted  out  for  good.  At  this 
transplanting  the  Roses  had  formed  a  considerable  quantity  of  young 
fibre  ;  hence,  as  they  were  lifted,  each  plant  had  its  roots  placed  in 
water,  and  so  remained  until  the  station  was  ready  for  it  to  be  planted. 
In  planting,  the  roots  of  each  plant  were  washed  in  ;  that  is,  sufficient 
water  was  given  to  form  a  puddle,  and  so  soon  as  the  puddle  had  dried 
a  little  the  soil  was  made  firm  and  an  inch  or  two  of  loose  dry  soil  was 
placed  around  each  plant,  to  prevent  evaporation.  Thus  managed,  but 
few  of  the  plants  sustained  any  material  check  at  the  final  planting,  and 
a  large  majority  of  them  never  received  a  second  watering. 

Now  this  experiment  was  not  confined  to  a  few  plants — or  a  few 
dozens  or  hundreds — but  extended  to  considerably  over  a  thousand 
plants,  and  in  that  quantity  I  can  safely  say  I  did  not  lose  a  dozen, 
although  the  varieties  comprised  most  of  the  finest  Perpetuals  in  culti- 
vation, and  also  Moss,  Provence,  and  Hybrid  Chinas.  Of  course  the 
plants  were  late  coming  into  bloom,  but  the  autumn  bloom  has  been 
very  fine ;  the  flowers,  both  in  size,  colour,  and  substance,  being  much 
finer  than  those  exhibited  by  some  of  our  crack  west-country  growers. 

Few  people,  I  think,  transplant  Roses,  even  in  November,  with 
greater  success,  most  of  the  plants  having  made  fine  heads,  and  some  of 
them — as  Paxton,  Madame  de  Trotter,  Louise  Peyronney,  Chenedole, 
&c. — having  made  shoots  four  to  five  feet  long,  and  proportionately 
strong.  Now  the  rationale  of  this  system  of  management  may  be 
comprised  in  the  following  propositions  : — 

1. — A  husbanding  of  the  resources  of  the  plant  by  gradual  checks, 
which  had  the  effect  of  preventing  growth  at  the  top,  yet  at  the  same 
time  encouraged  the  formation  of  fibre. 

2. — A  prevention  of  the  loss  of  the  juices  of  the  plant  by  depriving  it 
of  all  the  young  shoots  that  could  possibly  be  spared,  and  reducing  the 
evaporating  surface  of  those  retained  to  the  lower  leaf  only,  all  above 
that  being  cut  away. 

3. — Planting  so  as  to  prevent  the  roots  being  injured,  and  at  a  time 
when  the  soil  was  so  warm  that  the  fibres  struck  into  it  almost  instantly. 

I  submit  this  as  a  system  of  planting  which  may  be  practised  in 
certain  emergencies,  and  in  studying  which  the  young  gardener  may 
find  some  facts  that  may  aid  him  in  subsequent  experiments. 

Orchardleigh  Park,  Frome.  W.  P.  A. 


CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 
Exhibitions  of  these  have  been  numerous  this  autumn.     In  short 
Chrysanth  emums  have  now  become  so  popular,  both  among  amateur 
and  gardeners,  that  few  persons  fond  of  flowers  care  to  be  without  them 


374  THE   FLORIST. 

They  possess  so  many  interesting  qualities,  both  as  plants  for  decoration 
and  as  florist's  flowers ;  and  are,  withal,  so  cheap  to  purchase  and  so 
easy  of*  cultivation,  that  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  they  have 
become  favourites  ;  and  with  care  they  will  last  for  years.  They  may 
be  made  to  produce  blooms  from  the  size  of  the  wild  Daisy  to  that  of 
the  largest  Dahlia.  They  can  be  grown  in  8-inch  pots  on  one  stem,  in 
circles  5  feet  across,  and  with  from  2000  to  3000  well-  shaped  blooms, 
all  out  at  one  time  ;  or  in  thumb  pots,  6  inches  in  height,  for  windows ; 
or  they  may  be  trained  up  on  one  stem,  like  standard  Roses,  pegged 
down  in  borders  like  Verbenas,  or  trained  to  stakes  from  1  foot  to  8  teet 
high.  If  the  weather  is  mild,  they  will  furnish  the  borders  with  blooms 
from  October  to  Christmas.  They  make  an  exhibition  of  themselves 
with  which  few  other  flowers  can  compete.  There  is  scarcely  a  town 
of  any  importance  in  England  that  has  not  had  its  exhibition  of  them 
this  year,  although  this  has  been  the  most  unfavourable  autumn  for 
them  these  forty  years.  They  will  grow  in  the  most  smoky  and  con- 
fined localities,  where  scarcely  any  other  plant  will  exist ;  consequently 
they  are,  of  all  plants,  deserving  of  notice.  Having  had  some  expe- 
rience in  cultivating  them,  and  being  an  admirer  of  the  plant  from 
its  usefulness  for  town  gardens,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  of  giving  you 
my  practical  experience,  together  with  that  of  many  other  successful 
cultivators,  on  the  mode  of  growing  them.  So  fond  are  the  London 
amateurs  of  this  flower,  when  they  grow  them  for  exhibition,  that  they 
make  temporary  frames  to  put  them  in,  to  keep  them  from  the  frost  and 
cold,  and  get  a  quantity  of  rushlights  and  stick  up  all  over  the  frames 
to  burn  all  night,  to  keep  out  frost,  as  a  substitute  for  fire  in  severe 
weather ;  others  get  inch  zinc  pipes  to  construct  a  small  boiler,  and  put 
underneath  it  an  oil  lamp,  to  heat  their  little  quart  boiler  ;  in  fact,  they 
try  all  kinds  of  cheap  contrivances  to  prepare  their  little  productions  for 
the  show  table,  and  in  all  cases  succeed  ;  so  much  so,  that  they  take  the 
public  by  surprise  when  their  plants  are  exhibited. 

For  cut  blooms,  the  most  successful  growers  cultivate  in  12-inch 
pots.  They  take  the  old  root,  and,  shaking  off  the  mould,  and  selecting 
three  or  four  of  the  strongest  suckers,  put  them  in  5-inch  pots  in  silver 
sand  and  loam.  In  February  they  are  placed  in  a  cold  frame  till  well 
rooted ;  they  then  give  them  another  shift  to  a  larger  pot,  with  compost 
consisting  of  forest  loam  and  turf  chopped  up  small  but  not  sifted,  well 
decomposed  cow-dung,  and  a  little  sand,  with  good  drainage.  When 
the  weather  becomes  mild  they  are  placed  in  a  sheltered  sunny  spot, 
and  each  shoot  secured  to  sticks,  watered  moderately,  and  when  the 
plants  are  well  rooted  they  are  repotted  into  the  blooming  pot,  not  over 
watered  through  the  summer,  as  they  try  to  ripen  the  wood  as  soon  as 
they  can.  They  select  the  strongest  branch  to  take  the  flower  bud 
from,  never  selecting  the  first  bud,  but  trust  to  the  third  where  the 
plant  is  very  strong,  which  shows  itself  in  August.  All  side  shoots  are 
taken  off  after  they  are  an  inch  long,  except  the  two  or  three  leaders 
that  are  kept  to  take  the  flower  buds  from.  When  the  bud  is  taken 
all  other  laterals  are  removed,  and  a  rough  turfy  top  dressing  is  given 
to  keep  the  roots  from  being  exposed  to  sun  and  air.     Liquid  manures 


DECEMBER. 


375 


are  then  supplied  freely  and  often,  but  not  strong  ;  cow,  sheep,  horse, 
rabbits',  or  fowls'  dung  are  the  principal  manures.  In  October  the 
plants  are  taken  into  houses  or  placed  under  canvas  to  keep  the  cold 
winds  and  wet  off  them.  As  the  blooms  begin  to  expand,  they  use 
tweezers  to  take  out  any  deformed  petals,  and  extract  all  florets  between 
each  petal ;  if  the  bloom  is  too  crowded  the  short  petals  are  removed 
by  the  tweezers  to  allow  the  others  to  strengthen  and  grow  much  longer. 
If  seediness  shows  in  the  centre  it  is  eased  by  carefully  taking  out  the 
florets  a  little  from  the  inside  of  the  inner  petals,  but  not  touching  the 
centre,  as  that  would  be  detected  and  called  "  taking  out  the  eye." 
When  the  blooms  are  nearly  expanded  they  are  turned  down  and  the 
wet  kept  from  them;  this  preserves  the  outer  petals,  and  keeps  them 
incurved,  otherwise  they  would  reflex  with  their  own  weight  and  length. 
They  are  then  cut  and  drawn  tight  into  various  sized  wooden  tubes  and 
placed  on  the  show  board,  with  a  slight  dressing  of  such  petals  as  are 
out  of  their  places. 

The  varieties  that  are  mostly  grown  for  this  purpose  are  the  following, 
viz.,  Themis,  Nonpareil,  Vesta,  Anaxo,  Beauty,  Plutus,  Yellow  Perfec- 
tion, Novelty,  Arthur  Wortley,  Dupont  de  l'Eure,  Golden  Queen  of 
England,  Queen  of  England,  Alfred  Salter,  Stellaris  globosa,  Marshal 
Duroc,  Christopher  Colomb,  Goliath,  Leon  Leguay,  Madame  Audry, 
White  and  Yellow  Formosum,  Cassy,  Albin,  Rosamystica,  Etoile  Polaire, 
Hermione,  Aimee  Ferriere,  and  Phidias. 

Large  specimens  in  11 -inch  pots  grown  on  one  stem  are  started  as 
soon  as  possible  ;  they  are  put  in  48-sized  pots,  and  the  leader  taken 
out  when  six  inches  high,  to  get  six  or  seven  breaks  or  laterals  ;  they 
are  kept  in  cold  frames,  repotted,  tied  out,  and  stopped  up  to  the  middle 
of  July*  liquid  manure  is  used  three  times  a  week  through  the 
summer,  and  the  shoots  regularly  tied  out.  The  buds  when  formed  are 
thinned  ont  to  obtain  well-formed  blooms,  the  foliage  kept  well  sprinkled 
in  hot  weather  with  water,  and  the  soil  watered  occasionally  with  a 
little  soot  mixed  in  the  water  to  keep  a  fine  dark  leaf.  They  are  housed 
the  first  week  in  October  or  put  under  canvas. 

The  varieties  grown  are  Annie  Salter,  Chevalier  Domage,  Queen  of 
England,  Mount  Etna,  Hermione,  Plutus,  Pilot,  General  Havelock, 
Vesta,  Defiance,  Dr.  Maclean,  Madame  Camerson,  Progne,  Alfred 
Salter,  Christine,  Auguste  Mie,  and  Golden  Clustered  Yellow. 

Pompones  are  grown  in  the  same  manner,  and  started  immediately 
suckers  can  be  got  long  enough  for  potting.  The  only  difference  is, 
many  growers  peg  down  instead  of  tying  out;  they  stop  them  three 
times,  and  in  general  repot  at  the  same  time ;  they  leave  off  stopping 
the  first  week  in  August,  and  put  them  under  cover  the  first  week  in 
October,  and  carefully  tie  out  and  place  every  shoot  in  its  blooming 
place  a  month  before  exhibition.  The  centre  bloom  is  usually  taken 
out  to  allow  the  later  ones  to  come  out  altogether,  as  the  centre  bloom 
often  comes  a  week  earlier  than  the  later  ones,  and  takes  the  strength 
from  the  others.  Great  care  should  be  exercised  in  using  liquid  manure, 
as  they  often  go  off  by  employing  it  too  strong  when  forming  flower 
buds,  this  being  the  critical  time. 


376  THE    FLORIST. 

The  best  sorts  are  Cedo  Nulli,  Golden  Cedo  Nulli,  Mustapha,  Saint 
Thais,  Bob,  Brilliant,  Helene,  Borealis,  Bijou  de  l'Horticulture,  General 
Canrobert,  Drin  Drin,  Madame  Rousselon,  Duruflet,  Requiqui,  La 
Vogue,  Graziella,  Solomon,  and  Adonis. 

Temple  Gardens.  SAMUEL  Broome. 


CALENDAR  FOR  THE  MONTH. 

Auriculas. — These  should  be  quiet  at  this  season.  Give  them 
sufficient  water  to  keep  them  alive  only,  but  keep  them  clear  of  all 
dead  foliage  and  aphides,  and  give  plenty  of  air. 

Azaleas  and  Camellias. — Both  these,  where  not  wanted  to  bloom 
early,  should  be  kept  cool,  with  a  rather  dry  atmosphere  ;  those  which 
are  to  bloom  next  month  will  require  very  slight  artificial  heat  to  bring 
them  on,  the  Camellias  particularly.  Azaleas  will  stand  more  heat,  and 
should  be  syringed  daily  in  bright  weather,  keeping  the  plants  of  Azalea 
near  the  glass. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — These  will  now  require  going  over  to 
clear  them  of  all  dead  foliage,  and  slightly  stir  the  surface  of  the  soil ; 
give  scarcely  any  water,  but  keep  the  lights  off  during  fine  weather,  and 
tilted  at  the  back  on  all  occasions,  if  the  weather  is  at  all  open,  when 
the  lights  cannot  be  entirely  removed. 

Cinerarias. — Little  can  be  done  with  these  other  than  as  advised 
last  month.  All  specimen  plants  should  now  have  had  their  final  shift. 
Great  care  must  be  taken  in  watering  and  ventilating ;  water  early  in 
the  morning,  that  the  foliage  may  get  dry  before  nightfall,  or  mildew- 
may  follow ;  where  such  has  made  its  appearance,  a  slight  dre/sing  of 
sulphur  is  necessary  to  eradicate  it.  Peg  out  the  leaves  of  specimen 
plants,  so  as  to  let  them  have  the  full  action  of  light  and  air.  Remove 
all  small  suckers  and  superfluous  leaves,  and  be  cautious  not  to  allow 
any  frosty  draughts,  which  will  cause  the  foliage  to  curl.  Keep  as  near 
the  glass  as  possible. 

Conservatory. — The  plants  named  in  our  last  will  mostly  be  over, 
and  their  places  will  have  to  be  filled  with  other  stove  plants  and  forced 
things.  Eranthemum  pulchellum,  Justicias,  Luculia  gratissima,  stove 
Jasmines,  Euphorbia  splendens,  Epiphyllums,  and  other  plants  which 
have  been  brought  forward  for  the  purpose,  will  now  lend  their 
assistance.  Forced  Camellias  and  Orange  trees  will  come  in  by  the 
end  of  the  month,  as  well  as  early  Tulips,  Narcissus,  and  Hyacinths. 
If  the  roof  is  occupied  by  climbers  let  them  now  be  well  thinned  out,  to 
admit  as  much  light  to  the  interior  as  possible  ;  look  to  our  last  directions 
as  to  firing  and  cleaning. 

Dahlias. — Seed  may  be  cleaned  during  this  dull  time,  and  wintered 
in  a  tolerably  dry  place  ;  damp  or  very  dry  situations  will  be  alike 
injurious.  Seed  should  be  cleaned  and  stored  in  a  dry,  but  not  too  dry 
a  place. 

Flower  Garden  and  Shrubbery. — Alterations  in  this  department, 
including  earth  work  and  turfing,  may  be  proceeded  with  when  the 
weather  suits.     Deciduous  trees  and  shrubs  may  also  be  planted,  but 


DECEMBER.  377 

unless  with  the  very  hardiest  evergreens  (which  may  be  planted  almost 
any  time),  we  should  defer  the  others  till  the  spring.  Where  the 
border  soil  of  shrubberies  is  exhausted,  a  good  dressing  of  dung  should 
be  added  ;  now  is  a  good  time  to  thin  out  and  prune  deciduous  shrubs. 
Rose  borders  should  be  well  dressed  with  manure  and  forked  in,  or 
soaked  with  manure  water.  Keep  the  Grass  free  from  leaves  and 
frequently  rolled. 

Forcing  Ground. — The  severe  frosts  of  late  will  render  forced 
vegetables  more  necessary,  for  which  reason  French  Beans,  Seakale, 
Asparagus,  and  Rhubarb  will  be  in  demand,  and  their  production 
should  be  attended  to  regularly,  so  as  to  keep  up  a  succession.  If  our 
previous  advice  was  taken,  to  plant  a  pit  or  two  of  dwarf  Beans  when 
there  was  the  means  of  heating,  they  will  now  prove  invaluable.  Fill 
a  few  lights  with  Asparagus  every  two  or  three  weeks,  to  keep  up  a 
succession  during  mid-winter;  a  hot-water  pit  is  the  best  place  for  this 
useful  root.  Parsley,  Endive,  and  Lettuce,  in  frames,  should  have  an 
abundance  of  air  daily,  and  the  same  rule  applies  to  small  Cauliflowers 
and  Lettuce  for  the  spring.  A  slight  hotbed  should  now  be  got  ready 
for  a  sowing  of  Horn  Carrot  and  frame  Radish,  and  a  few  early  Potatoes 
may  be  put  in  heat-  to  sprout. 

Hard-wooded  Plants. — These  will  require  free  admission  of  air  on 
all  opportunities.  Do  not  light  the  fires  to  any  extent,  beyond  occasion- 
ally drying  the  house  and  to  keep  out  frost.  On  this  point,  we  prefer 
covering  the  glass  in  severe  weather  with  some  protective  material  to 
making  strong  fires.     Let  the  plants  be  kept  clean,  and  free  from  dust. 

Hardy  Fruit. — Where  wall  fruit  trees  have  been  much  infested  with 
insects,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  unnail  them  at  this  season,  pick  off  the 
shreds,  and  to  boil  those  that  will  come  into  use  again,  to  destroy  the 
eggs  of  insects  ;  the  best  of  the  nails,  too,  after  being  heated  in  a  shovel 
over  a  hot  fire,  and  well  shaken  to  remove  the  dirt  from  them,  should 
be  dropped  into  linseed  oil ;  the  walls  may  then  be  washed  over  with  a 
wash  composed  of  cement  and  Spanish  red  (for  colouring),  adding  a 
little  sulphur  vivum.  Where  walls  are  old  and  the  trees  much  infested 
with  insects  during  the  summer,  we  have  found  the  above  plan  assist 
materially  to  keep  the  trees  clean  afterwards.  Pears  and  Plums 
infested  with  scale  should  be  dressed  over  with  the  Gishurst  compound, 
using  from  three- to  four  ounces  per  gallon  ;  and  the  same  composition 
may  be  applied  to  any  trees  on  which  insects  have  been  troublesome 
the  past  season.  Continue  the  pruning  and  training  of  hardy  fruit  trees 
as  the  weather  permits,  and  protect  Figs  by  tying  the  branches  together 
and  wrapping  haybands  round  them,  or  thatching  the  trees  with  Fern  or 
straw.  Look  to  the  fruit-room,  and  remove  anything  decaying  before  it 
infects  those  adjoining,  keeping  the  air  and  temperature  uniform,  as 
advised  in  our  last. 

Kitchen  Garden. — The  frosts  of  October  and  November  have  com- 
mitted sad  havoc  among  vegetables,  and,  to  judge  of  its  severity  by  the 
results,  it  has  been  the  most  destructive  frost  we  have  had  for  years. 
Great  care  should  be  taken  with  all  spring  plants,  as  Cauliflowers, 
Lettuce,  Spinach,  Cabbage,  &c,  as  vegetables  will  be  very  scarce  in 


378  THE    FLORIST. 

the  spring,  as  indeed  they  are  now.  If  a  sowing  of  the  Sangster's 
No.  1  Pea  was  not  made  last  month,  no  time  should  now  be  lost, 
planting  them  on  a  dry  warm  soil,  not  over-rich,  but  where  they  can 
be  protected  from  the  cutting  blasts  of  March.  Look  to  them  after 
sowing,  for  mice,  which  very  frequently  spoil  the  crop  unobserved.  A 
small  crop  of  Mazagan  Beans  may  also  be  planted. 

Peach-house. — It  will  not  be  desirable  to  apply  fire-heat  by  night, 
unless  the  house  falls  below  40°,  until  the  buds  are  well  swollen  and 
ready  to  open  ;  but  a  little  fire-heat  may  be  given  by  day  in  dull  cold 
weather,  so  that  it  does  not  exceed  55°.  When  a  sunny  day  occurs, 
take  advantage  of  it  by  closing  the  house  early  ;  in  other  respects  air 
should  be  admitted  daily,  that  the  buds  may  break  strong  and  produce 
bold  perfect  blooms,  when  there  will  be  no  fear  about  their  setting ;  if 
any  part  of  the  borders  is  outside  the  house,  it  should  be  protected 
from  wet  and  frost  by  a  covering  of  leaves,  and  thatched.  Dress  and 
train  the  next  house,  for  bringing  forward  by  the  middle  of  the  month. 

Pelargoniums. — Any  plants  which  require  shifting  should  be  done  at 
once.  Keep  them  close  for  a  few  weeks,  until  they  have  struck  root 
into  the  new  soil.  Avoid  keeping  much  fire  at  this  season ;  a  mode- 
rately dry  heat,  just  excluding  frost,  will  be  sufficient ;  however,  the 
fancy  varieties  do  best  in  an  intermediate  house.  Water  in  the  morning  ' 
for  the  house  to  become  dry  by  the  middle  of  the  day.  Look  over  fre- 
quently and  pick  off  any  decayed  foliage.  Stand  the  plants  as  thin  as 
your  room  will  allow,  and  also  keep  the  shoots  tied  out  frequently,  so 
that  they  may  get  a  free  circulation  of  air  through  them.  Spare  no 
labour  to  keep  the  plants  in  a  healthy  vigorous  state. 

Pinery. — Where  fruit  is  required  to  ripen  in  May,  those  plants 
which  have  been  longest  rested  should  now  have  additional  heat  to 
induce  them  to  throw  up  ;  the  bottom  heat,  too,  should  be  in- 
creased, either  by  turning  up  the  bed,  or  replunging  the  pots ;  or,  if 
heated  by  hot-water  pipes,  putting  on  more  heat.  When  the  plants 
are  well  supplied  with  bottom  and  top  heat  water  should  be  given  to  the 
roots  ;  this  excitement  to  grow  will  most  probably  result  in  the  greater 
part  of  them  showing ;  the  top  heat  should  be  as  dry  as  is  practicable. 
We  know  a  good  grower  who  always  at  this  season  puts  his  plants  in  a 
fiued  pit  to  get  them  up,  and  it  certainly  produces  the  effect  more  quickly 
than  pipes.  For  other  Pines,  consult  our  last  directions.  The  stock  of 
fruiting  plants  intended  for  summer  should  now  be  kept  quiet  at  about 
60°  night,  75°  day. 

Vinery. — The  Vines  started  last  month  will  now  soon  break.  Thin 
out  the  buds  as  soon  as  the  fruit  is  discernible,  and  stop  these  shoots 
one  joint  above  the  fruit,  when  grown  sufficiently  long.  The  night 
temperature  may  be  raised  by  degrees  to  60°  night,  increasing  this  to 
65°  and  6S°  by  the  time  the  Vines  get  into  bloom.  To  this  may  be 
added  10°  extra  for  the  day  temperature  when  the  weather  is  bright, 
but  during  dull  weather  work  more  slowly,  that  a  suffiicient  amount  of 
light  may  accompany  the  growth  of  the  young  wood.  The  second  house 
should  be  dressed,  trained,  and  the  heating  apparatus  got  ready  for 
starting  the  Vines,  so  as  to  keep  up  the  required  succession. 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Achimenes,  culture  of,  154,  368 
Amaryllis,  culture  of,  278 
Amateur's  Guide,  Sutton's,  27 

,,  hints  to  lady,  49 

American  garden,  plan  of,  347 
Anemone,  culture  of,  156 
Auriculas,  161 

„  wintering,  341 

„  classes  of,  265,  291 

„  Headley's,  244 

„  list  of,  182 

Auricula  shows,  119 
Baskets,  hanging,  135 
Bedding  plants,  24 
Begonia  splendida,  122 
Blenheim,  24 
British  Pomological  Society,  51,  89,  147, 

221,  244,  279,  317 
Brighton  exhibition,  311 
Broccoli,  list  of,  219,  230 
„         wintering,  281 
Brugmausia  suaveolens,  323 
Cadlands,  309 
Calendar  for  January,  28 
,,  February,  61 

„  March,  93 

April,  125 
May,  157 
June,  190 
July,  222 
,,  August,  254 

„  September,  285 

„  October,  318 

„  November,  349 

„  December,  376 

Camellias,  110 

select,  116,  130,  199 
„         Valtevaredo,  129 
„         Countess  of  Derby,  321 
„         culture  of,  327 
Carnations,  winter,  123 
Headly's,  244 


Carnation  Society,  National,  271,  274 
Chiswick  Garden,  114 
Chrysanthemums,  65,  373 
Chrysanthemum  Society,  76 
„  shows,  120 

Climate  and  fruit  growing,  143 
Cobham  Hall,  282 
Critchill,  130 
Crom  Castle,  269 

Crystal  Palace  exhibitions,  163, 194,  305 
Currants,  152 

Dahlia  show,  National,  58,  84,  296 
Farnham  Castle,  178 
Fern  classification,  37,  100,  211 
Ferns,  Francis'  British,  75 
Fern  drying,  348 
Florist,  homes  of  the,  242,  365 
Forsythia  viridissima,  122 
Frograore  Gardens,  298 
Frost,  spring,  130 
Fruit  culture,  18,  152 

,,    trees,  economical  culture  of,  260, 

294 
„         „     replanting,  82 
„     show,  St.  James's  Hall,  59 
,,     growing  and  climate,  143 
Fuchsias,  new,  33 

„         culture  of,  33 

,,         from  seed,  149 
Garden,  chronicles  of  a  small,  5 

„         laying-out,  201 
Gardening,  landscape,  23,  75 
Gardeners' Assistant,  171 
Gardenias,  368 
Garrya  elliptica,  124 
Geraniums,  variegated,  111 
Gladiolus,  97 

„  select,  99 

„  autumn,  293 

Grapes,  various,  51,  370 

„      Golden  Hamburgh,  248 

„      shanking,  267 


380 


INDEX. 


Hansverian  Band  Floral  F6te,  210 
Headly,  Mr.,  242 
Horticultural  Society,  36,  85 

,,  „  Exhibition,  St. 

James's  Hall,  170 
,,  ,,  new       garden, 

239,  282,  364 
Hyacinths,  Cutbush's,  117 
„         culture  of,  303 
„         in  Moss  and  sand,  285 
Jasminum  nudiflorum,  99 
Lachenalia  quadricolor,  13 
Lselia  Schilleriaua,  193 
Leasowes,  account  of,  324 
Lonicera  fragrantissima,  17 
Mildew,  cure  for,  230 
Month,  notes  on,  91,  249,  343,  360 
Mushroom  bed,  342 
National  Floricultural  Society,  118 
Notes  and  Queries,  214 
Orange,  the,  344 
Orchids,  select,  193 
Palace  of  the  People,  49,  247 
Pansies,  132 

„        select,  134 
Pansy  Society,  Scottish,  201 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  315,  361 
Pears,  Beurre  Aguste  Benoist,  71 
,,      Fladberg,  72 
„      stewed,  70 
Pelargoniums,  353 
Pelargonium  showing,  140 
Perennials,  list  of,  208 
Picotees,  289 

„      select,  290 
Plants,  new,  of  1858,  8,  45 

„       bedding,  24 
Planting  and  plantations,  301,  332 
Phloxes,  257 

„       list  of,  259 
Plocostemrna  lasianthum,  1 
Plum,  new,  1 
Pruning,  44 
Pteris  argyrsea,  301 
Raby  Castle,  107 


Raspberries,  35,  150,  172,  230 
Rhododendrons,  Sikkim,  &c,  20,  284 
Roses,  remarks  on,  2 
„       new,  138 
,,       old  and  new,  348 
,,       Duchess  of  Norfolk,  181 
„       Cloth  of  Gold,  203,  230 
„       Isabella  Gray,  203      ^ 
,,      yellow,  68 

„       Eugene  Appert,  225,  250 
„       Rev.  Mr.  Radclyffe's,  237 
„       Devoniensis,  308,  329,  362,  372 
,,       analysis  of,  262 
„       select,  331 
,,       planting  standard,  250 
„       Dorset  wall,  357 
„       recollections,  372 
Rose  Show,  National,  166,  214 
Roses,  showing  cut,  146 
Royal  Botanic  Society,  141,  188,  205, 

231 
Salvia  gesneraflora,  201 
Sea-side  Plantations,  284 
Seed  Sowing,  135 
Spergula  pilifera,  80,  165 
Strawberries,  14,  18,  228 
„  French,  77 

„  Alpine,  151 

,,  perpetual,  272 

,,  American,  370 

,,  various,  322 

Tiffany,  uses  of,  354 
Transplanting,  philosophy  of,  252 
Tulips,  national  exhibition  of,  137,  180 
Tunbridge  Wells  exhibition,  230 
Veitch's  (Mr.)  Nursery,  27 
Verbenas,  87 
Verbena  pot,  1/0 
Vines,  budding,  229 
„       to  graft,  86 
„       pruning  and  training,  335 
Violets,  184 

,,       Neapolitan,  155 
Yam,  Chinese,  332 
Zjological  Society,  Bristol,  205 


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New  York  Botanical  Garden   Library 


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